THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.
July - August 2006
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 Davis 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
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Linda Jacobson
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
FCB RECOMMENDS RIAS FOR NEW FREEDOM INITIATIVE FUNDING - by Barbara Grill
2006 FCCLV SCHOLARSHIP WINNER - by Barbara Grill
CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
AWARD WINNERS - by Sharon Youngs
2006 GAYLE M. KRAUSE-EDWARDS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER - by Barbara Grill
THE PILOTS - Submitted by Janice Revill
VISION LOSS AND DIET - Submitted by Sally Benjamin
"COOKING WITHOUT LOOKING" - Submitted by Jackie Hull
SKIN SCREEN - by Pat Lipovsky
CHAPTER NEWS - Port St. Lucie Council of the Blind
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
RECIPE CORNER
CHAPTER LIASONS
HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Linda Jacobson
If you are moving, please notify me of your new address so you will continue to receive your White Cane Bulletin. Also, if you know of
anyone interested in joining FCB and would like to receive the White Cane Bulletin and the Braille Forum, please contact me at (904)
272-8405 or E-mail jacobsli@bellsouth.net.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
Hello FCB Family,
It is my honor and privilege to serve as your President for the next two years. I am deeply touched by your faith and confidence in me and
I promise to do my very best. I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities this new role will bring. I have a wonderful
Executive Committee serving with me. Robert Miller is First Vice President and John Richards serves as Second Vice President. Sharon
Youngs continues in her role as Recording Secretary and Patti Land is once again FCB Treasurer. Linda Jacobson continues to serve
as our Membership Secretary. I know that this fine group of men and women will excellently govern the organization between meetings
of its Board and members assembled in Convention.
Committee Chairs have been appointed. They are: Access Committee, Doug Hall; Archives Committee, Sharon Youngs; Awards
Committee, Sally Benjamin; Budget and Finance Committee, Patti Land; Constitution and By-Laws Committee, Jim Kracht; Convention
Committee, Sila Miller; Education and Leadership Committee, Barbara Grill; Employment Committee, Mary Ellen Ottman; Fundraising
Committee, William Benjamin; Membership Committee, Linda Jacobson; Project Insight Committee, Debbie Drylie and Paul Edwards;
Public Relations Committee, Carl McCoy; Publications Committee, Sally Benjamin; Resolutions Committee, Jesus Garcia; Technology
Committee, John Richards.
The Committee Chairs are in the process of staffing their committees. If you are a Board Representative and would like to serve on an
FCB Committee, please feel free to contact the appropriate Committee Chair. Please remember that each Board Representative can
serve on no more than three committees and committee membership is limited to seven. Because of the cost involved in bringing
Board representatives and committee members to the annual Board meeting and Convention, it is FCB policy to invite Board
representatives to serve on its committees. As a result, it is crucially important that chapters choose their most active and dedicated
members to represent them on the Board.
The Executive Committee has already begun the work of this new administration. We are moving forward with the planning of next year’s
Convention. We have submitted comments on important matters such as the furtherance of Remote Infrared Audible Signage and public
awareness of the rights of pedestrians who are blind and visually impaired. The FCB Executive and Access Committees are working to
insure the creation of a Florida state task force to study the implementation of a seamless statewide system of transportation using
existing modes of rail, over the road transit, paratransit and automobile transportation.
As your President, I believe that one of my most important responsibilities is to be open to the interests and ideas of all of our members.
My e-mail and phone number can be found at the front of this publication. Please feel free to use them. I want to hear from you. I
promise to return your phone calls and respond to your posts in a timely manner. This organization belongs to you and I want to insure
that your voice is heard.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our Immediate Past President, Paul Edwards, for his excellent service as President to FCB during
what was the most difficult time in his life. He promises to assist me whenever and wherever he can and I plan to hold him to that
promise.
Many people in FCB, whom I greatly respect, urged me to run for the position of FCB President and I promise to do my best to live up to
their faith in me.
We had a fabulous Convention in May. It was wonderful to see many of you there. Those of you who were unable to attend were missed.
I hope that each of you will begin making plans to join us in Tallahassee for our 2007 Convention that will be held from May 17th through
May 20th.
Our 2006 Convention was a success thanks to the tireless efforts of the wonderful men and women who served with me on the FCB
Convention Committee. As Chair of that Committee for the past several years, I can honestly say that they are the finest group of
individuals with whom anyone could have the pleasure of working. Many thanks to Sila Miller, our Convention Registrar, who assisted
me with formatting the Convention Call and who did everything humanly possible to see to it that everyone who wanted to participate in
our Convention had the opportunity to do so. Thanks to Sally Benjamin, who saw to it that our listening devices were in place and who
worked very hard to see that there were events on the Program at our Convention that would draw students. Sally was my sounding
board as I worked to put the Program together. She was never too busy or too tired to talk with me.
This year, our Exhibit Hall was filled with vendors and service providers ready and anxious to speak to Convention attendees about their
products, programs and services. This was due to the ongoing efforts of our Exhibits Coordinator, Sharon Youngs. Thanks to Jim
Kracht, who worked with Jackie Hull and Gary Metzler to arrange for our fun-filled event on Thursday evening at Sleuth's Dinner Theater.
Thanks to Jim for his work with Paul Edwards as they arranged for our joyous musical experience on Saturday evening. Rosanna
Lippen did her usual splendid job as Hotel Coordinator. Rosanna leaves no stone unturned to insure that the hotel staff meets every
need surrounding our event. Thanks to Rachel and Jay Bader and Larry Turnbull for streaming our Convention to the world over ACB
Radio.
Thanks to each of you for your participation. You made our Convention something very special.
Again, please let me say what a privilege it is to be FCB President. This organization will continue to play a major role in the lives of
Florida's citizens who are blind and visually impaired. Our voice will be heard throughout the state of Florida. Please know that I want to
know what you are thinking and feeling and how you want to work in our chapters and in the state organization. Within the next month or
so, FCB will begin holding meetings of its affiliate presidents. This will be another important method of insuring that your voice is
heard.
Thank you again for your trust in me. I promise to do everything within my power to make sure that I live up to your faith in me. I look
forward to hearing from many of you and to seeing you in the FCB Chat Room and at our Board Meeting in November and again next May
at our 2007 Convention.
With the deepest respect and regard,
I am your President
Debbie Grubb
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
FCB RECOMMENDS RIAS FOR NEW FREEDOM INITIATIVE FUNDING - by Barbara Grill
President Debbie Grubb requested that a letter be sent to the Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration
supporting the Remote Infrared Audible System (RIAS) for New Freedom Initiative funding. Congress has appropriated funds for this
White House program. Because FCB received notification that the closing date for New Freedom comments was only a day or two
away, Debbie Grubb asked me to write the letter.
As many might recall, I wrote in an article about my Amtrak travels and my experience using RIAS. While serving on the Amtrak
Customer Advisory Committee, I was introduced to the Remote Infrared Audible System technology. The Amtrak Advisory Committee
met in San Diego in May 2005 and I wanted to try this technology for myself. To my knowledge there is no RIAS technology in use, in
facilities, on the East Coast. However, there are numerous installations in buildings and train stations in California. So, I contacted
Talking Signs, Inc. and obtained the use of a RIAS receiver. On our way to San Diego, we arranged a stopover in San Francisco where
the RIAS technology is installed in several locations. One Saturday morning, we rode the train to a commuter rail station where over 50
transmitters are installed.
RIAS was very easy to learn and use. That Saturday morning, I was able to navigate completely on my own, finding the waiting room,
doorways, ticket machines, restrooms, telephones and all 12 platforms exits inside a completely unfamiliar train station. There is no
doubt that with only a brief orientation to a location where RIAS is installed, blind and visually-impaired individuals would feel, as I did -
astonished! I believe this wayfinder system is of tremendous value to visually-impaired and blind persons. RIAS is a great navigation
aid and certainly meets the criteria for New Freedom Initiative Funding.
It is my hope that the Access Committee will become more familiar with RIAS technology and its value to blind persons and advocate for
RIAS to come to a Florida city and facility near you! For more information about RIAS, go to
http://www.talkingsigns.com.
Below is the letter that I submitted, on behalf of FCB.
Docket Management Facility
Federal Transit Administration
Washington, DC
RE: FTA-2006-24037; New Freedom Initiative
Dear Docket Clerk:
I am writing on behalf of the Florida Council of the Blind, Inc. to support the RIAS technology system for funding by the New Freedom
Initiative. This technology is not currently funded. FTA is requesting suggestions for technologies and services to be funded by the New
Freedom Initiative.
The Florida Council of the Blind, Inc., proposes the remote infrared audible signage (RIAS) orientation and information access
technology. Remote infrared audible signage is "a wireless communication system that employs permanently installed transmitters
and hand-held receivers. Human voice messages identifying landmarks and providing information are heard through a receiver carried
by the traveler. People who are visually impaired, or are otherwise print-disabled, scan for directional transmissions and find their way
without asking for assistance."
RIAS transmitters are currently installed in buildings, are used to identify approaching buses, are installed at bus stops, at cross-walks,
in train stations, in malls and on storefronts, among other places.
RIAS technology was developed many years ago by the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute and has been thoroughly evaluated and
has been in practical use for over 10 years.
During a Symposium on Consumer, User Agency, Researcher, and Commercial Experience with Talking Signs and Related
Technologies, sponsored by The Smith-Kettlewell Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center, in San Francisco June 1995, the
following comments were made:
"The Talking Signs system has the potential to greatly increase the independence of blind travelers. The system is comprised of an
infrared transmitter and a hand-held receiver, which contains a speaker. Infrared technology is inherently directional and when a
receiver is oriented in the direction of a transmitter, a spoken message is heard from the receiver. The receiver can also be used with
an earpiece to make this a totally private listening experience."
In addition, a RIAS American National Standards Institute standard has been published. Systems have been installed in the U.S.,
Japan, Canada and Norway. However, most RIAS systems are installed on the West Coast with virtually no systems installed on the
East Coast of the U S.
The Florida Council of the Blind, Inc., fully supports the interpretation that New Freedom Initiative funds are available for new services
OR services beyond the requirements of the ADA. We fully agree with FTA's analysis of the legislative history supporting this
interpretation and commend FTA for its thorough review of the legislative purpose.
Moreover, Florida Council of the Blind, Inc. strongly believes that enhancements such as the RIAS technology described above are
acceptable uses of New Freedom Initiative funds. We are particularly pleased to note that FTA has recognized that an enhancement to
existing service is likewise eligible. In recognizing these pre-existing services, FTA has effectively encouraged agencies to continue to
provide the best possible services to disabled clients. Therefore, future funding opportunities that make a substantial impact on the
deployment of accessible signs such as Remote Infrared Audible Signage (RIAS) through a White House program, the New Freedom
Initiative, are possible.
The Florida Council of the Blind, Inc., is aware that Congress has appropriated substantial funds for accessibility programs and
strongly believes that enhancements such as the RIAS technology described above are acceptable uses of New Freedom Initiative
funds.
Respectfully submitted,
Florida Council of the Blind, Inc.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
2006 FCCLV SCHOLARSHIP WINNER - by Barbara Grill
Brendan Mattingly wins Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision Scholarship for second year
We wondered what Brendan had been up to since winning the 2005 FCCLV Scholarship. Brendan's mother, Debra wrote, "Brendan
has just completed his first full year of college. He ended his second semester with all A's. He was also awarded the Science
(Chemistry) Student of the Year award after being nominated by his professor. Brendan has been able to maintain his independence
and has experienced a lot of personal growth since arriving at the FSU campus. The FIRE (Florida Institute for Rehabilitation Education)
program that introduced Brendan to campus life at FSU was instrumental in facilitating a smooth transition. Overall, Brendan continues
to excel at academics while learning to cope with his disability."
FCCLV is pleased to award the $500 2006 Scholarship to this fine young man. Congratulations Brendan!
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
Here are a couple of pictures from our convention which show some of the highlights.
The first picture above shows Jesus Garcia and Rosanna Lippen, while the other has Booth at the Convention shows, from left to right,
Liz Bowden, Sila Miller, Wilma Johnson, Sally Benjamin and William Benjamin.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
AWARD WINNERS - by Sharon Youngs
At the 2006 Convention of FCB, it was my pleasure to, once again, act as hostess for the Awards presentation ceremony part of the
program. I love doing this because it not only honors present-day, deserving people but it also serves to help us to remember those
people who were the cornerstones of the structure we now call FCB. I've heard it said that we must honor the past in order to insure a
great future. This year, we honored the memory of our founders with the usual awards.
This year, we added another name with a new award to present. The new award is named for our beloved William Ferrell. It was
completely appropriate that the first person to be honored with the awarding of the "Just Bill" award should be his devoted widow,
Dorothy Ferrell. Although Dorothy was not present at the convention due to frailty of health, Doug and Nancy Burgess-Hall made a trip to
make a special presentation to her in her home.
The award named for another highly esteemed forefather of FCB, W. A. Outzs, was presented to one of the hardest working people in
FCB, Linda Jacobson. The lady who enables a major rehab center to become a reality, Dolly Gamble, would, I am sure, be honored to
know that this year the person who received the award named in her honor was Pat Kracht. Pat works behind the scenes as Ms.
Gamble did. The R. Henry P Johnson Award was presented to another very deserving member of FCB, John Richards. President Paul
Edwards presented awards to two people who had helped him tremendously throughout his administration. These plaques went to
Debbie Grubb and Sally Benjamin. Eight chapter achievement awards were also presented.
These people continue to carry the torch and we are proud to honor them.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
2006 GAYLE M. KRAUSE-EDWARDS SCHOLARSHIP WINNER - by Barbara Grill
Meet Dawn D. Arthur. She is the first recipient of the FCB Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship. The scholarship award is $1500.
Dawn is an engaging woman who recently spoke with me about her adjustment to blindness; her changing life and her future education
and long-term plans.
Her vision loss was sudden. In 1999, at 39 years old and living a seemingly normal life, everything was about to change. Although she
had some knowledge of retinal weakness, within 6 months of declining vision in one eye, she was diagnosed with a condition called
choroidal neovascularization of the retina (CNV). Suddenly, vision in her better eye deteriorated dramatically.
Dawn was an unmarried woman working and living in the Chicago area. Dawn had an A. S. degree and had worked as a court reporter.
Her job at the time of vision loss was working for a rotating equipment company, with major duties in accounting. Now she knew she
had to quit her job and sell her automobile. After struggling with surgeries and insurances and exhausting all possible medical
remedies, she sold her condo and moved to Tampa to sort out her life.
While living in Tampa with her mother, she contacted Division of Blind Services. During that year and with DBS' support, she attended
the Daytona Rehab Center program. She told me that this was the turning point in her life. She said that being around positive role
models and people her own age offered her hope for a productive and fulfilling future. Suddenly, she realized what others were
achieving was possible in her own life.
Dawn made the decision to return to school. She decided to move to Tallahassee because of Florida State University's Rehabilitation
Services Program. Before attending FSU, she enrolled and completed her Liberal Arts studies at Tallahassee Community College. She
is completing her Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Services with an impressive 3.9 GPA. Next, she will work toward her Master's
degree in Visual Impairments while attending FSU. As you may suspect, Dawn has little time for hobbies or other fun activities outside
her studies.
After completing her Master's degree, she would like to move out West. She wants to live and work in a city smaller than Chicago, in
part, because of her love of the outdoors, camping and fishing.
Wherever she lives and works, we wish Dawn Arthur the best of luck. FCB is pleased to award the Gayle M. Krause-Edwards
Scholarship to Dawn D. Arthur.
FCB's other 2006 Scholarship winners are Marcus M. Negron of Clermont was awarded $500; Julio Medina of Kissimmee received
$1000 and Tashara Cooper of Delray Beach was awarded $1500. Congratulations to all!
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
THE PILOTS - Submitted by Janice Revill
Two men dressed in pilot's uniforms walk up the aisle. Both are wearing dark glasses, one is using a guide dog and the other is
tapping his way along the aisle with a cane.
Nervous laughter spreads throughout the cabin as the men enter the cockpit. The door closes and the engines start up. The
passengers begin glancing nervously around, searching for some sign that this is a little practical joke. None is forthcoming.
The plane moves faster and faster down the runway. The people sitting in the window seats realize that they are heading straight for the
water at the edge of the airport territory. As it is beginning to look as though the plane will surely plow into the water, panicked screams
fill the cabin.
At that moment the plane lifts smoothly into the air. The passengers relax and laugh a little sheepishly. Soon, all retreat into their
magazines, secure in the knowledge that the plane is in good hands.
In the cockpit, one of the blind pilots turns to the other and says, "You know, Bob, one of these days, they're going to scream too late and
we're all going to die."
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
VISION LOSS AND DIET - Submitted by Sally Benjamin
(The following is from the website http://www.emaxhealth.com.)
Wednesday, June 7th, 2006
Loss of Central Vision With Age May Be Linked To Quality of Dietary Carbohydrates
by Tufts University
Vision Loss and Diet
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults and a person's risk may partly
depend upon diet. When it comes to carbohydrates, quality rather than quantity may be more important, according to new research by
Allen Taylor, PhD, director of the Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research
Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University, and colleagues. Their findings were reported in the April 2006 issue of the American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Taylor and colleagues analyzed data from a sub-group of participants in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) who were enrolled in the
Nutrition and Vision Program. The researchers looked at the total amount of carbohydrates consumed over 10 years and the dietary
glycemic index, which is a measure of the quality of overall dietary carbohydrate.
"Women who consumed diets with a relatively high dietary glycemic index had greater risk of developing signs of early age-related
macular degeneration when compared with women who consumed diets with a lower dietary glycemic index," says lead author
Chung-Jung Chiu, DDS, PhD, scientist in the Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research at the HNRCA and an assistant professor at
Tufts University School of Medicine. High total carbohydrate intake, however, did not significantly increase the risk factor for age-related
macular degeneration.
"In other words, the types of carbohydrates being consumed were more important than the absolute amount," explains Taylor, senior
author. A high-glycemic-index diet is one that is rich in high-glycemic-index foods, which are converted more rapidly to blood sugar in the
body than are low-glycemic-index foods.
Chiu, Taylor, and colleagues examined the eyes of more than 500 women between 53 and 73 years of age, looking for changes
indicative of early AMD. The researchers also analyzed the participants' diets, as reported in questionnaires that had been administered
periodically over the course of 10 years preceding their eye exams.
"Dietary glycemic index may be an independent and modifiable risk factor for early AMD," concludes Taylor, who is also a nutrition,
ophthalmology and biochemistry professor on the Tufts health sciences campus in Boston. "The likelihood of having abnormalities
characteristic of AMD on eye exam more than doubled for women who consumed diets with the highest glycemic index, regardless of
other factors already known or suspected to increase the risk of AMD, such as age, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and
obesity."
AMD primarily and irreversibly affects central vision, which is critical for many activities, such as reading and driving. The disease is
caused by the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the region of the eye's retina called the macula. It is estimated that 1.75
million Americans 40 years of age and older have some manifestation of AMD.
Prior to the current study, the association between AMD and dietary carbohydrate had not been evaluated. "We are interested in studying
the role of glucose in age-related diseases like AMD," Taylor says, "because evidence suggests that problems with glucose
metabolism, as in diabetes, may cause damaging by-products to accumulate in sensitive tissues and contribute to disease."
"We cannot say, based on these data, whether or not consuming a diet with a high glycemic index causes AMD," says Taylor. He points
out that there are other possible explanations for the relationship he and his colleagues observed. "Perhaps a high-glycemic-index diet
is a marker for an overall dietary or lifestyle pattern that increases the risk of developing AMD." A diet high in high-glycemic-index foods
like white bread and french fries has a higher overall glycemic index than a diet based more heavily on low-glycemic-index foods, such
as lentils and yams.
Taylor is cautious in his interpretation of this data, but he believes that further research is critical, as it may ultimately prove helpful in
preventing or delaying the onset of such potentially debilitating and costly diseases.
(To check out the original article, please visit
http://www.emaxhealth.com/96/6187.html.)
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
"COOKING WITHOUT LOOKING" - Submitted by Jackie Hull
"Cooking Without Looking," the first TV show created especially for people who are blind or visually impaired, will tape the NEW Season
2 Show on Friday, July 7th, 2006 at 9:00 AM. Everyone is invited!
Seating is FREE. Just call Vision World Foundation toll-free at 1-888-290-7005. Taping is at the WXEL-TV42 Studios in Boynton Beach,
FL, at 3401 S. Congress Avenue.
Hosts Celia Chacon, Allen Preston, and Annette Watkins are all blind or visually impaired.
A guest "chef," who is blind or visually impaired, gives tips on how to have fun and stay safe in the kitchen.
Segment 2, "Food for Thought," will welcome a member of the community who works with an organization for people who are
blind or visually impaired.
"Cooking Without Looking" airs on WXEL Channel 42, PBS in Palm Beach, FL, Wednesday evenings at 7:30 PM.
"Cooking Without Looking" will also air on Saturday and Sunday, July 1st and July 2nd at 12 NOON. Steve Mydanick of the Society of
Accessible Travel and Hospitality (SATH), as well as Jackie Hull and Gary Metzler of Outta Sight Travel, a travel agency which specializes
in disabled travel, will be featured.
"Cooking Without Looking" can also be seen/heard in Broward on Comcast Cable Channel 20 and Miami on Comcast Channel 25.
For more information, please call Ren'ee Rentmeester, Creator/Executive Producer, who is also Founder/President of Vision World
Foundation, at 1-888-290-7005.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
SKIN SCREEN - by Pat Lipovsky
Hi folks. Since summer is upon us, and as we all know, Florida is one of the states where the sun is very potent. Here's just a little
reminder, and some interesting info, to remember to take proper care of our skin when having fun in the sun.
For centuries, pale skin was a sign of aristocracy. Since most people worked outside in the sun, a pale complexion meant that you
lived a life of leisure and had no need to work. The ancient Greeks covered themselves with olive oil in an attempt to block the sun, and
used white paint to lighten their faces.
In Elizabethan England, women wore masks and carried parasols in an attempt to block the sun's rays when they ventured outdoors. In
1944, Benjamin Greene invented the first somewhat effective sun lotion. He wanted to save soldiers from serious sunburns. It didn't
work well, but it wasn't long before his lotion was improved upon. Now there are so many products available that we need to be very well
informed to find the best one for our skin type and daily habits.
Here are some of the important guidelines for purchasing a sunscreen:
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a laboratory measure of the effectiveness of the sunscreen in either absorbing or reflecting UVB and UVA
radiation. UVB is strongest in the middle of the day while UVA is present throughout the day. Reduce exposure to sunlight between the
hours of 10 AM to 4 PM. To test the sun's intensity, look at your shadow. If it is shorter than you, then the sun's rays are at their strongest.
Select a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 with broad-spectrum protection from both UVB and UVA rays; an SPF above 30 does not
significantly increase protection.
When applied correctly, an SPF of 15 translates into 1 minute of UV exposure every 15 minutes in the sun. Eight hours in the sun
covered with SPR 15 sunscreen is equivalent to 32 minutes unprotected. Apply the sunscreen about 30 minutes before sun exposure
and reapply it every 2 hours.
Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Dark clothing that has a tight weave offers the best protection. Clothing may have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) label showing the
level of protection the fabric provides. The higher the UPF, the more UV radiation the fabric absorbs. Be cautious around water and
sand that reflect the sun's rays.
Sunscreens that have been recommended by some participants are: Oil of Olay, Banana Boat and Coppertone Sport.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
CHAPTER NEWS - Port St. Lucie Council of the Blind
Port St. Lucie Council of the Blind - by Jackie Hull and Gary Metzler
Convention was awesome. On Thursday evening a group of pre-convention attendees enjoyed one of eleven exciting "Whodunnit"
mystery dinner shows.
A letter was received from Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show's group liaison Lance Lancaster. He wrote:
"Thank you. We just wanted to thank you for allowing us to entertain your group of 34 guests on Thursday, May 11th, 2006, for a
performance of 'The Reunion.' We hope your guests enjoyed the show as much as we enjoyed entertaining them!"
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to assist in making the arrangements for the evening. We are looking forward to an
"Outtasight" year ahead of us. We have a program that we have presented to numerous special interest groups, disabilities expos and
conventions entitled "Beyond Sightseeing 101."
If your chapter is looking for guest speakers, please don't hesitate to call on us. We would love to share with you.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
(Portions of this article provided by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and the American Foundation for the Blind in its online magazine,
AccessWorld: Technology and People with Visual Impairments.)
What is an iPod? Do you own one? Is it blind-friendly?
If a spacecraft were to land in the middle of a city block, during rush hour in "any big city USA," what would the occupants of that craft
see? Probably, a streaming mass of humanity, headed in various directions, with a multitude of electronic devices hooked to their
person.
The iPod is a brand of portable media players designed and marketed by Apple Computer. Devices in the iPod family provide a simple
user interface designed around a central scroll wheel (with the exception of the iPod Shuffle). The standard iPod model stores media on
a built-in hard drive, while the smaller iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano use flash memory. Like most digital audio players, an iPod can serve
as an external data storage device when connected to a computer.
Is the Ipod accessible to the blind user? Apple advertises the iPod as a product for everyone, but what if you couldn't see? How would
you pick the song you wanted to hear or download music in the first place? In the March 2006 issue of its online magazine
AccessWorld: Technology and People with Visual Impairments, the American Foundation
for the Blind (AFB) evaluates the iPod with some surprising findings.
Getting Started
There was some difficulty right off the bat. The documentation and installation CD that accompanies the iPod is unusable by
visually-impaired users (assistive technology such as a screen reader can access it), but basics about how to operate it can be found
online at http://www.iPod.com.
Click Wheel
This round wheel is the heart and soul of the iPod. As the unit's main control, it's somewhat accessible to a blind user because it's
textured and has a raised select button in the middle.
The audible clicks when it is turned on and no song is playing, allows a visually-impaired user to utilize various functions, but there are
no other audio cues for navigation, which limits its potential.
Although the iPod lets you create playlists, searching for particular songs would involve trial and error. The user could potentially scroll
through hundreds of songs, since there is no search function and no keyboard to use to type the name of a song into the iPod.
Visual Display
The small screen size and flat panel makes it unusable for a blind user, and difficult for a user with low vision. How much battery life is
left is only communicated by a small symbol on the visual display; therefore making it impossible for people who are blind to access this
information.
iTunes
The iTunes software is only somewhat accessible. The File, Edit, View, Actions, and Help menus can be accessed from the keyboard,
but there is no keyboard access to the rest of the iPod screen.
The method of creating playlists (i.e. dragging names of songs from the list in iTunes with the mouse) will be inaccessible to almost all
users of screen readers, or devices used to display visual information on a computer screen in audio.
Extras
Features like clock, notes, calendar, and contacts are not accessible for people with visual impairments because there is no audio
output or keypad option to direct people to these choices.
Bottom line: For a gadget all about audio output, it's almost entirely driven by visual output. The iPod is somewhat accessible to a
person who is blind or has low vision, especially someone with patience. The amount of music that the iPod can hold and the fact that
the music can be accessed make it worth considering for people who are visually impaired.
As of June 2006, the lineup consists of the 5th-generation iPod, which has video playback capabilities; the iPod Nano, which has a color
screen; and the iPod Shuffle; all three models were released in 2005. The iPod is currently the world's best-selling digital audio
player.
The FCB Technology Committee hosts a Tech Talk session in the FCB General Chat Room on the first Monday of each month at 8:00
PM. Please take advantage of this free tech support session. Have you paid for tech support lately? If so, then you're aware of the
cost.
The following link will take you to the sign-in screen:
http://www.fcb.org/FCBGenRSigIn.htm.
At that point, type your name into the edit field and press the Enter key. If you are using speech, press Enter while pointing to the edit
field and depending on the screen reader you are using, you will enter forms mode if you are a JAWS user, or you will turn off MSAA
mode if you are using Window-Eyes. Type your name and press Enter.
Give the chat program time to load to your system. After the chat client has loaded, press the Ctrl key to talk and release to listen. If
people are already talking, you will hear them when you enter the room.
I will be glad to help anyone if you are having difficulty getting into the chat room. You can E-mail me at:
jsrj@earthlink.net.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
RECIPE CORNER
If you like cheesecake, and your not counting calories, heres something Yummy for the Tummy!
Chocolate Cheesecake Pie
from the kitchen of Pat Lipovsky
Servings: 10
Preparation Time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Time: 35 Minutes
2 cups Frozen Non-Dairy Whipped Topping, thawed
1 Graham Cracker Crust
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla Eextract
1/4 cup cocoa
3/4 cup sugar
2 packets cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Beat cream cheese and sugar until blended; beat in eggs until well blended. Add cocoa and vanilla,
blending until smooth. Pour into crust.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until almost set in center. Cool completely on wire rack. Cover; refrigerate. Spread whipped topping over top;
garnish as desired.
Refrigerate leftover pie.
Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe
Submitted by John Richards
1/2 pint (250ml) milk (equal to 8 oz. cup)
1/2 pint (250ml) double/heavy cream (equal to 8 oz cup)
3 oz. sugar
5 oz. (125g) plain chocolate (grated)
Place the milk and sugar into a saucepan and heat gently, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Place the milk to one side to cool,
when cold, stir in the cream. Transfer the complete mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer's instructions.
Remember to add the grated chocolate as the ice cream begins to thicken.
If you like chocolate chip ice cream, combine it with chocolate chip cookies and make your own ice cream sandwiches.
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
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 (Randolf Shepherd Vendors of Florida): Paul Edwards
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page
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
Table of Contents
Back to WCB Main Page
FCB Home Page