Newsletter: 2019 May

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Independence Science Newsletter

May 2019

Published and distributed by Independence Science

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     Note for Robert Jaquiss, press #4.

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Robert Jaquiss, Editor

From The Editor

     Happy May!

Please see the announcements:

  • New Talking LabQuest is here!
  • Independence Science has a new redesigned web page, please check it out.

New Sci-Voice Talking LabQuest v2 is here!

Independence Science is pleased to announce that we now have a new Talking LabQuest. The new Talking LabQuest v2 replaces our previous version.

  • The introductory pricing for upgrading from an older LabQuest 2: $295 per unit. Customers will need to ship their units back to us along with payment. We will then return the unit back to them free of charge. We will also check their unit for any hardware issues that may have come up.
  • The introductory price of a new Talking LabQuest 2 package will be $2195. For now the sensors offered are the same, this could change in the future.

The new TLQ2 v2 features:

  • Audio graph sonification.
  • Real-time tone meter.
  • More extended useful resources folder.
  • Easy to use high contrast feature to support low vision users.
  • Support for Bluetooth capable Vernier sensors.
  • New O’haus balances with USB connector kit.
  • Multi-language capability for an additional fee in the following languages: (Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese)

For more information, please check the Independence Science website.

Consulting Services

Independence Science offers consulting services. We will provide training

on an individual or group basis for faculty teaching STEM classes to students who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, please contact Independence Science.

ISLAND 2019

We are making plans for the ISLAND 2019 conference. This year the conference will be held in Huntsville, AL October 4-5. abstract submissions are now being accepted for ISLAND 2019. Please provide title, no more than 10 words, author information and affiliation, along with an abstract not to exceed 150 words. E-mail this in a Word document to [email protected]. Please watch this newsletter for more information.

Announcements

     The following announcements are STEM and education related. Independence Science reprints this information as we receive it. We make no warranty as to the accuracy of these items although we will endeavor to only print legitimate items. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. We will also repeat some announcements such as scholarships etc. until the opportunities expire. Please note that scholarship programs have a number of requirements. Do not delay if you intend to apply.

SciAccess  Conference

SciAccess is an international conference that will explore the ways in which STEAM can be made more accessible for all. SciAccess will be taking place on June 28 and 29, 2019, at The Ohio State University.

The conference will feature keynote speakers Dr. Temple Grandin, renowned autism advocate, and Anousheh Ansari, the first female private space explorer. For more information see the site: https://www.sciaccess.org/

NFB-BELL Programs

     Various affiliates of the National Federation of the Blind will be holding BELL (Braille Enrichment Literacy and Learning) programs next summer. These programs are for children ages 4-12. For more information, see the site: http://www.nfb.org/bell.

Application period for NFB EQ is open now

The application period for NFB EQ is open now

Summer opportunity for teens! Explore and connect this summer, June 16-22, 2019. Join the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) at our NFB Engineering Quotient (EQ) program. NFB EQ is a week-long adventure into engineering and problem-solving. No specific level of engineering experience required. Engage in activities designed to strengthen knowledge and grow interests. Connect with the twenty-nine other teen participants while also exploring the local community and participating in various recreational activities. Enriched experiences, new friendships, more independence. Apply for NFB EQ Now!

http://www.blindscience.org/nfbeq

Have questions? Email

[email protected].

NASA Internships

NASA is again offering internships to high school and college students. A mailing list is available:

If you would like to subscribe to an announcement-only list about NASA internships for persons with disabilities, please send an E-mail to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> with ‘subscribe’ in the Subject field, OR by visiting the list page at http://www.freelists.org/list/nasainterns

Technical Tips

     The following technical tips are offered in hopes they may be of use. Due to the many possible variations in PCs and equipment, Independence Science cannot be responsible for any undesirable outcomes.

  1. For many of us, a classic Perkins brailler is still an essential tool. If you need to get yours repaired, here is a link to a list of brailler repair services: https://nfb.org/braillewriter-repair-resource-list.
  2. Warning! Independence Science strongly advises all iS current and future customers to not upgrade the operating system on their Sci-Voice Talking LabQuest 2 device without being notified by Independence Science. There are other versions of operating systems that are not compatible with the text-to-speech features of Sci-Voice Talking LabQuest. Therefore, we strongly advise all ISci customers to not upgrade the OS on your device without prior notification. Failure to do so will likely disable the text-to-speech on your device.

     Please send comments and suggestions to me at: [email protected].