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Upcoming Events
Greater New York Council of the Blind Costume-Free Halloween Party
When: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Where: Amy Ruth’s Soul Food
113 West 116th Street (Between Lenox and 7th Avenue; located near the 1,2,3 trains)
New York NY 10026
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $55.00 cash paid at one of our meetings or $56.75 via PayPal at this link on our site
Due by October 20, 2025
Come listen to some Pop, Classic and Smooth Soulful Sounds by Fitz Martin.
We will have a 50/50 game and a Raffle with some terrific prizes!
Maximum number of people is 45.
Please call (646) 434-8151 with your luncheon choice. Do not call the restaurant.
Pre-Fix Menu:
Appetizer: Hot Buttered Corn Bread
Entrees: Choice of one
Chicken: Baked, Smothered or Fried
Smothered or Fried Pork Chop
BBQ Pork Ribs
Fried Whiting (bones) or Fried Filet Catfish
Choice of two sides:
Macaroni & Cheese, String Beans, Collard Greens, Buttered Corn, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Candied Yams, White Rice, Mashed Potato, Red Beans and Rice, Steamed Cabbage, Black Eye Peas, Grits/Cheese Grits
Desserts: Peach Cobbler or Banana Pudding
Beverages: Choice of one: Home Made Sweet Tea, Kool Ade, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Ginger Ale, Orange Soda, Sprite
Very blind & guide dog friendly; street level wheelchair access
Hello Participants:
Please call (646) 434-8151 with your luncheon choice. The GNYCB Fundraising Committee would like to thank you for your participation and support for our chapter by coming to this luncheon. In order to help the restaurant manager and chef prepare for us, we were asked to provide the meal selections of the participants. Your name will not be given to the restaurant. Since this is only an estimate, there is no need to call back if you change your choice. You always have a right to change your mind.
Thanks for yo cooperation in this effort.
Larry McMillan
Fundraising Chair
Our Meetings
The Greater New York Council of the Blind meets on the first Saturday of the month from 2:00-4:00. You may attend in-person at the
Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, 40 West 20th Street in Manhattan, or via the following Zoom link:
Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 531 230 9378 Passcode: 135230
There’s also an option to call in on this number: (929) 205-6099 Meeting ID: 531 230 9378 Passcode: 135230
Upcoming meeting dates are Oct. 4, Nov. 1, and Dec. 6. All are welcome! Come on out and help shape the world!
Board of Directors:
President: Terence Page
Vice President: Yasmin Campbell
Treasurer/Immediate Past President/Legislative Representative: Robert White
Recording Secretary: Shanel Cherry-Mitchell
Corresponding Secretary: Rachel Graff
Delegate to the State Board: Brodie Enoch
Board Members: Victor Andrews, Larry McMillan, Karen Mongiello, Myrna Votta
Things We Are Doing
Please check back regularly for updates.
Recent Things We Have Done
GNYCB Honored Jill Rothstein and the Andrew Heiskell Library for Their Exemplary Services
by Karen Mongiello
The text of the plaque reads:
Greater New York Council of the Blind
GNYCB recognizes with deep appreciation the
Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library,
Jill Rothstein, Chief Librarian, and her exemplary staff
for their continuing support and advocacy
of the blind and visually impaired community.
2024
On Friday, December 20, 2024, GNYCB recognized Jill Rothstein and the staff of the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library. The Greater New York Council of the Blind said thank you to Ms. Rothstein as she moves on to her new
position at the Jewish Braille Institute and wished her well. GNYCB President, Terence Page, and GNYCB Board Member, Victor Andrews, presented the plaque and a donation of $250 for the library to Ms. Jill Rothstein.
We want to take this opportunity to also acknowledge and express our gratitude to Touch Graphics Inc. for the design and creation of the print/braille plaque.
New York Public Library Resource Fair
by Yasmin Campbell
Photo of GNYCB Board Member Robert White manning our table at the event with Board Member Shanel Cherry-Mitchell (not pictured).
On October 18, 2024, members from GNYCB attended the New York Public Library Resource Fair. The resource fair hosted numerous organizations that gave out valuable information to New York City residents. The extensive variety of organizations and presenters included social service agencies, assistive technology companies, museums and botanical parks that provide accessible tours, and the NYC emotional support and suicide prevention hotline.
ACBNY Scholarship Winner Receives Award
by Yasmin Campbell
Photo: From left to right ACBNY scholarship winner Shenique Pessoa and Board Member Robert White.
During the September 2024 ACBNY State Conference, members from various New York State chapters gathered for a weekend in Albany, NY. At the ACBNY Scholarship Dinner, we enjoyed a nice meal and a presentation given to the scholarship winner by Scholarship Chair Ian Foley. Congratulations to ACBNY scholarship winner Shenique Pessoa!
The Selis Manor Tenants Association and the Disability One Coalition Had Their First Annual New York City Disability Voting Expo!
The event took place on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Selis Manor, located at 135 West 23rd Street in Manhattan.
This event showcased the newest ballot marking devices and voting machines for disability community voters to try out. What is an Accessible Ballot Marking Device or Voting Machine? An accessible ballot marking device, or voting machine, is a machine that ALL voters can use. For example, the voter can listen to what is on the ballot. There’s also an option to enlarge the ballot to read it, or listen to it in several languages other than English. A voter can mark the ballot without using their hands through the use of a Rocker Paddle, or a Sip-N-Puff, or by touching the screen with a part of their body. These are just a few examples and are not all inclusive.
The Automark is the current ballot marking device being used in New York City. It was displayed courtesy of the Board of Elections in the City of New York. There were three voting machine manufacturers that demonstrated machines. They included Democracy Live, Dominion Voting Systems Corporation, and Election Systems and Software.
Participants in the Voting Expo included the New York City Campaign Finance Board, the League of Women Voters of the City of New York, where you can register to vote, and the New York City Office of the Public Advocate.
Who is the Disability One Coalition? The Disability One Coalition, a group of disability organizations, believes that if one person with a disability is disenfranchised, then we all are! They want the disability community to understand their rights and the power of our vote. Organizations in the Coalition include:
Greater New York Council of the Blind, a chapter of the American Council of the Blind of New York State which is an Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind
Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York, Inc.
Downstate New York ADAPT
One Heart, One Vision
Vanguard Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind
On Feb. 14, 2023, GNYCB Members Attended the Celebration of the One-Year Anniversary of the Chief Officer of Disability and Recognition of Governor Kathy Hochul.
Photo: From left to right at the Marriott Hotel in Albany, NY, are Bob White, Fitz Martin, Terence Page, and Yasmin Campbell.
Our Membership and Social Media Director, Yasmin Campbell, interviewed by CBS New York
Voter Presentation at the Lighthouse Guild
by Yasmin Campbell
Photo: From left to right Jayden Mitchell, Rasheta Bunting, Danielle Mowery, Deborah Brodheim, and Yasmin Campbell. Please note: Kathy Collins also represented our chapter at the event.
On Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, a wonderful collaboration took place. Four different organizations came together at the Lighthouse Guild in Manhattan to
give a presentation on voting and participatory budgeting to a group of teenagers in their Saturday program. Members from the Greater New York Council of the Blind, One Heart One Vision, the Lighthouse Guild, and the League of Women Voters gave an informative presentation on the importance of voting, how the teens could register to vote, and the different methods available to cast their vote. The presenters from the League of Women Voters did their presentation on participatory budgeting: The People’s Money. This included discussion with the teens on coming up with ideas on how millions of dollars should be spent in the five boroughs of New York City.
GNYCB Members Participate in PSA Video for ACBNY
Three of our members - Fitz Martin, Yasmin Campbell, and our President, Terence Page - recently participated in a PSA video for the ACBNY Diversity Committee. The goal of the video is to help the organization reach out to a more diverse population while highlighting the many strengths and accomplishments of ACBNY and our chapters. You can
Watch the Video Here
PASS Coalition Applauds New Level of Pedestrian Access for Blind and Deaf-Blind New Yorkers
The Pedestrians for Accessible and Safe Streets (PASS) Coalition was founded by eleven organizations that represent people from across the disability spectrum - most of which focus on the needs of blind and visually impaired people in New York City (NYC). Specifically, PASS has advocated for the expanded and proper installation of accessible pedestrian signals (APS) devices, which communicate critical information about walk signals through sounds and vibrations.
After two decades of gradual APS installation, at the end of 2020 (the latest data available) there were 749 locations with APS. That equals 5.6% of NYC’s
13,430 signalized intersections. Previous city proposals would have only achieved complete APS coverage by mid-century. The PASS Coalition congratulates
the American Council of the Blind of New York State (ACBNY, a PASS member) and Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), who went to court to seek a more equitable and accelerated plan for installation of these critical devices. U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer ruled that the city must install APS at a minimum of 9,000 of its signalized intersections by 2031, which, in addition to the approximately 1,000 already in place, will achieve 70% coverage over the coming
decade. Furthermore, the court has directed the city to have installed APS at all signalized intersections by 2036.
The PASS Coalition has always advocated for an accelerated timetable and this ruling roughly doubles the rate of APS deployment relative to city proposals.
We especially appreciate Judge Engelmayer’s recognizing the importance of prioritizing APS at intersections with Lead Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) and other
design features that present heightened hazards to people who are blind. The ruling lays out procedures for oversight and community input to make sure APS targets are being met.
PASS looks forward to continuing to offer its support and assistance to the Department of Transportation. With such a significant increase in annual APS
installations, it is especially important to ensure that these installations are happening in a consistent way that serves the needs of the blind community.
PASS Chair, Dr. Karen Gourgey: “PASS is proud to have partnered in this effort by documenting the problem and its dangers through letters from individual members, and by suggesting solutions through witness testimony.”
Member Hayden Dahmm: “When I moved to NYC in 2018, I was overwhelmed by the number of complex, inaccessible intersections in my neighborhood. As a blind person, I felt deeply unsafe and restricted. When a single nearby intersection was then equipped with APS, it dramatically expanded my independence and sense of security. I’m excited to think what thousands of added APS installations will mean for the mobility and basic dignity of blind New Yorkers.”
For additional information and inquiries, or to speak to a blind and/or low vision individual impacted by the court decision, contact PASS Chair Dr. Karen
Gourgey at kgourgey@verizon.net
or PASS Co-Chair Raymond Wayne at raywayne1959@gmail.com
ACB National and State Legislative Imperatives for 2025
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those solely of the author and not necessarily representative of, nor an endorsement by, the Greater New York Council of the Blind.
I am a totally blind user of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. I love these glasses because they allow you to read many things, such as the instructions on a food package, brochures, signs on a wall, street signs, and license plates. They can alert you to parked vehicles, approaching cars and buses. The phrase / “wake words” are “Hey, Meta”. I also love the Meta glasses because when you’re in a room and say, “Hey, Meta, what do you see?”, they will tell you what they see and have even helped me when I had no one around to read an item. These glasses keep getting smarter every day. They also work with the Be My Eyes app, as well as with Aira, but they still have some work to do to connect with Aira. I have used Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses at my job to take a picture of a box and was able to find out where it came from and where the label is located. In addition, you can record a video with them and share your photos on social media.
You need to have an account to set up the Meta glasses. I recommend setting up the Meta glasses app prior to owning a pair. You can order Meta glasses from the Ray-Ban Store in Manhattan, 116 Wooster St., New York, NY, or at their website. Their phone number is (855) 592-2237 I ordered my Meta glasses from Amazon. When you order your glasses, please remember to get the glasses and the case; you do not get a charging cable. The charging cable is type C. I have used Meta glasses for almost nine months and I love them.
In NYC, Audio Description is available for select performances at the following theaters. Listening devices are issued which transmit a trained describer's description of what's happening on stage.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
165 West 65th Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10023
(212) 875-5375 e-mail for more information
Lincoln Center offers a variety of programs that help bring accessible arts and education to all visitors. They provide large print and braille programs for Lincoln Center presented events and performances. Audio Description is available for select performances. Verbal Description Tours are offered of the campus. An Access Concierge Service is available upon request that offers personalized assistance to guests, including those who are blind or have low vision. An Access Rep can meet guests upon arrival, guide them through the venue, and provide support with any accessibility needs.
Sound Associates provides links to various Broadway shows and lists available accessible services, such as audio description. You can reserve a particular AD listening
device for your show date.
YAI Arts and Culture provides tickets to audio-described performances at Broadway and Off Broadway theatres.
For information on upcoming performances, or to be placed on their mailing list,
Email Ulli Fenninger or call her at
(212) 273-6181
Achilles International Walking, running and more. Bronx: Pelham Bay Park Parking Lot on Wednesdays; Brooklyn: Prospect Park on Thursdays; Queens: Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Sundays; Manhattan: Central Park on Tuesdays and Saturdays; Staten Island: Clove Lakes Park on Saturdays.
Adaptive Climbing Group Weekly indoor climbing for all ages and abilities. Located in Gowanus, Brooklyn: Sundays 3pm-6pm; and Long Island City (LIC), Queens: Thursdays 6:30pm-9pm. Occasional outdoor climbing trips. National competitive paraclimber support and training program.
Angel Eyes Fitness and Nutrition Provides blind and visually impaired individuals virtual group fitness and nutrition counseling programs. Classes offered complimentary three days a wk.: Monday 6:30 pm, Thursday 12 pm and Saturday
12 pm, also a fourth day every first and third Tuesday at 12 pm. Classes include dance fitness, chair exercise, stretch, walking fitness, boxing, tai chi and more. All classes are free. Monthly membership of classes is offered for on-demand recorded classes.
Dark Room Ballet Offers a dance curriculum designed for blind and visually impaired learners at all phases of their training, from beginner to professional level. Tuition is free.
InTandem Cycling, Inc. Hosts bike-riding in Central Park on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings.
NE Pennsylvania Regional Ski For Light Offers a variety of outdoor activities in both winter and summer. Primary winter activity is cross-country skiing, or if no snow, hiking in the cold. Summer activities include hiking, canoeing, rowing, and tandem-bicycling.
New York Metro Blind Hockey
Competitive and noncompetitive ice hockey for the blind and visually impaired community.
NYC Parks
Granting full access to all recreation centers to people with disabilities for an annual discounted fee.
Seido Karate Blind Program Adaptive martial arts classes, designed specifically for blind and visually impaired students.
Ski For Light
Cross-country skiing and an annual international week-long cross-country skiing event.
Sound of Tennis Program A tennis club, called Court 16, located in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Offers a weekly workshop for blind and visually impaired players.
United in Stride Serves as a platform for connecting visually impaired walkers, joggers, runners, hikers, tandem cyclists, and triathletes with sighted guides around the country.
United States Association of Blind Athletes National organization that provides sports programs to athletes of all ages and abilities who are blind and visually impaired. Includes local grassroots
programs to the elite Paralympic level.
Health Matters
This section of our site is dedicated to the health and well-being of blind and visually impaired persons.
Accessible Pharmacy Joins Be My Eyes
Be My Eyes welcomes their first partner pharmacy onto the Be My Eyes app. Users in the United States will be able to ask questions about medicine, drug
interactions, and starting in December, order in-home COVID tests from trained professionals who know how to safely and effectively set up the tests. Learn more by visiting:
https://www.bemyeyes.com/blog/accessible-pharmacy-joins-be-my-eyes
ACB is also a specialized help provider on the Be My Eyes app. Download the app today and locate ACB in the Specialized Help menu under Blindness Organizations. Make the call – our ACB representatives are ready and waiting!
CVS Pharmacy Introduces New App Feature
Spoken Rx is a free new feature of the CVS Pharmacy app that reads a specific type of label. When the RFID labels are scanned by Spoken Rx in the CVS Pharmacy
app, prescription label information will be spoken out loud in either English or Spanish. For more information, and a list of active stores, visit
cvs.com/spokenrx
Fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (always check with veterinarian or animal poison control expert before giving to your pet)
Ice pack
Disposable gloves
Scissors with blunt end
Tweezers
OTC antibiotic ointment
Oral syringe or turkey baster
Liquid dishwashing detergent (for bathing)
Towels
Small flashlight
Alcohol wipes
Styptic powder
Saline eye solution
Artificial tear gel
Phone number, clinic name, address of your veterinarian as well as local veterinary emergency clinics.
Foundation Fighting Blindness
Learn about research they fund to prevent, treat and cure inherited retinal degenerative diseases. Also provides information, resources and referrals.
God's Love We Deliver
An organization that prepares and delivers nutritious, high-quality, medically-tailored, heart-healthy meals to people that are within the five boroughs of NYC who, due to illness or disability, are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves. Vegetarian and pescatarian meals are available. Services are provided free to clients without regard to income.
Medical Escort Services: Please call to get current information on their rates and to determine how much notice is required to obtain services.
Silver Sneakers: Silver Sneakers is a program available to seniors and people with disabilities with Medicare Part C that provides free gym memberships. Please check for participating gyms.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call Center: Provides 24/7 confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 988 for assistance.
Walking Can Keep You Sane and Healthy
by Terence Page
I’m not breaking ground by saying a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Keeping this idea in mind, here are some simple exercises that can help you to stay moving which releases the chemical known as endorphins into the brain. Endorphins give you a feeling of happiness, joy, and lightheartedness. After completing these simple exercises, you will also feel a sense of completion. We all hated calisthenics in school, but running or walking in place is quite cathartic and fun. So, this is what I recommend:
Step 1: Clear an area to run or walk in place. This area must be bordered on all four sides or at least three sides. When I attempt to do this in my apartment, I tend to drift in all four directions. My choice of places to do this exercise is between my bed to the left, the window and radiator to the right, and my chaise to the rear.
Step 2: Make sure that you are wearing sneakers or a very soft shoe with a lot of padding. If you have a padded non-slip rug or mat, that will help keep you from drifting because when your feet reach the edge of the rug or mat, you will recenter yourself. And a non-slip rug or mat will cushion your joints.
Step 3: I suggest that you do this exercise for about 15 minutes and build up to 30 minutes walking. Then build up to a very light jog for 30 minutes. If you have an iPhone, you can say, "Siri, set timer for 15 minutes.” If you don’t have a smartphone or an iPhone, I suggest you play music or use your favorite TV show to time your workout. The average song is about four minutes long, so four songs is about 15 minutes.
Remember, before attempting any exercise, check with your doctor, and stretch your legs by trying to touch your toes. You don’t have to touch them - just try to touch them. Note: If you feel any pain or health issues, STOP! Wishing you the best of health!
Life Apps
ACB Link: Stay up to date with ACB National events and items of importance to ACB members and friends; view a complete list of affiliates and make contact with them; and stream all seven ACB Radio streams.
Accessible Android: A website that provides Android accessibility tips, app reviews, and the latest news.
Aipoly Vision: An Android app that uses the camera on your phone to identify people, objects and colors.
Aira: Provides virtual sighted assistance by connecting you to a human being.
AppleVis: Community-based website provides blind and visually impaired users of Apple products information on accessibility features, podcasts, and blogs. Includes a list of 105 apps developed specifically for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.
BARD Mobile: A digital book app from the Andrew Heiskell Library to download audio books, magazines, instructional music material, some in multiple languages or in digital Braille format. You must join the library first.
Be My Eyes: An app that uses the camera on your phone to identify objects or anything with a visual assistant (real person). This app is also connected to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for 24-hour computer assistance; Google products are also supported.
Blindfold Games: Games everyone can play but developed for blind and visually impaired persons.
BlindSquare: A navigation app that lists locations of arts and entertainment venues, colleges and universities, restaurants and their menus, outdoors and recreation, nightlife spots, professional and other places, residences, shops, and services. While traveling, this app will also bring up a map and estimate your walking time to public transportation and how much it would cost to travel by Uber.
Bloomberg Connects: An app that provides audio and video guides, texts and photography to cultural institutions, sculpture parks, gardens, and historic
sites around the world. Includes artist videos, curator talks and exhibition overviews. Accessibility features include VoiceOver, captions and audio transcripts. Can be used onsite and remotely.
EyeNote: An app that reads U.S. currency.
Google Meet: This app replaces Google Duo. It allows iOS and Android users to make video calls to each other and offers video conferencing features.
Here WeGo, Maps & Navigation: Tells you how to get from one place to another; is easier to use than Google Maps.
Moovit: A transportation app that tells you the nearest subway station or bus stop from where you are standing. This app will also tell you when the next bus or train arrives.
NaviLens: Receive information on train and bus arrival times, and how crowded they are, service status updates, and directions to your destination. Only available in certain parts of NYC.
Nearby Explorer: An Android app that tells you where you are and what’s around you.
Netflix: A movie streaming app. You can also request a movie on CD with audio description. A good portion of the movies are audio-described.
NFB-NEWSLINE: Provides access to the text of 400 newspapers and magazines, weather, TV listings, and retail ads.
Notify NYC: Alerts you to city-related issues, such as road closures, transit disruptions, and emergencies within the five boroughs.
Oko: Provides the status of pedestrian traffic lights via audio and haptics when visible by the camera. Helps you to align with the crosswalk.
OneStep Reader: Scans documents and converts them from text to speech, supports braille output, and can import and read PDF documents. Offers customization options.
OO Tunes: A digital radio. Gives you access to hundreds of stations in the U.S. and around the world. Radio alarm clock, records online radio shows, stores your favorite stations.
overTHERE: An app for outdoor use that helps you find exactly where businesses and other things are located. In the More Info view, you can use VoiceOver to review details such as address, phone number, and website.
Read2Go: An iPhone digital book app brought to you by Bookshare. Digital audio books and Braille format accessible by downloading onto your phone. This app is associated with joining the library.
ReVision Fitness: An app that provides accessible fitness instruction for all different levels. Detailed descriptions of various exercises are available in both audio and text in addition to actual workouts.
Seeing AI: Scanning program that reads documents, labels, money, environments, faces, and handwriting, depending on the model of your phone.
Spectrum TV: Allows a person to watch those cable features you have trouble accessing on your TV, such as the guide, shows on demand, and movies. The app has a library so you can go back and continue watching much later.
Talking Tuner: An iPhone app that's a chromatic tuner that helps you tune any instrument by listening.
TapTapSee: A camera app that describes pictures you have taken.
VoiceVista: An iPhone navigation app designed by Microsoft that provides information about where you are and the surrounding area. A landmark can be added as a reference point for orientation. An audible beacon guides you to your destination.
VO Starter: An app that teaches blind and visually impaired iOS users how to use VoiceOver.
LIRR Care Program: (718) 547-7227 Can call at least two hours ahead of your departure time to arrange for assistance in Penn Station and Grand Central Station getting to and leaving the train platform. Can also call directly from the train platform for assistance exiting.
Metro-North Care Program: (212) 532-4900 (Choose “More Options" in the phone menu, then Accessibility Assistance.) Can call at least two hours ahead of your departure time to arrange
for assistance in Grand Central Station and Harlem 125th Street Station getting to and leaving the train platform. Can also call directly from the train platform for assistance exiting.
Uber By Phone: (833) 873-8237
Call to access the Uber ridesharing service by phone. Request a trip and receive details about it via text. Available in AZ, CA, FL, NJ, NY, PA, and TX.
Verizon Center for Customers with Disabilities: (800) 974-6006
Verizon Wireless National Accessibility Customer Service Center: (888) 262-1999
Useful Websites
ACB Media Network Access ACB's digital library, which includes podcasts, ten live
streams, videos, downloads, and more.
Accessible Android Provides Android accessibility tips, app reviews, and the latest news.
AccessWorld A digital magazine published quarterly by AFB dedicated to innovations in accessible technology, devices, apps, appliances, accessible websites, and other topics.
ADA Homepage Provides comprehensive information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
AppleVis Community-based website provides blind and visually impaired users of Apple products information on accessibility features, podcasts, and blogs. Includes a list of 105 apps developed specifically for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.
A. T. Guys This company sells various products of interest to the blind and visually impaired community, as well as other tech-related products, such as speakers, headsets, keyboards, etc.
Blind Bargains Highlights tech news and podcasts of interest to the blind and visually impaired community. Offers a Classifieds section where various products may be posted for sale.
Blind Mice Mega Mall A shopping mall that contains stores carrying a great variety of products. Also includes a Movie Vault, where you can download the soundtrack of thousands of audio-described movies
Directions For Me A Web site that provides cooking directions or packaging information for thousands of products
Disability Benefits A comprehensive guide to the SSI and SSDI benefits programs from the Social Security Administration
Foundation Fighting Blindness Learn about research they fund to prevent, treat and cure inherited retinal degenerative diseases. Also provides information, resources and referrals.
NYC DOT Provides various methods for contacting the NYC DOT ADA Coordinator and Disability Service Facilitator. Can be used to report issues with APSs and other transportation-related matters.
NYC Housing Connect
NYC Housing Connect is New Yorkers' portal to find and apply for affordable housing opportunities across the five boroughs of New York City.
Restaurant Meals Program This program allows some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households the option to purchase discounted prepared meals at participating restaurants with their SNAP (EBT) card. It's designed to serve those who may not have access to food preparation, storage resources, or may be unable to prepare meals for themselves. Participating households receive a 10 percent discount on the cost of their meal. The program is not yet available in all areas and is being introduced on a limited basis in NYC, as well as in Rochester and Monroe County.
RS Games A site containing games that the blind, visually impaired, and sighted can play together
Sound Associates Provides links to various Broadway shows and lists available accessible services, such as audio description. You can reserve a particular AD listening
device for your show date.
64 Ounce Games Richard@64ouncegames.com
A company that provides accessibility kits that make mainstream board games accessible to the blind and visually impaired. Catalogue available.
Foundation Fighting Blindness
Learn about research they fund to prevent, treat and cure inherited retinal degenerative diseases. Also provides information, resources and referrals.
Hadley Vision Resources (800) 323-4238
An organization that empowers individuals who are blind or visually impaired by offering workshops, classes, audio podcasts, and discussion groups.
Jewish Braille Institute (212) 889-2525 or (800) 433-1531
Provides a loaning library of reading materials in braille, large print and audio to blind and visually impaired individuals. Topics include liturgical texts, Jewish studies, customized materials, and many non-religious categories.
LiveOn NY's Benefits Outreach Program
Contact Kim Lerner, Director, via email or call (212) 398-6565 x228
An organization that assists older New Yorkers in applying for benefits programs such as SNAP, SCRIE/DRIE (NY's Rent Freeze Program), the Medicare
Savings Program, Medicaid, and Emergency Assistance, among others. They help people over the phone, by appointment in their office and can make home
visits if needed.
Mind's Eye Travel
A travel company that provides group tours designed for the blind and visually impaired. Includes experienced sighted guides, as needed.
NY Connects (844) 862-7930
A free program that provides services and resources to people with any disability, of any age, living in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Services include assistance with applications applying for housing, Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI benefits.
Open Doors
Open Doors Organization provides a free service that is designed to help travelers with service dogs comply with airline requirements. By completing the web-based DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, users receive a unique Service Animal ID Number, streamlining future travel with participating
airlines.
Travel Eyes
A travel company that provides group tours designed for the blind and visually impaired. Each tour has sighted travelers who provide descriptions and serve as sighted guides.
Xavier Society for the Blind (212) 473-7800
Provides free religious, spiritual and inspirational reading materials in braille, large print and audio to blind and visually impaired individuals.
FYI
ACB Community Events List: Sign up to receive daily emails containing announcements of virtual events scheduled throughout the day. Also includes notices of upcoming ACB conferences throughout the country. Membership in the organization is not required to join the email list or to participate in any of the events. Subscribe to the list by sending an email to acb-community-events+subscribe@acblists.org
ACB Partners with Be My Eyes: ACB has partnered with Be My Eyes, an innovative app that provides real-time video assistance for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. To contact
ACB through Be My Eyes, download the app from the
App Store
and
Google Play
and locate ACB under “Specialized Help”.
read the press release about this partnership
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS): How to request one or submit a complaint: For individuals who would like to request a new APS installation, or file a complaint about a current APS installation, you can contact the Department of Transportation (DOT) in several ways, including DOT’s online form , emailing DOT’s APS Compliance Unit directly at APS@dot.nyc.gov , or calling 311 . It’s highly recommended to use the online form, or send an email, so that you have a record of your request or complaint.
AIRA offers free service in Target stores and at JFK International, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International airports. They have also partnered with ACB to offer members special pricing plans.
Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library:
Call center hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Walk-in hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. You may call
(212) 206-5400
You can order ten books per person per week, but you must call or email to order.
Tech coaching is available onsite and via phone and Internet.
Apple Offers Accessibility Classes: Josh Rifkin and Edwin Ramirez Pery, representatives of several Apple stores in Manhattan, have assured us that you can get a schedule of accessibility
classes from your local Apple store.
Get a listing of accessibility classes offered throughout New York City
We have also been assured that an Apple representative will speak to our chapter about the latest updates for Apple products (to be scheduled).
BRICKS for the BLIND provides text-based building instructions that enable the blind and visually impaired to build various LEGO sets.
"Can You Help Me Fill This Out?": How many times have you been to the post office and asked a postal employee to help you fill something out only to be told, “We are not allowed to do that. I could lose my job.” This is NOT TRUE! I repeat, this is NOT TRUE! When blind and visually impaired persons try to use our local post office, we are often told the above phrase. Since we do not have knowledge of the postal codes, we take this information as fact. But we do have the information now. We at GNYCB have also encountered such difficulties, so we are making available a letter from a lawyer for the post office that you can print out and hand to your local postal worker to back up your argument that, “Yes, you can fill this out.”
Post Office Letter (downloadable Word document)
Catholic Guild for the Blind:
Saying Goodbye to the Catholic Guild By Yasmin Campbell
The Catholic Guild for the Blind was an organization whose mission was to provide rehabilitation and education services to persons with vision impairments. It served New York City and provided services to help those in need which included independent living skills, employment training and placement, as well as information, referrals and other supports. Hearing of the Catholic Guild’s closing was a major blow to many people, especially the visually impaired and blind communities who depended on this organization’s services for assistance. We want to thank them for all their years of service and let them know the Catholic Guild will truly be missed.
Computer Center for Visually Impaired People (CCVIP) is now located at Helen Keller Services for the Blind. For more information, please contact them at ccvip@helenkeller.org
or call them at (718) 522-2122, ext. 2250
Online Book Clubs for the Blind: Subscribe to this e-mail list to receive information on various online book clubs for the blind. Book clubs include history, mystery, fiction, etc., and are free to join. Send a blank e-mail to aw-announcements+subscribe@groups.io
Vitacost.com: Items found in health food stores, including food that isn’t refrigerated or frozen
Spectrum now has Braille and Large Print Guides available for receiver remotes. Contact the Accessibility Help Desk at (844) 762-1301 to request any of the following:
Large Print Orientation Guide for Spectrum Receiver Remote
Large Print Orientation Guide for Spectrum Receiver Big Button Remote
Braille Orientation Guide and Tactile Map for Spectrum Receiver Remote
Braille Orientation Guide for Spectrum Receiver Big Button Remote
VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired:
A program is being offered at VISIONS Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Spring Valley, NY, for students who want to learn a trade, become work-ready and
want to be employed shortly after graduation. This job readiness program is for blind and visually impaired youth between the ages of 18 and 22 - until
their 22nd birthdate. The 15-week residential program was created to give youth who are not college-bound, and/or have dropped out of college, an opportunity
to gain more skills and experience. Participants will gain independence skills, learn technology and software-readiness skills, gain work experience and
complete a highly recognized Customer Service training from the National Retail Federation. There are opportunities to achieve vocational certificates
in programs including: Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Teacher Assistant, Veterinary Assistant, HVAC, Technology - including Web Development, as
well as other courses offered. Certification is reciprocal with other States.
If you have any questions, please contact: Carmen Thorne, VCB Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator
Office: (212) 625-1616, ext. 107 or
(845) 354-3003
Fax: (212) 219-4078 or
(845) 354-5130
Email:
cthorne@visionsvcb.org
Voting Issues and Problems: If you've had an issue or problem voting privately and independently and want to file a complaint,
contact either of the following people at Disability Rights New York:
Walmart+ Is Now Half-Priced for Families on Government Assistance
Families and individuals who receive government assistance through SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, TTANF, NSLP, and LIHEAP are now eligible for the Walmart+ Assist program. Benefits include 50% off Membership and a variety of other discounts. Please check their website for more details and to verify your eligibility.
DEI Statement: The Greater New York Council of the Blind community supports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Editor's Statement: We will not post anything that goes against the philosophy of the Greater New York Council of the Blind. In addition, we have the discretion
to edit all submissions for clarity, grammar and however else we deem necessary. A photo that's submitted must meet the editorial standards of the Website Committee
and must contain a detailed description of the photo along with at least a brief paragraph.
The Greater New York Council of the Blind is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
Photo: From left to right at the Marriott Hotel in Albany, NY, are Bob White, Fitz Martin, Terence Page, and Yasmin Campbell.
Photo: From left to right Jayden Mitchell, Rasheta Bunting, Danielle Mowery, Deborah Brodheim, and Yasmin Campbell. Please note: Kathy Collins also represented our chapter at the event.