NEWSLINE The Voice of the Washington Council of the Blind
September 2003 Issue Equality, Independence, Opportunity Founded 1935 1-800-255-1147 (206) 283-4276
Berl Colley, President 2305 Maxine St. SE Lacey, WA 98503 (360) 438-0072
Peggy Shoel, Editor 5171 S. Spencer St. Seattle, WA 98118 (206) 722-8477
Table of Contents
From the President's Desk by Berl Colley Editor's Comment by Guest Editor David Trott Memories of Pittsburgh by Lynette Romero My First ACB Convention by Vivian Conger A Shanksville Nightcap by Berl Colley ACB Diabetes List by Steve Heesen Web Page Updates Recipe for Advocacy by Cathy Skivers WCB Board Meets on the Bay by Sue Ammeter Don't Be Left Behind by Cindy Burgett Convention Door Prizes Lilac Blind Foundation Celebration The Rule of Three by James Eccles Getting Involved by Phyllis Pulfer The WCB Finance Committee by Glenn McCully Time Machines by Carl Jarvis And Who Will the Winners Be? by Denise Colley A Look at the Lighthouse by Sharon Keeran Library Notes by Gloria Leonard Brief Notes From WSSB by Dr. Dean Stenehjem Louis Braille Center Report by Carolyn Meyer AROUND THE STATE New Adaptive Technology Center Hats Off to You by Peggy Shoel Bits & Pieces by Peggy Shoel A Puzzle by Peggy Shoel Thank You That's Funny Recipe Announcements Calendar Thanks
From the
President's Desk
by Berl Colley
For those of you who are following our now-14-month remodeling odyssey, Denise and I have one and a half tasks to be completed. When will we be done? Hmmmm! No smiley face here!
When you read this article, a number of WCB members will have attended and testified at the 2003 hearing, held by the Federal Access Board. They heard testimony on access to passenger vehicles, such as cruise ships. This is the same board that heard WCB's presentations last October in Portland regarding Audible Pedestrian signals. This year's hearings were September 9, in Seattle.
The WCB convention is upon us once again. You will read elsewhere in this NEWSLINE about some of the activities and arrangements that our WCB Convention Committee, chaired by Cindy Burgett, has in store for us. Everyone should have received their convention bulletin. If you didn't, contact Cindy at (360) 698-0827 or e-mail her at cindybur@comcast.net. We will be having a number of out-of-state guests this year. Hopefully, we can show them why WCB is so active at our national conventions.
Since our last NEWSLINE was published in June, some 40 WCB members attended ACB's national convention in Pittsburgh. Another 35 WCB members attended the summer board meeting and retreat in Olympia. Other members attended meetings of the Washington State School for the Blind and the Department of Services for the Blind. WCB even had about 50 folks turn out for the 3rd annual trip to Safeco Field to see a Mariners game.
When you include chapter picnics, fundraisers, and other local events, it has been an active three months for the membership of WCB.
How Civil Are Our Rights?
In the last NEWSLINE, I indicated that I was going to obtain a copy of an article written by a Clark College student. I apologize, but I was unable to obtain a copy to be included in this issue. If I can locate the article in the future, I will give it to Peggy to be published. The article accuses blind students attending Clark College of assaulting other students with their canes when walking around the campus. It also states that blind students get favorable treatment at the college.
This article is not an isolated event, but part of a trend during the last couple of years, that targets disabled people. In Olympia, we have a couple of people running for the City Council who have publicly stated that it is time to equalize laws and regulations for normal people. I am not sure who they view as "normal", but the general perception is that disabled and homeless people are not.
Congress, and many states, including Washington, have passed legislation making the right to vote a private, independent act for all Americans, including disabled people. For those of us who are blind, this means voting on touch screen machines. A group of university professors has sued some states to try to block touch screen voting. Their argument is that the machines could fail, causing incorrect counts. Boy! Punch cards are always accurate? I am told that in Walla Walla County, the auditor is offering absentee balloting as the answer to the voting bill passed in the last Washington state legislative session. This still prohibits private independent voting by a blind person.
Most of us have seen the many attacks in the media and in our courts, trying to gut the Americans with Disabilities Act. The latest case is in the state of Tennessee, where the state is trying to justify denial of access to a Memphis courtroom to two people who use wheelchairs. The argument seems to be about state sovereignty and whether Congress overstepped its authority when it passed the Americans with Disabilities Act.
How do we stop the trend of reducing our hard-won civil rights? We keep in touch with our state and federal politicians. You, as individuals, and WCB as an organization have to keep politicians and their staffs informed about actions that could make us second-class citizens again. We must continue to advocate for the rights of blind people during employment, in leisure activities, and in our homes. Most important, each of us should ask ourselves - How civil are our rights?
In this issue, we feature a guest editorial by David Trott, President, Alabama Council of the Blind. Alabama will be hosting the 2004 ACB National Convention, and David extends an invitation for all NEWSLINE readers to visit this beautiful state and experience real Southern hospitality.
Ya'll Come To Alabama
It has been said that Alabama is the heart of Dixie, but for the people who live in and love this great state it is the heart of their hearts. From the mountains of the north, displaying beautiful panoramic views, to the sands of the Gulf of Mexico on its southern tip, Alabama nurtures within its borders an unequaled variety of industry and culture. Rocket building, automobile manufacturing, coal and iron, and raising cattle are just a few ways Alabamians earn their livelihood. Farm products include cotton, soybeans, vegetables, peanuts, and many others. There are hundreds of tourist attractions and, in addition, Alabama boasts the most miles of navigable waterways in the country.
It is also the home of the Alabama Council of the Blind, host chapter of the 2004 ACB national convention. The Alabama Council of the Blind has 250+ members and with the assistance of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind and Department of Rehabilitation Service we are in an excellent position to have an outstanding convention. The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is one of the largest institutions of its kind in the world. It provides services to the blind from infancy to the end of life. With its unique regional centers, scattered throughout the state, it is able to provide a wide variety of services to blind people without their needing to leave home and travel to a single large institution, sometimes hundreds of miles from home. AIDB is made up of The Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, Helen Keller School for the Deaf-Blind, E. H. Gentry Technical Facility, the Industries for the Blind (in Talladega and Birmingham), and its regional centers. AIDB was featured in a multi-part documentary aired nationally on public television and an article for National Geographic Magazine is in production.
When we talk of Rehabilitation Services, we have been blessed with a state agency that is very responsive to our needs and "CHOICE" is not just a concept in Alabama. The Alabama Council of the Blind has worked with both of these groups to build a strong awareness of the needs of the blind in Alabama, and I am proud to say that we have an excellent working relationship that has improved services for the blind in our state. With all of the entertainment, tourist attractions, history, sports and just plain fun we have to offer in Alabama, this will be a convention that no one will want to miss.
I could go on and on about the many places of interest in our state, but for this limited space just let me say that Alabama has something for everyone and unmatched southern hospitality. Please visit our web-site for information on the convention as it becomes available (www.acb-alabama.org)
Just a short note about myself and Alabama Council of the Blind. I am 45 years old and have been visually impaired since birth. I am a blind vendor and my wife, Rhonda, who is also visually impaired, is a social worker and a past president of the Alabama Council. I have been president for three years. Rhonda and I have over fifty years combined service to the Council. The Alabama Council of the Blind has several projects that benefit the blind, among them our Scholarship Program, our public awareness campaign and of course we are constantly advocating for the blind. We are rolling out the red carpet so ya'll come on down to the Heart of Dixie for a great convention.
First and foremost, I would like to thank the WCB members for selecting me as the Alternate Delegate for ACB's 42nd National Convention in Pittsburgh. One of the things that impresses me the most about attending a national convention is that you, as a member, have the chance to be a part of important legislative decision-making resolutions that have the potential to affect all individuals who are blind. Another is watching the process and learning the procedures that go into making an organization like ACB, and in turn all of its affiliates, successful.
Going to Pittsburgh was truly a learning experience for me. Living on the West Coast for most of my life, I had imagined Pittsburgh to be an industrial steel town surrounded by smokestacks and ugly gray abandoned mills. Well, I was wrong. The city of Pittsburgh is beautiful, with many small parks and life-like sculptures.
As the WCB Alternate Delegate, a highlight for me was witnessing the re-election of Chris Gray and watching the politics that were involved in his constituent's decision to run against him at such a late date. It was similar to one of our nation's Democratic or Republican conventions, only both parties were in the same room.
Then there was the re-election of Ardis Bazyn as Treasurer of ACB. What a close election that was! She won by only 13 votes! Don't ever say your vote doesn't count. If nothing else, this election made me realize the importance each of our members play, not only for those of us who went to the convention, but the importance of the number of members we have in our affiliate back home. It also made me realize that the 40 members who made it to Pittsburgh were all representatives of WCB. So, be proud, because we are a strong affiliate.
As the convention continued, resolutions were passed and not passed, and compromises were made that were very emotional and taxing. For example, the resolution the ACB passed supporting the use of guide dogs in rehabilitation agencies. Another highlight for me was the opportunity to go to the board meetings. I even got a chance to be Berl's representative at the Environmental Access Committee meeting, a committee very close to my heart. From that meeting, we had the chance to vote and pass a resolution that was presented on the convention floor as a result of our discussion.
The Diabetic Breakout session was very interesting, because sometimes good things come out of sharing our bad experiences. Both of the speakers for the session had to cancel at the last minute, but the good news was our moderator ended up being Chris Gray. It gave him the opportunity to tell his story. When he was recovering from his recent accident, his doctors discovered that he had Type II Diabetes, and he went on to tell us about the frustration he had being a diabetic who happens to be blind. He stated that he empathizes with the daily struggle that sight-impaired diabetics have to deal with. The good news that has come out of this is that he is working with companies like Lifescan to improve the quality of our talking glucometers and other diabetic paraphernalia. Now ACB diabetics will see something positive come from a national level in support of diabetic research. From that breakout, another good thing happened. The ACB Diabetic List was established, and our own Steve Heesen volunteered to moderate it. See his article in this issue.
ACB members were given the opportunity to be involved in the Sleep Study Research conducted by the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School of Research. The report was given by Dr. Stephen Lockley from Boston General Hospital. Now I ask you, how often are we given the opportunity to actually talk to one of the doctors involved in something this big? If you are interested in volunteering for this study, call the toll-free phone number, 1-877-23-SLEEP (1-877-237- 5337).
There are so many other things to tell you; I just don't have room, but I want to mention a few things that made the convention special for me. For instance, getting the chance to attend the wonderful Friends in Arts Showcase of the Performing Arts. I went last year and was so impressed, but this year's was even better. What a culturally enhancing experience that whole night was, and it was topped off with our own Meka White singing the finale. And getting to go to an audio-described Broadway production of My Fair Lady and listening to some of my favorite songs, such as "Wouldn't It Be Lovely?" I even went to a water aerobics class sponsored by the Recreation Zone.
One last thing I have to mention is the ACB camaraderie. Meeting up with your old friends, and you always make new ones, just does your heart good. By now, you might have guessed that I had a wonderful time. At a convention of this scale, there are so many things to do that your time flies. Before you know it, the week is gone and you have to come home and unwind. And yes, it was stressful, because every minute of your day is taken, but believe me, it was worth it, and I wouldn't have missed a second. So, I would encourage anyone who has never attended an ACB National Convention to go, because it is an experience you will never forget. Thank you, thank you, and thank you again for giving me the opportunity to attend and to be your WCB Alternate Delegate.
My First
ACB Convention
by Vivian Conger, United Blind of Walla Walla
I want to thank WCB and the First-Timers Scholarship Committee for selecting me to attend the ACB National Convention in Pittsburgh. It was a great privilege, honor, and wonderful opportunity for me, and I would recommend that everyone should attend a national convention at least once.
Because I received the scholarship, I felt that it was my obligation to attend every general session. I also attended all of the guide dog user events. The City of Pittsburgh bus tour was the only tour I took. I wish that I could have gone on many more tours, attended more special interest sessions, and spent a lot more time in the exhibit hall, but there just are never enough hours in the day.
I think that everyone should attend the First Timers Seminar, because you learn some very valuable information that helps you have an easier time throughout the convention. Some of the main points in the general sessions focused on transportation, education, and technology. Guide Dog Users had many sessions on a variety of topics, such as flying with your dog, technology and using a dog guide, what is new at the schools, and dog food from kibble to feeding raw. The GDUI luncheon had a skit that was terrific, which was about the conversation that dog guides might have between themselves under the table while at lunch. We also played Simon Says with our dogs and trainers from numerous schools.
By Thursday, I was exhausted even though Blaze and I tried to take many breaks. Our pace for that whole week was very hectic. I loved attending this convention and hope that I may be able to attend more conventions in the future. Watching how the elections were done and how the voting on amendments, bylaws and resolutions were done gave me a better picture of ACB and how it works. I would probably try to attend a bigger variety of sessions and go on more tours the next time.
One of the ways that I saved some money was to have a refrigerator in my room. I was able to eat breakfast and sometimes lunch in the room. I thought the guide dog relief areas were very good and well maintained. The hotel staff and volunteers were terrific. Upon my return, I noticed that my enthusiasm and motivation were a lot higher. Hopefully, I will be able to bring that all back to my local chapter and to WCB. So, please, if you have a chance to attend a national ACB convention, you should do so.
A
Shanksville Nightcap
by Berl Colley
Those of us who chose to go on this year's Pittsburgh pre-convention tour found the experience especially fulfilling and spiritually rewarding in ways none of us could have anticipated. After visiting the Johnstown Dam site and City Museum, where we learned about the tragic flood that killed 2,200 people in a period of only about 10 minutes, we had a fine lunch and visited the Heritage Museum, where we interactively shared in some of the immigrant populations' experiences as they moved to Western Pennsylvania.
We had had a full day, but when it was time to head back to Pittsburgh and we asked our busload of passengers if any had an interest in stopping by Shanksville, the crash site of United Flight 93 (the fourth plane to have been highjacked on the morning of September 11, 2001), the question was answered with a resounding, unanimous "Yes!"
Karl, our bus driver, was agreeable, so we took the Shanksville turnoff on Highway 219 and drove to the crash site viewing area. Our tentative plan was to spend ten or fifteen minutes there. Those who didn't want to read the memorials and get a feel for the site could stay on the bus. The crash site is three football fields away from the viewing area, which has been populated by thousands of items left spontaneously by members of the general public in tribute to the men and women who died there. It was about 5:00 PM on a sunny July 4 when we broke into small groups to have some of the tributes read aloud. As readers began to describe the items which had been left in tribute, and to read the words scrawled on message boards erected throughout the area, sighted guides, readers and ACB members, including four from Washington State, became choked with emotion. People have left money, clothing, verses, and all manner of keepsakes. There are hundreds of American flags and patriotic items.
An additional emotional rush was felt when Bob, a volunteer docent who lives nearby, told us about his personal experience on the morning of Flight 93's crash. We learned that 92% of the remains of the plane's passengers are still buried there, and the site is considered by the United States government to be a burial ground. Some of our group brailled out messages to be placed on viewing boards, such as one 3x5 card that has, in Braille and print, the names of Berl & Denise Colley, Glenn McCully, and Rex Ransom. Many left personal items. All of us returned to our tour bus thoughtful and proud to be blessed as citizens of the United States and the free world.
About our plans to make our visit a short ten or fifteen minute stop? Well, our tour of the crash site of United Flight 93 lasted about one and a half hours. Many of us spent our time as our tour bus carried us back to Pittsburgh singing patriotic songs, and being thankful for heroes, like those on that doomed flight. We all shared a truly memorable Independence Day. Thank you, Shanksville! What a potent nightcap!
ACB-Diabetics
Email List
By Steve Heesen, United Blind of Seattle
It is my pleasure to introduce a new email list available on the ACB website, the ACB-Diabetics email list. This is the place for all diabetics to share information about issues related to diabetes and the American Council of the Blind.
To join ACB-Diabetics: please do one of the following:
1. Send a blank message to: acb-diabetics-subscribe@acb.org
2. Surf on over to: http://www.acb.org
and select the link that is called: Join our email discussion lists. You will then
need to find the link entitled: Acb-diabetics. We are the first link listed, so you should
find us rather easily. You will then be placed in a simple form that you need to fill out
in order to be placed on the list.
3. If you are unable to join the list using either of the methods
listed above, please send an email to acb-diabetics-owner@acb.org
and I will be glad to add you.
Background: The ACB-Diabetics list was launched shortly after the 2003 American Council of the Blind convention in Pittsburgh. At the annual diabetes seminar, which was facilitated this year by none other than ACB President Chris Gray, it was decided that the ACB needed to be more proactive in providing information and support for those of us in the blindness community who are experiencing all of the challenges related to diabetes and all that is involved in the daily regimen of maintaining good health and avoiding or limiting serious complications such as blindness, neuropathy or kidney disease.
Whereas diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness in the United States, those present felt that it would be a great idea to provide a safe, supportive and nonthreatening environment for ACB members with diabetes and those interested in such issues, to both provide and receive information with each other. So, as a result of much lively discussion and guidance from President Gray, who is himself a "type- two" diabetic, another exciting, informative and productive ACB email list was born.
Some of the specific topics we have been discussing on the list include, but are not limited to: Talking glucose meters, accessibility of diabetes products, healthy diet and exercise, etc. As owner and moderator of the ACB-Diabetics list, it is my pleasure to invite you to join our community and to become part of the ACB- Diabetics family. I look forward to seeing you on the list!
Viola Cruz, Member, Capital City Council of the Blind, is now the liaison person for the WCB Web page (www.wcbinfo.org). Viola will monitor the Website to ensure that the information posted there is accurate and timely. Jeff Harris will continue to update material and Anoetic Concepts will host the site, but all comments about WCB content should be addressed to Viola at firekat@qwest.net.
Recipe for
Advocacy
by Cathy Skivers Chair of the 2003 Durward K.
McDaniel Fund
Identify an issue that adversely affects consumers in your community.
Explain your views and a positive solution to the problem.
Contact individuals or groups that might share your concerns.
Invite interested persons to a summit meeting to discuss strategy.
Work to reach a consensus among those present as how best to proceed.
Allocate duties for which key members of your group will be responsible.
Determine how any costs involved may be funded.
Contact the legislator and/or the director of the agency you may wish to change.
Research thoroughly the facts about the topic you are working on and the background of the legislator or others who may be in opposition to your plan.
Establish a timetable for teleconferences and other meetings to measure movement on your project.
Prepare clear and concise handouts explaining what you are attempting to accomplish and why it is necessary.
Distribute literature to members of the legislature, city counsel, school board or anyone involved in your plan.
Gather people affected by what you are doing and others you think could become interested in helping.
Encourage participants to contact members of the entities with which you are involved.
Plan meetings not only with those people on your team, but make time to have discussions with those who may be in opposition to your ideas.
Mix all this with a lot of courage, enthusiasm, commitment and hard work.
Respect all those you contact, whether or not they agree with you.
Stir in some good manners even if they don't have any.
Celebrate at a party when you have won.
If for some reason this recipe has not worked, just try another batch. A recipe often works better the second time around.
WCB
Board Meets on the Bay
by Sue Ammeter, United Blind of Seattle
The Phoenix Inn on Budd Bay in Olympia was the site of WCB's summer retreat and board meeting. Members came from around the state, and more than 20 people traveled to Olympia via a chartered bus from Seattle. Thanks go to Shirley Taylor for organizing the bus trip.
The retreat began on Friday afternoon, August 8th. Our featured speaker was Carla Ruschival from Louisville, Kentucky. Carla is the Treasurer of the Kentucky Council of the Blind and a board member of the American Council of the Blind (ACB). Carla also serves as the site selection and contracts reviewer for ACB conventions. Carla gave an excellent presentation, particularly citing her experiences with convention-related contracts.
Retreat attendees participated in an in-depth discussion about the telephonic news service which is operated by the Kentucky Council of the Blind. At 6:30PM sharp we boarded a bus provided by the Thurston County Transit System, which took us to the Prime Connection for dinner. Thirty-six of us enjoyed an excellent meal and wonderful conversation. What followed was an impromptu discussion about the history of ACB, WCB, and the organized blind movement in our state. Carla talked about her family's involvement in ACB and in the Kentucky Council of the Blind. Berl Colley, Carl Jarvis and I reminisced about WCB's history and the changes that we have seen in the organization over the years. Everyone returned to the hotel and enjoyed hospitality hosted by Glenn McCully and me.
The WCB board meeting convened bright and early Saturday morning. All board members and chapter representatives were present with the exception of Whatcom County. United Blind of Whatcom County President Gary Burdette was absent due to illness. Following the adoption of minutes and the Treasurer's report, committee reports were presented. Finance Committee Chair Glenn McCully brought several grant requests to the board for consideration. The board voted to grant the Louis Braille Center $1750 for purchase of two acoustic sound cabinets to hold the two Braille embossers previously purchased for the Center by WCB. The board also approved a $1000 grant request from Youth Awareness Disability Assemblies (YADA). YADA provides disability awareness hands-on training to elementary school students, faculty and parents. Our grant will help in paying for promotional materials, training kits, supplies and equipment such as Braille relief maps, talking watches and a Braille clock.
President Colley gave us an update about our investment activities and our vehicle donations fundraiser. Unfortunately, we too have felt the effects of our flagging economy and vehicle donations are down for this year. Cindy Burgett gave an update on our state convention (see article elsewhere in this issue). Scholarship Chair Denise Colley reported that we have received 15 scholarship applications, and she encourages chapters to donate to the scholarship fund.
After a pizza feed lunch, we continued to hear updates from committee chairs. Additionally, we had reports from our members who serve on advisory committees such as the School for the Blind, Department of Services for the Blind, and the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library Patron's Advisory Council. As the meeting adjourned, we left with a feeling of having learned a great deal on Friday about telephonic radio news services and contracts, the history of ACB and WCB, and enjoying camaraderie between old and new friends.
Everyone is looking forward to our Spokane convention with much excitement and enthusiasm.
Don't be Left
Behind
by Cindy Burgett, Convention Chair
The 2003 WCB state convention is just around the corner. November 6, 7 & 8 are the dates for this year's extravaganza to be held in Spokane, Washington, at the Doubletree Hotel City Center. The October 10 deadline for pre-registration will be here before you know it, and oh! the difference one day can make! Those registrations submitted and paid for by October 10 will enjoy the pre-registration rate of $25. Those procrastinating and sending in registrations the following day or later will be charged the full registration rate of $75. So, please don't delay.
This year, registering for the convention couldn't be easier. By now, you should have received your convention packet. Inside you will find a pre-addressed envelope and printed registration form. If you have not received this, and would like to, please call (206) 283-4276 or 1-800-255-1147 and request one. Or you can visit www.wcbinfo.org and read all of the convention material there, including exhibitors' information. You can also submit your registration form or exhibitor's form directly from the web site.
Please note that any fees must be sent
by mail to:
Lorraine Pozzi
2813 4th Ave. W.
Seattle, WA 98119
Now, you may be asking yourself, what's the big deal? Why should I go to the convention this year anyway? Well, how about this for starters! An exhibit room filled with vendors from around the country showing their products and services, all day Friday. Then, throughout the day, we'll have presentations: on an exercise program you can do from your chair, why posture is important, about an organization whose main focus is to help people gain strong public speaking skills, a panel of representatives from other state affiliates, and if that isn't enough, our Friday luncheon speaker is going to be none other than Eric Sanvold, talking book narrator from Colorado, who has many books to his credit, including the Harry Potter series.
Then our ACB national Rep. is going to be Jim Olsen, ACB Chief Financial Officer, who, besides giving the national report on Saturday morning, will be facilitating a diabetes seminar on Friday afternoon. In conjunction with that seminar will be a discussion session for those experiencing aging and vision loss, as well as a legislative seminar. So, quite a bit from which to choose. And then there's Friday night. You'll have the chance to take a jaunt over to a local casino or go to dinner at one of the many local restaurants within walking distance. And once again, we'll be holding our annual Evergreen Bop-It Tournament, where fun and prizes will abound.
Need more? Saturday morning will be an encouraging time, as we hear from an employment panel - three unique individuals with three unique jobs. The final speaker of the morning is a man who lost his sight as a young adult and continues to live life to the fullest, running his own business, maintaining his standing in Martial Arts, providing for his family, and empowering others along the way.
Of course, we will hear from the directors of our three state agencies, but this year their presentations will be spread out through the weekend. And don't think for one moment this is all. Janice Squires, President of the United Blind of the Tri-Cities, will be the Mistress of Ceremonies at the banquet on Saturday night. Presentations of education scholarships, raffle and door prize drawings, and many other surprises will help make this a special evening. Not to mention, our banquet address will be given by ACB Immediate Past President Paul Edwards from Florida.
In conjunction with our convention, 15 students ages 16 and older from around the state will be participating in the first-ever Washington Mobility Conference for Youth. While we're checking out exhibits or listening to fabulous presentations, these young people will be experiencing firsthand the feel of using a guide dog, talking signs, and other "way finding" techniques that they may not have the chance to experience in their home schools. They will be joining us for all our group meals, including the banquet, so please do your best to make them feel welcome.
I hope by now you know exactly where you want to be come November 6, and it isn't in your home. Oh no! It's gotta be the Doubletree Hotel City Center with WCB. Because convention is more than just an annual conference. It's more like a family reunion, and we don't want you to be left behind!
The WCB Convention door prizes this year are going to be great, and lots of them. This year, send the prizes to Bob Carroll, 2121 E. Upriver Drive, #22, Spokane, Washington 99207, or call (509) 484-5950 or email bobdott@juno.com or bobj1930@juno.com to let him know what you or your chapter will be contributing to the door prize pool. Bob will also be glad to accept your contributions at the convention.
Lilac Blind Foundation Celebrates 20 Years
The Lilac Blind Foundation and Eastern Washington Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Celebrate 20 Years of sight, sound, and experience. November 6, 2003 The celebration conference will include a special guest speaker, information, seminars, adaptive equipment exhibits, a silent auction and dinner. All proceeds go toward providing free life-changing services for the blind, visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing people of Eastern Washington. Save the date! Doubletree Hotel, Spokane.
The Rule of
Three
by James Eccles Riverside Association of the Blind
At board meetings, everyone seems to get dazed and confused when amended motions rear their ugly heads on the meeting floor. I thought perhaps a simple explanation of the established parliamentary guidelines in such situations might help people to feel more at ease when these uncertain meeting moments occur.
First, remember that an underlying goal of parliamentary procedure is actually to eliminate confusion, rather than causing it. Since the average human brain can deal with only a limited number of ideas simultaneously, parliamentary law limits the number of things that can be considered on the floor. Simply stated in modern-day terms, you can never, ever go more than three layers deep. That is, you can have a main, substantive motion on the floor, plus an amendment to that main motion, plus an amendment to that amendment, revising just that amendment - that is all. If things were to get piled any more than three deep, people would get lost and confused, so three is the limit. Before your eyes glaze over and that too-much-information headache starts, as when my insurance man starts generously reading my policy to me so I will "know what I am getting," let's work through an example, for anyone still reading.
Let's suppose that a motion is made and duly seconded to send people to a neighboring state's convention. Second, since no exact delegation numbers were contained in the original motion, let's suppose further that two other people make and second an amendment to the motion, stipulating that there shall be two members sent to this neighboring state's convention. Third, since this neighboring state's convention has been billed as being a large, spread-out convention with many simultaneous events and concurrent sessions, let's suppose that yet two other members make and second an amendment to the amendment, saying that three, not two, people shall be sent as a WCB delegation to this neighboring state's convention. Fourth, since nothing has yet been said about just exactly how this delegation of either two or three people will be selected, now suppose that an additional, thoughtful member rises to make a motion that these two (or three) people chosen as a WCB delegation to attend a neighboring state convention will submit a summary of today's meeting to the president to verify that the selected delegation members can in fact competently report on a meeting attended.
This fourth item, whether it is relevant to the revision or amendment motion being made in an attempt to revise and improve the amendment, cannot even come to the floor, because only one amendment to an amendment motion can be put on the floor simultaneously. Thus, this fourth motion would be ruled out of order, even if it were the best idea on the planet since salvation. Thus, you are never, ever more than three substantive votes away - at any given moment in meeting time - from passing a main, substantive motion. You cannot ever have seven or 15 or 129 amendments on the floor - only two: one amendment to change or revise the main, substantive motion, and one amendment to revise the amendment itself, that's it!
Now of course, once the amendment to the amendment is disposed of (voted up or down, yes or no), then, yes, that thoughtful person, who is just trying desperately to make sure that people get the job who actually know how to do the job, rather than having it be just a popularity contest, "I'm votin' for Joe 'cause I like Joe, although I have no earthly idea whether or not Joe is competent to take copious meeting notes and bring back a coherent summary report or not," then that forlorn, thoughtful person could, again, make a writing-sample motion and if someone else seconded it, it could be a valid motion on the floor to amend the amendment, unless the meeting's parliamentarian decided that the motion did not speak to (was not about the same subject as) the amendment, and again, ruled it out of order. That discussion, though, is outside the scope of this "brief" message.
Thus, when motions and amendments start flying about, just remember the rule of three and relax. It is not ever going to get any deeper than three. You can remember a list of only three items when you go to the store without making a written list, can't you? Well, this is just like that: only three.
Here's hoping this somewhat complex, confusing message may paradoxically reduce parliamentary confusion at future meetings, when amendments start flying about.
Getting Involved
by Phyllis Pulfer Walla Walla Chapter
It was gratifying to read in the June issue of NEWSLINE how many WCB members had participated in legislative training and how useful they had found it. We surely do need to be our own advocates, and knowing the ropes lets us be most effective in our efforts.
I was struck by the need to move to the next step in this process. We can always improve our access to our State legislators, Congressional delegation, and our other elected leaders. In preparation for the next election cycle, we should remember that the best time to get our issues on the agenda of the candidates is when they are running for office. The most basic way to do this is to help on a candidate's campaign and even earlier than that, is to become active in your political party of choice. Our issues are not just the concern of one party, so either party can lead to access.
When you approach an elected official, it is wonderful if they recall you as a voter who attended one of their rallies, or someone who helped to host a function during the campaign season, or made a campaign donation. You want them to remember that you asked them to support legislative issues that affect services for their blind or visually impaired constituency. Parties are always looking for good workers, and can place you in a position to work for specific candidates where you will be building recognition of yourself as an advocate and your specific issues.
Besides, it really is good fun and a rewarding way to participate in our democratic process.
The
WCB Finance Committee:
It's More than Just Dollars and Cents
by Glenn McCully, Chair
As a non-profit consumer organization, WCB has a responsibility to the public and its members to spend the money that comes into this organization wisely and in a way that will be most beneficial to blind people everywhere.
One of the biggest tools WCB has to assist in this decision making process is the WCB Finance Committee. This year, I chair the committee, which includes Rhonda Nelson, Peggy Shoel, Sharon Keeran, Sue Sather and Kay Bohren. Some would argue (maybe with good reason) that this committee looks like a bunch of roses surrounding a single thorn.
The Finance Committee has three major functions. First, and perhaps most important, is the annual WCB budget. The committee works with the President to come up with a budget for the next fiscal year. This budget is based on projected revenues expected to come into WCB. Once the committee finishes a draft budget, it is presented to the WCB board for any final revisions and approval. After the board has approved the proposed budget, it is presented at the annual WCB convention business meeting for approval by the WCB membership.
The second major function of the Finance Committee is to review grant requests that come to WCB from other organizations. This process involves examining the information on grant applications and interviewing representatives from the organization requesting the grant. Using this information, the committee makes recommendations to the WCB board to approve a grant, modify the grant amount, or disapprove it completely. Some grants make it through this process easily and with little if any debate, while others do not. Once the grant requests are presented to the board, all bets are off. Sometimes the board agrees quickly with the committee recommendations and sometimes a long debate takes place before the board takes action.
The third major function of the Finance Committee is to assist in writing policies and procedures related to WCB finances. Last year the committee developed a standardized grant application form that is now in use by organizations requesting WCB funds.
As you can see, the Finance Committee has an important role in the operation of WCB. The next time you see one of the committee members, be sure to thank them for all the hard work they do for WCB, and if you are a person who likes dealing with numbers, then perhaps you should think about asking to be on the committee next year.
Time Machines by Carl Jarvis, Chair, History Committee "If you don't look back, the future never happens." – Rita Dove
When I was a schoolboy, back in the "Olden Days," History was taught in a straightforward manner. We memorized important dates and places. Like, when was the war of 1812? Or, where was the battle of Hastings fought? We learned about all of the great explorers and their discoveries, usually places that weren't really lost and already had lots of people living there. And we were able to recite the names of all the most important people in history, like Ivan the Terrible, Mad King Ludwig, Adolph Hitler and Joe Stalin. Of course in America we had the big three, Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. Beyond that, we had Sitting Bull, a bunch of inventors, and lots and lots of "Captains of Industry."
Day after month after year, vast volumes of historical facts were stuffed into our brains. But even for those who enjoyed the subject, there seemed little or no relevance to our lives. History was back there, somewhere. The future lay ahead. We lived apart from all that, in the present. We were the "now" generation.
No teacher ever thought to tell us that each of us is a
Time Machine. We have lived in the past, we are headed into the future, and what we
do today is tomorrow's history.
Furthermore, we are the successful results of all that has gone on back
to the very beginning of time. Each of us is a success story.
And that, naturally, brings us to the
work of our WCB History Committee.
The committee has begun collecting stories. Equipped with a tape
recorder, we are traveling back through time gathering memories and
recollections about WCB. We have begun with those members whose
history goes back the furthest, seeing past activities and events through
their eyes and recording what was most important to them.
We are still in the formative stage, with many questions needing
answers. But be prepared. One day someone armed with a tape
recorder will ask if they can take a trip in your time machine.
And Who Will the Winners Be? by Denise Colley, Chair, WCB Scholarship Committee
Food for the body and Education for the mind. So what do these two things have in common, you ask? It's YOU! This year you and your WCB Chapter can play a vital role in helping blind college students from around the state get one step closer to fulfilling their educational and vocational dreams. And, in the process, your Chapter could be the winner of a party, on us!
I thought I would begin this article by giving you a brief glimpse at the group of scholarship applicants we have this year. We have a total of 15 applicants; six of whom are previous scholarship winners, and nine who are applying for the first time this year. Seven are men and eight are women; 11 are from Western Washington and four are from Eastern Washington.
Seven are attending community colleges, seven are attending four-year colleges or universities, and one is attending a vocational/technical college. We have one incoming freshman, 12 undergraduate students, and two students getting their Master's degrees. Of the 15, 11 had grade point averages last year above 3.0 and six had grade point averages above 3.5. The fields of study they have chosen include such areas as music performance, teaching, vocational rehabilitation, finance, psychology, computer technology, social work, and biochemistry.
Have I piqued your interest? Plan to be at the WCB state convention
scholarship reception and banquet to meet the lucky winners and learn
more about them.
That was the education part. Now for the food part! Don't forget our
contest. Your chapter could be the lucky winners of a pizza party,
sponsored by the Scholarship Committee, if yours is the largest
contribution to the scholarship fund. All chapter donations must be in
to Sue Sather, WCB Treasurer, by October 30, 2003. The winning
chapter will be announced at the convention banquet. Please send all
scholarship contributions to:
Sue Sather, WCB Treasurer
P.O. Box 6996
Kennewick, WA 99336
See you all at convention.
A Look at the Lighthouse by Sharon Keeran Guide Dog Users of Washington State
The expectation in my family was that everyone would work. You didn't get an allowance, so you had to earn money to go out to have Coca-Cola with your friends or to buy a new dress. Work is a stabilizer. It teaches routine, but it also represents dignity and hope in the future. The Lighthouse for the Blind in Seattle offers not only employment for blind and visually impaired persons, but also for the deaf-blind, which is unique in the nation.
Not only does the Lighthouse employ persons who are blind, deaf-blind and visually impaired, but it also has a program that teaches work skills to those who have not worked before. Working involves many skills, not the least getting up at a particular time, being clean, and finding your way to the worksite. Also, in this day and age, you usually need computer knowledge.
Another positive payoff for working is the social interaction. You meet people, get to know them, maybe visit after work. This is to say nothing of the paycheck that appears if you've shown up and done your job. I have worked all my life and complained when snow was falling or I had a cold, but think of the alternative. You sit in your dwelling. You have friends, but how do you meet new ones?
To give you an idea of what products the Lighthouse for the Blind manufactures, here's a shortened list: Several thousand parts of Boeing aircraft, A variety of easels, Business cards - including Braille embossed, Rubber stamps, Fly swatters, Metal folding clipboards, One- and two-quart military canteens.
If you're interested in developing working techniques, contact the Lighthouse for the Blind and ask about their Adult Computer Education- Service Office System (ACE-SOS) Program. Call either (206) 436-2186 or 1-800-552-7103.
By the way, let me thank Glenn McCully for his help on this article, as he provided me with information regarding programs and products.
Library Notes: News from the Bookshelf by Gloria J. Leonard, Acting Director
On a daily basis, WTBBL's talented and dedicated staff and committed volunteers disseminate a full range of library materials to blind and physically handicapped consumers throughout the state. But what does that mean to you as a consumer? To help provide some insight into this topic, I have asked Reader's Advisor Alan Bentson and Children's Librarian Beth Eisenhood to provide responses to some frequently asked questions about the library's collection.
Q: Does WTBBL have Braille books that I can read to my children? A: Yes. In fact, children's books in Braille are a special children's services area of collection focus. Beth augments the National Library Services children's book collection with assistance from WTBBL's Braille Department. On a regular basis, additional twin vision books (contracted Braille, print and pictures all in one book) are locally produced and made available to consumers. WTBBL has children's books in uncontracted Braille, Braille with spaces between the lines, in packages with a separate copy of the print book included, books with tactile shapes, books with sounds, and baby board books in Braille and print.
Q: Can I get back issues of magazines? A: Yes. In addition to the titles available through WTBBL, the MultiState Centers have back issues of Braille and cassette magazines in the National Library Service program. Some magazine titles go back five or more years and may be loaned out to patrons. Call WTBBL to inquire about the availability of back issues of specific magazines.
Q: Can WTBBL help my child get the reading materials she needs for her elementary school classes? A: Yes. For classroom textbooks, another agency, the Washington Instructional Resource Center for the Visually Impaired (IRC) is responsible for acquiring and distributing educational materials, including textbooks, to children with vision impairments in Washington. Your child's teacher can contact the IRC at 1-800-562-4176, Extension 183. In addition, WTBBL can provide the fiction books that are used for literature study or independent reading.
For more information about collections and information services, contact WTBBL by telephone at (206)615-0400 or 1-800-542-0866 or send an email to Alan Bentson at: alan@wtbbl.org or Beth Eisenhood at beth@wtbbl.org
Other Library News - Summer Reading Club:
Recently, WTBBL's Tom Almer was honored along with 26 other Seattle Public Library summer reading club winners at a breakfast held at the downtown Sheraton Hotel. Tom and his mother traveled from their home in Longview, Washington to attend the big event. Highlights of this year's celebration included a gift book, a giant cookie with the honoree's name on it, and a picture with the Master of Ceremony and King-5 TV personality, Dennis Bounds. The celebration was festive and full of fun for honorees and members of their families, thanks to the continued generosity of Washington Mutual Savings Bank, the Seattle Public Library's Friends of the Library and the Foundation.
Director Selection Process: The job of Director was re-advertised in June and closed on July 11th. Three candidates have been invited to interview during the week of September 15th. The selection process includes several panel interviews, including sessions with WTBBL's management team, stakeholders, Seattle Public Library's Leadership team, the City Librarian, and open staff forum. I am one of the finalists. Calendar Item: The September 13th Patron Advisory Council has been rescheduled for November 1st at WTBBL. The agenda will include a report conducted by Larry Showalter regarding networked libraries and consumer advisory groups; organization structure, roles, responsibilities, challenges and opportunities.
Brief Notes from WSSB by Dr. Dean O. Stenehjem, Superintendent
Rather than providing a focus on one issue, I have decided to provide a brief update on numerous topics. First, WSSB's budget did receive a setback, with a reduction of approximately 3%. This resulted in the elimination of 3-4 positions and the closure of a cottage. This is something WSSB didn't like to implement, but there weren't really any good choices. Our goal it to try to get these positions back in the future. The reduction means elimination of a driver, custodian, houseparent, and parts of numerous other positions on top of other cuts throughout the school. A decision was made that if we couldn't staff a cottage at the appropriate level, we were not going to put the school and children at any risk.
Summer School was saved due to a generous gift from the WCB, the School for the Blind's Foundation, and a grant from Western Michigan University. Due to your generosity, approximately 70 children received an excellent summer program. Second, WSSB is examining submitting legislation that would hopefully protect the school from budgetary reductions. Under the state's constitution, "Basic Education" receives some protection from reductions. Due to a court ruling entitled the "Doran Decision" the Individualized Education Plan that each special education student is on, is supposed to be viewed as Basic Education; therefore, should have protected WSSB from reductions. This did not occur and WSSB would like to see this spelled out in state law more clearly. Third, during difficult times we continue to look for opportunities to improve programs.
Beginning this fall, WSSB is one of 18 schools in Washington that are part of the "Digital Learning Commons," which is receiving funding from the Gates, Paul Allen, Hewlett Foundations, and the State of Washington. This is being facilitated by the University of Washington. This program will tie right into WSSB's plan for opening interactive distance learning for the blind.
Fourth, Capital Projects continue as planned on the campus and we are within about three years of completing all major projects on campus that were put in place 1990-91. The campus is looking great with updated remodeled buildings, new buildings, and generally a state-of-the-art facility. The newest building, the Ogden Resource Center, provides service to approximately 1,500 students throughout our state, and Braille for adults has recently opened. Dedication will occur on October 9th at 2:00 PM. This is a wonderful building, named to honor former representative Val Ogden. The 11,000 s.f. building is the largest solar installation in the Pacific Northwest for the size of the building, and is capable of producing 13.5 kilowatts of power.
Fifth, an all-school reunion is being planned for June 25-27, 2004. This will be for any student who ever attended WSSB and any individuals who worked at the school. We hope to have a good turnout, so please mark your calendars. More information will go out before December of 2003, and information will be placed on the school's website: www.wssb.wa.gov
Sixth, openings on the WSSB's Board of Trustees are currently available in Congressional Districts 1, 6 and 7, with District 3 becoming available July 1, 2004. So if you are interested in serving on the board, please contact the Governor's office. If you would like more information on any of the topics, please let me know and I will focus on that particular topic in the next issue of NEWSLINE.
Louis Braille Center Report by Carolyn Meyer, Director How A Print Book Becomes a Braille Book
The Louis Braille Center has several new braille books in progress, thanks to the assistance of 16-year-old Chris Micelli, our 2003 summer employee. Using a computer equipped with JAWS and Arkenstone Open Book, he scanned two books by Northwest author David Patneaude and the seven-book Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. Chris had time to spare, so he also scanned a book of poems by Edgar Allan Poe.
Scanning a book is the first step in putting a print book into braille. Using a combination of up-to-date computer technology and old- fashioned human expertise, this is how a print book becomes a braille book:
Scanning: This is a way to bring a page of printed text into the computer without having to retype it. Each page is carefully placed on the scanner to be "read." We save the scanned pages as a Microsoft Word file.
Editing: Because the scanner does not do a perfect job - it may read things we don't need for the braille book, such as print page numbers and print running heads, it may misread certain letters or punctuation marks, it may confuse the formatting - we do a quick editing of the print pages in Microsoft Word, making use of Word's find and replace features when appropriate.
Brailling. We now import the print text into our Braille2000 software program. The text shows up as braille, but it is not perfect braille. An expert braille transcriber must go through the book character-by- character, line-by-line, page-by-page to be sure the contractions and the formatting are perfect. This is the most time-consuming and critical part of the process. We save the braille file on our computer and print an embossed copy on a braille embosser attached to the computer.
Proofreading. Next we send the embossed braille book to a certified proofreader, who checks every aspect of the book. The proofreader makes a list of any errors and returns it to us with the braille book. Correcting and Binding. Finally, we make any needed corrections to the braille book. We can make changes to the braille file in our Braille2000 software application, just like we can edit a print file in Word. We bind the braille pages in sturdy vinyl covers, put the name and author on the cover in braille, add a print title page that is identical to the braille title page, and the book is ready. We keep a disk of the book in a special file, and make a backup copy on a CD. We can emboss a copy any time. The books will be listed in our catalog of braille books, which is available in braille, print, and on our website.
Speaking of embossing, we keep the braille embossers that WCB gave us several years ago very busy. It gets pretty noisy when both of them are working at the same time. That is why we are so happy for the WCB grant for two acoustic sound cabinets. They arrived today. Mike assembled the first cabinet. We put an embosser in it and started it up. What a surprise it was to stand beside a running embosser and speak to one another in a normal voice. Thank you so much.
Greater Everett Area Council of the Blind King County Chapter Peninsula Council of the Blind United Blind of Spokane United Blind of Walla Walla
Greater Everett Area Council of the Blind by Chris Coulter
Right now GEACB is on its summer break, but we've been very busy with activities that have certainly kept us all stimulated. In April, Allan and Donna Patchett, Vicki Reesnes and I received training in CPR from Adonnis Gregory, a nurse and certified CPR instructor, who is also a friend of Jon and mine. We all got a lot out of the class. Each of us has a CPR card, renewable each year.
In May, I attended the Leadership Training Seminar. For anyone who wants to learn more about the workings of WCB and ACB, as well as finding out about your own personal leadership abilities and problems, leadership training is a wonderful opportunity.
Julie DeGeus came to our June meeting. She talked to us about possibilities for
chapter development and gave us business cards,
alphabet cards and brochures. These tangible things that we can give
people are a great advertisement and will stick in the minds of the
people we encounter in our daily lives.
The Summer Board Retreat was exciting and educational. I attended the retreat as chapter representative, along with Allan and Donna Patchett.
We are looking forward to a productive Fall and Winter, filled with lots of fun and growth.
We would love to see you at one or our meetings. We meet the first Friday of each month, except July and August, at the Chuckwagon Inn on Evergreen Way in Everett. Dinner is at 6:30, followed by a business meeting and, whenever possible, a speaker.
For more information, please call (425) 231-3801.
King County Chapter by Marilyn Donnelly
Many of you have recently returned from the ACB convention with vivid memories of programs, exhibits and socializing. Even more of you will be able to enjoy some of these same activities at the WCB convention to be held in Spokane in early November. October 10 is the deadline to receive special reduced prices for pre-registration, hotel rates and transportation. We encourage you to take advantage of these bargains.
Jesse Minkert, from Arts and Visually Impaired Audiences (AVIA), was a recent guest speaker at our chapter. AVIA promotes access to the arts for people who are blind and visually impaired. One of the ways they do this is though providing audio description of various theater productions in the Seattle area. Participants in the "Package" program not only benefit from the audio description, but also receive transportation assistance and orientation to the theater.
In August we enjoyed our annual picnic/barbecue at the home of Tim and Virginia Schneebeck. The variety and quantity of food was fantastic, and a good time was had by all. Many thanks to Tim and Virginia and their helpers for a very special afternoon.
We hope to see you all in Spokane. I will be there with my "yummy yummy grab bags."
The Peninsula Council of the Blind by Cindy Burgett
This hasn't been one of our busiest summers, but it would probably win a nomination for one of our funnest.
June was filled with great celebration as many of us attended the graduation party for Michelle Denzer, Chapter Secretary, who officially ended her high school years. A week later, she turned 21. So it was quite a month for her.
Then three chapter members attended the ACB convention at the beginning of July, in Pittsburgh. But we couldn't be outdone by them. On July 18, 11 members packed up our camping gear and headed out to Camp Harobed for the weekend. While we were setting up tents and enjoying the smell of teriyaki chicken on the grill, Clair Bourgeois was back in Seattle delivering a baby. So, while a new life began at the University of Washington Medical Center, we were enjoying the wild life of nature. On Saturday, over 30 members shared in our chapter picnic at the camp, with plenty of food, fun and fellowship.
In August, a group of us got together at the Kitsap County Fair and had dinner and ate yummy Funnel Cakes. Then we enjoyed a lively concert with country music star Mark Wills.
At our August meeting, we welcomed two new members, Gary and Diane Beck, who happened to win our monthly raffle, which was in the exact amount of their dues. Was this fixed? No. I'd say it was more like destiny.
Then, on the first Saturday in September, members from our chapter joined members from the United Blind of Seattle at Just Your Cup O Tea, a quaint little teahouse in downtown Bremerton, walking distance from the ferry. How nice it was to share in this social event with another WCB chapter. We'd love to have other chapters visit our area, too. Now as the school bell rings again and the clouds get ready to get a workout during the Fall, our members are anticipating a fun bus ride to Spokane for the WCB convention in November, and look forward to seeing you all there.
United Blind of Spokane by Dorothy Anderson Carroll
Here we are two months away from hosting the 2003 WCB Convention in Spokane. We are so honored that our city was chosen for this Convention. We are working very hard to make you glad that you came to join us for the celebration.
A clinic sponsored by Department of Services for the Blind to help senior citizens adjust to blindness was held at Lilac Blind Foundation in May. Many of our group participated in the week-long clinic. Twenty-five seniors took part. They hope to have it again next year. Our Club had a picnic in July and invited the staff from Lilac Blind to join us. One of our long time members, Bea Shinneberry, is moving to Tri-Cities. We gave her a going away party and presented her with a gift of appreciation for being such a good member. Bea has helped the organization in many ways. We will miss her but wish her every success in her move.
Marlys and Alden Gerling have had relatives visiting them from all over the world, from Burlington, Iowa, Thailand, and California. Arlys' brother got married. Arlys and Alden celebrated their second wedding anniversary. They have been working very hard on convention, collecting door prizes and helping with lining up volunteers from their church and Boy Scouts to present the colors.
Clara Donder has donated the goodie bags for convention. Francis Spolski is working with her on this project. Clara and Roy are all moved into their new home after 38 years in their other home. Mary Thorpe and Frances Spolski had surgery in September. Lester is doing great now. Lester and Mary moved to another apartment.
We have four new members: Danelle Maher Osmon, Maryann Federspiel, Frank Federspiel, and Joel Nelson. We are lucky to have them join us. We are looking forward to working with them.
John and Marlee Naddy have been having lots of company this summer
and enjoying every minute of it. John Hennessey has been helping his mother and dad,
who are having health problems. They are both 84 years old.
Bob and I have been on the go traveling and keeping up with all of those grandchildren.
We had a picnic in July and invited the Staff of Lilac Blind to join us. We had food and more food. It was a fun time with lots of sharing.
United Blind of Walla Walla by Ernest Jones
April was both a sad time and a wonderful time for one of our members, who is also our president. Vivian Conger retired Peg on April 10, 2003, and went into class at Guide Dogs of America on April 13. Peg was a wonderful dog, but was very plainly saying she was tired of working. In fact, when I went for my dog, I wanted one just like Peg! Leaving Peg was difficult for Vivian, but she knew Peg was going to a wonderful home, the home she was raised in for the first year. Here Peg will have a happy retirement.
Vivian received Blaze, a female yellow lab, on April 16. Vivian was in training for 28 days, and returned home with Blaze on May 10. Since returning home, this guide dog/handler team has attended the Guide Dog Users of Oregon's Spring Romp and the ACB National Convention in Pittsburgh. Blaze is a wonderful guide and loves to travel. Jolene Ferguson and her guide Sydney also went to the ACB convention, where these two roomed with Vivian and Blaze. I wonder if Pittsburgh will ever be the same!
On August 4, Elwood Mabley and I met in College Place with two officials at Broadway and 12th Street. This intersection was changed due to an addition to the supermarket. We two were able to help make this crossing more accessible to the blind in this community. More street intersections are to be changed, and the city has promised to work with the blind who live in this small town.
If you would like to read about Vivian receiving Blaze and some class experiences, or read Blaze's biography, which was written by her raisers, you can do so by going to: www.gduws.org. You would then need to go to the Message Center.
New Adaptive Technology on UW Tacoma Campus
The Pierce County Association of the Blind (PCAB) has purchased a comprehensive technology package for students with visual impairments on the UW Tacoma campus! The new machine is up and running at the UW Tacoma Disability Support Services testing center. PCAB has funded a comprehensive blind/low vision adaptive technology package that includes JAWS for Windows (screen reading program), Dragon Naturally Speaking (enabling students to verbally command operation of the computer, including dictation of Word documents), JawBone JAWS & Dragon Interface Software (which allows screen reading and voice activation simultaneously), and Open Book (interactive scanning software).
This state-of-the-art computer station will bring user-friendly assistance to students for many years to come.
PCAB, founded in 1934, is one chapter of the Washington Council of the Blind, a subdivision of American Council of the Blind. Tacoma DSS would like to recognize Mildred L. Johnson, PCAB'S devoted secretary, for her efforts in securing funding for the new equipment. For more information about the system, contact Lisa Tice, DSS Director, at (253) 692-4400.
Hats Off to You by Peggy Shoel, Editor
Congratulations to the following WCB members:
Clair and David Bourgeois, members, Peninsula Council of the Blind, on their new baby daughter, Melony, who was referred to as a "miracle baby" in the hospital because of her low birth weight. On reaching four pounds, Melony was discharged home, where she, mom, dad and older sister Melissa are all doing well.
Berl Colley, President, WCB, who has been asked to serve again as Tour Coordinator for the American Council of the Blind (ACB) convention, which will be in Birmingham, Alabama for 2004. Berl is already busy researching tour possibilities.
Vivian Conger on her new dog guide, Blaze, a 60 lb 2-year old female yellow lab from Guide Dogs of America in California. Vivian reports that Blaze is a playful and happy dog who is very responsive to her mistress' commands.
Cynthia Towers, member, United Blind of Seattle, who will once again serve as ACB National Convention Coordinator. Cynthia has visited Birmingham to set in place preliminary arrangements and also traveled to ACB's bid sites through 2009/
Bits & Pieces by Peggy Shoel, Editor
The National Library Service (NLS) has two new publications available for distribution: Facts: Books for Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals, available in regular print, online, and diskette and Disability Awareness: A Selected Bibliography, in large print, online, and on diskette. Contact the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library for additional information: (206) 615-0400 or 1-800-542-0866.
Blindcook at Smartgroups.com and Cooking in the Dark at Yahoogroups.com are two of many email lists structured for blind and visually impaired individuals. Recipes are exchanged, adaptive food preparation techniques are shared, as are tips and reviews on cooking appliances, new food products, and home delivery services. Membership in these groups is free and it is easy to subscribe and unsubscribe yourself. To register, send an email to: cookinginthedark-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and/or to blindcook- subscribe@smartgroups.com
If you are an AT&T customer and would like to receive your monthly statements in braille or large print, call 1-800-222-0300 to request this accommodation. Allow three billing cycles to get it set up.
Audio Vision Canada has an inventory of 400 audio described videos including movies from the '30s and '40s and some from Australia and France. Call them at 1-800-567-6755 and request a free audio cassette tape listing their products.
Assistive technology: With all the AT products now available, it is sometimes difficult to make a wise selection since all companies tout their respective products as the best. The AT Connection is a new Web-based forum where AT users post their experiences on how the products perform in actual use (www.tech- connections.org/forum).
The 29th Annual Ski-for-Light will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin February 8 through the 25th, 2004. This cross-country event pairs visually and mobility impaired skiers at all levels of skill and experience with non-disabled guides. For more information, contact Lynda Boose (906) 250-7836 or lynda@sfl.org
Participation application deadline is November 1.
A Puzzle by Peggy Shoel
The following are dictionary definitions (Seattle Public Library) for 12 words containing all five letters of the word "blind." For example, "eaten in small, quick bites" equals nibbled. 1) bone mass found in lower jaw 2) permanent - impossible to erase or wash away 3) unrestrained, uninhibited 4) a form of concrete used in building construction 5) cannot be destroyed or rendered useless 6) gray or tawny in color with darker streaks or spots 7) so extraordinary or outrageous as to defy belief 8) cannot decay through the action of living organisms 9) the state of being confused, puzzled or perplexed 10) considering or deciding with slow and great care and concentration 11) opposition to the disestablishment of the Church of England (often used as an example of a very long word) 12) unfit to be eaten
Click here for answers
The following was received by Berl Colley, President, WCB:
Thank you very much for the grant that enables us to purchase two acoustic sound enclosure cabinets that will hold the two embossers for which WCB provided funds several years ago.
The cabinets, which are made especially for the Index Basic D embosser, will bring the embossing noise down to the decibel level of normal conversation in a room. This meets the standards for library, office, and classroom use.
We love the sound of our working embossers because they are making braille, and that is our favorite thing to do. However, we do look forward to the peace and quiet the new cabinets will bring, as well as the time-saving convenience of not having to turn off the embosser when we speak to one another, when the phone rings, or when someone comes into the office.
The people in neighboring offices say thank you, too. One lady said she pretends she is on the Queen Elizabeth II cruise ship; the embossers remind her of the sound of the engines.
We appreciate the encouragement WCB has given the Louis Braille Center almost since its first day. You have done much to shape and guide what is behind our services.
With gratitude and appreciation, Carolyn Meyer Director, Louis Braille Center
For those of you who worry about what you eat, here is a final word on nutrition and health. It is a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting medical studies.
1) The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
2) Mexicans and Germans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
3) The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
4) The French and Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or Americans.
Conclusion: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
* * * * * Rude Awakenings
Sherlock Homes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. After a good meal and a bottle of wine, they were exhausted and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. "Watson, look up and tell me what you see."
Watson looked up and said, "I see millions and millions of stars."
"What does that tell you?" asked Holmes.
Watson pondered and responded, "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Timewise, it tells me that it is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, it tells me that we are but insignificant specks of dust, and meteorologically, it tells me that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?"
Holmes was silent for a moment and then spoke, "Watson, you idiot! It tells me that some rascal has stolen our tent!"
Answers to Puzzle 1) mandible 2) indelible 3) unbridled 4) cinderblock 5) indestructible 6) brindled 7) incredible 8) non-biodegradable 9) bewilderment 10) deliberating 11) antidisestablishmentarianism 12) inedible
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Food for Thought
1. The true test of a man's intelligence is the degree to which he agrees with you. 2. If you never get criticized, you might not be doing much. 3. Failure is an orphan, but every success has a thousand parents.
Recipe from the kitchen of Phyllis Pulfer United Blind of Walla Walla
My favorite fall salad combines garden-ripe tomatoes and cucumbers, healthy olive oil, and an easy serving of whole grain. It is delicious, very nutritious, and very low in calories.
1 cup cracked wheat (bulghur) 2 cups very hot water 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) Place all three ingredients in bowl and let sit for a half hour or until grain has absorbed all the moisture.
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 1/3 cup olive oil Mix and pour over grain when it has absorbed water
1 cup finely chopped onions (Walla Walla sweets are best) 1 medium cucumber, pared, seeded and chopped 1 cup chopped and seeded tomato 2 tablespoons fresh cut mint leaves 2 garlic cloves pressed Stir all ingredients and store for several hours in refrigerator until flavors blend. Will keep for two or three days. Amounts of vegetables and garlic may be varied to suit taste.
Healthy eating!
Article Deadline: To be considered for inclusion in the next issue, article submissions, chapter news, and other information for publication must be received by December 1, 2003. Articles may be edited for purposes of clarity and space considerations.
Publication Policy: To ensure accuracy, we require typed, double-spaced submissions. Articles should be no longer than two pages.
October |
National Disability Employment Awareness Month |
Oct 10 |
Deadline for pre-registration for State Convention |
Oct 10 |
Deadline for receipt of bus reservations and travel stipends for State Convention |
Oct 15 |
White Cane Safety Day |
Nov 1 |
WTBBL PAC Meeting |
Nov 6-8 |
WCB State Convention in Spokane |
Dec 6 |
DSB Rehab Council Meeting in Tacoma |
To Brady Layman and Sherrill Lee of the Tri-Cities, for reading this issue onto tape. To Sue Sather, for duplicating the tape version of this issue. To Tim Schneebeck for providing the NEWSLINE on disk and via e-mail. To the individuals who contributed articles and materials to this issue. To the NEWSLINE Editorial Committee for their many hours of work.
Copyright © 2002-2004 by Washington Council of the Blind -- All rights reserved.
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