Letters of the Week - Learning Braille

For many blind children, learning Braille is tedious and hard work. It involves an overwhelming set of fine motor skills and sensory input at the tips of the fingers. Many Braille readers are older than their sighted peers when they finally learn the alphabet by touch. At this point it can be frustrating for the parent or teacher to be working on individual letters when the other students are already reading books.

I tend to get too excited about all of it and end up trying to teach Madilyn all the letters too quickly. It is baffling to know she can verbally spell most any word given to her, but mixes up the Braille letters "b" and "c" with "l" repeatedly. (She can also write all the letters on her Brailler.) So I've been working on giving her sets of letters to learn as a group. The first set we tried included "a,b,c,l,e" but as I just said, she mixes up "b" and "l" unless they are given together to distinguish between the two by choice. "Here are two letters. Which letter is b? Which one is l?"

This week I decided to remove "l" from the set and instead work on "a,b,c,e,k" as they are all quite different dot combinations, but all build off "a" or "dot 1". I have to help Madilyn keep her hand from shaking to properly track across line from left to right across the page. She is getting much better at this, but for now I'm helping her while we work on the letter recognition. She practices tracking as a separate activity each day, focusing on going slow and steady, with the right amount of pressure to feel all the dots and spaces on each line.

Click to watch the short 3 minute video of our fun, relaxed lesson on the couch this morning on Facebook! Be sure to "LIKE" us while you're there, too!

4th of July Sensory Water Play Bucket

Madilyn enjoyed her 4th of July Water Play Bucket early so we could share it with everyone! I found most of these items at Michael's Craft Store for 50% off already! Just fill a pail with a variety of water play and summer fun toys for all the senses- like water balloons with a timer ball (think hot potato with water!), pin wheels, star suckers, popsicle molds, and more!

This Flag is Your Flag!

This flag was made for you and me!

Celebrate the 4th of July with a tactile flag!

This easy to make flag can be made any size, and with a variety of materials. Here, we used a rectangular piece of white posterboard, strips of red felt, blue glitter paper and gold glitter star foam stickers. Kids can safely adhere the felt and glitter paper to the board with school glue first, then add as many stars as you want! Add a flag pole or handle using tape and a small dowel, or just hang it up on the wall- within reach to touch, of course!

A great early July activity for children! Tactile pieces allow blind and low vision children to feel the stars and stripes.

Describing What Your Child Cannot See

Sometimes I just sit and stare, thinking, "How do I describe what I am seeing to Madilyn?" Usually it is an entire scene, such as rolling mountains of every shade of green with a perfect round sun sitting high in the sky, shining down at us with a warm smile. The other night my husband called me out to look at the full moon, all white with swirls of gray, sitting just above the roof tops on the horizon.

For science this month, Madilyn is studying the solar system. She loves it. She is excited to learn about the planets, the moon and stars, and the sun. Now that we are learning about the sun in depth, I find myself struggling to explain light to my completely blind child whom has never seen a beam of light in all her 7 years. Before, I could use its energy as heat to demonstrate the sun but now half the lesson is focused on "seeing light". I could try to simply tell her it is just something to memorize- breezing over it lightly, hoping she doesn't ask more than I can explain. For some reason though, I feel like I'm depriving her of knowledge by doing so. Maybe it is just something I must accept. I can't make her see it obviously. But how do you tell your blind child that she "cannot" do something so many others do from the first day of life? Something I myself can do, but not her, my daughter? It is rather frustrating at times. It is heavy on my heart to have to explain it to her, mostly because I am afraid she will not understand what I'm even trying to tell her. For Madilyn, not understanding is worse than understanding and learning to accept it. I don't think it will make her sad, unless she senses I am sad. But I try not to be saddened that she does not see the world as I do, but rather intrigued and in love with the fact that she experiences the same world in a totally unique, beautiful way I will never have the privilege of examining. It is hard to understand, but I know she is happy just the way she is this very day. Maybe one day she will be given the chance to "see", but I don't know that she will choose it.


I found this quote from Helen Keller after writing my thoughts above.

"I seldom think about my limitations, and they never make me sad. Perhaps there is just a touch of yearning at times; but it is vague, like a breeze among flowers."
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/helen_keller.html#wKm3RlPIxoI0o9dv.99

Tips on adapting a lesson for a visually impaired student

Many lessons and activities are easily adapted for a blind or visually impaired child. It only takes a little time and creativity!

First, review the lesson, worksheets, and activities involved. Assess for any needed background information such as vocabulary. Sometimes a simple activity before the day of the lesson can lend much needed information for children. For example, if the lesson is about the zoo, visit a zoo first so the child can then relate the information back to the lesson later. If possible, go twice- before and after the lesson! The visit afterwards will help the child retain the information learned, as well as provide a fun confidence building activity when she is aware she already knows the answers and what to expect during the trip!

Also, adapt any extension activities such as recommend books to be read. Many children's books are available through digital formats from Bookshare or printed with text and Braille from a variety of Braille book sources such as www.seedlings.org, www.braillebookstore.com, and http://beulahreimerlegacy.webs.com/.

It is also helpful to make a list of materials you, and the child(ren), will need to adapt and use during the lessons. For instance, glitter glue is great for creating raised line tactile images. Just use your imagination!

1. Braille all printed text
2. Create tactile images, raised line drawings or 3D representations of graphics
3. Clarify text or instructions that read "see" or "look at", and other visual references. Consider linking visual aspects such as color with textures or other tactile mediums
4. Adapt games and physical activities so everyone can be involved equally. Never single out any one!

It may be helpful to fill out an adapted lesson plan sheet to help organize your lessons throughout the year. You can keep track of them for years to come! Here is our ADAPTED LESSON SHEET to keep in your CUSTOM SENSORY SUN BINDER! (PDF) Feel free to download our original .pub file to personalize your sheet!

“All of our existing ideas have creative possibilities.”
Sir Ken Robinson, Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative

Happy St. Patrick's Day Activities

With a holiday known for it's celebration of a particular color, I had to look to the symbols and other meanings to help explain St. Patrick's Day to my daughter. We talked about "green" as well, as I try not to leave out learning about colors simply because she cannot see them. (We can't see oxygen, but we must learn about it, right?!) Here are a few activities we did this week. Her favorite was the Rainbow Art!

ART - 3D Rainbow art

MATH - Counting gold coins

We used 3D coins with textured paper underneath to section off each part of the problem tactually.
 Each texture is different to represent each part of the number sentence!
3+2=5

The coins are then moved to the right of the equal sign to find the total sum!

Pot of Gold Math worksheet

Also try making different patterns using cutout with glitter glue gold coins, shamrocks and leprechauns!

IMAGINATION - Let's Dress Up!

Madilyn learned about leprechauns by being one! Here she is in her Leprechaun beard and hat.

I purchased Madilyn's hat at Michael's Craft Store, but here is a cute way to make your own paper leprechaun hat (via Pinterest).

BRAILLE - Braille name on shamrocks (mix up game)

madilyn

close up

COMMUNITY - Talk about the meanings of each leaf of the shamrock – faith, hope, love and luck

In a simpler wording, the Golden Rule states "Treat others as you would like to be treated." For many kids with birth defects that may make them look a little 'different' than others, or sound different, or learn differently, this is a VERY IMPORTANT lesson to learn!
This is also a perfect time to reinforce the importance of respect and manners. We read a chapter from "Winnie the Pooh's Book of Manners" each afternoon. Available via Bookshare's Read2Go App.

Vitamin Angels Quarter Jar for Giving!

Madilyn has been loving learning about Africa. She knows about the Sahara Desert, the Serengeti, the Nile River, Madagascar, and the Great Rift Valley. She studied the four countries in/near the Great Rift Valley and committed them to memory so well I even remember them! She eagerly recites to anyone who will listen, "Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique!" The last is her favorite to say for good reason- it's just fun! However, as we researched more and more about the cultures of this area we found somewhat disturbing information about the lack of nutrients, especially Vitamin A, causing numerous cases of blindness and vision problems for the children there. It's not that I was not aware of the malnutrition in many areas of the world, but to know the statistics and think how these cases of blindness could be prevented was heartbreaking and in some ways, angered me to know that so many children, not so different than my own, were suffering in a way that could be helped. I am said to be a very empathetic person, and with that I've learned that if I don't try to help, and encourage others to do the same, the worse I feel about the entire situation. So, I try to help for the right reasons and do it in the most ethical, moral, healthy way possible.


In our search for organizations that reach out to the people all over the world that need Vitamin A to prevent blindness and infectious diseases in at-risk populations, we found Vitamin Angels (www.vitaminangels.org). Vitamin Angel's mission is to "to mobilize and deploy private sector resources to advance availability, access and use of micronutrients, especially vitamin A, among at-risk populations in need." And the best part? It only takes 25 cents to help a child per year! A quarter! I paid over $4 for my iced coffee this morning. That would have helped 16 children receive enough nutrients to build stronger immune systems, lower risk of disease, and survive! (And yes, I'm trying to quit the coffee addiction - knowing how money can be used for much better causes HELPS!)

Madilyn with her Vitamin Angel Quarter Jar

Madilyn is only seven years old, but I don't think it's ever too early to teach children how to help others. So today she decorated a little jar and it is now her "Vitamin Angel Quarter Jar". She gets to put in a quarter for all her good deeds, plus anything she does well like being polite, independent, and reading braille books- this has been a great incentive for her that doesn't involve sugary foods or new toys! You can help to by creating your own fundraiser page, or donate at mine if you wish! Remember, every quarter counts! http://angels.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?px=1007701&pg=personal&fr_id=1040

Pick a Popsicle! Braille Learning Activities

Summer is still a few months away, but I wanted to share this activity that could be adapted for about any holiday or theme. Popsicle sticks have an assortment of uses I've found out! And you don't have to eat a box of popsicles to get them either. I found a package of "Woodsies" at Michaels Craft Store for about $4. Here are a few ways to use them:

Letters: Print and/or Braille letters or words onto strips of paper, then glue to one side of the popsicle stick.Use Glitter Glue to make large Braille letters, words or numbers directly on the stick if standard size braille is too small for the child. (Note: For many of the games listed below, you'll need two of each letter, shape or color.)
Different game ideas include: Make a popsicle stick with the lower case letter, as well as a stick with the capital letter to match. Match the letter popsicle sticks to the word sticks that start with that letter. Put the sticks in ABC alphabetical order. Categorize word sticks by animals, foods, and toys. Or just pick a popsicle stick from the jar and identify. Play a game of memory by turning all the sticks upside down in a grid or line pattern, then turn over two at a time until you find all the matches. For sighted children learning braille, make a set of sticks with only print and a set with only braille, then let them match the letters! This is also a great way for parents to learn!

Close up of popsicle stick!

Colors: Paint or dip one end of the stick in paint, then add the color word to the other side. This can be useful for sighted, low vision and blind children, as even blind children need to learn the names of colors. You could also match the color words to other words that are that color. For instance, match a "yellow" popsicle stick with a "sun" popsicle stick; a "green" stick to a "grass" stick, and so on...

Shapes: Adhere foam or glitter sticker shapes to one end of the popsicle stick, then add the shape word to the other side. You can also follow the same idea as with the colors for a fun matching game.

You can also combine a variety of games on one stick. Here we used shapes, colors and braille (regular and large dots) all on the same stick, then just chose different games to play rather than making a different set of sticks for each game above. Enjoy!

Foam shapes can be matched by color and shape.
Braille letters are given in standard size and large dots for learning! 

Valentine's Books for someone special!

One of the most valuable resources I've come across for Madilyn is the Read2Go app for iPad through www.Bookshare.org and Benetech. I often find myself staring at fun, cute little books from the edge of the kids' section of Barnes and Noble. Finally, I take step over the invisible line I've drawn in my head and enter the children's area. I look, pick it up, flip through a few pages... and set it back down. "Madilyn can't use this. Why do I even torture myself?" Torture may seem like a strong word, but it is very frustrating to see something so sweet, with a great story and cute pictures, and realize I can't walk out of here with this and Madilyn enjoy it as it is right now... in print... with printed pictures. It is disappointing every time. But then I realize... I can search and download it straight to the iPad using Read2Go! And my smile returns, my heart perks up and I go home to do just that! Now, I must say I love Read2Go and Madilyn seems to as well, however it sometimes is misprinted or tries to sound out words that end up sounding nothing as intended. Most books do not describe the pictures, but some do. Hopefully they will work out the kinks and add more description soon!

After my latest trip to the bookstore, I snapped a pic with my iPhone of all the Valentine books I wanted to download for Madilyn for February reading. We've now read a few of them, and wanted to share our favorites with you! Maybe your special someone will love them, too! Many of the books can also be found in braille online via www.Seedlings.org or the Braille Bookstore!

Top Valentine's Day Books

• Clifford We Love You by Norman Bridwell
• How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? by Jane Yolen
• Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart by Jane O'Connor
• Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse! by Felicia Bond & Laura Joffe Numeroff

Audio Description of Books and Pictures

I used to steer away from buying books with a lot of images, thinking they were inaccessible to Madilyn. But after opening my mind and learning so much more about audio description (AD), I have realized that buying books with beautiful, detailed pictures is one of the best ways to assist in really explaining the world to her. How? By verbally describing the pictures to her. And by describing I don't just mean, "There is a picture of a red apple." I mean making the images come to life with beautiful words, full of color and action. I recently had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Joel Snyder of (Audio Description Associates, www.audiodescribe.com) describe audio description as "a type of poetry- a haiku, if you will." These words stuck with me as I visited the local bookstore and found "Children's Amazing Places Encyclopedia" on sale for only $10! First of all, I thought about how much Madilyn loves geography and learning all about the different places and cultures of the world. Then, I looked at the abundance of images throughout that I could describe to her as I saw them- sharing my own personal feelings and thoughts of each. Obviously, it made it's way through the checkout and is now on our bookshelf, waiting to be opened this week!

Many times, I've found it's not that the resources or supplies don't exist in teaching Madilyn, but it's that they are being used in a different manner. If I stop to think, "How can I solve this problem?"  and not, "Which existing product out there right now will do the job?", I come up with not only a great answer, but one that would help a child ahead or behind her current level. One that a child with 100% sight would gain just as much as Madilyn, whom doesn't have the least bit of an experience of what 'seeing' visually even feels like at this point in her life. This is the idea behind Sensory Sun Educational Technologies. I want to change the 'standard' from printed type and pictures to books and movies you can touch, hear, and even smell. I want the  product that needs to be 'adapted' to already be fully accessible, and work well! This is not a wish- this is my goal.

awaken your senses

#futuristic #strategic #belief

The Imagination of Blind Children

Imagination and blind children. I've thought about this a lot recently, well really ever since Madilyn was about 4 years old. When I was little, not a day went by that I didn't play school and house, or store, with my friends; and sometimes by myself. But Madilyn never was interested in imagination or role play type toys. If it didn't make a sound, it didn't stay in her hands more than a couple seconds. I remember being so frustrated that we couldn't find more accessible toys. Not that my frustration has lessened over the years either. We visited a museum gift shop yesterday in high hopes of thinking we'd find a new, fun toy for her to enjoy. I thought being a museum gift shop there would surely be something that made music or sounds and of course, educational.

Nope. We couldn't find a thing. There were a couple toys that we'd come across before, but still they were not fully accessible. Many people think that if it has sound, then Madilyn can play with it. Yes and no. She will probably enjoy the sounds, but most likely she will not know which button (if there even are tactile buttons!) does which command, as they all feel alike or there are multiple buttons all over the toy that she has to guess and learn the layout before she can even answer a question correctly. And that's only if the question is audible! Most electronic toys these days have LCD screens that display the question or picture- definitely NOT accessible to a young child. Board games and workbooks are all printed. Sometimes these can be adapted but it can be very time consuming for a parent or teacher to do this, too!

Anyway, imagination. We'll get back to my frustrations at a later date; as there are many [laughing]. It wasn't til after buying dress up clothes and magic wands that I finally understood (or more so, 'accepted') that Madilyn uses her imagination through words and voices, making funny sounds and mimicking others. She'll insist, "You pretend to be Queen Mommy and I'll be Princess Madilyn." Ahh a smile comes to my face just thinking of her saying it. Even since she was one or two years old, she has been 'pretending' or 'mimicking' various sounds and voices. It wasn't until then that she could tolerate the Passy Muir Valve on her trach, the device that allowed air to go in through her trach, but blocked it from coming out of it, thereby forcing the air through her vocal cords and ah-ha, producing sounds! It was a glorious day when we visited the ENT doctor to try it out for the first time. Before then, Madilyn could only make little squeaks and whistles. In fact, the first  sound she mimicked (as far as I remember) was a squeaky door. LOL. We would say, "Madilyn, be a squeaky door!" Her face would light up with a smile and somehow she could make the air pass through her trach just right to make a sound JUST LIKE a squeaky door, "eeeek"! So I guess it all started with that... Maybe one day she'll be an actress or be the voice behind a beautiful cartoon princess. Oh, the dreams we have for our children. Happiness. #dreamswehaveforourchildren

Madilyn in her Halloween costume (Abby Cadabby) during a Miracle League baseball game, 2011.

DIY Raised Line Pictures, Images & Graphics

Sometimes you just have to be creative! Without high-priced embossing printers or paying over $15 for a simple coloring book, you can still create great raised line pictures for children to trace tactually, color, and 'read' for story time activities! All it takes is a little time - which can often be much easier to come by than money!

I find scrapbook and hobby stores to be the best places to find materials for creating and adapting for sensory learning. I never leave without textured paper, embellishments, and some type of dimensional media like paint or flocking powder. After making a few raised line coloring pages of your own, be sure to check out our post for more ideas for making coloring fun!

Suggested Shopping List:
Textured paper (glitter, embossed designs, and more!)
Dimensional/puffy paints
Flocking powder & glue pen
Non-toxic glue (look for assorted bottles/tips for dispensing to achieve a variety of effects)
Hot Glue Gun and glue sticks
Yarn and string
Wikki Stix
Embossing powder, embossing ink, and hot air gun
Dimensional stickers
Scrapbook embossing machines (like Cuttlebug or Sizzix) *however, these are generally more expensive and have more detailed designs when sometimes simpler is better!
Foam sheets and shapes (varieties include smooth or glittered surfaces, and scented!)

***These materials are great to always have on hand; you'll find numerous uses- I promise!***

Click to view the full Activity Plan (pdf)

Raised line triangle using Wikki Stix.

Try using glitter glue (Stickles from Ranger Inks pictured here) to add dimension and texture!

Click to view the full Activity Plan (pdf)

Textured Braille Wall Tags - O&M idea

Many times we found Madilyn getting turned around and confused about where she was in the house. The walls all feel the same and she could go for quite a few steps before getting to a corner or piece of furniture to help her identify her location. To break up the long sections of wall and mark the places where she needed to remember to let go trailing the wall and take a few steps in the other direction, we put textured and braille tags on the walls as a reminder. Not only did they help her to identify her location, but they encouraged her to reach out and explore! We saw instant progress being made in her trailing and walking skills, independently working to get to where she wanted to go! I definitely encourage you to take a few minutes and consider using the wall tags in your home, and even your child's school. It is easy and fun for all kids!

Click here to view the Wall Tags Activity Plan (pdf)

Use two different textures to show where two different rooms are separated but there is not a wall or door.

UPDATE! Mission: Require Audio Description

Yay! I contacted another theater, The Rave Motion Pictures - Colonel Glenn 18, in Little Rock to request they install a system for audio description services in their theater. Keep reading for their encouraging response!

<<Note: I sent The Rave the same general email given in the first post regarding this Mission!>>

Hello Mrs. Kleck,
It is rather interesting that you sent your email when you did.  I had been doing some research and started asking about the possibility of us getting some applicable systems within the last 2 weeks.  The systems I am most interested in are the Captiview and the Fidelio from Doremi (brochures are attached).  I can go into specifics as to why I would prefer these systems over mopix, but most revolve around the fact that these systems have come about since the "digital revolution" where mopix is (was) a film system that can be converted to work on a digital system.  At this point I have no actual news other than that we have started having discussions and are following a process that can take some time.  I truly hope it doesn't take long, but we are still very early in the process (we haven't even recieved pricing).  I truly believe we need these systems and will continue to follow up until I have a definitive answer.  I would like to keep your email address so that when I get an answer I can follow back up with you.  Also, if we are able to aquire these systems I will need some help getting the word out and you seem like you could (and would) help me with that.  Please let me know if you have any questions I will do my best to answer them.

Regards,
<name omitted for privacy>general managerravecinemas | colonel glenn 18

***My happy reply***

 Dear <general manager>,
Thank you so much for your prompt and encouraging reply! As my family was just at your theater yesterday to watch the new Chipmunk's movie. We took my daughter but it was hard for her to follow the beginning of the story since there was not audio description. I closed my eyes too, and realized there was no way she could understand without a verbal description of the images. We would really appreciate a serious effort into bringing the service to your theater.
I looked up the Fidelio and Doremi website information, as I was not familiar with their system. I do like that their system uses wired headsets that will not have an RF signal so close to your head. I will definitely be willing to help spread the word in the community, as well as nationally, when you have a system installed. Please keep me updated on the progress. My daughter is looking forward to 'seeing' the new movies in the future! Your action is definitely appreciated!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 So, that is the last we've heard from the manager at The Rave, but I'll definitely be following up with him very soon. I'm arranging a meeting with the local blind organizations in the central Arkansas area to help encourage the theater to go ahead with their idea, and to show the theater just how many people are in need of the service and how many more will back them up! Even if you are not visually impaired or do not even know a blind person, you can still help advocate by reinforcing the need for and equality of accessibility in public areas AND privately owned companies. The voices of MANY is much louder and more easily heard!

Mission: Install DVS audio description services in at least one theater in Little Rock!

Most of you know by now what it audio description for the blind is, but you may not know that it can be very hard to get others, specifically movie theaters, to understand the need for this service. I recently asked our local theater to install DVS MoPix systems for my daughter and the many other blind population of the Little Rock area. However, I never heard back from the local staff manager on my first attempt. I then wrote their corporate office and to my surprise, got an answer! 

Here is the first email I wrote to the local theater address after never getting thru to a manager on the phone.

Dear Chenal 9 Imax Theatre,
My family and I frequently attend your theater to see all the latest movies, however my daughter Madilyn, age 6, is completely blind and is unable to get the full experience at your facility. Could you please install the MoPix DVS system to enable blind movie goers to enjoy your theater as much as my husband and I do. We would be more than happy to help raise awareness of the cause and even raise funds to get the technology installed in Little Rock. With the Arkansas School for the Blind also located in Little Rock, as well as World Services for the Blind and Lighthouse for the Blind, all in Little Rock, I'm sure we could make this happen.
I would love to talk more about the possibility with you. You can also check out WGBH MoPix online at http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/ to learn more about it, including costs, etc. Thank you for your kind consideration.
Sincerely,
Hillary Welch Kleck(contact info removed for privacy)
Arkansas NAPVI, President
Sensory Sun Educational Technologies, Ownerhttp://sensorysun.blogspot.com *******

After no reply I sent added this to the beginning of the first message and emailed to their corporate headquarters:

----- Original Message -----From: Hillary KleckSent: 12/19/11 11:10 PMSubject: Described Audio Services
I recently contacted the theatre directly, but was disappointed to never hear anything in reply. I hope by contacting Corporate , I will get an enthusiastic reply! THanks!(copy of first message)

****
Here was their response. I've highlighted the statements that I thought were 'interesting':

From: <DTMOVIES email address>
Date: Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Subject: RE: Described Audio Services
To: Hillary Kleck

Dear Hillary,

Thank you for your emails to our website concerning the MoPix DVS system.  I apologize for the delay in response to your inquiry.

We very much appreciate your patronage at our Chenal location, and your interest in securing MoPix DVS for the theatre.  As someone with hearing disability due to childhood illness, I well understand the challenges and frustration of navigating a world that doesn't always accommodate impairments.  Your letter shows great dedication and commitment toward addressing the needs of not only your daughter, but to others with sight impairments and I admire your willingness to be a much needed advocate.  The new technologies that have been developed are exciting!  With the latest hearing devices for my ears and units at the theatres, it's only been in the past six months that I actually experienced a true audio experience at a movie, after a forty year career in theatres.

Upon being provided your letter for response, I checked out the website you provided.  Our company is currently involved in a major undertaking to update all of our theatres to digital, as well as working our way through several theatre sales.  While we do understand the need to address the movie going experience of all of our customers, especially those who would benefit from impairment assistance technology, we aren't currently in a position to devote the time and resources needed to investigate the systems available and how the equipment we have in place, and are working to put into place, will coordinate with the various systems.  We would ask your patience as we work through this, as we have "all hands on deck" to work through our current projects.  I am providing your letter, contact information and website information to the head of our projection so that he also has it in hand as we move forward with future technology improvements.

Thank you for bringing this issue to the forefront and for your offer to be a resource of information and assistance to us.  Best wishes to you and your family for good health and happiness in 2012 -

Sincerely,
(name removed for privacy)
Dickinson Theatres

To facilitate a prompt response and the tracking of this comment, please reply using the link provided below. (link removed for privacy)

****
As you can probably tell, I am more than disappointed in their response. I have contacted a variety of people regarding the "digital" issue to find out more details. The other theater in our area, US Breckenridge 12 by Regal Cinemas, to follow up on a lead that they already had the system installed. However, after speaking with a manager that sounded as though he had more important things to do than talk with me about it, they too are "trying to figure out what to do since they switched to digital."

Is it just me or does the fact that it is digital sound like it could only be good for the idea of advanced technology such as DVS? I'm a bit confused and more than frustrated, but I'll continue the mission, hoping to bring others in our area on board, as well as inspire uprisings in different cities as well! I would love to know if you are on the same mission, or need a little help with your requests. Everyone can join the CAUSE here http://www.causes.com/causes/645314-require-audio-description-for-the-blind-on-movies-and-at-theaters and advocate by emailing theater chains to tell them it is only fair for ALL to enjoy movies, not just the sighted. Closed caption services for the hearing impaired are fighting for their rights, too! Learn more on how to advocate on the MoPix website http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/#advocate.

Thank you! Follow our blog to keep updated on our mission!