September, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The President’s Message
Upcoming MCB Convention
New In The Craft Room
The Candidates’ Corner
Committee Reports
Jim Henderson Member of the Year Award
Affiliate Affairs
The Editorial Eye
The MCB Rhymoceros
From The Lower Lefthand Drawer
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It has been a hot summer, almost as hot as the wheels on my car. It seems as if I have a trip almost every week.
My brother, Roy, and I drove to Louisville for the ACB convention. Many interesting things were discussed such as identifiable money, quiet cars and too many other speakers and ideas to mention. MCB had 59 members attending which is about 20 more than any other state affiliate.
On July 23 and 31, we went to Sedalia for the Personnel Search Committee meetings. The committee interviewed 2 applicants for the Executive Directors job and reviewed the 55 applications for the Administrative Aide position. Our E.D. job guidelines state that the E.D. shall participate in the hiring of the A.A. we did not interview anyone for that position. It's now up to the board of directors to approve our choices.
On August 2, I went to Bolivar for the fund raising sale for the Lake Stockton Area Council of the Blind.
Our office clerk, Christina, was on vacation the week of August 4. Linda Burris graciously volunteered to work in the office for several days. Thanks, Linda.
I will be traveling to West Plains on August 11 to attend their indoor picnic. I am sure that it will be fun. I told them that I would bring the ants. What's a picnic without ants?
The convention is fast approaching. Without an E.D., I will probably be up to my ears with work. I hope we can get the amendments to each affiliate on time. If you are planning to attend the convention, October 9 thru 12, call as early as possible to reserve your hotel room at the Holiday Inn in St. Peters. I hope to see many of you there.
Phyllis Lovett, President
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By the time you read this, pre registration has come and gone however you can still make plans to attend the MCB 2008 Convention by contacting the hotel for your room and registering for the convention on site. This year's convention will be hosted by the St. Charles Council of the Blind. The convention will be held at the Holiday Inn Select in St Peters Missouri. The address is 4341 Veterans Memorial Parkway St. Peters Missouri 63376, Phone (636) 928-1500 to make reservations. Room rates are $65 per night plus tax, be sure to mention that you are with MCB to get these rates. Convention dates are October 9th through 12th. Preregistration is $6 and onsite registration is $12. Preregistration must be postmarked by September 5, 4:00 PM.
The banquet menu is a breast of chicken stuffed with apple and walnut dressing, cranberry sauce, wild and long grain rice, vegetable bouquetiere, dinner salad, hot roll and butter coffee and iced tea. Dessert will be New York style Cheesecake with fruit topping for $25.
Friday's hospitality meal will be a croissant club consisting of ham, turkey, Swiss cheese a crisp strip of bacon, tomato and a leaf of lettuce served with a dinner salad and potato salad coffee iced tea and a slice of apple pie cost will be $4.
Vegetarian and diabetic banquet meals may be arranged please let the office know by September 5th.
Even if you are unable to attend, all sessions will be broadcast over the Internet along with the
Adaptive Technology meeting and the Saturday night banquet. To listen to the convention via the Internet, simply go to: www.moblind.org
When you open that page, the broadcast will begin playing. If there is not a live session at the time you open the page, you will hear music, but the broadcast will start as soon as there is something to broadcast.
For more information you can call, Denny Huff at, 636-262-1383, or email him
at, Denny@GatewayForTheBlind.Com.
Donna Giger has requested volunteers both blind and sighted to help with voting, mike runners and door monitors, contact Donna if you can help 417-866-5778.
Convention Coordinator
Eldon Cox
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I have a new idea for the craft room at the MCB convention. I think we will just call it Used Blind-Aids sale. If you have an aid or appliance for the blind you are not using and would like to sell it, bring it to the craft room. There will be a special table for these items. You must price them and put your name and affiliate on the tag. Be sure to include a list of items and prices so that we can keep the money straight. I hope many of you have crafts and blind related items to bring to the convention.
If an affiliate has a fund raiser, you can put the items in the craft room but you must man your own table.
If you have any questions call 1 877 252-0074.
See you in October.
Phyllis Lovett
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Dear MCB family and friends,
I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for the office of MCB president.
Many of you have expressed your support for me over the years and have strongly encouraged me to once again seek the office of MCB president.
As a result of your continual encouragement, I wish to respectfully announce my candidacy for this most distinguished and prestigious office.
Listed below you will find my credentials, and I hope you will find them to be worthy of your consideration.
Thank you for all of your love and support, and the respect you have expressed towards me as I seek another opportunity to serve you as MCB president.
Work Experience:
Employed at the Independent Living Center in Joplin since May 1996
Community Service:
Currently serving as Chair on the Missouri Assistive Technology Project (MATP) Advisory Council
Currently serving on the 401 Blind Task Force
Currently serving on the Wolfner Advisory Council
Currently serving as MCB Education and Welfare Chairman
Served as president of MCB from October of 2000 to October of 2004
Served asSecond Vice President of MCB in 1999
Served on the Missouri Council of the Blind Budget and Finance committee, and the Search Committee for its Executive Director
Have represented the Missouri Council of the Blind and the American Council of the Blind and the Independent Living Center before state and federal representatives
Represented the Joplin Independent Living Center at the Shared Vision Conference held last August
Served on the Missouri Youth Leadership Forum committee in 1997 and the Governor's Advisory Board for Rehabilitation Services of Missouri
Served as President, first Vice President, membership chairman, board representative, and chaplain of the Southwest Missouri Friendship Council of the Blind and Youth Services Chairman of the Missouri Council of the Blind
Represented Wichita Industries and Services for the Blind of Pittsburg, Kansas at the Sedgwick County Planning Event for developmental and physically disabled persons in March of 1995
Served as co-chairman of the Joplin ADA Access Committee in 1996 also served as chairman of the subcommittee on signage, interpretations, and public notices of the Joplin ADA Access Committee 1997
Served as chairman of the Joplin Public Library Access Committee
Served on the Board of Directors for the Independent Living Center in Joplin
Should you wish any additional information, you might want to visit the MCB web page at www.moblind.org and link on the Chronicle link and then on the archives link for the September 2000 issue of the Chronicle to get a more complete list of my credentials.
Thank you again for looking favorably upon my quest to be your next MCB president.
Hoping to see many of you in October.
Best regards,
Chip Hailey
Dear MCB members,
My name is Gregg Hollins. I am seeking support in the up-coming elections for the office of President.
Many of you already know who I am; however, I would like to take a few moments of your time to tell you a little about myself. I have been a member of MCB for over 20 years and I reside in Kansas City. I am proud to be a member of Allied Workers for the Blind (AWB), which is one of the two MCB affiliates in Kansas City. I have four lovely children (two boys, and two girls), ages twenty five, twenty one, nineteen, and eighteen and I also have two beautiful granddaughters, ages six and three.
I have a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of DeVry, Kansas City. I am self-employed as a contracted rehab engineer with Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. I also provide a variety of computer services for small businesses and residents in the Kansas City area.
During my tenure with MCB I have had the distinct pleasure to twice serve as AWB’S Board representative, Education and Welfare representative, as well as serving as the local Convention Coordinator. I have served on the Strategic Planning committee and have performed a variety of other duties within MCB.
This past June, I completed my third term as president of AWB. In the recent past I have served AWB as Vice President Parliamentarian, Public Relations chairperson, Fundraising chair, and one term as Membership committee chair.
I am currently serving my 6th year on the Resolutions committee for ACB. I have also served on both the ACB Research/Development and Information Access committees. Currently, I am working with the ACB Convention Coordinator, Carla Ruschival along with MCB’s own Eldon Cox in an attempt to bring the National convention to Kansas City in 2011.
Additional volunteer experiences:
- Secretary of State’s Advisory Board on Disabilities
- Advisory Board for CBLV (now Alphapointe’s CBLV)
- Adventure Fitness, (a Camp Fire Youth affiliate for Blind and Visually Impaired children)
- Coach (both head coach and assistant) for Little League Football, Baseball, Soccer, and Basketball (YMCA of KC and Raytown Sports Association)
- Board Member with Raytown Sports Association as Commissioner of Football, Vice Commissioner of Football and Rules & Officiating Committee member and Parliamentarian to the Executive Board
- Cleveland Health Care (Retirement Home) – activities volunteer
- John Knox Village Retirement Community – activities volunteer
- DeVry University in Kansas City: Future Business Leaders member; AITP (student chapter) Vice President, Parliamentarian, and National Collegiate Conference local co-coordinator (2000 conference in KC)
In closing, I believe it is important for you to know that while I’ve been busy at the state level in Missouri, I have also been involved on the national level, crafting resolutions dealing with critical legislative issues. These are issues that will encompass life-changing experiences for all people who are blind or visually impaired. Many of you are aware of the current ADA Restoration legislation now being proposed, i.e. the Telecommunications Act. These and other issues important to MCB are of the highest priority to me and I will endeavor to advocate for, unify, and strengthen this organization.
I would be happy to meet with any of our affiliates so that we can get to know each other better, or any of you are more than welcome to contact me by phone at (816) 931-5151 or email me at gregghollins@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions or concerns you would like to address. Thank you for your kind attention and have a blessed day.
Sincerely,
Gregg Hollins
As our convention draws near we are considering officers for positions which will become vacant this year. One of these is secretary.
I am willing to serve in that position if the membership so desires.
Why do I want to serve? It is my belief that it is my responsibility to be a positive influence in our state chapter. To me this means serving wherever I am needed and wanted. I am currently a board representative, treasurer of the Adaptive Technology Interest Group and chair person of the Adaptive Technology Matching Grant Program.
Why should you be interested in me filling the secretary position? I have the skills to meet the requirements of the job because of my past experience. In the past 44 years I have filled positions in organizations and companies and agencies ranging from sergeant at arms to chairman of the board of a multi-million dollar company.
It is critical that whoever the secretary is they take careful concise and accurate minutes. This is the record which is referred to any time there is a question regarding a previous meeting, decision or disagreement.
I believe I can serve you well if you so desire and would be honored to do so.
Franklin Johnson
Concerned Members Conference Call
A group of concerned members of MCB have begun a monthly conference call designed to talk about issues facing this organization. It will also be a time for anyone that would like to have some of their questions answered by allowing them to pose those questions to any of the officers and board members that might participate in the conference call.
This conference call is not sanctioned by, nor is it sponsored by MCB, but rather organized by some of the members.
Anyone is welcome to call in and participate. All that we ask is that courtesy is given to each other. In no way will bashing or personal attacks be allowed. This is a time for discussion and suggestions on how to make MCB a better organization.
To participate call: 616-712-8000 and when asked for the pass code, enter: 250486#.
The designated host of the conference call is Chip Hailey and he has shown himself to be a very good moderator on the past two conference calls that have been held.
The next conference call is scheduled for Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 pm. Each subsequent conference call will be held at 2:00 pm on each third Sunday of each month. The September conference call will be set aside for candidates of the upcoming election of MCB at the October convention to take questions and give their platform for the office they are running for.
We hope that many of you will join with us for the conference call.
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Education and Welfare Committee
Dear MCB family and friends,
On Sunday morning, July 6, 2008, I attended the American Council of the blind Legislative Seminar at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky just before the opening session that evening of the ACB National Convention.
Melanie Brunson, ACB Executive Director, reported that The U.S. Treasury Department has been discriminating because it has failed to design and issue paper currency that is readily distinguishable by people who are blind. She said that on May 20, 2008, a federal appeals court ruled By a 2-1 vote, to uphold the ruling by U.S. District Judge James Robertson in a lawsuit filed by the American Council of the Blind (ACB) against the U.S. Treasury Department. ACB accused the department and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson of violating the Rehabilitation Act, which was meant to ensure that people with disabilities can live independently and fully participate in society. She said the appeals court rejected the Treasury Department's arguments that making currency accessible would impose an undue burden on the government, and sent the case back to Robertson to address the group's request for relief. She said this was a tremendous victory for ACB.
We had also heard from Jeffrey A. Lovitky, Attorney At Law, on Tuesday morning during the general session regarding this matter as well.
It was also reported that in late June, 2008, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch increased the funding for the
Talking Book program operated by the Library of Congress. The House Appropriations Subcommittee allocated $34.5 million for the Talking Book program. This amount will allow the Library of Congress to complete the conversion of the collection of Talking Books to a digital format within three years and provide for the manufacture of special machines to play the new books. The funding provided, if approved by the Senate, will ensure that new machines are distributed to the program's patrons well before the antiquated cassette machines they are currently using can wear out, as well as giving patrons access to thousands of titles in the new digital format.
Tom Latham, the ranking member of the subcommittee, said: "The Talking Book program is a critical service of the Library of Congress that provides blind Americans with the reading materials they need for education, professional development, and leisure. The subcommittee was pleased that it was able to allocate sufficient funds to advance the conversion of Talking Books to newer, more advanced technology that will serve the needs of the program's patrons for years to come." We also heard from Frank Kurt Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; and Dr. Edmund O'Reilly, Collection Development Section Head, Materials Development division, Library of congress, Washington, DC on Wednesday morning of the general session on this matter as well.
Eric Bridges, ACB's Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, reported that H.R.6320 was introduced June 19, 2008 by Reps. Edward J. Markey and Heather Wilson to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to emerging Internet Protocol-based communication and video programming technologies in the 21st Century. He urged ACB members to please call at least five Democrats and five Republicans and explain that we want accessible and usable phone and television services for people with disabilities! He also asked that we thank Representative Markey and Representative Wilson for sponsoring this bill.
REGARDING THE DIGITAL TELEVISION (DTV) TRANSITION: It was reported that after February 17, 2009, all full-power broadcast television stations will broadcast in digital format only.
The DTV transition will provide broadcasters with a greater number of audio channels with which they may provide voluntary video description.
Digital-to-analog converter boxes are not required to process all associated audio services broadcast by a DTV station, so consumers should check with manufacturers and retailers to learn more about whether specific digital-to-analog converter boxes are able to provide video descriptions.
If purchasing a digital television or digital-to-analog converter box, consumers should ask the manufacturer or retailer how audio streams are accessed, and whether the remote control and on-screen menus are accessible to individuals with vision disabilities. We had also heard from Kathie Klass, Ombudsman, Television Converter Coupon Program, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, US Department of Commerce, Washington, DC, on Wednesday morning of the general session on this issue as well. Melanie Brunson had also reported that Eric Bridges would be serving as the American Council of the Blind representative on the FCC's Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC).
As ACB's representative, Eric will help the Committee to ensure that all Americans will have access to modern communications services.
We were also given an update on H.R. 5734, The Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2008.
It was reported that we currently have more than thirty Members of the House of Representatives listed as cosponsors, and Congressmen Towns and Stearns have sent a letter to Congressman John Dingell, Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, asking for hearings on this bill. We were told that we must increase our cosponsor support on this legislation to show Chairman Dingell that this issue is important to members of the House. We were urged to call our members of Congress and ask him or her to join as a cosponsor of HR 5734.
On SUNDAY, JULY 6, Monday, July 7, and Tuesday, July 8, ACB convention attendees were able to experience a quiet car demonstration.
Blind Pension update: Here's an e-mail that I received from Debbie Greider on July 1, 2008.
“Hi Chip: I wanted to give you an update on the appeal. We were asked by the staff attorney at the Missouri Court of Appeals to furnish some additional materials, which we did. The Attorney
General then asked the Missouri Court of Appeals for an extension of time to file its brief, informing the Court that the attorney in charge of the appeal had left the Attorney General's Office, and he
(Mark Long) would be taking over. The attorney (Mark Long) said that in view of the fact that he was taking over for someone else and the brief was over 100 pages long, he needed some extra
time. The Court gave him until July 31st to file the State's brief. Then, we will have to prepare and file a reply brief. The Court has still not indicated whether it will want oral argument or not, but I cannot imagine that it will not want to hear oral argument. So, right now it is hurry up and wait. When we get the brief from the Attorney General, I will be sure that you receive a copy.
All the best,
Debbie Greider”
I would like to thank Debbie and the staff of the Thomas E. Kennedy Law Office for all of their tireless work on behalf of MCB and all of the individuals on the Blind Pension roll.
I would also like to thank MCB for all of its support this past legislative year. We will be looking forward to seeing many of you at our state convention in October in St. Peters. May God continue to bless MCB in all of its endeavors.
Respectfully, Chip HaileyMCB Education and Welfare Chairman
Wolfner Advisory Council
May 16, 2008: I wish to apologize for the brevity of this report. During the Council meeting of May 16th, my notetaker locked up and refused to allow me to use it, my tape recorder quit working and I was left in the lurch. You can just imagine my frustration.
It was hoped that the digital talking book machines would be handed out to a selected few this summer. That has not come about and this date is put off until December. So, we have that to look forward to.
We hope as we transition to our new digital talking book system in the next few years that we can all be patient as the Wolfner staff and all of us learn how to deal with all these changes. Many of you can remember the changes from disk to cassette and that memory will help you in this new transition. We are very proud of our Wolfner staff for all the planning, decision-making and hours they are putting in to make this transition as
smooth as possible. Hats off to our Wolfner Library Director, Richard Smith, and to his most capable staff
Judith Hawley
(Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game and dumb enough to think it's important.)
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There were three nominations this year for the Jim Henderson Member of the Year Award. They were: Larry Szarzynski from Real Independence Through Employment; Pat Fleurdelis from the River City Workers for the Blind; and this year’s winner, Bill Godwin, a long-time member of the River City Workers in Cape Girardeau. Bill will be presented with a plaque along with a check for $100.00 from the St. Louis Council of the Blind.
It is a distinct honor to have your name submitted by your affiliate, and we say a big congratulations to all three of these nominees.
Asked to write a composition entitled, "What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving," little Johnny wrote, "I'm thankful that I'm not a turkey."
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Over, Around and Across Missouri
Let’s Find Out What’s Happening Where
ATI News
I want to encourage you to join us this year at our annual ATI, Adaptive Technology Inc., meeting at the MCB convention in October. The meeting will be at 5:15 pm on Friday, October 10. This year we will be electing a president and a secretary. The nominating committee has nominated me, Denny Huff to serve a second two year term and Rhonda Dycus to fill the expired two terms of Beverly Kaskadden as secretary. Nominations will also be taken from the floor.
I would like to extend my great appreciation to Beverly Kaskadden for her service as secretary over the past 4 years. She did a great job and will be very difficult to replace. Thanks Beverly!
Our guest speaker this year will be a representative from Tap for Telephone. He will be telling us what phones are available through this state program for the visually impaired.
We have increased the amount of money allowed to spend on door prizes this year. This promises to be, as always, a fun time with the chance to pick up some really nice prizes. In order to be eligible you will need to become a member of ATI. The dues are $5.00 per year and includes a subscription to the Adaptive Messenger put out twice a year. The messenger contains some very informative information that is beneficial to the blind and visually impaired. Not only computer related items are included, but everyday items for everyone.
I have also put together a CD packed full of freeware and shareware applications that are speech friendly and designed to make computing easier in performing various tasks. This CD will be given to all members registering at the annual meeting during the convention.
Our refurbished computer program has had a good start this year with the placement of five computers. I hope that the recipients of those computer systems have found them to be beneficial and that they are utilizing them to make their life more productive.
The Adaptive Technology room at this year’s convention promises to be bigger and better than ever before. There are going to be not only some familiar faces represented, but some new ones, also. Please take the time to stop by and visit these vendors who have volunteered their time to come and be a part of the convention. We will have a special door prize for someone that visits the vendors this year. Believe me, it will be worth your while to stop in and visit.
Hope to see you at the convention this year and, we’d love to have you as a part of the Adaptive Technology special interest affiliate.
Denny Huff - President
Steve Schnelle - Vice President
Beverly Kaskadden - Secretary
Franklin Johnson - Treasurer
Blind of Central MO
Hello to Everyone from Sedalia,
When you receive this chronicle fall will be near,
We hope everyone is having a great year.
Our outreach picnic was a big success. We had around 50 members and guests. We didn't get to ride the little train because it is being worked on.
We had the drawing for our 50 50 raffle. Half of the money went to the winner and the other half went in our treasury. Someone from Warrensburg won the money.
We have 2 new members in our club: Joe Morgan is blind, and lives in Odessa, MO; Dorothy Saucier is blind, and is staying with us temporarily. Congratulations, Joe and Dorothy and welcome to our club.
One of our members, Alicia Starner, has a new guide dog.
We had a great time at camp. Richard Howard wasn't able to attend camp because of being in the hospital. He is back home now after almost a weeks stay in the hospital. Hopefully he and his mom will be able to attend camp in September.
We hope that everyone has many great months ahead.
Until next time, keep your smile, and a song in your heart. And if you can't be good, be good at it.
Trudy Blood
Recording Secretary
Joplin Service Club
Please forgive our absence in last quarter’s chronicle. Talk about time flying, last deadline flew right past us.
We continue to hold our regular Tuesday lunches and social activities. We have been averaging approximately 40 at each of these meetings.
We are still holding our monthly Support Group meetings. They have been very beneficial to those persons who are struggling with recent loss of sight.
In May we had a group that attended the White Cane Walk in Springfield and Mary Lou Reeves won 1st Place for collecting $212.00 for the Missouri Lion’s Eye Research Foundation. Mary Lou, we are proud of you!! Way to go!!
Also in May our monthly dinner was hosted by the Delta Gamma Sorority and entertainment was provided.
In June we had a big group (16 to be exact) who went to camp this year. They really had a great time!! Our group really appreciates those in charge of the camp activities. They do a marvelous job of planning.
Our monthly dinner in June was hosted by Foxberry Terrace, an assisted living facility, and they hired “Elvis” to come and entertain. Everyone said he made them feel young again.
We are sad to report that recently Naomi Miller and Helen Walkinshaw passed away. They both will really be missed.
The July Monthly dinner was hosted by the First Presbyterian Church and our own Bruce Phillips entertained. Everyone had an enjoyable evening.
Bill Boyd had a mini stroke after returning home from camp. He is doing much better now and is back with us on Tuesday’s for lunch.
At our June meeting we welcomed two new members, John Conrow, and Penny Elam.
We’ll clip the wings of “Father Time” so the next deadline doesn’t fly past us again. Till next time…………………………….
Bill Boyd and Stephanie Mann
Missouri Guide Dog Users
Greetings from the Missouri Guide Dog Users
Convention time is quickly approaching. This is the last notice for our Breakfast on Friday, October 10th at 7 am. Please let me know by September 10th if you are attending.
We will be electing officers and making suggestions for ways to use some of the money that the estate of Alice Gann has so graciously donated to our organization.
I am looking forward to seeing each one of you at the convention.
Mary Lee Pendleton
President
E-mail: mpendleton@mchsi.com
Phone: 816 629 4807
Lake Stockton Area Council
Sunny Smiles to All from Lake Stockton
Whether it’s the warmth of the summer, the chill of the fall, the snow of the winter or the rebirth of the spring, each season is incredible. Hope you had an incredible summer.
Maxine Moore from Stockton is our newest member. She joined our affiliate in July.
In May, Garland Brich, Willa Hood, Robert and Teresa Evans attended the White Cane Walk at Phelps Grove Park in Springfield. This was Garland’s first White Cane Walk. He reported an enjoyable time. Thank you, Springfield Service Club, for inviting us to be part of this worthwhile endeavor of giving support to the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation.
Several of our members have been having health issues including two that spent several days in the hospital. Sue Thomas and Robert Evans both endured serious surgeries, but are now, at this writing, recuperating at home.
That Bill Deaton has been at it again. Some of his latest wooden creations have been the “south-end” of a Dalmatian (looks like the dog has his head down digging in the yard or garden), a life-like bulldog, and a couple of cats. Rumor has it that some of these critters will make an appearance in the craft room at this year’s convention.
Fun and games, friends and food were just a few of the things that summer camp attendees enjoyed while at Cobblestone. That was the story that Ellen Bell, Willa Hood, Harry Hickman, Robert and Teresa Evans were telling upon return from their June visit. Ellen had not attended summer camp before and was delighted to make so many new friends. She said that there was food, food, food, and more food and that she even brought home some trophies. It was a great time for all the campers.
“Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the one’s who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it. Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you can’t get them back. So I’m gonna tie you to my heart so I never lose you.”
Linda Dawes,
Secretary
Library Users of Missouri
Dues were due in June and should be paid as soon as possible. The dues are $5.00 per person. If your dues are not paid by the time of the MCB convention, you will be required to pay the full price of the breakfast. If your dues are paid, you will only pay $5.00 for the breakfast.
Our breakfast meeting will be held on Saturday, October 11, at 7 a.m. The room has not been announced by the hotel but it will be in the convention agenda. I hope to see many of you there.
This is also our election year so if you want to serve the Library Users as an officer, call me or Paul Mathews. My number is 1 877 252-0074.
Phyllis Lovett,
President of LUM.
Progressive Council of the Blind
We have elected our new slate of officers. Barbara Dewberry is our new President while Alice Valdez and Hank Pearse hold Vice-Presidential positions. Our new Treasurer is Donna Wight, and our new Secretary is Valorie Stanard. Eldon Cox serves as our new board representative. Mary Pendleton chairs our legislative committee.
Thanks to all who purchased beef jerky at the national convention. Terrie Arnold and Patricia Reyes sold dozens of bags at the ACB main convention meeting room. WE look forward to further fund raising efforts at the state convention and beyond.
David Rosenkoetter--chairman,
public relations
Queen City Council
Greetings to everyone!
Hope you have had an enjoyable summer.
Ozark Association and Queen city joined together on a project to help blind children in Nicaragua. President, Linda Coccovizzo, appointed a special committee to find what we need. After
checking several places, we were able to get the following: 6 janes interline slate, kits wity 3 by 5 cards, 20 slate and stylus kits with Braille paper, 4 wide line paper, tablets with sharpie pens, 1 20 20 pen, 4 36 inch white canes, 2 48 inch white canes, 10 talking watches-Spanish, 5 sheets with touch dots, 2 decks of playing cards, 5 Braille
rulers, 11 signature guides and 50 Braille alphabet cards. It was a delight completing this project.
On July 12, we held our annual picnic in the park for the blind children. We served pizza, cookies and pop. It was a success and everyone enjoyed themselves!
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Tuso
(The older I get, the faster I was!)
The RITE Report
Hello from Rite,
By the time you are reading this we will be in the beginning of autumn, and making arrangements to go to the convention. It seems like summer sped by this year. You know the old saying that the older one gets the faster time flies. Oh well, smile.
As I write this some of our members are at camp, and we hope they are having a wonderful time.
On August the 23rd rite will host a picnic in Wilmore Park. Everyone is invited to attend but we ask that you bring a covered dish, with food in it, of course, and whatever you would like to drink. There will be games and a lot of friendly conversation.
We will have our annual hayride in Forest park in early November. This is something we have done for the past several years. There will be more information concerning time and a place to meet closer to the time of the event.
I have to tell you this story about the Trapasso family. They went downtown on the 4th of July to see the fire works. On the way home they were waiting on Kings Highway for a bus about 12/30 in the morning. A policewoman pulled up and asked if they were all right. They told her they were waiting for a bus. She informed them that no more busses ran that late. She told them to get in the car and she would take them home. We have been teasing them about being picked up by the police. All kidding aside, it was nice of the police woman to offer them a ride.
If all goes well, I will be going to Oregon soon to get a guide dog. This is not a hasty decision. I have thought about it for several years. Since I lost all my sight I have lost a lot of independence. If anyone has any advice for me they can reach me at bmag45@fidnet.com. I would welcome any advice or pointers you can give me.
This about wraps up our report for this time. We'll see most of you at the convention in October. God bless you and your families.
Warm blessings,
Bunny Maginnis
Springfield Service Club
On May 17, our annual White Cane Walk was attended by 43 people. $614 was raised for the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation in Columbia. We appreciate the support of everyone who attended and / or contributed to the event's success financially or in some other way. Next year’s White Cane Walk is scheduled for May 16.
In July, four of our club members attended the ACB convention in Louisville. As usual, there were many opportunities for education and relaxation as well as participating in ACB business.
Janelle Edwards, Secretary
Southwest Missouri Friendship
Council of the Blind
May: Our group assembled at the Webb City Senior Center on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 for our monthly meeting. Franklin Johnson stated that the pre-registration and registration date cut-off was September 5th. The cost of the Banquet would be $25.00 and the Hospitality meal would be $4.00. Franklin also reported that the board had voted to increase both Franklins and Linda Gerkins budget and that mileage reimbursement had increased to 60 cents per mile. A Board Meeting would be held October 9th. Our group was also informed of convention details and the White Cane Walk; which would take place on the 17th in Springfield.
The club voted to hold the monthly Social at Kings Palace in Joplin on Monday, the3rd at 7:00p.m. The event took place and everyone enjoyed the meal and companionship.
June: Our group assembled on Tuesday, June 3rd., at the Webb City Senior Center.
The group was informed regarding the search for an Executive Director. We were also informed that members could pre-register for the convention on-line. The group voted to meet at Jim Bob's in Joplin for our social event on Monday, June 16th. A covered dish dinner and games were discussed for our social next month.
July: Our group met on Tuesday, July 11th. at the Webb City Senior Center. Our group was briefed on the status of the Executive Director's position. We heard about the status of the Blind Pension and were given phone numbers to be able to voice our questions and concerns. An Election Committee was formed to nominate individuals to fill positions in November. Committee members are: Harold Poiry (Chair), Jan Whitmer and Rita Galbraith.
We were also informed that members needed to have dues in by August 8th.
We voted to have our Covered Dish Dinner on Monday, July 14th, and members signed up to bring various food items.
We all assembled on the 14th for the Covered Dish Dinner. Everyone enjoyed the food and the company of others. Harold and Alice Poiry brought a guest named Dan; who entertained us with a song he had composed. All had a good time.
Jan Whitmer is very excited about her upcoming cruise to Alaska in September. She will be taking her first air flight and first cruise. Hope you have a great time, Jan!
Let me close with the following quote by Gandhi: “Happiness depends on what you can give, not what you can get.”
Cathie Brauner,
Public Relations
(After all is said and done,
More is usually said than done.)
St. Louis Council of the Blind
First of all we want to extend our congratulations to the nominees for this year’s Jim Henderson Member of the Year Award. I refer you to the article elsewhere in this magazine to find out who is this year’s winner.
Our club extends a very warm welcome to our newest members, Donald Bowen and Matt Kenison. It’s really nice to have you as a part of our group!
We have some really nice shirts for sale at the convention this year. These are not T-shirts, but are very nice polo shirts for either men or women in your choice of red, yellow, tangerine, dark blue, light blue or white. They are available in sizes small, medium, large and extra large, and sell for $20.00 each. Above the pocket is written the words: Missouri Council of the Blind. They will be available in the Craft Room, but to ensure that you get the size and color you would like, it would be best to get your order in ahead of time by calling (314) 863-6353.
See you in October.
Bill Benson, president
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By the time you read this all students will have long since gone back to school. Even so, it seemed like the right time of year for this guest editorial by Ian Hamilton:
I suspect I'm out of line with other disabled people when I say that integrated education doesn't work well for the majority of blind children. Personally, I believe that the drive to integrate blind children into mainstream schools has more to do with political dogma than providing visually impaired pupils with a rounded education. I can speak with a little authority, as I've experienced three different flavors of our education system: mainstream primary education, a specialist secondary school for a range of children with various disabilities and, lastly, a college education aimed exclusively at visually impaired students. So I've been on the receiving end of the entire array of educational experiences.
Admittedly, it was some years ago. However, I'm in no doubt which one I preferred, and, more crucially, the one I benefited most from both educationally and socially. The Royal National College for the Blind was the best for me. It is an institution aimed not only at academia but also towards developing a person who can function as independently as possible in their own local community setting. They do this by focusing on mobility, daily living skills, social skills and academic qualifications. Crucially, it was the support of a peer group that I missed throughout my primary and secondary education. It wasn't until the age of 18 that I met other people who had a significant visual loss like my own. Until then, I felt like the only blind boy in the village. Meeting and finding out about the world with other visually impaired people was vital for me to understand my own value. It helped me to learn about how blind people operate.
For example, the first time I was able to play football with other blind people was an incredible experience. On that occasion, there was a bell in the ball to help us play the game. Now I felt part of the team rather than hanging about the edges hoping that the ball would just suddenly find me. As a blind person in a sighted school, I would never have got into the school football team.
I was also taught mobility skills in order to move around safely using a white cane. The college also started to teach me Braille. As an 18-year-old, it was far too late- I should have been taught how to use this from the age of five. I was also shown
how to look after myself; how to cook, clean - and navigate home while under the influence of alcohol (a skill that wasn't on the college prospectus, but one that was passed on from one generation of blind student to the next).
There has been no evidence in recent years to change my opinion that a specialist education for blind children is not superior. Blind children need to be taught that they have a rightful place in the visual world, and also to have confidence that they are being taught the right range of skills from as young an age as possible. Being the only blind person in the classroom with a talking computer and a classroom assistant only highlights the fact that you are different from everyone else. Peer support is vital.
Now, I'm deliberately saying "blind", as opposed to those children who are "partially sighted" and have some useful vision. These children can gain a great deal from a mainstream education, but for those of us who have little or no vision, the experience can be frustrating and isolating. The difficulty is that it all comes down to individual circumstances. For example, the involvement of parents by giving them proper information and choices; how confident the child feels about their blindness; does the school have the proper resources in place to support a blind child; and do they have a positive attitude to make integration within the classroom actually happen?
To underline my argument for specialist education, I like to compare schools that specialize in subjects for high achievers in sport and music. These children have to travel many miles every day in order to get every opportunity to focus on
their talents with the best coaches and teachers. Why can't we see blindness as a talent that has to be mastered and ensure that all resources are gathered together to hone that talent?
As a society, we must be cautious not to force children into their local school because of specific labels, such as disability, special needs and integration. Disabled children are not a homogenous group and have different specialist needs. Politicians tell us that mainstream education is what the disabled community wants. That's certainly the formal view of the disability movement. However, I hear from more and more blind people that perhaps integration has not
enhanced blind children's education; that the mainstream classroom is full of visual influences that exclude blind children. Glancing up and down from the blackboard to paper is not equalized by using a talking computer: the learning experience is utterly different.
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Two antennas fell in love and
Married. To be specific
The ceremony wasn’t much;
But the reception was terrific!
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INFO ABOUT AREA CODE: Bev Armstrong posted the following warning.
“We actually received a call last week from the 809 area code. The woman said 'Hey, this is Karen . Sorry I missed you--get back to us quickly. I have something important to tell you.' Then she repeated a phone number beginning with 809 We didn't respond. Then this week, we received the following e-mail: Do Not DIAL AREA CODE 809, 284, AND 876. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE809. This one is being distributed all over the US. This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get you to call. Be sure you read this and pass it on. They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family member who has been ill or to tell you someone has been arrested, died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc. In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away. Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls. If you call from the U.S., you will apparently be charged $2425 per-minute. Or, you'll get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges. Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be charged more than $24,100.00. WHY IT WORKS: The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (The Bahamas). The charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That's because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong. Please tell all your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam.”
HEALTH TIP: The 5 Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
Do You Know Them? I have to admit when I read an article (in Shape Magazine) that 69 percent of all people don't know all five of the classic heart attack symptoms, I was pretty surprised. That is, until I realized I didn't know them all. With heart disease affecting more people, it's rising among younger people and women, not to mention those you'd "expect" to be stricken, it's important for all of us to learn what these telltale signs are. Do you know them? 1. Pain or pressure in the chest. 2. Shortness of breath. 3. Pulsating pain in the jaw, neck or back. 4. Feelings of weakness or light-headedness. 5. Radiating pain in the arms or shoulders. Did you know them or just a few? Try to keep these in mind. But most importantly... regardless of how resilient and invincible
you believe you are, if you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, give your doctor (or emergency personnel) a call in a hurry.
Getting Around By Sound: This ultrasonic device is designed to assist the visually impaired to perceive their surroundings in the same way that a flashlight enables sighted people to see in the dark. Just as a naval sonar allows mariners to make perceptions about the underwater environment, the k-sonar allows the visually impaired to make perceptions about their surroundings that otherwise would not be possible. By listening to the sounds that the k-sonar produces, the visually impaired can determine, not only the distance and location of an object, but can also learn about its features and achieve object recognition. Headphones (like with an mp3 player) provide audio feedback to the user. The pitch of the sound changes proportionately as the user moves to indicate the distance to the object being "scanned". The k-sonar unit can be used independently or attached to the golf grip handle of a cane. £485.00 delivered to your U K door
Get Your Application In: Jan Creighton wrote to say, “Perhaps I've finally found my dream job as a blind person! This was an actual advertisement in a newspaper for a job in England last Friday. Even I can't advocate a blind person in this job no matter how hard I try! Here's an actual cut and paste from a daily newspaper in England:
“Air traffic controller wanted... application available in Braille. AM ET small British airport advertised for an air traffic controller and offered those interested an application pack in Braille, media reported Friday. According to the website for Saint Mary's Airport on the Isles of Scilly, off the southwest tip of England, controllers need to be able to keep a close eye on the changeable weather as their work "is not over-dependent upon very costly and sophisticated electronic equipment". But applicants for the job could still ask for an application pack in large type, Braille or audio format, newspapers said. A spokesman for the local council said the wording was included on all job advertisements, while the Royal National Institute for the Blind praised its "good practice".
More Good News: Our ACB Director of Governmental Affairs has been invited to represent our interests as a member of the Federal Communications Commission's Consumer Advisory Committee. This allows us an opportunity to provide input regarding communication barriers on a very significant level.
(The next six or so items come to us from the Michigan Council of the Blind’s quarterly newsletter):
“”Label It! - Braille & Audio Strategies for Identifying Items at Home & Work, a book by Judith M. Dixon. In Braille and PortaBook, $10 from National Braille Press. For more information visit www.nbp.org or call them toll-free (888) 965-8965.”
“Full-Page Braille Slate: Letter-Size, 25 Lines and 28 Cells, $19.95. Braille a Whole Page at once. Those of us who have this item love it. Available from Future Aids, The Braille Superstore by calling 1-800-987-1231.”
“Traditional Light Bulbs are on the way out, and some people with vision problems are up in arms since they can't easily tolerate the new fangled
Fluorescents. As part of the energy bill passed last year, lawmakers phased out traditional bulbs in favor of longer lasting Compact Fluorescent bulbs. These fluorescent bulbs are better in many ways. They last longer, use less electricity and throw off less heat. Consumers will reportedly save about
$30 over the life of each bulb. Be careful if you break one, though, because they do contain a small amount of mercury. Another downfall to
these bulbs is you can't just throw them out in your regular garbage due to the hazardous mercury. Consult your local recycle center to find out where
to take bulbs that are burned out.”
“Sharing: FamilyConnectTM – is an online, multimedia community for parents and guardians of children with visual impairments. Located at:
www.familyconnect.org. FamilyConnect gives parents access to message boards where they can talk to other parents, compelling videos featuring real-life families, parenting articles, a mom-authored blog, a glossary of more than 30 eye conditions, and links to local resources. The site also features sections dedicated to multiple disabilities, technology, education, and every age group from infants to teens.”
“Breakthrough: Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) Gene Therapy Restores Sight From Gordon Gund, FFB Chairman and Co-Founder:
Three young adults who were nearly blind can now see thanks to a landmark gene therapy clinical study taking place at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Simply put: These nearly blind young adults are now able to see thanks to research funded in part by the FFB. The study participants, all of whom have a severe form of retinitis pigmentosa known as Leber congenital amaurosis or LCA, can now read several lines on an eye chart and see in a dimly lit setting. One participant can even navigate an obstacle course that he couldn't before. The investigative team is optimistic that the therapy will give near normal vision to children with LCA. Their next step is to study the treatment in younger patients. This is great news for all people affected by retinal degenerative diseases. The breakthrough paves the way for the development of gene therapies to treat a wide variety of retinal conditions including: Other forms of LCA, many forms of retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, and age-related macular degeneration.”
Labeling Tips From AFB: Many people with a visual impairment find that using labels or markers on their canned goods, appliances, clothing, files, and more helps them navigate their home more easily and reduces the time they spend looking for what they need. There's no wrong way to label. The most important thing when labeling is to come up with a system that works for you. The Older Blind Grant Program at the AFB’s seniorsite Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI), offers the following suggestions to get you started: Carry preprinted address labels with you so that when you need to fill out a form that asks for your address, such as the doctor's office, You will have pre-printed self-adhesive address labels at the ready. An easy way to label clothing if you are having trouble differentiating between similar colors is to take the tags out of one color. For instance, if you can't see the difference between navy blue and black, remove the tags only from the blue clothing. You will know that clothes with no tags are blue! Use raised bumps with a sticky back to mark different keys on your key ring for easy tactual or visual identification. Brightly colored plastic beads are great for labeling. Run a rubber band through the bead's hole, loop it to form a knot, then put the rubber band/bead around items such as medicine bottles or cans of vegetables. Use different combinations of colors or number of beads to distinguish between different items.
To differentiate between your shampoo and conditioner, wrap a rubber band around your shampoo bottle. It is easy to remove and reuse on a new bottle and won't dissolve or peel away in the water like a self-adhesive label. For more on labeling in the kitchen, see
http://www.afb.org/seniorsite.asp?SectionID=65&TopicID=299&DocumentID=3244Your Kitchen.
You can find tips on labeling your prescription and over-the-counter medications in the Medication Management article. http://www.afb.org/seniorsite.
Attention MSB Alumni: The Alumni Association of the Missouri School for the Blind invites interested parties to call a recently instituted phone number for messages and announcements which will change regularly. The number to call is: (641) 715-3900. When you are asked for an extension number, enter the school’s address 3815.
Suggestion From Deanna Noriega:
I just signed an important letter to presidential nominees John McCain and Barack Obama. I asked both candidates to make sure people with pre-existing conditions are included in their plans for quality, affordable health care for all. I hope you will stand with me and sign, too. People who already have a health problem, called a "pre-existing condition," may have a hard time getting health insurance that will cover their needs. Plans may refuse to sell policies, charge premiums that are much higher than those charged to healthy people, or require you to pay premiums for months or years before they will cover treatment for your pre-existing condition -- known as "pre-existing condition exclusion." We need to make sure our new president takes a stand against this discriminatory practice. Join me by signing the petition here:
http://standupforhealthcare.org/page/s/petition
Thanks!
Message From Samuel Podberesky Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings: “In August 2002, my office, the Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings (Enforcement Office), established a toll free number that consumers who experience disability related air travel problems may use to obtain information and assistance. ,which is staffed
from 7 am to 11 pm local time in Washington, D.C., seven days a week, provides general information to consumers about the rights of air travelers with disabilities and assists air travelers in resolving time-sensitive disability-related issues that need to be addressed in real time. Unfortunately, many members of the public are still not aware of the existence of the hotline and as a result the hotline is not being sufficiently used. At this time, the Enforcement Office asks that you advise members of your respective organizations about the existence of an aviation consumer disability toll-free hotline and encourage them to call the hotline if they should experience disability-related air service problems. The toll-free number for the hotline is: 1-800-778-4838 (voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY). The Enforcement Office is committed to improving the quality of air transportation for people with disabilities and believes that with your help the toll-free hotline can be a major step towards accomplishing this goal.”
Popular Sweetener Is Toxic For Dogs: USA Today reported that gum with xylitol can cause liver failure in dogs. A sugar substitute found in a variety of sugar-free and dietetic cookies, mints and chewing gum is proving highly toxic, even fatal, to snack-snatching dogs. Xylitol, popular in Europe for decades but a relative newcomer to the U.S. alternative-sweeteners market, can be "very, very serious" to dogs when ingested. "It doesn't take a whole lot (of xylitol), and the effects are so rapid that the window of opportunity to treat the dog is extremely small," says Donna Farbman of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ASPCA sent an advisory to veterinarians last August warning them about the potential for serious harm or death. Veterinarians have used a variety of means to get the word out, including posting signs in their offices and making copies of the bulletin for clients to augment the caution the ASPCA has posted on its website. Within 30 minutes of consuming a small amount of a xylitol-sweetened product, the ASPCA says, dogs can experience a dramatic drop in blood sugar, and they usually begin vomiting, become lethargic and can have difficulty standing or walking. Some have seizures, develop internal hemorrhaging and lesions and suffer liver failure. As few as two or three sticks of xylitol gum could be toxic to a 20-pound dog, the ASPCA says. Immediate and aggressive veterinary treatment, which includes glucose drips and IV fluids, has proved effective in many cases. Veterinarian, Dr. Pierce, says, “I suspect that there are more cases than we know about because they come in with liver failure, and the owner is not aware of what has been ingested”. She believes that xylitol ingestion is "an emerging problem" and that the number of cases probably will increase with time, "depending on how widespread xylitol as a sweetener becomes." Xylitol is an all-natural sugar substitute derived from beets, birch tree bark, corncobs and other natural sources. It's as sweet as sugar but has 40% fewer calories. Unlike sugar, xylitol does not require insulin to be metabolized. Right now, xylitol is used mostly in cookies, candies, cupcakes and other sweets developed for people who have diabetes. It's also sold in bags of crystals for baking. Because of its bacteria-killing properties, it is put into some oral care products, including Tom's All Natural and Biotene toothpastes. It also is beginning to be used in a broad assortment of products intended for the general public. Among them: Jell-O sugar-free puddings and a wide variety of sugar-free gums, including Trident, Orbit, Stride, Icebreakers and Altoids. Makers of products with xylitol say their products are designed for people, including diabetes patients, who are seeking an alternative to sugar; they were never recommended for dogs and were never intended to be ingested by dogs. Owners should be careful because some dogs, "get into just about everything and eat everything they find." There is no indication that any of the other sweeteners on the market adversely affect dogs. And there is no evidence so far that xylitol is toxic to pets other than dogs. But cats, for example, don't scavenge for sweets as dogs do, so it's possible there are risks that have not yet been discovered. For now, veterinarians advise pet owners to keep xylitol away from all animals.
Easing the Pain of Needles for Diabetics:
A Texas mom frustrated with constant insulin injections has designed a device that's changing the lives of diabetics. She invented the "Injection Port", which not only eases the pain of needles, but allows people to be more in control of their disease. K.K. Patton is a mom and a diabetic, and now, an inventor. Patton has Type 1 diabetes, which means she takes at least four insulin shots a day. She said she tried the insulin pump, but knew there had to be a better way. "I was tired of being connected to a machine, I was tired of being tied to the disease and came up with the idea for the I-Port," she said. The I-Port is the size of a quarter. When applied to the skin, a needle is injected using a fine catheter. When the needle is removed, the catheter stays in place. Insulin is then injected into the I-Port. Some endocrinologists say the plus for patients is that it stays on for three days. "You just have to stick yourself once every three days and you're minimizing the number of needles sticks from 12 sticks every 3 days to one every three days," explained Dr. Rajiv Dattatreya. "If you were to ask me right now where is your I-port, I would have to sort of feel for it because you don't feel it all once you get it on your body," said Paula Jernigan, who has lived with diabetes for 33 years. Patton's dream of making life with diabetes easier on herself is changing the lives of others, too. "I hear from patients all the time that just say how much better they are in control of their disease," she said. Each disposable I-Port costs $10.
Join the Braille Caravan!
Set contains 30 Braille blocks, a canvas carrying bag, a print Activity Guide, and an English Braille Symbols Chart: $30. The hottest item at all three national conventions this summer was The Braille Caravan by Creative Adaptations for Learning, and now available from National Braille Press. This educational toy, made in the USA, consists of 30 goldenrod non-toxic plastic blocks. Each block represents the Braille cell, designed with six black pegs that can be manually pushed up or down to form dots 1-6. Using a finger, stylus, or pencil, a young child can easily make letters, words, even whole sentences by manipulating the six dots on each block, and joining them in a "caravan." This is the perfect tool, built like a toy, to get young blind children acquainted with Braille at the earliest age; to introduce Braille to a sighted parent in a friendly or non-threatening way; or to help persons who need to learn Braille later in life, even those who may have reduced tactile sensitivity. And, we discovered that sighted kids also love playing with the blocks and handing them to their Braille-reading parents (or grandparents) to check out what they wrote! They did this simply by studying the alphabet chart that comes with each caravan. In each set, you get 30 "refreshable" Braille blocks, a canvas carrying bag, a print Activity Guide, and an English Braille Symbols Chart. In an effort to get these into the hands of children at the earliest age, we are selling the Braille Caravan for only $30. We believe this is the least expensive Braille learning device on the market today. (If you
wish to have the Activity Guide in braille, please call us at (800) 548-7323 or (617) 266-6160 ext
20to order. You can visit us online at
http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/publications/index.html .
RadaR the Eargame: RadaR is a new online game for children who are blind or vision impaired. RadaR is not only very entertaining, but also educational. It teaches the children to safely 'surf the Internet' - via keyboard commands. RadaR has been developed by Sonokids. A very special feature of RadaR is the beautiful audio-story, with real voices, sound-effects and songs. (Mik the dolphin, Max the bat and Mo the mole. These three animals have in common that they do not rely on their eyesight to find the way, but 'see with their ears' instead. Their adventure proves to be
symbolic for the virtual world and online communication.) After listening to an episode of the audio-story, the player will do an interactive training 'mission' on the computer. While playing RadaR, unknowingly the player builds his or her own website and after successfully completing all missions, the player will have a personal website, for keeps, powered by Sonokids' accessible content management system MaX 4.0. Children who are blind or vision impaired can apply for a free RadaR account by sending an e-mail to: radar@sonoplanet.com
Please include age, first and last name and the requested player-name for RadaR. Please use subject-line 'RadaR account'. If you would also like to receive a free audio-CD with the audioplay and songs from RadaR the Eargame, please include your postal address. Sonokids has set up and maintains an international, multilingual webportal which is fully accessible for children with a vision impairment.
On www.sonokids.com you will find accessible audiogames: Shoot the Banjobusters, play a drum-solo or remix your own pop-song. All audiogames are fully compatible with assistive technology such as JAWS.
A Couple items from Wolfner: Wolfner Library has three pre-owned VTEK Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Machines that need a home. They have a 19" black and white monitor with adjustable magnification and positive-negative contrast control. They enlarge the printed page and are designed to accommodate visual impairments. They are Older models but still work. Will ship "Free Matter" to a person or institution in need of a machine that magnifies printed text. This offer appeared a couple months ago so I’m not sure if they are gone or not, but you can Call Wolfner Library at (573) 751-8720 or in Missouri: 800-392-2614.
The National Library Service (NLS) developed solar panels to recharge the C1 cassette machine battery. They were developed after Hurricane Katrina disaster for readers of NLS cassette books. The solar panels are available to Missourians who have lost power due to recent flooding. If you need, or know of someone who is experiencing extended power shortage, and would benefit by using solar panels to recharge their NLS cassette machine batteries, please call Wolfner Library at 1-800-392-2614.
Eye Safety: Thanks to Virgil Calhoun for passing along the following tips: 1. Sunglasses don’t just prevent crows’ feet from squinting, they also block harmful ultraviolet and other rays that can play a role in cataracts and macular degeneration. Fair-skinned Caucasians are at the greatest risk for the latter. Be sure your sunglasses have 100 percent UV protection. “The blue wavelengths--violet and blue--hit the retina,” says Dr. Lylas Mogk, co-author of Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight. “The best filters against blue are in the amber-orange-brown range of commercial sunglasses.” You should always wear sunglasses when outside (and not just in the summer) but especially in high glare areas like snow or water. A wide-brimmed hat is great for blocking rays—even if it counteracts the cool of your aviators. 2. Eye protection. Sunglasses aren’t the only protective eyewear you should don. Obviously anyone working around construction, manufacturing—any job with machinery and flying particles—must wear eye protection. But even when you’re working around the house, you should guard your eyes. “Hanging a picture, plaster or even a nail can fly into your eye,” warns Dr. Iwach. Any hardware store sells inexpensive clear plastic eye protection. 3. Eye candy. Are carrots really good for your eyes? “Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which the retina needs,” says Dr. Lylas Mogk. “But we’re not in the least bit in danger of having vitamin A deficiencies.” However, green leafy veggies like kale, collard and mustard greens, and spinach are good for the eyes because they contain lutein, which studies indicate can reverse symptoms of macular degeneration. And getting plenty of omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flax can help prevent dry eyes. But avoid omega-6 fatty acids, which is tricky in the American diet. Omega-6s are in vegetable oils. “There are very few processed or packaged foods that don’t have vegetable oils,” notes Dr. Mogk. “And the omega-6s counteract the good omega-3s.” 4. Eye lube. Our eyes get dryer as we age. “The biggest reason people have dry eyes is that the tear film doesn’t have the right consistency of water, mucus and oil,” says Dr. Mogk. The oil part of your tears comes from little glands around your eyelids. As you blink, oil is supposed to coat the eyes. But if you don’t have a good eye slick, the tear film evaporates and eyes feel dry. This triggers extra tear glands, which is why your eyes tear up when they get dry and irritated. Omega-3 helps with this. Also, heat and air conditioning can cause dry eyes, especially if you sit near a vent or fan unit. Make sure your car’s vent isn’t blowing toward your face.
5. Quit smoking. Need another reason to quit smoking? You got it: Smoking increases the risk and accelerates the development of cataracts, macular degeneration and optic nerve damage. “I’d be more afraid of losing your vision than lung cancer,” says Dr. Iwach. 6. Stay healthy. We’ve already seen how eating right (veggies over processed foods) helps with eye health. Exercise increases circulation, which can lower pressure on the eyes, which helps with those who have glaucoma. Getting regular overall physicals may lead to early detection of diseases like diabetes or other systemic conditions that can lead to eye problems. And most important, if something bothers you or feels wrong, get it checked out. As Dr. Iwach puts it, “You get your oil checked regularly, so get your eyes checked regularly.”
Download Your Bible: Bibles for the Blind is pleased to announce that the BRF files that we have used to create hard copy braille our now on our website. The KJV Bible, (17 BRF files), The daily devotional My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (4 BRF files) are now on our site for free download. For more details see:
www.biblesfortheblind.org
Telephone Tip From Terrie Anderson: I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service Technician (could also be Telus) who was
conducting a test on the telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine(9), zero(0), the pound sign (#), and then hang
up. Luckily, I was suspicious and refused. Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the re questing individual full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home phone number. I was further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails/prisons DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE. The GTE Security Department requested that I share this information with EVERYONE I KNOW. After checking with Verizon they also said it was true, so do not dial 90# for anyone !!!!!
SafeManuals: This is one of those services that must be bookmarked. This handy site has over eight hundred thousand downloadable user manuals for all kinds of gadgets and appliances. You can search for instruction manuals by
manufacturer, by device model number or browse them alphabetically. When you find the manual you need you can instantly download it to your computer (in PDF format). So next time you need to find a user manual for your Blackberry, iPod nano, Nokia N95, some TFT screen or whatever, simply search for it on SafeManuals.com
Shed Some Light On The Subject: Here’s another
tip from the AFB Seniorsite: As you age, you need more light (as much as three or four times) to see as well as when you were younger. With many age-related eye conditions, optimum lighting is critical. In addition, being able to shine a light exactly where you need it while having full use of your hands is very helpful. You may benefit from "hands-free" light. if: holding a flashlight leaves you one hand short of accomplishing tasks you need extra light for tasks away from your favorite easy chair and reading lamp or if leaving a flashlight on drained your costly batteries in no time at all. One practical hands-free item to consider is an LED head-borne light similar to a "miner's headlamp." LED bulbs are bright, lightweight, long lasting, and draw very little battery power so batteries last a long time. These lightweight headlamps are available at most camping and outdoor stores and many hardware stores. For those with limited strength in one or both hands, these lights can be especially helpful by allowing you to concentrate on using both hands to grasp the items you need, rather than struggling with a flashlight.
IRS Job Openings Available Now: Lions World Services for the Blind contact Collection Representative Course. Our next class for the Contact Collection Representative vocational course starts on November 3, 2008. Clients must report to us by October 6, 2008, for the required evaluation period. IRS offices for this program are located in the following cities: Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Brookhaven, NY; Buffalo, NY; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Fresno, CA; Jacksonville, FL; Kansas City, MO; Nashville, TN; Oakland, CA; Philadelphia, PA; and Seattle, WA. Not all offices may be hiring at this time. This four-month course trains individuals who are blind and visually impaired to work for the Internal Revenue Service in tax collection. Each person selected for the course will be placed in employment with the IRS upon successful completion of the program. Entry level is GS 5 with promotion potential to GS 8. Once on the job, Contact Collection Representatives respond to incoming telephone and written inquiries regarding tax delinquent cases, adjustments to taxpayer accounts, and general service procedures. The individual will analyze and resolve tax processing problems, provide information and recommend enforcement action on all types of individual and/or business accounts. Extensive reading may be required on the job and while in training. Training at LWSB involves learning the use of the personal computer with ZoomText, JAWS for Windows NT and Braillestar. Students also learn technical information about tax law, regulations, and IRS procedures. Course qualifications include good independent living and orientation and mobility skills and the ability to read print at 100 wpm with 75 percent comprehension, or Braille at 60 wpm with 75 percent comprehension. Written communication, including keyboarding for business correspondence and filling out forms with a keyboarding speed of 30 wpm, is required. A 12th grade spelling level is required, as is the ability to pass a math test using a calculator with 90 percent accuracy. Clients must also be able to work well with people under pressure. A high school diploma or GED with four years of college or equivalent work experience is required. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and are subject to FBI name and fingerprint check, employment checks, income tax verification for the past three years, and any other information relevant to selection for employment. Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Services. For referrals or more information contact: Kristin Dow, Vice President for Recruitment and Admissions, (501) 664-7100 or (800) 248-0734
Out-Of-State Readers: We have a number of subscribers to the Chronicle who live somewhere other than in Missouri. Seldom do we hear from any of these folks, so that made it all the nicer when we received a long-distance call from George Illingsworth way up in the state of Michigan. He had many nice things to say about our magazine and about this column in particular. Thank you so much, George; we really appreciate it!
Important Reminder: This year’s MCB convention will be broadcast on the internet. To listen on your computer, go to www.moblind.org
If there’s nothing happening at the time, you will hear music. All sessions will be broadcast, as well as the Friday evening Adaptive Technology meeting and the Saturday night banquet. For more information you can e-mail Denny Huff at denny@gatewayfortheblind.com or call him at (636) 262-1383.
Looks as though that empties out the drawer for another time. Here’s hoping Old Man Autumn is kind to you and yours. May I leave you with a story I’ve been saving for some time:
A champion jockey is about to enter an important race on a new horse. The horse's trainer meets him before the race and says, "All you have to remember with this horse is that every time you approach a jump, you have to shout,
"ALLLLEEE OOOP!" really loudly in the horse's ear. Providing you do that, you'll be fine".
The jockey thinks the trainer is mad but promises to shout the command. The race begins and they approach the first hurdle. The jockey ignores the trainer's ridiculous advice and the horse crashes straight through the centre of the jump.
They carry on and approach the second hurdle. The jockey, somewhat embarrassed, whispers "Aleeee ooop" in the horse's ear. The same thing happens -- the horse crashes straight through the centre of the jump.
At the third hurdle, the jockey thinks, "It's no good, I'll have to do it" and yells, "ALLLEEE OOOP!" really loudly. Sure enough, the horse
sails over the jump with no problems. This continues for the rest of the race, but due to the earlier problems the horse only finishes third. The trainer is fuming and asks the jockey what went wrong. The jockey replies, "Nothing is wrong with me -- it's this bloody horse. What is he -- deaf or something?"
The trainer replies, "Deaf?? DEAF?? He's not deaf -- he's BLIND!"
Let’s plan to visit again come December.
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MISSOURI COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
5453 Chippewa, St. Louis, MO 63109
Phone: 314-832-7172
Toll-free: 800-342-5632
Fax: 314-832-7796
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