NFB, Virginia Tech, and Grand-Am Form Historic Partnership to Advance Innovative Technology
Daytona Beach, Florida (July 2, 2010):
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, College of Engineering (Virginia Tech) announced today that they have partnered to demonstrate the first street vehicle equipped with technology allowing a blind person to drive independently. The vehicle is scheduled to be demonstrated to the public as part of the pre-race activities at the 2011 Rolex 24 At Daytona. The Ford Escape, equipped with nonvisual interface technology, will be driven by a blind individual who will navigate part of the famed Daytona International Speedway course on January 29, 2011.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind is dedicated to the development of innovative technology to improve the lives of blind Americans, and Virginia Tech has accepted our challenge to apply nonvisual interfaces to the task of driving, which has always been wrongly considered impossible for blind people. But we are not trying to build a technology alone. We are trying to build a technology that can be combined with an intellect to do things that neither could do alone. We are pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate the fruits of our efforts before the automobile enthusiasts and racing fans at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. This demonstration will break down the wall of stereotypes and misconceptions that prevent our full integration into society by showing the public that the blind have the same capacities as everyone else. Our only challenge is access to the information we need."
Dr. Dennis Hong, Director of the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory at Virginia Tech, said: "Three years ago we accepted the NFB Blind Driver Challenge to develop a vehicle that can be driven by a blind person. The challenge was not the development of an autonomous vehicle that could drive a blind person around, but rather the creation of nonvisual interfaces that would allow a blind person to actually make driving decisions. The first-generation prototype was demonstrated with a modified dune buggy at the NFB Youth Slam in the summer of 2009. We are pleased to work with NFB and Grand-Am to demonstrate the second-generation prototype at the Rolex 24 festivities."
"GRAND-AM is honored to lend its support to this intriguingand inspirationalproject," said GRAND-AM Spokesman Herb Branham. "The Rolex 24 At Daytona is a showcase for the latest automobile technology, making this race an appropriate backdrop for the first public demonstration of a car that can be driven by the blind."
The NFB Jernigan Institutethe only research and training facility on blindness operated by the blindhas challenged universities, technology developers, and other interested innovators to establish NFB Blind Driver Challenge (BDC) teams, in collaboration with the NFB, to build interface technologies that will empower blind people to drive a car independently. The purpose of the NFB Blind Driver Challenge is to stimulate the development of nonvisual interface technology. Undergraduate students at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering, under the direction of Professor Dennis Hong, have been actively working with the NFB on the challenge. During the summer of 2009 the Virginia Tech BDC team worked with blind students in the NFB Youth Slam on the first-generation prototype of a blind-drivable vehicle, and many of the NFB students had the opportunity to drive using the first generation of the nonvisual interface. Dr. Hong and his students are currently working with the NFB on the second-generation prototype vehicle, which will integrate new and improved versions of the first-generation nonvisual interface technologies into a Ford Escape.
For more information about the NFB, please visit
http://www.nfb.org/
For our digital news release about the Blind Driver Challenge and the planned debut of the BDC car at the Rolex 24, including audio and video clips for television and radio, please visit
http://www.digitalnewsrelease.com/?q=NFB_CarKitwww.DigitalNewsRelease.com/?q=NFB_CarKit.
CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
cdanielsen@nfb.org
About the National Federation of the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Benefits of Sunshine - Spiral Eye News July 2010
In this Issue -
Benefits of Sunshine
Moss and Volcanoes
THE GIFT OF READING - Talking Book and Braille Services
* * *
Benefits of Sunshine
"Step into the sun, step into the light..."
We need sunlight for good health. Some people may have gone too far trying to avoid skin cancer.
Studies have shown that repeated short exposures to sunlight strengthen the immune system and have a number of other health benefits. The benefits of sunshine include:
- lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar
- speeds the elimination of toxic chemicals
- makes trace minerals more accessible to the body
- reduces jaundice
- improves many skin conditions, such as acne, psoriases, and fungal infections
- helps to prevent osteoporosis
- lowers risk of many cancers, such as ovarian, colon, rectal, prostate, and breast cancer.
Sunlight stimulates the skin to produce Vitamin D which is necessary for calcium absorption and utilization. We need vitamin D and calcium for good health. When exposed to sunshine, the skin produces vitamin D quite efficiently., as much as 10,000 IU before the skin turns pink. Not all of this will be absorbed, as vitamin D washes off. It takes 2 or 3 days for it to be fully absorbed through the skin, so avoid using soap on your skin after sun exposure. Plain water washes off less vitamin D and is also kinder to dry or sensitive skin.
A healthy amount of sun exposure is about 15 minutes a day in summer, 30 minutes in the other seasons. It depends on the time of day, latitude, altitude, and how much skin you expose. Work up to it gradually to avoid sunburn. Overexposure is harmful. Protect your face, as it's always hanging out year-round. Use sunscreen or cover up if you're going to be out in the sun for long periods. Also, routinely check your skin for any suspicious signs of possible skin cancers.
The actual cause of cancer may be the chemical interactions between sunlight and unhealthy foods (processed, refined, and hydrogenated). Naturopaths may advise moderate sun exposure, a healthy diet, and vitamin D supplements. Medical doctors may advise complete sun block and supplemental vitamin D. The NIH says that it's safe to take up to 2000 IU of vitamin D per day.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with depression, chronic pain, osteoporosis, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, some kinds of cancer, and maybe even autism.
Sunshine is also necessary for a healthy mood. Lack of adequate sunlight can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Symptoms include depression, loss of energy, oversleeping, carbohydrate cravings, and overeating. Even in summer, if you stay indoors all day (such as at your computer or on your couch), you can be light-deprived. Get outside or spend time near a bright window. In winter, bright light therapy is a natural way to treat SAD without drugs.
As always, do what works best for you, and check with your health-care provider.
"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them."
- Albert Einstein
* * *
Moss and Volcanoes
Portland had only 3 entirely sunny days between the spring equinox (March 20) and the summer solstice (July 21). Wow, no wonder the moss was growing like gangbusters! Of course, we did have a few of our partly cloudy, partly sunny days.
By July 12, we already had more rain than any entire month of July on record. (Oregon weather record keeping began in 1890.) This unusually cool wet weather may be related to the eruptions of Icelandic volcanoes which closed airports in Europe.
"Whoever said sunshine brings you happiness has clearly never danced in the rain."
* * *
THE GIFT OF READING
Talking Book and Braille Services provides incredible opportunities for Oregonians who enjoy the gift of reading. Services such as audio books, NFB-NEWSLINE, down-loadable audio books and Braille books are used by thousands of Oregonians each day.
To continue offering these wonderful services, they depend upon you and your generous gifts. You can send a gift by check (250 Winter St. NE, Salem, Oregon 97301), by visiting their secure website at
GiveToTBABS.org
with a credit card donation, or call 1-800-452-0292 and they will assist you with your credit card donation. Your gift is always tax deductible.
All the users of Talking Book and Braille Services, their staff, and their volunteers appreciate your generosity. Every donation is a wonderful gift....the gift of reading.
Talking Book & Braille Services
Oregon State Library
250 Winter St NE
Salem OR 97301-3950
(503) 378-5389 or (800) 452-0292
e-mail: tbabs.info@state.or.us
website:
www.tbabs.org
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor."
- Henry David Thoreau
* * *
Receive New Issues of Free Spiral Eye Newsletters
Benefits of Sunshine
Moss and Volcanoes
THE GIFT OF READING - Talking Book and Braille Services
* * *
Benefits of Sunshine
"Step into the sun, step into the light..."
We need sunlight for good health. Some people may have gone too far trying to avoid skin cancer.
Studies have shown that repeated short exposures to sunlight strengthen the immune system and have a number of other health benefits. The benefits of sunshine include:
- lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar
- speeds the elimination of toxic chemicals
- makes trace minerals more accessible to the body
- reduces jaundice
- improves many skin conditions, such as acne, psoriases, and fungal infections
- helps to prevent osteoporosis
- lowers risk of many cancers, such as ovarian, colon, rectal, prostate, and breast cancer.
Sunlight stimulates the skin to produce Vitamin D which is necessary for calcium absorption and utilization. We need vitamin D and calcium for good health. When exposed to sunshine, the skin produces vitamin D quite efficiently., as much as 10,000 IU before the skin turns pink. Not all of this will be absorbed, as vitamin D washes off. It takes 2 or 3 days for it to be fully absorbed through the skin, so avoid using soap on your skin after sun exposure. Plain water washes off less vitamin D and is also kinder to dry or sensitive skin.
A healthy amount of sun exposure is about 15 minutes a day in summer, 30 minutes in the other seasons. It depends on the time of day, latitude, altitude, and how much skin you expose. Work up to it gradually to avoid sunburn. Overexposure is harmful. Protect your face, as it's always hanging out year-round. Use sunscreen or cover up if you're going to be out in the sun for long periods. Also, routinely check your skin for any suspicious signs of possible skin cancers.
The actual cause of cancer may be the chemical interactions between sunlight and unhealthy foods (processed, refined, and hydrogenated). Naturopaths may advise moderate sun exposure, a healthy diet, and vitamin D supplements. Medical doctors may advise complete sun block and supplemental vitamin D. The NIH says that it's safe to take up to 2000 IU of vitamin D per day.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with depression, chronic pain, osteoporosis, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, some kinds of cancer, and maybe even autism.
Sunshine is also necessary for a healthy mood. Lack of adequate sunlight can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Symptoms include depression, loss of energy, oversleeping, carbohydrate cravings, and overeating. Even in summer, if you stay indoors all day (such as at your computer or on your couch), you can be light-deprived. Get outside or spend time near a bright window. In winter, bright light therapy is a natural way to treat SAD without drugs.
As always, do what works best for you, and check with your health-care provider.
"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them."
- Albert Einstein
* * *
Moss and Volcanoes
Portland had only 3 entirely sunny days between the spring equinox (March 20) and the summer solstice (July 21). Wow, no wonder the moss was growing like gangbusters! Of course, we did have a few of our partly cloudy, partly sunny days.
By July 12, we already had more rain than any entire month of July on record. (Oregon weather record keeping began in 1890.) This unusually cool wet weather may be related to the eruptions of Icelandic volcanoes which closed airports in Europe.
"Whoever said sunshine brings you happiness has clearly never danced in the rain."
* * *
THE GIFT OF READING
Talking Book and Braille Services provides incredible opportunities for Oregonians who enjoy the gift of reading. Services such as audio books, NFB-NEWSLINE, down-loadable audio books and Braille books are used by thousands of Oregonians each day.
To continue offering these wonderful services, they depend upon you and your generous gifts. You can send a gift by check (250 Winter St. NE, Salem, Oregon 97301), by visiting their secure website at
GiveToTBABS.org
with a credit card donation, or call 1-800-452-0292 and they will assist you with your credit card donation. Your gift is always tax deductible.
All the users of Talking Book and Braille Services, their staff, and their volunteers appreciate your generosity. Every donation is a wonderful gift....the gift of reading.
Talking Book & Braille Services
Oregon State Library
250 Winter St NE
Salem OR 97301-3950
(503) 378-5389 or (800) 452-0292
e-mail: tbabs.info@state.or.us
website:
www.tbabs.org
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor."
- Henry David Thoreau
* * *
Receive New Issues of Free Spiral Eye Newsletters
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