Difference between revisions of "Helen Keller Day"

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== Press Release ==
== Press Release ==
PRESS RELEASE: Helen Keller Day in Second Life, June 27 2009
PRESS RELEASE: Helen Keller Day 2010 in Second Life, June 19, 2010


Contact person: Saxet Uralia
Contact person: Saxet Uralia


The 24-hour event PDT will be held all day Saturday, June 27 at the four The Ye, Olde, Supporte, Faire sims. [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Faire/20/222/38 SLURL]
[http://www.virtualhelpinghands.org Virtual Helping Hands] and a coalition of community volunteers are proud to announce Helen Keller Day in Second Life.  Named for a true innovator in accessibility, Helen Keller Day is a community-event that explores how and why to employ, educate, entertain, and engage everyone through virtual worlds.


[http://www.virtualhelpinghands.org Virtual Helping Hands] and a coalition of community volunteers are proud to announce Helen Keller Day in Second Life. Helen Keller Day is a community-event exploring how and why to employ, educate, entertain, and engage everyone through virtual worlds.
Helen Keller Day is a day set aside for information acquisition, education, exploration of employment opportunities, social engagement, and enjoyment of arts and entertainment. There will be vendors, employers, presentations, and pure, unbridled fun.


Helen Keller Day is a day that is set aside for information acquisition, education, exploration of employment opportunities, social engagement, and enjoyment of arts and entertainment... There will be vendors, employers, presentations, and pure, unbridled fun.


It's a day dedicated to raising our level of awareness for our fellow Second Life Residents who cope with disabilities. At some time in our lives, we've all felt what it feels like not to be able to participate... not to be included. Knowing how to include someone with a disability, and make them feel welcome, is an important social skill, and a small but significant kindness that we can all benefit from and feel good about.
Helen Keller Day is dedicated to raising our level of awareness for our fellow Second Life Residents who cope with disabilities. No one is immune from the feeling that they are excluded or unable to participate fully. Knowing how to include someone with a disability, and make them feel welcome, is an important social skill, and a small but significant kindness that we can all benefit from and feel good about.  But Helen Keller Day goes far beyond this.  Learning how to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities avails business owners and managers of the services of a large pool of highly qualified, dedicated, and reliable workers that are an asset in many business settings.


Participants will meet people learn things, get freebies, and be entertained for their efforts.


You will hear keynote speakers Keller Johnson Thompson, the great grandniece of Helen herself and Linden Lab's Education and Healthcare Developer, John Lester, aka Pathfinder Linden. You will hear from experts in the fields of virtual education, employment, social engagement and entertainment. There will be building contests featuring skilled builders doing accessible builds before our virtual eyes. There will be a world premier "movie" featuring "Max," the [http://www.virtualguidedog.com virtual guide dog] developed in Second Life for blind or visually impaired SL users. Also featured will be an exhibition of Max's abilities, a fashion show, chess, a Braille chat display, dancing, singing quests and storytelling... even a virtual goldmine!
The 13-hour event PDT will be held on Saturday, June 19 at four sims: The Ye, Olde, Supporte, and Faire [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Faire/80/215/35 SLURL].  Presentations throughout the day include topics such as enabling deaf or blind users in Second life along with other accessibility issues and solutions in Second Life. The day will conclude with a "dance till we drop wrap-up party" at Club Accessible[http://slurl.com/secondlife/Taupo/20/14/21 SLURL].  


There will be experiences designed to spark the imagination and "see" and "hear" the world with all the senses in new and thought provoking ways. Join the pioneers in virtual worlds who are inspired by the spirit of Helen Keller to explore ways in which everyone can participate...and create a world that richer for all.


Please come and learn, connect, explore, be entertained, and pick up freebies while sharing this positive and uplifting experience with us.
You will hear keynote speaker [http://michaelhingson.com Michael Hingson], survivor of the World Trade Center attacks and National Sales Director for the National Federation of the Blind for the KNFB Reader and many others. You will hear from experts in the fields of virtual education, employment, social engagement and entertainment. You can be immersed into darkness as you and Max, the [http://www.virtualguidedog.com Virtual Guidedog] developed in Second Life for blind or visually impaired Second Life users, explore a virtual goldmine. Also featured will be an exhibition of Max's abilities, a fashion show, a Braille chat display, dancing, singing quests and storytelling and more!
Bill Carter from IBM will not only be talking about the IBM AbilityLab Voice Chat Transcriber and how it allows deaf and hard-of-hearing users to participate in Second Life voice chat but you will see this new technology in use publicly for the first time in Second Life.  


== Schedule and Details ==
The event includes experiences designed to spark the imagination and participants to "see" and "hear" the world with all the senses in new and thought provoking ways. Join the pioneers in virtual worlds who are inspired by the spirit of Helen Keller to explore ways in which everyone can participate...and create a world that is richer for all.




'''Presentations & Contest Awards'''
Please join us in this positive and uplifting experience as we learn, connect, explore, and enjoy all that Helen Keller Day has to offer.


All times are SLT/PDT


12:00am - The History of Disability in Second Life & Award Presentation by Simon Walsh


1:00am - Willow Halfpint & Saxet Uralia
== Schedule and Details ==


2:00am - Entertainment & Business in Virtual Worlds by AWM Mars
{| style="background-color:#CCCCFF; text-align:left; letter-spacing:0;"  border="1"
 
|+'''Presentations'''<br />
3:00am - Virtual Teaching Programs by Denlee Wobbit with Willow Halfpint as moderator
All times are SLT/PDT
 
!Time:
4:00am - Water Scene from "The Miracle Worker" (video)
!Presentation: 
 
!Details:
5:00am - Entertainment and Business in Virtual Worlds by Marc Montague
|-
 
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |8:00AM-9:00AM
6:00am - Marcie Roth
|Vision Quest
 
|'''Speaker:'''The Virtual World Story Project Jena Ball aka Jenaia Morane & Marty Keltz aka Marty Snowpaw
7:00am - Kids Bridge by Dusty Artaud


8:00am - JAN Employment by Beth Loy
'''Description:''' What does it mean to "see?"  Anyone who is blind or has limited eyesight will tell you there are many ways to perceive the world.


8:30am - If you Say Marco, I Say Polo by Chade Villota
This Second Life version of a Vision Quest is designed to spark your imagination and encourage you to "see" in new and thought provoking ways.


9:00am - Teaching Techniques for People with Special Needs by Louise Later and Polgara Paine
Participants will have a choice between one of two stories to pursue.  The discussion will focus on the power of immersive, interactive stories to create understanding and empathy.  The closing session will give participants an opportunity to share their experiences and stories.
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |9:00AM-9:30AM
|Enabling Deaf Users in Second Life
|'''Speaker:''' Bill Carter aka Capstan Cliff


10:00am - KEYNOTE - Pathfinder Linden
'''Description:''' A presentation on the IBM AbilityLab Voice Chat Transcriber and how it allows deaf and hard-of-hearing users to participate in Second Life voice chat.
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |9:30AM-10:00AM
|Enabling Blind Users in Second Life
|'''Speaker:''' Bill Carter aka Capstan Cliff


11:00am - Understanding 3D Spaces for the Blind - Jolie1 Magic & Lucy
'''Description:''' A presentation on the IBM AbilityLab Accessible Virtual Worlds Interface and how it allows blind users to participate in Second Life activities.
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |10:00AM-11:00AM
|Marco Polo
|'''Speaker:''' Chad Villota


12:00pm - KEYNOTE - Keller Johnson Thompson
'''Description:''' How an tool designed for accessibility can help show people things they can't see.
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |11:00AM-12:00PM
|Co-Occurring Disorders in Adolescents
|'''Speaker:''' Brenda Bryan aka Brena Benoir with Preferred Family Healthcare


1:00pm - Vision Quest Story Reading and Awards - Jenaia Morane
'''Description:''' We will be examining the prevalence of substance abuse issues and mental health issues among the adolescent populations.  We will look at symptoms of mental health issues among the adolescent population.  We will examine the concept of self medication and how this relates directly to substance abuse.  We will also be focusing on how to increase long-term stability for both substance abuse and mental health issues. 
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |12:00PM-1:00PM
|Keynote: Blindness and Technology in the 21st Century
|'''Speaker:''' Michael Hingson with National Federation of the Blind and KNFB Reader


2:00pm - Organizational Outreach - Piratelionecu Humphries, LARRS & Audio Description
'''Description:''' TBA
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |1:00PM-2:00PM
|Accessibility Issues and Solutions in Second Life
|'''Speaker:''' Eme Capalini and Ladyslipper Constantine


3:00pm - Style Enabled Fashion Show - Polgara Paine and fashion designers of SL
'''Description:''' Ladyslipper Constantine and Eme Capalini, volunteers with Virtual Ability, Inc., will talk about virtual world benefits for people with disabilities.  We'll share the SL specific impairments and solutions that are available today.
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |2:00PM-3:00PM
|Crucial Inclusions
|'''Speaker:''' Nick Dupree aka Namav Abramovic


4:00pm - Virtual Teaching Programs Panel - Salamanca Congrejo and ChrisG Techsan with JanythKU Techsan as moderator
'''Description:''' Connections that make a difference. Why including people with disabilities in Virtual Worlds is crucial. 
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |3:00PM-4:00PM
|Summertime
|'''Performer:''' Cellandra Zon


5:00pm - SL Voice and Impact on the Deaf - Ladyslipper Constantine
'''Description:''' SUMMERTIME and it's all about summer...Summer love, summer wine, summer fun, Summer Heat!
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |4:00PM-5:00PM
|Let's Talk Accessibility
|'''Speakers:''' Virtual Helping Hands Team


5:30pm - Building Contest Awards - Ciebird McCullough
'''Description:''' Join the Virtual Helping Hands team for an open forum discussion on accessibility.
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |5:00PM-6:00PM
|SL Voice and Impact on Deaf
|'''Speaker:''' Ladyslipper Constantine
'''Description:''' Ladyslipper Constantine will talk about reasons why text should be given along with voice during presentations.
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |6:00PM-7:00PM
|Virtually Positive Abilities
|'''Speaker:''' Able Landfall


6:00pm - 3D Wiki Awards - Jeremy Braver
'''Description:''' Within Real Life and Second Life holds unique opportunities for exploring ones' abilities.


7:00pm - Employment in Virtual Worlds with Bjorlynn Loon and Lowri Mills
Second Life allows one to go even further.  We'll explore the positive side of interacting and exploring the virtual world and it's positive effects on your Real Life.  Come share in the positive experience.
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |7:00PM-8:00PM
|Building for Accessibility: Open Discussion for 3D Builders
|'''Speaker:''' Chade Villota, Johnnytreadlightly Nightfire and others


8:00pm - Poster Contest Awards - JanythKU Techsan
'''Description:''' Open discussion for builders to discuss 3D design and accessibility issues.
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |8:00PM-9:00PM
|Vision Quest Stories
|'''Speaker:''' The Virtual World Story Project Jena Ball aka Jenaia Morane & Marty Keltz aka Marty Snowpaw


8:30pm - Scripting Contest Winners - Capstan Clift
'''Description:''' What does it mean to "see?"  Anyone who is blind or has limited eyesight will tell you there are many ways to perceive the world.


9:00pm - Water Scene from "The Miracle Worker" (video)
This Second Life version of a Vision Quest is designed to spark your imagination and encourage you to "see" in new and thought provoking ways. 


10:00pm - LaurenLIVE comedy with Lauren Weyland
Participants will have a choice between one of two stories to pursue.  The discussion will focus on the power of immersive, interactive stories to create understanding and empathy.  The closing session will give participants an opportunity to share their experiences and stories.
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |9:00PM-10:00PM
|Lauren Live!
|'''Speaker:''' Lauren Weyland


11:00pm - "I am one" Party - Party down with DJ TributeTim Kwak and the Helen Keller Volunteers
'''Description:''' Comedy - What's So Funny About Second Life?
|-
| style="white-space:nowrap;" |10:00PM-Until~
|I Am One" Party
|Party down with DJ TributeTim Kwak and the Helen Keller Volunteers at Club Accessible [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Taupo/20/14/21]
|-
|}




 
{| style="background-color:#99DDCC; text-align:left; letter-spacing:0;"  border="1"
'''Entertainment'''
|+'''Entertainment'''<BR ?>
 
All times are SLT/PDT
All times are SLT/PDT


12:00am -  
Club Accessible[http://slurl.com/secondlife/Taupo/156/122/29 SLURL]
|-
!Time:
!Performer:
!Host:
|-
|8:00AM ||JordanReyne Deezul||Guru & Zany
|-
|9:00AM ||Midnight McCarty|| Guru & Zany
|-
|10:00AM ||Mack Humbridge|| Allegra
|-
|11:00AM ||FacelessAPe Mefusula|| Allegra
|-
|12:00PM  ||Hazideon Zarco||
|-
|1:00PM ||Harrison Digfoot||
|-
|2:00PM ||FrankLee Anatra|| Petitelittlegirl Pinklady
|-
|3:00PM ||LilTank Thebedeau @ Club Accessable OR Cellandra Zon @ The Ye, Olde, Supporte, and Faire [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Faire/80/215/35 SLURL] ||
|-
|4:00PM ||RoseDrop Rust ||
|-
|5:00PM ||SOAR ||
|-
|6:00PM ||KelvinBlue Oh || Kel Treillis
|-
|7:00PM ||Grif Bamaisin ||Sensual Fold
|-
|8:00PM ||Noma Falta ||
|-
|9:00PM ||Lauren Weyland ||
|-
|10:00PM ||"I Am One" Party - Party down with DJ TributeTim Kwak (AKA "Despicable Bastard)and the Helen Keller Volunteers ||Jeanne Jannings
|-
|}


1:00am -
== Events (please check back for updates)==


2:00am -
'''VISION QUEST STORIES'''


3:00am -  
Designer: Jenaia Morane - Virtual World Story Project


4:00am -


5:00am -
[http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Vision_Quest_Stories Vision Quest Stories]


6:00am -
Anyone who is blind or visually impaired will tell you there are many ways to see. Eyesight is just one of them.


7:00am -
Nevertheless, without sight a person lives with extraordinary challenges.


8:00am -
Starting at the Virtual Guide Dog Center (VGDC) in Second Life, participants will embark on a series of explorations designed to help them experience what it is like to function as someone who is visually impaired in Second Life (SL). Their companion on these journeys will be Max the Virtual Guide Dog. There they will also meet Madison, a woman who was able to come to terms with being blind with the help of Max.


9:00am -
Participants will be asked to share their thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences/stories in a wide variety of formats throughout the Quest. Their contributions will be shared at the Helen Keller Day celebration on June 19, 2010 and preserved as part of an ongoing Story Garden and Display at the Virtual Guide Dog Center.


10:00am -  
'''FERD'S CHAT-TO-SPEECH HUD AND FERD'S FREE TRANSLATOR'''


11:00am -
Designer Ferd Frederix


12:00pm -
I honor of Helen Keller, the Chat-to-Speech HUD is free on Saturday the 19th, 2010.
Qualified, sight-challenged individuals or organizations that support them should teleport to [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Olde/109/103/30 Ferd's vendor area] to pick up a copy of the HUD and instructional notecard.  Do to server/bandwidth restrictions use should be limited to:


1:00pm -  
Examples:
·    Sight-challenged individuals
·    Organizations that support the blind
·    Event organizers


2:00pm -
Ferd's system will work in conjunction with Max the Virtual Guidedog which is available at [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Taupo/167/92/24 Accessible Builds].


3:00pm -


4:00pm -
'''VIRTUAL HELPING HANDS GOLD MINE'''


5:00pm -
Designer: Johnnytreadnightly Nightfire


5:30pm -
Power problems in Virtual Helping Hands Gold Mine challenge the explorer who needs to use assistive technology devices (Max / the Marco/Polo scripts or other) to overcome obstacles and accomplish goals. Come explore the Gold Mine to see what it is like to be on your own - with just your wits and your trusted technology to help you accomplish your goals.
 
6:00pm -
 
7:00pm -
 
8:00pm -  


8:30pm -


9:00pm -
'''Helen Keller Day on Flickr'''


10:00pm -
One of the fun things to do in Second Life is to take snapshots of your journey.  Help us photo document Max's travels in Second Life and also the events surrounding Helen Keller Day.  Be sure to post all of your great snapshots to [http://www.flickr.com/groups/helenkellerday/ Helen Keller Day Flickr]'''


11:00pm - "I am one" Party - Party down with DJ TributeTim Kwak and the Helen Keller Volunteers
'''Maze'''


by Youri Ashton


== Contests ==
Let Max the Virtual Guidedog help you find your way though a virtual maze.  There are treasures to be found as Max helps you find your way.


'''BUILDING CONTEST'''


Sponsors:
'''Helen Keller Day Art Memorial Site - "Virtual Pioneers" Sound Sculpture.'''


Event Contact: Ciebird McCullough
Enjoy the "Virtual Pioneers Include Everyone in Virtual Worlds" Sound Sculpture by Bryn Oh. Pathfinder Linden "unveiled" a Sound Sculpture celebrating Virtual Pioneers on Helen Keller Day 2009. The sculpture will be able to be enjoyed by everyone. A specially-created the sculpture is on display permanently in a mainland plot donated by Pathfinder Linden.


In Second Life, there are three accessibility issues to consider when discussing "building": "what features should a good build have?," "how can everyone build?," and "how can we help everyone learn about real-world accessibility issues?"             
Bryn Oh, [http://brynoh.blogspot.com/ a well-known artist in both Real Life and Second Life], created an art installation for Helen Keller Day. 


1. First, buildings in general. When you build a house, office, store or other structure, how can you be sure that it is accessible to everyone? For example, does your building have places where avatars get "stuck" or fall off spiral staircases? Have you avoided flashing lights that might trigger a seizure? Is your signage readable by someone who is colorblind and cannot distinguish letters that do not have high contrast from the background? Does your design have doors?  Do the doors have to be clicked on to open? (Remember: those that are blind cannot use a mouse or click on a certain area of the screen.)


2. Second, what if you have a real-world situation that keeps you from using a mouse -- such as the mouse on your computer suddenly dying and you don't have an alternative or you cannot see well enough to orient a mouse? Without adequate eyesight, building becomes impossible. Can you make building options available to those who can't use a mouse?
'''SLURL to the Memorial - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Davenport/62/24/98'''


3. Third, there are educational opportunities that await you in every build. For example, in real life, wheelchairs cannot climb stairs and ramps must have an appropriate slope to be used. While being in Second Life makes such issues seem irrelevant and unnecessary, some people in wheelchairs will not use stairs. Teleporting is not always a positive experience because many times it leaves the person standing in front of his/her wheelchair. That means some great builders and designers lose sales. Are you one of them? Some great sites have visitors who never leave the landing area. Is yours one of those?
'''Machinima of the Memorial - http://blip.tv/file/2272782'''


Since the focus of the day is "include everyone," we are holding a building contest to take on those difficult areas to clarify what needs to be done, and perhaps to come up with solutions.


Submissions for the building contest will be accepted beginning 1:00 am SLT on Saturday, June 20 until Wednesday, June 24 12:00 pm SLT (noon). Any late submissions will not be accepted, displayed, or judged.  No exceptions.  Judging will be held on June 26 and contest winners will be announced and prizes awarded on Saturday, June 27 from 5:30-6:00 pm SLT.
'''Message from Saxet Uralia'''


* You may build on your own land and submit the location SLURL in your entry
The organizers of Helen Keller Day in Second Life are thankful for the talents of Bryn Oh who created  the "Carousel of Dreams and Sorrows" sound sculpture to celebrate Virtual Pioneers. The sights and sounds fill the senses with wonder and encourage you to look deeper - to search the soul of the sculpture.
* Apply to build on Biloxi sim. You can apply for one of the 18 available parcels at Biloxi. These will be awarded on a first request basis. Apply by sending a notecard to Ciebird McCullough. Parcels on Biloxi have a 250 Prim limit and the plot size is 576m.


The sculpture is also a tribute to all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make Helen Keller Day a success.  This sculpture is a reminder to look deeper within Second Life and find the lessons that are to be taught and learned here.


How to enter:
Inclusion for Everyone in Virtual Worlds


Send a notecard to VHHMax Bailey and Ciebird McCullough titled "HKD Building Contest <avatar name> and include:


* Choose one of the categories listed below
* Explain how your building design meets the criterion of the chosen category
* List accessibility features you included in your build
* Display a sign in front of your contest entry with the following: "Helen Keller Building Contest Entry"
* Include the names of all avatars working on the building entry
* Take a picture of the builder(s) in front of the build and submit in the email
* Include the landmark of your building contest entry in the notecard


There are 3 categories of "accessible" building:
'''Message from Bryn Oh'''


1. Use Second Life to Illustrate Real World Accessibility Requirements. 3D models in Second Life can help people plan out and build in the real world. The award-winning builds will help people understand and implement real-world accessibility requirements in Second Life to help everyone learn what these requirements are and how to do them. An example can be found at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Morrill/40/208/25. This category also includes ways to overcome  SL "inaccessibility" such as places where an avatar gets "stuck."
The music loops in my sculpture were given to me by my friend Tama Ahn. I have taken the four music loops and given them a timed script which will play each instrument in a varied manner so the song will always change yet still fit together properly. The build has hidden elements so I would suggest left clicking on things to see what happens.
(See the requirements on the Accessible Checklist.)


2. Make Building Accessible to Everyone. This category looks for ways to accomplish what is "impossible." How can someone who cannot use normal methods of building still be able to build in Second Life? Do you have a special script or gizmo that avoids using a mouse? A clever combination of apps that lets you build even when you are low or no vision?
It was my pleasure to work with the Helen Keller Foundation and I would like to thank Pathfinder Linden for giving me a permanent location to exhibit this work.


3. Use Builds in Second Life to Further Real-Life Education, Employment, Entertainment, and social Engagement for EVERYONE while promoting accessibility. Creations in SL generate real-world learning, jobs, fun, or significance for everyone. SL has some good money makers--like SL dogs and fishing, and ingenious educational builds. Submit yours! Be creative and make it and example of something that everyone can use and enjoy.                     


Prizes


1st Place - $5,000L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award
'''Poem by Saxet Uralia about the Memorial'''
2nd Place - $2,500L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award
3rd Place - $1,000L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award


Awards
''The hilltop is desolate and forbidding -''


Best Illustration of Real World Accessibility Requirements
''A worthless rock.''
Best Entry of Making Building Accessible to Everyone
Best Entry that Promotes Accessibility Creations


''Not even vegetation finds a place.''


'''THE SECOND LIFE VISION QUEST:  Exploring what it means to see''' [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Olde/39/95/30 SLURL]
''But, then I hear it and turn to see.''


Event Contact: Jenaia Morane
What does it mean to "see?"  Anyone who is blind or has limited eyesight will tell you there are many ways to perceive the world. All the senses are involved  - smell, taste, touch, and hearing - not to mention that elusive, not quite definable sixth sense. It's that sixth sense takes us beyond the realm of pure physical sight into what is often called, "vision."
The Native Americans understood the concept of "vision" well.  Knowing the limitations of physical sight, they built rituals into their lives that helped them go beyond those limits to discover other, hidden insights.  They called these rituals "visions quests," or journeys that expanded reality and made it possible to "see" in new and different ways.
This Second Life version of a Vision Quest is designed to spark your imagination and encourage you to "see" in new and thought provoking ways.  Participants will have a choice between one of two Story Trails to pursue:


* Story Trail #1: Told through the perceptions of a person who is blind.  
''The chimes, they call me.''
* Story Trail #2: Told from the eyes of a seeing eye dog named Max. 


Each trail will have a specific set of clues to find and follow in order to tell your story.  These clues will include everything from finding actual physical objects and interacting with them to doing a bit of online sleuthing in order make your story more authentic.  No matter which story you choose, you must use MAX the seeing dog (free to all participants) to find the physical clues hidden on the sims.  Other requirements for the story will be explained in the instructions.
''Do you hear them?''
Participants in the Quest will also be encouraged to take photos as they work through the clues and email them to "Saxet Uralia" <saxeturalia@gmail.com> for her to post to a Flickr group called, "Where's Max?"  These images will be used as part of the awards ceremony presentation.  Instructions on how to post will be included in the the Instruction Kit each participant will receive at the start.


The Vision Quest begins on Saturday, June 20 at midnight PDT and runs until midnight PDT on Tuesday, June 24.  In other words, a total of four days.
''The tunes and the drums?''
June 27: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm PDT Awards announced and winning stories read aloud.
 
The Vision Quest begins at Olde sim at SL Education Faire. 


Participants can choose their story trails, pick up their Instruction Kits, and get a Free copy of Max, the VHH Virtual Guidedog, at the starting point on either sim.  Volunteers will be present to help those who are unsure about how to use the dog.  The instructions will contain directions to the first clue.
''Music to my soul.''


The Vision Quest will run for four days.  To be considered for one of the prizes, all stories must be dropped in the submission boxes on either Storybook Island or Biloxi by midnight PDT on Tuesday, June 23. There is no limit to the number of stories you can turn in, and you can do one or both of the Story Trails.
Prizes


Cash prizes will be given to the top three stories: $10,000 Lindens for First, $7,500 Lindens for Second, and $5,000 Lindens for Third. Judging will be conducted by a panel of five judges and commence on Wednesday, June 24.
''I look up to find the source.''
Awards


Awards will be handed out at The Vision Quest awards ceremony to be held on Saturday, June 27 at 1:00 pm (PDT).  Winners will be notified beforehand and asked to read their winning entries at the ceremony.  If for some reason a winner does not want to read his/her story, Jenaia Morane or another appointed avatar will read it for him/her.
''Oh - there and there.''
Questions? Contact Jenaia Morane inworld or drop her an email at: jenaia@tvwsp.com
Copyright 2009 by Jena Ball (aka Jenaia Morane).  All Rights Reserved.  


''See them?''


'''POSTER CONTEST - "Including Everyone in Virtual Worlds"'''  
''Music boxes make me smile.''


Sponsors: vTSTC, Cafe 101 and Lone Wolf Virtual Partners


Event Contact: JanythKU Techsan
''The milkweed seeds drift by''


What if there were interesting places that everyone could go to, interesting activities that everyone could participate in...  everyone but you?  How would you feel?
''Calling me to let my thoughts wander in the wind.''


People with disabilities overcome obstacles that most can’t imagine, just getting through every day.  You may not be aware of it, but if you’re active in Second Life (SL), chances are you interact with someone with a disability. 
''Wait, what is this?''


People with disabilities make up approximately 20 percent of the SL population. For many people with disabilities, SL is about as “barrier-free” an environment as it gets -  People who cannot walk in real life can fly and teleport here in SL.  Some barriers do not disappear:  Deaf and hearing impaired people can be unwittingly excluded from voice chats, and people who are blind or visually impaired still face massive challenges in being able to use the highly visual 3D environment at all –  Which is why Helen Keller Day is coming to Second Life, Saturday, June 27.  It’s a day that  is set aside for 24 solid hours of information, education, exploration of employment opportunities, arts and entertainment, and social engagement, at the four islands: Ye, Olde, Supporte, Faire. There will be vendors, employers, presentations, and mainly… fun!
''That was not obvious to me at first.''


Throughout all that, Helen Keller Day is about consciousness raising.  It’s a movement in the 60s tradition - It’s about raising our level of awareness for us all as brothers and sisters about having disabilities.  It’s about learning that  everyone can participate, and it’s about becoming knowledgeable about how to do a small but important kindness by being sensitive, and knowing how to include everyone in activities and interactions. 
At some time in our lives, we’ve all felt what it feels like not to be able to participate… not to be included.  Knowing how to include someone with a disability, and make everyone feel welcome, is an important social skill, and sometimes can be just that small but significant kindness that we can all benefit from.


''I am compelled to look beyond''


Contest Rules:
''And experience what is not so obvious''


Design a poster that illustrates "Celebrating Inclusion of Everyone in Virtual Worlds." The poster will be judged by the following criteria:
''To my senses of sight and hearing.''


*Relevance to the topic of "Celebrating Inclusion of  Everyone in Virtual Worlds."
''I find the potential in what lies beneath.''''
*Achieving the the elements of design  - Refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_principles_and_elements
   
*All submissions must include a description notecard.  You will describe your poster in such a way that someone who is blind will be able to understand the meaning, elements, and the beauty of your poster design.  Descriptions should be limited to no more than 300 words.
*Posters will be displayed on a PG sim and must have the appropriate content and remember -- Max's mom will be seeing them, too!  Entries with inappropriate content will not be displayed or judged.
*All entries will become the property of Virtual Helping Hands.  By entering the contest, all parties agree that Virtual Helping Hands and its associates have the right to display, copy, distribute, and otherwise use the posters as it sees fit without any fee or other form of compensation.  


Submission Guidelines
'''Braille Translation Project'''


*Create a folder titled HKD Poster Contest with your avatar name. (example: HKD Poster Contest VHHMax Baily)
Designer: Tom32 Anatine
*All submissions must be uploaded as 512x512 textures
*All submissions must be full permissions (right click on the texture, go to Properties  and make sure that Modify, Copy and Transfer are all checked)
*Posters will be displayed on a PG sim and must have the appropriate content and Max's mom will be seeing them too!  Entries with inappropriate content will not be displayed or judged.
*All entries will be sent to JanythKU Techsan by the deadline below.


Submissions will be accepted beginning 1:00 am SLT on Saturday, June 20 until Wednesday, June 24 12:00 pm SLT (noon). Any late submissions will not be accepted, displayed, or judged. No exceptions. Judging will be held on June 26 and contest winners will be announced and prizes awarded  on Saturday, June 27 from  8:00 - 8:30 pm SLT.
Have you ever wondered how your name would look like in braille font? Have you ever wondered how a specific word would look?


Prizes
''"Braille Tiles" Game''


1st Place - $5,000L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award
Come play the game simply by typing in SL text chatbox what you would like to see in braille font.
2nd Place - $2,500L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award
3rd Place - $5,000L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award


Awards
1. Have your avatar stand facing the line of the 10 "tiles." Each tile stands for one letter. (The six dots are called a braille "cell.")
Best Poster Design communicating "Celebrating Inclusion of  Everyone in Virtual Worlds."
2. Bring up the SL chatbox by typing control H to see the SL chat "History."  


3. NOTE: You must start what you type with /111. The "Braille Tiles" game will not convert any message unless the message starts with /111.


'''"WHERE'S MAX?" FLICKR PHOTO CONTEST: "Max, the VVH Virtual Guidedog, Welcomes Everyone to Explore Second Life"'''
4. For example, you could type /111 YOUR NAME HERE. The tiles will change to show what your name would look like in braille, with each black circle standing for a raised dot which would be felt by moving the finger over the font.


Sponsors: SecondAbility Mentors
5. If you type a longer message, the tiles show the first 10 characters (counting spaces)at a time. The dots on these 10 tiles will fade away to be replaced by the next 10 characters until your message is complete.   
 
   
Why - What if there were interesting places that everyone could go to, interesting activities that everyone could participate in...  everyone but you?  How would you feel?
''"How Well Do YOU Know Braille?" Game''
 
People with disabilities overcome obstacles that most can’t imagine, just getting through every day.  You may not be aware of it, but if you’re active in Second Life (SL), chances are you interact with someone with a disability. 
 
People with disabilities make up approximately 20 percent of the SL population. For many people with disabilities, SL is about as “barrier-free” an environment as it gets -  People who cannot walk in real life can fly and teleport here in SL.  Some barriers do not disappear:  Deaf and hearing impaired people can be unwittingly excluded from voice chats, and people who are blind or visually impaired still face massive challenges in being able to use the highly visual 3D environment at all –  Which is why Helen Keller Day is coming to Second Life, Saturday, June 27.  It’s a day that  is set aside for 24 solid hours of information, education, exploration of employment opportunities, arts and entertainment, and social engagement, at the four islands: Ye, Olde, Supporte, Faire.  There will be vendors, employers, presentations, and mainly… fun!
 
Throughout all that, Helen Keller Day is about consciousness raising.  It’s a movement in the 60s tradition - It’s about raising our level of awareness for us all as brothers and sisters about having disabilities.  It’s about learning that  everyone can participate, and it’s about becoming knowledgeable about how to do a small but important kindness by being sensitive, and knowing how to include everyone in activities and interactions. 
At some time in our lives, we’ve all felt what it feels like not to be able to participate… not to be included.  Knowing how to include someone with a disability, and make everyone feel welcome, is an important social skill, and sometimes can be just that small but significant kindness that we can all benefit from.
 
A welcome at the door makes everyone feel great! People who are already in Second Life can show others what they enjoy there - education, employment, entertainment, and social engagement. Including everyone is not easy, so let's show what makes the effort worth it!
 
How do I enter?
 
* Go to Wheelies on the Water (http:slurl.com/secondlife/Taupo/174/134/29 )
* Pick up Max, the VHH Virtual Guidedog for free
* Take Max traveling in Second Life to to the most beautiful, interesting, and engaging places for education, employment, entertainment, and social engagement in Second Life. While you are there at your favorite beauty spot or business, grab a snapshot of you and Max to be posted on Flickr.
* Post your entries to the Flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/helenkellerday/
* The Flicker Group will contain many images from Helen Keller Day so in the description area you must put the following
1. The text "Contest Entry"
 
2. Entry category (Example: Max Finds His Inner Student)
 
3. The SLURL where the picture was taken in SL
 
4. A description of the photo to be read to someone who is blind   
 
 
NOTE: "Keep it clean - Max's mother is going to see these!"
 
When
Submissions will be accepted beginning 1:00 am SLT on Saturday, June 20 until Wednesday, June 24 12:00 pm SLT (noon). Any late submissions will not be accepted, displayed, or judged. No exceptions. Judging will be held on June 26 and contest winners will be announced and prizes awarded  on Saturday, June 27 from  8:00 - 8:30 pm SLT.
 
Prizes
1st Place - $2,000L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award (each category)
Honorable Mention - $200L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award
 
 
Awards
 
Max Finds Beauty in Nature
 
Max Finds His Inner Student
 
Max Finds His Sense of Humor
 
Max Finds His Artistic Side
 
Max Finds Adventure
 
Max Finds Something Strange
 
Max Finds Success
 
Max Finds Danger
 
Max Finds SciFi
 
Max Finds Romance
 
Max Finds Lindens
 
Portraits of Max
 
 
'''3-D WIKI MULTI-CHANNEL INTERACTIVE GAME by Jeremy Braver from Braver Consulting'''
 
Sponsor and Event Contact: Jeremy Braver from Braver Consulting
 
Housed in two locations:
A 3D wiki in SL at [location]
A Wiki doc located at http://blinddeafawareness.pbworks.com
 
Experience a game whose first contributor is Keller Johnston Thompson -- the great grandniece of Helen Keller herself. This game will change your view of reality while also increasing your understanding of how and why to include everyone in Virtual Worlds.  The game bridges over into art because its content is open to different interpretations and you are a vital part of the interaction. Players: Those interested in contributing to a potentially world changing movement. Game Play: Players will contribute to a shared document in the form of a wiki. Players can contribute in many different ways (see awards). Each day, players can earn awards based upon their contributions. Daily award winners will be announced on the wiki at approximately 8pm PST. End of Game Awards will be announced on the wiki at approximately 10am PST on Monday, 6/29/09. Rules: Contributions that are posted first will get credit. Contributions that are too similar will be removed at the end of each day. Any info posted to the wiki from 6/20/09 through 6/26/09 will automatically be placed into the 3D wiki in SL on the day of the conference. On the day of the conference, contributions can be made in world or on the wiki. The game ends on 6/27/09 at midnight PST, but the document will live on and continue to be open for additions and influence blindness awareness.
 
 
Awareness. Lots of people do not understand why or how people with disabilities would want to use virtual worlds for employment, education, entertainment, and social engagement. Normal wikis in SL are not lasting (once you lose the build, you have lost the data). But Peter Miller from UK and Jeremy Braver are creating a wiki system that will allow people in Second Life to contribute lasting information, thus constantly adding to the pool of information resources.  
 
 
The game will run from June 20 on. At 6:00 - 6:30 pm PDT on June 27, Jeremy will conduct a presentation that shares what new insights have been gained.                                   
 
 
The wiki will continue indefinitely. We are actively seeking a worthy entity that may carry this document into the future so as to not let this torch of awareness die.
 
Prizes
 
1st Place - $5,000L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award
2nd Place - $2,500L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award
3rd Place - $1,000L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award
 
Awards
 
Most Valuable Contributor - $L (see prizes above)
Other Recognitions:
These can be earned at the end of each day that the game runs. Recipients will be announced on the wiki (6/20-6/27)
Most URLS (min. 2)
Networked information (posting data)
Best Individual Narrative (sharing an experience)
Contribution to format (fixing/improving flow of doc)
Most new pages (no min)
Most edits (grammar & punctuation)
Clarification (to data only, not narratives)
Most references (research, literature, or supporting docs)
 
 
'''ACCESSIBILITY SCRIPTING CONTEST - "Inclusion for Everyone in Virtual Worlds"'''
 
Sponsors: IBM
 
Event Contact:
 
What if there were interesting places that everyone could go to, interesting activities that everyone could participate in...  everyone but you?  How would you feel?
 
People with disabilities overcome obstacles that most can’t imagine, just getting through every day.  You may not be aware of it, but if you’re active in Second Life (SL), chances are you interact with someone with a disability. 
 
People with disabilities make up approximately 20 percent of the SL population. For many people with disabilities, SL is about as “barrier-free” an environment as it gets -  People who cannot walk in real life can fly and teleport here in SL.  Some barriers do not disappear:  Deaf and hearing impaired people can be unwittingly excluded from voice chats, and people who are blind or visually impaired still face massive challenges in being able to use the highly visual 3D environment at all –  Which is why Helen Keller Day is coming to Second Life, Saturday, June 27.  It’s a day that  is set aside for 24 solid hours of information, education, exploration of employment opportunities, arts and entertainment, and social engagement, at the four islands: Ye, Olde, Supporte, Faire.  There will be vendors, employers, presentations, and mainly… fun!
 
Throughout all that, Helen Keller Day is about consciousness raising.  It’s a movement in the 60s tradition - It’s about raising our level of awareness for us all as brothers and sisters about having disabilities.  It’s about learning that  everyone can participate, and it’s about becoming knowledgeable about how to do a small but important kindness by being sensitive, and knowing how to include everyone in activities and interactions. 
At some time in our lives, we’ve all felt what it feels like not to be able to participate… not to be included.  Knowing how to include someone with a disability, and make everyone feel welcome, is an important social skill, and sometimes can be just that small but significant kindness that we can all benefit from.
 
 
Design a script that furthers "Including Everyone in Virtual Worlds."  The script will be judged by the following criteria:
 
* Relevance to the topic of "Including Everyone in Virtual Worlds."
 
* How thoroughly it (a) implements an accessibility capability distinct from what the current SL viewers offer or (b) adds value to those accessibility capabilities through extension or enhancement -- things delivered as finished work will score better than unfinished ideas
 
* Ease of further implementation: Because the intent of this contest is to gain useful capabilities that can be offered to others, ease of implementation is important.  Those capabilties that are easier to implement (such as simple dropping of a script into the root prim of an object) will fare better in judging than those that require complex configrations or many changes to objects.
 
* Breadth of applicability: the more broadly the script's behavior or capability can assist inclusion of everyone, the stronger will be its position in the judging
 
* Effects on region performance: Yes, all objects can contain scripts; but thousands of scripts in thousands of objects, all doing lots of things, will clearly not lead to inclusion of everyone in virtual worlds.  Good 3D experience design includes consideration of what effect the experience will have on the environment in which it plays.  Therefore, the judging panel will also consider what the likely effects of the capability will be on a region, based on the submitter's description of what the capability is and how it would be implemented.
 
Note: What you submit must be your own creation.  It is particularly important that the creator of a script is the same name as the submitter.  Submissions that are evidently not the creation of the submitter will be disqualified.
 
 
Submissions will be accepted beginning 1:00 am SLT on Saturday, June 20 until Wednesday, June 24 12:00 pm SLT (noon). Any late submissions will not be accepted, displayed, or judged. No exceptions. Judging will be held on June 26 and contest winners will be announced and prizes awarded  on Saturday, June 27 from 8:00 - 8:30 pm SLT.
 
Prizes
 
1st Place - $10,000L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award
2nd Place - $7,500L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award
3rd Place - $5,000L and Helen Keller Day sculptured trophy award
 
Awards
 
Best Script that improves "Including Everyone in Virtual Worlds" and attempts to overcome the impossible
 
 
 
== Events (please check back for updates)==
 
'''VIRTUAL HELPING HANDS GOLD MINE'''
 
Designers: Vladmire Torok,Rayna Merlin, Nogad Ay
 
Power problems in Virtual Helping Hands Gold Mine challenge the explorer who needs to use assistive technology devices (Max / the Marco/Polo scripts or other) to overcome obstacles and accomplish goals. Come explore the Gold Mine to see what it is like to be on your own - with just your wits and your trusted technology to help you accomplish your goals.
 
 
'''WHEELCHAIR RACE TRACK'''
 
Designer Vald String and Robin Roar
Knowledge Volunteers: Martin Nasu & Nohle Kondor
 
This wheelchair race track to have permanent placement at Wheelies. People will be racing in 2 lanes, each lane is 5-meters wide. Your racing wheelchair can be rezzed ether with a click or a typed command. Once in your wheelchair, you can race a partner or against the clock. A script times the racers and posts the names of who races against whom and the times. Come try your skills at pushing the envelope in racing while having fun. Let's get rolling! Your award? Bragging Rights, enough said!
 
'''AMAZING MAZE''' [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Faire/94/150/35 SLURL]
 
Designer: Marcus Parrott
 
If you are into mazes, funhouses and Monty Python humor. Or, you like getting lost or just wanting to see something really awesome, this maze is where you want to be!!!
 
Everytime you take a path, it really does put you somewhere else visually, working to disorient and give you the feeling of being lost. Also, the optical illusions used in this maze are flawless. There is one room specifically that will make you pee your pants. When you find it, you'll know the one haha :P
 
Not only does the maze play tricks on the eyes and mind, but it also houses surprises at very turn. I don't want to give too much away, but I can say that you will be...shocked ^_^
 
So please take this amazing journey through this brilliant maze. This is probably the most brilliant maze in all of SL. The attention to detail is unlike anything else you'll find, and the illusion will bend your brain!!
 
So, if you are the type who laughs at wacky humor, you will be so into this maze. Don't expect to solve it first try -- It is huge and complex -- but each journey is incredible as you wander and wonder in a maze filled with the unexpected. But don't let US give it away . . .  The object is to enjoy the Wow factor of how much more the 3D world has to offer than you expect. On-going during the event - so experience it while you can. If you finish it, you do get a prize and MOLTO bragging rights. And - the most fun of all - discussing with others what was the most incredible thing for you.
 
 
'''STYLE-ENABLED MODELING AGENCY FASHION SHOW & DISPLAY'''
 
SL Fashion Designers under the direction of Polgara Paine
 
Having a real-life and/or Second-Life disability does not mean you don't want to be fashionably dressed. The women and men of Style Enabled Modeling Agency will model designs by some of Second Life's leading designers. These models will show you some wonderfully designed outfits that work whether you have a disability or not.
 
In the graphical environment of Second Life, some people with visual impairments find that clothing of white or very light colors helps them track their avatars on the screen. The avatars' garments also should not interfere with their virtual guidedogs or canes. People who are in Second Life wheelchairs need garments that will drape correctly in the chair and at least two skirts that are attached to different parts of the body or a low skirt that is in two parts and attached to the lower legs.
 
Before and after the Show be sure to go to the Accessible Fashions Display. See the innovative designs that overcome some "only in SL situations": flexi-skirts that don't drape through chairs, white clothes that are easier for people with low-vision to see, outfits that work with canes, wheelchairs, and guidedogs. These fashions will also be displayed at the Style Enabled Modeling Agency Fashion Show (3-4 pm)


1. The large white "platform" on the ground with the six circles is a giant braille "cell." Each black circle is like a raised braille dot.


'''"Virtual Pioneers" Sound Sculpture.'''
2. Have your avatar stand on the braille cell platform.
 
Enjoy the "Virtual Pioneers Include Everyone in Virtual Worlds" Sound Sculpture by Bryn Oh. Pathfinder Linden will "activate" and "unveil" a Sound Sculpture celebrating Virtual Pioneers. The sculpture will be able to be enjoyed by everyone. A specially-created the sculpture is on display permanently in a mainland plot donated by Pathfinder Linden.
 
'''Virtual Helping Hands Guidedog Memorial Garden'''
 
Sponsor: Virtual Helping Hands
[http://slurl.com/secondlife/Biloxi/131/62/22 SLURL]
You can learn about great guidedogs who have passed on and how they helped their partners. Each space will have a framed picture the dog by breed (black lab, yellow lab, chocolate lab, golden retriever, German shepherd, "dog water bowl with heart on water for "other type of dog" framed picture) and a notecard telling about the particular dog. Jolie Mason will set up the first space for Yuma as an example. Anyone who knows of guidedog owners who would like to commemorate their dogs should tell the owners that space is available for free.
 
''' Play in the Dog Park'''
 
Join a special group so that you can play with other Second Life dogs to emphasize the difference between the uses of working dogs and pets. (VKC and other SL dogs welcome.)
 
 
'''Braille Translation Project'''


Designer: Tom32 Anatine
3. Click a circle on the platform to toggle it either to "black" or "empty."


Have you ever wondered how your name would look like in braille font? Have you ever wondered how a specific word would look?
4. By clicking on the circles, you can try to compose a letter.


Come try it out by simply saying in text chat what you would like to see in braille font, once said, the corresponding signs will appear in front or you. Each tile represents 1 letter of the word you wanted to see translated, and the black dot will actually be the raised portion of a letter, which could be felt by moving the finger over the font. You might have seen this braille font on medications that you got, so maybe you want to test if    it really says in braille on that medication label? All you need to do is to type in the name of the medication and then you can compare.
5. Once you are done making the right pattern of black dots, just click on the platform on the ground to see in the SL text chatbox which letter you composed.


The other stations that we provide here allow you to test if you know some braille already. By clicking on the circles on the empty letter tile in front of you, you can try to compose a letter, once you are done, just click on the primitive with the "show" texture below of it and see which letter you composed.
6. Hint: Play this game along with the "Braille Tiles" game to learn to spell your name character by character.  


If you would like to use this to form an entire word, just use the other tiles as well. Maybe this can be your next secret way to communicate with friends? Use various accessible applications to put your name or other text into braille as a signal to others that at your home or business, you provide reasonable accommodations for those who are blind.  
Maybe this can be your next secret way to communicate with friends? Use various accessible applications to put your name or other text into braille as a signal to others that at your home or business that you provide reasonable accommodations for those who are blind.  




'''Wheelies Fun Zone'''
'''Accessible Builds Fun Zone'''


Teleport to the Wheelies sim [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Taupo/156/122/29 SLURL] to enjoy a full range of fun activities from Chess, cards, 4-in-a-Row to fishing for the rare "Guidedog fish."
Teleport to the Club Accessible sim [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Taupo/156/122/29 SLURL] to enjoy a full range of fun activities from Chess, cards, 4-in-a-Row to fishing for the rare "Guidedog fish."
* Connect Four - Play the classic game that allows you to place four pieces in a row to beat your opponent.
* Connect Four - Play the classic game that allows you to place four pieces in a row to beat your opponent.
* Fishing - Come do some quality fishing with the 7 Seas fishing poles. It's the best fishing you'll do without a real live fishing pole.
* Fishing - Come do some quality fishing with the 7 Seas fishing poles. It's the best fishing you'll do without a real live fishing pole.
Line 518: Line 356:
* War! - Play against the computer or your best friend. Match wits to gain all 52 cards. The first one to get all the cards wins the War! Contact: IM Able Landfall in SL.  
* War! - Play against the computer or your best friend. Match wits to gain all 52 cards. The first one to get all the cards wins the War! Contact: IM Able Landfall in SL.  


'''Hear SL What SL Looks Like'''
Teleport up to a pure white skyroom and experiment with a special application called the vOICe (V Oh, I see! E) to discover if you can use it to walk, to sit and to buy an item - all by sound alone. With Tali Warner and other users of "the vOICe" application, learn how intriguing it is to "see with sound." The vOICe application can be downloaded from www.seeingwithsound.com.




'''Let's Enjoy the Music!'''  
'''Let's Enjoy the Music!'''  


Follow various teleport links to dancing and other musical entertainment, including a drum circle with KC Garfunkel - the avatar of Jolie Mason, the first completely blind person to access SL with standard interface and the Max accessibility tools. (see the Entertainment Calendar above)
Follow various teleport links to dancing and other musical entertainment. See the Entertainment Calendar above.
 
 
'''Up, up and Away!'''
 
Join Bjorlyn Loon and explore How to Make a Sim Accessible. Teleport to Aloft, the Nonprofit Commons' sim, and see for yourself how to make your home or business accessible - while also enjoying a free "no-click needed" horseback ride or carpet ride as you tour one of the best places in Second Life.


== Vendors ==


(Contact Ricken Flow in Second Life if you are interested in Vendor space at Helen Keller Day)
List of 2010 Vendors  to come


# Sky Sculptures Gallery (Ub Yifu)
# ALS Association Lou Gehrigs disease(Em Ellsmere)
# Chat-to-Speech HUD (Ferd Frederix)
# AKK Ranch  SL horse riding for the blind -spritely pixel
# Chronic Illness  Peer Support Group - LilTank Thibedeau
# National Service Inclusion Project - Chad Mikado
#
#
#
#
#
#
#


== Press and Blog Coverage ==
== Press and Blog Coverage ==
* [https://blogs.secondlife.com/community/community/education/blog/2009/06/17/beautiful-visions-beyond-sight-guide-dogs-and-helen-keller-day-in-second-life Beautiful Visions beyond Sight: Guide Dogs and Helen Keller Day in Second Life] - Linden Lab's Second Life Blog  - June 17, 2009
* [http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-270433 "Helen Keller Day in Second Life"] - iReport - June 13, 2009
* [http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-270433 "Helen Keller Day in Second Life"] - iReport - June 13, 2009
* [http://xtralarge.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/helen-keller-day-june-27th/ Helen Keller Day] - Roland Zepp's Fashion Sense Blog - June 5, 2009
* [http://xtralarge.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/helen-keller-day-june-27th/ Helen Keller Day] - Roland Zepp's Fashion Sense Blog - June 5, 2009
Line 544: Line 388:
== Accessibility Resources ==
== Accessibility Resources ==
* [[Accessibility|Second Life Wiki page on Accessibility]]
* [[Accessibility|Second Life Wiki page on Accessibility]]
* [http://delicious.com/secondlife/accessibility Pathfinder Linden's List of Second Life Accessibility Websites]
 
 
== Previous Events ==
[http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Helen_Keller_Day_2009 Helen Keller Day 2009]

Latest revision as of 11:10, 18 June 2010

Press Release

PRESS RELEASE: Helen Keller Day 2010 in Second Life, June 19, 2010

Contact person: Saxet Uralia

Virtual Helping Hands and a coalition of community volunteers are proud to announce Helen Keller Day in Second Life. Named for a true innovator in accessibility, Helen Keller Day is a community-event that explores how and why to employ, educate, entertain, and engage everyone through virtual worlds.

Helen Keller Day is a day set aside for information acquisition, education, exploration of employment opportunities, social engagement, and enjoyment of arts and entertainment. There will be vendors, employers, presentations, and pure, unbridled fun.


Helen Keller Day is dedicated to raising our level of awareness for our fellow Second Life Residents who cope with disabilities. No one is immune from the feeling that they are excluded or unable to participate fully. Knowing how to include someone with a disability, and make them feel welcome, is an important social skill, and a small but significant kindness that we can all benefit from and feel good about. But Helen Keller Day goes far beyond this. Learning how to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities avails business owners and managers of the services of a large pool of highly qualified, dedicated, and reliable workers that are an asset in many business settings.


The 13-hour event PDT will be held on Saturday, June 19 at four sims: The Ye, Olde, Supporte, and Faire SLURL. Presentations throughout the day include topics such as enabling deaf or blind users in Second life along with other accessibility issues and solutions in Second Life. The day will conclude with a "dance till we drop wrap-up party" at Club AccessibleSLURL.


You will hear keynote speaker Michael Hingson, survivor of the World Trade Center attacks and National Sales Director for the National Federation of the Blind for the KNFB Reader and many others. You will hear from experts in the fields of virtual education, employment, social engagement and entertainment. You can be immersed into darkness as you and Max, the Virtual Guidedog developed in Second Life for blind or visually impaired Second Life users, explore a virtual goldmine. Also featured will be an exhibition of Max's abilities, a fashion show, a Braille chat display, dancing, singing quests and storytelling and more!

Bill Carter from IBM will not only be talking about the IBM AbilityLab Voice Chat Transcriber and how it allows deaf and hard-of-hearing users to participate in Second Life voice chat but you will see this new technology in use publicly for the first time in Second Life.

The event includes experiences designed to spark the imagination and participants to "see" and "hear" the world with all the senses in new and thought provoking ways. Join the pioneers in virtual worlds who are inspired by the spirit of Helen Keller to explore ways in which everyone can participate...and create a world that is richer for all.


Please join us in this positive and uplifting experience as we learn, connect, explore, and enjoy all that Helen Keller Day has to offer.


Schedule and Details

Presentations
All times are SLT/PDT
Time: Presentation: Details:
8:00AM-9:00AM Vision Quest Speaker:The Virtual World Story Project Jena Ball aka Jenaia Morane & Marty Keltz aka Marty Snowpaw

Description: What does it mean to "see?" Anyone who is blind or has limited eyesight will tell you there are many ways to perceive the world.

This Second Life version of a Vision Quest is designed to spark your imagination and encourage you to "see" in new and thought provoking ways.

Participants will have a choice between one of two stories to pursue. The discussion will focus on the power of immersive, interactive stories to create understanding and empathy. The closing session will give participants an opportunity to share their experiences and stories.

9:00AM-9:30AM Enabling Deaf Users in Second Life Speaker: Bill Carter aka Capstan Cliff

Description: A presentation on the IBM AbilityLab Voice Chat Transcriber and how it allows deaf and hard-of-hearing users to participate in Second Life voice chat.

9:30AM-10:00AM Enabling Blind Users in Second Life Speaker: Bill Carter aka Capstan Cliff

Description: A presentation on the IBM AbilityLab Accessible Virtual Worlds Interface and how it allows blind users to participate in Second Life activities.

10:00AM-11:00AM Marco Polo Speaker: Chad Villota

Description: How an tool designed for accessibility can help show people things they can't see.

11:00AM-12:00PM Co-Occurring Disorders in Adolescents Speaker: Brenda Bryan aka Brena Benoir with Preferred Family Healthcare

Description: We will be examining the prevalence of substance abuse issues and mental health issues among the adolescent populations. We will look at symptoms of mental health issues among the adolescent population. We will examine the concept of self medication and how this relates directly to substance abuse. We will also be focusing on how to increase long-term stability for both substance abuse and mental health issues.

12:00PM-1:00PM Keynote: Blindness and Technology in the 21st Century Speaker: Michael Hingson with National Federation of the Blind and KNFB Reader

Description: TBA

1:00PM-2:00PM Accessibility Issues and Solutions in Second Life Speaker: Eme Capalini and Ladyslipper Constantine

Description: Ladyslipper Constantine and Eme Capalini, volunteers with Virtual Ability, Inc., will talk about virtual world benefits for people with disabilities. We'll share the SL specific impairments and solutions that are available today.

2:00PM-3:00PM Crucial Inclusions Speaker: Nick Dupree aka Namav Abramovic

Description: Connections that make a difference. Why including people with disabilities in Virtual Worlds is crucial.

3:00PM-4:00PM Summertime Performer: Cellandra Zon

Description: SUMMERTIME and it's all about summer...Summer love, summer wine, summer fun, Summer Heat!

4:00PM-5:00PM Let's Talk Accessibility Speakers: Virtual Helping Hands Team

Description: Join the Virtual Helping Hands team for an open forum discussion on accessibility.

5:00PM-6:00PM SL Voice and Impact on Deaf Speaker: Ladyslipper Constantine

Description: Ladyslipper Constantine will talk about reasons why text should be given along with voice during presentations.

6:00PM-7:00PM Virtually Positive Abilities Speaker: Able Landfall

Description: Within Real Life and Second Life holds unique opportunities for exploring ones' abilities.

Second Life allows one to go even further. We'll explore the positive side of interacting and exploring the virtual world and it's positive effects on your Real Life. Come share in the positive experience.

7:00PM-8:00PM Building for Accessibility: Open Discussion for 3D Builders Speaker: Chade Villota, Johnnytreadlightly Nightfire and others

Description: Open discussion for builders to discuss 3D design and accessibility issues.

8:00PM-9:00PM Vision Quest Stories Speaker: The Virtual World Story Project Jena Ball aka Jenaia Morane & Marty Keltz aka Marty Snowpaw

Description: What does it mean to "see?" Anyone who is blind or has limited eyesight will tell you there are many ways to perceive the world.

This Second Life version of a Vision Quest is designed to spark your imagination and encourage you to "see" in new and thought provoking ways.

Participants will have a choice between one of two stories to pursue. The discussion will focus on the power of immersive, interactive stories to create understanding and empathy. The closing session will give participants an opportunity to share their experiences and stories.

9:00PM-10:00PM Lauren Live! Speaker: Lauren Weyland

Description: Comedy - What's So Funny About Second Life?

10:00PM-Until~ I Am One" Party Party down with DJ TributeTim Kwak and the Helen Keller Volunteers at Club Accessible [1]


Entertainment
All times are SLT/PDT Club AccessibleSLURL
Time: Performer: Host:
8:00AM JordanReyne Deezul Guru & Zany
9:00AM Midnight McCarty Guru & Zany
10:00AM Mack Humbridge Allegra
11:00AM FacelessAPe Mefusula Allegra
12:00PM Hazideon Zarco
1:00PM Harrison Digfoot
2:00PM FrankLee Anatra Petitelittlegirl Pinklady
3:00PM LilTank Thebedeau @ Club Accessable OR Cellandra Zon @ The Ye, Olde, Supporte, and Faire SLURL
4:00PM RoseDrop Rust
5:00PM SOAR
6:00PM KelvinBlue Oh Kel Treillis
7:00PM Grif Bamaisin Sensual Fold
8:00PM Noma Falta
9:00PM Lauren Weyland
10:00PM "I Am One" Party - Party down with DJ TributeTim Kwak (AKA "Despicable Bastard)and the Helen Keller Volunteers Jeanne Jannings

Events (please check back for updates)

VISION QUEST STORIES

Designer: Jenaia Morane - Virtual World Story Project


Vision Quest Stories

Anyone who is blind or visually impaired will tell you there are many ways to see. Eyesight is just one of them.

Nevertheless, without sight a person lives with extraordinary challenges.

Starting at the Virtual Guide Dog Center (VGDC) in Second Life, participants will embark on a series of explorations designed to help them experience what it is like to function as someone who is visually impaired in Second Life (SL). Their companion on these journeys will be Max the Virtual Guide Dog. There they will also meet Madison, a woman who was able to come to terms with being blind with the help of Max.

Participants will be asked to share their thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences/stories in a wide variety of formats throughout the Quest. Their contributions will be shared at the Helen Keller Day celebration on June 19, 2010 and preserved as part of an ongoing Story Garden and Display at the Virtual Guide Dog Center.

FERD'S CHAT-TO-SPEECH HUD AND FERD'S FREE TRANSLATOR

Designer Ferd Frederix

I honor of Helen Keller, the Chat-to-Speech HUD is free on Saturday the 19th, 2010. Qualified, sight-challenged individuals or organizations that support them should teleport to Ferd's vendor area to pick up a copy of the HUD and instructional notecard. Do to server/bandwidth restrictions use should be limited to:

Examples: · Sight-challenged individuals · Organizations that support the blind · Event organizers

Ferd's system will work in conjunction with Max the Virtual Guidedog which is available at Accessible Builds.


VIRTUAL HELPING HANDS GOLD MINE

Designer: Johnnytreadnightly Nightfire

Power problems in Virtual Helping Hands Gold Mine challenge the explorer who needs to use assistive technology devices (Max / the Marco/Polo scripts or other) to overcome obstacles and accomplish goals. Come explore the Gold Mine to see what it is like to be on your own - with just your wits and your trusted technology to help you accomplish your goals.


Helen Keller Day on Flickr

One of the fun things to do in Second Life is to take snapshots of your journey. Help us photo document Max's travels in Second Life and also the events surrounding Helen Keller Day. Be sure to post all of your great snapshots to Helen Keller Day Flickr

Maze

by Youri Ashton

Let Max the Virtual Guidedog help you find your way though a virtual maze. There are treasures to be found as Max helps you find your way.


Helen Keller Day Art Memorial Site - "Virtual Pioneers" Sound Sculpture.

Enjoy the "Virtual Pioneers Include Everyone in Virtual Worlds" Sound Sculpture by Bryn Oh. Pathfinder Linden "unveiled" a Sound Sculpture celebrating Virtual Pioneers on Helen Keller Day 2009. The sculpture will be able to be enjoyed by everyone. A specially-created the sculpture is on display permanently in a mainland plot donated by Pathfinder Linden.

Bryn Oh, a well-known artist in both Real Life and Second Life, created an art installation for Helen Keller Day.


SLURL to the Memorial - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Davenport/62/24/98

Machinima of the Memorial - http://blip.tv/file/2272782


Message from Saxet Uralia

The organizers of Helen Keller Day in Second Life are thankful for the talents of Bryn Oh who created the "Carousel of Dreams and Sorrows" sound sculpture to celebrate Virtual Pioneers. The sights and sounds fill the senses with wonder and encourage you to look deeper - to search the soul of the sculpture.

The sculpture is also a tribute to all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make Helen Keller Day a success. This sculpture is a reminder to look deeper within Second Life and find the lessons that are to be taught and learned here.

Inclusion for Everyone in Virtual Worlds


Message from Bryn Oh

The music loops in my sculpture were given to me by my friend Tama Ahn. I have taken the four music loops and given them a timed script which will play each instrument in a varied manner so the song will always change yet still fit together properly. The build has hidden elements so I would suggest left clicking on things to see what happens.

It was my pleasure to work with the Helen Keller Foundation and I would like to thank Pathfinder Linden for giving me a permanent location to exhibit this work.


Poem by Saxet Uralia about the Memorial

The hilltop is desolate and forbidding -

A worthless rock.

Not even vegetation finds a place.

But, then I hear it and turn to see.


The chimes, they call me.

Do you hear them?

The tunes and the drums?

Music to my soul.


I look up to find the source.

Oh - there and there.

See them?

Music boxes make me smile.


The milkweed seeds drift by

Calling me to let my thoughts wander in the wind.

Wait, what is this?

That was not obvious to me at first.


I am compelled to look beyond

And experience what is not so obvious

To my senses of sight and hearing.

I find the potential in what lies beneath.''


Braille Translation Project

Designer: Tom32 Anatine

Have you ever wondered how your name would look like in braille font? Have you ever wondered how a specific word would look?

"Braille Tiles" Game

Come play the game simply by typing in SL text chatbox what you would like to see in braille font.

1. Have your avatar stand facing the line of the 10 "tiles." Each tile stands for one letter. (The six dots are called a braille "cell.")

2. Bring up the SL chatbox by typing control H to see the SL chat "History."

3. NOTE: You must start what you type with /111. The "Braille Tiles" game will not convert any message unless the message starts with /111.

4. For example, you could type /111 YOUR NAME HERE. The tiles will change to show what your name would look like in braille, with each black circle standing for a raised dot which would be felt by moving the finger over the font.

5. If you type a longer message, the tiles show the first 10 characters (counting spaces)at a time. The dots on these 10 tiles will fade away to be replaced by the next 10 characters until your message is complete.

"How Well Do YOU Know Braille?" Game

1. The large white "platform" on the ground with the six circles is a giant braille "cell." Each black circle is like a raised braille dot.

2. Have your avatar stand on the braille cell platform.

3. Click a circle on the platform to toggle it either to "black" or "empty."

4. By clicking on the circles, you can try to compose a letter.

5. Once you are done making the right pattern of black dots, just click on the platform on the ground to see in the SL text chatbox which letter you composed.

6. Hint: Play this game along with the "Braille Tiles" game to learn to spell your name character by character.

Maybe this can be your next secret way to communicate with friends? Use various accessible applications to put your name or other text into braille as a signal to others that at your home or business that you provide reasonable accommodations for those who are blind.


Accessible Builds Fun Zone

Teleport to the Club Accessible sim SLURL to enjoy a full range of fun activities from Chess, cards, 4-in-a-Row to fishing for the rare "Guidedog fish."

  • Connect Four - Play the classic game that allows you to place four pieces in a row to beat your opponent.
  • Fishing - Come do some quality fishing with the 7 Seas fishing poles. It's the best fishing you'll do without a real live fishing pole.
  • Slopoly - This is Monopoly, but SL style. bring your friends and play the game everyone loves.
  • Sudoku - Challenge yourself in filling in the entire puzzle board with numbers, but in a specific order. This game will keep your brain going and going.
  • War! - Play against the computer or your best friend. Match wits to gain all 52 cards. The first one to get all the cards wins the War! Contact: IM Able Landfall in SL.


Let's Enjoy the Music!

Follow various teleport links to dancing and other musical entertainment. See the Entertainment Calendar above.

Vendors

(Contact Ricken Flow in Second Life if you are interested in Vendor space at Helen Keller Day) List of 2010 Vendors to come

  1. Sky Sculptures Gallery (Ub Yifu)
  2. ALS Association Lou Gehrigs disease(Em Ellsmere)
  3. Chat-to-Speech HUD (Ferd Frederix)
  4. AKK Ranch SL horse riding for the blind -spritely pixel
  5. Chronic Illness Peer Support Group - LilTank Thibedeau
  6. National Service Inclusion Project - Chad Mikado

Press and Blog Coverage


Accessibility Resources


Previous Events

Helen Keller Day 2009

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