Vol. 33, No. 5
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2008
THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE
A publication of Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT SHELLEY JUSTICE
NEXT MFCB GENERAL MEETINGS
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN ORLANDO AREA FACING CUTBACKS
WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY - CONSIDER ITS HISTORY
FLORIDA WHITE CANE LAW
FCB E-MAIL DISCUSSION LIST AND VOICE CHAT ROOMS
MFCB ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
FINAL CANDIDATES FOR DBS DIRECTOR POSITION
ACB CONVENTION 2009 IN ORLANDO - START PLANNING AHEAD
MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader
BIRTHDAY PEOPLE
MESSAGE FROM MFCB PRESIDENT SHELLEY JUSTICE
Greetings, MFCB Members and Friends,
I hope that all of you are having a very enjoyable Summer. Mine has been so relaxing that I almost forgot to get this article done, *SMILE*.
In this issue, our profile spotlight focuses on Leslie Spoone. Leslie Stone was born in Indiana, and grew up in Indiana, California and Las
Vegas, Nevada. After graduating from high school, her first job was at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Los Vegas. She also worked at the Mirage.
Leslie’s vision loss was due to RP (retinitis pigmentosa). This hereditary condition affected three of the five children in Leslie’s family. In
1996, her sister convinced her to attend a Foundation Fighting Blindness convention in Washington D.C. There, she met Dan Spoone. After
a long-distance romance lasting a year, Leslie threw the dice, took a chance, moved to Florida, and she and Dan were married in 1997.
Leslie’s dream had always been to be a fitness instructor. She was certified as a fitness instructor in 1996. After moving to Florida, she
worked in several gyms in the Orlando area. Finally, she and Dan started their own business, “Git Fit”, and Leslie has been happily running
the gym these past four years. She gives much of the credit to Dan, her husband and “best friend”, stating that if he hadn’t continually
encouraged her in her dream, she wouldn’t have found the courage to take the plunge.
This writer’s hat is off to Leslie. She has made some interesting, and sometimes unusual choices in her life; and she hasn’t allowed her
loss of vision to get in the way of her ambitions, hopes and dreams. Leslie is an active member in our chapter, having served as its Vice
President and its President in past years. We all know her for her fundraising efforts. She remains unchallenged as our top raffle ticket
seller each year.
I admire you, Leslie. Keep up the good work. You are doing splendidly, in my opinion.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
NEXT MFCB GENERAL MEETINGS
The next General Meetings of MFCB will be at William Booth Tower, 633 Lake Dot Circle, Orlando, FL, 32801, on Saturday, September
6th, and Saturday, October 4th, 2008, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The phone number at William Booth Tower is (407) 843-5533. It is
highly recommended that if anyone uses paratransit, please plan your rides accordingly.
As of the time this issue went to press, there is no Guest Speaker scheduled for these General Meetings. However, there may be some
discussion that could take place that could be of prime interest to many Members. For more information, please contact 1st Vice
President Patti Land at (407) 521-9047.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN ORLANDO AREA FACING CUTBACKS
During this Summer, LYNX, the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, in charge of coordinating public transportation for
Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties, announced that for it Fiscal Year 2009, it may be facing a financial shortfall. Given the fact
that in January 2008, LYNX increased its fares for both its fixed route and paratransit services, this presented a concern to area
disability organizations, including MFCB. To plan on what LYNX may have to consider for possible cutbacks to any of its services,
they held public workshops during the month of July.
To the surprise of many who attended, these public workshops were not held in the same way as the regular meetings at LYNX
Central Station. Instead, the public would be directed to an open meeting area where LYNX staff would be at tables representing the
various options for possible service cuts, one of which would involved changes to ACCESS LYNX paratransit. Needless to say, all
disability organizations urged LYNX not to make any changes that would adversely affect paratransit services, and expressed those
feelings strongly in the surveys completed during those workshops.
LYNX also made a presentation to the Orange County Commission, where its Chief Executive Officer, Linda Watson, told of the
financial concerns LYNX expected in its budget for Fiscal Year 2009, which begins October 1st, 2008. Later in that Commissioners
meeting, members of the disabled community, including Sherri Brun of the National Federation of the Blind-Greater Orlando Chapter,
Kirk Harmon, who represented the Blinded Veterans Association, and MFCB Member Debbie Hazelton, who spoke strongly given with
her experience in dealing with transportation issues in South Florida, expressed to the Orange County Commission to increase their
financial support for LYNX to help lessen the burden they may face. The Commissioners were receptive to this matter and MFCB is
hopeful that Orange County will do their part to maintain LYNX and their current services.
While it is not known whether or not the city of Orlando and Osceola and Seminole Counties will follow suit in providing any additional
financial support for LYNX during this troubled time, MFCB urges its Members and Friends to follow the situation with LYNX as closely
as possible. Transportation matters are a concern to the public, not just those with disabilities. And any cutbacks to LYNX services
would affect the entire community of Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. If you have not done so already, please contact your
local legislators and express your concerns to those public officials. LYNX is a public service and, since all of us in MFCB have used
its services at one time or another, deserves a level of service we can all feel comfortable with.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY - CONSIDER ITS HISTORY
Before we know it, the day that is very important every year to the blind and visually-impaired throughout the United States will be upon
us. White Cane Safety Day is October 15th, a day to make those who are not visually-impaired of the laws that protect those with
visual impairments in their local area. And in the Orlando Metropolitan Area, this year should continue the annual tradition.
There will be an event scheduled in observance of White Cane Safety Day in Orlando. While plans are being made, Central Florida
Advocates for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way (CFA) wants all who are blind and visually-impaired in our area to inform those they
know about this important date. As this issue goes to press, plans for this year's White Cane Safety Event have yet to be released.
MFCB highly recommends Members attend the September and October General Meetings, and if that cannot be done, contact any
MFCB Officer for more information as well as for any questions about what may take place.
As is tradition every year at this time, to give a little background on what White Cane Day is all about, here is some information
taken from an article posted on the American Council of the Blind (ACB) website,
http://www.acb.org, and was written by Philip Strong, who has worked in the ACB National Office in
Washington, D.C:
The white cane is not just a tool that can be used to achieve independence; it is also a symbol of the blind citizens in our society. To
honor the many achievements of blind and visually-impaired Americans and to recognize the white cane's significance in advancing
independence, we observe October 15th of each year as "White Cane Safety Day." Today, the white cane works both, as a tool for the
blind as well as a symbol, but this has not always been the case.
Throughout history, the cane, staff, and stick have existed as traveling aids for the blind and visually impaired. Dating back to biblical
times records show that a shepherd's staff was used as a tool for solitary travel. The blind used such tools to alert them to obstacles in
their path.
For centuries, the "cane" was used merely as a tool for travel and it was not until the twentieth century that the cane, as we know it today,
was promoted for use by the blind as a symbol to alert others to the fact that an individual was blind.
This new role for the white cane had its origins in the decades between the two World Wars, beginning in Europe and then spreading to
North America. James Biggs of Bristol claimed to have invented the white cane in 1921. After an accident claimed his sight, the artist had
to readjust to his environment. Feeling threatened by increased motor vehicle traffic around his home, Biggs decided to paint his
walking stick white to make himself more visible to motorists.
It was not however until ten years later the white cane established its presence in society. In February 1931, Guilly d'Herbemont
launched a scheme for a national white stick movement for blind people in France. The campaign was reported in British newspapers
leading to a similar scheme being sponsored by rotary clubs throughout the United Kingdom. In May 1931, the BBC suggested in its
radio broadcasts that blind individuals might be provided with a white stick, which would become universally recognized as a symbol
indicating that somebody was blind or visually impaired.
In North America, the introduction of the white cane has been attributed to the Lion's Clubs International. In 1930, a Lion's Club member
watched as a blind man attempted to make his way across a busy street using a black cane. With the realization that the black cane was
barely visible to motorists, the Lion's Club decided to paint the cane white to increase its visibility to oncoming motorists. In 1931, the
Lion's Club International began a national program promoting the use of white canes for persons who are blind.
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, blind persons had walked with their canes held diagonally in a fixed position, and the role of the white
cane took on a symbolic role as an identifier. But when the blind veterans of World War II returned to America, the form and the use of
the white cane was further altered in an attempt to help return veterans to participatory lifestyles at home. Doctor Richard Hoover
developed the "long cane" or "Hoover" method of cane travel. These white canes are designed to be used as mobility devices and
returned the cane to its original role as a tool for mobility, but maintained the symbolic role as an identifier of blind independence.
During this period, the white cane began to make its way into government policy as a symbol for the blind.
The first special White Cane Ordinance was passed in December 1930 in Peoria, Illinois. It granted blind pedestrians protections and
the right-of-way while carrying a white cane. In 1935, Michigan began promoting the white cane as a visible symbol for the blind. On
February 25th, 1936, an ordinance was passed for the City of Detroit recognizing the white cane. To promote the new ordinance, a
demonstration was held at City Hall where the blind and visually impaired were presented with white canes.
The following year, Donald Schuur wrote the provision of a bill and had it proposed in the State Legislature. The proposal gave the
carrier of the White Cane protection while traveling on the streets of Michigan. Governor Frank Murphy signed the bill into law in March
1937.
During the early 1960's, several state organizations and rehabilitation agencies serving the blind and visually impaired citizens of the
United States urged Congress to proclaim October 15th of each year to be White Cane Safety Day in all fifty states. This event marked a
climatic moment in the long campaign of the organized blind movement to gain state as well as national recognition for the white
cane.
On October 6th, 1964, a joint resolution of the Congress, HR 753, was signed into law authorizing the President of the United States to
proclaim October 15th of each year as "White Cane Safety Day". The resolution read, "Resolved by the Senate and HR, that the
President is hereby authorized to issue annually a proclamation designating October 15th as White Cane Safety Day and calling upon
the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and activities." Within hours of passage of the
congressional resolution, President Lyndon B. Johnson went down in history as the first to proclaim October 15th as White Cane Safety
Day.
The Presidential proclamation emphasized the significance of the use of the white cane as both a tool and as a visible symbol. In the
first White Cane Proclamation, President Johnson commended blind people for the growing spirit of independence and the increased
determination to be self-reliant and dignified. He said in part: "A white cane in our society has become one of the symbols of a blind
person's ability to come and go on his own. Its use has promoted courtesy and opportunity for mobility of the blind on our streets and
highways." During most years since 1964, the President has proclaimed October 15th as White Cane Safety Day.
On October 15th, 2000, President Bill Clinton again reminded us of the history of the white cane as a tool, and its purpose as a symbol of
blindness: "With proper training, people using the white cane can enjoy greater mobility and safety by determining the location of curbs,
steps, uneven pavement, and other physical obstacles in their path. The white cane has given them the freedom to travel independently
to their schools and workplaces and to participate more fully in the life of their communities. It reminds us that the only barriers against
people with disabilities are discriminatory attitudes and practices that our society has too often placed in their way."
As we observe White Cane Safety Day, let us recall the history of the white cane, its emergence as a tool and a symbol through history; a
staff of independence. Let us also recall the events that have permitted us to celebrate October 15th as White Cane Safety Day.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
FLORIDA WHITE CANE LAW
The events of the annual White Cane Safety Day center around making the public aware of the laws that protect those who are blind
and visually-impaired in navigating the busy streets and intersections in their local area. Florida has, as many states also do, its own
White Cane Law that specifically states who is protected by this law as well as the penalties for violating it. The following is reprinted
with permission from the author, as it has been printed previously:
WHITE CANE LAW PROTECTS BLIND PEDESTRIANS (OCTOBER 15TH FLORIDA WHITE CANE DAY): VIOLATION OF THE WHITE
CANE SAFETY LAW AS A PUNISHABLE OFFENSE by Carl F. McCoy (Past President of FCB)
There is little doubt that the American intersection is becoming more and more hazardous to blind pedestrians. In one recent week
alone, there were five incidents of persons struck by motor vehicles resulting in one being killed and the other four being seriously
injured. With ever-increasing traffic volume everywhere, hearing about a person who is blind becoming a traffic victim somewhere in the
U.S. is almost a daily occurrence.
As a countermeasure, many states have adopted legislation designed to protect this vulnerable group who must cross busy streets to
conduct their daily activities. Florida Statute 413.07 is named "Traffic Regulations to Assist Blind Persons" and states:
1. It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or partially blind, or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or highway, to carry in
a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red.
2. Whenever a pedestrian is crossing or attempting to cross a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or
extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the
intersection or place where such pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection
or place of crossing and before proceeding shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian.
3. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to deprive any totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated person not
carrying such a cane or walking stick, or not being guided by a dog, of the rights and privileges conferred by law upon pedestrians
crossing streets or highways; nor shall the failure of such totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated person to carry a cane or
walking stick, or to be guided by a guide dog upon the streets, highways, or sidewalks of this state, be held to constitute, or be evidence
of, contributory negligence.
4. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided
in section 775.082, section 775.083, and section 775.084.
Since there seems to be little public awareness that violating the legal rights of blind pedestrians is a punishable offense, we urge that
every driver in Florida, both residents and visitors, at least learn and observe this law. If it would enhance their sensitivity to mentally
place themselves in the role of the unsighted, they might imagine being blindfolded and told to "Now, cross the street." Would a careless
or reckless driver have a clearer insight into the plight of the blind and observe safety?
October 15th is traditionally designated as National White Cane Safety Day. We, the members of the Florida Council of the Blind,
challenge Florida's drivers to observe the rights of blind pedestrians, and indeed all pedestrians, to take into account the lives of these
courageous pedestrians and respect those who carry a white cane or are led by a guide dog.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
FCB E-MAIL DISCUSSION LIST AND VOICE CHAT ROOMS
Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) is proud to have its members throughout the state participate in a couple of ways on the Internet. The
FCB E-mail Discussion List is a way for members, locally and statewide, to express themselves freely on a variety of issues. These can
range from those on a local level to issues on a state or even national platform.
MFCB encourages all Members with E-mail and Internet access to sign up and participate in the various discussions as well as maybe
even starting a few. To sign up for the FCB E-mail Discussion List, and for more information about the List, go to the FCB website at
http://www.fcb.org and go to the link for "FCB E-mail Discussion List Information and Instructions."
And FCB has 2 improved voice chat rooms for members of the organization. One of these is for General chat, the other is for the FCB
Board and its respective committees to meet. Everyone is invited to sit in on these chats, especially to participate with those in the
General chat room.
For more information about these FCB chat rooms, especially if you want to know how you can join in on the
chats, click on the link "Voice Chat for FCB" at http://www.fcb.org.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
MFCB ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind has a presence on the World Wide Web. Through the Florida Council of the Blind website,
http://www.fcb.org, there is information available on the Internet about MFCB, especially the MFCB
By-Laws, as well as current and past issues of the MFCB Newsletter. MFCB is proud to have people find out what is going on with our
organization in this global manner.
To specifically get to the MFCB section of the FCB website, go to http://www.fcb.org/mfcb.htm.
Feedback is strongly encouraged as to the accessibility and content of the website, so if you have any questions or suggestions, E-mail
webmaster@fcb.org. With your suggestions, changes can be made that better what we have
on the Web.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
FINAL CANDIDATES FOR DBS DIRECTOR POSITION
The position of Director of the Florida Division of Blind Services (DBS) will be filled shortly. Steve Ritacco has been admirably serving as
Interim Director since Craig Kiser retired from the position. As this issue goes to press, a final list of candidates for DBS Director and
their affiliation:
Joyce Hildreth (Lighthouse Central Florida)
Harold W. Snider (National Federation of the Blind)
Stephanie Wilson (DBS)
MFCB is proud that Joyce has made it to the final list of candidates. We wish her the best of luck as the announcement of the next
DBS Director will be made very shortly. The announcement of the new Director of the Florida Division of Blind Services will be in the next
issue of THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
ACB CONVENTION 2009 IN ORLANDO - START PLANNING AHEAD
It is never too early to plan ahead for the American Council of the Blind National Convention, and in 2009, it will be very special for MFCB.
The 2009 ACB National will take place July 4th through July 12th at the Rosen Centre Hotel here in Orlando. The hotel's address is 9840
International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819, which is just north of Sea World.
In 1998, ACB held its National Convention in Orlando, and from those who attended, including those current MFCB Members who were
there then, it was the largest ACB Convention for its time, and was also quite enjoyable an experience. The room rate for the 2009 ACB
National Convention is $83.00, which is lower than the rates in recent years. Here is some information about the Rosen Centre Hotel,
taken from the hotel's website, http://www.rosencentre.com:
"In a city known as a world-class destination, Orlando Florida, this award-winning Orlando hotel establishes a spectacular standard of
meeting quality. Exceptional facilities, a highly respected staff and one of Orlando's most beautiful accommodations assure
comprehensive, in-house solutions to the meeting needs of groups ranging from 10 to 4,000. A perfect location adjacent to the Orange
County Convention Center in Orlando Florida makes Rosen Centre Hotel an ideal headquarters. Impressive meeting capabilities combine
with resort-style luxury, minutes from all of Orlando’s famous attractions.
"Rosen Centre Hotel pampers guests in beautifully appointed rooms and suites. Textured walls accent pleasing, contemporary designs.
Rising 24 stories, the hotel offers 1334 finely appointed guestrooms and suites reflecting luxurious contemporary furnishings and
spectacular views. All offer voice mail and high-speed internet; remote-control color cable TV with in-room movies and video account
review/checkout; in-room safe and computerized card key locks and smoke-free facilities. ADA-compliant rooms are also available.
"The absolute success of each event is the primary goal of Rosen Centre's professional meetings staff. Extensive pre-planning, attention
to detail and a commitment to service assure a successful meeting. Experts in every area apply exceptionally broad experience to
formulate effective, efficient solutions to every objective. They listen carefully to client goals, anticipate requirements and respond
immediately to every request."
With what may possibly be once again the largest ACB National Convention for its time, MFCB urges Members to consider attending
the 2009 ACB Convention here in Orlando and make reservations as soon as possible. The ACB 2009 Host Committee, which assists with
many local responsibilities for such a convention, will begin work shortly, with MFCB Officers as well as a few Members prepared to serve.
In the next issues of the MID-FLORIDA VOICE, there will be more information as to what to expect at an ACB Convention, as well as
possible activities and tours that should be of interest to many in MFCB to take part.
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
MEMBERSHIP - from Jay Bader
With the Summer winding down, the Annual MFCB Membership Drive is underway. This is done in cooperation with the Bureau of
Braille and Talking Book Library Services in Daytona Beach and the mailers have been sent out. Those mailers are sent with
the hope that there are those who receive it interested in becoming Members of MFCB.
\
There will be those who get this mailing that are already members but please keep in mind that if you are a Talking Book
subscriber in Orange, Osceola or Seminole County, this will arrive. So if you know someone who you think may be interested
in becoming a Member of MFCB, or if they would like to donate to our organization, pass it along. Just as they do on the
state level, donations are always gladly accepted.
Beginning at the September General Meeting, renewals on current MFCB Memberships will be accepted. These are $12.00 and
payable by cash, check or money order, with the deadline for new Memberships or renewals on November 15th, 2008. If you
cannot attend a General Meeting, or know someone who wants to join MFCB, checks and money orders can be sent to the
following address:
MFCB MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
5611 Pecos St.
Orlando, FL 32807
Please make your checks and money orders payable to MFCB. And for renewals, let me know upon payment whether any
personal information changes need to be made, including newsletter preference.
Also, a reminder that, as MFCB President Shelley Justice has said previously, please feel free and contact any MFCB
Officer with your feedback to our Newsletter, and for those who receive THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE by e-mail, please do not
reply to the Newsletter.
And I always accept submissions to THE MID-FLORIDA VOICE. All submissions for the November-December 2008 issue must arrive by
regular mail or e-mail to me by the 15th of October as it will be prepared shortly after that. You will be properly credited with the
submission.
If you have any further questions, please call me at (407) 658-2479 or e-mail
mfcbinfo@bellsouth.net. Looking forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming MFCB
General Meetings!
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
Back to MFCB Main Page
BIRTHDAY PEOPLE
SEPTEMBER
6 - Nicole Hugues
9 - Paul Hutsko
13 - Jay Bader
14 - Marion Eiermann
27 - Dan Spoone
27 - Lutisha Thompson
OCTOBER
5 - Jack Jordan
18 - Bill Freeman
24 - Dale Honhoine
Back to Table of Contents
Back to MFCB Newsletters
MFCB Main Page
FCB Home Page