VI Guide-MAPVI Newsletters

Here are past issues of MAPVI's newsletter "The Sighted Guide." Although these quarterly newsletters are a benefit of being a MAPVI member, older issues are presented here to be shared with everyone.

Selected articles from these newsletters can be viewed or downloaded separately as well, from a list following this one.

Full Issues of Newsletters

September 2003 issue (328k), articles about the reauthorization of IDEA, the MAPVI weekend at the NEED House at Cape Cod National Seashore, and speaker meetings concerning "Everything you need to know about low vision" and theraputic art.

March 1999 issue (60k), articles about the Special Olympics, MAPVI's annual holiday party, inclusion, and the new commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.

December 1998 issue (97k), articles on MAPVI's annual Halloween party, Bell Atlantic services, camping, Amtrak discounts, and an article abstracted from an AP news release entitled "Changing Attitudes Open Workplace Doors for People with Disabilities."

September 1998 issue (59k), articles on the VIBUG (the Visually Impaired and Blind Users Group) organization, the Hadley School for the Blind, and how one student with visual impairments loves to sing.

June 1998 issue (74k), articles on educational and recreational software, financial planning, Adaptive Environments, Inc., and a theater camp attended by 3 teens with visual impairments.

March 1998 issue (59k), articles on building work skills, research summer camps, National Braille Press, and how currency changes would affect persons with visual impairments.

Selected Articles

Ongoing Columns

Electronic Update, a series of articles from the 03/99, 12/98, 09/98, 06/98, 03/98, 12/97, 06/97, and 03/97 newsletters containing information about web sites and other Internet resources relating to visual impairments or disabilities.

2000

Intersections and Blind Pedestrians: The Good News, The Bad News, and How You Can Help (39k), an article from the 06/00 newsletter that provides information from a presentation made by Beezy Bentzen, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Ph. D.

Holiday Party (158k), an article from the 06/00 newsletter describing MAPVI's 5th annual holiday party.

MAPVI Year In Review (29k), an article from the 06/00 newsletter describing MAPVI's activities throughout 1999, including speaker meetings, recreational activities, etc.

MAPVI's DVS Video Lending Library (31k), an article from the 06/00 newsletter describing the DVS videos MAPVI currently has in its free lending library.

1999

Special Olympics (9k), an article from the 03/99 newsletter that provides information on a November speaker meeting about Special Olympic programs.

Special Olympics of Massachusetts (9k), an article from the 03/99 newsletter containing information about the Special Olympics program, how it is organized, who is eligible, etc.

MAPVI Annual Holiday Party (11k), an article from the 03/99 newsletter about MAPVI's fourth annual holiday party.

What Inclusion Means (6k), an article from the 03/99 newsletter containing information gleaned from an Inclusion Workshop.

New MCB Commissioner (7k), an article from the 03/99 newsletter about David Govostes, the new Acting Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB).

Brailling Enterprises (8k), an article from the 03/99 newsletter about a company called Brailling Enterprises who produces braille menus for many restaurants.

Random Reflections on a Vest (6k), a poem from the 03/99 newsletter.

1998

A Chance to Shine (10k), an article from the 12/98 newsletter that was abstracted from an AP news released entitled "Changing Attitudes Open Workplace Doors for People with Disabilities."

Parent Involvement (6k), an article form the 12/98 newsletter offering 8 "truths" about parent involvement in their child's education.

New Amtrak Discounts (8k), an article from the 12/98 newsletter about special discounts offered to passengers with mobility discounts.

The Most Beautiful Flower (8k), a poem from the 12/98 newsletter.

Squish! Squish! (12k), an article from the 12/98 newsletter about one MAPVI youngster's adventure on a boy scout camping trip.

Bell Atlantic (11k), an article from the 12/98 newsletter about Bell Atlantic and the services it offers for customers with disabilities.

MAPVI's First Annual Halloween Party (16k), an article from the 12/98 newsletter about our first Halloween party.

VIBUG (the Visually Impaired and Blind Users Group) (9k) an article from the 09/98 newsletter about a computer users group in Boston that strives to increase computer use by blind and visually impaired people and provide peer support and information to computer users on all levels.

Music to the Ears! (7k), an article from the 09/98 newsletter about a 12-year old MAPVI member with ROP who has found a pastime she loves: singing in her church and school choir and performing at a nearby hospital.

The Hadley School for the Blind (9k), an article from the 09/98 newsletter about a school specializing in distance learning for people with visual impairments and their families.

Where Can You Turn (12k), an article from the 06/98 newsletter about where mothers and father can turn when they feel parentally challenged.

Enter Stage Right (9k), an article from the 06/98 newsletter about three teens' participation in a week-long theater camp run by Perkins School for the Blind.

Educational and Recreational Software for children with visual impairments (7k), an article from the 06/98 newsletter that offers suggestions on software that is and isn't accessible and/or entertaining to children with visual impairments.

Financial Planning and Special Needs Trusts (7k), an article from the 06/98 newsletter about government benefits (SSI vs SSDI), special needs trusts, guardianship issues and wills.

Adaptive Environments, Inc. (9k), an article from the 06/98 newsletter about this non-profit which offers education and technical assistance programs, as well as information about universal design, to eliminate barriers that deny education, employment, recreational and cultural life to people who have disabilities.

Summer Planning - Camp Sweet Camp (10k), an article from the 03/98 newsletter about finding a summer program that makes sense for your child.

National Braille Press (10k), an article from the 03/98 newsletter about this national non-profit organization, located in Boston, which offers low-cost braille books and materials.

Taking Charge - Skill Building for the Future (13k), an article from the 03/98 newsletter, about essential skills children with visual impairments need to develop for future workforce participation, e.g., literacy, mobility, personal responsibility and positive attitudes about blindness.

Currency Changes Would Help the Blind (7k), an article from the 03/98 newsletter which discusses how the Treasury Department could change the U.S. paper currency to make it easier for people with visual impairments to handle it.

1997

Fun Activities to teach Orientation & Mobility Concepts, part 2 (7k), an article from the 12/97 newsletter by Dr. Billie Louise Bentzen, suggesting activities that teach about topography.

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (9k), an article from the 12/97 newsletter about this state agency, which provides vocational, social and rehabilitative services for Massachusetts residents with a visual impairments.

Effective Communication, part I (10k) and part II (9k), articles from the 09/97 and 12/97 newsletters regarding providing parents with effective communication skills so that they can contribute towards the best IEP Team decisions concerning their children.

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (7k), an article from the 12/97 newsletter about the services provided by this state agency.

Parent/Teacher Collaborations (3k), a poem published in the 12/97 newsletter about how parents and teachers collaborate on the education of a child.

To Remain Silent (8k), an article from the 09/97 newsletter about a parent's decision whether or not to speak openly about their child's special need.

Camping in a National Park (7k), an article from the 09/97 newsletter regarding a visually impaired teenager's experiences while camping.

Horseback Riding Is Fun! (3k), an article from the 09/97 newsletter about a blind child's experience while horseback riding.

Descriptive Video Services (DVS) Home Videos (4k), an article from the 09/97 newsletter about videos to which a special narration track has been added to provide extra descriptions to visually impaired viewers.

Kids Who are Different (3k), a poem published in the 06/97 newsletter.

Summer Camp/Recreation Opportunities (6k), an article from the 06/97 newsletter about various summer camps and activities available in the Massachusetts.

SAT Testing for Students with Disabilities (3k), an article from the 06/97 newsletter about accommodations that often are made for SAT testing of a student with a disability.

Starting Now to Build a Good Future: Transition to Adulthood (8k), an article from the 06/97 newsletter about how to help your child/student begin to build the skills necessary for a smooth and successful transition to adulthood.

Home Away From Home (3k), an article from the 06/97 newsletter about locating lodging and support facilities while traveling with child to a medical facility that's out of town.

Recreational Activities for Children (9k), an article from the 06/97 newsletter about how to help your child take part in local recreational activities

Learning through Listening - Audio Textbooks make Education Accessible (7k), an article from the 06/97 newsletter about the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) organization.

Re-Creating Yourself (9k), an article from the 03/97 newsletter containing information from sessions at a Perkins Outreach Services workshop, such as "Physical Activity for a Lifetime," "Everyone has the Capability to be Creative" and more.

The Massachusetts Vision Resource Library (7k), an article from the 03/97 newsletter about the services and products offered by this agency through the Federal Quota program.

Perkins Outreach - an Overnight Adventure (5k), an article from the 03/97 newsletter about one child's experience attending an overnight activity offered by Perkins Outreach Services.

April Shows Bring May IEP Meetings (4k), an article from the 03/97 newsletter containing a checklist for evaluating your child's IEP for completeness.

Toy Guides for Differently-abled Kids (5k), an article from the 03/97 newsletter about a guide (available from Toys 'R' Us) describing toys that appeal to children with various disabilities.

Fun Activities to Teach Orientation and Mobility Concepts, part I (8k) and part II (4k), articles from the 09/97 and 12/97 newsletters regarding ways to teach O&M concepts using sounds and topology.

1996

The Braille Literacy Bill (5k), an article from the 12/96 newsletter regarding the Braille Literacy Bill that was signed into law in Massachusetts in August of 1996.

Family-Centered Care (9k), an article from the 12/96 newsletter describing how a "whole child approach" can be taken by school systems, early intervention programs and social service agencies.

Louis Braille - A Little History (6k), an article from the 12/96 newsletter about Louis Braille and the reading system he invented.

The World Wide Web and Vision/Disability Resources (6k), an article from the 12/96 newsletter about Internet resources about visual impairments.

Inclusion of Students with Visual Impairments (6k), an article from the 09/96 newsletter about classroom collaboration and how the role of the TVI, aide and classroom teacher work together to provide an appropriate education for a visually impaired child.

The Internet - A Valuable Resource (7k), an article from the 09/96 newsletter discussing various web, FTP and other Internet resources where disability information can be found.

NFB Conference - A Teen's Experience (12k), an article from the 09/96 newsletter regarding a teenager's experience attending his first National Federation for the Blind conference.

The Internet - A Valuable Resource for Parents of Children with Disabilities (12k), an article from the 06/96 newsletter about Internet resources about visual impairments.

Sibling Issues (8k), an article from the 06/96 newsletter about issues faced by a child whose sibling has a disability.

Basic Educational Rights (14k), an article from the 06/96 newsletter about the Massachusetts State Chapter 766 and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the rights they give parents through the IEP process.

Circle of Friends (11k), an article from the 03/96 newsletter discussing friendship facilitation and how a "circle of friends" is established.

Parent-to-Parent Support and Information (7k), an article from the 03/96 newsletter about support groups and other ways in which parents can network with other parents whose child has the same condition, lives in the same geographic area, is the same age, etc.

Time to Make Summer Plans (15k), an article from the 03/96 newsletter about various summer camp opportunities for kids who are blind or visually impaired.

Harness the Wind with SailBlind (4k), an article from the 03/96 newsletter about the Sailblind program offered by the Carroll Center for the Blind which teaches sailing to visually impaired individuals.

1995

Games for the Physically Challenged - One Child's Pursuit (9k), an article from the 12/95 newsletter about one child's participation in the International Sports Jamboree for the Disabled.

Siblings of Children with a Disability (11k), an article from the 12/95 newsletter detailing a session offered at the 04/95 Perkins conference.

Welcome to Holland (5k), an article from the 12/95 newsletter containing a published quote from Emily Perl Kingsley, which speaks to how parents might feel raising a child with special needs.

Tips for Child Travel within the School Environment (5k), an article from the 09/95 newsletter offering suggestions to individuals who encounter a visually impaired child using a cane to travel around the school grounds.

Fostering Friendships (13k), an article from the 09/95 newsletter about how to create opportunities for all children (with and without disabilities) to develop friendships.

Massachusetts Assistive Technology Partnership Center (11k), an article from the 09/95 newsletter about this organization and what federal special education laws say about the use and acquisition of assistive technology.

Choices for Children: Educating our Children with Visual Impairments for their Tomorrow (6k), an article from the 06/95 newsletter about a national campaign to inform policy makers, legislators and others of the unique educational needs of children who are blind or visually impaired.

Disability Law Center and Assistive Technology (9k), an article from the 06/95 newsletter about the Disability Law Center in Boston and their Assistive Technology Project.

Descriptive Video Services (DVS) Home Videos (4k), an article from the 06/95 newsletter about videos to which a special narration track has been added to provide extra descriptions to visually impaired viewers.

Disability Clearinghouses (6k), an article from the 06/95 newsletter about disability-related clearinghouses and information centers.

Awakening the Natural Genius in Every Student (8k), an article from the 06/95 newsletter about the theory of multiple intelligence and how it can related in practical ways to the various learning styles of children.

Issuance of Handicap Plates and Placards (4k), an article from the 06/95 newsletter about the process for qualifying for and obtaining a handicap plate or placard for your car.

Special Education in Massachusetts: What's Happening and Where are We Going? (7k), an article from the 06/95 newsletter discussing efforts by the Massachusetts Department of Education to make schools more productive and accountable for providing high quality education.

Summer Plans for Blind and Visually Impaired Children -- What Works? (8k), an article from the 03/95 newsletter about summer options available to children who are blind or visually impaired.

Educational Reform (4k), an article from the 03/95 newsletter containing the NAPVI position paper on education reform.

Low Vision Simulations and Adaptive Technology and its Use in the Home/Work Environments (7k), an article from the 03/95 newsletter about low vision simulations for sighted individuals to teach them about vision loss, and also about a blind adult's use of adaptive technology at work and home.

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