From the Desk of Debra Leff

The Weekly

From the Desk of Debra Leff

Date: November 17, 2016

Revised form:The revised "Consent to Release Information" formis now posted on the TSBVI web site in English (Spanish coming soon). You can locate it at: form must be signed every year in order to sharestudent information with other agencies. I would just try and get these new ones signed when you have ARD meetings.I have changed the link on our website as well. While you are there, check out the “FAQ on Deafblind Child Count” video at if you have questions on that census. There are some corrections being made on the VI Reg site, so wait and look at that when you return.

Free Brl books:APH’s Braille Tales program, the partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides free print-braille books for blind and visually impaired preschoolers (5 and under). Women at the Kentucky Correctional Institute transcribe the books and attach the labels. They are working to expand their readership. Fill in the attached application if you are interested.

Press Release on CHEAP computers: Computers for the Blind (CFTB) is pleased to announcea substantial grant from the Reading Resource fund, Communities Foundation of Texas to provide almost 700 computers topersons on SSDI and/or SSI.

1. Consumers who are on SSDI and/or SSDI can receive a desktop computer package (desktop computer, flat screen monitor, and peripherals') for $50 or a laptop for $70. Award letter from SSA required.
2. Parents of a childwith a visual impairment may receivea desktop computer package (desktop computer, flat screen monitor, and peripherals') for $50 or a laptop for $70. A letter of recommendation fromthe student’s Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) is required. The letterneeds to indicate that obtaining a computer at our standard price of $110 would create a financial burden on the family. No other financial information needed. The TVI also needs to indicate that the studentneeds a computer and is capable of benefiting from the computer.Note: We have discovered that a child who can press the space bar may be able use a computerwith proper training, special software, and USB connections.See attached.

NOTE: All computers have a 2 year warranty. CFTB now accepts credit and debit cards or Pay-Pal. Talking Typing Teacher is available from MarvelSoft for $10 through this grant. Contact: Customer service:214-340-6328, leaveone message only.Staff will get back to you within two business days.

Kayaking was awesome! Thanks for sending kids our way! See pix attached.

Have a lovely Thanksgiving holiday!

P.S. a few of us will still be moping around…

Debra Leff, M.Ed.

Education Specialist for Students with Visual Impairments

5701 Springdale Rd.

Austin, TX 78723

512-919-5354