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It can be frustrating to call a company for technical support, but doubly so if you have a hearing or vision impairment. Who wants to get connected with a support person who has no idea what you are talking about?

Well, Apple has an answer for that. If you have a hearing or vision impairment, call 1-877-204-3930 for direct access to Apple representatives who are trained in providing support using accessibility services.

1-877-204-3930

FEMA's Think Tank Conference Call Related to Disability: Amateur Radio will be included in the discussion.

Please join FEMA’s Deputy Administrator Richard Serino as he hosts the next FEMA Think Tank conference call on March 22nd, 2012 from Atlanta, Georgia.

* Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012
* Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern
* Call-In Number: 800-593-0692
* Pass Code: Think Tank March

Individuals who would like to access the captioning for this event may do so by clicking the following link at the start of the event:

The Goops, they lick their fingers...

This is the payload of a high-altitude balloon experiment carrying an amateur radio APRS station. The box is made up of expanded foam for low weight and insulation. A digital camera (upper right with fingers on it) takes video during the flight, which reaches "near space" before the weather balloon bursts and the payload parachutes to Earth. The APRS station allows for tracking during the flight, so that the chase vehicles can be near the landing site. Note the hot glue that secures wiring to prevent violent flapping and possible failure due to stress during the flight and descent.

Hey, ham radio isn't usually dangerous enough to don a construction hat, but just in case...

Here I am posing by a Honda driving simulator in Chitose, Japan. The car rental agency had one, though we were not asked to try it out. I wonder if they get some really tentative drivers who might need a bit of training before heading out to drive on the left side of the roadway, as is done in Japan. Chitose is the city just southeast of Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido. The international airport for Sapporo is at Chitose.

Our car's GPS really helped, but it would have been even better had it spoken English!

Once again the mundane is beautiful - it's just how you look at it.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Generations of blind and visually impaired Americans have dedicated their passion and skills to enhancing our national life -- leading as public servants, penning works of literature, lending their voice to music, and inspiring as champions of sport. On Blind Americans Equality Day, we celebrate the achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans and reaffirm our commitment to advancing their complete social and economic integration.