Category Archives: Awareness Events

November is National Family Caregivers Month

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Caregiving is both a rewarding and complex situation for families.

Finding affordable and reliable caregivers can be difficult, so many spouses, partners, parents, adult children, and other family members care for their loved ones without paid assistance.

Texas Health and Human Services provides web sites and programs to assist families with this complicated endeavor.

HHS Caregiver Support and Resources: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/support-caregivers/caregiver-support-resources. Sections on this site include benefits, in-home care and personal attendant services, transportation and meals, and medication management.

HHS Strengthen the Care You Give: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/support-caregivers.Too many caregivers neglect their own physical and mental well-being while caring for their loved ones. This site provides information on caregiver self-care, training and planning, and support and resources.

Take Time Texas: https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/taketimetexas.Take Time Texas connects caregivers of children and caregivers of older adults to information and resources related to respite care.

HHS Turn To: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/prevention/turn-to.This site provides information about sources for support. Sections include support for yourself, for your child, for your friends and family, and for your community

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

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Diabetes is a serious, chronic condition that can lead to heart disease, nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease. Type 1 cannot be prevented, but Type 2 can be delayed or prevented by living a healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.

There is a wealth of information online about diabetes.

A good place to start is Medline Plus, a site that provides information for the public about health topics: https://medlineplus.gov/diabetes.html

Another resource is the Diabetes Information Clearinghouse from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes. The Clearinghouse includes all the basics about diabetes, plus topics such as tests and diagnosis, risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, healthy living with diabetes, and preventing diabetes problems. You can also e-mail the Clearinghouse at healthinfo@niddk.nih.gov, or call 800-860-8747, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. eastern time. In addition, the Clearinghouse features a page for National Diabetes Awareness Month: www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month

The American Diabetes Association also has a website with extensive information: https://diabetes.org. Sections on the site include life with diabetes, health and wellness, and food and nutrition. You can search for in-person and virtual diabetes education programs at https://diabetes.org/tools-resources/diabetes-education-programs and locate local American Diabetes Association chapters at https://diabetes.org/local/find-chapter. Contact the national office at 800-342-2383, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. eastern time, or e-mail askada@diabetes.org.

September is Fall Prevention Month

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Falls can have a devastating effect on an older person’s health and well-being.
Falls can lead to serious injuries, disability, loss of independence, and even death.

But fall prevention can reduce the risk.

Here are just a few aspects of a fall prevention check list:

  • Minimize clutter
  • Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs
  • Maintain adequate lighting
  • Wear proper footwear
  • Manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes
  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about current medications, including possible drug interactions and side effects
  • Exercise when able, including balance exercises, stretching, and strength training
  • Add movement to your at-home routine
  • Consider adaptive aids such as shower chairs, canes, and walkers
  • Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and avoid / limit alcohol
  • Get regular vision and hearing screenings

Your local area may offer exercise and nutrition classes. If not, YouTube is a great resource.

For more information on fall prevention, click on these links:

Paris 2024 Paralympics

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Although sports for athletes with physical impairments has existed in several forms over the past century, the first Paralympic Games took place in Rome, Italy, in 1960 featuring 400 athletes from 23 countries. Since the Summer Games of Seoul, Korea, in 1988 and the Winter Games in Albertville, France, in 1992, the Games have also taken part in the same cities and venues as the Olympics.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which will take place between 28 August and 8 September, will bring together as many as 4,400 athletes from around the world. The athletes will compete in 549 medal events across 22 sports.

Below we have collected stories about and memoirs from famous Paralympians for both adult and youth readers.

For more information: National Paralympic Committee.

Adult Nonfiction

ALWAYS CLIMB HIGHER! by Jeff Pagels (DB 80208)
FIRE IN MY EYES: AN AMERICAN WARRIOR’S JOURNEY FROM BEING BLINDED ON THE BATTLEFIELD TO GOLD MEDAL VICTORY by Brad Snyder (DB 86882, BR 21816)
HARD PARTS: A MEMOIR OF COURAGE AND TRIUMPH by Oksana Masters (DB 119093)
ON MY OWN TWO FEET: FROM LOSING MY LEGS TO LEARNING THE DANCE OF LIFE by Amy Purdy (DB 84333)
OUT OF THE WHIRLPOOL: A MEMOIR OF REMORSE AND RECONCILIATION by Sue Wiygul Martin (DB 78152)

Juvenile Nonfiction

AMAZING ATHLETES: AN ALL-STAR LOOK AT CANADA’S PARALYMPIANS by Marie-Claude Ouellet (BRG 04485) Grades 3-6
ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES by Deborah Kent (DB 57300) Grades 4-7
COLORS OF THE WIND: THE STORY OF BLIND ARTIST AND CHAMPION RUNNER GEORGE MENDOZA by J. L. Powers (DB 106815) Grades Kindergarten -3
TENACIOUS: FIFTEEN ADVENTURES ALONGSIDE DISABLED ATHLETES by Patty Cisneros-Prevo (DBC 15421) Grades 3-6

Maryland State Library for the Blind Podcast: NFB-NEWSLINE

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Join the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled’s podcast on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (Central). Host Ashley Biggs will explore the amazing features and benefits of NFB-NEWSLINE, a free audio and braille information service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled.

Ashley will be joined by Scott White, the Director of Sponsored Technology Programs for the National Federation of the Blind, who will share his insights and expertise on NFB-NEWSLINE and how it can enhance your access to information, entertainment, and independence.

NFB-NEWSLINE offers access to more than five hundred publications, including newspapers, magazines, breaking news sources, online international newspapers, TV listings, job listings, retail ads, and more. You can access NFB-NEWSLINE through various methods, such as the touch-tone telephone, Apple iOS app, website, or Amazon Alexa, and customize your preferences and settings. This podcast is a great opportunity for you to learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE and ask questions.

If you want to sign up for this free service, contact the Texas Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605 or, if you have a non-Texas area code, at (512) 463-5458.

Whether you are a current subscriber or a new user, you will find this podcast informative and engaging. Join us on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (Central). The details on how to join the Zoom presentation are listed below.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Dial in: 1-301-715-8592; Meeting ID: 577 017 8916#

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Blind and Low Vision Book Characters in Honor of Louis Braille

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Louis Braille, who was born on January 4, 1809, and died on January 6, 1852, was a blind French educator who developed the braille printing and writing system to make reading and writing accessible for individuals who are blind or experience low vision. Celebrate his memory this month with these books that feature characters who are blind or have low vision:

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE by Anthony Doerr
DB 79182, LB 08913, BT 13561 (physical braille), BR 23326 (e-braille)

AOSAWA MURDERS by Riku Onda
DB 99103, BRG 04470 (e-braille)

ARRANGEMENT by Mary Balogh
DB 77497

DEAREST ROGUE by Elizabeth Hoyt
DB 81933

FORTUNE FAVORS THE WICKED by Theresa Romain
DB 85434

GREEK LESSONS: A NOVEL by Kang Han
DB 114737

IN THE COUNTRY OF THE BLIND: A NOVEL by Edward Hoagland
DB 87210, LB 09100, BR 21809

SIGN FOR HOME: A NOVEL by Blair Fell
DB 116605, BR 24152

SONG OF THE SHANK by Jeffery Renard Allen
DB 79514

SUMMER GUEST: A NOVEL by Alison Anderson
DB 85713

SURRENDER, NEW YORK: A NOVEL by Caleb Carr
DB 86567

WHAT IS VISIBLE? by Kimberly Elkins
DB 78666, BR 20466

January is Blood Donor Month

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January is National Blood Donor Month, a time when we honor the generosity of America’s blood donors and highlight the importance of donating blood regularly for those who are able to do so.

Did you know that every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood for surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth, anemia, serious injuries, blood disorders, and more?

If you are able, consider donating blood. Below are some nonfiction books about blood for adults and children as well as one fiction book that features a blood donor who travels to a small town to donate her rare blood and finds love along the way. 

For more information: https://www.aabb.org/for-donors-patients/national-blood-donor-month

Adult Nonfiction

BLOOD: A VERY SHORT INTRODUCTION by Chris Cooper (DB 115447)
BLOOD MONEY: THE STORY OF LIFE, DEATH, AND PROFIT INSIDE AMERICA’S BLOOD INDUSTRY by Kathleen McLaughlin (DB 114750)
NINE PINTS: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE MONEY, MEDICINE, AND MYSTERIES OF BLOOD by Rose George (DB 94206)

Juvenile Nonfiction

BLOOD! NOT JUST A VAMPIRE DRINK by Stacy McAnulty (DB 110037) Grades Kindergarten-3
CHARLES DREW: THE INNOVATOR OF THE BLOOD BANK by Aaron Talley (DB 115453) Grades 3-6
SEEING RED: THE TRUE STORY OF BLOOD by Tanya Lloyd Kyi (DBC 06727) Grades 4-7

Adult Fiction

PIECE OF MY HEART by Sharon Sala (DB 94768)