OASIS and the Library Catalog

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Don’t forget to use the library’s online catalog to search for books the library may already have in the collection!  This includes textbooks and other materials that students may need for school. 

Link to the Online Catalog or go to the library blog at www.iowalibrary.blog.  Under the Check it Out tab, choose the Library Online Catalog then Online Catalog.

Once you are at the library’s online catalog site, on the left side you will find some links to the library email, information about the library, BARD and the NLS online catalog.  You will also find links to special title lists.  These lists are selections of books on a particular theme or subject the library staff has put together that can help you find new and/or different books to read.

To make searching for educational materials a bit easier.  We have created a collection within a collection.  This collection is called Oasis – Online Accessible Student Information Source.  So if you are looking for a textbook or other educational materials, you can search in just Oasis.  To search for materials in Oasis, go to Advanced Search under the Search tab.  Once you are in Advanced Search, scroll down until you see the Category box.  Choose Oasis from the drop down menu and then IDB from the Library drop down menu.  Now you can go back up and enter your search terms in the search boxes, whether it’s an ISBN, title, keyword or a combination.  To limit your search even further, you can choose the specific Media Type you are searching for (Braille, Digital Books, Large Type, etc.).

Please don’t hesitate to contact the library with any questions!  We are here to help you find what you are looking for!

Braille Formats! What is it and where do I find it?

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Braille Formats (BF), 2016, developed under the Sponsorship of the Braille Authority of North America (BANA). http://www.brailleauthority.org/

BF sets out the structure (formatting) of Braille Transcriptions, similar to Print Books.

Why is BF so important? BF gives a structure (consistency) for the braille reader to follow throughout the transcription. Whether the transcription is a few pages, or a textbook that can be up to 100 volumes with 160 braille pages per volume, consistency is vital.

BF is a vast and comprehensive manual that gives Guidelines in 22 sections and 7 appendices. Do not fret, there are samples/examples throughout the manual which will guide you in your decision making. http://www.brailleauthority.org/publications-area.html

There are other resources which will assist you. National Braille Association (NBA) provides Webinars for BF. https://www.nationalbraille.org/resources/webinars-archive/

The IMC team is always here to answer your questions, be it about BF or other codes which apply to your decision-making process. Keep in mind, BF, while vast and comprehensive, will not always provide you with an answer. Sometimes the transcriber must become creative in their decision making. When doing so, always transcribe the material so it can be read and understood by the braille reader, keeping in mind the grade level and complexities of the material. When necessary, use those Transcriber’s Notes to give the braille reader an understanding of your formatting decision, and keep it simple.

Weekly Dose of Braille and a Braille Bits Podcast Lesson 11

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Today we have two great braille resources for you.  Our Weekly Dose of Braille and a Braille Bits Podcast.  Enjoy!

Braille Bits:  Lesson 11 Podcast

Braille Bits is a correspondence-guided class conducted by the Library, providing braille lessons online or by mail.  This podcast highlights each Braille Bits lesson and features an interview with a special guest to discuss all things braille.  Check out the Braille Bits page for more information. 

Join us for a great conversation as Denise talks to a very special guest, Karen Keninger, the Director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.  They will also review Braille Bits Lesson 11.

Weekly Dose of Braille

Words often times can be displayed in a way that they are Fragments of Words, and what do we do with General Symbols vs punctuation? Not a problem, take a glance at this week’s dose to help provide you with a little bit of guidance!

New Weekly Dose: Fragments of Words

For more information and to see past Weekly Dose of Braille topics check out our Weekly Dose of Braille Page.

The Weekly Dose of Braille is created by our Braille Transcriber, Denise Bean, with the help of our Instructional Materials team. It gives you a taste of braille examples that may be used in worksheets or textbook formatting. This insightful Weekly Dose of Braille brings your attention to the common use of Unified English Braille and how to implement these rules and formats used by braille transcribers and proofreaders. It is a miscellaneous mixture of tricky, sometimes challenging circumstances, that a braille transcriber may come across or question, but are neatly put into a Weekly Dose of Braille for your easy access. Provided each week is a downloadable PDF file on each topic, a brf file can also be made available for your convenience.

Upcoming Trainings from the IMC

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May Trainings

Here is a list of upcoming trainings for Paraeducators, Associates and Educators.  These classes will be held in our Zoom classroom and conducted by IMC Staff.  Once you have registered you will receive login information.

Learning Management Systems and Accessibility
Tuesday, May 19th 9:00am – 10:00am
A look at Learning Management Systems, Google Classroom and Canvas, and best practices to make them usable for all students with UDL and accessibility features.
Register Here

Introducing Screen Readers
Thursday, May 21st 9:00am – 10:00am
Learn how to get your student started using a screen reader in the classroom.  We will go over different screen readers and how to download, set them up, and some basic uses to get you started with your student.
Register Here

June Paraeducator and Associate Training

We know more than most the important role that paraeducators and associates play in successful student learning.  We want to help make sure that you have the information you need to make that success happen.

The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is accepting registrations for a two–week training opportunity (approximately 15 hours) held Monday – Friday.  This is an incredible chance to sharpen your skills in a short amount of time.  To make these learning advancements even more convenient, trainings will be available the Spring and Summer of 2020.  These instructional sessions work within a 1-hour class using a Zoom classroom and will include some “homework” outside of class. The training will focus on topics related to accessible educational materials.

Topics will include; ordering materials in alternative formats for students, braille, Universal Design for Learning, creating accessible documents, screen readers, and information about the Instructional Materials Center.  A $200.00 stipend will be available to those who successfully complete the training.

2020 Paraeducator and Associate Summer Training
June 8 – June 19
9:00am – 10:00am
Zoom Classroom
Registration for Summer due by Friday, June 4th  4:30pm

Registration for 2020 Summer Training

For more about the Iowa Department for the Blind, the Library and the Instructional Materials Center visit us here:
Iowa Department for the Blind
Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Library – Instructional Materials Center

For more information contact:
Sarah Willeford
Library Director, Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Iowa Department for the Blind
sarah.willeford@blind.state.ia.us
515-494-8439 L

 

Frequently Asked Questions: IMC Team

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Can I still order textbooks or worksheets for the 2020-2021 school year?

  • Yes. We are ready and processing orders.

How do I order Large Print or Braille textbooks, workbooks or worksheets?

How and when do I return textbooks from 2019-2020 school year?

  • Anytime you have access to building/school.
  • Use the box or boxes textbooks were mailed in.
  • Turn over the mailing address card.
  • The library’s mailing address is on the opposite side.
  • Take the box or boxes to the post office.
  • They can be mailed “Free Matter for the Blind.”  
  • At this time, we are unable to have books dropped off at the library, but are able to receive them through the mail.

Why is the address label stuck to the box?

  • Those items do not need to be returned. “Do Not Return – For Student’s Use Only” labels have been placed on items that do not need to be returned, so the student can keep these materials.

Did I return all volumes of a textbook?

  • To ensure all volumes are being returned to the library, here are some tips. Each box has a label with the title of book, the book number (starting with LT, BR or BRN) and total number of volumes.

Example:
Regions and People
LT109775
Volumes 5

  • Each textbook volume has the number of total volumes on the spine or front cover of the book.

Example:
Volume 1 of 5 (on volume 1), Volume 2 of 5 (on volume 2) and etc.

Who should I contact about outstanding textbooks or other questions?

Thank you! Your IMC Team

Weekly Dose of Braille and a Braille Bits Podcast Lesson 10

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Today we have two great braille resources for you.  Our Weekly Dose of Braille and a Braille Bits Podcast.  Enjoy!

Braille Bits:  Lesson 10 Podcast

Braille Bits is a correspondence-guided class conducted by the Library, providing braille lessons online or by mail.  This podcast highlights each Braille Bits lesson and features an interview with a special guest to discuss all things braille.  Check out the Braille Bits page for more information. 

Join us for a great conversation as Denise talks to student Lauren Thompson about the important role braille has played in her education.  They will also review Braille Bits Lesson 10 which focuses on the definition of lower signs.

Weekly Dose of Braille

Crossed-out text shown in print is usually used as part of a teaching tool and cannot be ignored, if this happens, please refer to this week’s dose to help guide you through correct formats to be used.

New Weekly Dose: Crossed-Out Word

For more information and to see past Weekly Dose of Braille topics check out our Weekly Dose of Braille Page.

The Weekly Dose of Braille is created by our Braille Transcriber, Denise Bean, with the help of our Instructional Materials team. It gives you a taste of braille examples that may be used in worksheets or textbook formatting. This insightful Weekly Dose of Braille brings your attention to the common use of Unified English Braille and how to implement these rules and formats used by braille transcribers and proofreaders. It is a miscellaneous mixture of tricky, sometimes challenging circumstances, that a braille transcriber may come across or question, but are neatly put into a Weekly Dose of Braille for your easy access. Provided each week is a downloadable PDF file on each topic, a brf file can also be made available for your convenience.

IDB Parent Listening Sessions: May 11th and 14th

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IDB Logo

The Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) will be holding parent listening sessions via Zoom on Monday, May 11th at 10:00 am and Thursday, May 14th at 7:00 pm. Parents are invited to attend one or both of the sessions. Connection information is below.  

IDB is working to launch several new cross-program initiatives to help youth gain independent living skills, develop self-efficacy, and be prepared for the world of work and adult life. We have been hearing from parents for several years about the need for additional support, resources, and training so that they can help their children take on age appropriate responsibilities, keep up with their peers, and make the transition from school to work in a way that results in their children becoming independent, well-adjusted, and successful adults. . One of these initiatives is the development of a parent advisory committee and a youth advisory committee to help guide our programs. We believe it is very important to ensure that our activities remain responsive to the needs of those we serve. In order to gain information that will guide our program design teams, we are inviting parents of blind and low vision youth to share their thoughts, ideas, and needs at our virtual listening sessions. 

Possible Discussion Questions:

  • If we were to host regular webinars about technology, what topics would you like us to cover?
  • After the current crisis has past, what do you feel you would most benefit from in an in-person conference or training?
  • What are the best times of day, times of the year, for online or in person events?
  • If we were to create a parent and family webpage or blog, what would you hope to find there?
  • If we were to bring in speakers, either in person or virtually, such as subject matter experts or blind people working in different occupations, would you attend and do you have any suggestions for what folks you would like to hear from and talk with?
  • What questions do you have about IDB services and how do you think we can better communicate what we have to offer?
  • What forms of communication do you find most helpful? Email, Facebook, phone, etc.?
  • What training, services or support do you feel is most lacking for you and your child/ren?
  • What has you most concerned for your child/ren’s future?
  • What, if any, items or services from IDB have you found to be the most helpful?

Zoom Connection Information:

These listening sessions will be held on Monday, May 11th at 10:00 am and Thursday, May 14th at 7:00 pm.

Join Zoom Meeting Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81413732909
Meeting ID: 814 1373 2909

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,81413732909#

Dial In+1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 814 1373 2909

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing Electronic Materials from Google Drive & Dropbox

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Do you have a large amount of electronic files to submit for a student’s braille order? You can share your folders from Google Drive or Dropbox, just follow these simple steps:

  1. On your computer, go to drive.google.com or dropbox.com.
  2. Select the folder you want to share.
  3. Select Share.
  4. Under “People,” type the email address you want to share with, karen.cunningham@blind.state.ia.us.
  5. To choose how a person can use the folder, select the Down arrow.
  6. Select Send.

Please be sure to first fill out the material order form and let us know in the special instructions that you will be sharing the folder.

The IMC Team

Weekly Dose of Braille and a Braille Bits Podcast Lesson 9

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Today we have two great braille resources for you.  Our Weekly Dose of Braille and a Braille Bits Podcast.  Enjoy!

Braille Bits:  Lesson 9 Podcast

Braille Bits is a correspondence-guided class conducted by the Library, providing braille lessons online or by mail.  This podcast highlights each Braille Bits lesson and features an interview with a special guest to discuss all things braille.  Check out the Braille Bits page for more information. 

Join us for a great conversation with Karly Prinds, Orientation Center Home Management Instructor, and Nami Wallace, Orientation Center Instructor, as they discuss braille and review Braille Bits Lesson 9 which focuses on strong groupsigns (ar, ed, er, gh, ow and ing).

Weekly Dose of Braille

We encounter a lot of pictures, both in textbooks worksheets, not to mention books. Actually pictures are everywhere, as one would say pictures are worth a 1,000 words, but wait… stop, when reproducing a tactile or making a decision around reproducing is important, or do you reproduce a tactile at all?

New Weekly Dose: When a Tactile Graphic Is Not Produced

For more information and to see past Weekly Dose of Braille topics check out our Weekly Dose of Braille Page.

The Weekly Dose of Braille is created by our Braille Transcriber, Denise Bean, with the help of our Instructional Materials team. It gives you a taste of braille examples that may be used in worksheets or textbook formatting. This insightful Weekly Dose of Braille brings your attention to the common use of Unified English Braille and how to implement these rules and formats used by braille transcribers and proofreaders. It is a miscellaneous mixture of tricky, sometimes challenging circumstances, that a braille transcriber may come across or question, but are neatly put into a Weekly Dose of Braille for your easy access. Provided each week is a downloadable PDF file on each topic, a brf file can also be made available for your convenience.

May and June Trainings from the IMC

sarahwillefordidb IMC Information, Webinars

May Trainings

Here is a list of upcoming trainings for Paraeducators, Associates and Educators.  These classes will be held in our Zoom classroom and conducted by IMC Staff.  Once you have registered you will receive login information.

Introduction to the Library and the Instructional Materials Center
Tuesday, May 5th 9:00am – 10:00am
Learn more about the resources the Library and the Instructional Materials Center have to offer both students and educators.
Register Here

Ask the Instructional Materials Center Team
Friday, May 8th 9:00am – 10:00am
Join us to hear about the resources and services the Instructional Materials Center provides, and ask the IMC Team your questions.
Register Here

Universal Design is Good Design
Tuesday, May 12th 9:00am – 10:00am
Learn the basics of UDL (Universal Design for Learning) and how you can implement it into your classroom environment, giving all students the tools to be successful from the start.
Register Here

Making Documents Accessible
Thursday, May 14th 9:00am – 10:00am
Learn about basics of making Word and Google documents accessible, such as headings, links, and alt-text.
Register Here

Learning Management Systems and Accessibility
Tuesday, May 19th 9:00am – 10:00am
A look at Learning Management Systems, Google Classroom and Canvas, and best practices to make them usable for all students with UDL and accessibility features.
Register Here

Introducing Screen Readers
Thursday, May 21st 9:00am – 10:00am
Learn how to get your student started using a screen reader in the classroom.  We will go over different screen readers and how to download, set them up, and some basic uses to get you started with your student.
Register Here

June Paraeducator and Associate Training

We know more than most the important role that paraeducators and associates play in successful student learning.  We want to help make sure that you have the information you need to make that success happen.

The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled is accepting registrations for a two–week training opportunity (approximately 15 hours) held Monday – Friday.  This is an incredible chance to sharpen your skills in a short amount of time.  To make these learning advancements even more convenient, trainings will be available the Spring and Summer of 2020.  These instructional sessions work within a 1-hour class using a Zoom classroom and will include some “homework” outside of class. The training will focus on topics related to accessible educational materials.

Topics will include; ordering materials in alternative formats for students, braille, Universal Design for Learning, creating accessible documents, screen readers, and information about the Instructional Materials Center.  A $200.00 stipend will be available to those who successfully complete the training.

2020 Paraeducator and Associate Summer Training
June 8 – June 19
9:00am – 10:00am
Zoom Classroom
Registration for Summer due by Friday, June 4th  4:30pm

Registration for 2020 Summer Training

For more about the Iowa Department for the Blind, the Library and the Instructional Materials Center visit us here:
Iowa Department for the Blind
Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Library – Instructional Materials Center

For more information contact:
Sarah Willeford
Library Director, Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Iowa Department for the Blind
sarah.willeford@blind.state.ia.us
515-494-8439 L