THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.
January - February 2007
FCB OFFICERS, 2006 - 2008
President:
Debbie Grubb
4215 17th Ave. W
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 749-6178
E-mail: debbiecg@verizon.net
First Vice President:
Robert Miller
2201 Limerick Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(850) 906-9821
E-mail: easytalk@earthlink.net
Second Vice President:
John S. Richards, Jr.
939 NE 18th St.
Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 629-4530
E-mail: jsrj@earthlink.net
Treasurer:
Patti Land
6933 Alpert Dr.
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 521-9047
E-mail: pattianne1@cfl.rr.com
Membership Secretary:
Linda Jacobson
2915 Circle Ridge Dr.
Orange Park, FL 32065
(904) 272-8405
E-mail: jacobsli@bellsouth.net
Recording Secretary:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Immediate Past President:
Paul Edwards
20330 NE 20th Ct.
Miami, FL 33179
(305) 692-9206
E-mail: edwpaul@comcast.net
Editor of White Cane Bulletin:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Articles for the White Cane Bulletin must be submitted to Sally Benjamin no later than the 20th of the month before it is published.
Sally's E-mail is: salbenjamin@comcast.net. If you do not have access to a computer
and E-mail, please find someone in your chapter to help send it. We would like to hear from anyone who wants to contribute to our
newsletter.
Articles published in The White Cane Bulletin are in compliance with Public Law No. 104197, Copyright Law Amendment of 1996.
This law allows authorized entities to distribute copies of previously published non-dramatic literary works in specialized formats,
including Braille, audio or digital text that are exclusively for use by Blind people or those with disabilities. Any further distributing of such
articles in another than a specialized format is an infringement of copyright.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (ACB): STRIDE TOWARDS MAKING AMERICA'S MONEY ACCESSIBLE - Submitted by Debbie
Grubb
HELP THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN EDITOR - by Sharon Youngs
ACB AUCTION - by Brenda Dillon (Submitted by Debbie Grubb)
FCB SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO BLIND STUDENTS - by Barbara Grill
FCB CONVENTION 2007 - by Sila Miller
EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE - by Mary Ellen Ottman
WJHG, FLORIDA USA (FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29TH, 2006) - Submitted by Sally Benjamin
MEDICAID & DIAL-A-RIDE TRANSPORTATION ISSUES RESOLVED IN LEON COUNTY - By Barbara
Ross
STAR-SPANGLED BANNER - Submitted By Matt Roberts
DOWNTOWN GETS AN UPGRADE TO HELP VISUALLY IMPAIRED - Submitted by Debbie Grubb
2ND DINING IN THE DARK A SUCCESS! - by Barbara Ross
FCB MEMBERS TO SPEAK AT SATH CONGRESS - by Jackie Hull
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
FCB TRADING POST
CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Tallahassee Council of the Blind
RECIPE CORNER
CHAPTER LIASONS
HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
As I write to you, the calendar has been flipped to the last page for over two weeks. We have moved through the arbitrary number of
days that bring us to the end of another year. Although the time line moves flawlessly forward, it is during this time of artificial endings
and beginnings that we review the past and make plans for the future.
Since you bestowed upon me the honor of being your President in May of 2006, FCB has moved forward with several initiatives that will
improve our lives as citizens of the State of Florida. These initiatives include access to Florida's streets and highways, work on the
creation of a Task Force to study the pros and cons of implementing a statewide seamless system of transportation, advocating that all
paratransit offer door to door rather than curb to curb service, advocating for access to electronic information and technology for state
workers, bus stop access, the furtherance of Remote Infrared audible signage, creation of a document to outline FCB's philosophy of
training for men and women attending Florida's Orientation and Adjustment Center, implementation of the process of building a
relationship with the Florida Vision Caucus. FCB leaders who assisted with these projects are Rachel Bader, Paul Edwards, Doug
Hall, Barbara Grill, Robert Miller and John Richards. Sally Benjamin, FCB's Project Insight Coordinator, assists me and other leaders
in FCB in ways too numerous and varied to mention here.
I would be remiss if I didn't thank my wonderful Executive Committee who meets with me monthly and who graciously advises me and
who takes on many responsibilities as we all work together on behalf of the Florida Council of the Blind. Heartfelt thanks to our First
Vice President, Robert Miller; Second Vice President, John Richards; Secretary, Sharon Youngs; Membership Secretary, Linda
Jacobson; Treasurer, Patti Land and Immediate Past President, Paul Edwards.
For the past several months, our Chapter Presidents have been meeting with me via teleconference. If your chapter President or
his/her designee is not participating in these meetings, they should be. Please contact Sally Benjamin to learn how to join the monthly
meetings of this exciting group of FCB leaders.
In July of this year, FCB hosted the ACB Convention in Jacksonville. All of the individuals who played an integral part in the success of
the hosting of this event were publicly acknowledged in one of my President's messages. I must, however, mention again here the
tireless efforts of Barbara Brown, Debbie Drylie, Linda Jacobson and Dan O'Connor.
In early November, the Annual FCB Board Meeting was held in Orlando. I want to take this opportunity to thank the FCB committee
chairs and their committees for the excellent work that took place during this meeting. Doug Hall chairs the Access Committee; Sharon
Youngs chairs the Archives Committee; Sally Benjamin chairs the Awards Committee; Patti Land chairs the Budget and Finance
Committee; Jim Kracht chairs the Constitution and By-Laws Committee; Sila Miller chairs the Convention Committee; Barbara Grill
chairs the Education and Leadership Committee; Mary Ellen Ottman chairs the Employment Committee; William Benjamin chairs the
Fundraising Committee; Linda Jacobson chairs the Membership Committee; Debbie Drylie and Paul Edwards co-chair the Project
Insight Committee; Carl McCoy chairs the Public Relations Committee; Sally Benjamin chairs the Publications Committee; Jesus
Garcia chairs the Resolutions Committee and John Richards chairs the Technology Committee.
Debbie and Mike Drylie and I will represent FCB at the 2007 ACB Legislative Seminar. It will be my pleasure to represent FCB at the
ACB Mid-Year Presidents' Meeting.
As 2007 begins, Doug Hall Robert Miller, John Richards and I will endeavor to set up a teleconference with members of the Florida
Vision Caucus for the purpose of discussing the creation of Pedestrian right-of-way legislation as well as the creation of the Task Force
to study the Seamless Statewide System of Transportation that can positively impact the lives of Florida's citizens who do not drive
because of age, disability or financial constraints.
In May, FCB will hold its annual Convention in Tallahassee. Sila Miller and the FCB Convention Committee are planning an educational
and entertaining event. I look forward to seeing many of you there.
Frela and I want to take this opportunity to wish each of you a marvelous 2007. I want to thank you once again for trusting me with the
Presidency of the wonderful organization that is FCB. With the help of new and tried and true leaders, FCB will continue its tradition of
advocating for the rights of those of us who are blind and visually-impaired. We in ACB and FCB have come a long way since the
signing into law of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, as you can see from the areas in which ACB
and FCB are advocating, many core rights are still not honored in this country. Pedestrians in Florida still don't have their right-of-way in
intersections adequately protected under current law. Florida's White Cane Law is rarely enforced. People in the state who do not drive
cannot move easily between counties. Out of the 180 countries that use paper currency, ours is the only country whose paper currency
is not accessible to people who are blind and visually-impaired. FCB will stand with ACB in its efforts to make our currency accessible
to every citizen of this country. Well-meaning people who do not understand technology as well as those who are simply sore losers
threaten our hard won victory to cast an independent, secret and verifiable ballot during this country's elections. These are just a few of
the rights for which we must advocate. As long as there are people like you in FCB and ACB, our voices will not be silent until every
citizen in this country has an equal opportunity to strive for his/her version of the American Dream.
I invite each of you to stand with us as we strive to carry out our mission and goals.
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AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (ACB): STRIDE TOWARDS MAKING AMERICA'S MONEY ACCESSIBLE -
Submitted by Debbie Grubb
(Note: the following are Press Releases issued by the American Council of the Blind (ACB).)
AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (ACB)
PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE
1055 E. Flamingo Rd., Ste. 404
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 735-2484
Fax: (702) 733-7570
rsanders@acb.org
November 28th, 2006
Federal Judge Decides for the American Council of the Blind in Directing the United States Department of the Treasury to begin printing
paper currency which is Accessible by individuals who are blind or who have severe vision loss without requiring assistance.
For Immediate Release
For additional information contact Melanie Brunson, Executive Director, ACB at (202) 467-5081 or Ralph Sanders at (702) 735-2484.
Judge James Robertson, in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia, today issued a declaratory judgment on a motion by
the plaintiff, the American Council of the Blind, (ACB), finding the U.S. Department of Treasury in violation of Section 504 of the
Vocational Rehabilitation Act for failing to provide accessible print currency in a format usable by blind and visually-impaired Americans
and directing them to enter into discussions with the plaintiff to work out a currency design that will enable individuals who are blind or
who have severe sight loss to be able to identify bills by touch and other accessible means. The ruling is the culmination of a lawsuit
brought by the ACB in 2002 against the Department of the Treasury for violating Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act.
"This is a major milestone for the blind and visually impaired of America," said Melanie Brunson, Executive Director of the ACB who has
worked closely with the lawyer on the case. "The ability to handle, a persons financial affairs INDEPENDENTLY, and in private, is an
essential part of being a productive member of society," she said.
"This is the most significant case ever won where we have been able to force a major Federal agency to act responsibly within the
constraints of Federal laws designed to protect our rights," explained Christopher Gray, President of the ACB, the nation's largest
consumer based organization of blind and visually impaired individuals.
"This is a landmark decision," said Jeffrey A. Lovitky, the attorney who represented the ACB, "and it will have a positive impact on
millions of Americans."
In issuing his ruling in "AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, Plaintiffs, v. Secretary of the Treasury, Defendant. Civil Action No.
02-0864 (JR) Judge Robertson wrote: "American Council of the Blind is a national advocacy group for the visually impaired. In this suit,
the Council and a number of blind and visually impaired individuals allege that the Department of Treasury violates section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. § 794, by its repeated and continuing failures to design and issue paper currency that is readily
distinguishable to blind and visually-impaired people. The Council's amended complaint seeks a declaratory judgment to that effect
and an order mandating the creation and implementation of a corrective action plan."
In reviewing the background for the issues, Judge Robertson noted that of the more than 180 nations that issue paper currency, the
United States is the only nation which makes no effort to make its paper currency accessible by blind and visually-impaired
individuals.
The United States Department of the Treasury has ten days to file for an appeal of the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia Circuit.
"We expect them to appeal," Brunson said, "but we are prepared to keep on fighting because what we seek is not only fair, it is the
law."
The American Council of the Blind was established in 1961 to advocate for the rights of blind and visually-impaired Americans.
Organized through more than seventy state and special interest affiliates, the ACB has members in every state, and the District of
Columbia.
December 12th, 2006
American Council of the Blind Vows to Continue the Battle for Accessible Paper Currency in the DC Circuit Court of Appeals
For Immediate Release
For additional information contact Ralph Sanders.
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has made clear its intention to continue the court battle for accessible currency pursuant to the
ruling in its favor by the Federal District Court in the District of Columbia and despite opposition by the Bush Administration.
"We anticipated that the U.S. Department of the Treasury would appeal the DC District Court ruling and were not surprised when The
Department of Justice filed an appeal today on behalf of Treasury," said Christopher Gray, ACB's President.
"Treasury complains about the costs of making currency accessible," Gray added, "but they are not at all concerned about the cost of
litigation."
"We are committed to this fight even to the Supreme Court, if necessary, because it is the right thing to do, and because it is the law of
the United States," Gray said.
Melanie Brunson, American Council of the Blind's Executive Director, was not immediately available for comment. She is finishing up a
week-long trip to Tokyo, Japan where she was a featured speaker addressing an international conference on accessibility to audio and
video programming for the blind and visually impaired.
Estimates of the numbers of blind and visually impaired Americans who will benefit from accessible paper currency range from 3.3
million to 10 million. This estimate, however, does not take into account the tens of millions of Americans who are beginning to
experience sight loss because of age. The senior citizens are often not included in the visually-impaired category, but many of them
express problems with reading currency in dim light, particularly at night in gas stations and convenience stores.
"It seems to us that the argument of those groups opposing our position is poorly founded since no specific method of making the
currency accessible has been put forward," Gray said. "Estimates of potential costs to vending machine operators and to cash register
changes are simply unfounded at this time."
In reaching his ruling in the Federal District Court, Judge James Robertson noted that of 180 nations printing paper currency only the
United States makes no effort to make the currency accessible without vision.
As for small elements within the blind community who have voiced opposition, Gray said that it is hard to find unanimity within any
sector of the American society on any issue. "The blind community would not have succeeded in moving into active participation in any
sector of our society without steps to make material generated in print accessible in some way from printed books to computer
screens," Gray said.
"We still have a long way to go to level the playing field and the currency suit is merely one effort among many sponsored by the
American Council of the Blind," he said.
The American Council of the Blind is the largest consumer-based organization of blind and visually-impaired Americans advocating for
the rights of blind Americans. Organized through more than seventy affiliates in every community in the United States, the organization
is dedicated to making it possible for blind and visually-impaired Americans to participate fully in every aspect of American society. For
more information on the American Council of the Blind, and the issues it supports visit
www.acb.org.
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HELP THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN EDITOR - by Sharon Youngs
It’s that time of year when we make resolutions and try to improve ourselves in the year ahead. We start this process by confessing
what we consider our faults. Well, I'm here right now to confess that I like to write!
I'm always glad to receive an article that I can get my teeth into and hopefully make easier to read and understand. Unfortunately for
me, you who have submitted articles lately are so good that there's not a lot to do.
It has now occurred to me that some of you who may want to submit something that it has to be letter perfect before it comes to us. I
think that may intimidate some people. I would like to see more people participate in this great forum called the White Cane
Bulletin.
I am not only willing but also eager to get you published. All you need to do is to e-mail me your idea or even a rough draft of
something you'd like to see published. I would love to help you get your thoughts down on paper. You can even call me with what you
want to say. I'll be glad to write it up for you.
I recently received an article that was from a very learned man who knew exactly what he wanted to say. The way his article read made
perfect sense to him. But I was concerned that you readers would not get the benefit from the article. I rewrote it and submitted it to
him for approval. He graciously thanked me for making his point more easily understood by all readers. I don't really need any thanks.
I just want this to be the best publication it can possibly be. So, won't you please indulge me?
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ACB AUCTION - by Brenda Dillon (Submitted by Debbie Grubb)
As you know, ACB will be holding an auction at its 2007 Convention in Minneapolis. We have asked affiliates to assist us by providing
items for the auction with a retail value of $25 or more. What follows is a proposed template that you and your members might use in
your solicitation efforts. This is just a suggested approach, and you may find that certain clauses are either inapplicable to your situation
or that you would prefer to adopt a different strategy. In addition, if you elect to insert a paragraph at the beginning about a special story
from your affiliate concerning a member whose life has been greatly impacted by the affiliate, its use can have a tremendous effect.
Finally, this template could be used either for personalized letters, under which the name of each donor would be inserted, or as a
more general form letter to be handed out to donors.
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is the leading consumer organization of blind and visually-impaired individuals. Through its
national efforts, and the work of its state and local affiliates, ACB assists thousands of blind and visually-impaired persons each year
to live more independent and productive lives. Scholarships to blind college students, mentoring of persons, including seniors,
suffering recent vision loss, assisting those who have suffered discrimination because of their blindness or visual impairment,
providing crisis intervention, and helping blind and low vision persons to acquire or retain employment, are just a few of the ways in
which ACB works on behalf of those who are blind or have Low Vision.
In July 2007, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) will be holding its 46th Annual Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As part of
that gathering, ACB will be holding an auction to raise funds that will not only enable us to continue providing the quality services that
we offer, but to expand our services to meet the ever-increasing need, especially among our senior population. As a proud (state or
local) affiliate of ACB, we want to help in this effort in any way that we can. Your tax-deductible donation to us of an auction item for the
2007 ACB Convention auction, with a retail value of $25 or more, would be greatly appreciated. We can provide you with a 501(c)(3) Tax
ID number upon request.
We thank you for your consideration of this request, and are willing to answer any questions that you might have.
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FCB SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO BLIND STUDENTS - by Barbara Grill
The Florida Council of the Blind is offering four scholarships totaling $6,250.00 to outstanding students in 2007. The awards are for
$2,000.00, $1,500.00 and $750.00. The prestigious Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship, in the amount of $2,000.00, will be
awarded to one student demonstrating outstanding leadership accomplishments along with academic achievement. An eligible blind
student must be a resident of the State of Florida and enrolled in a postsecondary academic or vocational training program. A
cumulative grade point average of 2.5 is required. Part-time students who are working full-time may also apply for the $750.00
award.
Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes. Applications may be printed from the FCB website
(www.fcb.org) and submitted by e-mail attachment. However, all supporting documents including an
official transcript from the most recent year of school attended must be submitted in hard copy.
The Florida Council of the Blind Education and Leadership Committee will determine which scholarships will be awarded to
successful candidates. Please submit only one application. The information submitted on applications and in telephone interviews
determine the scholarship for which you qualify.
Although attendance at the 2007 Convention is not required, scholarship winners are encouraged to attend the Award Ceremony. The
2007 Convention and Award Ceremony will be held between May 17th-20th, 2007, at the Ramada Inn, at 2900 North Monroe Street, in
Tallahassee.
All applications and/or supporting documents must be postmarked no later than March 20th, 2007, and mailed to:
Barbara H. Grill
2030 Preymore Street
Osprey, FL 34229
Since 1953, the Florida Council of the Blind, Inc., an advocacy and support organization for residents of Florida who are blind or
visually impaired, has assisted blind students to realize lives of independence through the FCB Scholarship Program. If you have any
questions, please call (941) 966-7056 or e-mail: grillbh@comcast.net.
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FCB CONVENTION 2007 - by Sila Miller
The time is drawing ever closer for our next FCB Convention to be held in Tallahassee! From Thursday, May 17th through Sunday, the
20th, we will congregate to conduct important business, learn and share information and ideas and fit in some fun with friends. The
convention will be held at the Ramada Inn North, which is centrally located between Tallahassee Regional Airport and Downtown
Tallahassee, just off of I-10.
There are many things to do in “Talley Town” as many of the locals affectionately call it. And, to help you have some fun, we'll outline
some of them for you. Also, don’t forget the hotel is offering our convention room rates 3 days before and after our meeting so come
early or stay later to take in some of the local sights of Florida's Capital.
Visit the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum located at 3550 Mahan Drive or a beautiful old restored home, The Meginnis-Monroe
House, located at 125 N. Gadsden Street. Or, go shopping at either of our malls, Tallahassee or Governor's Square. Other attractions
near The Ramada Inn North include The State Capitol, Old Capitol Museum, Mary Borgan Museum of Arts and Science and the
Governors Mansion all with in a five-mile radius.
Located approximately 25 miles south of Tallahassee, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park hosts one of the world's largest and
deepest freshwater springs. The springs form the headwaters of the Wakulla River. Take a glass bottom boat tour through old-growth
cypress swamp with abundant wildlife or just stroll the nature trails. For more information about the park or restaurant, call (850)
224-5950.
Nearby restaurants include: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Longhorn Steak House, Marie Livingston's Texas Steak House, and the
hotel also provides a shuttle, based upon availability.
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EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE - by Mary Ellen Ottman
Hello Friends,
For those of you who are trying to find work, there is an excellent website to visit. It is
www.esight.org. This site contains any information you might want on how to obtain and retain
employment. Here are a couple of tips for finding work:
1. Make finding a job your full time job. You are unlikely to be successful if you are only spending a few minutes a day on this.
2. Research shows that most people find jobs by talking to people they know. Tell all of your family, friends, and people with whom you
make contact that you are looking for work.
3. You are much more likely to find work if you are passionate about your career. Spend some time thinking about what you really like to
do and the values that are most important to you.
4. Develop a 30 second commercial about yourself, and practice reciting it until you are comfortable. Include the type of work you want,
and why you should get the job.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. Please call me at the Orientation and Adjustment Center or e-mail me if I can be of assistance.
My phone number is 800-741-3826. My e-mail is:
Maryellen.ottman@dbs.fldoe.org.
Mary Ellen Ottman,
Employment Committee Chair
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WJHG, FLORIDA USA (FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29TH, 2006) - Submitted by Sally Benjamin
Blind Pedestrians Getting Hit by Cars Whose Drivers Don't Look
By Reporter: Victoria Langley
Florida Law Requires Motorists to Yield to Sight-Impaired Pedestrians
More than 8600 pedestrians were struck by vehicles on Florida roads last year. Some of them were legally blind pedestrians who
should have had the right-of-way.
Now, some members of the blind community are hoping lawmakers get serious this year about making our streets safer.
Robert Miller and his wife are legally blind. They moved to their neighborhood specifically so they could live independently because it
was within walking distance of local stores and restaurants.
But in the past year, they've both been hit and injured by cars at this intersection as they crossed in the crosswalk with an audible walk
signal. "It's dangerous for people to be out on the streets walking and if I want to send a message to anyone it would be to the
legislature to do something about pedestrian safety."
Florida law requires motorists to come to a complete stop for visually-impaired pedestrians, whether or not they're in a crosswalk. But
members of the blind community say drivers just don't seem to be paying attention.
The risk seems to be especially high when drivers are turning right on red.
Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant John Bagnardi says drivers too often roll on through without looking to the right for potential
pedestrians. "You have to remember, you have to have your vehicle under control. You can come to a stop to give those pedestrians a
chance to cross the street and that's probably the biggest violation, whether it be someone that's legally blind or just a regular
pedestrian."
Miller and his wife hope lawmakers will consider restrictions to the right-on-red law, or tougher penalties for motorists who strike
pedestrians. In the meantime they can only hope they'll make it home safely.
576 pedestrians were killed on Florida streets last year. The state doesn't keep statistics on whether any of them were visually
impaired. Failing to stop for a visually-impaired pedestrian is considered a moving violation punishable by a traffic fine.
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MEDICAID & DIAL-A-RIDE TRANSPORTATION ISSUES RESOLVED IN LEON COUNTY - By Barbara
Ross
Over a year ago, individuals in Leon County that utilized Medicaid Transportation were un-enrolled from Dial-A-Ride or the
Transportation Disadvantaged program. Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education (FIRE) Board Member, Lisa Raleigh took this on
as a cause.
After many e-mails, phone calls and a meeting, City of Tallahassee Staff, Donna Peacock wrote Lisa, "We have met with Byron
Underwood and Lisa Baggett of the [Florida] Commission [for the Transportation Disadvantaged] and have discussed the issue of dual
eligibility for both the Medicaid transportation and ADA or Dial-a-Ride in Leon County. We have all agreed that the best method to serve
our disabled population is to allow dual eligibility where the rider does qualify, with the understanding that medical trips should be
taken through the Medicaid transportation system. This information is being communicated to the staff responsible for eligibility
screening."
Thank you to Lisa Raleigh for working to resolve this issue and helping restore this vital transportation for people with disabilities.
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STAR-SPANGLED BANNER - Submitted By Matt Roberts
Dr. Isaac Asimov is a prolific and excellent science and science fiction writer, born in Russia, who grew up in New York City. This story
from him focuses on not only the first stanza of the “Star Spangled Banner” but the beauty and depth of all four verses.
I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem, the
"Star-Spangled Banner," all four stanzas.
This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud and
distracting.
"Thanks, Herb," I said.
"That's all right," he said. "It was at the request of the kitchen staff."
I explained the background of the anthem and then sang all four stanzas. Let me tell you, those people had never heard it before or had
never really listened. I got a standing ovation.
It was not I. It was the anthem.
More recently, while conducting a seminar, I told my students the story of the anthem and sang all four stanzas. Again there was a wild
ovation and prolonged applause. And again, it was the anthem and not I. So now let me tell you how it came to be written.
In 1812 the United States went to war with Great Britain, primarily over freedom of the seas. We were in the right. For two years, we held
off the British, even though we were still a rather weak country.
At first our seamen proved better than the British. After we won a battle on Lake Erie in 1813, the American commander, Oliver Hazard
Perry, sent the message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours."
However, the weight of the British navy beat down our ships eventually. New England, hard-hit by a tightening blockade, threatened
secession.
Great Britain now launched a three-pronged attack. The northern prong was to come down Lake Champlain toward New York and seize
parts of New England. The southern prong was to go up the Mississippi, take New Orleans and paralyze the west. The central prong
was to head for the Mid-Atlantic States and then attack Baltimore, the greatest port south of New York.
If Baltimore were taken, the nation, which still hugged the Atlantic coast, could be split in two. The fate of the United States, then, rested
to a large extent on the success or failure of the central prong.
The British reached the American coast on August 24, 1814, and immediately took Washington, D.C. Then they moved up the
Chesapeake Bay toward Baltimore. On September 12th, they arrived and found 1,000 men in Fort McHenry, whose guns controlled the
harbor. If the British wished to take Baltimore, they would have to take the fort.
On one of the British ships was an aged physician, William Beanes, who had been arrested in Maryland and brought along as a
prisoner. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, and friend of the physician, had come to the ship to negotiate his release. The British captain was
willing to negotiate, but the two Americans would have to wait until after the battle.
It was now the night of September 13th and the bombardment of Fort McHenry was about to start. As twilight deepened, Key and
Beanes saw the American flag flying over Fort McHenry. Through the night, they heard bombs bursting and saw the red glare of rockets.
They knew the fort was resisting and the American flag was still flying.
Toward morning the bombardment ceased and a dread silence fell. Either Fort McHenry had surrendered and the British flag flew
above it, or the bombardment had failed and the American flag still flew.
As dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, Key and Beanes stared out at the fort, trying to see which flag flew over it. He and the
physician must have asked each other over and over,
"Can you see the flag?"
After it was all finished, Key wrote a four-stanza poem telling the events of the night. Called "The Defense of Fort McHenry," it was
published in newspapers and swept the nation.
Someone noted that the words fit an old English tune called, "To Anacreon in Heaven" -- a difficult melody with an uncomfortably large
vocal range. For obvious reasons, Key's work became known as "The Star-Spangled Banner," and in 1931 Congress declared it the
official anthem of the United States.
Now that you know the story, here are the words. Presumably, the old doctor is speaking. This is what he asks Key:
Oh! Say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and
bright stars, through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
Oh! Say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave,
o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
"Ramparts," in case you don't know, are the protective walls or other elevations that surround a fort. The first stanza asks a question.
The second gives an answer:
On the shore, dimly seen thro' the mist of the deep.
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, what is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep. As it fitfully blows, half
conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, in full glory reflected, now shines on the stream. "Ties
the Star-Spangled Banner". Oh! Long may it wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
"The towering steep" is again, the ramparts. The bombardment has failed, and the British can do nothing more but sail away, their
mission a failure. In the third stanza, I feel Key allows himself to gloat over the American triumph. In the aftermath of the bombardment,
Key probably was in no mood to act otherwise?? During World War I when the British were our staunchest allies, this third stanza was
not sung. However, I know it, so here it is:
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion.
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave from the terror of flight, or the
gloom of the grave, and the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The fourth stanza, hope for the future, should be sung more slowly than the other three and with even deeper feeling:
Oh! Thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand,
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation,
Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven -- rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then
conquer we must, for our cause is just, And this be our motto --"In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth
wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
I hope you will look at the national anthem with new eyes. Listen to it, the next time you have a chance, with new ears. Pay attention to
the words. And don't let them ever take it away. Not even one word of it.
The author is Isaac Asimov who was born in the former Soviet Union, but grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He taught biochemistry at
Boston University until he retired in 1958 to become a full-time writer. Asimov had been publishing short stories since the late 1930's,
and in 1952 published his first novel.
The author of the classic "I, Robot" series and "The Foundation Trilogy," Asimov wrote more than 400 books and won every major
science fiction award. He also wrote popular books and essays on science and technology, earning him the nickname "The Great
Explainer."
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DOWNTOWN GETS AN UPGRADE TO HELP VISUALLY IMPAIRED - Submitted by Debbie Grubb
First Coast News, Florida USA
Thursday, December 21st, 2006
Downtown Gets an Upgrade to Help Visually Impaired
By Angela Williams, First Coast News
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A simple thing like crossing the street isn't always an easy task, especially when you can't see what is out
there.
"I had to change my whole mind set and learn how to do things differently," says Dan O'Connor, president of Jacksonville Council for
the Blind.
Dan has been legally blind since his early twenties. He gets around fine with his cane, but soon there may be an extra voice of help for
him and others that are visually impaired.
The city is working on a new pilot project to install automated pedestrian crossings at downtown intersections.
"It helps people that have vision impairment to be able to navigate and be able to get around more independently like anyone else
would," O'Connor says.
Right now, there are only four automated crosswalks in the city. The new systems would replace regular push-button crosswalks.
When pressed, you would hear a series of beeps that warn you not to cross. When the way is clear the automated voice says the name
of the street and will let you know it's okay to cross; for example, "State Street walk sign is on to cross State Street."
"That message is continually repeated as long as the walk signal is showing. When the walk signal goes off then that message goes
off," says Rick Ball with the city's traffic engineering department.
Once traffic begins to move again a series of beeps would sound to caution the pedestrian from crossing. A raised arrow on the push
button also points in the direction of the crosswalk.
Six intersections near the Hemming Plaza area would receive the first installments.
"It's not going to be something that's going to solve all the traffic issues that someone with a vision impairment has but it can be an
added tool," O'Connor says.
Each intersection would cost around $5,000-$6,000 for the equipment. The automated systems will be installed around the end of
February and beginning of March.
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2ND DINING IN THE DARK A SUCCESS! - by Barbara Ross
Thank you to everyone who participated in FIRE's 2nd Annual Paula Bailey “Dining in the Dark” benefit. As the event approached, we
sold out early and squeezed in extra tables for more diners. The benefit then sold out a second time! Three Hundred guests were
served a sunrise salad, pork tenderloin Rockefeller served with rice and sautéed vegetables (or an optional vegetarian entrée), and
chocolate mousse for dessert.
Before dinner, Rep. Loranne Ausley kicked off the event at the reception with a rousing talk. Adam Gaffney put together a jazz band that
kept everyone entertained before they went upstairs to be seated. Charles Atkins played keyboard and improvised lyrics about Dining
in the Dark - some brave souls even danced!
The Leon County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team were wonderful as our servers. Sgt. Charlie Strickland explained they placed an infra-red
glow stick in the center of each table, which lit up the whole ballroom for the team's night vision goggles. They received a standing
ovation and promised to come back next year.
The Paula Bailey Inspirational Community Member Award was presented to Delores Wussler. Congratulations Delores! FIRE was
proud to have a whole slate of inspirational community members, and as Board President Frank Seidman said, wish we could have
given the award to each one. In addition to Delores, the nominees included: Charles Atkins, Elizabeth Bowden, Michael Elliott, Adam
Gaffney, Sila Miller, Dan Orange, and Evelyn Sewell.
Many of you who did not attend the benefit donated to FIRE; we were amazed at the outpouring of support. FIRE could not create this
awareness or raise this funding without the support of dozens of volunteers - many of whom were members of the Tallahassee
Council of the Blind. Because of all of you, FIRE received $25,500 in contributions-so thank you everyone!
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FCB MEMBERS TO SPEAK AT SATH CONGRESS - by Jackie Hull
The Society of Accessible Travel and Hospitality, A.K.A. SATH, is a not for profit organization that advocates worldwide for travelers with
disabilities and the mature. Since 1997, they have sponsored an annual "World Congress" which is the premier event for education
about travelers from this sector of the population. The 11th World Congress will be held in Miami from January 10th through January
13th, 2007 at the Hilton Miami Airport. Travel professionals from all over the world attend this event to learn how to meet the needs of
this important and ever expanding market. This is a golden opportunity to network, meet and greet and learn what is involved in
making travel more accessible for people with disabilities worldwide.
Gary Metzler and Jackie Hull of Outtasight Travel have been invited to be presenters for one of the break out sessions. Gary is blind
and travels with a guide dog. As a team, they have traveled extensively and are advocates for the blind and visually impaired as well as
service animal users. When not on the road giving their presentation "BEYOND SIGHTSEEING 101" Metzler, Hull and Dr. John (Gary's
faithful guide dog) can be found busy with the local Port St. Lucie Council of the Blind affiliate.
For more information, visit www.sath.org.
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
Shopping on the Web
More and more Americans are using the Internet for work, play and a resource guide for gathering information. Furthermore, shopping
on the Net has become a multi billion-dollar industry. If you have browsed the Internet lately, you may get pop-up ads almost
everywhere you click. Someone is trying to sell you something, anything from insurance to pet supplies. You can purchase everything
from electronics to clothing to food. As a consumer, I do quite a bit of my shopping over the Internet. In most instances, I am able to
get free shipping and no state sales tax. Sometimes I pay shipping on items, however, in most cases, a shipping charge is cheaper
than a cab fare to the local department store. Most of your major retailers such as, Sam’s Club, Wal-mart, K-Mart, Sears, PetSmart,
Circuit City, Radio Shack and many more, all have shopping sites on the Web. Most have security encryption for credit card
purchases.
The Hadley School for the Blind provides additional information on their Online Shopping Seminar Resources list. You will find
examples of inaccessible and accessible shopping web sites. Go to:
http://www.hadley-school.org/Web_Site/10_d_online_shopping_seminar.asp.
Happy Shopping!
Have you paid for tech support lately? Have you dialed in for tech support to a major hardware manufacturer, only to find that you are
speaking to someone in a foreign country who cannot speak intelligible English? Most hardware manufacturers are now out-sourcing
their tech support to individuals in other countries.
Well, here is a real tech tip for you! With all of that said, you as members of FCB have a free alternative. On the first Monday of every
month, the FCB Technology Committee hosts a tech talk session in the FCB General Chat Room at 8:00 P.M. You now have the
opportunity to get “free” tech support. If you are unable to access the chat room due to your system being inoperative, then contact any
member of the technology committee by phone. There will not be a tech talk session on the first Monday in January 2007. We will have
the first session of the New Year on the first Monday in February.
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FCB TRADING POST
"Andromeda" (Transportable Video Magnifier CCTV)
9 months old in excellent condition. It is still under 1-year warranty. 15-inch flat-panel desktop CCTV that may serve as just a CCTV or
may be shared with the desktop PC to save space. Compact, Collapsible with a durable roller case for easier transporting and foot
pedal for switching from CCTV to PC monitor views. Asking $2,900.00
Call or e-mail Sila Miller at (850) 894-9203 or silam@earthlink.net.
For Sale:
PAC Mate QWERTY 20-cell notetaker with leather carrying case in excellent condition. Asking $2,400.00. Call or e-mail Robert Miller at
(850) 906-9821 or easytalk@earthlink.net.
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CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Tallahassee Council of the Blind
Mid- Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
The end of 2006 saw change being prepared for with the office of President of MFCB. With Rachel Bader finishing her 4th and final
1-year term, a new President was elected at the November General Meeting held on November 11th at William Booth Tower in
downtown Orlando. Shelley Justice, who has been serving MFCB as its Recording Secretary for the last 2 years, was recommended
by the MFCB Nominating Committee and voted by the membership in attendance by acclimation to take over as MFCB President. In
fact, all of the slate brought by the Nominating Committee was voted in by acclimation:
President - Shelley Justice
1st Vice President - Jack Jordan
2nd Vice President - Bill Freeman
Recording Secretary - Larry Turnbull
Treasurer - Dan Spoone
Membership Secretary - Jay Bader
After the elections, Rachel thanked everyone for the past 4 years of serving as MFCB President. She said lots of great people have
worked with her and she will keep working in MFCB as its Immediate Past-President.
During the months of November and December, MFCB also participated in the beginning stages of an access panel that will focus on
issues regarding public access and pedestrian safety. Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) is among the items on the panel's
ongoing agenda, with that matter discussed especially with Orange County Commissioner Mildred Fernandez and traffic engineers at a
meeting held on December 6th in Orlando. Rachel Bader attended that meeting, along with Dwight Sayer, President of the National
Federation of the Blind-Greater Orlando Chapter and Diane Ketts, Orientation and Mobility Specialist at Lighthouse Central Florida, who
also happens to chair this access panel. There is plenty of work to be done, and as this Chapter News is sent, there is no official
name yet given to the panel. Further information will be included in the next Chapter News from MFCB.
And the chapter officially ended 2006 with the Annual Holiday Luncheon, held on December 2nd at Olive Garden near Orlando Fashion
Square, east of downtown Orlando. MFCB Members and their Guests enjoyed good food and great company, with the Annual Love
Offering, which this year will go to a single visually-impaired mother who is attending college in the area, collected during the Luncheon
totaling $112.00. There was one final presentation made during this Luncheon: Leslie Spoone, who was Immediate Past President
during Rachel's time as President, presented Rachel with a plaque in appreciation for Rachel's 4 years of service as President of
MFCB. The best part about the plaque: it has a removable gavel! Rachel was pleasantly surprised with this presentation.
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind is looking forward to making the most of our 2007. We hope the rest of FCB does so also.
Tallahassee Council of the Blind - by Sila Miller
TCB members have been quite busy over the last couple of months, electing a new slate of officers, partying and helping other
non-profit organizations to raise money!
On November 9th, we held our local elections. Sally Benjamin was reelected for a 2nd 2-year sentence and will continue to serve as
our leader/president. Robert Miller received the honor of being elected as 1st Vice President with Cassandra Jessie being elected as
our 2nd Vice President. Wanda Stokley was nominated and elected as our new Secretary and I was reelected as Treasurer. (Don't
know what they were thinking.)
Of course as you all know by now, we're hosting the FCB 2007 Convention so we're busy planning, gathering information and lining up
volunteers! Back in October, we were proud to be a part of Dining in the Dark, a huge success. (See Barbara's article for all the great
details.)
On December 9th we had our Annual Christmas Party with loads of wonderful food, much laughter and a rousing game of "Dirty Santa."
This is a game in which you try to take instead of giving. Robert TOOK Sally's earphones and later rewrapped them and gave them
back to her. We were also honored to have several guests from other chapters as well as from here in town.2007 promises to be
another busy year for us and our chapter remains harmonious and strong. I am extremely proud to be a part of this local TCB as well
as FCB and look forward to a great and productive year!
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RECIPE CORNER
Restaurant Style Cheese Biscuits
INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon garlic salt or powder
1 tablespoon parsley flakes
1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
2 cups Bisquick
1/2 cup cold water (or ginger ale)
3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup butter
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix Bisquick, water and cheese. Drop by large spoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Bake for 8-10
minutes. After baking, (while hot) brush on melted butter or margarine mixed with garlic powder, parsley flakes and Italian seasoning (a
little seasoning goes a long way.) Serve hot.
Makes 12 biscuits
Tuna Moose
INGREDIENTS:
1 (10 3/4 oz.) can of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 (6 1/2 oz.) can tuna, drained
1 small onion
1 cup chopped celery
Parsley sprigs
DIRECTIONS:
Heat soup in saucepan over low heat; remove from heat. Dissolve gelatin in cold water; add to soup, stirring well. Add remaining
ingredients, mix. Spoon into an oiled 4 cup size mold. Chill until firm. Unmold and garnish with parsley.
Great with crackers!
Crockpot Mulled Cider
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 quarts apple cider
1 teaspoon allspice, whole
1 1/2 teaspoons cloves, whole
2 sticks cinnamon
Orange Slices
DIRECTIONS:
Dump all ingredients in crock-pot. If desired, tie whole spices in cheesecloth or put in tea strainer. If spices are added loose, strain
before serving. Cover; cook on Low for 2 to 8 hours. Serve from the crock pot with a ladle, or if using a coffee pot, right out of the spout in
place of coffee.
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CHAPTER LIASONS
Alachua: Patti Land
Brevard: Paul Edwards
Clay: Patti Land
Greater Miami: Linda Jacobson
Halifax: Paul Edwards
Inter-County: Debbie Grubb
Jacksonville: John Richards
Miami Metro: John Richards
Mid-Florida: Robert Miller
Palm Beach: Linda Jacobson
Pensacola: John Richards
Pinellas: Robert Miller
PSLCB: Sharon Youngs
Sarasota: Linda Jacobson
Tallahassee: Sharon Youngs
Tampa: Debbie Grubb
Venice: Paul Edwards
The following Special Interest chapters only meet during Convention:
CCTB (Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind): Patti Land
FCBS (Florida Coalition of Blind Students): Jesus Garcia
FCCLV (Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision): Robert Miller
RSVF (Randolph-Shepherd Vendors of Florida): Paul Edwards
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HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
Project Insight: 1-800-267-4448
Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services: 1-800-226-6075
Division of Blind Services (Tallahassee State Headquarters): 1-800-342-1828
American Council of The Blind: 1-800-424-8666
(available only 3:00 to 5:30 PM EST Monday-Friday)
ACB Legislative Hotline: 1-800-424-8666
(Evenings 8:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight EST
Weekends 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM only)
A T & T Disability Services: 1-800-872-3883
Press 00 and speak with your long distance carrier
BellSouth Disability Services: 780-2273 from anywhere
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
24-hour voice and touch tone accessible
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