Brainfuse: Live Tutoring & Homework Help

Wed, 03/06/2013 - 12:05pm by Beth Manuel

Homework giving you a headache? You may want to log on to Brainfuse. Their Live Homework Help is available from 2:00 PM-11:00 PM everyday (except Federal Holidays) & the interactive Study Suite is accessible anytime with your aadl account log in information. For more information about all the amazing facets of Brainfuse read these FAQs. Using Brainfuse can make learning fun for parents & kids! College students and adult learners can benefit from it, too! Give it a try!

NLS Magazines Transition to Digital Format

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 1:45pm by Beth Manuel

In early 2013, the National Library Service will discontinue production of magazines on cassette and will instead begin
circulating magazines on digital cartridges similar to those used for books. The color of the magazine cartridges will be blue and their cases will be maroon. If you are currently subscribed to magazines on cassette, you should expect no interruption to your subscription service. However, there will be changes to the service we'd like you to be prepared for. Unlike with cassettes, it will be required that you return your magazine cartridge in order to receive your next month's subscription(s).

ALL of your magazine subscriptions will be loaded onto a single digital cartridge. To navigate from one magazine to another, you will need to use the "bookshelf" function on your Digital Talking Book Machine (DTBM). Instructions on how to use this function will be the first item to play when you insert a magazine cartridge. You can refer to the following article, "The Bookshelf: Navigating More Than One Book or Magazine" in the Winter 2013 newsletter. Instructions are also available on wlbpd.aadl.org under "BARD". If you are currently receiving magazines you have not subscribed to, or that you no longer wish to receive, please contact us so we may update your account. If you have a Standard DTBM and would like to upgrade to an Advanced DTBM, which provides greater navigation, including setting bookmarks when navigating through books and magazines, please let us know by calling (734) 327-4224, or emailing wlbpd@aadl.org.

The Affordable Care Act: Evolution of Senior Health

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 4:46pm by Beth Manuel

The idea of Senior Health has evolved since the creation of Medicare in 1965. The passing of the Affordable Care Act has further changed health care for seniors. Part of the 2013 MLK symposium, this presentation will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at: the Turner Senior Resource Center. Jacquetta Hinton will be presenting and this free event includes lunch.

Sometimes it's More Than Stress

Thu, 12/20/2012 - 3:40pm by Beth Manuel

There's a lot going on in the world that can be a source of stress, anxiety or depression for people. Thankfully there are services in our community to help. Washtenaw Community Health Organization is our local resource for mental health services for adults, families and youth. Requests for services are received 24/7. If you or someone you care about is in need of mental health services call 734-544-3050. Other resources for particularly tough times: SafeHouse Center, Psychiatric Emergency Services and the Michigan Suicide & Crisis Hotlines. Or call 1-800-273-TALK.

Suicide Awareness: Dawn Farm Education Series

Thu, 12/13/2012 - 12:43pm by Beth Manuel

According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death for all ages in 2010. Suicide is also preventable. If you or someone you care about are looking for information & support about suicide, you may want to attend this Dawn Farm Education Session about suicide prevention. This program will raise awareness of the signs of suicidal thinking and describe ways to offer support and obtain help for people with addiction who may be contemplating suicide. AADL has a number of books on this topic, as well.

Braille and Talking Book Library Book Club

Thu, 11/08/2012 - 4:15pm by monkk

The next Michigan Commission for the Blind Braille and Talking Book Library Book Club meeting will be held on November 10 at 1:30 p.m. in Lansing at the Library of Michigan in the BTBL public service area located on the first floor across from the elevators. This month's book is to be announced. The meeting can be attended in person or via the OPAL online meeting room. The meeting site is accessible. Individuals attending the meeting are requested to refrain from using heavily scented personal care products in order to enhance accessibility for everyone. People with disabilities requiring additional accommodations (such as materials in alternative format) in order to participate in the meeting, or those seeking more information, should call Scott Norris at (517) 373-5516 at least five business days prior to the meeting.

World Diabetes Day!

Tue, 11/06/2012 - 10:01am by Beth Manuel

The University of Michigan’s Comprehensive Diabetes Center is hosting their 6th Annual World Diabetes Day Health Fair November 10 from 9:00 AM -1:00 pm. The event takes place at the Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel. There will be screenings for high blood pressure, urine screenings for kidney disease, foot exams and eye exams to screen for diabetic retinopathy. There will be three presentations during the event and many resources available for participants. This event is free and open to the public.

Tonight: Books and Beyond Presents Overnight America Host Jon Grayson

Wed, 10/10/2012 - 10:41am by monkk

Join the online community of Books and Beyond at 8:00 pm tonight, Wednesday October 10, to listen and learn about Jon Grayson, the host of Overnight America, based in St. Louis and heard on a number of stations throughout the U.S. How did this multifaceted program get its start? To whom does it appeal? Why is St. Louis the home base? Is it necessary that a show come from New York or Los Angeles? To what does Grayson attribute his success? Approximately 15 minutes prior to the event start time go to The Books and Beyond Room or, alternatively, select The Books and Beyond Room at: www.accessibleworld.org and enter your first and last name on the sign-in screen. If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available on the Books and Beyond entry page.

Braille and Talking Book Library Book Club

Mon, 10/08/2012 - 6:39pm by monkk

The next Michigan Commission for the Blind Braille and Talking Book Library Book Club meeting will be held on October 13 at 1:30 p.m. in Lansing at the Library of Michigan in the BTBL public service area located on the first floor across from the elevators. This month's book is DB60225, Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. The meeting can be attended in person or via the OPAL online meeting room. The meeting site is accessible. Individuals attending the meeting are requested to refrain from using heavily scented personal care products in order to enhance accessibility for everyone. People with disabilities requiring additional accommodations (such as materials in alternative format) in order to participate in the meeting, or those seeking more information, should call Scott Norris at (517) 373-5516 at least five business days prior to the meeting.

Talking Books Narrator Roy Avers

Tue, 09/25/2012 - 3:24pm by iralax

Listen to a fascinating interview with acclaimed talking books narrator Roy Avers at 8pm, Wed. Sept. 26, on Books and Beyond. Avers, 63, has made his living as a businessman, sings bass in the Louisville Opera, and he has also narrated more than 300 books of many genres for the National Library Service. I know one Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled patron who will listen only to books narrated by Roy! As long as she hears his voice, no matter what the book is about, it will be greatly enjoyed. So tune in to learn what makes Roy Avers so unique. Just visit the Books and Beyond Room and enter your first and last names on the sign-in screen, or contact Marcia Moses at 734-495-1496, mgmoses@comcast.net.