Please send all address changes to the Executive Office in Hayward.
Call the CALIFORNIA CONNECTION at 800-221-6359 for an update on legislation and CCB events Monday through Friday after 4 p.m. and all day on weekends. You may listen to either English or Spanish versions.
Members are requested and nonmembers are invited to pay a yearly subscription fee of $10 toward the printing of THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN.
If you or a friend would like to remember the California Council of the Blind in your Will, you can do so by employing the following language:
"I give, devise, and bequeath unto the California Council of the Blind, a nonprofit charitable organization in California, the sum of $____ (or ____) to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind persons."
If your wishes are more complex, you may have your attorney communicate with the Hayward office for other suggested forms. Thank you.
Editor's Page, by Mike Keithley
The ACB Convention: A First-Time Experience, by Kurt Weston
ACB Convention Report: A Snapshot by Jeff Thom
Letter from Humanware
A Blind Woman's Ambition, by Tricia Tomiyoshi
Pedestrian Signals: Their nature and nomenclature, by Ken Stewart
Talking over the Disabled is an insult to them, by Deborah Kendrick
Talking ATM News, by Laney Feingold
Tech Talk: The Wireless Craze, by Luis Herrera
Hot Weather Advice for Older People, Submitted by Dawn Wilcox
New Red Book from SSA, submitted by Bill Tipton
StuffBak: A Product Review, by Scott Marshall
On the Lighter Side, by Evelyn Drewry
Career Connections: Networking,
by Dr. Catherine Schmidt Whitaker
From the Capitol: 2005-2006 State Legislative Report, by Dan Kysor
CCB Recipe Corner, by Sylvia Lopez
Disabled, Not Dead, Submitted by Barbara Rhodes
Yoga and Low Vision, by Wanda Silhar
Eye Research Exherpts, by Dawn Wilcox
Funding not in Sight for Sierra Services, by Jill Baurerle
Bulletin Board, compiled by Keith Black and Mike Keithley
CCB Officers, Board of Directors and Publications Committee Rosters
In accepting material for THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN, priority will be given to articles concerning the activities and policies of the California Council of the Blind and to the experiences and concerns of blind persons. Recommended length is under three pages; if space constraints make it necessary to divide an article, every effort will be made to discuss the matter with the author before publication.
The deadline to submit material for the winter, 2007 issue of the Blind Californian is December 1, 2006.
Please send all address changes to the Executive Office in Hayward.
It's fall and the worst of the heat is over. I hope you all had a pleasant summer regardless of the hot weather.
Though the days were warm, the evenings were cool; and that was the time Star and I took our walks. That's when heat rises from the earth and it's always interesting to observe the changing air currents and their smells (my guide dog used to call them smellmails): the Indian restaurant talking about spicy things, Burger King and its onion rings, Round Table and steak, many flowers I don't recognize, carpet deodorants, pot roasts and barbecue (from starter fluid to chicken). There are many crickets, too, rapidly chirping, not like the slow, sad ones of October. (An early joy I had when I got my cochlear implant was that I could actually hear crickets and many more birds.)
Yet in the middle of a hot day, I was sweating in the hot seat trying to talk on the phone. We had made an appointment with Sears for an in-house inspection of equipment for an extended warranty. However, we forgot the date and were away at breakfast well into the time-period when the Sears person was to arrive.
So I had to call customer support and find out if the person had come and gone. After a couple of go-rounds with the automated system, I got through to a human.
"Ooo wa wa r r...."
O dear, I thought, this man is going to be hard to talk to. I told him I needed to know if the Sears guy had tried to visit. More garbage with a "yes" in there, so maybe we had missed the appointment.
I had to be sure, though, so I asked again, got more garbage, and finally asked Star for help.
As I was cooling down, I remembered a device I got acquainted with at HKNC when I went there in 1981 to be exposed to deaf-blind living. I don't remember its name off-hand but it was magnetically coupled to the telephone handset and you felt vibrations, which were produced by the person talking, on a plate.
Since all I had was vibration, (hearing aids were not allowed), I had to compose my message in such a way that the vibrations made sense to me.
The protocol was that I wanted either a "yes" or "no" response to questions I asked the callee. So, I had to think carefully about what I wanted (and how to say it), find some courage, dial the number, wait for random vibration (indicating the distant ringing phone and a voice), and explain that I was deaf but could communicate on the phone if I could ask questions and get "yes yes" or "no" as a response.
As you can imagine, getting something transacted with "yes yes" or "no" was quite a challenge. The person at the other end would often forget the protocol, chatter away, and I'd have to repeat, sometimes three or four times, that I could only understand "yes yes" or "no."
I doubt if that device is used anymore in these days of computers and usable TDDs, but working with that thing provided a challenging afternoon. As with many of the things I did at HKNC, I took my hearing aids off so I didn't have auditory feedback. Sometimes I just left them in my room. My dog Lancer got worried when I wasn't wearing them, obviously detecting stress or something.
So, all this is to say that communicating over the phone is challenging for hearing impaired or deaf-blind people. Thank goodness for modern technology!
I hope you enjoy my little story. Remember that the article deadline for the BC's winter, 2007, issue is December 1.
I recently discovered that the street name for the San Diego chapter (Sample letter, Membership Committee Report, summer 2006) is incorrect. The correct address is Lee Morton, President; c/o Blind Community Center; 1805 Upas Street; San Diego, CA, 92103-5298. My apologies!
In addition, Dan Kysor writes: "Unfortunately, I can't get enough material for part two of 'Let's train us some dogs' (Part One: Out of the Doghouse, summer 2006) as the Blind Guide Dog Instructor Program [that trains instructors who are visually impaired] at Guide Dogs for the Blind concluded without a graduate, and I couldn't find a school in the U.S.A. or Canada that currently has a blind guide dog instructor program."
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[Kurt Weston is a graduate student at California State University in Fullerton.]
What an incredible experience! Thanks to a scholarship provided by Jeff Thom and the California Council of the Blind, I had the privilege of attending the American Council of the Blind's National Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, July 8-15. As a first timer to the convention, I was impressed by the incredible organization and coordination that went into the week-long event, attended by nearly 2,000 blind individuals. Throughout the week, I was inspired by highly motivated, accomplished, talented and educated individuals who did not let their vision loss affect their ability to succeed.
During the convention, I attended and participated in many great educational sessions such as the ACB Legislative Seminar, the Kurzweil 1000 user group meeting, the National Association of Blind Teachers::using Powerpoint and access technology training session. From the Council of Citizens with Low Vision, I learned about emergency preparedness and the various state laws and provisions regarding driving with bi-optics. I even sat in on a late night session of the ACB resolution committee.
I had the amazing experience of going on a touch tour of the renowned Cummer Art Museum, which permitted us to touch some of their sculptural works as well as several paintings the museum had recreated in a three dimensional format. All of us were inspired and entertained by the many talented musicians, singers and poets that presented at the Friends in Art Showcase event hosted by Mitch and Donna Pomerantz.
All through the week, conventioneers flooded the exhibition hall, which featured the latest in access technology, equipment and programs as well as low vision devices. There were also representatives from five guide dog schools, and I had the opportunity to experience a "Juno walk" with two of the schools. I think I am ready to become a guide dog user.
Every day the very democratic process and proceedings of the ACB General Convention occurred, where new board members were elected, resolutions and bylaws rejected or approved and issues of concern to the blind community were discussed. Many door prizes were given away. Behind the scene and into the late night, the resolutions committee hammered out the wording, and did the necessary research, to formulate cohesive and coherent resolutions which were presented to the ACB General Convention. I was impressed by the amazing commitment of the resolutions committee doing this exhausting work and proud to see our own Jeff Thom and Gabe Griffith on the committee.
The ACB National Convention also offered many opportunities to network and make new friends with people from across the United States. Everyone I met was friendly and helpful. The city of Jacksonville really extended an open hand to the Conventioneers with volunteer assistance provided throughout the week by various local groups and organizations. Now I know what it means when they talk about southern hospitality.
Once again, I want to thank CCB for giving me the opportunity to experience the ACB National Convention. I learned so much; am very inspired; and look forward to next year's convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota and seeing all of you there. Be well.
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Well, the 2006 ACB National Convention (held in Jacksonville, Florida, July 8-15) has come and gone. I will endeavor to provide you with a flavor of some important convention happenings. For a variety of reasons: a future convention recap in the Braille Forum, the size of this magazine, and the wish I've heard from many for a more focused, less sweeping report; I'm not going to write a detailed compendium of the entire conference. I encourage those who like, or don't like, this approach to let me or the BC Editor know whether we have sufficient ACB information in this magazine. After all, our goal is to provide the information you want.
Jacksonville is perhaps 20 miles from the ocean, and this may be an overestimate. It is also right on the Jacksonville River. From the convention hotel, the Hyatt Regency, you could walk along that river and find many restaurants or even take a water taxi. I mention these factoids because of a truly bizarre event that occurred on Saturday evening, the day the convention really began to move into full-swing. For the first time in my memory, and I've spent at least three weeks in different parts of Florida during the summer, I actually experienced a balmy, non-humid summer evening. As I ate dinner outside, I thought I was in California, or perhaps just in a dream. For those of you who have nothing but negative thoughts about Florida in the summer, I will play the role of Santa Claus and tell you that sometimes gifts do come down the chimney.
The high point of the convention may have occurred during Sunday evening's opening General Session, where President Gray asked Mike Hingson, of Guide Dogs for the Blind, to address us on his 9/11 experiences as a Twin Towers survivor. A more riveting and compelling look at the human spirit would have been very difficult to imagine. His message emphasized preparation, perseverance, and partnerships as bridges to opportunity in a truly life or death context. We will certainly do our utmost to ensure that you have an opportunity to hear Mike's story at a future CCB convention.
Another high point of the evening session was the awarding of two new charters: ACB Human Services Professionals affiliate and the ACB of Montana chapter. It is always satisfying to know that the outstanding work of ACB will be reaching out to one more state.
CCB is incredibly lucky to have two of the true bulwarks in this organization: Catherine Skivers and Winifred Downing. Another such person resides in Oregon, our neighbor to the north. On Sunday evening, Ms. Carol McCarl, who has done so much for ACB and the entire blindness community through her advocacy efforts and editorial accomplishment in Lifeprints and Blindskills, was presented with the highest award given by the American Foundation for the Blind: the Miguel Award. Many of you who know Carol personally, from ACB conventions or her visits to California, and even more of you who know her work, know what an outstandingly deserving recipient Carol is of this award.
During Monday's general session, the George Card award, ACB's most prestigious award, was given to another ACB icon and a frequent visitor to CCB conventions: Charles S.P. Hodge. Charlie's dedication to ACB and his passion for improving the lives of blind and visually-impaired persons is unsurpassed. His breadth of knowledge about almost everything is amply demonstrated by the embarrassment I feel when, though I work for the California Legislature, I'm sometimes less informed about the state's political situation than he is.
Another awardee shouldn't go unmentioned: Michael Mellor, editor of Matilda Ziegler Magazine. Mr. Mellor received the Vernon Henley award for his book on the life of Louis Braille, "A Touch of Genius." After hearing Mr. Mellor talk about details of Braille's life during our Wednesday session, I encourage all of you to read this book.
Monday's session also featured an address from Ms. Ruth Martin, an employee at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who spoke on that agency's efforts to create a model workplace for employees with disabilities. Public and private employers alike should look closely at the components of this program, which include hiring persons with disabilities, providing accommodations necessary for effective job performance, and fostering career advancement opportunities.
It is truly an honor at every ACB convention to listen to the array of ACB scholarship winners and their accomplishments; and the 2006 ACB scholarship recipients, presented at Tuesday's general session, were certainly no exception. Their stories are vastly different, but they share the common theme of hard work and a drive to succeed.
Later in that session we heard a panel on emergency preparedness. Mary Watkins, another attendee of several CCB conventions and who is an employee of WGBH on the staff of Descriptive Video Services (DVS), outlined some of the results of a study they had done for the Department of Commerce on how people with disabilities acquire information on emergency situations and how to handle them. Not surprisingly, blind and visually-impaired individuals used regular radio and television as their first means of acquiring information related to emergencies, followed by a number of methods such as ham and satellite radio and e-mail alerts. In small communities, friends and family members were a primary means of obtaining such information. We also heard some brief remarks from Victoria Melvin from the Red Cross. She stressed that Red Cross shelters do accept service animals, and discussed an agreement that is being finalized between the Red Cross and ACB concerning mutual work on issues concerning emergency preparedness.
Wednesday's session included a panel on the Help America Vote Act, a subject that we have discussed and worked on tirelessly in California.
Representatives of the National Library Services (NLS) summarized progress on the implementation of the new digital players. Design and testing are still going on; but the first players will be distributed in 2008, although full implementation will take several years. Jim Zeiger, an NLS narrator, stressed the need for all of us to advocate for continued funding of NLS services.
Before turning to some of the business conducted at the convention, I must mention the excellent reports given on Sunday by President Chris Gray and Thursday by Executive Director Melanie Brunson. It would take another lengthy report to catalogue all the ACB advocacy issues that both Melanie and Chris discussed, but one remark really hit home. Melanie stressed that the convention itself, and the work that all of us do on ACB's behalf, really energizes the staff and makes it all worthwhile for them. So, let's keep it up.
On Friday, elections to the Board of Directors and the Board of Publications were held. Three incumbents were re-elected to the Board of Directors: Billie Jean Kieth of Virginia, Carla Ruschival of Kentucky, and Patrick Sheehan of Maryland. Three new members will also be serving on the board: Brenda Dillon of Tennessee, Ray Campbell of Illinois and myself. Three members were elected to the Board of Publications: two incumbents, Cindy Van Winkle from Washington and Deanna Noriega from Colorado; and Ken Stewart from New York City, a proud CCB member nonetheless.
The convention took action on various constitutional amendment and bylaw proposals. The constitution prohibits more than one member of the Board of Directors being residents of the same state, but does not contain any limitation on officers. The convention adopted an amendment that limits to two the number of officers that can reside in the same state.
The business sessions also included a committee report on matters concerning the American Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a long- term ACB project that will feature a Hall of Fame of persons who are blind or visually-impaired or who have served in the field.
Finally, let me comment not upon all of the resolutions on which action was taken at the convention, but only those that began as CCB resolutions. There are times when our CCB resolutions result in similar resolutions being adopted by ACB, and there are occasions where results differ. This convention was no exception. In two instances, commending cellular telephone companies for free 411 information and supporting additions to the braille code from the Nemeth Uniform Braille System (NUBS), the ACB convention did not adopt our position. On the free 411 issue, it appeared that such service was not as available in many states as it is in California. On the NUBS issue, although our resolution didn't pass, it was acknowledged that more testing will be done with this system. ACB did adopt a resolution similar to CCB Resolution 2006a-4 concerning the need for glucose monitors to be made accessible. Regarding the issue of assistive technology, ACB took our lead in adopting a resolution urging Freedom Scientific to reinstitute complete cassette tutorials. In addition, ACB followed the lead of CCB and adopted a resolution concerning the need for improvements in assistive technology and support services. Finally, consistent with CCB's position, ACB took its strongest position ever on the need for measures to be taken to ensure that we will be able to hear approaching hybrid and other quiet motorized vehicles.
Quite understandably, the 2005 ACB Convention, held in Las Vegas, was one of our biggest ever. If reports I hear from all over this state and throughout the country prove correct, the 2007 ACB Convention in Minneapolis, to be held from June 30 to July 7, will be another can't-miss event. Even for those who don't enjoy the plethora of ACB events and seminars, shoppers and amusement park lovers can't help but flock to the Mall of the Americas, the biggest mall in the United States. It wouldn't surprise me if that old Mississippi River also held some appeal for many of us. Finally, the election of ACB officers will occur next year, always an exciting time. The convention hotels are the Hyatt Regency ($81.00 single and double, $91.00 triple and quad; reservations: 800-233-1234) and the Millennium ($84.00 single and double, $94, triple or quad; reservations: call either 612-332-6000 or 800-522-8856).
I hope to see as many of you as possible in Minneapolis so that we can show all of ACB the spirit we have in the California Council of the Blind.
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Dear Valued Customer:
I want to thank you for entrusting us with your business, and I want to let you know some of the important improvements we are making at HumanWare.
Since my appointment twelve months ago as President of HumanWare USA, my focus has been on continuous improvement. Listening to your concerns has been the primary influence for change during my time at HumanWare USA. As we are a global company, Dr. Richard Mander, Group CEO, has reaffirmed this commitment to our customers internationally, which has resulted in change across the group.
To understand your needs, we have engaged in discussions with end users, agencies and advocacy groups. Two common themes highlighted from these discussions were product reliability and improved customer service.
Product reliability has been addressed at the global level by Dr. Mander with changes in both manufacturing and development. We have recognized problems and communicated the resolution of those problems to keep you informed. The HumanWare group is now positioned to better ensure quality control and quickly respond to potential issues. In addition, all HumanWare manufacturing is ISO [International Standards Organization] compliant.
Although some of these changes may impact individuals, there remains a dedicated team of developers who are now listening to all of our customers rather than the personal desires of any individual. This will result in future products addressing the needs of the market rather than the whims of an individual.
In the US, you're talking and we are listening. We have changed a number of things in response to customers concerns:
Technical Support staff has doubled. The number of Service Technicians has also doubled. We've consolidated our customer service staff in one location and one toll-free number. More experienced users of adaptive technology have been hired and now represent a third of all US staff. Product and customer service training has increased in all departments. We have joined the Better Business Bureau to facilitate customer feedback and ensure third party monitoring. With these changes, you can expect a quicker response and a better overall experience when calling us.
Customer feedback is essential for this to be a continuous improvement process and I encourage you to continue. I am confident that these changes will improve your experience, so effective October 1, all technical support calls will be toll free and reachable though our standard 800 numbers.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Philip Rance, President and CEO, HumanWare USA Incorporated, 175 Mason Circle; Concord CA, 94520; 800-722-3393.
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Lodi resident Janice Walth takes an arrow from her quiver and pulls back the cobalt-blue bow with her right hand. The back of her left hand touches a small silver piece on the black tripod device that stands next to her. She makes a subtle adjustment to her aim. Then she lets the arrow fly.
Fwop.
The arrow soars through the air 18 meters and lands "clap" on the yellow, the center of the target (attached to a bail of cardboard) encircled with red, blue and black. [The target is a large disk with concentric circles.]
Unfortunately, Walth doesn't know how well she has done::not until her spotter, who on this evening is her husband Courtney, tells her the arrow's position. He stands two feet behind her and calls out the color and/or its location on a clock face.
"That's a good shot. Yellow," he says, before she grabs another arrow and tries her hand again.
Janice Walth, 46, is not your usual archer. She is blind. In fact, she may be the only competitive blind archer in the United States that follows the archery technique mastered by British Blind Sport, an organization in the United Kingdom that coordinates sports for the visually impaired.
"I liked archery right away," said Walth, who has long, curly wheat-colored hair and wears a sky blue velour jogging suit. "I liked the physical challenge of my body because I'm in charge. I need someone to guide me but I'm in charge of how well I do. I like that feeling."
Walth used to accompany her husband Courtney and his friend Ross Johnson to their Tuesday night practices at the Grape Festival Grounds with the Lodi Bowsmen, before they learned that there was a way that she, too, could participate.
The technique requires the use of a tripod, an adjustable bowsight and a laser pointer to align the tripod with its target. In addition, they use a couple of orange clips as foot markers and hold it all down with duct tape. Courtney Walth built the freestanding sight aid himself.
When Janice Walth is ready to shoot, she makes sure the back of her hand touches the silver button on the tripod, which gives her a reference for elevation. The foot markers give her direction toward the target. The rest, however, is up to Walth.
Janice Walth, with her husband by her side, feels along her target to see how she grouped her shots Tuesday night at the Grape Pavilion in Lodi. Being blind, Janice relies on her sense of touch to give herself an idea of how she did with her shots.
Blind in Childhood: Walth has been doing archery for two years, but she has been blind for years with retinitis pigmentosa or R.P., a degenerative condition of the retina. Typically, the disease shows up in teenagers or adults, but for Walth and her brother, it struck early.
"They didn't know I had it when I was little," said Walth, who grew up in Southern California with two brothers and one sister. "They said we were farsighted. Back in the '60s, people didn't put a name to it."
She started wearing glasses when she was only two and a half. Her parents figured out that she needed glasses because she would fall down the stairs.
Since then, her vision loss has been slow and steady. She lost her central vision first and then slowly the peripheral faded. But she still has light perception, which she says helps her with her orientation.
"My vision loss has been so gradual. Every step of the way, I've always known that it could progress or stay the way that it is," said Walth matter- of-factly.
Still, being blind hasn't stopped her from living her life. She was a medical transcriber for 18 years in a hospital in Southern California, before she got burned out and decided to try computer science. She began taking PC Application classes at Fullerton Community College and it was here that she met and fell in love with Courtney Walth. Four years ago, she moved up to his native Lodi.
These days, she attends Delta College working toward a bachelor's degree in adaptive technology for adults with disabilities. She is also a classroom assistant at Delta teaching JAWS software, a screen reader that helps the visually impaired use software applications and the Internet. With help from her guide dog Liza, a three-year-old yellow Labrador, Walth walks to the bus stop and catches the bus to Stockton to get to Delta College every week.
"Having supportive people around you really makes a big difference," she said. Walth credits her family for never telling her that she couldn't do something. Even when she announced as a youngster that she wanted to be a brain surgeon, they never told her "no."" I don't like to be told that 'I can't'. It's not in my vocabulary," Walth said.
Making Strides: When someone yells "Clear," all of the archers on this Tuesday night head to their targets to count up their scores and pull down their arrows.
Janice Walth holds onto Courtney's elbow as they walk the distance to their bail marked with a paper target.
Courtney Walth holds Janice's hand over the arrows so she can feel their position before he takes them out and she puts them back into her quiver, which hangs on her hip.
"9, 6, 5, 3," he says, noting the scores based on the four arrows' positions (10 points [the target's central circle] is the most points you can score per try). "Good job." Walth smiles on their walk back on the cement floor to the shooting line.
It's all good practice for the two tournaments that Walth is competing in next month. One is the National Field Archery Association's World Archery Festival in Las Vegas. The other is the Tulare Target Archers Invitational Tournament in Tulare. In both competitions, Walth will be competing in a separate category: for blind archers that use a compound bow. (With a compound bow, the shooter initially pulls back 30 pounds to its farthest extension, at which point, the weight lets off so the shooter is only holding about 2/3 of it). As Walth doesn't have any competitors at present, she will be hoping to improve her own score from previous years.
So far, Walth's highest score indoors is 478 out of a possible 1200. Her highest score outdoors is 595 out of a possible 1440.
How she fares against blind archers from the United Kingdom is hard to tell While many post their scores on the Internet, they shoot with a recurve bow (here the shooter pulls back 30 pounds to its farthest extension and the weight doesn't let up) and also classify their levels of blindness so Walth finds it difficult to know which shooters are at her same sight level.
For now, her goal is simple. She wants to be competent with sighted archers. She is not sure if that's a realistic goal yet, but it's what she is striving for. "My goal is not to set up a blind league or get blind people together to do this. That's not my thing," Walth said. "My thing is that I want to do things with the mainstream. I don't want to be isolated."
After faithfully showing up at the Sacramento Archery Club practice shoots at Discovery Park, the group has welcomed her into the fold. In addition, the State Archery of California Association voted "blind archery" as an official category in California after Janice Walth lobbied for it. She hopes for the day that the United States Association of Blind Athletes sanctions archery as a blind sport so she can compete internationally.
Walth is quick to note that she couldn't do any of this without help from the sighted. She believes that blind people interested in taking up archery need to ally themselves with a regular archery club to learn the ropes. "Otherwise it's impossible," she said. "You need the help from people who really know archery."
Courtney Walth has seen a steady improvement in Janice's archery over the past two years. "She's improved her body swing, which is a major factor with all archers," he said. "But it's all a matter of how much you are willing to put into it and she wants to perfect the sport and be good at it. But then, that's what she is like with everything that she does."
Archery isn't the only sport she is committed to. Walth also has a love for skiing, paragliding, tandem biking and waterskiing::activities that Janice does with help from Courtney.
"I'll try just about anything. I like new things," said Walth, with a smile. "The only thing I won't try is skydiving or bungee jumping."
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[Editor's note: Ken has asked that APS (Accessible Pedestrian Signal) be written as A.P.S. so that screen-readers will pronounce the acronym properly.]
An e-mail I posted recently stimulated a rich variety of posted responses from CCB members. I think that dialogue is valuable, and I want to share some basic information, and some opinions too, that may advance the discussion. The decisions being made today by traffic engineers can impact our street crossings for many years to come. The better informed we are, and the more articulate our input, the safer our crossings will be.
First, I would divide pedestrian signals into two broad classes: the ones which are presented only when actuated by a specific action and those that are presented in each complete cycle of red and green signals for vehicle traffic. The first kind, "On-Demand" signals, can be triggered by a pedestrian push button, or by a vehicle on a side street being detected by a coil embedded in the pavement, or even being triggered by a sensor in the sidewalk under a pedestrian waiting to cross. The second class includes a "WALK" phase in every cycle of red and green traffic signals.
The other commonly used terminology distinguishes among pedestrian signals according to their transmission modes, that is, those which present the WALK announcement visually, those which transmit visually and audibly, and, those transmitting visually, audibly and tactually. The fewer of the first style the better for us of course, and current "best practice" standards oppose any new installations of them. The second group mentioned above, commonly called "audible pedestrian signals," are no longer the state of the art. The last group are referred to as "accessible pedestrian signals", or simply "A.P.S."
The A.P.S. technology offers several advantages over "audible" devices. In addition to offering WALK information accessible to a pedestrian who is both vision and hearing impaired, they are able to avoid noise pollution at an intersection, and much better at specifying which crosswalk, or set of parallel crosswalks, are being given the WALK authorization.
At a typical four-way intersection, an audible signal gives its "audible" format information from a centrally located loudspeaker. It is therefore heard by people who don't need to hear it and don't want to hear it.
I once was told of an attorney who, after listening to these broadcasts all day through his nearby open office window, threatened to go out and try to smash the source of the annoyance. I have also experienced, in several places, real-life birds offering a perfect imitation of the bird calls used by an audible signal to identify one set of the two sets of crosswalks at an intersection.
The A.P.S. installations depend upon individual devices positioned close to each end of each crosswalk. Their audible aspect is intended to be heard no more than ten or twelve feet away. Typically, A.P.S. devices have a sensor that adjusts the sound volume according to the ambient noise in its surroundings. That way, the signal is hushed late at night and loud when an idling truck motor is growling nearby.
The tactual aspect of an A.P.S. is usually presented via a vibrating arrow pointing in the direction of the approved crossing, but there are some which have a rotating cone projecting downward from the device which can be felt.
The most sophisticated A.P.S products offer a verbal message which can be programmed to always accompany the non-verbal audible component, or be offered only when called for by a pedestrian's deliberate action, such as pushing a button.
An A.P.S. verbal message is usually something like "WALK sign is on to cross State Street," repeated throughout the WALK phase; and a repeating one syllable word, like "Wait," when it is off. If these verbal components are not being presented, the A.P.S. can be programmed to emit audible rapid ticking to indicate the WALK phase, and to offer a slower and very different sound, referred to as the "locater tone," during other phases of each complete cycle. The Locater Tone, as its name suggests, has the additional function of guiding the pedestrian to its push-button non- visually.
The sounds produced by the A.P.S. device positioned close to both ends of a crosswalk, also have the valuable function of providing an audible "beacon" to aid the directionality of the pedestrian completing a crossing non- visually.
Many CCB members will recall participating in focus groups at a past ACB convention where many opinions about the preferred verbal-message content were solicited. If memory serves me, these sessions were led by Janet Barlow, Lukas Franck and Bezie Benson.
The specific verbal messages I described earlier were the products of those focus groups, I believe. There was also research conducted at that same convention to determine the most discernible frequency levels for non- verbal signal sounds.
Now that there are a number of actual installations around the country, consensus is being sought about whether an A.P.S. should present non-verbal audible sounds for every WALK phase, or only when the device's button is pressed. The research with which I am familiar indicates that most vision- impaired pedestrians prefer this non-verbal audible information for every WALK phase. That way the basic WALK information is available non-visually even on a crowded city corner where a trash receptacle, a delivery man's handcar or just other pedestrians are blocking the approach to the button. Pushing the button adds the verbal messages. Further, it is my belief that the presentation of the basic audible information reinforces safe behavior by inattentive members of the general public and is accomplished without the repeating verbal messages, which even some vision-impaired pedestrians consider overkill. The more sophisticated A.P.S. models can be programmed to emit only the non-verbal information when the button is tapped, and add the informational verbiage only if the button is held in for three or four seconds.
In recent years, traffic engineers have come up with another pedestrian signal feature. In response to a belief that the public does not fully understand the flashing DON'T WALK signal in the "transition" phase of each cycle, a "countdown" feature has been added on some pedestrian signals. Descending numerals show the amount of seconds remaining before the end of the transition phase. The value of this visual information to a blind pedestrian is a subject of debate within the blind community. Some feel we should get all information being provided visually. Others are concerned that audible countdown information, if it spans only the transition phase, might mislead some people who are vision-impaired to start a crossing after it is safe to do so, but without enough time to complete it. The entire transition phase should be interpreted by any pedestrian, sighted or not, as a time to finish a crossing but not to start one. If, on the contrary, the countdown covers the entire WALK and flashing DON'T WALK phases, the way this feature is sometimes programmed, then at least, the blind pedestrian who is familiar with the width of the crossing can utilize this additional information if presented audibly.
My personal view is that traffic emgineers will eventually conclude that countdown signals will have the net effect of causing a more dangerous condition for the public, unintentionally encouraging the adventurous and impatient to start a crossing too late in the transition phase. What might be more helpful for the entire pedestrian population would be better education, and perhaps a more meaningful logo than the flashing DON'T WALK:: a logo that communicates the intended message: "It's okay to complete your crossing but it's too late to start one."
I hope my overview of pedestrian signals has clarified current thinking and technology so that people can actively participate in ongoing dialogues.
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[The Columbus Dispatch, July 30, 2006.]
It used to surprise people at times when my 3-year-old would order for herself in a restaurant. It was important to me to teach my children to speak for themselves, rather than be spoken about or around, as if they were inanimate objects. My experience with being the center of such inappropriate interaction led me long ago to the conviction that speaking for yourself is vital.
"Would she like the light blue or the dark," a clerk once asked my college roommate about my preference in jeans.
"She would like to see what you have," said I, reaching for the pair of brandname pants in her hands.
The insult is commonly recognized by people with visible disabilities. If you're in a wheelchair, have a guide dog, walk with an unsteady gait or use a magnifier to see the menu or read the price tags, those accompanying you will often be asked to read your mind.
For years, I thought this was just a "blind thing," reserved for those of us who have difficulty making eye contact. I was wrong. Take an aging parent or a child under 12 shopping, and you'll see what I mean.
"Bring her over here," you are told. "Have him sit there." "Would he like cream for his coffee?"
Sometimes, humor lurks in these awkward moments. Years ago, I was in a Canadian yarn shop with my husband, looking for materials for a crochet project. He was beginning to tell me about some color options when a sales representative intervened.
"Does she like lavender?" she asked him. "I don't know," he said, holding the skein to my nose and pretending to sign.
"Mmmm, lavender," I announced, taking my cue "It smells lovely."
He picked up another and whispered its color in my ear. I inhaled. "Ivory!" I exclaimed. "It's great."
Silliness is sometimes the only way to avoid the sting of insult. I mean, if a waitress comes up to a table where two people are engaged in animated conversation, why would she assume that only the one who isn't sitting in the wheelchair is able to talk? But she does. It happens all the time.
You take your 80-year-old father to the symphony, where he has been going for some 60 years, and the usher tells you where to "put him"; and asks you if he'd like a program. Probably this man has been speaking, without hesitation, for himself for decades, but now that he doesn't hear well or is leaning on a walker, he has somehow lost "permission" to state his own preferences.
It may seem a trivial matter, but when you are talked about in the third person, the message is a clear one of being discounted, irrelevant, secondary to the situation. Whether you receive this message because you have a disability, are a child, are from another country or have attained the age of wisdom, the impact is the same. I taught my children to order food for themselves because it is a simple way of building confidence, practicing the lesson that "I matter, and so does what I have to say."
You can make a difference if you find yourself playing any of the three roles in this common scenario. If you are the outsider, speak to the person who is different::older, younger, disabled, foreign::with the assumption that he or she will respond. If you are the companion of the visibly different individual, simply smile and say "Ask him" or "Tell him" to move the dialogue in the appropriate direction.
If you are the person being discounted for disability or any other reason, assert yourself. Answer the question; pick up the conversation on your own; or, for quick understanding, try talking about yourself in the third person. You might get a laugh, and you'll definitely be counted back into the circle.
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In 1995, the California Council of the Blind and blind individuals contacted Bank of America about ATMs that blind people couldn't use. As a result of collaboration with the blind community through the process known as structured negotiations, as of August 1 the Bank has installed over ten thousand talking ATMs in states across the country. Talking ATM locations, as well as other information about the bank's accessible services, are available online at www.bankofamerica.com/accessiblebanking. We also have lists of all Bank of America talking ATMs by state if anyone needs information on a particular state. Questions or comments about Bank of America's talking ATMs can be directed to Lainey Feingold and Linda Dardarian, CCB's and ACB's lawyers on accessible financial services issues. We can be reached at lfeingold@earthlink.net or by phone at 510-548-5062.
[Editor's note: Other financial institutions have talking ATMs, and I contacted Lainey Feingold for summary information on these. Her response is below.]
Here's what I know about banks with the most talking ATMs in addition to Bank of America.
Wells Fargo has over 5,000 talking ATMs and, most importantly, almost every Wells Fargo ATM in the country is talking, and every ATM location they have has at least one talking ATM. Wachovia has over 3,000 talking ATMs. Chase has over 5,000 talking ATMs. Washington Mutual has talking ATMs at almost every bank of ATMs: over 2,000. Union Bank of California and Sovereign Bank are smaller, but all their locations have at least one talking ATM. LaSalle Bank has over 1,000 talking ATMs.
We have represented ACB affiliates and members in negotiations with all these banks, and you may contact us for more information.
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In today's environment, it is almost impossible to go anywhere and not have to deal with a form of wireless technology. Buzzwords like Bluetooth, infrared and radio frequency are terms that have become part of our vocabulary. With the exception of cell phones capable of surfing the World Wide Web, or the Blackberries that are used for text messaging, computers and PDA units that access the Internet via wireless can run into problems ranging from the interference of home appliances to security issues. The following are recommendations that persons who are using or planning to set up a wireless connection to the Internet should consider.
First of all, it is important to understand that unless the user is using some form of encryption, wireless traffic transmitted through the air is readily available to hackers to manipulate as they wish. To prevent information from ending up in the wrong hands, most personal Internet routers allow the users to enable a form of encryption that offers technology for protecting one's information. In addition, enabling password requirements on the wireless router will keep undesirables from surfing the Internet or hacking into a private local area network. Once again, these features are available on most commercially available personal routers.
Integrity of the Wireless Connection: If the wireless router unit is placed on the floor or on top of a metal shelf or against a metal wall, chances are that there will be broadcast interference. Placing the router at a high location and away from metallic surfaces will carry the signal further. Should there be a need to increase the signal strength, replacing the router's omni-directional antenna with a directional hi-gain antenna will increase signal strength.
Changing the wireless channel: Wireless routers can broadcast on several different channels, similar to the way television stations use different channels. In the United States and Canada, these channels are one, six, and eleven. Just as when one sometimes hears interference on one radio station while another is perfectly clear, one wireless channel can be clearer than another. Try changing the wireless router's channel through its configuration page to see if signal strength improves. There's no need to change a computer's configuration because it will usually automatically detect the new channel.
Reducing interference: If there are cordless phones or other wireless electronics in the home, the computer may not be able to "hear" the router over the noise from these wireless devices. To quiet the noise, avoid wireless electronics that use the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Instead, look for cordless phones that use the 5.8 GHz or 900 MHz frequency bands. Changing the channel on the wireless router might allow a 2.4 GHz phone to co-exist without problem. Also, check if the cordless phone's frequency can be changed.
There is no need to worry about tripping over wires strung across the floor once the above pitfalls to wireless communications are overcome. Since most laptops and PDA units, as well as HumanWare's BrailleNote and Freedom Scientific's PacMate have wireless capabilities, one can work, or access the Internet, from anywhere in the home instead of being restricted to one location.
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[From SVCB In Touch, July, 2006.]
Older people are at high risk for developing heat-related illness because the ability to respond to summer heat can become less efficient with advancing years. Fortunately, the summer can remain safe and enjoyable for everyone who uses good, sound judgment.
Heat stress, heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps and heat exhaustion are all forms of "hyperthermia," the general name given to a variety of heat-related illnesses. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, muscle spasms and fatigue after exposure to heat. If you suspect someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:
Get the victim out of the sun and into a cool place, preferably one that is air-conditioned. Offer fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine: water, fruit and vegetable juices are best. Encourage the individual to shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water, and urge the person to lie down and rest, preferably in a cool place.
Heat stroke is especially dangerous for older people and requires emergency medical attention. A person with heat stroke has a body temperature above 104 and may have symptoms such as confusion, combativeness, bizarre behavior, faintness, staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, lack of sweating, possible delirium or coma.
The temperature does not have to hit 100 for a person to be at risk for hyperthermia. Both an individual's general health and/or lifestyle may increase the threat of a heat-related illness. Health factors which may increase risk include:
Age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands; Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever; High blood pressure or other conditions that require changes in diet (For example, people on salt- restricted diets may have increased risk. However, salt pills should not be used without first consulting a doctor.); the inability to perspire caused by medications including diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure drugs; taking several drugs for various conditions (It is important, however, to continue to take prescribed medication and discuss possible problems with a physician.); being substantially overweight or underweight; and drinking alcoholic beverages.
Lifestyle factors also can increase risk, including extremely hot living quarters, lack of transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places and not understanding weather conditions. Older people, particularly those at special risk, should stay indoors on especially hot and humid days, particularly when there is an air pollution alert in effect. People without fans or air conditioners should go to shopping malls, movie houses and libraries. Friends or relatives might be asked to supply transportation on particularly hot days. Many communities, area agencies, religious groups and senior citizen centers also provide such services as cooling centers.
Source: National Institute on Aging (NIA), 24 Jul 2006.
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[From the August, 2006, SVCB In Touch newsletter.]
The Social Security Administration has released the 2006 edition of what many people simply call the "Red Book," which is a summary guide to employment support for individuals with disabilities under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplementary Security Income (SSI) programs. It is strongly encouraged that this information get into the hands of every adult with a disability who currently receives benefits under these programs and who wishes to join or rejoin the workforce. The Red Book contains useful information that will assist in knowing how to go to, or return to, work in such a way that helps maximize economic self- sufficiency. This publication may be an empowering and invaluable tool to enable people with disabilities to enter the world of employment as part of their overall life approach of fulfilling career dreams and aspirations and striving to reach their greatest potential as they continually seek to enhance their own economic productivity.
Online versions of the Red Book are available in PDF and HTML formats. To view a copy online and to download it for your use, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/redbook.htm.
To reach the Social Security Administration by phone to obtain the Red Book, which is also available in alternative formats, you may call 800-772- 1213 (Voice) or 800-325-0778 (TDD).
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[from the GPS Talk List.]
This is really quite cool. It's easy to lose an expensive GPS receiver, briefcase, etc. Stuffbak is a property recovery service for all of your mobile assets: wallets, keys, eyeglasses, laptops, you-name-it. The company has specially designed labels which you affix to your property. If your item is lost, the finder makes a toll free or collect call to Stuffbak which in turn arranges for pick-up and delivery of your property back to you. It works worldwide. The company will even advance a reward on your behalf (this is optional but recommended) and will also give the finder some free Stuffbak service. You pay one time for the labels and a small recovery fee plus shipping when your lost property is returned.
No need to put your own name or phone number on luggage, etc. which is a real concern these days because of identity theft. No annual membership fee. I lost a backpack filled with a BrailleNote and more one Christmas Eve, and got it back in a matter of hours. I have a Stuffbak label on everything of value which I might lose or forget and leave behind while traveling.
Stuffbak is at www.stuffbak.com or 800-800-8257. Their website is reasonably accessible although a bit clunky to use, but the customer service people will do anything for you over the phone.
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I just love it when our members and friends share their experiences with me. This story comes from Pam Drake of Visalia. Pam, thanks so much for sharing your story with my readers, and what a story it is! Now, I'll step back and let Pam tell you about her adventure in her own words:
This Laugh's On Me! Well, I have to share this with you. Though it could have, maybe should have ..would have been embarrassing, I didn't realize it at the time it happened so all I could do was laugh and apologize to Dave. Why? Well, here we go!
A couple of weeks ago I was on my way to catch the bus to get to the post office. As happens less and less, but still does occur now and then, I stumbled over a crack in the sidewalk and fell, skinning my knee in a place where I had fallen just a week before. I hadn't fallen in a while prior to taking the first hit, but somehow I managed to do it two weeks in a row.
This time I really did it! I tore the knee out of my slacks, though I didn't know it at the time. Because it was the second mishap in a week, the not-yet-healed knee was splattered in blood.
As I was walking before and after the fall, I thought my slacks were a little droopy, but figured that perhaps they were an older pair and it was time to either have them hemmed, the elastic replaced, both of the above, none of the above, and either toss them or use them for pajamas.
As I picked myself up and started on my way, a woman came out of a building and asked if I wanted to go in and have my leg cleaned up. I didn't realize the knee was torn and, of course, didn't have anything to change into; and I've been doing the skinned-knee routine for years, especially before I got my corrective shoes.
I thanked her but told her I really wanted to get to the bus and I'd take care of my knee when I got home. I told her this happened all the time and it scares other people but only frustrates me. I get very single-minded when I am trying to get somewhere, and there wasn't much the lady could have done but clean the open sore and, frankly, I figured I'd rather just let it dry and begin to clot.
It wasn't till later, sitting on a bus bench, that I realized the knee was out. There was no way I could get home then and so I just pulled the torn material together and hoped no one would notice.
After a trip to pick up a bracelet that had been repaired; dinner with Dave, who joined me at a Mexican restaurant; and a computer club meeting; I returned home and promptly went to the sink, rinsed the blood-stained pant leg in plenty of water and doused it with Nature's Miracle, a wonderful enzymatic stain remover designed to deal with pet accidents, but good on other organic stains.
I said nothing to Dave because I didn't want him to know I had fallen on that same knee a second time. I eventually told him when we were in the spa one night, and he made a remark that my knee seemed to be taking a long time to heal.
I put the slacks, now soaked in stain remover, in the laundry hamper knowing Rita would be here the next day and could work on the stains.
Unfortunately, I forgot to tell Rita about the stain and so didn't mention it until the next week when I told her I would like to see about having the slacks mended.
She couldn't find the slacks. She looked everywhere she could, but the slacks I said I had put in the hamper for a little TLC just didn't seem to be there. This baffled and somewhat concerned me. I do have a way of forgetting the whereabouts of things I put away so I was thinking, "No! Not again!"
Yesterday morning, a week after Rita had failed to find my slacks, Dave called to her saying, "Do you have any idea how these pants could have gotten this big hole?"
Rita replied, first in a slightly perplexed voice, then with the air of one who had just solved a mystery: "Those are your pajamas and they're all bloody. Pam, could these be the pants you've been describing to me?"
Yes, dear friends, you guessed it. I had put on Dave's pajamas, the single set of bottoms I had given him several years ago for Christmas. I guess I thought the drawstring was one of the bows I had on a pair of my slacks; and that when I saw them on the bed, I had mistaken them for a pair of my slacks and hung them up with a decorative T-shirt.
We were shocked at first, and Dave may have been a little uncomfortable at the thought of my wearing men's pajamas as slacks. I was too glad to know I hadn't thrown the garment out, and not remembering it; and getting upset about it two weeks later wouldn't have made any sense. I was sorry that Dave's perfectly good pair of pajamas had been ruined and offered to get him another. Rita said they were too torn to be mended but could be cut off and used as cutoffs.
Rita asked me if I hadn't noticed the open fly, but I guess I didn't touch all the way down there. I believe my blouse covered the trap door so, hopefully, people just thought they were long, baggy pants that needed to be altered. I asked Rita whether she thought I should take out a personal ad in the Visalia Times-delta to apologize to anyone who had seen me in Dave's bloody, torn pajamas. We had a good laugh, and later so did Dave. As I said before, by that time I couldn't see much point in doing anything else.
Well, there's my ABAPITA for the year, I hope. It certainly would equal a handful of smaller ones.
I'm assuming everyone knows what ABAPITA means. If you don't, it refers to a column in Dialog magazine with that acronym standing for "Ain't Blindness A Pain In The Anatomy!" People share their funny, silly, and downright embarrassing mishaps, which almost certainly wouldn't have happened if they were sighted.
That's it for this issue. Keep those stories coming in; and until next time, stay happy and well and do remember to look on the lighter side.
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What do job seekers, employees, employers and students have in common? Networking! You network on a regular basis, for example, when you ask for a restaurant or movie recommendation.
Purposeful networking can benefit you in your career exploration or job search process. Networking consists of acquiring information through contacts with people you already know or being referred to other knowledgeable people by your contacts. This process of gaining insight into a career field, a company's culture, a potential job opportunity or skill development can enhance your knowledge and confidence as a student, job seeker or employee seeking advancement. The experience is also an opportunity to practice interviewing skills with another person. Another benefit of networking within the blindness community is the opportunity to learn more about access and equity to opportunities, assistive technology and accommodations in the work and school settings from those who are using the products and strategies.
Networking is for everyone. The purpose for networking can vary from person to person. Therefore, it is important to figure out your purpose for networking and be able to concisely to articulate it concisely to others. The hard part is getting started. Self-created fixed ideas such as "I do not have very many contacts" or "I am not outgoing so I cannot network" may pose a barrier for you. The truth is that the quality of the contact is more important than the number of contacts.
You already have a network. Your contacts include parents, extended family members, personal and family friends, classmates, work colleagues, professors, members of community organizations ... in essence, everyone. Additionally, there are many ways to network. These methods of communication include the telephone call, written correspondence (either hard copy letter or email), or in-person conversation. The key is finding the method that is comfortable for you.
A good first step to getting started would be to begin with your CCB contacts or AFB's CareerConnect (www.afb.org) database. Share your networking purpose with your CCB contacts at your local chapter or across the state. If you have not shared with them your interests and goals, then they will not know about your interests and be less likely to share their knowledge. The AFB CareerConnect database consists of people who are blind or visually-impaired that have agreed to be contacted and included in somebody else's network.
Once you have identified your purpose and contacts to form your network, it is important to prepare. A short introductory statement describing the intent of your conversation is appropriate. Also, below are some questions to ask yourself as you prepare for the conversation:
What do I want to gain from spending time with this contact? What are my strengths and accomplishments that demonstrate my interest in x career field or job?
Once you have identified what you have to offer, consider questions that you will ask the contact to gain more information about your area of interest. Questions may include:
What can be shared about the profession?
How do I get started in the profession? What type of experience do you recommend for someone who wants to go into (or advance) in this industry? Where can I gain the experience? In your opinion, what are the trends in this profession over the next five to ten years? Is there anyone that you can refer me to speak with to learn more about this topic?
Networking is not a solicitation for a job. Also, there is a balance between being friendly, yet respecting the professional aspect of networking. A network of contacts are oftentimes acquaintances, not close friends.
To further explore networking, below is a list of references available through RFB&D.
A Foot in the Door: Networking Your Way into the Hidden Job Market, Katharine Hansen, Ten Speed Press, 2000.
Job Search Handbook for People With Disabilities, Daniel J Ryan, JIST Works, 2004.
VGM's Complete Guide to Career Etiquette : From Job Search Through Career Advancement, Mark Satterfield, VGM Career Horizons, 1996.
What Color Is Your Parachute?, Richard Bolles, Ten Speed Press, 2000.
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Here is a straight accounting of bills we have tracked for the last two years. I must point out that the legislative session has just ended and the Governor has 30 days from this writing to veto or sign any of the enrolled bills (which have passed both houses of the legislature and await action by the Governor).
In this list, "Enrolled" means legislation has passed both houses and is on the Governor's disk; "chapter" means a bill has been signed into law; "withdrawn" indicates that legislation was withdrawn, and "died" indicates that a bill died in committee.
CCB Sponsored Legislation:
SB 1451, Christine Kehoe, Enrolled: This bill would place blind and
visually impaired individuals and other persons with disabilities on
relevant subcommittees pertaining to emergency preparedness within the
California State Office of Emergency Services, O.E.S. Accessible
preparedness literature, research funding for evacuation and way finding as
well as notification procedures are all addressed in this legislation.
This bill received widespread support and is expected to be signed into
law.
SB 210, Debra Bowen, Chapter 453: Extends the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program, DDTP, until 2010.
SB 1114, Elaine Alquist, Withdrawn by author: This bill would have required that agencies that receive funding from the Department of Rehabilitation have a complement of at least 20 percent of their boards of directors be blind or visually-impaired. This was our second attempt at getting this important consumer-representation legislation passed. Our first attempt was in 1992 with AB 550 by Sam Farr. This latest attempt was our most successful to date as we made it virtually through both houses and policy/fiscal committees. Although talks are underway with the Department of Rehabilitation, we will not give up on our efforts to bring consumer representation to California's agencies serving the blind and visually- impaired.
Other Legislation:
AB 1847, Tim Leslie, died: This bill would have equalized existing state
tax credits to that of the greater federal tax levels for small businesses
who make their facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. The
bill died in the Assembly Appropriations Committee and was sponsored by
Californians for Disability Rights.
AB 768, Joe Nation, Enrolled: This bill requires that after January 1, 2009, a manufacturer or distributor of touch-screen devices used for the purpose of self-service check-in at a hotel, or at a facility providing passenger transportation services, offer touch-screen self-service check-in devices, if available, that allow a person with a visual-impairment to enter personal information and to use the device independently, without the assistance of others, in the same manner afforded those without visual- impairments. This bill is sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind of California.
AB 2278, Paul Koretz, Withdrawn by author: Would have established a state identification card for service and emotional support animals effectively giving them the same access rights as service animals. CCB worked hard to get the author to withdraw this bill.
AB 2486, Ridley-Thomas, Enrolled: Authorizes the investigation of potential personnel by a nonprofit consortium or public authority to include criminal background checks. The provider and consumer will bear the cost through a 65/35 percent split funding-mechanism.
AB 3048, Mervyn Dymally, Enrolled: A bill to allow in-home support workers to accompany IHS recipients to appointments, the workplace, etc.
AB 1842, Joe Coto, Withdrawn by Author: If a child fails eye screening, he/she must get further exams by licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.
AB 2749, Audra Strickland, Died in policy committee: Would have established a pilot revolving loan account for no-interest home loans to build accessibility.
AB 2634, Sally Lieber, Enrolled: Establishes a thirty percent element for extremely low low-income housing.
AB 2719, Guy Houston, Enrolled: Beginning in 2010, the existing tax postponement for aged blind and disabled people changes from $2400 annually to an adjustment based on inflation.
AB 462, Van Tran, Chapter 299: Caltrans may drop usage of the Division of the State Architect for certification of project accessibility. CCB strongly opposed this bill. Unfortunately, Caltrans can now certify its own projects.
AB 20, Tim Leslie, Withdrawn by Author: Would have establish a 120 day notification period before a person could file a claim against an ADA violator.
AB 961, Higher Education Committee, Withdrawn by author: California State University system wanted to certify its own projects for accessibility instead of having the Division of the State Architect do it. CCB was successful in getting this section removed.
SB 810, Jackie Speier, Withdrawn by author: Would have allowed persons with disabilities to park their vehicles upon sidewalks. CCB, other disability groups and pedestrian safety groups strongly opposed this bill.
SB 855, Charles Poochigian, Died in Senate Judiciary Committee: Would have established a 150 day waiting period before a person could file an ADA complaint against a violator.
SB 468, John Campbell, Withdrawn by author: Would have privatized existing roadside rest stops within the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. CCB was strongly opposed.
AB 897, Joe Coto, Chapter 530: Utilizes the existing Braille Standards Task Force, established in 2004, to identify and articulate math standards. This bill was sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind of California.
SB 522, Tom Torlakson, Withdrawn by author: Would have required 50 percent of all products sold in a vending machine on state property to be nutritious. This bill would have had a negative impact on BEP vendors and CCB strongly opposed it.
SB 254, Tom Torlakson, Withdrawn by author: Same as SB 522.
SB 1656, Alquist, died: Would have established that the Department of Social Services be the lead agency in regional emergencies and distribute Social Security and other benefits to emergency victims.
AB 707, Sally Lieber, died: Would have allowed all-mail voting.
AB 1548, Fran Pavley, enrolled: Establishes a pilot program in eight school districts to receive accessible textbooks from publishers.
AB 2014, Patty Berg, Withdrawn by author: Would have allowed care-givers for workers to be in the workplace.
SB 912, Denise Ducheny, Chapter 8: Repeals five percent cut to MediCal providers.
AB 1662, Lieber, Chapter 653: This bill makes various revisions to make state law conform to federal requirements relating to, among others, pupil identification, assessment, and eligibility; individualized education program development, including notice, representation, and hearing procedures and requirements; and pupil data confidentiality.
I personally want to thank everyone who assisted me over the last 24 months through your many phone calls, letters of support, or opposition on issues we so dearly support or oppose.
This year is unprecedented: we resolved the yearly budget stalemate fairly early, and the fall general election brings political goodwill in which we are actually seeing a minimum wage increase and a reinstatement of SSI cost- of-living adjustments for 2007. However, I cannot stress enough the importance of voting in the November General Election. We will be electing the entire California Assembly; half of the State Senate; and all constitutional Officers, including the Governor. Additionally, the entire United States House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate are to be elected.
It's great hearing from you and please keep abreast of what's happening by calling the legislative hotline at 800-221-6359 Mondays through Fridays after 4 p.m. and all day on weekends.
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Hello and welcome to the CCB Recipe Corner with Sylvia. I've been a CCB member for the past eight years and those of you who hang around the ccb-l email list know me as sugarsyl.
First, let me say "thank you" for the opportunity to host this column, where I'll share cooking-related tips I've found helpful; recipes I've made for family and friends; and, hopefully, contributions from you. Cooking is often a challenge but tasks are much easier if your kitchen is organized. I always have my handy braille timer nearby and find it helpful to have all the items I'm going to use out where I, and only I, know where they are. Labeling containers is very important. You can use a labeler (as I do), rubber bands, etc. In addition, keep your cooking utensils easily accessible. Be confident; believe in yourself; and, as I often find, experimenting with different dishes is worthwhile and fun.
While sharing with you my favorite recipes, I hope you will share yours, too. Let's help each other make life in the kitchen a little easier and enjoyable. You can contact me at sugarsyl71@sbcglobal.net. I hope the CCB Recipe Column encourages the chef in you. Good luck!
Caribbean Grilled Chicken:
Number of Servings: 6, Serving Size: 3-4 oz.
Ingredients: 1/4 C fresh-squeezed orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange peel; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot; 2 minced garlic cloves; 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce; 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh oregano; 1-1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved (or use quarter legs or thighs).
Preparation: In a blender, combine all ingredients except the chicken. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts and marinate in the refrigerator at least two hours or up to one day. Grill or broil the chicken for about 6 minutes per side until no trace of pink remains or until chicken feels tender.
Nutritional Information, amount per serving: Calories: 154, Calories from Fat: 41, Total Fat: 5 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 69 mg, Sodium: 61 mg, Total Carbohydrate: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g, Sugars: 1 g, Protein: 25 g.
Diabetic Exchange: You can substitute other proteins for the chicken such as very lean meat or vegetables.
Tropical Ambrosia, Makes 3 cups:
Kiwi fruit adds a new touch to this old-fashioned favorite, along with
fiber and plenty of vitamins. Choose kiwi that feels slightly tender when
gently pressed, and use a vegetable peeler to remove the fuzzy, brown skin.
Ingredients: 1/3 cup light vanilla or lemon yogurt; 2 tablespoons shredded coconut; 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced; 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks; 1 medium banana, sliced; mint sprigs (optional).
To Make: Mix the yogurt and coconut in a small bowl, cover, and chill for 20 minutes for the flavors to develop. In a medium bowl, mix the kiwis, pineapple, and banana. Gently stir in the yogurt mixture. Serve garnished with mint sprigs (if using).
Nutritional info per 3/4 cup: 89 calories, 20 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein, 1 g total fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 3 g dietary fiber, 13 mg sodium.
In closing, let me share with you a recipe that had yummy commentary on the ccb-l email list.
Ziploc Omelets:
This works great when you're alone or when all your family is together.
The best feature is that no one has to wait for their special omelet! Have
guests write their names on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent
marker or creative non-visual labeling.
Crack two eggs (large or extra-large) into each quart size Ziploc bag and shake to combine. Have ready a variety of ingredients such as cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc. Guests add prepared ingredients of choice to their bags and shake. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up. Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook six to eight omelets in a large pot. For more, use another pot of boiling water.
Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed. Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake. Everyone gets involved in the process, and you have a great conversation piece.
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[from the American Chronicle, September 22, 2005, Daniel Taverne]
I am legally blind. This means that my vision is poor to the point that I can't read books, newspapers, mail or anything else that most people can read. At the grocery store, I can't read those item locator boards hanging above isle entrances or the price of anything. I can't use vending machines when I have to know how much something is and the number or letter to push to get it. I can't read road signs or billboards. I can't look at the clock to know what time it is or check the setting of the oven knob. I can't figure out the remote control for my DVD/VCR (which, when it's operating, I can barely see anyway) and I can't read the directions for anything. Fortunately, these shortfalls mean I'm only disabled, not dead.
Things I can see are numerous: I can see to walk around, though I often accidentally walk into door frames with my shoulder; check the mail; take out the trash; vacuum the floor if I'm careful; put away the dishes; make my bed; wash clothes. In fact, I can do enough for people to question the legitimacy of my legal blindness claim. I don't walk around with a sign indicating my visual status, as I probably should. A sign might be more believable than simply stating I'm legally blind since I'm not always wearing sunglasses and I'm not using a cane to help me get around. As it happens, I get angry and embarrassed when I have to tell someone I am legally blind only to have them sound as if they don't believe me.
Thankfully, when I really need a laugh, humorous events always seem to take the serious edge off my situation. For this reason, I think it's important to recognize them when they occur. For instance, one evening we had chili- dogs and beans for supper. Being the independent person that I am, I didn't hesitate to construct my own. I inserted the dog into a bun and ladled on what I thought was the chili. When I sat down to eat, my wife and everyone sitting at the table frantically informed me that I put beans on my hotdogs instead of chili. I laughed at my mistake and ate the bean- dog anyway, I figured I'd just make the next chili-dog right and be happy. I went back to the stove with my hotdog in the bun and, this time, reached for the contents of what I thought was the other pot containing chili. Little did I know that someone had inadvertently switched the pots, and, again, I put beans on my dog. I couldn't help but laugh with the rest of my family.
Another funny thing happened one day when my wife was preparing a salad upon which she added sliced black olives. I spotted the recently emptied olive can sitting there on the counter. Thinking I was slick, I quickly snagged what I thought was a lone sliced olive, inadvertently left behind, and quickly popped it in my mouth. Instead of tasting wonderful olive, I tasted a substance that had been sitting in the sink's drain all day. Unfortunately for me, my wife put it in the olive can to be thrown away. I don't know what it was, but it was really nasty.
It should be mentioned here that, in certain ways, many of the concerns of the blind are also felt by other disabled people. A common area where physical limitations impact all disabled people is known as "Activities of Daily Living" or ADLs and include things as bathing, dressing, paying bills, taking medication, household maintenance, cooking and many of the items I mentioned I can't do at the beginning of this article.
Disabled people have problems in other areas of life as well: emotional well-being for example. It should be obvious to you that sudden dependence on others can add up to depression, frustration and anger. For a few months after I became visually impaired, I was able to hide from myself, and everyone else, that I had any negative emotions at all. I didn't realize how angry I was until I knew that I would never drive again or ever be the respected bricklayer I used to be. I told my wife how I wanted to "go off" on something, I just wanted to throw a fit to release the anger I was feeling.
I think the most constructive emotional help that can be afforded a disabled person is to know someone in their life who will not make them feel like a burden. I speak from experience when I say that most disabled people, having to depend on others, already feel this way. It's important as well to realize that disabled people resent family and friends who only help them simply because they feel obligated. This is easily noticed by individuals already sensitive to being burdensome. As a consequence of these caregivers, additional feelings of sadness, anger, depression, decreased self-esteem, or any combination of these, can be expected.
Another area of concern for the disabled is social interaction with others. Everyone knows how it feels to be couped up at home for an entire weekend and how good it feels to be out among friends and family actively participating in life. Now imagine that, in order for you to effectively participate in life, someone would have to give you a bath, dress you, transport you, help feed you, and take you to the bathroom. Wouldn't you rather just stay at home? I would!
Being visually impaired has made me reluctant to leave home and be an active participant in my own life because I find I can't completely participate independently. Furthermore, I resent the constant reminders that others have to be there for me, almost as if I were a child. Some of these reminders are things as simple as needing someone to read menus for me, identify specific items on buffets, and needing to stay with someone when at large department stores because it's easy for me to get lost.
Another area to consider is psychological. Feelings of self-worth would fall under this category. Self-esteem and confidence suffer since the disabled person is now unable to continue the fulfilling tasks that once gave life meaning. After being out of work for about a year, I was shopping with my wife at a large department store. I noticed someone was waving but couldn't tell who it was. Upon questioning the faceless figure, I recognized his voice to be that of Scott, a fellow bricklayer whom I worked with for five years. I'm still troubled by how inadequate I felt standing there telling him about my problems. It was as if I wasn't a person anymore, wasn't a man, but just an unfortunate victim of life's cruel twists.
To sum this all up, sudden dependence on others is enough to diminish self- worth, and it can be further diminished by people who are neither supportive or genuine. It's these feelings of low self-worth which lead many disabled people into depression. The good news, however, is that there are ways to deal with new-found disabilities, one of which is humor. Ultimately, it is up to the disabled person to come to terms with disability and accept that he/she will have to meet some new challenges.
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[Used with permission from Vision Access, summer 2006.]
As human beings, we have been given eyelids, as well as eyes. Obviously, we were meant to use our eyelids to close out the visibility of outside stimuli. If you have good eyesight, you can make the experiment of closing your eyelids and know that it feels restful. If your eyesight leaves something to be desired, voluntarily closing your eyes, when not planning to sleep, can cause many other feelings to rise up::perhaps frustration, perhaps angst, or a feeling which could be described as the opposite of peace.
Do that little experiment and examine the feelings that well up in you. What feelings arise as you keep your eyelids closed and are therefore obliged to look inward? In the style of Hatha Yoga that I teach, students are asked to look inward throughout the class, and especially at the beginning and at the end of class. The ancient yogis focused inward in meditation for many hours each day. Even today there are certain people who dedicate themselves to quieting their mind, to getting to know themselves on the inside, who spend many hours in meditation, even entire years in retreat. "Why?" you may well ask. "How can they benefit humanity doing that?"
Well, if you're going to extend yourself out there in the wide world to be "helpful" to others, you yourself need to possess that elusive quality known as equanimity, a mind that is calm whatever is going on in your surroundings, even when it's earthquakes, tornadoes, or floods.
Maybe you consider yourself to be just an "ordinary" person, not someone who extends him or herself to that extent. Maybe you're happy if you can just extend yourself to your family and friends, and remain calm during the ups and downs that occur in your immediate vicinity. How can closing your eyelids help you?
It's what you do when your eyes are closed. The first thing you notice is your mind: wanting, fidgeting, feeling impatient, etc. Trying to still your mind so that you can find comfort and stillness looks easy when you see someone else do it. When you try it, you find it is not easy. Even five minutes feels like forever!
Plotinus was a Grecian wise man who died in 270 A.D. (We don't know the year of his birth.) He said, "Close your eyes and awaken to another way of seeing." He was one of many Greek scholars who practiced meditation. He studied Empedocles who was born in Sicily in the beginning of the fifth century B.C., 700 years earlier. Empedocles said, "You must plunge beneath your crowded thoughts and calmly contemplate the higher realities with pure, focused attention. If you do this, a state of inspired serenity will remain with you throughout your life, shaping your character and benefiting you in many ways. But if you direct your attention (and your sight) instead to the trivial things most people obsess about, the silly nonsense that dulls our minds, you'll just acquire more objects which you'll only lose anyway."
So this makes one think, "How far have we really come in the last 2000 years?" Not so far! Empedocles told us further that what we're looking for "isn't something we can see with our eyes, or hold in our hands." Maybe we should stop looking "out there"!
Last summer, after I had two eye surgeries, I had the opportunity to put the above advice to the test. I could still see, but not clearly, and certainly without details. I began to realize that the visual stimuli that constantly bombard me, and everyone else, are not necessary to "see"; even seeing to do the Hatha Yoga poses that I was teaching is not all that necessary. When doing yoga, you do not move off your mat. You are not going anywhere.
It is necessary to cultivate what is known as Proprioceptive Awareness, that is, awareness of your body in space. When your vision is challenged, it is easier to cultivate this sixth sense. As human beings, we all have proprioceptors [position receptors] on the surface of our skin that let us know where the various parts of our body are. They coordinate with our sense of balance and vibration to let us know that something or someone is in our space. With proprioceptive awareness it is possible to do Hatha Yoga, the physical practice, as a "meditation in motion," that is, very slowly, paying attention to all parts of the body on a moment to moment basis. In fact, doing yoga this way, with the eyes closed, or with limited vision, helps us to get in touch with who we are, on the inside, even more effectively. Of course, some vision is helpful, especially when you are new to yoga, and find that seeing poses demonstrated helps you to understand what to do better than a lot of explanation.
In the West, as a culture, we depend far too much on our sight to the exclusion of our other senses. We would surely be more balanced as individuals if we would cultivate our other senses equally. If we did, we would find our attitude about vision, specifically our inner vision, becoming more realistic: accepting what is; and letting go of what is not, perhaps after a period of grieving. This could only be helpful. More balanced, calmer, more inwardly focused, we would see our wisdom increase. This can be your quest and your challenge!
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For further information, contact Dawn Wilcox at thl@vistacenter.org or call the Health Library at Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired at 650-858-0202 ext 132; from 408 area codes: 800-660-2009; from 831 area codes: 800-639-6081.
1. Tiny Implanted Telescope Restores Some Vision in End-Stage AMD (February 2006 issue of Current Opinion in Ophthalmology): The device works by magnifying images onto the retina to help capture more central vision. After six months, 89 percent of Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) trial participants achieved at least two-lines of improvement in mean distance or near best corrected visual acuity. The useful field of vision through the IMT device is about 6 degrees. Only one eye is treated with the lens allowing the untreated eye to be used for peripheral vision. Clinical trials will need to determine how patients adjust to reconciling two very different fields of vision in each eye.
2. Researchers Calculate How Much the Eye Tells the Brain (July issue of Current Biology): Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine estimate that the human retina can transmit visual input at about the same rate as an ethernet connection. This line of scientific questioning points to ways in which neural systems compare to artificial ones, and may ultimately enrich the design of artificial visual systems. Using an intact retina from a guinea pig, the researchers recorded spikes of electrical impulses from ganglion cells using a miniature multi-electrode array. They calculate that the human retina can transmit data at roughly 10 million bits per second. By comparison, an ethernet network can transmit information between computers at speeds from 10 to 100 million bits per second.
The retina is actually a piece of the brain that has grown into the eye and processes neural signals when it detects light. Axons of the retinal ganglion cells form the optic nerve to carry information from the retina to the higher brain centers; other nerve cells within the retina perform the first stages of analysis of the visual world. Investigators have known for decades that there are 10 to 15 ganglion cell-types in the retina that are adapted to pick up different movements and then work together to send a full picture to the brain.
Researchers classified each cell into one of two broad classes: "brisk" or "sluggish," so named because of their speed. The electrical spike patterns differed between cell types. "The patterns have various meanings," says co- author Vijay Balasubramanian, PhD. "Because sluggish cells are more numerous, they account for most of the information. Our findings hint that sluggish cells might be 'cheaper,' metabolically speaking, because they send more information per spike. If a message must be sent at a high rate, the brain uses the brisk channels." "In terms of sending visual information to the brain, these brisk cells are the FedEx of the optic system, versus the sluggish cells, which are the equivalent of the U.S. mail," notes Peter Sterling, PhD.
3. Lucentis Prevents Elderly Blindness (Scott Roberts, HealthDay News): A new drug that's been shown to prevent a major form of blindness among the elderly has been approved by the FDA. Genentech's Lucentis (ranibizumab), dosed monthly, was approved to treat wet age-related macular degeneration.
Wet AMD, a retinal disease that causes irreversible vision loss, affects about 155,000 Americans annually, the FDA said in a statement. The disease is caused when abnormal blood vessels in the retina leak, eventually damaging the portion of the eye responsible for central vision.
In clinical testing of Lucentis, nearly 95 percent of users maintained vision after 12 months, compared with 60 percent of participants who did not take Lucentis. Another Genentech medication, the cancer drug Avastin, is increasingly prescribed "off-label" to treat AMD, the Associated Press reported. While both inhibit the protein that's believed to be responsible for the disease, Avastin costs about $17 a dose, while Lucentis is likely to cost upwards of $2,000 a dose, the wire service said.
At least 10,000 people with macular degeneration have been legally prescribed Avastin off-label, meaning that the FDA hasn't sanctioned the drug for that purpose, the AP reported. Genentech has said it has no plans to test Avastin's safety and effectiveness for AMD, the wire service said.
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It was business as usual at the Sierra Services for the Blind on Thursday. Clients met in a private room for a group counseling session In the reception area, an employee fielded phone calls and waited to drive clients home. Richard Crandall was writing a grant proposal in his office.
The only difference between this day and any other in the past 14 years was that Crandall was working as a volunteer, not the agency's executive director, his job of 14 years.
"I will do everything I can to keep this place alive," Crandall said, placing his palms firmly on his desk. "Somehow I've always managed to trip over something and pull it out at the last minute. This time I couldn't."
Crandall and his board of directors decided to eliminate Crandall's position at their monthly meeting on Tuesday in a last-ditch effort to keep servicing the agency's 350 clients. Crandall's salary of $33,000::almost one-third of the agency's budget of $103,000::was the only expense that the nonprofit could cut while continuing to provide transportation, counseling and education to the area's blind and visually impaired, 95 percent of whom are seniors. Among the agency's senior clients, 44 percent are over the age of 85.
Working on a shoestring budget, driving clients to medical appointments as far away as Sacramento in a GM Astro van with 146,000 miles on its odometer, the small staff has been squeaking by. Recently, when the van needed service, Tripp's Auto Body and Paint Shop in Grass Valley repaired it for free.
Why are funds down? "We've been cutting every year for five years. We've cut supply costs. We've cut personnel," Crandall said, during a discussion in which he candidly described his fundraising efforts in the last five years, and what he perceives as a lack of community support for "a forgotten issue."
"This community is worn out," Crandall said, when asked to pinpoint the falloff in donations to the agency. When Crandall started his job in 1992, he said there were only a dozen or so nonprofits in the area compared to more than 300 vying for donors today. The most significant loss for Sierra Services for the Blind have been $100 donations, what Crandall calls "the middle class donation." While he didn't blame anybody for wanting to support their local school or another charity, he felt that the community was being squeezed and there was only so much money to go around.
Crandall also suggested that for some of the community's Bay Area transplants, services to the visually impaired is not a fashionable cause, or one they are even aware of when it comes time to take out their checkbooks.
The agency's size also prevents it from applying for grants from larger foundations that don't want to measure out their millions in $20,000 and $30,000 grants to small organizations, according to Crandall.
Board member David Ayala said that another fundraising problem facing the agency has been dwindling funding for the elderly in general. Many foundations have turned to specific causes, restricting their giving to youth organizations or organizations that specialize in education, Ayala said. Four years ago he gave up his position at the agency because of budget cuts, but he's still advocating for the group. He says that board members have even gone to the offices of local politicians to lobby for funds from the State Department of Rehabilitation, to no avail.
"There's always things that could have been done better, but it's not that we haven't talked ourselves blue in the face about this subject," said Ayala. "I'm in the process of writing letters to all of the Lions Clubs right now."
Last year Crandall wrote 10 grant proposals and received two grants One came from Catholic Health Care West and the other was a state Community Services Block Grant. The two awards comprised about 10 percent of the agency's budget.
Besides sending out regular appeals to their mailing lists, the group's annual fundraisers include a Rotary dinner dance, a golf tournament at Auburn's Ridge Club, a yearly raffle, and a $100 a plate abalone dinner, which is coming up on Sept23.
Services are critical: For more than 25 years, Sierra Services for the Blind has offered its staff and office as a touchstone for those who have lost their sight. The most difficult obstacle for someone with failing vision is the depression that accompanies the loss of mobility and self- sufficiency, said Crandall. Vision loss compounds whatever other health issues a person might have. It affects one's ability to exercise, eat and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A task as simple as getting to a doctor's appointment can become a logistical challenge.
As of Thursday, the agency had only two paid employees. Carol McNally works full-time as the office manager and driver. Frank Durham is the agency's program specialist, a position that must be performed by a blind person. Durham counsels clients and teaches them independent living skills. Because he still receives Supplemental Security Income, he is limited to 24 hours a week, which actually helps the agency keep him employed. Both employees make $9.50 an hour with no benefits.
"They'll come in angry, scared, depressed. We talk about the loss," said Crandall. The first question he tries to answer for the clients that he counsels is, "What do we do now?"
Woody Hanson, 86, of Grass Valley, has been a client for six years, ever since he was diagnosed with macular degeneration. "It just looks like a foggy day out there," he said, describing his eyesight.
Hanson talked about the experience of slowly losing his eyesight as "devastating." "There are so many things you have to depend on somebody else for. You have to change your whole thinking. You don't have that self-respect that you had before. You're hesitant to ask people; I can't even check the oil on my car."
He said that the counseling he gets from Sierra Services for the Blind is a blessing, and he looks forward to group meetings every week. What he enjoys most about the sessions, he says, is connecting with other seniors who share his difficulties.
A person is legally blind when their vision reaches 20/200 (in the best corrected eye) or worse, which means they have a radius of sight of less than 10 degrees. Visual impairment can occur slowly and is caused by disease and malnutrition, according to the World Health Organization. While diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts are the most common causes of reduced vision, age-related macular degeneration also plays a role. In a community such as Nevada County where 16 percent of the population is over 65, this points to a possible need for increased services for the visually impaired in the future.
During a financial crisis in 2002, the agency was able to hold out for a promised bequest of $100,000 which ultimately came through, Ayala said. The nonprofit is currently operating in crisis mode. Ayala said that the board meets weekly now; and unless donations flow in, Durham and McNally might lose their jobs. Because most of the services the agency offers are people-oriented, like counseling and transportation, such a fate might mean the end of crucial services for its clients, many of whom are home-bound with no spouse or family member to assist them.
"We're taking it one day at a time," said Ayala.
[Editor's Note: In late August, the fraternal organization E Clampus Vitus announced a matching grant of $10,010.10 to Sierra Services for the Blind, to be presented on October 10 after it's matched by the community. Donations (which are tax-deductible) should be sent to Sierra Services for the blind, 546 Searls Ave., Nevada City, CA 95959, and marked "ECV match".]
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Glucose Meter:
The Prodigy is a new talking blood glucose meter that enables diabetes
sufferers to obtain an accurate audio readout in six seconds. The
lightweight meter measures 1-7/8 inches by 1-3/4 inches by 15/16 inch and
can store up to 450 tests with date and time. Prodigy's downloading
capability allows downloading of test results into a computer, helping you
track changes in your blood glucose level over time. The meter costs $29,
and a box of 50 test strips costs $18. Order five boxes of test strips and
the meter is free. Contact Diabetic Support Program; 3381 Fairlane Farms
Road; W. Palm Beach, FL 33414; send e-mail to
info@pharmasupply.com or fax
561-795-1743.
Medical Transcription Employment:
Spheris, a large medical transcription company, offers employment
opportunities to certified medical transcriptionists who have at least one
year's experience within the last five years. Spheris provides JAWS
software and 24-hour help desk support. Benefits include health insurance,
401(K), paid days off, and flexible schedules. To apply, visit
www.spheris.com, e-mail your resume to Anne
McGirr at
amcgirr@spheris.com or call
800-788-0629, ext. 2629.
Interpreting, Translation, Support Group, Brailler Repair:
Liz Daniels provides professional Spanish-English interpreting and
translating services. She also recommends a new e-mail list for all blind
and visually impaired interpreters and translators or those interested in
working in this field. Contact
blindinterpreters-owner@yahoogroups.com and state briefly how you would
fit into and/or benefit from the group. Affordable Perkins Braillewriter
repair is available also. Contact Liz Daniels at
lizworks@sbcglobal.net or call
323-254-9213.
Magazine:
Choice Magazine Listening is a bimonthly collection of articles, fiction
and poetry from current magazines and is available free of charge on a four-
track cassette. For more information or to obtain a subscription, contact
Choice Magazine Listening, 85 Channel Drive; Port Washington, NY 11050;
phone: 888-724-6423; Web site:
www.choicemagazinelistening.org.
Voice-activated answering machine:
A voice-activated answering machine is available from Independent Living
Aids. The answering machine allows users to listen to messages with spoken
commands. It has a built-in clock that announces the time and weekday with
the voice command "tell time." Volume may be controlled by saying the
words "set volume." For more information, contact Independent Living Aids;
200 Robbins Lane; Jericho, NY 11753; phone: 800-537-2118; e-mail:
can-do@independentliving.com; Web site:
www.independentliving.com.
Student Aid Financing Materials:
The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid (FSA) office has
a variety of information resources available for blind and visually
impaired students.
The Student Audio Guide is a 56-minute overview of the department's federal student aid programs and includes eligibility criteria, application procedures, loan repayment options, and deferment and cancellation provisions. The audio guide also provides information on non-federal sources of aid. Students can listen to the audio guide online at: studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_audio_guide/index.html. The audio guide is also available on compact disc. To order, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-433-3243.
The following FSA print publications are available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. They are also available in braille through the Federal Student Aid Information Center.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Students use this form to apply for the department's Federal Student Aid programs. Although the braille FAFSA cannot be submitted, students may use it as a reference. Apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
The Student Guide: This is a comprehensive resource on student financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. Grants, loans, and work-study are the three major forms of student financial aid available. The guide is available online at studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html.
Funding Your Education: This is an introductory publication for students below the 12th grade, and provides general information about the Federal Student Financial Aid Programs and how to apply. It is available at studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/fye/index.html.
Repaying Your Student Loans: This publication explains loan repayment plans, offers tips on budgeting, and explains options such as loan consolidation. It is available at studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/repaying_loans/index.html.
To ask questions or order material, call 800-433-3243.
Cross Country Skiing in the Sierras:
Do you enjoy cross country skiing or snowshoeing? Have you always wanted
to learn? Sierra Regional Ski for Light (SRSFL) is now accepting
applications for its 2007 ski season.
The schedule includes: Three one-day trips (open to children and adults) and the 15th annual three-day event (adults only).
Skiing will be at the Tahoe/Donner Cross Country Ski Resort in Truckee, CA. Each skier is matched with a trained guide; and skiers at all levels are welcome, from beginning to advanced.
For more information, including the complete ski schedule, go to www.srsfl.org. You may also contact Cindy Quintana, ski coordinator: Phone: 510-483-2948 or Email: cindyq12345@sbcglobal.net. SRSFL looks forward to seeing you on the snow!
Computer Lessons:
Laura Mulraney teaches computer keyboard techniques replacing the mouse.
She writes: Do you need to learn to use the keyboard rather than the mouse
on your computer? Are you sick and tired of those computer manuals that
tell you to point here and click there? Have you noticed that most
computer instructors in schools and colleges have no idea that Windows can
be used with the keyboard? I can teach you how to translate that mouse
gibberish into keyboard information you can use.
I teach Windows basics such as how to navigate in Windows, how to manage your files, how to run more than one program at a time, and how to get around in dialog boxes, check boxes, and other Windows elements. I also teach the Internet, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
Please contact me at 281-446-2427 or email lauramp@hal-pc.org. I charge ten dollars per one-hour cassette. You choose the subject and the number of lessons you prefer.
CCB Video Gallery:
We are beginning to develop a photo gallery on the CCB website,
ccbnet.org. Those of you with some vision are
urged to take a look. If you, or someone you know, has digital photos of CCB
members, or others who are blind or visually impaired who would consent to be
on our website photo gallery, you are urged to submit their pictures to the
office at ccotb@ccbnet.org.
Pictures will not, of course, be used without appropriate written consent.
In addition, the new CCB video "We Have a Different Vision" is now available on ccbnet.org on the "About Us" page.
Chapter Presentations in L.A County:
The Center for Health Care Rights (CHCR) is a non-profit health care
advocacy organization located in Los Angeles County. This organization,
which has spoken at our Fall Convention, is willing to make presentations
to any CCB chapter located in L.A. County.
CHCR's mission is to improve consumer access to quality health care. Since 1984, CHCR has been the major provider of free Medicare education, counseling and legal services to Los Angeles County residents. We provide information and help with Medicare, Medi-Cal, Medicare managed care and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Our services are funded by government and private foundation grants. For more information on our community education programs or to schedule a presentation, contact Anita Chun, community education coordinator at 213-383-4519 ext. 3016.
More Publications:
The Virginia M. Woolf Foundation is providing even more publications for
the visually impaired and blind. All publications are viewable on a
computer screen and can be printed on paper. The significant thing is that
the type is large enough so the visually impaired can read more easily and
they are compatible with screen readers for the blind. The foundation has
over 89 classic books with titles ranging from Alice in Wonderland and
Animal Farm to Walden and Wuthering Heights. One URL to get the
foundation's books is
www.ebookmall.com. None of these books cost more than $6.95 and most are
less.
Beep Ball:
The Stockton Stingrays beep ball team is seeking players throughout
California to be team members, or other beep ball teams to compete against
the Stingrays. If interested please contact David Vigil at 209-465-8001
between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Announcements:
Joan Underdown has a 52 inch, five-section folding cane with rubber
handle, red reflective tape and teardrop tip that can be removed. Call 559-
251-2735.
Carol Christensen has an Aladdin Sunshine Reader Model RB-2 (video magnifier). Like new, in original packaging. Magnification 4.5 X to 35 X, 14 inch color Monitor. Asking $1000. Contact Carol at 408-270-3514 or chriwolf@pacbell.net.
Return to the Table of Contents
[Editor's note: We are indebted to Bernice Kandarian who updates and corrects the list of CCB officers and board members, including the number of the term each is presently serving, the year elected to that term and the year next up for election. Terms actually begin on January 1 following election. We shall publish the list this way at least in issues just preceding and following elections and routinely if members wish. The presence of an asterisk means that the individual served a partial term before the first full term.]
President, Jeff Thom (04-06, 2nd term)
7414 Mooncrest Way
Sacramento, CA 95831-4046
916-995-3967 C
jsthom@comcast.net
1st Vice President, Mitch Pomerantz (04-06, 2nd term)
1115 Cordova Street, #402
Pasadena, CA 91106-3036
626-844-4388 H
213-847-9124 W
mitch.pomerantz@lacity.org
2nd Vice President, Eugene Lozano, Jr(. 05-07, 1st term)
4537 Sycamore Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95841-4509
916-485-8307 H
916-278-6988 W
lozanoe@csus.edu
Secretary, Rhonda King (05-07, 1st term)
4541 Cyclamen Way
Sacramento, CA 95841-3506
916-349-9960 H
imjoking@earthlink.net
Treasurer, Peter Pardini (*04-06, 3rd term)
Immediate Past President, Catherine Skivers (2002-??)
Ardis Bazyn (*05-06, partial term)
Al Biegler (05-07, 4th term)
Gabe Griffith (04-06, 1st term)
Jane Kardas (*05-07, 4th term)
Ann Kysor (05-07, 1st term)
Louis Preston (04-06, 1st term)
Barbara Rhodes (04-06, 3rd term)
Richard Rueda (05-07, 3rd term)
Mike Keithley, Editor
Cecile Betts
Julie Cantrell
Winifred Downing
Evelyn Drewry
Brian Hall
Daveed Mandell
Louis Preston
Bonnie Rennie
Richard Rueda, Moderator, CCB-L and BC Email Edition
Catherine Schmitt Whitaker
Dan Kysor, Webmaster
Return to the Table of Contents
Please send all address changes to the Executive Office in Hayward.
267 Cardinal Road
Mill Valley, CA 94941-3618
415-381-9211 H
866-570-5335
836 Resota Street
Hayward, CA 94545-2120
510-357-1986 H
ccotb@ccbnet.org
11180 Orville St.
Culver City, CA 90230-5380
310-398-7004 H
jarakawa@comcast.net
500 South 3rd Street, # H
Burbank, CA 91502-1476
818-238-9321 H
abazyn@bazyncommunications.com
819 Colusa Street
Chico, CA 95928-4116
530-893-8840 H
aljobiegler@juno.com
9101 Newhall Dr #48
Sacramento, CA 95826-5345
916-505-8780 C
gabe@griffith.net
810 Maple Avenue
Ukiah, CA 95482-3723
707-468-5510 H/Fax
janecalvert35@yahoo.com
225 - 15th Street
West Sacramento, CA 95691-3723
916-372-9869 H
ann@kysor.net
17129 Antonio Avenue
Cerritos, CA 90703-1006
562-404-7935 H/Fax
lpreston@csulb.edu
6396 Tamalpais Avenue
San Jose, CA 95120-1838
408-268-2110 H
brhodes@pacbell.net
1501 Decoto Road, #169
Union City, CA 94587-3548
510-324-0418 H
510-622-3083 W
richardrueda@sbcglobal.net
2211 Latham Street #120
Mountain View, CA 94040-1652
650-969-3155
bernice@tsoft.com
191 East El Camino Real #150
Mountain View, CA 94040-2714
650-386-6286 H
mkeithley@pobox.com
552 Avenida Carmel Unit A
Laguna Woods, CA 92637-3467
949-586-2957 H
cecebetts@fea.net
3079 West Cheryllyn Lane
Anaheim, CA 92804-3168
714-952-1453 H
714-290-0367 C
jcandassoc@adelphia.net
1587 38th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122-3011
415-564-5798 H
wmdowning@mindspring.com
mixed.up@cox.net
5722 Abraham Avenue
Westminster, CA 92683-2858
714-894-3497 H
brianlhall@earthlink.net
1921 Francisco Street #7-A
Berkeley, CA 94709-2105
510-665-9260 H
daveedm@sbcglobal.net
17129 Antonio Avenue
Cerritos, CA 90703-1006
562-404-7935 H/Fax
lpreston@csulb.edu
2540 Forest Lake
Santa Ana, CA 92705-6921
714-771-2397 H
eal727200@aol.com
1501 Decoto Road, #169
Union City, CA 94587-3548
510-324-0418 H
richardrueda@sbcglobal.net
604 Camaritas Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765-1911
909-861-2931 H
clschmitt@csupomona.edu
225 - 15th Street
West Sacramento, CA 95691-3723
916-372-9869 H
dan@kysor.net
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