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 Executive office for other suggested forms. Thank you.
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, 2008 issue of the BLIND CALIFORNIAN is December 1, 2007.
Please send all address changes to the Executive Office.
While vacationing recently on Orcas Island, Washington, an interesting news article from the UK landed in my inbox.
In that country, stem cell research is not under the restrictions it endures in the U.S., and doctors are actively introducing stem cells into diseased retinas in the hope that these cells will evolve into healthy retina cells and pave the way for restoration of vision.
The article, however, doesn't describe the research; rather, it explores the question: If I could regain my sight, would I want to?
Now there's an interesting question, and it is very likely that many of us will be asking it in five- or ten-years time. Perhaps in fifty or maybe even 25 years, damaged or lost eyes can be completely rebuilt or transplanted so that people who lose their sight to accidents or genetic disorders can easily have it restored.
So, then, would I want to see after having been blind all my life? Well, as an adventure, yes; but as a long-term project, I don't know. Long-term it would be.
For one thing, it could mean a dramatic brain shift. There have been theories that portions of the occipital lobe of the brain, where visual data is normally processed, are used for tactile function in blind people. What will happen if we feed visual data into such a situation? Confusion! But the brain is very elastic and can accommodate to change and be all the better for it, given time.
Let's say I become used to this change and am aware that the "stuff" I notice when my eyes are open actually is something I can work with. Now comes the time to learn how to deal with all this new visual data. I'm sure that managing to do this will take up the bulk of sight restoration, and I'll need very supportive and humorous people helping me.
Consider this play of reflections:
My wife and I are sitting in the cafe above Books Ink, a bookstore in Mountain View, CA. In addition to artificial lighting, street light pools inside the front door. From our vantage point, we see street people walking through books in the store and over and around customers; soundless cars sedately split people in half by driving through them and a customer (positioned just so) is sitting atop a parked vehicle calmly reading a book.
This is obviously juxtapositioning of reflections and shows that having access to the visual world doesn't mean I'll be able to make sense of its chaos without training. Children learn how to do this in a couple of years, starting without expectations or (presumably) understanding. Eyes are open and parents quietly explain the world. I think, with a great deal of training, I might be getting somewhere in three years. In addition, eyes can't be turned off, unless you shut them or wear blinders, at least for any length of time--there's no rest in this game. If I ask for it, I'd better be ready. Maybe a working approach is not to think about the choice at all, but just jump and be committed.
Would I like to see? At this point in my life, I don't think so. I'm too comfortable and enjoy living as it is. I'm sure other people will think I'm truly crazy in making this choice. I'll leave it to them to do the jumping.
Another speculative question is what the blindness community will be like fifty years from now in an environment where people are not really forced to be blind, they can see if they want to (and can afford it); and this 50-year future isn't so far-fetched, it might easily be here in ten with technology moving as fast as it is.
What will the issues be like? I think they will likely be similar to what they are now but with a distinct attitude shift: people have chosen to remain blind. Why they'd do this isn't really important. The point isn't why they choose to be blind, just that they will have the option to choose, again if they can afford it.
I think there will be a curious shift in the public's attitude about blindness. Where now we still encounter the notion that darkness is a monstrous, fearful place (even though we who are blind know better), the fact that someone deliberately chooses to remain in "darkness" flies in the face of common sense. What are the future blindness organizations going to do about that? I'll let them figure it out.
Enough speculation. Let me take care of an editorial duty. In the summer, 2007 issue of the BC, Winifred Downing published an excellent article encouraging you to submit original material to our magazine. Win addressed the need for contributions, and how you can get started; but she didn't mention an important aspect of submissions: Your work will be examined by an editor. This might seem obvious, but in the preparation of this issue, two writers expressed shock that an editor would be looking at their work--they assumed it would be published as is. It would be nice if this were so, but it's not practical since some standards need to be enforced. So let me close by emphasizing that your work will be examined by an editor--if not me, someone else.
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On June 1, 2007, the California Council of the Blind began a new era with the relocation of our offices to 1510 J Street in Sacramento. The primary mission of the California Council of the Blind is advocacy on behalf of all Californians who are blind or visually impaired. We have now joined the ranks of all other major advocacy groups, from nurses to manufacturers, from teachers to building officials, and of course, every other major disability-related organization, by having our office in Sacramento.
We are going through the pains that all organizations must when they relocate, from finding things to making sure the equipment works properly. We used a cadre of volunteers from the Telephone Pioneers to help go through boxes of documents and determine what was necessary to keep for historical and financial purposes and what could be thrown away, a daunting but necessary task. By the time you read this, we will have held, or be about to hold an open house in our Sacramento office for important individuals in the advocacy community and public officials. I want to acknowledge my chapter, the CCB Capitol affiliate, for helping to organize this event and underwriting its cost.
As many a political leader has said, politics is often more about image than reality. This event begins to shape our image in the minds of others that we are the major player that we know we have always been in matters of concern to blind and visually impaired persons.
Some might ask the question why do we need a physical presence in Sacramento, since we've accomplished so much without one. The reasons are many and varied, and I shall go into only a few. They all, however, revolve around the fact that change is happening faster than ever before, and an organization needs to change with the times in a way that will continue to ensure that it can accomplish its mission.
We have been fortunate in having two excellent advocates in Sid Urena and now Dan Kysor, who were willing to work from their homes. Working from home, on an exclusive basis, however, causes a variety of logistical issues and creates the need for personal sacrifices that an employee should not be required to make. The need to be constantly available during peak times of the Legislature, with the ever-increasing array of issues in which CCB is involved, is far more difficult to meet when an individual is required to work from home. Having an office markedly increases our ability to attract the type of Director of Governmental Affairs that Dan continues to be, and helps assure our long-term future in this regard.
Also, as I previously stated, the perception of this organization held by others is extremely important. This is a sad commentary on our society, but I firmly believe that perception has become more important than ever before. Moreover, an office provides us with a location for holding of meetings on our own turf; and as we settle in over the next year and begin to change the way we do business, which we have been forced to do, I am quite confident that you will find that we will be using our office more and more for this purpose.
Is there a downside to moving? Change is always disruptive and always has a cost, both monetary and otherwise. In the view of some, we should have waited until we returned to our financial position of two or three years ago when our revenues were far exceeding our expenses due to the Vehicle Donation Program, rather than during a year in which we may run a deficit. However, the cost of moving is extremely minimal in terms of our reserve and with the growth in Sacramento, the sooner we made the move, the less costly it was going to be.
Most importantly, however, this organization must look not to the present, but to the future. The California Council of the Blind needs a permanent home, and the home of this organization should be where it can make the most difference to the lives of all Californians who are blind or visually impaired, the State Capitol. Without the commitment of our members, CCB will never realize its full potential, no matter where our office may be. However, if we remain strong as an organization, our presence in Sacramento will provide an important ingredient in working for the improvement of opportunities of those who are blind or visually impaired in the decades to come.
In closing, let me remind you that the fall convention will highlight CCB elections on Friday evening, October 26. The current nominees are: Eugene Lozano for Second VP, Rhonda King for Secretary, and for the board of directors: Jerry Arakawa, Peter Pardini, Ann Kysor, Richard Rueda, and Steve Fort. There will also be an election to fill the vacant first vice president's position created by the resignation of Mitch Pomerantz upon his assumption of the duties of ACB President. As always, nominations for all positions up for election may be made from the floor.
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Hello to all my friends at CCB:
I want to say hello, and that I miss you very much. I miss talking to you, and hearing all the things going on in your lives. One day I hope to be at one of the conventions.
As of right now I am not working. The job that I had when I left CCB did not work out. As most of you know, I have a deep love and concern for children of all ages; and at the center where I worked, they were being put in jeopardy and the director wasn't following the rules, so I could not continue working there. I am actively looking for admin work and really need to find some soon. I have gone on many interviews and hope that work will come my way. I still have the saying that when God closes one door He opens another, and I know he has a job out there for me. Pray that there will be one for me very soon. I need work very badly.
I just arrived home from spending a week with three of our kids in San Diego. My husband and I got to take a mini vacation, and I got to take care of my 9 1/2-month old grandson, Aiden Joseph, and what a joy it was; he is such a precious angel. Aiden is starting to walk now, and Oh my goodness look out, here he comes.
My husband surprised me by taking me to Carmel for the weekend, just to help me relax and take my mind off of the need to find work. We had a wonderful time. Right now, not having work has put me under a lot of stress. There are also some health issues, but we are getting them under control.
Keep me in your thoughts and prayers, just as I keep each and every one of you in my heart and prayers. I miss you all so much at CCB, and you will never know how much each of you mean to me. And please keep in contact. Here is my email address to write to me: mjkelvis@sbcglobal.net. In the last BC, the "m" was left off of my email address. I'd love to hear from all of you, and to let you know that you hold a special place in my heart. You can also call me at 510-657-8167, and I have an answering machine.
Next June my husband and I will be traveling to New Jersey to attend our youngest son Shaun's wedding to a wonderful girl named Katie. I have never been to New Jersey, so that will be an experience. Last year my daughter Stacie got married in July to an awesome man named Tony Mezzardi. He is a quadriplegic, and they are so happy and so much in love, and we are so happy and proud to have Tony as a member of our family. About two weeks ago, they celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Some day I will write the story of how they became husband and wife-- it is quite a beautiful story.
I look forward to hearing from you all at mjkelvis@sbcglobal.net. I will keep you all updated on what is happening, and you all have a wonderful day and I miss you all.
God's blessings to you--Marilyn Koehler
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Summertime and the reading is easy; winter, spring and fall as well; anytime is a good time to read for a visually impaired person. It helps keep one's sanity and educates as well as entertains.
James Lee Burke is a name you should jot down, put in your memory bank. A few short years ago, reading Mr. Burke's many novels was suggested, especially the Dave Robicheaux books, set largely in the New Iberia parish of Louisiana and concerning Detective Dave and his obstreperous pal, Clete Purcel. If you enjoy clean, clear, accurate description, well drawn characters, loads of action along with free flowing poetic prose, James Lee Burke will more than satisfy on all accounts. From beignets in the French Quarter to pirogues on the bayou, low lifes in the Big Easy as well as Mafioso and some real interesting language, you will certainly be entertained and delighted.
Over twenty-one titles are currently available from the California Braille and Talking Book Library. BURNING ANGEL (rc041004), JOLIE BLON'S BOUNCE (Rc050332) and CRUSADER'S CROSS (Rc060682) are among the best of the Robicheaux series. His newest novel, just out July, 2007 is THE TIN ROOF BLOWDOWN, which uses Hurricane Katrina as its backdrop.
James Lee Burke has a long history in the New Orleans area and is one of the truly gifted writers of our time. He has twice received the Edgar Award for best crime novel. He speaks especially to those with little or no sight but with loads of vision.
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[From the July, 2007 SVCB In Touch newsletter, used with permission.]
If, like me, you are frustrated that cell phones seem to be designed with more and more features and less accessibility, then I hope you will read on and take action. The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has tried to be an effective information source as well as an advocate on cell phone accessibility and we believe the time is right for action on this issue.
Section 255 of the Communications Act requires telecommunications service providers and manufacturers to ensure that their products and services are accessible to people with disabilities, if readily achievable. AFB, through our technology Web magazine AccessWorld, has published extensively on cell phone accessibility, especially on specific phones and features. Generally, there are very few phones with meaningful access features. Cingular, now AT&T, stands out for providing phones with screen reading software that provides access to all phone features. AT&T just announced a new agreement to add additional phones with screen reader and magnification.
Why aren't more companies bringing accessible cell phones to market? Two reasons: First, unfortunately, relatively few people with vision loss have actually filed complaints on cell phone accessibility. This leads the industry to believe that we are happy with the minimal access now available. Second, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) handles Section 255 complaints, and it has not been very responsive when complaints have been filed.
What can we do? First, be very clear when you communicate with your cell phone service provider that you expect an accessible phone. This means a phone that provides features like comprehensive audio output of information on the screen, displays that can be adjusted to make them more readable with limited vision and keys and controls that are identifiable by touch. While we're at it, we should make clear once and for all that while using voice commands may be desired by some people, industry should stop assuming that blind people need to use voice input to control their phones; and we should be clear in asking for manuals and phone bills in accessible formats (with descriptions of images and graphics).
At this past ACB convention, AFB announced "255action." Among other things, we've established an email address that consumers can use to tell us about their cell phone access concerns. It is 255action@afb.net. We are also putting additional material about cell phones and accessibility on our Web site www.afb.org, including an explanation of how to use the FCC's complaint form. Over the past several months we have spoken with many consumers with vision loss and we have worked with approximately 20 consumers who have provided us with detailed accessibility problems that are being shaped into complaints to be filed with the FCC. I expect that we will file these complaints in the next few weeks. When they are filed, we will publicize the effort to ensure that the companies and the FCC take them seriously. Now would be a great time for you to file complaints on cell phone accessibility.
In addition, on July 17, AFB sent a letter to the leading cell phone carriers and manufacturers indicating that consumers are frustrated with the lack of accessibility and asking for specific info on what these companies are doing about accessibility. The service providers we contacted were: AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Alltel; and the manufacturers were: Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, LG Electronics, Sanyo, Pantech and HTC Global Services. I sent a fairly specific attachment with the letter explaining accessibility expectations for individuals with vision loss. I asked for the companies to respond with info by August 31. We'll add any information we get to our Web site.
Finally, I have also blogged about these issues and would welcome your comments there: www.afb.org/blog.
Paul W. Schroeder, Vice President, Programs and Policy; American Foundation for the Blind; 820 First Street, N.E., Suite 400; Washington, DC 20002; Phone: 202-408-8172; E-mail: pws@afb.net; Web: www.afb.org/gov.asp.
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San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Executive Director and CEO Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr. and City Attorney Dennis Herrera today announced a comprehensive agreement with representatives for the blind and visually impaired community, in which the City will commit at least $1.6 million over the next two and a half years to install accessible pedestrian signals.
The state-of-the art signaling devices will assist visually impaired pedestrians by emitting a rapid ticking sound in tandem with the familiar WALK symbol displayed for sighted pedestrians. Other accessibility features include locator tones and vibrating pushbuttons to help those with visual impairments locate the devices, and the ability to provide helpful audible information such as street names when pedestrians press the pushbutton for one second or longer.
The agreement, which was reached without litigation through a collaborative process known as structured negotiations, represents the first of its kind in the nation, according to advocates for the blind and visually impaired community. In addition to the $1.6 million committed to install accessible pedestrian signals at no fewer than 80 intersections over the next two and a half years, the agreement provides that the City will seek additional funding for more installations and develop a policy for San Francisco residents to request accessible pedestrian signals at other intersections. The agreement to install accessible pedestrian signals puts San Francisco in the national vanguard in working to enhance public safety for blind and visually impaired pedestrians.
"The SFMTA is committed to do everything it can to expand this program to its fullest potential in the years to come," said SFMTA Executive Director and CEO Nathaniel Ford. "I am very grateful to the advocates for San Francisco's blind community in working to advance this comprehensive agreement, especially Anita Aaron of the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Eugene Lozano, Jr. and many members of the California Council of the Blind. I also appreciate the hard work of City Attorney Dennis Herrera and his deputies, whose commitment to finding a mutually beneficial solution made this agreement possible."
"This agreement reflects far more than our commitment to public safety. It represents San Francisco's commitment to engage the disability community in a manner that is cooperative rather than confrontational on matters involving accessibility and compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act," said City Attorney Dennis Herrera. "I'm very proud to have reached an accord that is the first of its kind in the nation, committing to install state of the art signaling devices while averting the possibility of costly litigation. I'm grateful to Nat Ford for his leadership and vision on this issue, and thankful, too, for the positive approach taken by advocates for the blind and visually impaired community."
Representatives of San Francisco's blind community applauded today's announcement. "We commend San Francisco for being the first public entity in the United States to voluntarily sign a comprehensive agreement regarding accessible pedestrian signal devices that are critical for pedestrian safety," said Anita Aaron, Executive Director of the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired on Van Ness Avenue.
Linda Porelle, President of the San Francisco Chapter of the California Council of the Blind, praised the City of San Francisco for recognizing, through this historic agreement, the fundamental importance of Accessible Pedestrian Signals to the safety of blind and visually impaired pedestrians. We look forward to working closely with the City to fully implement the terms of the agreement."
In addition to the City, parties to the agreement are the California Council of the Blind; the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired; the Independent Living Resource Center, San Francisco; and Damien Pickering, a blind individual. In the negotiations, the blind and visually impaired community was represented by disability rights lawyers Lainey Feingold and Linda M. Dardarian.
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This first paragraph of the report is written by the CCB president. As to the rest, he barely deserves mention for the minor editing job. Technology is truly marvelous, but when it crashes, we bow down and give thanks to those who use their slates and don't lose their notes. So thanks, Cathie, you saved the day.
It is just possible that one sentence best sums up the incredible 46th annual Convention of the American Council of the Blind, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota from June 30 to July 7, at the Hyatt Regency and Millennium hotels. The torch was passed from Californian Chris Gray, whose term ended with a budget surplus that might not have been dreamed possible even two years ago, and with the incredible publicity over the effort of ACB to bring accessible currency to our country, to the equally able hands of fellow Californian Mitch Pomerantz. The future of ACB does, indeed, look to be a bright one. As this report will explain, however, this element of the convention was merely the tip of the iceberg.
Prior to providing you with a synopsis of the week, just a word about Minneapolis The people couldn't have been nicer, especially the members from ACB of Minnesota It should also be mentioned that your two authors were in a distinct minority as neither of us sampled the Mall of the Americas, the biggest mall in the country There are unconfirmed reports that CCB members still remain lost in the mall!
The convention was dedicated to the memory and spirit of James Olsen, the long-time treasurer and chief financial officer of ACB During his long years of service to our organization, he introduced all of his family into the work he was doing. His four adult children and wife were volunteers and very hard workers at this convention.
When you understand that the braille agenda of this convention was two full volumes, you know that we will be unable to present everything here. These are just some of the highlights.
Every effort was made to make information available to members in various ways. There was the "Convention Ear," which was provided by some generous sponsorships, where you could call from your room and get the latest information on programs and any changes that were taking place. And then there was the convention's daily newspaper, "The Minnesota Messenger," provided in all formats, which could be delivered to your room by members of the National Alliance of Blind Students. Prior to every general session, we were treated to a half hour of entertainment provided by members of the ACB of Minnesota affiliate. All general sessions were streamed live throughout the world by Acbradio.
At the first general session, held on July 1, with President Chris Gray presiding, we were welcomed by many local and statewide dignitaries. Chris gave his President's Report. He talked about our accomplishments during his time as President of ACB. CCB members can be proud to note that several of these involved the California Council of the Blind. He is extremely proud of Acbradio and the many special programs we have produced throughout the world.
He also discussed the improved financial position of ACB and the success of the MMS program, headed by Dr. Ronald Milliman, in which many ACB members participate. In this program, you can designate any amount to be donated and have up to one-half of it go to CCB. we heard from Dr. Milliman many times throughout the convention.
Chris then thanked our outstanding ACB staff in Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis, as well as the many people who have worked so hard during his administration.
Richard Mander, Executive Director of Humanware, talked about their partnership with ACB. He stressed the importance of their improved customer relations and their hard work to continue to improve products useful to persons who are blind or visually impaired. Dr. Mander mentioned the impact the CCB has had with its resolution seeking positive change on the part of Humanware and how proud he was that CCB had subsequently adopted a resolution commending Humanware for its improvements.
Carol Ewing, chair of the Durward K. McDaniel fund committee, was unable to attend the convention due to recent eye surgery; and Cathie Skivers introduced the two award winners on behalf of the committee. Susan L' Esperance from Columbia City, Indiana and Dewayne Hodges from Hot Springs, Arkansas were this year's winners. Life membership presentations were then made by Chris Gray and Anna Olsen, daughter of Jim Olsen. These included a life membership for Susan L' Esperance, which was given to her by her state affiliate.
Jerry Annuncio, chair of the Credentials Committee, gave his first report, the adoption of which, with some changes, occurred during the following day's session. Donna Seliger, ACB secretary, followed with a rollcall of the states. The first session ended at approximately 10 p.m., which is earlier than has happened in many years.
Other ACB officers conducted the portions devoted to speakers in the different general sessions. While President Gray presided over the business portions of each session, First Vice-President M.J. Schmitt presided over the second General Session on July 2nd. Throughout the convention, the membership considered proposed constitution and bylaw amendments and resolutions. These will not be presented here because they will appear in the Braille Forum. We will, however, mention a few resolutions that derived from actions taken by CCB.
One resolution, based on action taken at our Spring Convention, asked GWMicro to produce Window-Eyes tutorials. It was asserted that they may already be doing this; and based upon this information, the resolution was defeated. Our efforts to verify this through a letter to GWMicro have so far gone unanswered. We will continue to pursue this issue and update you at the Fall CCB convention.
The second General Session featured presentations of awards by the Awards Committee Chair, Nola McKinney, from Arkansas. Cathie Skivers accepted a posthumous award given to Norma Schecter for her outstanding work as a transcriber for the blind and visually impaired. It will be forwarded to her husband. Linda Dardarian accepted an award for herself, her company and Lainey Feingold, for the outstanding legal services they have provided to ACB and its affiliates. The Ned E. Freeman publications award was won by Ed and Toni Ames of Fresno, for their outstanding Braille Forum article "The Recruitment and Retention of Committed Volunteers." These three awards underscore the decades of tremendous work in California, which continues even now, on behalf of those who are blind or visually impaired.
We next heard from John Vaughn, who gave us an update from the National Council on Disability. They are working for equal opportunities for all people with disabilities. He expressed his strong support for the view that all currency should be accessible to persons who are blind or visually impaired. He said, "Always do things right and other people will be astonished."
Richard Keeling, senior tax analyst from Atlanta, GA, talked about new initiatives from the IRS office of stakeholder partnerships. He is in the education and communications section. He says that they have been working hard to educate people about the kinds of tax assistance available to them. His division has 500 employees in different regions in 62 cities. Since July 2001, they have been working to help people learn about disabilities. There is a new publication, 3966, entitled: "Living and Working with Disabilities." The catalog number is 39866Y. Low income people can file a 1040 EZ to get back excise taxes they have paid on their telephone bills.
The 2007 Recreation Zone was the next topic, discussed by Oral Miller. They present all kinds of exercises, some of which are not too heavy; and he urged us to attend these functions. This program has been expanded to include audio darts, power show-down (which is like ping-pong for the blind), and water aerobics.
Tuesday, July 3, found Mitch Pomerantz presiding over the session. We heard from Al Laboti, a teacher at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Indianapolis. He talked about a very active group known as Leos. They do many things that develop their abilities to become known in their community.
Scholarship winners were introduced and we heard from many of them. Included were three outstanding Californians: Elizabeth Kelley, Clare Stanley and Linda Hastings. A James Olsen scholarship was also given for the first time.
Susan Mazrui, another Californian, even if she now lives in Maryland, brought us news you can use from AT&T. She talked about some phones that can be used with hearing aids and urged us to try them when we go to the store. Training is ongoing in stores to help people with their equipment. Susan can be reached at susan.mazrui@att.com.
Speaking of Californians, Gil Johnson, senior advisor, critical issues, American Foundation for the Blind, talked about the new trends in employment and rehabilitation. He said the employment rate for disabled people may be declining because of outsourcing and downsizing of many companies. Employers needs in today's market have changed and there are changes in labor needs as well. Employability skills and personal values are important. He stressed the need for communication, flexibility, interpersonal skills and leadership and management skills; and that honesty, integrity, dependability, and a positive attitude are still extremely important.
"Making the most of your telephone" was presented by Owen RaSchel, Vice President of marketing and communications, Tenacity Corp., from Lafayette, LA and Terry Pacheco, director of public outreach, Silver Spring, MD. Telephone technology is a fast growing industry, and through digital internet service you can talk to anyone in the world and set up conferencing etc. But this new type of telephone technology is not necessarily accessible to blind people. Tenacity is working on this problem.
On July 4, Mike Godino, Treasurer of ACB, presided at the general session. ACB business reports, resolutions and amendments were discussed.
Dr. Otis H. Stephens, well known ACB member from Tennessee, discussed ADA, its status and prospects for the future. He talked about the overturned decisions in the Supreme Court and the potential for very dire consequences for persons with disabilities. He is a constitutional lawyer; and, if you are interested in the ADA, we strongly recommend that you listen to his remarks, either through Acbradio or the convention tapes. When the tapes become available for the entire convention, the cost will be $35. There should be something about this in the Braille Forum. At this writing, the tapes have not been completed.
Priscilla Rogers, National Independent Living Association, American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss, talked about AFB's senior website and the many programs the foundation offers to assist seniors.
Frank Kurt-Cylke, director, and Michael Montoya, financial officers from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, brought us news from NLS, which is on schedule with their digital talking book program. He talked about the funding for this service; and throughout the convention, we heard about the fight to have the program fully funded. An ACB award was given to Mr. Kurt-Cylke.
We were to have heard from Chuck Young, a talking book narrator. He was unable to be with us, so a radio man from Minnesota, Charlie Boon, spoke to us; and he was an excellent speaker. He related his many reading experiences and read the Declaration of Independence, which was most appropriate for this day and very much appreciated by everyone.
On the evening of July 4, ACB held its first annual auction. Food, art, adaptive technology devices, vacations, and more were sold. More than $18,000 was raised for ACB. Although vehemently denied, it has been reported that the CCB president, as one of the auctioneers, acted under the delusion that he was some kind of star, rather than just a middle-aged blind guy. It was a fun event, and we hope to do even better next year.
The July 5 business meeting was devoted to more reports, resolutions and amendments. The presiding officer was Donna Seliger. The first report was from our executive director, Melanie Brunson. She described the addition of new staff in the Washington, D.C. office and our many accomplishments with Congress. We did extensive work on supporting the National Library Service and accessible currency. The best way to hear about what ACB is doing with respect to federal legislation and other matters is to listen to the Washington Connection at 800-424-8666.
Jeffrey A. Lovitky, the attorney for ACB from Washington DC, brought us up to date on our lawsuit against the U.S. Treasury Department for accessible currency.
Minnesota can well be proud of the private rehabilitation center it has. Kate Gathwol, Community Specialist and Program Manager, described its vision loss resources. They have more than 3,000 volunteers. They assist older people and diabetics and help with transportation or readers. They do all they can to allow people to continue to live their lives in their own homes. They have 42 support groups in the Twin Cities, which help with hearing, advocacy, and peer counseling; and they also assist home-bound people.
On the final day of the convention, Chris Gray presided. After the usual business portion of the program, we heard from ACB Enterprises. Michael Garrett, chair of that Board of Directors, told us that things are looking much better financially for ACB. They hope to have some more stores for us, which will increase our income
A good part of the day was spent on elections. There were many nominees; but by the end of the day Mitch Pomerantz was elected ACB President; Kim Charleson, First Vice President; Brenda Dillon, Second Vice President; Marlena Leiberg, Secretary; and Mike Godino Treasurer. Brenda Dillon had been on the board and the balance of her term became vacant and was filled by Cammie Vloedman, who is President of the National Alliance of Blind Students. Again, our commendation to Chris, and congratulations to Mitch! On a personal note, because Mitch has resigned his position as CCB First Vice President to devote the time to his ACB duties, your President would like to take this opportunity to thank him not only for his hard work and support, but for his guidance and wisdom.
We heard about future convention sites. We will meet in 2008 at the Galt House in Louisville, KY, from July 5-12. Cost of rooms will be $85 for singles and doubles. The telephone number for the Galt House is 502-589-5200. If you are even thinking about going, you should make your reservations now. If you wait until the spring, you will find that the rooms are gone. In 2009, we will once again be in Orlando, Florida. If all goes well, we will be in a a new hotel in Phoenix in 2010. Chicago is being considered for 2011, but we are definitely going to Louisville again in 2012.
The convention ended with a super banquet. Dwayne Hodges, ACB first timer, entertained us before the banquet. He is an excellent musician and entertained for several events during the convention. M.J. Schmitt was given the Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador award. She gave an excellent talk, and is retiring from the ACB board after decades of outstanding work.
The keynote speaker was Sir Colin Low, Executive Director of the Royal National Institute for the Blind, London, England, and a member of the House of Lords. He had an excellent sense of humor, and talked about his life growing up as a blind child in Scotland and then going to London. He also discussed what they do in his organization, and told us about the House of Lords.
Well, we hope to see as many of you as possible in Louisville in 2008. For those of you who have never been to an ACB convention, you will have quite a treat; and for those who have, you know just what you have to look forward to.
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The California Council of the Blind has partnered with GT Trends to provide a travel website that will benefit CCB by helping to raise necessary funds to advocate for blind and visually impaired members and their friends.
When you book travel on www.ccbnet.gttrends.com, CCB will receive 50% of GT Trend's commission from all travel products purchased. You can register for free to purchase and receive updates and special promotions. When you register, you will be given an opportunity to receive a two night stay in your choice of cities and only pay sales tax and a $10 booking fee.
Anyone can use www.ccbnet.gttrends.com. It features more airlines than any other travel site and regularly offers specials on cruises and travel packages.
Please urge friends and CCB supporters to register on this site for free. When you travel anywhere, it's a way to donate to CCB that doesn't cost you anything extra. If someone does not have Internet access or is unfamiliar with navigating websites, urge him/her to call a friend to assist.
You can either search for trips from particular carriers or check out all the possibilities. If you have tried to use the website already and have questions, please contact Ardis Bazyn at 818-238-9321 or by email at abazyn@bazyncommunications.com.
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When the prefix "in," which is Latin for "not" or "non" or "un" is added to "ability," it changes the meaning to a quality or state of being unable. Similarly, by adding the prefix "dis" to "ability" we conjure such synonyms as: incompetence, impairment, incapacity, incapability, inability, ineffectuality, failure, cripple, lame and halt.
When the suffix "ism" is added to the root word "able," the result is the odious word called "ableism," a term once used to describe discrimination against people with disabilities in favor of people who are able-bodied.
Then: Back in John Milton's age (17th c.), he composed a quatrain "On His Blindness" in which is the famous line: "He also serves who only stands and waits." In Milton's time, little could be done to enable the disabled; if they were not dispatched quickly into the wilderness or condemned to slavery, they need only wait for better times in the next world.
Now: Those in society who fall into the classification of "disabled" continue to spend their lives with this "millstone hanging around their necks," despite their achievements. Society in a number of ways continues to spread the negative labels further and wider. For example, the disease HIV/AIDS is now considered a disability along with blindness, deafness, paraplegia, mobility impairment, speech impairment, diabetes, epilepsy, learning disability, psychological and respiratory problems, among others. The proponents of this expanded category had good intentions, and benefits have been achieved, especially to those persons with "chronic medical conditions" such as HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, the results may have been to add to the negative image of disabled persons.
I will give you an example. The State Bar of California in 1996, in an attempt to assist disabled lawyers obtain employment, put together a Pledge Program urging employers in the California legal profession to hire the disabled. The Cal Bar deserves recognition for this good-intentioned effort; nonetheless, in its present form, it is not very helpful. A 2003 online poll of 150 California attorneys with disabilities conducted by the State Bar of California, Committee on Legal Professionals with Disabilities found that 15% were employed by small firms, 5% were employed by medium size firms, 3% were employed by large firms, while 12% were unemployed and 4% employed in non-legal work. The balance worked in government or public interest firms. *1
There's a Better Way
Rather than disrupt such noble attempts as the Pledge, wouldn't it be better if the Cal Bar Law Firm Pledge were to emphasize the worth of those who worked their way up through their disability and now were acknowledged as "enabled"? I propose establishing an atmosphere whereby a disabled person through education, support services, and assistive devices attains the level of "enabled" and that society acknowledges this achievement.
By adding the prefix "en" to "ability," it changes the meaning to one of being enabled, namely a new and improved condition. With this line of reasoning, I coined a new phrase, the abstract noun "enability." Let those who have achieved this acquired status be recognized as having the enability to work, without prejudice, alongside everyone else in society.
I propose that we must start with a new appellation: one that emphasizes aptitude, ability, competence, qualification, capability, ingenuity, and skills. This group should be called Enabled- Americans or simply The Enabled.
My Daughter's Case
My daughter Shannon Alynn Ramsay, born with visual impairment, which turned early to complete blindness, engaged in many of the available services, over the years, to gain her independence. Mobility training (cane travel) and college tuition subsidies provided by the California Health and Human Services, Department of Rehabilitation, went a long way toward her achieving that independence goal. Federal and State tax breaks helped. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 brought assistance in the form of braille notation, crosswalk signals, disabled parking and assistive devices. The list is much longer and is a testament to the goodwill of Americans. We, her parents, are deeply grateful to the great support Shannon has received throughout her life as she strived to reach her goals.
Shannon graduated with a BA degree in Political Science from Stanford University in 2002. And she graduated from the University of California, Davis School of Law with the Juris Doctor degree in May 2005. She accumulated experience each summer in law firms and she worked as an intern in U.S. Senator Tom Harkin's office in the Stanford-In-Washington program. Through speech software such as JAWS and the BrailleNote Note taker, Shannon was fully accommodated to function independently in the new computer age.
During the 2001 Spring quarter at Stanford, she attended classes and lived independently in Berlin, Germany in the Stanford-In-Germany program. With her white cane and GPS, Shannon can travel anywhere in the world.
In the short space above, I have delineated Shannon's transformation from "disabled" to "enabled." Now she wants to enjoy the benefits of that change. Needed is society's acknowledgement, a graduation so-to-speak, to full admittance into the business world.
Implementation: To introduce the concepts of "Enability" and "Enabled-Americans" in society today would require much support. Admittedly society does benefit from the investment that results in useful citizens, contributing to rather than taking from society. Under no circumstance should this program take from the needs of those persons who continue to depend upon existing disability programs and services.
And on that note I should add that the division of the present classification "disabled" into two categories, namely "disabled" and "enabled" should be done for the greater good and done so without any form of discrimination. This program must be formulated with great sensitivity and a minimum of regulations. Society may introduce the concept but leave it to the individual to identify within it.
The Positive Kick
A recent movie titled "Murderball" about the sport of "quad rugby," played by paraplegics in wheelchairs, brings into focus this transformation from inability to enability. The filmed court mayhems are not to my taste. However, one very important observation can be made of what it is like to live through such a transformation. From a situation of worthlessness and despair, the paraplegics in this real-life film transform from the pitied to international sport heroes. They are highly satisfied with what life provides now, including adoring fans. Mark Zupan, U.S. team captain, states: "I've done more in a chair than I did able-bodied."
As a blind person, Shannon can relate to this transformation. Yes, she went through a long period of struggle but gradually with each success she has become comfortable with her blindness.
Accentuate the Positive
I shall close with a quote from the California State Bar Pledge Program: "Legislation alone cannot overcome the prejudices and stigmatization that historically evolved from a societal mind-set nurtured in the fiction that disabilities equate with diminished competence." We need not "curse the darkness." Let us begin to accentuate the positive. *2
*1 The State Bar of California Committee on Legal Professionals with Disabilities, Online Survey Report, December 4, 2004.
*2 From "Accentuate the Positive" a song written by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen (1944).
Copyright 2005, Alexander R. Ramsay, used with permission
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Jeff Thom writes:
As many of you are aware, the CCB family has lost one of its finest gentlemen with the passing of Ahmad Rahman on August 16. Ahmad was an outstanding CCB board member, chapter president and advocate for all blind and visually impaired individuals. Most of all, he was one of the kindest and most thoughtful individuals that I have ever met.
On Friday evening, October 26, at the CCB Fall Convention, we will have a brief remembrance of Ahmad and other CCB members we have lost this year. I am also saddened to report the recent passing of long-time Capitol Chapter member Ernie Moreno. Our deepest condolences to the families of these members.
Donna Pomerantz writes:
I went to the viewing of Ahmad Rahman today and spent some time with his wonderful eldest son Akbar. He gave me the program in memory of Ahmad, and I wanted to share it with all of you. It contains Ahmad's Obituary and a beautiful poem written by Ahmad's younger son Rashad. I'm glad my scanner still works!
In Loving Memory of Ahmad Abdur Rahman July 15, 1942 - August 17, 2007 The Obituary: Ahmad Rahman was born July 15, 1942, the fifth of seven children born to William and Katie Lloyd in Indianola, Mississippi. His parents preceded him in death.
Ahmad graduated in 1960 from John Muir High School in Pasadena, California. Later, he joined the army on December 4, 1964. While in the service, he was a sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged December 3, 1970.
After the armed services, he attended the University of California at Los Angeles and received a BA in Sociology, June 1973. While at UCLA, from 1971-1972, he attended the University of Accra in Ghana, Africa for a year as an exchange student. There, he acquired a love for the African culture. Afterwards, he attended the University of San Francisco, School of Law and earned his Juris Doctorate in 1976.
On June 4, 1976, he married Patricia Barker in San Francisco. Unto this union, two sons were born.
Ahmad Rahman was very involved politically in his community. He had been the president of the California Council of the Blind, Compton Chapter. As a member and president of the Council, Ahmad was instrumental in starting Access [paratransit] in the Compton and Carson areas He helped get talking signs installed in the Carson area, and he also helped initiate a scholarship for blind students.
Ahmad Rahman leaves to cherish his memory, his two sons, Akbar (Aya) and Rashad; brothers, William Clarence (Helen), Charles (Ann), Joe (Carole), and Wilbur (Judy); sisters, Mabel Cowherd (Owen) and Avis Devore; many nephews and nieces; and a grandson due in November.
Amazing Love, To Ahmad A. Rahman, by Rashad Rahman
How could I foresee, how it would be, in my father's passing? However, as the hours slow to a snails pace and the bittersweet pain drips molasses. I realize that even in my Father's death, he's never really absent. The many moments that we shared are trapped in a sentiment, like the innocence in my father's glare, when it would turn into a smile and then back to placid. It's amazing how more gigantic in stature my father gets, when I realize that I can only catch him in a dream, picture or memory. In between day and night, in a place where his whispers carry a weight, which gives me a strength I'll never be able to grasp; it's an amazing love, that even in my father's passing he gives me a new view of life. "There's nothing to fear," "Now walk through the storm" until despair fades to delight. Amazing love ... in the memory of Ahmad A. Rahman ... The man who walked like a tiger And heart's pulse was thee African. Peace be unto you, peace be unto you, and peace be unto you. For it is an amazing Love that Ahmad A. Rahman Breathes Lives And talks with, Through us. Thank you!
Richard Rueda says
Hello all, this news saddens me. Like others have said, Ahmad was indeed a down-to-earth, hard- working advocate, always putting the needs of CCB and the blind community before his. He worked tirelessly for CCB, and one of the best memories I have of him was in 1999 or 2000 when I attended my first ACB legislative seminar. We were room-mates; and at the time, I was the most nervous that I had ever been on the eve of going to the Hill to talk to representatives and senators about what we had been discussing in seminar all day. Ahmad quickly helped me in getting my thoughts lined up and even coached me in the best tactics in speaking That peer-to-peer assistance really went a long way in helping me focus and calm down.
I later recall Ahmad staying in our room while I left for dinner, dedicated to his study of the talking points.
He was a true gentleman.
Rhonda King writes:
I will miss him so ... Ahmad was one of the kindest men I have had the privilege of meeting and talking to.
From Ken Metz:
I've waited a few days to really think of Ahmad and his genuine and generous personality Ahmad was always willing to share anything and everything that he used to gain his successes in Carson, California, and the kind manner in which he always presented himself. An even-tempered person, Ahmad was tremendous at helping obtain volunteers in many CCB Southern California conventions, and who will forget the fine numbers of volunteers and his running of the volunteer desk at the 1999 ACB convention in Los Angeles.
I saw Ahmad just a few months ago as he took some computer courses through the Veterans Administration at the Junior Blind of America, and his demeanor was no different. If he was ill, no one knew.
Ahmad will be missed tremendously by all of us with whom he personally touched our lives, and future people will never know how they would have enjoyed him in their lives of advocacy and so much more.
From Abby Vincent:
A few years ago, CCB co-sponsored a project to work with community workers who counseled people on AIDS and risk reduction plans. Ahmad helped get the project started, but was unable to continue. He clearly saw the need for blind people to know about sexual health and to be counseled in a sensitive way. I was fortunate enough to get the job. He was committed to that issue and regretted that he wouldn't be able to do the speeches and meeting planning it required. He was very helpful to me in getting me up to speed. The project continued for a few more years. I will always be grateful to Ahmad for getting me off to such a great start in what would be my last paid job.
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Project 3000 is a research and clinical testing effort at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. Its ultimate goal is to find the causes of and treatments for Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), and serve as a model for finding a cure for other rare genetic diseases.
Lebers Congenital Amaurosis is an inherited form of blindness or severe vision loss that is typically discovered in infancy or early childhood. It is estimated to affect some 3,000 people in the nation; hence the name "Project 3000." It is marked by dysfunction of the retina, the thin layer of tissue in the back of the eye that senses light. Signs of LCA include failure of an infant to respond to a parent's face, frequent eye rubbing, and wandering or jerking eye movements known as nystagmus. To date, nine different genes that cause LCA have been found that collectively are responsible for 65 percent of all cases. Project 3000 seeks to identify the remaining genetic subtypes.
A critical step toward a cure for LCA is to identify the genes that cause it. In addition to the nine genes that have been identified so far, scientists believe that at least six more are yet to be found. Project 3000's first phase is to identify everyone in the country with LCA, about 3,000 people; and use genetic testing to confirm clinical diagnoses of the disease. These genetic tests will also help identify the remaining genes linked to LCA.
As people with LCA are identified, the University of Iowa, John and Marcia Carver Nonprofit Genetic Testing Laboratory will be ready to perform genetic testing. Anyone who requests the test will be tested regardless of ability to pay. Individuals do not need to travel to the University. Blood samples can be conveniently taken by a local physician and shipped to the school.
A physician will order the test and arrange for the blood sample and paperwork to be delivered to the University of Iowa Carver Nonprofit Genetic Testing Laboratory. Using an innovative, probability-based method that minimizes time and cost, the laboratory will complete and report the test within six months: a fast turnaround for a test involving nine different genes. The tested person is then referred to a genetic counselor (the lab can help find one) so that the results are fully understood in each specific case. The lab meets or exceeds all of the standards established by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment and is therefore authorized to perform clinical testing as well as research.
Genetic testing can molecularly confirm a clinical diagnosis and determine which subgroup of LCA a given person has. This can yield important information about the expected disease course and, as clinical trials move forward, the treatments most likely to succeed. This information can also be used to help determine the risk of LCA for other family members. More broadly, every person tested contributes to the LCA knowledge bank. Since 1995, Dr. Stone and colleagues at the University of Iowa have gathered data on more than 500 people with LCA. This research has significantly advanced understanding of the disease. The more genetic samples researchers study, the greater the prospects for finding treatments and a cure. As Derrek Lee, a supporter of Project 3000, says: "It may not be able to help you, but it could help the next family."
This is the first time that genetic testing for any eye disease has been offered to every affected person in the nation. At present, many insurance companies are unfamiliar with the benefits of genetic testing for LCA. The University of Iowa Carver Laboratory has developed an extensive data bank of genetic information on eye diseases that is unique in its scope. Building on this data bank will expedite the process of identifying the remaining genes and facilitate clinical trials for treatments with the potential to restore sight. The project intends to demonstrate the value of testing to physicians and insurance firms nationwide so that ordering these tests will become part of the "standard of care" for LCA.
While Project 3000 specifically targets LCA, the implications are much broader. Success with LCA can serve as a model for other genetic diseases in ways that transcend ophthalmology. Some 6,000 "rare" diseases have been identified. Though, by definition, each affects fewer than 200,000 people, collectively about one-tenth of the U.S. population (nearly 30 million people) have a rare genetic disease.
The University of Iowa, located in Iowa City, Iowa is a world leader in the study of genetic eye diseases. As home to the Carver Family Center for Macular Degeneration, the Carver Nonprofit Genetic Testing Laboratory, the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and the Center for Bioinformatics, the university is uniquely equipped to achieve Project 3000's goals. At the forefront of research into genetic eye disease for over 15 years, the Center for Macular Degeneration is well-positioned to network with doctors, families, and institutions to provide assistance to those with LCA, their families, and caregivers.
Project 3000 has garnered enormous monetary support from many well-connected people, including Wyc Grousbeck, Boston Celtics CEO and co-owner, and Derrek Lee of the Chicago Cubs--both having children diagnosed with LCA. Several of Derrek Lee's fellow players have also committed to help raise money and awareness. This effort demonstrates the synergy possible between world-class science and philanthropy. Contributions will be managed by the University of Iowa Foundation. Other resources are partner organizations, such as Foundation for Fighting Blindness (www.blindness.org), Foundation for Retinal Research (www.tfrr.org)(1sttouch.org).
To support Project 3000, visit www.helpproject3000.org; and for more information about the program, access www.project3000.org. To get involved in the project, contact the 1st Touch Foundation, Heather Scherber, Development Associate; 501 Gibson Drive, Suite #414; Roseville, CA 95678; 916-212-0312; hscherber@1sttouch.org.
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There are many good and bad aspects about getting older. You have the interest and wisdom to know of some places to which you'd like to travel, perhaps with friends on an ACB cruise. But now, perhaps on a fixed income, there's less money than you're used to. Now that you're no longer working, you can set the alarm clock for any time you want, or not at all. How lovely! But when you do roll out of bed, oh those creaking joints! Can they belong to you? Since you finally have more free time, you've earned the right to goof off, do good, keep working--if you want to. Who planned to spend a chunk of that free time sitting around in the waiting room of a doctor's office?
Yes, racking up the years is not for sissies and those who never could adjust to change and struggle. But isn't this where those of us who are blind or visually impaired have the edge? Many of us have our alternative techniques, creative out-of-the-box problem solving and adventuresome spirits. By virtue of the coping skills we master, along with the support and role modeling of our brothers and sisters in CCB, we are on a positive track to handle the changes that aging can bring. That, however, doesn't mean we like thinking or talking about the subject of getting older. Avoid it if you choose. However, that won't stop the relentless ticking of your talking watch. If you're over fifty, and a lot of our CCB members are, you too will be entering the Land of the Senior Discount soon enough.
For those of you mature enough to deal with it, it's time to raise the big question about growing older. As you face this exciting era of life, what do you most care about? That is, what do you value enough to fight for? Because as we, of all people know, that, humanly-speaking anyway, nothing important in life just gets handed to us. It wasn't all simple being a young student or a working adult. Why should it be so different as we turn the corner into the senior years?
Here are just some examples of things we might think are worth fighting the good fight. Ask yourself these questions: Are you as integrated as you want to be in the life of your community: your neighborhood, house of worship, local senior center or, for some, a homeowners' association. Are you seen as just like everyone else? That's fine. Do you get tired of trying to overcome physical, psychosocial or attitudinal barriers? Do you sometimes feel all alone in your struggles to address these issues?
Similarly, what about accessing life-long learning facilities such as senior programs in community colleges, local libraries and elderhostel travel? Then there are the less-pleasant-to-contemplate services we may need more of as we age. Fortunately, people are living longer, and more active and healthy lives. Why shouldn't that include us? Yet when the trips to the doctor and pharmacy become more frequent than they used to, there are extra implications. We need accessible medical forms, patient educational literature, and orientation to what is going on with our care that everyone else gets.
Speaking of big issues, here's one that, of course, encompasses every age-group in the blind community: transportation. Certainly, a great many seniors remain competent, independent travelers, beautifully managing the public transit system; and maybe you are one of them. But not every senior is, for a multitude of reasons. Have you thought about what you will do when you can no longer so nimbly jump onto the fixed route bus? What if they tighten the eligibility rules some more on paratransit? And if not, what will happen to all of us baby-boomers who will start to really overload the system? How many will be left behind with no ride and no good options? Transportation is a gigantic and complex subject, and it is no wonder CCB and ACB spend so much time and resources bravely fighting the good fight for better service.
Then, for our last item here, is that wide, wonderful, scary and exhilarating world of retirement. Sometimes retirement from work is a happy choice, but for others, it is a forced, unwelcome change from working to not working. In either case, there are myriad adjustments and decisions to be made by everyone. Add to these the extra challenge of what retirement will mean to a person who is blind or visually impaired. Yes, retirement is a fertile forest of opportunity. One hopes to walk through it, enjoying the trees and bypassing the poison ivy.
Now I can just about hear some of you saying, "Bonnie, stop depressing us with such talk. We don't want to dwell on all that oldness stuff. We're too busy being amazing, creative, resourceful blind people." Well if you do think that way, then you've probably stopped reading this article a while back. No, here is the point and the good part. Becoming a senior is just one more normal phase of life. Like being a kid, teen or a middle-ager, each developmental stage of life has its joys, stresses and its rewards. And when you think of it, who is better to actively engage in dealing with the adjustments and new ways of doing things than we, the always adaptive visually impaired and blind? You might say we have a good head start.
This article is intended to persuade you to stop and consider what you want for your future. Thinking is the first step toward doing. It is also designed to prompt you to notice aspects of those good fights that we in CCB often choose to enter. We seem to carry on some struggles alone, such as fitting in as the newbie at the senior center or demonstrating our capabilities as a volunteer or in a paid position. Is there any role CCB could play in making that challenge a little easier and less lonely? And there are those battles where we know we need reinforcements--transportation and access to information are two illustrations. We value an individual's right and ability to advocate for him or herself; but when you look at the issues raised above, do you think you could use a little help from a consumer organization like CCB?
In a future article, we hope to share many positive examples of people in CCB who have done or are doing something to assist visually impaired seniors and others. The goals will be to show you that you need CCB, you are CCB and CCB needs you.
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A major public health issue is brewing in America. Over the next two decades, rates of vision loss from diseases like age-related macular degeneration are expected to double as the nation's 78 million baby boomers reach retirement age. To help prepare for this dramatic increase in Americans with vision loss and to help the 6.5 million Americans over age 65 currently experiencing it, the American Foundation for the Blind has created the first web resource of its kind: a proactive, virtual vision center that encourages older adults experiencing vision loss to live independently and productively.
Available via a prominent link on AFB's home page, www.afb.org/seniorsite, the AFB Senior Site focuses on common sense and daily living solutions to help seniors better adjust to their changing eyesight. It will also connect them and their family members to local services and spotlight the wide range of assistive living products available to people with vision loss.
The site has five main sections: Understanding Vision Loss, Finding Help and Support, Daily Living, Changing Your Home, and Fitness and Fun. Visitors will also find inspiring video testimonials from seniors who aren't letting their vision loss slow them down as well as sections on exercise, travel and recreational opportunities. In the near future, the Senior Site will also contain message boards, blogs and support group links designed to foster a sense of community among seniors with vision loss and their families.
Like the rest of the AFB web site, the Senior Site is designed with adjustable text, color and contrast to make it accessible to those with low vision. It also meets web content accessibility guidelines so blind or low-vision users can navigate the site using voice browser technology.
Please send your comments and ideas for additional content to seniorsite@afb.net.
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San Francisco Chapter Announcement, by Winifred Downing
The CCB San Francisco chapter will make a grant of up to $2,000 for the purchase of equipment necessary to reach an educational or employment goal for a student in grades 6-12 or a college program (certificate or graduate). The individual must be visually impaired and a resident of any of the following Bay Area counties: San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Marin. The applicant must submit a completed application and essay to the Good Neighbor Fund Committee, c/o Charlie Dorris, 966 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94133, postmarked by October 31, 2007.
To request an application and instruction form or for further details, contact:
Charlie Dorris, 415-775-0487, tyreedorris@aol.com.
Ellie Lee, 415-378-6079, elliesf@hotmail.com.
David Jackson, 415-239-1873.
Winifred Downing, 415-564-5798, wmdowning@mindspring.com.
From the Silicon Valley Council of the Blind (SVCB)
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, SVCB is pleased to announce completion of a cookbook featuring recipes enjoyed by chapter members and guests at its meetings, picnics, and holiday parties. Contributors also share special memories about these recipes in short anecdotes. Cookbooks cost $10 each and are available in large print, braille, and on CD-ROM.
For more information, contact Michelle McGrew, SVCB Fund-Raising Chair, at michelle@svcb.cc, or send orders, along with check or money order (made payable to SVCB) and format preference to: Silicon Valley Council of the Blind; P.O. Box 493; Mountain View, CA 94042-0493.
From the Greater Bakersfield Chapter
In observance of White Cane Day, the Greater Bakersfield Council of the Blind will be holding a series of events to educate the public about white cane safety and issues pertaining to people who are blind or visually impaired.
On Friday, October 12, we will be holding our second annual Walk in the Dark, at which volunteers can be blindfolded and taken on a walk with the White Cane. A certified Orientation and Mobility Teacher will accompany all participants. This will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Truxton, across from First Presbyterian Church.
On Saturday, October 13, The Greater Bakersfield Council of the Blind will be holding its first ever Dining in the Dark at First Presbyterian Church from 4 to 7 p.m. At this event, attendees will be blindfolded and dine on delectable food while listening to audio-described DVDs. There will be door prizes at this event. This is a ticketed event with limited seating, and tickets will be available soon.
For more information, please contact Brandy Morgan, Secretary/Public Relations at 661-889-5963; or John Ross, President, at 661-619-5863.
Thank you for your support!
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Sunday, October 16, 2005
Note: On Friday, October 14, elections for officers and Board members were held. Eugene Lozano was elected Second Vice President and Rhonda King as Secretary. Al Biegler, Jerry Arakawa, Richard Rueda and Jane Kardis were re-elected to the Board, and Ann Kysor was elected Board member.
President Jeff Thom called the business meeting to order at 9:05 a.m., and Gussie Morgan gave the Invocation. The minutes of the previous convention business meeting for Sunday, April 24, 2005, were read by Ardis Bazyn and a motion was made and seconded for their passage and approved with one correction noted. Peter Pardini followed with the treasurer's report from January 1st to September 30, 2005. This report was also accepted.
Day Al Mohammed gave an update on national legislation and Ken Metz, substituting as chair of the Resolutions committee, presented the following resolutions: [Editor's note: For more concise summaries of these resolutions, read "Summary of Resolutions, Fall, 2005" in the winter, 2006, BC.] 2005B-1 commended the Washington Council of the Blind for its anniversary; passed.
2005B-2 addressed a New York Times article making negative remarks about a visually impaired job applicant; and, after an amendment requesting the article's author to attend an upcoming convention was proposed and accepted, the resolution was adopted.
2005B-3 thanked the hotel staff for their hospitality, and 05B-4 the volunteers who assisted at this convention; both passed. 2005B-5 stated that CCB would strongly oppose any legislative efforts limiting the enforcement rights of a person with a disability against violators of disability-access laws; it was adopted.
Resolution 2005B-6 asks that the California legislature establish a permanent committee for disaster preparedness and evacuation policies for persons with disabilities; it was adopted.
2005B-7 concerned contacting officials of the Educational Testing Service to insist on the use of standards set forth in Section 508 of the Rehab Act in designing the Internet-based version of the GRE presently being considered; and, if these standards were not used, all available remedies should be considered to enforce them. The resolution was adopted. 2005B-8 urged legislators to specify that the proceeds of the limited-edition Louis Braille coin be provided to all organizations that apply for grants based on braille-related programs or services. The resolution passed with an amendment stating that CCB would oppose this legislation as it stood.
2005-B9 seeks a grant for training advocates to assist parents with the IEP process; it passed.
Roger Petersen gave the Constitution and Bylaws report, and no amendments were proposed. Dan Kysor presented his Governmental Affairs report; and brief reports were also presented by the Advocacy, Governmental Affairs and History committees.
There was no old or new business; therefore, Jeff adjourned the meeting at 11:35 a.m.
Sunday, April 9, 2006
President Jeff Thom called the meeting to order just after 9 a.m., and Gussie Morgan gave the Invocation. Jeff then thanked CCB staff members, committees, volunteers, and convention attendees for a successful convention.
Due to the absence of Rhonda King, CCB Secretary, the reading of the business meeting minutes for October 16, 2005 was tabled. Peter Pardini gave an abbreviated treasurer's report for the period January 1 to March 31, 2006, and this report was approved.
Roger Petersen reported for the CCB Constitution and Bylaws committee. An amendment to Article III, Section 1, was proposed and approved to increase annual chapter dues from three to five dollars, and and to take effect in January of 2007.
President Thom introduced Mike Keithley, the new editor of the Blind Californian. Lucy Greco, Chair of the Resolutions committee, reported on the following resolutions, which passed unless noted.
[Editor's note: For more concise summaries of these resolutions, read "Summary of Resolutions, Spring, 2006" in the summer, 2006, BC.]
Resolutions 2006A-1 and A-2 thanked convention volunteers and the hotel and its staff.
2006A-3 addressed proper locations for DOR offices.
2006A-4 addressed accessible glucose meters for blind diabetics.
2006A-5, regarding transportation committees, was withdrawn.
Resolution 2006A-6 directed the President to establish a CCB first-timers fund.
2006A-7 criticized the technical support provided by HumanWare and Freedom Scientific.
2006A-8 concerned needed changes to the Unified Braille Code.
Resolution 2006A-9 addressed the poor quality of JAWS tutorials.
Resolution 2006A-10 asks for high-contrast detectable striping at public swimming pools.
2006A-11 urged ACB to propose federal regulations for quiet vehicles similar to those in place for trucks.
2006A-12 commends cellular phone companies for free 411 services.
Resolution 2006A-13 concerns access for blinded veterans in veteran's homes.
Except for 2006A-5, resolutions passed unanimously, and the Resolutions committee report was accepted.
Ardis Bazyn gave a brief Membership committee report, and it was decided that a post-convention determination would be made as to which chapter earned the Membership Incentive award.
Bernice Kandarian spoke on behalf of the Publications committee, and asked that promised articles be submitted to the BC.
Gene Lozano, Chair of the California Access and Transportation committee (CAT), reported on prototypes for detectable warnings, Title 24 codes for swimming pool striping requirements, and detectable warning surfaces in areas other than sidewalks and street-crossings. He also suggested that CAT and the Fund-raising committee develop a small emergency preparedness packet for sale at conventions. On behalf of the Convention committee, he expressed the need for suggestions regarding activities that might be instituted at future conventions.
The President said the spring convention tapes would be edited and recorded by Joy Tilton. He
also said that there had been requests to have the CCB general sessions and banquet online through
acbradio.org.
Cathie Skivers, Chair of the Governmental Affairs committee, urged the audience to contact
senators Feinstein and Boxer regarding the Louis Braille commemorative coin, and insist that
monies accrued from the sale of these coins be made available to all organizations involved with
braille production, not just the NFB. Bonnie Rennie, Chair of the Seniors with Vision Loss committee, said her committee followed up
on the mental health issue and Proposition 63 in the fall of 2005. They are demonstrating how to
better integrate better with senior centers and educating employees and volunteers as to the
capabilities and needs of blind and visually impaired seniors. She also said that the Spanish edition
of "Failing Sight and the Family Plight" will soon be ready for distribution. She then urged the
audience to get more involved and bring their concerns to her committee. Jane Kardas, Chair of the Advocacy committee, emphasized that her committee is available to help
those with legal concerns. Jeff said the committee had recently voted to support an employment
discrimination case in the Bay Area. Ken Metz, Chair of the Public Relations committee, said CCB needs to start participating in more
local community events and distributing the several brochures to the public. The CCB video is also
available for dissemination in both cassette and DVD formats. There was no old or new business presented; thus, the business meeting was adjourned. Note: All CCB business information relating to the fall 2006 elections, credentials, and resolutions
are on file at the CCB office. Return to the Table of Contents
An unnamed Norwich City Council representative has described recent events as "political correctness gone mad" after plans were announced this afternoon for a new initiative to increase the number of blind taxi drivers in the city to record numbers in an attempt to radically cut taxi waiting times.
Up until now, the taxi driving profession has completely excluded the blind community, reasoning that they cannot actually see anything; but with new laws coming in from Brussels to promote equal rights and anti-discrimination for all European Union citizens, the cities streets will be changed forever as such outdated considerations and predigests will be swept aside as the visually impaired take to Norwich's roads.
To aid the transition of this new initiative from the faceless "bureaucrats" in Brussels into everyday Norfolk life and to increase public awareness, the so named "senseless taxis" will be white in colour and will be proudly promoting the logo of a golden retriever wearing mirrored sunglasses on each door.
Driving the scheme will be advances in the art of guide-dog training. The dogs will sit in the front passenger seat of the taxi, barking once for left, twice for right and three times for stop. Customers are strongly advised not to distract the dogs, as such actions will probably lead to a loss of human life on a colossal scale.
Customers are also being advised by the newly formed Association of Blind Drivers that to shorten journey times and to keep costs down, it will be helpful for the passenger to read out loud any relevant road signs to the driver, as otherwise drivers will be forced to get out of the taxi and locate the nearby braille road sign equivalent.
Assuming that everything goes well with this new initiative, it could open many new previously closed career opportunities for the blind and visually impaired community, such as traffic police officers and flying airplanes. A spokesperson for the Royal National Institute of the Blind, Mr. Norman Glaucoma, has labelled this venture as a brand new day for their members and has strongly called on the DVLA to issue driving licences to all blind people when this new technology becomes available to all later in the year.
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Report on the 2007 Braille Challenge by Jan Frazier
[from the fall, 2007 BRLC newsletter, used with permission]
Braille Institute of America (BIA) welcomed 57 of the brightest braille students and their families to the 2007 Braille Challenge on Friday and Saturday, June 22 and 23, 2007 in Los Angeles. This was the culmination of a year-long effort that began in July 2006.
Based on feedback from students, parents and teachers, we believe we achieved our objectives of providing blind students with an opportunity to: improve their braille literacy skills; experience the thrill of competition among their peers; and elevate their self-esteem.
We received 89 news mentions about the Braille Challenge and its participating students in print, radio and television media. This attention helped us to promote the importance of braille literacy nationwide. For the first time ever, the Awards Ceremony was offered as a live podcast on AIRS- LA (Audio Internet Reading Service-Los Angeles) and is available for download via their archives (www.airsla.org).
This year, we fulfilled 910 requests for preliminary exams, an increase of 85% over the previous year. Of these, 454 (or 50%) were returned to us for scoring.
Requests for preliminary exams came from 36 states and 3 Canadian provinces.
Fifty-seven of the 60 finalists attended the finals competition in Los Angeles. There were 27 first- time finalists and 33 repeat finalists. In 2007 there were 17 regional events held at blind services agencies and schools across the country, an increase of 42% over the 12 regional events the previous year. Comparing the number of regional events in 2007, 17, with the number of regional events in 2005-2006, shows an impressive increase of 83% in just two years' time and, we believe, is an indicator of just how much this program is growing.
As another indicator of the program's growth and importance as a standard for braille literacy, 14 Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI) attended the finals in support of their students this year, which was a marked increase of 350% over the four who attended last year. Additionally, 13 teachers or agencies had more than one finalist in the competition, a number 250% higher than the previous year's tally of four. In 2007 we presented our third annual 'Teacher of the Year' award, which recognizes an outstanding Teacher of the Visually Impaired.
The total value of all prizes awarded at the finals was $49,300. The Walter Lantz Foundation funded $13,250 worth of savings bonds for the top three winners in each age group for a total prize value of $26,500. Freedom Scientific, the maker of the PAC Mate, donated six of these portable braille computers, this year with refreshable braille displays, to five of the first-place winners and one for the Teacher of the Year, which carried a total prize value of $22,800.
Get Ready for the 2008 Challenge
Signups begin this October for the 2008 braille challenge preliminary round. Registration forms for the preliminary round will be available beginning October 15, 2007, either online at www.braillechallenge.org. Parents are also welcome to contact us for information on how their child can participate in this exciting event.
The 2008 CTEVH Conference Is Ready To Go!
The 49th Annual CTEVH Conference will be here before you know it! It will be held at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott from February 28 to March 2, 2008. The "Ready To Go" theme encompasses the spirit of the 2008 CTEVH conference, which aims to provide attendees with the tools and motivation they need to hit the ground running.
They will learn about the latest trends in software and new federal procedures; hear about the latest research; explore topics of interest to parents, administrators and related professionals and learn about the latest teaching methods and tools. If you're ready to explore the dozens of available workshops and meet other professionals and volunteers who share the goal of improving the education of students with visual impairments, then the 2008 CTEVH Conference is for you.
Registration packets will be mailed by November 1 to CTEVH members or you can register online at www.ctevh.org/conference.htmonferenceregistrar@ctevh.org.
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I had just turned 50 years old. Life was good. I had worked my own business for nearly fifteen years and had just upgraded equipment. I had weathered business slumps, but the year 2000 looked good. I had had my current guide dog Krista, a beautiful yellow Labrador retriever, for a year and eleven months, and she was a good worker from the day I brought her home.
Anticipating a positive future, we were delivering work to the physicians for whom I transcribed medical reports. It was a beautiful sunny December day, and walking with Krista filled me with joy. We visited the offices we needed to for that day; and, leaving the last one, we began crossing a driveway, between the medical building and the hospital, to gain access to the sidewalk. I assessed the traffic, and told Krista, "Forward." Suddenly, I felt her working very hard to move us, but I did not understand her action for a moment. She attempted to move sideways and quickly forward, but my next memory was of being face-down on the ground. I am not sure that I felt pain or anything else, at that moment; but I knew I had to call Krista to me, if possible. I did not want her to run off somewhere and not be cared for. Soon paramedics surrounded me and rushed me into the emergency room at our hospital, which was only a few yards away.
Apparently, as I made my decision to cross, a delivery van, traveling from behind the hospital, was making its way out via that driveway, in excess of 25 miles per hour in a 15-mile-per-hour zone, from our left, or the dog's left side. If I had heard the van, I never would have given Krista the forward command. It was thought that the driver was looking down at something and never even saw us until he hit Krista, just past center of the front of the van. No movement by Krista and me could get us out of harm's way with the speed the van was traveling.
It took me the longest time to find out where Krista was, and I finally had to ask if she had died in the accident. I was finally told that she had. I was devastated, having always felt this was the worst scenario a guide dog user could ever face. I had always believed that, if a guide dog of mine were ever killed in such a way, I would want to die with my dog; but I didn't. I had been hit by a van, but I was alive and could still think.
As the extraordinary medical personnel of our local hospital cared for me and ran tests to assess my injuries, I vividly remember thinking that I could either give up and succumb to them or choose to fight like hell to live and tell the story of Krista--the guide dog hero who saved my life by giving hers as she had been trained to do. She performed the ultimate act of a well-trained loving guide dog, and I knew I had no choice but to give her the honor and respect of living and telling her story. She had been truly brave, and her heroism proves that travel with a guide dog for some of us may make the difference between life and death.
Though I was critically injured with multiple skull fractures, broken left ribs, a collapsed left lung and other internal injuries, Krista's spiritual presence kept me from experiencing more severe injuries. These injuries required surgery, and I was then taken to the Intensive Care Unit--on a ventilator, multiple monitors and intravenous dripsto begin a long walk back to health. My condition waxed and waned for nearly a month before finally taking a solid turn for the better, but having made the decision to live and move forward, I knew I would live through this time.
I finally awoke one day without the ventilator, and nurses asked me what sounded good to eat or drink. Food sounded terrible to me, but I asked for a Pepsi cola. I was so dry and thirsty, and that was the one thing I craved. They did get me my Pepsi; and I started working to regain my strength, physically as well as mentally.
I had no broken limbs; but upon standing, I wobbled and could hardly keep my balance. Beyond that, the pain in my left leg was unbearable. It had been badly and painfully bruised to the bone. When I first tried walking a while later, I couldn't place one foot firmly in front of the other. It felt as if I no longer knew how to walk, and my legs were made of rubber. I also found that, after surgery, I could not twist at my waist to even take care of the most personal of chores for myself. Physical therapy gave me a walker, which a dear friend later described perfectly as the "crash and turn" experience for a blind person. It might also be a kin to the mobility experience from hell. After a couple of days of that insanity, I suggested that the physical therapist walk with me in sighted-guide fashion. I then asked for my white cane to begin to learn about my surroundings, and like a cat, once again landed on my own two, or three, feet.
Discharged to my mother's home to continue my recovery, I sought the rehabilitation assistance it would take to live in my own home and to travel independently once again. During the time I spent in her house, my Mom gave me the help and TLC only our mothers can give at times like these; and I found that my Mom makes a mean chocolate milk shake, along with all the other good things she cooked for me.
I knew from the start of this experience that I definitely wanted to travel with another guide dog, and everything I did had that goal in mind. I continued to work toward regaining my independence and strength and re-learning how to be out on the streets with my white cane. Then ten months after the accident, I went back to Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Raphael to train with my present guide dog Primrose, a highly intelligent and spirited black labrador retriever.
Primrose and I had much to do to become a true team. She had to learn that my gait was sometimes erratic because of a hearing loss acquired as a result of the skull fractures. I had to learn to have the appropriate strong hand in encouraging her to do her work. Though this all took time, and there were moments when I didn't think we were going to make it, we did.
Roughly two and a half years after the accident, I went back to work part-time, but changes in the industry and medical practices I served caused me to re-evaluate my skills. In 2005 I retired from my medical transcription career to pursue other interests and catch up on the reading I never had time to do while working.
Primrose and I have traveled with friends and family. We took a land trip and cruise in Alaska and traveled to Mexico. Primrose guided me beautifully on these trips. We met many wonderful people and learned more about the history, culture and peoples of these places.
In October, 2005 we attended a fund-raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind here in the Napa Valley. I had been asked to speak and tell the story of my seven loyal and faithful guide dogs; and I kept the promise I made on the day of the accident by telling the story of Krista, who had given her life to save mine, and how Primrose had worked hard to give me a new one. I also had the opportunity to thank a community that supported me in unbelievable ways through a terrible time.
Yes, within a split second in time, my life changed forever. It has never been the same as it was before, but the human spirit is incredible in its ability to recover. It is at times like these that we do have a choice. We can decide to take a negative approach and give up or become fiercely determined to stay positive, no matter what. We can continue to set goals, even small ones, until we are able to regain a life once again. In some ways, it must be viewed as a new one because it is not what it was before. It has new challenges and needs, and we must become accustomed to a new type of normalcy, both physically and emotionally.
We must not succumb to comments of negativity around us. I remember hearing people say the most horrible things about how I would, or wouldn't, survive into old age and guess at the horrible maladies I would now have to live with. This may have all been well and good for handling the legal matters I had to deal with, but I was determined to fight through all of this negativity toward having my life back in my hands as I used to.
Do I have difficult days? You better believe it. There are some days when my balance makes me wonder if I have any sense of direction and mobility sense left at all. There are days when I have pain from what has become arthritis, the result of trauma. There are definitely days when just trying to do the household chores, with my balance and mobility issues as they are, is almost enough to send me hiding out in my bed; and some days, quite frankly, that is exactly what I do for a few hours.
But then, I remember others whose disabilities are so much more challenging than mine, needing much more assistance than mine; and, gradually, I crawl out of my funk, ready once again to keep my place in this world. At times, it takes some prayer and serious talking with myself to pick up the old bones and get moving. Sometimes I need to listen to inspiring music or read a book; but my goal is to try and keep moving through this life, keeping hope and faith in the future and not be let down by the uncertainties we all experience. I recognize that, in spite of a few more aches and pains and difficulties with my hearing and balance, I do have good health. I was able to acquire another beautiful guide dog, and I did tell Krista's story and continue living as best I can.
None of us can predict our future, but I hope to do more writing and encourage others to look for and find the positive side of their lives. Life is never easy, especially when we get handed an ugly and sour lemon; but the outcome is definitely based upon what we choose to do with it and how we work to move on.
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"Um, uh, well let's see." Have you ever started off a speech or conversation this way? Sometimes we do not even realize that these crutch words are being spoken. Effective communication, whether it is a speech in front of fifty people or a conversation with one person, is a trait employers are seeking in candidates at all levels of their organization. There are several ways to strengthen your communication skills: join a civic organization like the Lions Club to mingle with others, enroll in a speech communications course at your local community college, attend a professional speaking seminar or join Toastmasters International.
While all of the above suggestions are good and can meet the different communication needs of people, I am going to focus on the benefits of Toastmasters International relating to communication in the work setting. Toastmasters is an international organization with over 10,000 clubs in local communities with an emphasis on developing communication and leadership skills.
I have been a member of Toastmasters for over ten years. I joined as a result of a recommendation from a colleague at work to improve my "uhs and ums" while speaking. After a few months, I noticed that I used fewer crutch words and was able to form and convey effective responses to questions more readily at work. Additionally, I made friends and learned more about my local community. Here are ten specific ways that Toastmasters can assist you in the work setting:
1. Learn how to effectively deliver different types of speeches, such as persuasive, technical, motivational and recognition. 2. Learn how to enhance your communication with others, individually or in groups, by using gestures and vocal variety. 3. Develop the skill to give an "on the spot" answer to a tough question. 4. Learn how to effectively provide positive and constructive feedback with suggestions for improvement. 5. Receive feedback on a speech and learn how to apply this knowledge to improve your next attempt. 6. Strengthen critical thinking skills by listening to a speech and another person's evaluation to assess how your thoughts compare to someone else's. 7. Gain experience preparing and planning for performing different meeting roles. 8. Practice speaking clearly and concisely. 9. Develop networking skills with people in your local community who have the same interests in growth in their speech and communication skills. 10. Increase your knowledge about a variety of topics.
The Toastmasters meeting structure of three components is consistent across clubs. These are prepared speeches; evolutions; and spontaneous responses or "Table Topics." Each member is encouraged to prepare and present speeches with an objective that is outlined in a speech and communications manual. Another club member will provide a verbal and written evaluation of the speech. The Table Topics portion of the meeting allows other members of the club to practice answering a question on a topic shared moments before speaking. If this sounds scary, I assure you it does become easier with practice.
Toastmaster Clubs are across the world. To find a club near you, visit www.toastmasters.org. When you find a club that you would like to visit, call or e-mail to inquire and confirm the meeting date, time and location. If transportation is an issue for you, you could explain that you are blind or low vision, do not drive and inquire if there is a member from the club that lives near you who would be interested in carpooling. My experience has been very positive with carpooling with fellow club members. Sometimes the benefit to the person that I carpool with is that it allows for further conversation outside of the meeting and keeps him/her committed to attending them.
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It was an average night in early 1999, as I prepared to clean up my desk after a long day of work at the San Jose Fitness Center, when I noticed that my vision was getting blurry and black dots began to appear in my one good eye. Thinking it was just a dirty contact lens, I carefully walked home in the dark. I soon found out that I had suffered a torn retina, which could not be repaired, even after six surgeries. I had lost all the vision in my best eye, and I would never be able to drive again.
I preface this story with this experience as a lead-in to a journey I have traveled, with many ups and downs, to a place that has offered many rewarding personal and professional experiences. I hope this story will inspire you to look deeply within yourself to discover the many qualities you possess and use them to live life to its fullest. In this article, I would like to share some of the steps I have taken, since my vision loss, toward finding and maintaining my current job at the Employment Development Department as a policy analyst. I will offer some resources that may help you find a new or better job or career path. The truth is, I'm no smarter than the average bear. The secret is to have the confidence and will to do whatever it takes to make you successful. The question is, are you willing to take the risks and challenges required to make your dreams come true? Truly, no one but you can make that decision.
Two years after I lost most of my vision, I encountered a Paratransit driver who told me about the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center. This brought a realization that things were going to need to change in my life; and I was in for some big lifestyle adjustments if I wanted to do the things that were important to me such as establishing relationships and finding a new job. I was urged to "get a cane in my hand" and take some assistive technology computer classes, all of which I did with much trepidation. The Internet business I started and continued to run after my vision loss provided extra income to supplement my Social Security benefits and a "safe haven" from the idea of actually working in a "traditional" group work setting.
After running my business out of my house for about four years, I began complaining to a friend that I needed more in my life. I sat at my computer for countless hours in denial that I was capable of doing more. What she said next changed how I would take charge of the rest of my life. She said, "If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting." It was at that point, that I realized that I shouldn't be afraid of pursuing what I was really capable of doing. I was reminded that I had a college degree, tons of work experience and many other things to offer an employer. So I decided to take action.
In early 2005, I contacted several employers offering to do an internship for them. In truth, I was doing this to prove to myself that I could use my new-found assistive technology skills and previous work experiences to perform job tasks at the same level as someone without a visual impairment. Guide Dogs for the Blind, in San Rafael, asked me to come on board for a few months to help develop a database of blindness-related organizations that might be able to help increase the number of job applicants with visual impairments. Not only did I exceed their expectations, I proved to myself that I was ready to get back into the "regular" work world.
During my internship, I had applied and interviewed for numerous state government jobs. I knew that the state offered great job security, benefits and a good salary. At this time, I was also exposed to the idea of getting a guide dog as an option to increasing my mobility and independence. With some trepidation, again, I began guide dog training with my buddy, Smokey, and found that challenging myself to enhance my life once again paid off. The day before graduation, I received a call from the Employment Development Department asking me if I was still interested in accepting an analyst position with the Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. I thought, "What a dream!" Timing couldn't have been better for me. Within two weeks, I had brought my new guide dog home, packed up all my belongings, moved into a new apartment in Sacramento and started a new job.
Currently, I am the Staff Lead to the Education and Employment Subcommittee of the Governor's Committee. What this means is that I facilitate the gathering of input and information from government and private professionals on issues relating to increasing the employment rate of people with disabilities. From this information, I draft policy recommendation papers that will hopefully be approved by the Governor's Committee and then forwarded to the Governor's Office for adoption and implementation.
I want to emphasize that my intent here isn't to brag about myself, but rather to encourage you to challenge yourself to do the things you want to do. You'll find that, with support and encouragement from family and friends, you can accomplish incredible things. If you are interested in finding a new job, it is important that you identify the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to be successful. I have found that training classes, particularly relating to orientation, mobility and high technology, are essential for success. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions, especially in your new work environment. Many think that finding someone willing to participate in an informational interview would be pretty tough. The truth is, I can't imagine anyone in my office, of over one hundred staff, who would not be willing to talk about what they do on the job. Give it a try sometime.
Here are a few work incentive resources that can really help you find your next job:
Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities: www.edd.ca.gov/gcepdind.asp. This website offers information about what the Governor's Committee is working on toward increasing employment for people with disabilities. Many job seeker resources are also available.
Department of Rehabilitation: www.dor.ca.gov. Learn what the Department of Rehabilitation can do to help you find a job, your local office, great job resources and more.
World Institute on Disabilities: wid.org. This is a great resource for locating disability benefit-related information, including disability calculators.
California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP): ww.chiip.org. Learn about the 250% Medi-Cal Working Disabled Program, which allows you to earn as much as $47,500 a year and still qualify for Medi-Cal coverage.
Social Security Administration: www.ssa.gov. Look into great work incentive programs, such as the PASS Plan and the Trial Work Period.
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As many of you know, I am an instructor at the San Diego Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired; and from time to time, something happens that brings a laugh to my day. Several months ago our cooking teacher shared the following story, and I still find myself smiling when I think of what happened.
On a particular Monday morning, things were progressing in an uneventful way until a student commented that he heard something behind him, which might be a timer. When no one else heard it, he tried to put it out of his mind and focus on the tasks at hand. A few minutes later he heard the noise again, and this time he was absolutely certain he had not imagined it. It wasn't long before he heard the sound a third time; and now he was really determined to find that pesky timer, or whatever it was, that only he could hear.
He stood and walked to a table directly behind his seat and found nothing amiss. He checked under the table, still no timer. A thorough inspection of the floor near both doors to the kitchen revealed nothing. He heard it for the fourth time, and it still seemed somewhere behind him; so he turned around and began looking near the trash can. Now he was on a serious mission: looking inside the trash can, absolutely nothing; lifting the trash can to check underneath it, nothing. He was examining the floor at the base of a nearby cabinet when it went off again; and this time another student heard it.
His classmate called, "Hey, check your back pocket." Sure enough, the culprit was his pocket watch! He had stashed it in his back pocket before coming to class, and it somehow got bumped in to stop watch mode.
This incident only took a few minutes but provided us with a good laugh that day!
As an aside, I have to say that one certainly does not have to be new at being visually impaired to make this sort of mistake. One day I was waiting in the car while Jim went to the post office. It was a quiet, peaceful afternoon, and off in the distance I heard a rooster crowing. I was happily reflecting on the fact that, despite the growth in the area, Ramona had managed to hang onto its small town flavor. After all, there aren't many towns in Southern California where one can sit on Main Street and hear a rooster. Well, my serenity bubble suddenly broke when I realized the rooster was not off in the distance but on my wrist. Let's hear it for braille watches!
I hope these two stories have put a smile on your face. Until next time, stay safe and try to look on the lighter side.
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I see you're reading this, which means you made it through the summer. Have a nice Thanksgiving and get ready for Christmas!
Italian Baked Spaghetti
Serve this with a side of your favorite green salad.
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons bacon fat (or vegetable oil); 1 green pepper, chopped (optional); 1 large can tomatoes; 1 small can chopped mushrooms (or 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce; 1 16 ounce package spaghetti (thin or regular); 1 large onion, chopped; 2 pounds lean ground meat; 1 can tomato soup; 1 bud garlic, finely chopped; 1 16 ounce bottle or can chili sauce (depending on how spicy you wish it to be--you may taste and keep adding as you go); grated cheese (optional).
Directions: Saute chopped onion and green pepper in bacon fat or oil until tender. Add meat and brown (about 7-10 minutes over low to medium heat.) Add tomatoes, tomato soup, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook about 40 minutes, then add Worcestershire and chili sauces. Cook spaghetti in salted water until almost tender. Drain and mix with sauce. Spray casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Add mixture and top with grated cheese. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
Garlic Bread
Ingredients: 1/2 cube butter; 1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 loaf Italian bread, 1/2-inch slices; 1 8 ounce package shredded mozzarella cheese.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In small saucepan, melt butter and mix with garlic powder and dried parsley. Place Italian bread on baking sheet. Brush generously with butter mixture. Bake in preheated oven for ten minutes, until lightly toasted. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and any remaining butter mixture. Return to oven for five minutes until cheese is melted and bread is lightly browned.
No Bake Butterscotch Cookies
Ingredients: 14-16 ounce package butterscotch morsels; 3/4 cup peanut butter; 4 cups corn flakes; 1 cup peanuts.
Directions: Melt the butterscotch morsels and peanut butter over low heat. In a bowl, mix together corn flakes and peanuts. Pour melted mixture over the dry mixture. Mix until covered evenly. Drop by teaspoon onto cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Refrigerate until firm.
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Invitation to Participate in a Research Study of the Built Environment's Influence on Activity
Performance, Funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research,
U.S. Department of Education
This study asks participants to complete brief online surveys about their typical experiences in three environments (i.e., public buildings, public streets and residential environments) and about how environmental designers could improve those experiences. Although the research team is encouraging participation by individuals who have mobility, sight, hearing or cognitive impairments, participation by individuals who do not have an impairment is also invited.
So if you (or anyone you know) might be interested in participating in this research study, direct any Internet browser to our W3C compliant and screen-reader friendly website ( www.udeworld.com/research/index.php) for more information or contact us at idea@ap.buffalo.edu.
Reminder: Each survey's participants will be eligible for a random drawing for one of three $100 cash prizes, and those who complete all the surveys will be eligible for a random drawing for a $500 cash prize. They will also be given an opportunity to join our message boards where they can share ideas and talk about topics of mutual interest.
Sleep Study Seeks Participants
Are you totally blind and searching for an extraordinary experience? Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston is currently evaluating how light and behavior influence sleep and wakefulness under real-world and laboratory conditions in men and women who are totally blind.
The research study consists of living in our sleep lab for 21 or 34 days across two separate visits. You will also be asked to collect information while living at home before and after each visit.
The results of the research study may help to develop potential therapies to treat sleep-wake disturbances related to jet-lag, shift-work and visual impairment.
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you are totally blind and between the ages of 18 and 70, have no light perception, and take no prescription medications. We will cover all travel expenses for Boston and non-Boston residents. Individuals who participate in the study can have earned income up to $9,300.
If you are interested and would like to learn more about this study, please contact us at 888-828- 4294 or email Joe at jhull@partners.org.
SF Lighthouse Focus Group on Diabetes
The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired will be hosting several informational survey interviews on talking glucose meters and adaptive insulin syringe devices. These interview sessions will be conducted by a doctoral student from UC Berkeley. Each interview will take between 60 and 90 minutes and there will be a $40 honorarium for those who participate. The participants must be diabetic and have used or currently use a talking glucose meter.
If you know of individuals who may qualify, please contact Beth Berenson at The LightHouse: Phone: 888-400-8933 or via email at bberenson@lighthouse-sf.org.
Thank you for your support in this important survey.
Study to Support New Web Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG 2.0)
As some of you may know, there is a set of guidelines to help web developers produce web sites that are accessible to people with disabilities--the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. These are currently being revised and my university, The University of York in England, is helping to conduct a study of the draft of the new version.
We need to check the many recommendations of the new guidelines (there are some hundreds of them), so we need many people with different disabilities to try out little bits of code with different combinations of web browsers, screen readers, assistive technologies, etc.
Participants don't have to know anything about web accessibility or be particularly technical to participate, they just answer simple questions about very simple web pages. And we will reimburse them for their time.
The material is divided into blocks of 20 simple (I hope!) web pages and questions and, for each block completed, you get an Amazon gift voucher for $15.00 (or local equivalent); and people are welcome to do as many blocks as they like.
We are particularly looking for people who are visually disabled (who might use screen readers, screen magnification programs, or enlarge the material on a webpage using the options in their browser or in the operating system), people who are deaf or hard of hearing, those who are dyslexic, and people with physical disabilities; but all disabilities are needed.
You do need to register, but this is simply to find out what combinations of operating system, browser, screen reader, and other devices you use; and so you can be presented with appropriate questions and that we can reimburse you with the appropriate number of gift vouchers. All information you provide is absolutely confidential and anonymous.
You can register by going to: bentoweb.org/amfortas/register.html. You then do the questions by going to bentoweb.org/amfortas/sign-in.html.
This is a small and easy way to have a say in improving the accessibility of the web in the future. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at:
Joe E. Wheaton, Ph.D., A334 Paes building; 305 W. 17th Ave.; Columbus, OH 43210; 614-292- 8313 (voice); 614-292-4255 (FAX); education.osu.edu/jwheaton.
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[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.
In addition, privacy concerns have prompted us to remove postal addresses and phone numbers in many entries and to provide CCB email addresses. For assistance, call the Executive Office at 800-221-6359.
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Please send all address changes to the Executive Office.