SCOOP FROM THE GROUP – April 28 – May 4, 2024
Please remember, if you wish to include your events in future releases, to use the revised form and send your requests to SCOOP at scoop@viadvocates.org no later than Wednesday prior to weekend. SCOOP will be published on Sunday. This will ensure that your events will be announced on Sight into Sound radio. Remember to include the name and telephone number of the primary contact for each event or your announcement won’t be included on the broadcast. Any items received in any other form will be returned to you for proper formatting. Please share this information with other relevant individuals in your group.
Everyone is encouraged to access the weekly newsletter, Scoop from the Group, via www.viadvocates.org to remain apprised of all official information from the VIA Board. If you have questions, feel free to contact any of the Board members listed below for clarification and/or updates.
BOARD & COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
President, Hospitality, and Communication Chairs
Talana Townsend talana.townsend@gmail.com
1st Vice President and Public Relations Chair
Gayle Metoyer metoyer903@comcast.net
2nd Vice President and Fundraising Chair
Paul Williams, Sr. pmwilliamssr@gmail.com
Secretary Leona Jeffery bichon989@yahoo.com
Treasurer Rodney Broussard rbroussard@bffinances.com
Membership Kenetia Williams ladyk61210@gmail.com
Advocacy Chair OPEN POSITION
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
EVENTS
EVENT: ADOPT A GRANDPARENT Sponsored by Collaboratory for Aging Resources and Education (CARE) and the University of Houston-Downtown Center for Public Service and Community Research
Date: Immediately
Time:
Details: The Next Generation Needs You!!! Help college students see your generation in a whole new light. Adopt a Grandparent will match you with a college student who wants to learn about life as you see it.
Participating Programs: Americorps Seniors – Foster Grandparents & Americorps – Senior Companions;
Houston Council of the Blind (HCB); Lone Star Living; Montrose Center SPRY Program; Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA); YMCA of Greater Houston Senior Program; YWCA Houston Centers for Seniors Life; Meals on Wheels
Call CARE 346-704-4233 to sign up or talk with Gayle Metoyer at 281-794-2012 for more information. Thank you WellMed Foundation and the University of Houston–Downtown for making Adopt-a-Grandparent possible!
Host Organization: Collaboratory for Aging Resources and Education (CARE) and the University of Houston-Downtown Center for Public Service and Community Research
Location:
Costs: FREE
Deadline: N/A
Contact Name: Gayle Metoyer
Contact Phone Number: 281-794-2012
Contact Email: metoyer903@comcast.net
EVENT: Camp Cullen: Retreat Location
Date: Thursday, February 8, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Details: Attention Houston’s Blind & Visually Impaired Community!
The Lighthouse of Houston is inviting YOU to join us for the Grand Opening of our newly developed complimentary community Computer Lab on February 1st from 10 AM to 12 PM! We will have light refreshments and our trained staff and volunteers will provide demonstrations and tours of our technology education and training department. Please RSVP atraining@HoustonLighthouse.org to secure your spot.
We are thrilled about offering the community of people who are blind and or low vision complementary access to our newly developed computer lab. The lab is located on the second floor of the main facility at 3602 W Dallas Street. Lab hours are Monday through Friday between 9 AM to 3 PM. Users must check-in with the front desk receptionist located on the first level of the main entrance.
This computer lab is specifically designed to provide access to state-of-the-art assistive technology and equipment. Whether you’re a tech whiz or just getting started, this lab is the perfect place to practice what you’ve learned or master your essential computer skills such as web browsing, typing, basic computer functions, keyboard commands and much more.
Our focus is to provide an environment that encourages individuals to connect with the internet and explore the vast world of information and opportunity it offers. By utilizing technology, you can gain confidence and independence, opening a whole new world for yourself. You’ll be able to meet new people and build a supportive community in a welcoming environment.
The computer lab will have screen readers, magnification software and hardware, adaptive keyboards, input devices, including braille displays and free Wi-Fi internet access. Our supportive, trained staff and volunteers are available for questions.
If you have any questions about the lab or are interested in volunteering in the computer lab to support the blind and low vision community, please contact Training@HoustonLighthouse.org or call us at: 713-527-9561, Option 5.
Please feel free to Share with your friends and family who might be interested! Together, let’s build a more inclusive Houston where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Host Organization: Lighthouse of Houston
Address: 3602 West Dallas, Houston, TX 77019
Cost: Not given
Deadline: RSVP atraining@HoustonLighthouse.org to secure your spot
Contact Name: Lighthouse of Houston
Contact Number: 713-527-9561, Option 5
Contact Email: Training@HoustonLighthouse.org
SPECIAL EVENT: Mayor Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD): MMSC Survey in Spanish
Date: Ongoing
Time: Ongoing
Details: Please complete this survey if you wish to provide input on the tentative plans for a potential MMSC Renovation Project. All data collected will be used to provide city planners with community input and feedback. Please turn completed forms in at the front desk to be put in the MOPD mailbox or handed directly to an MOPD staff member. For any questions or concerns regarding this survey, please contact Kayla Cochrane at kayla.cochrane@houstontx.gov or call/text to 346-516-5459. The information to be completed is below in English and Spanish
Name (Nombre):
Email (Correo electrónico):
Phone Number (Número de teléfono):
Zip Code (Código postal):
Questions will be in English and Spanish.
Question 1. Multi-choice Question (Pregunta 1. Pregunta de opción múltiple.)
How many times per week do you visit MMSC? (¿Cuántas veces por semana visitas MMSC?)
Daily, A few times a week, A few times a month, or Occasionally for Events. (Diariamente, algunas veces a la semana, algunas veces al mes, u ocasionalmente para eventos.)
Question 2. Multi-choice Question. (Pregunta 2. Pregunta de opción múltiple.)
What part of the facility do you use the most? (¿Qué parte de las instalaciones utiliza más?)
Basketball Courts, Fitness Room, Activity Rooms, Pool, Outdoor Space, or Other. (Canchas de baloncesto, gimnasio, salas de actividades, piscina, espacio al aire libre, u otros.)
Question 3. Open Ended Question. (Pregunta 3. Pregunta abierta.)
What areas of the facility do you think need the most improvements? (¿Qué áreas de las instalaciones cree que necesitan más mejoras?)
Question 4. Open Ended Question. (Pregunta 4. Pregunta abierta.)
What accessibility barriers do you face when using the MMSC facilities? (¿Qué barreras de accesibilidad enfrenta al utilizar las instalaciones del MMSC?)
Question 5. Open Ended Question. (Pregunta 5. Pregunta abierta.)
What community resources would you like to have available at MMSC on a regular basis? (¿Qué recursos comunitarios le gustaría tener disponibles en MMSC de forma regular?)
Question 6. Open Ended Question. (Pregunta 6. Pregunta abierta.)
What questions do you have regarding a potential MMSC renovation project? (¿Qué preguntas tiene sobre un posible proyecto de renovación de MMSC?)
Question 7. Multiple Choice Questions. (Pregunta 7. Preguntas de opción múltiple.)
How do you prefer to receive future communications about this potential project? (¿Cómo prefiere recibir futuras comunicaciones sobre este potencial proyecto?)
Host Organization: Mayor Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)
Location: City of Houston Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (MMSC)
Address: 1475 W. Gray Street, Houston, TX 77019
Costs: None
Deadline: None
Contact Name: Kayla Cochrane, Community Engagement Coordinator
Contact Number: 346-516-5459
Contact Email: kayla.cochrane@houstontx.gov
Website: Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities – MMSC Expansion Project Survey (houstontx.gov)
Facebook: https://www/facebook.com/HoustonMOPD
SPECIAL OFFER: Computers for the Blind (CFTB): Laptop Discounts
Date of Event: Current
Time: N/A
Details: Computers for the Blind (CFTB) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide for the community of the blind and visually impaired. We do this by providing affordable, accessible refurbished computers and training. Computers are delivered right to the doorstep with JAWS or ZOOM Text ready to go.
Our solutions empower individuals to lead an independent and connected life, opening up life-long opportunities for employment and digital equity.
WINDOWS 10 LAPTOP CONFIGURATION
Our standard laptop price is $200 and includes:
8 GB RAM
256 GB SSD
14-inch screen
1-year free license of JAWS or ZOOM Text
Upgrades available for an additional cost
WINDOWS 11 LAPTOP CONFIGURATION–Standard laptop price will be $100 which includes the $150 discount. Upgrades available for an additional cost.
SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER
For a limited time, individuals can receive discounts off our standard laptop price of $200–$150 OFF—while supplies last!!! Customers pay for any upgrades.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
SSI, SSDI, SSA
Learn more: www.computersfortheblind.org
Host Organization: Computers for the Blind (CFTB)
Deadline: Not given
Cost: see message within
Contact Name: Computers for the Blind (CFTB)
Contact Number: 214-340-6328
Contact Email: info@computersfortheblind.org
SAVE THE DATE EVENT: iBUG $500 Tech Shopping Spree
Date of Event: Wednesday, May 1 through Friday, May 24, 2024
Time: N/A
Details: How would you like to go on a $500 shopping spree to get that new smart speaker, headphones, charger, keyboard, or other tech device? For a donation of only $10, you will be entered into iBUG Today’s drawing for a $500 Gift Card to your choice of the Apple, Google, or Amazon Store to use any way you like. Increase your chances by purchasing 6 tickets for $50!
iBUG will be holding the drawing at our 13th Anniversary iBUG Apple Workshop on May 25, 2024, 2:00 to 4:00 PM Central Time. Winner need not be present.
Purchase tickets via the following methods. Be sure to include your phone number, email, and the words “iBUG Shopping Spree” in the notes section of your payment.
1. Credit card, debit card or PayPal® account
2. Square Cash App on your smartphone ($iBUG Today)
3. Send check or money order to: iBUG Today, 4719 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004.
Host Organization: The iBug Today Team
Deadline: Not given
Cost: 1 ticket, $10 OR 6 tickets, $50
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Number:
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATE EVENT: ZOOM Yoga
Date of Event: Beginning Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Details: Greetings HCB members and friends!!! After a long search, we have a volunteer Yoga instructor. This class will be done on ZOOM and will begin this Wednesday, March 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. The instructor would like for you to have your camera on, but this is not mandatory. Please let me know if you are interested in joining us and I will send you the ZOOM link prior to Wednesday. Please feel free to share with others in the blind community.
Host Organization: Houston Council of the Blind (HCB)
Location: ZOOM Platform
Address: ZOOM Platform
Deadline: N/A
Cost: No given
Contact Name: Gayle Metoyer
Contact Number: 281-794-2012
Contact Email: metoyer903@comcast.net
SAVE THE DATE EVENT: Houston Council of the Blind (HCB): HCB Yard Sale Fundraiser–CANCELLED
Date of Event: Saturday, May 4, 2024–CANCELLED
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Central Time–CANCELLED
Details: Greetings HCB members and friends! Due to the increment weather this week, HCB has cancelled the YARD Sale for Saturday. Please stay tuned for the re-scheduled date. Also, please share this with others that may not be on the list. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
Below you will find information about our Huge Yard Sale. Please share with your family and friends.
SHOES, CLOTHES, PURSES, JEWELRY FURNITURE
TOYS, DOLLS, CRAFTS, SCHOOL SUPPLIES ADULT WALKERS, DIAPERS, LIFT
CHAIRS, TABLES, SOFAS LINEN
DISHES, POTS, PANS, MUGS, BOWLS BATHROOM DECOR
DUVETS CONFORTERS SHEET — FLAT & FITTED WALL DECORS, FRAMES, MIRRORS
ELECTRONICS, CLOCKS, BIKES PHOTO FRAMES AND ALBUM
The list goes on and on. YARD SALE OF THE YEAR!!! And the bargains are unbelievable!!! Come out and support the cause. Bring your friends and family. Something for everyone–all ages and sizes. You name it and we have it!!!
Host Organization: Houston Council of the Blind (HCB)
Location: Houston Council of the Blind (HCB) Fundraising Committee
Address: 17718 Mossforest Drive, Houston, TX 77090
Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Contact Name:
Contact Number:
Contact Email:
SAVE THE DATE EVENT: VISUALLY IMPAIRED ADVOCATES (VIA): “PAMPER A QUEEN” MOTHER’S DAY BASKET RAFFLE
Date of Event: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 noon Central Standard
Details: Thursday, May 9, meeting will be held as usual. Come join us as we raffle off our “PAMPER A QUEEN” MOTHER’S DAY basket valued at $200 to some well-deserving queen. A queen is beautiful, strong, courageous, individual well deserving of special care and recognition. By purchasing a $10 ticket or 6 tickets for $50, you may win this awesome basket for your queen. Drawing will be held Thursday, May 9, and you need not be present to win. Tickets are being sold until the drawing date and may be purchased from any VIA Board member–Talana, Gayle, Paul, Kenetia, Jackie, or Rodney.
Host Organization: VISUALLY IMPAIRED ADVOCATES (VIA)
Location: City of Houston Metropolitan Multiservice Center (MMSC) and ZOOM Conference Platform
Address: 1475 W. Gray, Houston, TX 77019 and ZOOM Conference Platform
Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Contact Name: Paul Williams, Sr., Fundraising Chair
Contact Number:
Contact Email: pmwilliamssr@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATE EVENT: Houston Council of the Blind (HCB): HCB Blingo
Date of Event: Friday, May 31, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Time
Details: Come join HCB for BLINGO! What is BLINGO?? This is a form of BINGO with tactile items designed especially for the blind and visually impaired. This event will be held at the Metropolitan Multiservice Center which is located at 1475 West Gray Houston, TX 77019. Stay tuned for further details.
Host Organization: Houston Council of the Blind (HCB)
Location: City of Houston Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (MMSC)
Address: 1475 West Gray Street, Houston, TX 77019
Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Contact Name: Gayle Metoyer
Contact Number:
Contact Email: metoyer903@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATE EVENT: Blindness and Mental Health Summit
Date: Friday, June 14, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Details: Join us for the first annual Blindness and Mental Health Summit! The Summit is the largest online gathering of organizations and consumers sharing information, resources, and services focusing on mental health in the blindness, low vision, and disability communities.
Registration is free! Speakers and exhibitors will be announced soon. Please click the link below to register:
Click Here to Register
To learn more, please click here to visit our website. If you have any questions, please send us an email.
Host Organization: Accessible Pharmacy Services, LLC
Address:
Costs: Not given
Deadline: Not given
Contact Name:
Contact Number: 1-888-633-7007
Contact Email: info@accessiblepharmacy.com
Website: please click here to visit our website
SAVE THE DATE EVENT: 2024 Houston Community White Cane Safety Day (HCWCSD) English and Spanish
Date of Event: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Cuándo: Sábado 12 de octubre de 2024
Time: TBA
Details: 2024 Houston Community White Cane Safety Day Awareness, Independence, and Mobility (AIM). More information coming soon.
Informacion interna: 2024 Día de celebración y seguridad del bastón blanco con la comunidad de Houston Conciencia, Independencia y Movilidad (AIM) Por sus siglas en inglés. Más información próximamente.
Location: City of Houston Metropolitan Multi-Service Center
Ubicación: Metropolitan Multiservice Center
Address/Direcion: 1475 W. Gray Street, Houston, TX 77019
EVENT: SIGHT INTO SOUND (SIS): APRIL MOVIES
Date of Event: Month of April
Time: Saturday night at 10 p.m.; Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Details: The movies for April are as follows:
Saturday Night, April 27, 2024 at 10 p.m. The Green Mile–25th Anniversary 3 hr 9 min)
Sunday Afternoon, April 28, 2024 at 2 p.m. Sabrina–70th Anniversary (1 hr 53 min)
Also, below is a listing of books that are read for the Book Hour (there are some good ones!):
Morning Book Hour -Weekday mornings at 11 am
April 26 – May 16 Horse – by Geraldine Brooks – 15 hours
Nighttime Book Hour -Weeknights at 11 pm
April 25 – May 17 Ready Player Two – by Ernest Klein – 17 hours
For additional information, please contact Kari Musgrove, Executive Director, Sight Into Sound (SIS).
Host Organization: SIGHT INTO SOUND
Location:
Address:
Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/G
Contact Name: Kari Musgrove
Contact Number: 713-622-2767
Contact Email: kari.musgrove@sightintosound.org
Website: Sightintosound.org
EVENT: iBUG Night at the Virtual Movies
Date of Event: Friday, May 3, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM
Details: Join us for Virtual Movie with the iBUG family. Facilitated by Michael McCulloch and Sandhya Rao. You may join in starting at 7:15 PM for the pre-movie social time with song games, jokes, and plenty of argle-bargle. Discussion and trivia will follow immediately after the movie. iBUG Night at the Virtual Movies is the audio track (no video) with audio description. Please share with others.
Feature: Forrest Gump (1994)
Rating: R;, 2 hr 22 min; drama, romance
Storyline: Forrest Gump is a simple man with a low I.Q. but good intentions. He is running through childhood with his best and only friend Jenny. His ‘mama’ teaches him the ways of life and leaves him to choose his destiny. Forrest joins the army for service in Vietnam, finding new friends called Dan and Bubba, he wins medals, creates a famous shrimp fishing fleet, inspires people to jog, starts a ping-pong craze, creates the smiley, writes bumper stickers and songs, donates to people and meets the president several times. However, this is all irrelevant to Forrest who can only think of his childhood sweetheart Jenny Curran, who has messed up her life. Although in the end all he wants to prove is that anyone can love anyone.
Director(s): Robert Zemeckis
Writer(s): Winston Groom, Eric Roth
Star(s): Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
Award(s): Won 6 Oscars, 51 wins & 74 nominations total
Review: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/forrest-gump-1994
Join the Zoom meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/7428486329?pwd=M003RmZaa3pTbWRlZ00xbSs4YTlmUT09
One tap mobile from a smartphone: +13462487799,,7428486329#,,,,*369978# US
Dial from a landline: +1 346 248 7799 US
Meeting ID: 742 848 6329, Password: 369978
Contact Name: Sandhya Rao
Contact Email: sraotexas@gmail.com
EVENT: iBUG Unplugged: It’s Mere Child’s Play
Date of Event: May 4, 2024
Time: 8:00 to 10:00 PM
Details: Come join us for this month’s episode of iBUG Unplugged as we look back on those days when playing was an official part of our childhood job description. Whether you’re 20 or 120, we want to hear about the board games, toys, video games, skates, bicycles, ball games, make-believe sessions and anything else that was an essential part of your playtime as a kid. This iBUG Unplugged conversation will be facilitated by Michael McCulloch.
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
EVENT: iBUG Mac Buzz
Date of Event: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Time: 5:00 to 6:00 PM
Details: Mac Buzz is a free Q&A help session for anyone with MacOS and Mac hardware accessibility questions or issues. Mac Buzz is facilitated by advanced iBUG member, Herbie Allen. Note: iBUG Mac Buzz has moved from the Clubhouse app to the iBUG Zoom platform.
Contact Name: Herbie Allen
Contact Email: herbie.allen@gmail.com
EVENT: VISUALLY IMPAIRED ADVOCATES: SUPPORT GROUP
Date of Event: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon Central Standard
Details: Come join us our Thursday, May 9 meeting. We will have a speaker from METRO speaking about changes to be implemented and we ask you to please set your pickups for 12:00 p.m. Alos, beginning Thursday, May 9, we will have a Blind Zumba class at the MMSC from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Protocol for VIA In-Person Support Group meetings is as follows:
1. Must wear mask upon entering meeting room and throughout meeting
2. Will meet in-person on the first through third Thursdays of each month. Fourth Thursday will be an off day. NOTE: If a month has five Thursdays, meeting will be held on the fifth Thursday at West Gray.
Meetings will also be held on ZOOM for those uncomfortable with returning to in-person meetings. Looking forward to seeing you!
Join ZOOM Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4138244331
Host Organization: VISUALLY IMPAIRED ADVOCATES (VIA)
Location: City of Houston Metropolitan Multiservice Center (MMSC) and ZOOM Conference Platform
Address: 1475 W. Gray, Houston, TX 77019 and ZOOM Conference Platform
Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Contact Name: Gayle Metoyer
Contact Number:
Contact Email: metoyer903@gmail.com
EVENT: The Lighthouse of Houston Choir
Date of Event: Thursday, May 9, 2023
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time
Details: Rehearsal is held on every Thursday. Come join us, the Lighthouse of Houston Choir. Yes, we are back! If you enjoy singing, or you want to sing, we invite you to come out on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Activity Center. We are practicing for the fall and holiday season. For more information, contact the number below. Looking forward to seeing you!!!
Host Organization: The Lighthouse of Houston
Location: The Lighthouse of Houston Activity Center
Address: 3602 West Dallas, Houston, TX 77019
Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Contact Name:
Contact Number: 713-527-9561
Contact Email:
EVENT: iBUG VILA Book Club
Date of Event: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Details: Join us to discuss and critique this month’s featured reading:
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, DB110786
Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia. It’s the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. In a plot that never pauses for breath, relayed in his own unsparing voice, he braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses. Through all of it, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture where even the superheroes have abandoned rural people in favor of cities. Many generations ago, Charles Dickens wrote David Copperfield from his experience as a survivor of institutional poverty and its damages to children in his society. Those problems have yet to be solved in ours. Dickens is not a prerequisite for readers of this novel, but he provided its inspiration. In transposing a Victorian epic novel to the contemporary American South, Barbara Kingsolver enlists Dickens’ anger and compassion, and above all, his faith in the transformative powers of a good story. Demon Copperhead speaks for a new generation of lost boys, and all those born into beautiful, cursed places they can’t imagine leaving behind. 21 hours, 6 minutes
Facilitator: Sarah Potok
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
EVENT: Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH): Art Beyond Sight
Date of Event: Saturday, May 11, 2023
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Details: The next Art Beyond Sight program at the MFAH will take place Saturday, May 11th, 11AM-12:30PM. To RSVP, please send an email to cstorie@mfah.org listing the names of all the attendees in your group.
As always, we will meet in the lobby of the Museum’s Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main Street. This is the building at the corner of Main and Bissonnet with the large drive-through porte cochere. Metro Lift, Uber, etc. can pull through this driveway and drop you off at the building’s front entrance.
To RSVP, please send an email to cstorie@mfah.org listing the names of all the attendees in your group.
SPECIAL NOTES:
If you need parking: We strongly encourage you to use the Museum garage located at 1144 Binz Street. There is a $6 fee to park in the garage; however, you will have direct access to the Museum and the Beck Building without needing to cross the street.
Museum café: Museum staff/docents will NOT be able to escort groups to the café after the program. Please keep in this mind as you make your plans for the day.
If I can answer any questions or provide any additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Host Organization: Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH): Art Beyond Sight
Location: Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)
Address: Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main Street, Houston, TX 77004
Deadline: RSVP an email to cstorie@mfah.org listing the names of all the attendees in your group
Cost: N/A
Contact Name: Callie Storie, Interpretation Specialist
Contact Number: 713-639-7586
Contact Email: cstorie@mfah.org
EVENT: iBUG Café–Note day change for this month only
Date of Event: Saturday, May 11, 2024 (Note day change for this month only)
Time: 4:00 to 5:30 PM
Details: Join us for this free “deep dive” training session on editing text in various apps on the iPhone. The iBUG Café training session is facilitated by advanced iBUG member, Sree Roy.
Contact Name: Sree Roy
Contact Email: sreebroy1@outlook.com
EVENT: iBUG Mini-Buzz
Date of Event: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Time: 5:00 to 6:00 PM
Details: This free Q&A help session is for anyone with iOS and iDevice (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV) accessibility questions or issues. The iBUG Mini-Buzz is facilitated by Michael McCulloch and Sandhya Rao. Note: iBUG Mini-Buzz has moved from the Clubhouse app to the iBUG Zoom platform.
Contact Name: Sandhya Rao
Contact Email: sraotexas@gmail.com
EVENT: iBUG Android Insight
Date of Event: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Details: Do you want to know about the accessibility features of Android devices? Do you want to know how Android devices are different from Apple devices? Do you want to become more proficient using an Android device? If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then come join us for our free iBUG Android Insight training session, facilitated by iBUG advanced members, Ava Carruth and Harshid Trivedi. Android Insight is open to anyone desiring to become more proficient with the accessibility features on various Android devices.
Contact Name: Ava Carruth
Contact Email: avacarruth3@outlook.com
EVENT: iBUG Trekkie Talk: Star Trek – Deep Space 9, S1E9, S1E10
Date of Event: Thursday, May 16, 2024
Time: 8:00 to 9:30 PM
Details: Join our discussion group to pre-watch and then meet to discuss the Star Trek episodes. The iBUG Trekkie Talk discussion group is facilitated by iBUG members Kenny Norton and Jody Ianuzzi. Everyone (including non-Trekkies) is welcome to participate. For more info about Trekkie Talk, please visit the iBUG Trekkie Talk website: https://www.ibugtoday.com/trekkie-talk/
Contact Name: Sandhya Rao
Contact Email: sraotexas@gmail.com
EVENT: Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)–May Meeting
Date of Event: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Details: The next date for a Touch Tour at HMNS will be Saturday, May 18, from 10:00am-11:30am. This program is free during the allotted presentation time, but RSVPs are required.
NOTE: Touch Tours scheduled every other month (on even months) on the first Saturday of the month.
Please RSVP to me via email or phone so we know how many people to expect. Attendance may be limited. My email is mwallin@hmns.org or accessprogramming@hmns.org. My phone number is 713-639-4620. If I am away from my desk, please leave me a message with your name, email, and phone number and let me know you will be attending the May 18th Touch Tour. This event is free to attend, but parking in the Museum garage is not included. If you plan to park in the garage, you can make payment at the Box Office or as you exit the garage.
Host Organization: Houston Museum of Natural Science
Location: Houston Museum of Natural Science
Address: 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77004
Deadline: ASAP
Cost: Admission is included for the tour time frame – no cost for tour. RSVP required.
Contact Name: Matti Hammett Wallin
Contact Number: 713-639-4620
Contact Email: mwallin@hmns.org or accessprogramming@hmns.org
Website: hmns.org/access
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonMuseumOfNaturalScience
EVENT: Houston Council of the Blind (HCB): Monthly Meeting
Date of Event: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Details: Greetings HCB members!!!
Host Organization: Houston Council of the Blind (HCB)
Location: City of Houston Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (MMSC)
Address: 1475 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019
Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Contact Name: Gayle Metoyer
Contact Number:
Contact Email: metoyer903@comcast.net
EVENT: True Vision Baptist Church: Monthly Women’s Bible Study
Date of Event: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Details: The May Bible study scripture is to be determined. The conference call number is 425-535-9221 and no code is needed.
Conference call number: 425-535-9221
Host Organization: True Vision Baptist Church
Location: True Vision Baptist Church
Address: 5700 Maple Hill Drive, Houston, TX 77088
Deadline: None
Cost: N/A
Contact Name: Gayle Metoyer
Contact Number: 281-794-2012
Contact Email: metoyer903@comcast.net
EVENT: Memorial Lutheran Church: Blind Bible Study
Date of Event: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Details: Come join us for Blind Bible Study at Memorial Lutheran Church. Lunch is also provided. For more information, please call Arun Gaalla at 832-687-2840.
Host Organization: Memorial Lutheran Church
Location: Memorial Lutheran Church
Address: 5800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77057
Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Contact Name: Arun Gaalla
Contact Number: 832-687-2840
Contact Email: arun.gaalla@gmail.com
EVENT: It’s iBUG’s Life
Date of Event: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Details: It’s iBUG’s Life is a conversation on independent living and various life skills issues, adaptations, and tips for the blind. Please join us this month as we explore tips on performing in-person grocery shopping. It’s iBUG’s Life is facilitated by iBUG members, George Battiste.
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
EVENT: iBUG Apple Workshop and iDinner – Special 13th Anniversary Celebration
Date of Event: Saturday, May 25, 2024
Time: 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Details: This month’s iBUG Apple Workshop will celebrate iBUG Today’s 13th Anniversary. This will be a fun-filled event with entertainment, door prizes, games and more. And of course, we will find out who is the lucky winner of our $500 Tech Shopping Spree. The iBUG Apple Workshop is facilitated by Michael McCulloch and Sandhya Rao. In addition, for those in the Houston area, you are invited to join us at our monthly iDinner following the iBUG Apple Workshop, 5:30 to 7:30 PM, location Kim Son Downtown. RSVP required to Sandhya Rao, sraotexas@gmail.com by Noon, May 24. Dinner is self-pay.
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
EVENT: iBUG Mini-Buzz
Date of Event: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Time: 5:00 to 6:00 PM
Details: This free Q&A help session is for anyone with iOS and iDevice (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV) accessibility questions or issues. The iBUG Mini-Buzz is facilitated by Michael McCulloch and Sandhya Rao. Note: iBUG Mini-Buzz has moved from the Clubhouse app to the iBUG Zoom platform.
Contact Name: Sandhya Rao
Contact Email: sraotexas@gmail.com
EVENT: iBUG Mac-N-Talk
Date of Event: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Details: Are you thinking about getting a Mac? Are you wondering if you will be able to learn the MacOS on your own? Do you have issues or questions about the accessibility features of your Mac? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you should join us for the free iBUG Mac-N-Talk training session facilitated by advanced iBUG member, Chanelle Allen.
Contact Name: Chanelle Allen
Contact Email: chanellem.allen@gmail.com
RESOURCES
DIGNITY MEMORIAL
Date of Event: Call for details
Details: For information regarding end of life needs.
Host Organization: Dignity Memorial
Contact Name: Carla Baker
Contact Phone Number: 954-347-0071
Contact Email: carla.baker@dignitymemorial.com
GGC GROUP CORPORATION
Details: Who will take care for us when we can’t care for ourselves. What’s Your Plan????
Schedule a meeting
Host Organization: GGC Group Corporation
Contact Name: Deborah Crumbley
Contact Phone Number: Office 832-263-8314; cell 832-419-1416
Contact Email: deborah@ggcgroupcorp.com
MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Date of Event: Call for details
Details: For housing or food needs
Host Organization: Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities (MOPD)
Contact Name:
Contact Phone Number: 832-394-0814
Contact Email: mopdmail@houstontx.gov
Website: https://www.houstontx.gov/disabilities/
SPECIALIZED TELECOMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (STAP)
Date of Event: Call for details
Details: Helps people who have a disability that interferes with their access to telephone networks purchase basic specialized assistive equipment or services. STAP typically covers the cost of most phones included in our voucher categories.
Host Organization:
Contact Name: Henry Brennan
Contact Phone Number: 409-904-2368
Contact Email:
HOUSTON CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (HCIL)
Host Organization: Houston Council Independent Living (HCIL)
Contact Name:
Contact Phone Number: 713-974-4621 or 1-877-877-7082
Contact Email:
Website: hcil.cc
BAKER-RIPLEY UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Date of Event:
Details: Our Baker-Ripley Utility Assistance Program has funding available to assist eligible Harris County residents with the following:
—Up to $1,600 of assistance for electricity or gas bill paid directly to the utility provider
—Up to $1,600 of assistance with disconnection notices
—Up to $5,000 of assistance for service and repair of heating and cooling systems.
Applicants must meet the following Program Eligibility criteria:
—Reside in Harris County
—Meet Income Guidelines at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
Applications may also be requested by contacting our Utility Assistance Hotline at 713-590-2327, through United Way Helpline 2-1-1, and by going to our website https://www.bakerripley.org/services/utility-assistance-program
Host Organization: Baker-Ripley Utility Assistance Program
Contact Name: Kamila Javanshir, 281-771-9366
Contact Phone Number: 713-590-2327 or United Way Helpline 2-1-1
Contact Email: kjavanshir@bakerripley.org
Website: https://www.bakerripley.org/services/utility-assistance-program
EVENT: ANGEL EYES VIRTUAL FITNESS PROGRAM
Date of Event: Contact for day and date
Time: Contact for time
Details: Angel Eyes Fitness and Nutrition, Inc. located in Covington, GA is a 501(c)(3) established to empower and equip the Blind and Visually Impaired with specially targeted and tailored fitness and nutrition counselling programs. Several types of classes are offered to meet your needs three days out of the week. Tai chi has been added on first and third Tuesdays of every month.
Each month classes will rotate on Thursday at 11 a.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. The Monday night class is the only class remaining the same at 5:30 p.m. (CT). Classes included are Gutt and Butt Boost, Kickboxing with Toning, Boxing (Boxlates Barre–Boxing, Ballet style, Standing Pilates), Pilates with Chair Option, Werk It! Walking Fitness, Dance Fitness, Flex and Stretch, as well as Chair Fitness with Fitness Tools.
For more information, click on angeleyesfitnessandnutrition.com and register as classes are on ZOOM. If you need help registering or additional assistance, email Dawn Wells, program founder, at angeleyesfitnessandnutrition@gmail.com .
Host Organization: Angel Eyes Fitness Program
Location: VIRTUAL–ZOOM platform
Address: VIRTUAL–ZOOM platform
Deadline: Not given
Cost: Not given
Contact Name: Dawn Wells, Program Founder
Contact Number:
Contact Email: angeleyesfitnessandnutrition@gmail.com
FOR EDUCATION
National Homework Hotline for Blind and/or Visually Impaired Students
Date of Event:
Details: This ’Hotline’ is actually a ’Google Form’ but other than that the NHH-BVI reports that it is a free service for K-12 and college students in the United States. NHH-BVI responders are experienced TVIs, tutors, mentors, STEM professionals, and college students who are eager to assist blind/visually impaired. Areas of support include: JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver for MacOS and iOS devices, Nemeth and literary braille, Cranmer abacus, Refreshable braille displays, Braille notetakers, Core subject, tutoring (Math, ELA, Science, Social Studies), and Talking Scientific Calculators.
To request assistance, complete this Help Request Form, and a Hotline Responder will contact you:
National Homework Hotline-BVI Help Request Form (google.com)
Host Organization:
Contact Name: Ron Graham, President, Visually Impaired People of South East Texas (VIPSET)
Contact Phone Number:
Contact Email: rgraham@cebridge.net
Website: http://www.havintx.org/our-groups/vipset/
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Details: The Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to let you know that during the current coronavirus pandemic it continues to provide help to you and others in your community.
While offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, SSA remains committed to providing ongoing benefits and vital services. SSA remains ready and able to help you by phone with most Social Security matters and must make appointments. You can speak with a representative by calling your local Social Security office or their National 800 Number. They provide local office phone numbers conveniently online with their Social Security Office Locator.
Lastly, SSA also understands that getting medical and other documentation can be difficult due to the pandemic. So, SSA is continuing to extend certain deadlines wherever possible. Reach out now and get the help you need!
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/
Contact Name:
Contact Phone Number: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
Contact Email:
Helpline for Blind, Older Individuals
Details: We have an exciting announcement with a new Helpline for our Older Individuals who are Blind program–anyone 55 and older and may need assistance with services due to vision loss. We are in the process of getting flyers, posters, and new brochures printed with our new information.
Host Organization: Texas Workforce Commission
Contact Name: Juanita Barker, Director, Office of Blind Services Support
Contact Phone Number: 512-936-3388
Contact Email: juanita.barker@twc.state.tx.us
Website: oibinfo@twc.texas.gov.
The Lighthouse of Houston: Diabetes Education and Support Group
Date: Every Wednesday
Time:
Details: Are you looking to connect with others who are blind or low vision and living with diabetes? Join our diabetes support group and make those meaningful connections. Learn about educational resources and meet new friends who will understand the challenges of managing diabetes, and will provide companionship and emotional support in a caring environment.
Sign up today! Register Today!
For more information and to register, contact Serena Valentine at 713-204-1106 or email COREIitiative@peoplenomix.org.
Host Organization: The Lighthouse of Houston
Contact Name: Jenna Dhayer
Contact Phone Number: 713-284-8451
Contact Email:
EVENT: The Lighthouse of Houston: Learn Braille Skills
Date: By Appointment–Monday through Thursday
Time: By Appointment
Details: Schedule an appointment today to learn the fundamentals of basic braille, basic computer operating skills and fundamentals of typing. Services are scheduled by appointment only and are provided by volunteer services. To register, contact Monique Mason at 281-891-3602 or click the button below to send her an email.
Click to Contact Monique
Host Organization: The Lighthouse of Houston
Location: 3602 West Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77019
Contact Name: Monique Mason
Contact Phone Number: 281-891-3602
Contact Email:
EVENT: The Lighthouse of Houston: Art Classes for Youth and Adults
Date: SEE BELOW
Time: SEE BELOW
Details: YOUTH PROGRAM
Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. To register, contact Krystian Colley at 713-284-8424.
ADULT PROGRAM
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. To register, contact Krystian Colley at 713-284-8424.
Click the button below to send an email.
Click to Contact Krystian
Host Organization: The Lighthouse of Houston
Location: 3602 West Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77019
Contact Name: Monique Mason
Contact Phone Number: 281-891-3602
Contact Email:
EVENT: The Lighthouse of Houston: Tandem Bike Rides
Date: Call to confirm which Saturday monthly
Time: By Appointment
Details: Don’t miss out on the fun of our upcoming tandem bike ride days! We are teaming up with Achilles International and hope you can join us for tandem bicycle riding and a breakfast social afterwards. To register, contact Krystian Colley at 713-284-8424 or click the button below to send her an email.
Click to Contact Krystian
Host Organization: The Lighthouse of Houston
Location: 3602 West Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77019
Contact Name: Monique Mason
Contact Phone Number: 281-891-3602
Contact Email:
EVENT: The Lighthouse of Houston: Education, Technology, and Vocational Training
Date: By Appointment
Time: By Appointment
Details: The Lighthouse of Houston is dedicated to providing education and vocational training to individuals who are visually impaired. Our education training focuses on learning basic office skills and adaptive techniques, adaptive and assistive technology, transcription and telecommunications. Our vocational programs focus on vocational and social adjustment.
For more information contact our Education and Training Department at 713-527-9561 Option 5 or click the button below to send them an email.
Click to Contact our Education and Training Department
Host Organization: The Lighthouse of Houston
Location: 3602 West Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77019
Contact Name: Monique Mason
Contact Phone Number: 281-891-3602
Contact Email:
FOR JOB OPPORTUNITIES
EVENT: Blind Professional Network
Date of Event: Call for details
Details: There are job opportunities available during the COVID-19 pandemic. If interested, please contact Victoria Hillard, info@blindpro.net.
Host Organization:
Contact Name: Victoria Hillard
Contact Phone Number: 281-794-2012
Contact Email: Victoria Hillard at info@blindpro.net
TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION (TWC)
Website: www.twc.texas.gov
Contact Name:
Contact Phone Number: 713-692-7755
Contact Email: customers@twc.state.tx.us
The Lighthouse of Houston
Details: Greetings! The Lighthouse of Houston has several positions open. I’d love your help in passing this information along to qualified candidates. The link to apply is below:
Job Opportunities (paycomonline.net) We look forward to seeing!
Website:www.houstonlighthouse.org
Location: 3602 W. Dallas, Houston, TX 77019
Contact Name: Jenna Dhayer | President
Contact Phone Number: 713-284-8490 W; 281-226-3681 C
Contact Email: www.lighthouseofhouston.org
FOR ORGANIZATIONS
Visually Impaired Advocates (VIA)
Website: www.viadvocates.org
Contact Name: Talana Townsend, President
Contact Number: 832-867-0140
Contact Email: info@viadvocates.org
Houston Council of the Blind (HCB)
Website: www.acbt-houston.org
Contact Name: Peggy Garrett, President
Contact Number: 281-438-9665
Contact Email: info@acbt-houston.org
Metropolitan Multi-Service Center (MMSC) Adaptive Sports & Recreation
Website:
Contact Name: Charles French
Contact Number: 832-395-7333
Contact Email: Charles.French@houstontx.org
National Federation of the Blind of Texas – Houston (NFBT-Hou)
Website:
Contact Name: Stacy Gallegos, President
Contact Number: 346-704-0190
Contact Email: shardy@nfbtx.org
iBug Today Team
Website: www.ibugtoday.com
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Number: 832-453-7139
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
Blind Professional Network
Facebook: www.facebook.com/blindpronet
Contact Name: Victoria Hilliard
Contact Number: 1-800-699-8238
Contact Email: info@BlindProNet.org
Visually Impaired People of South East Texas (VIPSET)
Request a digital copy of HAVIN trifold.
Website: http://www.havintx.org
Contact Name: Ron Graham, President
Contact Number: 713-825-9108
Contact Email: rgraham@cebridge.net
Foundation Fighting Blindness–Houston Chapter
Website: http://www.blindness.org/local-chapters/houston-tx
Contact Name, Number, & Email: Ashley Manolakis; Manager, Events; 985-246-9434; AManolakis@FightingBlindness.org
Kimi Huang; Sr. Events Assistant; 424-343-2539; KHuang@FightingBlindness.org
Houston Area Visually Impaired Network (HAVIN)
Details: If you haven’t already heard, there is breaking news from the Houston Area Visually Impaired Network (HAVIN)! We are now listed as one of the blindness organizations on the Be My Eyes app! If you want to know more about what we do, or wish to contact one of our agents, just look us up in the app you already know. Under Specialized Help, go to Blindness Organizations and there we are! We are available to Be My Eyes users in the US and Canada and open Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m Central Time. We can share information about Houston, our organizations, and many of the general resources available for the blind.
Website: http://www.havintx.org
Contact Name: Ron Graham, President
Contact Phone Number: 713-825-9108
Contact Email: rgraham@cebridge.net
Lighthouse Of Houston
Website: www.houstonlighthouse.org
Contact Name: Jenna Dhayer, President
Contact Phone Number: 713-284-8451
Contact Email:
To sign up for “Illuminations,” The Lighthouse of Houston’s quarterly newsletter, please send an email to socialmedia@houstonlighthouse.org with the subject line – Newsletter.
Sight Into Sound
Website: sightintosound.org
Contact Name: Kari Musgrove, Executive Director
Contact Phone Number: 713-622-2767
Contact Email: info@sightintosound.org
FOR TRANSPORTATION
EVENT: Introducing 1-833-USE-UBER
Date of Event: IMMEDIATELY
Time: 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Details: Introducing a new way to ride with Uber: 1-833-USE-UBER. We understand that some people would prefer to talk to someone on the phone, so we created the option to call us to request your ride.
1-833-USE-UBER is currently only available in Florida, California, Arizona, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas where Uber is available; but we’re hoping to expand the service nationwide soon. You can request your ride 7 days a week, from 4am – 10pm EST by phone. You can request a ride anytime via the mobile app or online at m.uber.com, available in over 50 cities. Do not use any phone number other than 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237) to request a ride. 1-833-USE-UBER is not a customer service line. If you need assistance, visit us at help.uber.com.
HOW IT WORKS:
Call us, toll-free. Dial 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237) from your cell phone to talk to an Uber team member who will help you create an Uber account and request a ride. You can choose between English and Spanish when requesting a trip.
You will need to call from a cell phone that can receive text messages. Don’t worry, you won’t be charged just for calling us—we’ll charge your credit card on file after a successful trip is completed. To help keep your personal information safe and secure, make sure to only use this phone number when calling to request a ride.
Get trip details. After your phone call, we’ll send you the information on your ride via a text message, including your driver’s name and picture, car type, license plate number, and their estimated time of arrival.
Ride. We’ll send you a text message when your driver arrives. All drivers receive an annual background check.
Host Organization: UBER
Location: N/A
Address: N/A
Deadline: N/A
Cost: N/A
Contact Name:
Contact Phone Number: 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237)
Contact Email: m.uber.com
Company: Same Day Services (formerly MSP)
Contact Phone Number: 713-223-0303
Contact Email:
Company: Go Go Grandparents Concierge Service
Website: https://gogograndparent.com/
Contact Phone Number: 1-855-464-6872
Contact Email: support@gogograndparent.com
Company: R.I.D.E.S. Harris County Transit
Website:
Contact Phone Number: 713-368-7433
Contact Email:
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)
Department: METRO Customer Service–Rail, Fixed Routes, Complaints, & Accommodations
Website: www.ridemetro.org/
Contact Phone Number: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.–713-635-4000
Contact Email:
Department: METROLift Customer Service
Website: www.ridemetro.org/
Contact Phone Number: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.–713-225-0119
Contact Email:
Department: Reservations
Website: www.ridemetro.org/
Contact Phone Number: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.–713-225-6716
Contact Email:
Department: Dispatch
Website: www.ridemetro.org/
Contact Phone Number: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.–713-225-0410 or 1-877-214-RIDE (7433) from a pay phone
Contact Email:
ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT PHONE LINES
Company: Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSM) Launches Accessible Alert System
Details: This new alert system is providing access to alerts, warnings, and preparedness information to persons who are Deaf, Blind, Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf-Blind, or have low-vision through a new one-stop-website. To sign up, visit our site at https://hct.ahasalerts.com/. Community members can also text AHAS to (281) 609-9093 to sign up. There are instructions in ASL on the site that can guide community members on the sign up process.
The system will send our Ready Harris Alerts with sign language interpreting along with voice and closed captioning in English and Spanish before, during and after an emergency. The alerts are compatible with video capable devices such as computers, tablets, cell phones and wireless Braille readers. With this new resource, HCOHSEM will also be able to reach individuals with low literacy in English and Spanish. This is HCOHSEM’s latest effort to reach the whole community.
If you would like this information in another format, please reach out to us at oemjic@oem.hctx.net. To sign up for ReadyHarris Alerts visit ReadyHarris.org .
Contact Number: (281) 609-9093
Company: Amazon’s Accessibility Customer Service
Details: Call to speak with an accessibility specialist who can help you buy books and other products, or get you directly to tech support for Amazon devices and services including Alexa, Kindle & Fire Tablet. Hands raised triumphantly for accessible and inclusive smartphones. Audible Support: 888-283-5051.
Contact Number: 888-283-1678
Department: Apple Accessibility Support Line
Details: This new alert system is providing access to alerts, warnings, and preparedness information to persons who are Deaf, Blind, Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf-Blind, or have low-vision through a new one-stop-website. To sign up, visit our site at https://hct.ahasalerts.com/. Community members can also text AHAS to (281) 609-9093 to sign up. There are instructions in ASL on the site that can guide community members on the sign up process.
AppleCare specialists are available 24/7 to help you get your Accessibility Settings right, answer your questions, and resolve your technical issues. They’ll even teach you a thing or two.
Contact Number: 877-204-3930
Company: Apple Accessibility Support Line
Details: For users of Apple’s iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple Watch, or Mac – this is a gift. It is a special support line reserved for customers with vision, hearing, motor, and learning impairments. Senior AppleCare specialists are available 24/7 to help you get your Accessibility Settings right, answer your questions, and resolve your technical issues. They’ll even teach you a thing or two.
Contact Number: 877-204-3930
Company: National Center for Citizens with Disabilities (NCCD)
Details: This is where wireless customers with vision loss get answers to questions about accessibility features and services available from AT&T.
Contact Number: 866-241-6568
Company: Comcast Accessibility
Details: Direct line to a dedicated team, specially trained to support customers who rely on accessibility services including voice guidance and video description.
Contact Number: 866-668-6703
Company: Google
Details: To request a call back, from a Google Disability support specialist, complete this online form.
Call an accessibility specialist at Google through the BeMyEyes app on a smartphone or tablet. Click the ‘Specialized Help’ button on the app’s home page, select Google in the Technical tab.
Google Technical Support: 855-971-9121 may (or may not) be able to help with accessibility questions, depends on the specialist you connect with.
Contact Number: 855-971-9121
Company: LinkedIn Disability Answer Desk
Details: Contact an accessibility specialist at the LinkedIn Disability Answer Desk through the Be My Eyes app, on a smartphone or tablet; click the Specialized Help button on the apps home page, then select Technical to get to LinkedIn.
Contact Number: Call on Be My Eyes app
Company: Microsoft Disability Answer Desk
Details: The features you need to make your PC ‘vision friendly’ are built right into Windows – unfortunately, many people don’t know that. Microsoft recognized this as a significant problem and put in place a support team specialized in accessibility. So dial them up and get your computer set up to work for you (not against you). And, to make it even easier on yourself — allow them remote access to your PC and they can make the adjustments.
Contact Number: 800-936-5900 or the Be My Eyes app
Company: Peloton
Details: The Accessibility Team at Peloton will answer your questions and give you a call, if you request it by email to: accessibility@onepeloton.com.
Contact Number:
Company: T-Mobile Accessibility
Details: T-Mobile has an Accessibility Support web page. It says, “T-Mobile will provide accessible support for wireless network service and billing inquiries. Please contact our Accessibility Customer Care at 1-833-428-1785 if you have any questions or need special assistance. For additional support, please contact Customer Care.”
Contact Number: 1-833-428-1785
Company: Spectrum Accessibility Support
Details: Call this support line to learn about and take advantage of Spectrum cable accessibility accommodations.
Contact Number: 844-762-1301
Contact Email: https://www.spectrum.net/disability
Company: Spotify
Details: Get help from your smartphone or tablet with any questions you may have about Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming service. Speak to a trained customer service specialist on BME; go to Specialized Help, Technical, then Spotify.
Contact Number: Call on Be My Eyes app
Company: Verizon Center for Customers with Disabilities
Details: Free 411 for your home phone and for your mobile phone. Get your bills in the format of your choice…large print or digital. They can help you with anything else pertaining to your home phone service. Email: verizon.com/disabilities
Contact Number: 800-974-6006
Company: Verizon Wireless National Accessibility Center
Details: It can sometimes be challenging to get information about accessibility features that make your mobile phone, or tablet, work for you. Questions about enlarging text, using voice commands effectively, or using the screen reader, often remain unanswered when posed to your store representative. That should be the case no more – now there is a customer service and technical support center dedicated to helping people maximize the accessibility features built into all of Verizon’s mobile devices. Let them help you get your device set just right for you, from 8am – 9pm EST, Monday – Friday.
Contact Number: 888-262-1999
Company: vote.org
Details: Get help, on a smartphone or tablet, registering to vote, checking your registration status, and requesting a mail-in ballot. On BME, go to Specialized Help on the home page, then Civic Engagement, then select vote.org.
Contact Number: Call on Be My Eyes app
FOR CHATLINES & WEBINARS
EVENT: iBUG Buzz Conference Call
Date of Event: Weekly – Mondays
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Details: This free weekly Q&A help session is for anyone with iOS and iDevice (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple Watch, Apple TV) accessibility questions or issues. The first 45 minutes are dedicated to the beginner or novice user.
Host: iBUG Today, http://ibugtoday.com
Location: Virtual– Zoom Conference: To join a meeting, you may click on the following link: https://zoom.us/j/7428486329 . Dial by city closest to your location: +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 742 848 6329
Address: N/A
Costs: FREE
Deadline: N/A
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Phone Number: (832) 453-7139
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
EVENT: iBUG Mini-Buzz on Clubhouse
Date of Event: Weekly – Second and fourth Tuesdays
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Details: This free weekly Q&A help session is for anyone with iOS and iDevice (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple Watch, Apple TV) accessibility questions or issues. If you are not signed up on Clubhouse, you may join using the following invitation link: iBUG Today, Inc.
Host: iBUG Today, http://ibugtoday.com
Location: Virtual– Zoom Conference: To join a meeting, you may click on the following link: https://zoom.us/j/7428486329 . Dial by city closest to your location: +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 742 848 6329
Address: N/A
Costs: FREE
Deadline: N/A
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Phone Number: (832) 453-7139
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
EVENT: iBUG Night at the Virtual Movies
Date of Event: Weekly – Fridays
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Details: We encourage everyone to stay connected while staying home and practicing social distancing. To help bring old friends together and to meet new ones, we have created iBUG Night at the Virtual Movies on Friday evenings. The movies are the audio track (no video) with audio description. You may join in starting at 7:30 PM for the pre-movie social time. Discussion will follow immediately after the movie. . .
Host Organization: iBUG Today, http://ibugtoday.com
Location: Virtual Zoom conference call platform. To join a meeting, you may click on the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/7428486329?pwd=M003RmZaa3pTbWRlZ00xbSs4YTlmUT09
Meeting ID: 742 848 6329 Password: 369978
You may also dial in using the following methods (long distance charges may apply):
One tap mobile from a smartphone: +1 346 248 7799,,7428486329# US
Dial from a landline: +1 346 248 7799 US
Address: N/A
Costs: FREE
Deadline: N/A
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Phone Number: 832-453-7139
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
EVENT: iBUG Buzz Radio Program
Date of Event: Weekly
Time: Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., rebroadcast the following Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 5:30 a.m. or On Demand
Details: A weekly half-hour condensed version of the Monday night iBUG Buzz Q&A help session covering common accessibility questions and issues with iOS and iDevices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple Watch and Apple TV). Also, apps useful to the blind and visually impaired are demonstrated. Listen via Sight into Sound Radio, using the special digital receivers from Sight into Sound, Sero app on your smart phone or via the internet by going to the Sight into Sound website at the following link and select the “Tune in Now” button at the times indicated above or on demand by selecting the “Podcast” button: http://www.sightintosound.org
Host Organization: Sight into Sound, http://sightintosound.org and iBUG Today (iBlind Users Group), http://ibugtoday.com
Location: Listen via Sight into Sound Radio, using the special digital receivers from Sight into Sound, Sero app on your iDevice or via the internet by going to the Sight into Sound website at the following link and select the “Tune in Now” button: http://www.sightintosound.org at the times indicated above or on demand by selecting the Archives tab.
Address: N/A
Costs: FREE
Deadline: N/A
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Phone Number: 832-453-7139
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
EVENT: iBUG Buzz Podcast
Date of Event: Weekly
Time: On Demand
Details: Podcast of the weekly Monday night iBUG Buzz Q&A help session with iOS and iDevice (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple Watch, Apple TV) accessibility questions or issues. Available on Apple, Spotify, and Alexa by asking your voice assistant to play the latest iBUG Buzz podcast. Also available on your favorite podcast app by subscribing to the iBUG Buzz podcast.
Host Organization: Sight into Sound, http://sightintosound.org and iBUG Today (iBlind Users Group), http://ibugtoday.com
Location: Virtual – Subscribe from your favorite podcast app or listen on any HomePod or Alexa device by searching for iBUG Buzz podcast.
Address: N/A
Costs: FREE
Deadline: N/A
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Phone Number: 832-453-7139
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
EVENT: iBUG Training Sessions Now on YouTube
Date of Event: NOW
Time:
Details: Did you miss the latest iBUG training session? Do you want to go back and listen again to how to set up that new email account? Are you looking for an alternative way to listen to the iBUG training sessions other than the iBUG Today website archives?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you are in luck. iBUG Today’s training sessions are now also available on YouTube. There are separate playlists within the iBUG Today YouTube channel for the following training sessions:
1. iBUG Buzz
2. iBUG Apple Workshop
3. iBUG Café
4. iBUG Mac-N-Talk
5. iBUG Android Insight
You may use the following link to access the iBUG Today YouTube channel. Please select the subscribe button and then select the notification bell to receive notifications when the latest training session has been uploaded.
Hope you enjoy and find the iBUG Today YouTube channel a useful accessibility training tool.
Host Organization: The iBUG Today Team, http://ibugtoday.org
Location: ZOOM Conference Platform
Address: ZOOM Conference Platform
Deadline: N/A
Cost: FREE
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Phone Number: 832-453-7139
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
Website: ibugtoday.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ibugtoday/
Twitter: @ibugtoday
EVENT: iBUG Buzz, iBUG Apple Workshop, iBUG Café, iBUG Mac-N-Talk and iBUG Android Insight on YouTube
Date of Event: Weekly
Time: On Demand
Details: Did you miss the latest iBUG training session? Do you want to review a past training session? Are you looking for an alternative way to listen to the iBUG training sessions other than the iBUG Today website archives?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you are in luck. iBUG Today’s training sessions are also available on YouTube. There are separate playlists within the iBUG Today YouTube channel for the iBUG Buzz, iBUG Apple Workshop, iBUG Café, iBUG Mac-N-Talk and iBUG Android Insight training sessions. You may use the following link to access the iBUG Today YouTube channel. Please select the subscribe button and then select the notification bell to receive notifications when the latest training session has been uploaded.
Host Organization: The iBUG Today Team, http://ibugtoday.org
Location: On Demand
Address: N/A
Costs: FREE
Deadline: N/A
Contact Name: Michael McCulloch
Contact Phone Number:
Contact Email: mdmcculloch1@gmail.com
EVENT: How to Become an Accessible Pharmacy Patient
Date of Event:
Time:
Details: We are often asked how someone becomes a patient of Accessible Pharmacy Services: The best way to become a patient is by giving us a call at 1-888-633-7007. After your conversation with our Care Coordinator, they will reach out to your insurance to confirm eligibility. They will also contact your current pharmacy and prescribing physicians to transfer your information. You can also connect with us through the Be My Eyes Specialized Help section or email us to initiate this process: info@AccessiblePharmacy.com
For answers to more frequently asked questions, please click the link below:
| CLICK HERE FOR MORE FAQ’S |
Please have the patient give us a call at 1-888-633-7007. You can also call us with the patient.
Host Organization: Accessible Pharmacy Services, LLC
Location:
Address:
Costs: FREE
Deadline:
Contact Name: Accessible Pharmacy Services, LLC
Contact Phone Number: 1-888-633-7007
Contact Email:
EVENT: The Lighthouse of Houston: Friday Support Group
Date of Event: Every Friday
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. online
Details: Losing one’s vision often makes a person more vulnerable to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, relationship changes with friends and family, and fear and isolation. The Behavioral Health Services at The Lighthouse of Houston offers help and support to people who have lost their vision develop strategies to adjust to this life-altering event. To register, contact Melinda Benjumea at 713-284-8440 or click the button below to send her an email.
Click to Contact Melinda
Host Organization: The Lighthouse of Houston
Location: Virtual
Address: N/G
Costs: N/G
Deadline: N/G
Contact Name: Melinda Benjumea
Contact Phone Number: 713-284-8440
Contact Email:
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
EVENT: WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY–CONFERENCE CALL ONLY
Date of Event: Third Saturday of each month
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Details: This Bible Study is dedicated to women discussing scriptures. Hosted by True Vision Baptist Church. Access via Free Conference Call line.
Dial-in Number: 609-746-1082 Access Code: 372977
Host Organization: True Vision Baptist Church
Location: Conference call
Host Organization: True Vision Church
Location:
Address:
Cost: N/A
Deadline: N/A
Contact Name: Gayle Metoyer
Contact Phone Number: 281-794-2012
Contact Email: metoyer903@comcast.net
EVENT: Scripture and Bible Study
Date of Event: Weekly every Monday
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Details: This Bible Study is dedicated to discussing scriptures.
Contact Name: Gloria Hill
Contact Phone Number: 832-656-5609