I agree this is a wonderful organization for learners and TVIs in developing
countries, and I commend the folks behind it.
Kevin: There are too many countries that a resource-deprived for educating
their special populations. Even some of those countries that are endowed
with resources have misplaced priorities when it comes to educating and
rehabilitating people with disabilities.
The concept and scope of Brl Box should be expanded to include other
instructional resources, and TVIs and rehab specialists in those countries
should be helped, too. For example, we could donate unsold journals, surplus
or exam copies of textbooks, AT devices no longer used, refurbished O&M
canes, slates and styli, etc.
Of course, we understand that not every agency or school could support such
a cause because of taxpayers' restrictions; however, those able should do
so, rather than shipping their unused functional devices, books, etc. to the
landfills.
As part of international service engagement at my university, I do request
for donated ink print textbooks and journals, which I then ship to deserving
universities, special schools and centers in low-income countries. The
American Foundation for the Blind, the Association for Education and
Rehabilitation of the Blind, Ambutech in Winnipeg, CustomCanes in
Nashville, and several individuals have been quite supportive of this cause.
From: Intlglobal [mailto:intlglobal-bounces@lists.aerbvi.org] On Behalf Of
Kevin D McCormack
Sent: Monday, November 6, 2017 12:17 PM
To: Intlglobal@lists.aerbvi.org
Subject: [Intlglobal] BrlBOX
"BrlBOX was created to connect teachers across the world to provide
materials to students who are blind and visually impaired in countries that
have less access to educational materials."
http://www.brlbox.com/
This is a neat idea. At this point this organization focuses on the
Federated States of Micronesia but I wonder if it would be helpful in other
contexts. Do any of you have experience in providing instructional materials
to places that had little to no access?
Kevin McCormack, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
PhD Student in Global Inclusion and Social Development
University of Massachusetts Boston
I agree this is a wonderful organization for learners and TVIs in developing
countries, and I commend the folks behind it.
Kevin: There are too many countries that a resource-deprived for educating
their special populations. Even some of those countries that are endowed
with resources have misplaced priorities when it comes to educating and
rehabilitating people with disabilities.
The concept and scope of Brl Box should be expanded to include other
instructional resources, and TVIs and rehab specialists in those countries
should be helped, too. For example, we could donate unsold journals, surplus
or exam copies of textbooks, AT devices no longer used, refurbished O&M
canes, slates and styli, etc.
Of course, we understand that not every agency or school could support such
a cause because of taxpayers' restrictions; however, those able should do
so, rather than shipping their unused functional devices, books, etc. to the
landfills.
As part of international service engagement at my university, I do request
for donated ink print textbooks and journals, which I then ship to deserving
universities, special schools and centers in low-income countries. The
American Foundation for the Blind, the Association for Education and
Rehabilitation of the Blind, Ambutech in Winnipeg, CustomCanes in
Nashville, and several individuals have been quite supportive of this cause.
From: Intlglobal [mailto:intlglobal-bounces@lists.aerbvi.org] On Behalf Of
Kevin D McCormack
Sent: Monday, November 6, 2017 12:17 PM
To: Intlglobal@lists.aerbvi.org
Subject: [Intlglobal] BrlBOX
"BrlBOX was created to connect teachers across the world to provide
materials to students who are blind and visually impaired in countries that
have less access to educational materials."
http://www.brlbox.com/
This is a neat idea. At this point this organization focuses on the
Federated States of Micronesia but I wonder if it would be helpful in other
contexts. Do any of you have experience in providing instructional materials
to places that had little to no access?
Kevin McCormack, COMS
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist
PhD Student in Global Inclusion and Social Development
University of Massachusetts Boston
