Healthcare & Health Insurance: Recent Headlineshttp://www.understandingvt.org/healthcare-news/en-US2008-12-03T06:41:27ZSquarespace Site Server v5.0.0 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Blind and visually meet for annual conferencehttp://www.understandingvt.org/healthcare-news/2008/11/26/blind-and-visually-meet-for-annual-conference.htmlVCF Staff2008-11-26T20:31:34ZThe Brattleboro Reformer reports that "the National Federation of the Blind Vermont State Affiliate met at the Bickford's on Putney Road for its annual conference" last week. For many conference attendees, the event "was an opportunity to network and solve any issues that a member might have." One issue that surfaced was limited transportation options for the sight-impaired. Brattleboro Chapter Secretary Ethel Elkins explained, "Transportation comes up again and again, but it's improving. I think Brattleboro does pretty well when it comes to accommodating the sight-impaired. The biggest thing is not having transportation services outside of the Monday through Friday typical business hours." Elkins added, "The public transportation only runs in Brattleboro, so there is a barrier. One member lives in Vernon, so it's hard for her because the transportation is only in Brattleboro."

"Technology was also a popular topic of discussion." Joan Bernhard, a blind resident of Brattleboro commented that he had "heard the Federation of the Blind offered classes to help us learn how to use the computer efficiently." In addition, Scott Moore of Vermont software company A.I. Squared shared his thoughts about the company's future and asked for input from those attending." Notably, "A.I. Squared produces the software Zoom Text, a program that helps translates normal computer text into text that is easier to read."

Link to article ]]>Smokeout in Vermont focuses on 'independent quitter'http://www.understandingvt.org/healthcare-news/2008/11/24/smokeout-in-vermont-focuses-on-independent-quitter.htmlVCF Staff2008-11-24T22:03:58ZVermont Public Radio reports that Vermont Department of Health is unveiling a new smoking cessation program to coincide with the American Cancer Society's 33rd Annual Great American Smokeout. The objective of the program called "Your Quit, Your Way" is "to reach what the department calls 'independent quitters'...people who want to stop smoking in their own way, on their own terms." According to Sheri Lynn, Tobacco Control Chief for the Health Department, "Smokers now have access to free tools and strategies available through the Vermont Quit Network" such as free nicotine gum, patches and lozenges. She added, "We have