Welcome to ASB’s Participant Newsletter
Welcome to Connections, ASB’s participant newsletter! This newsletter is a monthly resource for all things ASB. Read on for upcoming events, program schedules and other opportunities to explore. Feel free to forward this email along to anyone who may be interested in our programs and resources.
ASB Remote Programming October – December 2021
Our October – December 2021 virtual program schedule is now updated on the ASB website!
If you are interested in signing up for these programs or have any questions, please contact our Director of Participant Engagement and Outreach, Lexi Jones, at ajones@asb.org.
OCTOBER 30: Philadelphia Ballet
On October 30, the Philadelphia Ballet is offering an opportunity to enjoy live arts again with a program of contemporary works by Choreographer Juliano Nunes, Artistic Director Angel Corella and the Philadelphia Ballet’s Choreographer in Residence, Matthew Neenan. Click here to learn about Nunes’ work “Connection.” Corella and Neenan’s new work will be premiering along with “Connection” on October 30 at Performance Garage.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Beth Deering at bdeering@asb.org.
NOVEMBER 3: Comcast Internet Essentials Partnership Program Q&A Session
ASB is hosting a Q&A session on its Comcast Internet Essentials Partnership Program, which offers free internet access for individuals who are living with vision loss. This Q&A session will be held on Wednesday, November 3 at 10:30 a.m. and will answer all questions individuals have about the program and eligibility. If you are interested in signing up for this session, register for FREE on ASB’s Eventbrite page.
You can get more information about the program and determine your eligibility by contacting ASB’s Director of Participant Engagement and Outreach, Lexi Jones, at ajones@asb.org or 267-551-0561.
ASB’s Speaker Series – November Dates
ASB welcomes professionals from health care and other fields to speak about topics such as health and welfare, insurance and finances, legal assistance and much more! Review the upcoming schedule below, and contact ASB’s Director of Participant Engagement and Outreach, Lexi Jones, at ajones@asb.org if you are interested in attending any of these sessions.
Topic: Hadley
Date: October 29, 2021
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Topic: Feinbloom Low Vision Center
Date: November 5, 2021
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
ASB is sharing the events below as a courtesy to ASB participants. These are non-ASB events. Please be mindful of any requirements, including COVID-19 requirements, that may apply.
NOW – NOVEMBER 7: Wilma Theater offering Audio Description of “Minor Character”
Now through November 7, the Wilma Theaterwill offer audio-described digital presentations of its recent production, “Minor Character.”
“Minor Character” tells the story of Chekhov’s masterpiece Uncle Vanya, but uses six different English translations – including Google Translate’s ridiculous one – to bring it into 2021. The story centers around a few residents and workers in a Russian estate in the early 20th century. Like most Chekhov plays, the characters foolishly (and recognizably) love all of the wrong people. Plus, tensions are high because the estate is running out of money! This is a link to the WilmaBill for more information about the play.
You can purchase tickets to experience the digital format here. After your purchase is complete, Wilma Theater will send a link to stream the production anytime from October 25 – November 7.
If you have questions, you can reach out to the box office at 215-546-7824 or message Wilma Theater here.
TOMORROW: The Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities Hosts a Virtual Fall Town Hall
Tomorrow, October 27 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities and the ADA Transition Plan for Philadelphia invites you to a virtual town hall via Zoom. The meeting will provide updates from the Commission and offer a designated time for open comments.
Use this link to register in advance for this event. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. ASL and closed captioning will be provided.
Interested in learning more about the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities and staying connected to the Commission’s work and events? Contact Claudia Tasco at Claudia.Tasco@phila.gov.
SEPTA For All: Survey Participants Needed
Our partners at Art-Reach have been selected as a finalist in the SEPTA For All challenge. Art-Reach is designing a transit app to address some challenges individuals living with disabilities face on public transportation. Before moving on to the development stage, Art-Reach would love to get feedback on its design from ASB participants!
Art-Reach is currently designing a mobile application that will notify passengers of the next stop during transit via audio, visual and sensory notifications. The application also alerts the passenger of any detours, delays or service changes that may impact their route while providing live updates of the arrival time. The design plans to address inconsistent and inaccurate bus stop announcements and inaccessible real-time information during transit. It will also provide passengers living with disabilities more time to disembark.
Art-Reach is looking for participants to do a 30-45 minute in-person interview at Drexel University or a virtual Zoom interview. Participants who attend the interviews will receive a $20 thank you gift card for their time. If you are interested in signing up, email tb939@drexel.edu.
Parks & Rec: Carousel House Programs Taking Place at New Locations
The Carousel House is currently closed for repairs and rebuilding, but will be reopening in the future! In the meantime, it has set up temporary locations.
Here is a list of Carousel House programs and where they will now take place:
- Day programs — New location: Gustine Recreation Center, 4863 Ridge Ave.
- Tuesday evening music program — New location: Gustine Recreation Center, 4863 Ridge Ave.
- Evening programs (ceramics and arts & crafts) — New location: Gustine Recreation Center,
- Wheelchair rugby and basketball programs — New location: To be determined.
Interested participants can sign up for the Carousel House newsletter to receive information about the adaptive and inclusive recreation programs. If you have any questions, you can contact carouselpa@aol.com.
DECEMBER 3: Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind FREE Blindness and Diabetes Webinar
On December 3 from 12 – 4 p.m., participants can join Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind to discuss blindness and diabetes with expert presenters. This FREE, live webinar will include presentations from healthcare providers, diabetes experts and leaders in the blind community. Participants can expect to learn about vision loss and diabetes, nutrition, diabetic retinopathy, accessible glucose monitoring systems and medication, insurance, exercise, real-life self-management tips and more!
Agenda Topics:
- Diabetes & Nutrition
- Diabetic Policy & Insurance
- Accessible Diabetes Monitoring Devices & Medication
- Real-World Solutions for Managing Diabetes & Blindness
- Diabetic Retinopathy
A full agenda and speaker details will be emailed to you before the webinar. If you are unable to attend, still be sure to register to receive access to the webinar audio and video straight to your inbox!
Register for FREE here. For more information visit www.AccessiblePharmacy.com or call 215-799-9900.
Stay in Touch
Have questions about ASB’s programs and resources? Looking to get more involved? Please contact ASB’s Director of Participant Engagement and Outreach, Lexi Jones, at ajones@asb.org.