THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.
March - April 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: floridacouncil@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
CONVENTION INFORMATION - by Sila Miller
REPRESENTATIVE UNVEILS "STATE OF VISION" PLATE (Originally published February 8th, 2007) - by Jim Ash, Florida
Capital Bureau Chief (Submitted by Sally Benjamin)
SKI FOR LIGHT (I'LL TRY TO DO IT JUSTICE) - by Sila Miller
BIONIC EYE RESTORES SIGHT TO THE BLIND - by Mark Henderson, Science Editor, in San Francisco (Submitted by
John Richards)
SPOTLIGHT ON A JEWEL: MARIE HOOVER - by Sila Miller
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
FCB TRADING POST
JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
Hello Members and Friends of FCB,
The Florida Council of the Blind was indeed involved in a history making event on Tuesday, February 6th, with our participation in the first
Vision Summit sponsored by the Florida Vision Caucus. Many of our Members and Friends from Tallahassee were in attendance. Our
First and Second Vice Presidents were with us, as well as the Chairs of our Access and Convention Committees and our Project Insight
Coordinator.
The issues that we raised were the creation of a task force to study the implementation of a seamless system of transportation
throughout the state of Florida, pedestrian right-of-way and the difficulties brought about by right turn on red while the walk light is on and
a pedestrian is in the intersection, standardized education for blind children throughout the state in terms of Braille and O & M
training, accessible voting, and retrofitting of computer equipment for all state workers so that they have access to the technology and
information they need to carry out their job duties. Information was presented about FCB's programs, services, history and mission.
Consumer groups representing parents of blind children, blinded veterans and the National Federation of the Blind of Florida presented
with us. Much information about eye conditions and where research for their cure and prevention is leading was offered as well as
presentations from agencies serving the blind. Craig Kiser spoke about the programs and services provided by the Division of Blind
Services and Freedom Scientific gave attendees a history of the accessible technological movement for people who are blind and
visually impaired.
The day was packed with information for legislators to use as they work together with us in the Vision Caucus to advocate for our access
needs and civil rights. The Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind (FAASB) played a tremendous role in making the Vision
Summit happen. FCB will continue to build a working relationship with both FAASB and the Vision Caucus.
It was my honor as your President to represent FCB at this event.
Many thanks to Robert Miller for recording the Summit for all of us and thanks to Jay Bader for posting it on our website.
FCB was one of the event sponsors. This is an important step forward as we seek to carry out the goals and mission that have been
ours since our birth in 1953. We will not fail to build on the foundation lovingly prepared by leaders past and present.
On February 16th, Robert Miller, John Richards (our First and Second Vice Presidents) and I met via teleconference with Rep. Dennis
Baxley, Chair of the Vision Caucus. Rep. Baxley accepted my invitation to participate in a dialogue with our members attending the FCB
Legislative Seminar on Friday, May 18th. This event will once again be ably hosted by Past President Carl McCoy. Rep. Baxley will speak
to Governor Crist regarding the creation of the Task Force that will study the implementation of a seamless statewide system of
transportation in the State of Florida, for which FCB has been advocating for the past year. He will also talk with the Chair of the House
Transportation Committee regarding a change to the law that will mandate that there be no right turn on red when the walk light is
initialized or when a pedestrian is in the intersection. The Representative will sponsor a Braille Bill during this session and FCB
pledged its support of this legislation. Rep. Baxley stated that the Florida Council of the Blind should continue to figuratively raise its
hand by contacting him about the issues that are important to us. Since this will be the Representative's last term in the House, he
promises to create an ongoing stability in the Vision Caucus so that there is a new Chair that shares his passion and Vision Caucus
members committed to leveling the playing field for people who are blind and visually impaired.
On February 23rd, I will fly to Washington, DC to represent FCB at the ACB Presidents' meeting. Mike and Debbie Drylie will join me on
Sunday, February 25th, to attend the ACB Legislative Seminar. On Tuesday, February 27th, we will visit the offices of our two Senators
and 10 of Florida's leading Representatives.
The Convention Committee is working hard to plan an event in Tallahassee that you won’t want to miss. Sally Benjamin, Sila Miller and I
spent the afternoon of Sunday, February 11th, writing the convention announcement letter that has been sent to the Library and that you
will receive in mid-March. It also appears in this edition of the "White Cane Bulletin." The Convention Registration Packet will arrive at
your door in March as well. I look forward to seeing many of you at our 54th Annual Convention in May.
Chapter Presidents or their designees meet with me monthly via teleconference. Much fruitful conversation takes place during these
meetings. If your Chapter is not represented in this Forum, it should be. Sally Benjamin will be happy to provide you with the meeting
dates and the information that you need to join the teleconference.
Each FCB Member is important to this organization. Together we will make a difference in the lives of the people that we are in business
to serve.
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CONVENTION INFORMATION - by Sila Miller
Greetings from the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB):
The Florida Council of the Blind (FCB), will hold its 54th Annual Convention from Thursday evening, May 17th, through Sunday 12
NOON, May 20th, 2007, in Tallahassee, Florida at the Ramada Inn North, 2900 North Monroe Street. The room rates are $82.95 per
night for rooms located in the main tower and $64.95 for rooms opening onto a covered walk and connected to the main tower. Reserve
your room by calling the Ramada Inn North at (850) 386-1027. Remember to state that you are with the Florida Council of the Blind to
insure you receive the Convention rate. The deadline for making hotel reservations for this year's FCB Convention is April 17th, so I
encourage you to reserve your room now.
On Thursday evening, come kick back at a southern style barbeque at one of our Members' homes, with lots of food, fun, spirits and
music.
The 2007 FCB Convention formally begins on Friday afternoon with the opening of the Exhibit Hall, our Annual FCB Legislative Seminar,
during which we will learn more about The Vision Caucus, its mission and ongoing work and an Employment workshop. Friday
evening, there will be a Welcome to Tallahassee Party along with a spirited Game Night.
Saturday morning will begin with an address from one of our local officials. We will then be honoring special and deserving individuals
with the presentation of our Annual Awards and Scholarships. This is a golden opportunity where we get to shine the spotlight on our
premiere volunteers and champions, the heart and soul of FCB.
Next, there will be several workshop/seminar options available which are sure to capture your interest. They include: a Technology
Seminar, during which the latest computer equipment and software will be discussed and demonstrated; a Library Users' Seminar,
where in-depth information from The Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services will be provided; an Americans with Disabilities
(ADA) Seminar, hosted by an ADA Specialist who will present information about the law and how it affects us all; an Arts Seminar, during
which we will learn about the work of VSA Arts of Florida, (formerly Very Special Arts of Florida); and last, but definitely not least, a
Workshop for Guide Dog Users.
After lunch, we will hold our Annual Town Hall Meeting with Craig Kiser, Director of the Division of Blind Services. Come learn what the
Division is doing and have interactive discussion with Mr. Kiser and other Convention participants.
Directly following the Town Hall Meeting, our Special Interest Affiliates will meet. They are busy preparing exciting and
information-packed programming for you.
On Saturday evening, FCB will begin the festivities with a Happy Hour Reception, followed by the FCB Banquet where Mitch Pomerantz,
ADA Coordinator for the City of Los Angeles, will be our featured Guest Speaker. FCB will then gift you with a sensory experience, a Folk
Music Concert, presented by Kevin Briody.
Sunday morning, the FCB Convention attendees and Board of Directors will conduct the official business of the organization at our
Annual Business Meeting.
The Administrative Office of the Florida Council of the Blind will be mailing out the Convention announcement and registration packet
shortly to all our Members. However, we would also like to extend a warm welcome to everyone who would like to join us for what
promises to be an informative and fun-filled time! If you'd like to receive registration material and attend our Convention, please contact
Sally Benjamin toll-free at (800) 267-4448 or by e-mail at floridacouncil@comcast.net.
Please also feel free to visit our website at www.fcb.org to learn more about us.
This year's Convention promises to be one of our best and we look forward to sharing the experience with you!
Sincerely,
Sila Miller
Convention Chairwoman
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REPRESENTATIVE UNVEILS "STATE OF VISION" PLATE (Originally published February 8th, 2007) - by Jim Ash,
Florida Capital Bureau Chief (Submitted by Sally Benjamin)
Rep. Loranne Ausley was the first motorist in Leon County to buy the "A State of Vision" specialty license plate today.
"This is a great day for the state of Florida and a great day for people who are blind or visually impaired," Ausley said.
Ausley accepted the tag from Leon County Tax Collector Doris Maloy at a press conference at the Double Tree Hotel.
Ausley, a Democrat from Tallahassee, is one of 25 lawmakers who make up the Vision Caucus.
Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, sponsored the tag last year. He is the father of an adoptive son, Jeffrey, who has been blind since birth.
Ausley helped inaugurate the First Annual "Vision Summit" on Tuesday at the Capitol by telling fellow lawmakers that her son Will, born
prematurely, is blind in his left eye. Doctors are still assessing his vision in the right and are planning more surgery, Ausley said.
"He can tell when someone is in the room," she said. "He may never be able to have a driver's license or read without assistance."
Will was born January 28th, 2003, weighing only 1 pound, 3.7 ounces.
Barbara Ross, executive director of Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education for People Who are Visually Impaired or Blind, or FIRE,
said revenue from the plate will improve the services her Tallahassee-based agency provides to about 300 North Floridians a year.
"This means not only funding for direct services, but an incredible amount of visibility," she said.
FIRE hopes to expand services to infants and young children, programs it hasn't been able to afford so far.
"There is just no way for us to meet all of the need right now," she said.
Annual revenue from the tag, expected to reach $773,000, will go to the umbrella group Florida Association of Agencies Serving the
Blind, and doled out to various service groups throughout the state. The bright blue and yellow plate features a lighthouse and rippling
waves and costs $25.00 more than a non-specialty tag.
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SKI FOR LIGHT (I'LL TRY TO DO IT JUSTICE) - by Sila Miller
For Christmas last year, Robert got me a plane ticket, paid for my registration to Ski for Light, and held down the fort while I went off
gallivanting. Wow! What a gift: a week of cross-country skiing, playing in the snow, being pampered at a luxury hotel, challenged with a
new sport, getting to know new friends, and making memories which will last a lifetime!
January 21st found me leaving well before the crack of dawn for North Conway, New Hampshire, the site where Ski for Light was held
this year. After the challenge of determining what to pack, having never seen snow before in my life, and how to stuff it all into my
suitcase, I was glad to be on my way.
Ski for Light is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that has been giving both visually- and mobility-impaired adults the chance to
experience the sport of cross-country skiing for 31 years. Disabled and able-bodied people join together in a one-on-one partnership to
learn from each other through physically demanding activities.
Each year, Ski for Light seeks to invite at least 100 visually-impaired participants, lovingly referred to as (VIPs), 10 to 15 mobility-impaired
participants (MIPs) and 115 sighted Instructor/Guides (GIPs). They come from all over the country and all walks of life, and are joined by
additional attendees from Norway and several other countries. Though there are plenty of other activities during the afternoons and
evenings, the main focus of the week is on skiing, thereby encouraging VIPs and MIPs to stay physically active.
Organizers hope that skiers will, at the least, be enthusiastic participants -- If for no other reason than respect for the guides, who give so
much of themselves.
Anyone considering attending should be reasonably fit, as 3.5 - 5 hours a day are allocated for skiing. While you don't need to ski at a
breakneck pace, you do need to be able to get yourself up off the ground "wearing slippery shoes" -- repeatedly, if you're a first-timer!
The general schedule for the week is: Breakfast from 7:30 - 9:00; Skiing 3.5 - 5 hours per day, from 9:45 - 3:15 (with Box Lunch provided
at the ski site); Special Interest sessions from 5:15 - 6:00; Full on-site Dinner from 6:30 -8:00; and Evening activity from 9:00 until around
12 MIDNIGHT. Registration covers all costs except airfare, equipment rental for return skiers, shopping, and bar tab.
Sunday evening was off to a bang with introductions and meeting our instructor/guides. My Guide, John Olnes, 68, from Anchorage,
Alaska is one of those true heroes you meet all too seldom. He is patient beyond belief, in excellent shape for his late 60s, and an
amazing instructor. Here's a perfect example of John’s character: last year, he broke his right collarbone but he volunteered at SFL
anyway. He guided a judge from New York and skied with only one pole, left-handed at that. Let me clarify right here and now, the
Guides don't get anything for free. They pay the same amount as the attendees do, plus volunteer their time, instruction and expertise.
They're "Golden People" in my book!
SFL offered something for everyone -- from a talent show, to fitness, to wine tasting, to a little taste of technology. It was unbelievably
organized, complete with volunteers to walk dog guides while their handlers were out playing in the snow, a complete list of attendees
with ALL their contact information provided to everyone at check-in, to a silent auction and the SFL Store, which sold pertinent items such
as warm gloves, SFL long-sleeved T-shirts, and chocolates, with proceeds going to SFL.
Friday evening was Norwegian Night, when we heard a brief history of SFL, their roots in Norway, and their ties to the Sons of Norway.
Wow, as if I hadn't already been treated like a queen all week! We were given roses; Norwegian chocolates, back massages and
everyone took part in a snake dance! I can't express how warm and genuinely accepting everyone there was to me.
As the week progressed, I was really developing my ski legs, and encountering that "old snow snake" (funny term for falling down for no
good reason) less and less. John wasn't totally happy with my attempt at the snow plow -- a maneuver where you point the tips of your
skis inward and press your weight on the arch sides of your feet to slow your descent down a hill -- but said at least I was up on my feet
and not down on my butt! How I wish I'd have done this about ten years ago. I'll tell you the truth, I went toe-to-toe with my fear, screaming
down those hills but in the end, I'm proud to report, I conquered it!
The event usually culminates with a 10-kilometer race on the last day. However, since the bigger trail had been closed due to ice and
not enough "good snow," SFL again showed its true colors, "making lemonade outta lemons." They came up with a poker run and
everyone received a medal at the finish line.
I was honored at the end of the week, when I was asked to speak as a first-timer at the banquet and share some observations. I
laughingly said that there were two things I didn't hear this week: "sit!" and "slow down!" As you might imagine, I recognized and thanked
John as well as all the Guides and volunteers at SFL. And yes, I thanked my husband for his contribution, and God for no broken
bones!
Just one warning about this Ski for Light thing: it'll cause you to develop a condition known as "Anal glaucoma." That's right; you'll have
great difficulty in "seeing your ass returning back to work and reality!"
Loving to play with words as I do,
I’ve come up with a little funny that'll sum it up in a nutshell for you.
It's my hope that it’ll make you smile,
So come on a word trip with me for a little while.
Friendly banter, liquid enhancer and skiing hard all the day long,
Singing and laughing, eating and smiling,
Working hard, getting healthy and strong.
Making Snow Angels, skating on the ice, and playing without a care,
Trudging around in snowshoes, relaxing in the hot tub, dancing in my underwear!
Snow on my face, learning new things, flying down a challenging hill,
Building up speed and endurance, feeling newly found confidence and that swell of pride and thrill.
Being a carefree kid for a little while, letting go of some inhibitions and fears,
So grateful to have that precious time of much laughter and at the end, a few tears.
What happy memories I have and neat folks I met,
Words can’t tell the story completely of this trip, I’ll never forget.
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BIONIC EYE RESTORES SIGHT TO THE BLIND - by Mark Henderson, Science Editor, in San Francisco (Submitted
by John Richards)
A bionic eye that can restore sight to the blind should be available commercially within two years, scientists behind the revolutionary
technology announced yesterday.
The artificial retina has been cleared by U.S. regulators to begin trials on between 50 and 75 people suffering from two of the most
common causes of blindness, opening the way for millions more to benefit from similar implants in the future.
If the research progresses well, a device could be on the market early in 2009 at a likely cost of about £15,000, said Mark Humayun,
Professor of Ophthalmology at the Doheny Eye Institute, part of the University of Southern California.
An early version of the prosthetic retina has already been fitted to six patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative and incurable eye
condition that affects 1 in 3,500 people. All have recovered the ability to detect light and motion, and even to make out large letters and to
distinguish between objects such as a cup, a knife and a plate.
The second-generation device that is now starting trials should provide even better vision, as it contains 60 light-sensitive electrodes,
compared with 16 in the previous model.
More improvements are expected within five to seven years with a 1000-electrode implant that will enable previously blind people to
recognize faces, Professor Humayun said.
"The ultimate aim is to allow people to recognize faces, and to allow the completely blind to get around on their own," he told the
American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in San Francisco.
"The first phase began in 2002, and the results were not what we expected: we thought they would only see light and dark, but they have
done far better than that.
"They can differentiate between a cup, a plate and a knife. They can see motion. They can avoid stumbling around into large objects. That
is just with 16 electrodes, and we're now going up to 60. The models suggest 1000 will be enough for face recognition, and we hope to
get there in five to seven years."
The bionic eye consists of three elements. First, a miniature camera worn in a pair of dark glasses, which transmits images to a radio
receiver implanted near the patient's eye.
This then sends a signal onto a tiny silicon and platinum chip, about 4mm square, that sits on the retina. The chip's electrodes stimulate
the ganglion cells that transmit visual information to the optic nerve and onwards to the brain, which can then construct a visual
image.
"A plate is seen as a saucer of light, and a knife as a runway of light," Professor Humayun said. "It works by building up images like a
dot-matrix printer, or pixels on a computer screen." The implant is suitable for people who are blind because they have lost the
photoreceptor cells known as rods and cones that respond to light -- the electrodes effectively provide artificial replacements. This
includes those with macular degeneration -- the most common cause of blindness, which affects up to 15 percent of over-75s.
The technology cannot restore sight to patients who are blind because of severe optic nerve damage, such as that caused by glaucoma,
or because of a stroke.
Professor Humayun said that it would also work better for people who have been able to see as older children or adults, than for those
who have been blind since birth.
It generally takes patients a month or two to get used to the Argus device, before their brains learn to interpret the images. While the
operation to install it took seven hours originally, it now takes 90 minutes.
In the first phase of the trials, patients were able to use the implant in the laboratory only. For the past year they have also been allowed
to try it at home. "Perhaps what we’re most excited about in this next study is we will be able to test the new device with patients at their
homes, churches, schools and similar locations," Professor Humayun said.
The trials will be conducted at five centers in the U.S., on patients over 50. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has insisted on older
subjects as they have less to lose if the experiments go wrong.
Thousands of people have already volunteered.
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SPOTLIGHT ON A JEWEL: MARIE HOOVER - by Sila Miller
The seventh child of John Wesley Dean and Mattie Deese, Marie Dean Hoover came into this world on April 30th, 1918, prematurely. She
was born in Bainbridge, Georgia and lived in Quincy, Florida, close to the Georgia line, until her family moved to Lakeland during the
Depression to find work in the citrus fields.
Marie attended the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, Florida, and graduated in 1939 with a class totaling 6 students.
She was the only one of her siblings to graduate high school. Marie is from the era of the slate and stylus, when you did math in your
head, long before the days of talking calculators and computers.
Following graduation, Marie wasn't really sure what kind of work she wanted to do but thought she'd like an office job. She heard about
an opening at a Randolph-Sheppard vending stand in St. Petersburg. When she called about the job, she was told to show up in the
morning. When she arrived and began work, she says, "I knew I was home and had found my niche. I truly loved the business and the
people."
Co-sponsored by Senator Jennings Randolph of West Virginia, and Senator Morris Sheppard of Texas, the Randolph-Sheppard Act was
signed into law by Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 20th, 1936, during his first term in office. The Randolph-Sheppard Act was intended to
enhance employment opportunities for trained, licensed blind persons to operate vending facilities. After being amended in 1954 and
again in 1974, the Act ultimately sought to ensure individuals who are blind a priority in the operation of vending facilities that included
cafeterias, snack bars, and automatic vending machines, on federal property. The program has broadened from federal locations to
also include state, county, municipal, and private installations.
After a short two months of work at that little stand in St. Pete, Marie was offered a promotion by the then-Division of Blind Services
director, R. Henry P. Johnson, and came to Tallahassee, where she worked in the Capital for over 25 years. She laughingly recalls Mr.
Johnson saying he thought she was too timid to run a stand well but that she was going to be their star employee! "I always tried to
please my customers and give them what they wanted," Marie recalls of her days as a vending stand and cafeteria operator. "Give the
people what they want and the business will take care of itself," she says. "You know, some people laughed at me because I didn't go
on to college, but I made a good living and was able to help others as well and, I enjoyed my work."
Marie took advantage of every opportunity to play music, learning to play the piano and violin. She sang in the school chorus and church
choir. She will still play for her friends and in church every now and then but you gotta be real special to get that gift!
Marie retired in 1990 but was asked to return to work as a favor to Division of Blind Services. She worked for another ten months,
managing the facility in the Larson Building prior to its closure for remodeling. Marie remains involved with her church and FCB and has
mentored several fellow Randolph-Sheppard vendors.
Marie is a wealth of knowledge and a wonderful and warm person. Fastidious and neat as a pin, she is always a lady, very informed and
adventurous. Despite many health concerns, not the least of which was breaking her hip, Marie continues to live life to its fullest and be
an active and contributing member of society. She will be 89 years old on her next birthday. I can only hope I make it that far much less
have the presence of mind and fortitude that she has. Marie is sunshine and fresh air and makes you feel pretty special when she
shares her memories without reservation. Thanks so much, Marie for all you've done for blind people and for sharing in and making
history!
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
The Olympus DS-50, an accessible Digital Recorder/Player
Attention everyone: Throw away your bulky analog tape recorders. The Olympus DS-50 Digital Recorder/Player is here. This unit has
clear audible speech feedback while navigating menus and selecting specific settings, 1 GB of built-in storage and several recording
modes can be selected, including stereo recording modes ST XQ (Stereo Extra High Quality Sound Recording) or ST HQ (Stereo High
Quality Recording), and three types of monaural recording modes including HQ (High Quality), SP (Standard Recording), and LP
(Long-tern Recording). Go for the lowest quality setting and the DS-50 will provide up to 275 hours recording, progressively less as you
work you're way through the five settings. Add to that a removable microphone, USB connectivity, 1 GB of built-in storage and playback in
MP3 or WMA.
The following information is available in the User's Manual.
Features and Benefits for DS-50
Recording Format: WMA (Windows Media Audio)
Recording Media: 1 GB built-in Flash memory
Input Level: 70 dbv
PC Interface: USB
LCD: 26 x 25 mm
LED: 2 colors (red = record/transfer, green = playback)
Folder Messages: 5 folders, 200 messages per folder, plus Audible, Music, and Podcast folders
Recording Time:
STEREO XQ mode: 17 hours 30 minutes
STEREO HQ mode: 35 hours 10 minutes
HQ mode: 70 hours 20 minutes
SP mode: 138 hours 30 minutes
LP mode: 275 hours 20 minutes
Sampling Frequency:
STEREO XQ mode: 44.1 kHz
STEREO HQ mode: 44.1 kHz
HQ mode: 44.1 kHz
SP mode: 22.0 kHz
LP mode: 8.0 kHz
Overall Frequency Response:
STEREO XQ mode: 50 - 19,000 Hz
STEREO HQ mode: 50 - 16,000 Hz
HQ mode: 50 - 13,000 Hz
SP Mode: 100 - 8,000 Hz
LP Mode: 100 - 3,000 Hz
Voice Activation: Available, Switchable ON/OFF
Demographic Data Input: 250 mW
Speaker: Built-in 23 mm round dynamic speaker
Microphone Jack: 3.5 mm mini-jack, impedance 680 ohms
Earphone Jack: 3.5 mm mini-jack, impedance 8 ohms
Power Supply: 2 AAA Alkaline or 2 AAA NiMH batteries (BR-401)
External Power Supply: Optional AC Adapter A321 (120 VAC) or A322 (220 VAC)
Size: 4.37" x 1.48" x .63" (111 x 37.5 x 16 mm) with bundled microphone, excluding protrusions
Weight: 2.81 oz (80 g) including bundled microphone and alkaline batteries
OS Supported: Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional, Windows Home Edition
If the stereo microphone is removed and attached to the exclusive remote control, it can be used as a remotely controlled stereo
microphone. Even if the stereo microphone is removed, the unit uses a built-in monaural microphone for recording.
Olympus Models DS-30 and DS-40 are also accessible. The Model DS-30 has 256MB of built-in storage and the Model DS-40 has
512 MB. Both have lesser recording times than the Model DS-50.
I have seen the Model DS-50 in action. It is accessible, lightweight, thin and small. The sound quality is good. It would be nice,
however, in the future for the manufacturer to provide expansion slots in updated models so additional flash memory could be added. I
give these units double thumbs up for accessibility, sound quality and portability.
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CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
MFCB is going into the Spring of 2007 with much anticipation. The chapter is beginning to do outreach to schools, senior centers and
other groups in the Orlando area, getting the word out about Mid-Florida Council of the Blind and what the organization does and is
involved with. This is something that has been difficult to accomplish in recent years but with President Shelley Justice and Vice
Presidents Jack Jordan and Bill Freeman leading the way, we are looking forward to successes in this area.
MFCB is also involved in a new access panel, Central Florida Advocates for Accessible Public Rights of Way (CFA). Its Mission
Statement reads as follows:
"(The committee) represents the concerns of all citizens who use public rights-of-way regardless of age or disability and assists
communities with developing and maintaining safer, more negotiable public environments through the implementation of
nationally-accepted guidelines."
As mentioned in a previous MFCB Chapter News, this group will be focusing on issues regarding public rights-of-way, such as
pedestrian crossings, walk signals and general public access on streets and public facilities. The main issue currently being worked on
by CFA is that of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) in the city of Orlando. Sherri Brun and Chuck Graham of the National Federation
of the Blind-Greater Orlando Chapter (NFB-GOC), along with Dwight Sayer, representing both NFB-GOC and the Blinded Veterans
Association, Walt Willis, who works with the City of Orlando in supporting the needs of seniors in the area, and President Shelley Justice,
Membership Secretary Jay Bader and Immediate Past President Rachel Bader, are all working together in this panel to follow through on
making APS a reality at intersections beginning in downtown Orlando and eventually to other intersections in the city and surrounding
areas.
On February 12th, CFA also had the opportunity to chat informally with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer regarding the panel and about those
who are participating. The Mayor was very impressed with the way it was handled and was just as impressed with Rachel's notetaker
she brought to the chat.
MFCB is also proud to have some of our Members involved in 2 annual walks, the Southeastern Guide Dogs' Walk-A-Thon and
Lighthouse of Central Florida's Sight & Sole Walk. At the time this Chapter News was sent, these walks have yet to take place. The
results of these fundraising events and more about what MFCB is working on for the rest of the Spring of 2007 will be reported in our next
Chapter News.
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FCB TRADING POST
For Sale: BrailleNote QT 32 Cell Display
Classic Upgrade Model
Includes the following specs:
KeySoft version 7, build 22 hardware Revision H2 Upgrade added Compact Flash Slot on back of Unit.
Kernel Version 5, December 19, 2005
Operating System: Windows C E Version 4.20
New Qwerty Keyboard just recently installed
New Leather Carrying Case
New Accessory Storage Pouch
Super Disk Drive
Braille & Print Manuals
Asking: $2200.00 for All. This asking price includes Shipping & Handling, plus Insurance. This price is Negotiable.
Method of Payment: Money Orders, would possibly take a personal check, call me if that is your preferred choice of payment.
You may contact me by phone or an email, the contact info is listed below.
This unit is sold as is! The BrailleNote is found to be in good working order and has been well taken care of.
Donna Rogalski
Adaptive Technology Specialist
Phone: (352) 245-0471
E-mail: d.rogalski@worldnet.att.net
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JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS
JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT ENVISION!
If you are legally blind and looking for work, consider Envision. Envision is a not-for-profit agency based in Wichita, KS. Envision has
jobs in Kansas as well as at our military base stores in nine states. Job opportunities include administration, retail, and manufacturing.
At Envision you will earn competitive pay, enjoy a generous benefits plan, and can be provided relocation assistance.
Envision Wichita has immediate job openings for the following:
T-Shirt Bag Machine Operator
Roll Bag Machine Operator
Machine Operator - Pittsburg, KS
Picker
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Our Base Service Centers at Minot AFB in North Dakota and Fort Riley AFB, KS, are looking for Cashier/Stockers. To learn more about
these and other positions, please check our website at: www.envisionus.com or call Mark
Benson toll-free at: 1-888-425-7072. All positions are open until filled.
Envision: Choices and resources for people who are blind or low vision.
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RECIPE CORNER
Family Swiss Steak
(Yield - 6 servings)
INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons (18 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) crushed dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) sweet paprika
1 1/2 pounds (720 g) boneless beef round steak, cut 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick
1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
Canola oil cooking spray
1 large garlic clove, peeled and thinly sliced
2 medium celery ribs, thinly sliced
2 medium onions, peeled and thinly sliced
4 medium plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/2 cup (120 ml) reduced-sodium canned beef broth
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a small bowl, combine flour, thyme, and paprika. Using a pastry brush, brush steak pieces with Worcestershire sauce. Dredge in
flour mixture.
2. Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Place on stove over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces and brown on both
sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Transfer steak pieces to a 3-quart (3-liter) or larger crockery slow cook. Top with garlic slices, celery, onions, and tomatoes. Pour beef
broth over the top. Do not stir.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
5. To serve, transfer steak pieces and vegetables to a heated serving platter. Spoon any pan juices over the top and serve at once.
Per serving:
191 calories (21percent calories from fat), 28 g protein, 4 g total fat (1.4 g saturated fat), 8 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, 71 mg
cholesterol, 102 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges:
3 lean protein, 1/2 carbohydrate (1 1/2 vegetable)
Farmhouse Beef Casserole
(Yield - 6 servings)
INGREDIENTS:
Olive oil cooking spray
1 small, about 4 ounces (120 g), Russet or all-purpose potato
1 cup (114 g) shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
1 pound (480 g) extra-lean ground sirloin
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 14 1/2-ounce (435 g) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes with juice
1 tablespoon chili powder, or to taste
2 cups (140 g) shredded green cabbage
Salt (optional)
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 to 3 tablespoons purchased taco sauce
6 slices pickled jalapeño chili peppers (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C, Gas Mark 5). Lightly coat a 2-quart (2 l) casserole with cooking spray.
2. Peel and grate the potato into a bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup (29 g) of the cheese. Spread evenly over the bottom of the prepared casserole.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until potato is browned and crispy.
3. Meanwhile, brown ground sirloin, onion, and garlic in a large nonstick skillet, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon as it browns.
Discard any excess fat. Stir in tomatoes with their juice, chili powder, and the cabbage. Season with pepper to taste. Sauté, stirring, for a
minute or two. If mixture seems too dry, add 1 tablespoon of the bottled taco sauce, adding up to 2 tablespoons more, if needed.
4. When potatoes are done, spoon beef mixture on top of potatoes. Top with remaining cheese and jalapeño slices (if using). Bake for
25 to 30 minutes, until casserole is hot and bubbly. Serve at once.
Per serving:
235 calories (40 percent calories from fat), 24 g protein, 11 g total fat (4.8 g saturated fat), 12 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, 38 mg
cholesterol, 471 mg potassium, 357 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges:
3 lean protein, 1 carbohydrate (1/2 bread/starch, 1 1/2 vegetable)
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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's 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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