THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.
May - June 2008
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@embarqmail.com
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@bellsouth.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 TIME - by Sila Miller
BRAIN TEASER
MALAYSIA - Submitted by Linda Jacobson
CHALLENGE ASPEN: A DOWNHILL SKIING TRIP NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN - by Sila Miller (for Rob and Sandra
Anderson)
COMMUTER RAIL WILL HELP VISUALLY IMPAIRED - by Debbie Grubb
POETRY CORNER: ABOUT MOTHERS - Submitted by Sila Miller
WALTER DIETZ- Submitted by Sally Benjamin
DOUG HALL: A FINE EXAMPLE OF ADVOCACY, INVOLVEMENT AND MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE - by
Sila Miller
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
CHAPTER NEWS - Halifax Council of the Blind and Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
RECIPE CORNER
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
This Message marks the end of my first term as your President. I want to publicly thank the FCB Executive Committee and the fine chairs
of the FCB standing committees for working so diligently to support the efforts of this administration. I am deeply honored to be
considered worthy by each of you to represent the Florida Council of the Blind. I plan to stand for election to serve as your President for the
next two years. I find being President of the Florida Council of the Blind a rewarding and enriching experience.
The Convention Committee, ably chaired by Sila Miller, is putting the finishing touches on our 55th annual Convention. By now, all of you
have received the Convention Announcement Letter and the Convention Call. I hope that you are as excited as am I about the
programming and other Convention events. I look forward to seeing many of you in Jacksonville from May 15th through May 18th. I know
that this event will be one of our best.
During the Annual ACB Legislative Seminar, during which Mike and Debbie Drylie and I represented you, we visited Rep. Sterns. One of
the issues that we brought to his attention was the issue of the quiet hybrid cars. The ACB Resolution that we brought to Rep. Sterns
resolved that a study be done to learn how these automobiles, necessary to our environment, could be made to be heard by all
pedestrians as they prepare to cross at an intersection. I was delighted to see that Rep. Sterns is one of the sponsors of legislation that
in many respects mirrors the Resolution that we brought to him. It is my belief that our voices in conjunction with others who visited his
office, were heard. Hopefully, the research will bring forward a workable resolution to this issue.
A few weeks ago, the Florida Council of the Blind was invited to send a representative to a conference held in New Orleans and
sponsored by the Election Verification Network to discuss the issues surrounding accessible voting. This invitation resulted from our
joining the Florida Voters' Coalition. After giving the matter much thought, I invited Doug Hall, Chair of FCB's Access Committee, to
represent us at this conference because of the work that he has done in Volusia County on bringing true access to an independent, secret
and verifiable ballot to the residents of that county. Many thanks to Nancy, Doug's wife, for reading Doug's paper to conference attendees
when Doug's laryngitis prevented his doing so. Thanks to them both for ably representing our organization in New Orleans. Paul
Edwards and I requested that Doug's presentation include the following points eloquently drafted by Paul:
1. People with disabilities are people first and deserve to have the same access to voting as do others. This includes protection against
having to use machines which have already been declared inappropriate for individuals without disabilities.
2. Access to voting does not simply mean access to voting machines. It involves the whole process of electoral participation. Thus
mailers and information on candidates and general info on elections should be easily available and accessible.
3. It is also important to remember that polling places are often inaccessible and when they are, unfortunately, it makes no difference
whether there are accessible voting machines. If a person with disabilities cannot get to a polling place, it is tough to vote. It is insulting
and illogical to say that access to polling places does not matter since absentee ballots are available. Clearly, by this sort of logic, we
could close voting places altogether and just tell people to use an absentee ballot. That is, in effect, what this kind of specious argument
does for people with disabilities.
4. One of the lessons that we learned from the last election is that, when you use a different kind of machine than others, there is a high
likelihood that volunteers will not know how to operate it. Many people with disabilities were and are likely to again, not be able to vote
privately or independently because the machine cannot be made to function. It is crucial that legislation be passed that makes training
mandatory on all equipment within the polling place. This is essential unless we are prepared to have the success of these machines
measured by how many people did not use them.
On April 8th, First Vice President Robert Miller, Past President Carl McCoy and I met with two of Governor Crist's Bureau Chiefs in
Tallahassee. We brought seven issues to the table. They were: an intermodal statewide seamless system of transportation, access to
the voting system based on the paper trail instituted in the State of Florida for all voters except those of us with disabilities, pedestrian
safety for all of Florida's citizens with special emphasis on Florida's White Cane Law and accessible pedestrian signals, access to all
hardware and software for state employees--(Access to Electronic and information Technology AEIT), Braille Literacy, the process
employed to hire the next Director of the Division of Blind Services, and a separate Commission for the Blind. As you can readily see,
these are the core issues on which we have been working for quite some time. I want to thank Robert Miller and Steve Ritacco, Interim
Director of the Division of Blind Services, for arranging this meeting with the Bureau Chiefs for us. Many thanks, too, to Robert Miller and
Paul Edwards for submitting excellently written portions of the memo that I prepared for the meeting. Many thanks to Sila Miller for
preparing the packets that I e-mailed to her, making them look very professional. Thanks to Robert and Sila for once again opening their
lovely home to Dena and me while we were in Tallahassee. The meeting went well. Robert, Carl and I spent over an hour with the Bureau
Chiefs. We were asked intelligent questions and I believe that we were heard.
As we discussed the issue of a seamless statewide system of transportation, we were asked to support an exciting step toward the
realization of this goal via the Central Florida Rail Project. What follows is a quote from correspondence that I drafted to the Florida
Legislature in support of this exciting mass transportation option:
On behalf of the Florida Council of the Blind, Inc., I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for the Central Florida Rail
Project. The Florida Council of the Blind is dedicated to the creation of a seamless statewide intermodal system of transportation in the
State of Florida. People who do not drive because of fiscal constraints, disability, illness, age, or choice have the right to access the
state's streets and highways. Meeting the transportation needs of people who do not drive is the moral and fiscally responsible course to
take. Providing a mode of transportation that is accessible to us will enable us to pursue our vision of the American Dream by allowing us
to work, carry out business and medical requirements and will greatly enhance our lives and enable us to participate fully as citizens of
this state with all that that means. The commuter rail project not only enhances Central Florida's economic viability and transit
alternatives, but offers important benefits for the entire state. Additionally, the Central Florida project could provide future connections to
other areas in the state, including connecting rail passenger services between Tampa and Orlando and beyond. This is especially
important in light of dwindling transportation options for people who are blind and visually impaired as bus operators reduce service in our
state. We are pleased that the Central Florida Rail Project will serve us by offering our members an alternative transportation method, and
urge you to support the legislation associated with the project.
One of the Bureau Chiefs with whom we met works directly with the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Eric Smith. We were promised that
the issues of Braille Literacy, the hiring of the next director of the Division of Blind Services and the separate commission for the blind
would be brought to the Commissioner's attention that very day. Our memo contained the job description for the DBS Director agreed
upon by the Coalition of Blinded Veterans of America, Florida Regional Group; the Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind;
Florida Families of Children with Visual Impairment; the Florida Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of Florida.
We also strongly advocated that a national search be instituted to find the next director of the Division of Blind Services.
We left the meeting with the assurance that the other issues that we raised would be brought to the proper Bureau Chiefs. We are hopeful
that this meeting marks the beginning of a fruitful relationship with Governor Crist.
There is much work that lies ahead of the Florida Council of the Blind. I look forward to the opportunity of advocating for and with you as we
seek to carry it out.
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CONVENTION TIME - by Sila Miller
Hello Everyone,
With our convention right around the corner, I would like to thank those of you who've registered already and made your plans to attend.
This year's convention promises to be a good one, with informative workshops our Program Chair, Debbie Grubb has planned, a ready
and willing host chapter anxious to welcome us and something for everyone.
As always, I must thank my loyal committee, Debbie Grubb, Sharon Youngs, Jim Kracht, Rosanna Lippen and Sally Benjamin. Without
each of them, it would be impossible to pull something this organized, huge and exciting off. I must also give honorable mention and
much thanks to George Colson and his family for hosting our Thursday night special event/fundraiser. Thanks also goes to Rosanna who
has rolled with the flow, changing directions in the middle of the stream with us to accommodate our Awards Dinner as well as a
luncheon for our newest affiliate, Guide Dog Users of Florida. Welcome GDUF!
As always, our Saturday night concert sounds like it will capture the interest and hearts of all and a great big thank you goes to Jim for
organizing this once again for us. Without the capable help of our Exhibits Coordinator, Sharon Youngs, our Exhibit Hall wouldn't be the
informative and captivating place that it always is. Sally has been invaluable once again, getting information out to folks wanting to attend,
working out transportation and last minute details.
I hope to see you all in Jacksonville and I hope you will enjoy the programs, events and interactive meetings which have been planned for
you. We have much business to conduct, election of officers and plenty of fun things to do as well. Until then, take care of yourself and safe
travels to you.
Sila
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BRAIN TEASER
WORLD'S EASIEST QUIZ
(Passing requires 4 correct answers)
How long did the Hundred Years' War last?
Answer found at the end of Recipe Corner.
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MALAYSIA - Submitted by Linda Jacobson
Below is part of an e-mail I received from one of my students who lives in Malaysia. I had written her asking if she would share information
about her travels and work with the blind in other countries. She responded with the following letter. She did give me permission to have it
published.
Compared to some of the others in Southeast Asia -- Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, etc. -- Malaysia is
the rich kid on this block, thanks to oil wealth. But it's still a very harsh place to be blind. Thieves steal sewer grates in hope of selling the
metal, leaving yawning holes in the ground. Motorcyclists park their bikes anywhere and everywhere, including in the middle of sidewalks.
There are posts sticking up, wires hanging down, food carts here, piles of trash there. It's a challenge for a sighted pedestrian to get
around. And the snatch thieves don't discriminate, so having a white cane is no assurance that some monster on a motorbike won't grab
your purse and pull you to the ground in the process of yanking it away.
One day I walked past a college in central Kuala Lumpur (KL) and was appalled to see that they'd strung razor wire around the top of their
security fence. The problem was, the wire was right at face level. A blind person could walk right into it. I went into the administrative office
and mentioned this to a man in a tie, ostensibly in charge of something or other, who looked at me laconically and said something like
"Uh-huh, yes ma'am, we'll be sure to bring that up in the next advisory board meeting in 2014..." I walked off, shaking my head, thinking
about the poor, beleaguered blind people in KL, when not even a college administrator will consider their safety. I almost laughed when a
few months later, half awake, I walked around a corner in my neighborhood and nearly walked face-first into razor wire, again atop a fence.
This time, though, the wire was surrounding the complex of MAB. Yes, the Malaysia Association for the Blind.
Apart from this gaffe, I admire MAB and love my work there. They have many programs for blind of all ages, from infants to elderly. There's
a cyber café, where blind students can learn computer and internet skills. MAB teaches trades, including woodworking and massage
therapy. I have to admit, I think this is brilliant. Massage is one career in which the blind may actually have a slight advantage over the
sighted, given their increased tactile sensitivity. At least, it seems so to me; I go to my favorite blind massage centre every week or two. I
tell myself I'm doing a good community service, not being a totally self-indulgent slug :-) I work in the MAB library, where I record English
audio books and whatever anyone needs recorded -- medicine bottle labels, mobile phone manuals, or stacks of old letters. There's a
Braille production centre at MAB, as well, and its manager consistently asks about my progress toward certification, wringing her hands in
anticipation of another work-horse in her barn, I think.
There is no culture of guide dogs in Malaysia. The country is predominantly Muslim, and many Muslims have an aversion to dogs, so it's j
just a generally dog-unfriendly place. The cost of training the animals is also probably prohibitive. Being a dog-lover, this really drives me
nuts. They're not allowed on public transit, or in taxis, or... well... anywhere. Malaysia's blind rely upon their own skill and luck, or they call
upon sighted volunteers to guide them. That's another of my roles at MAB. I've gone with groups of blind folks to choral concerts, shopping
malls, and even on a rainforest canopy trip, including a walk across a suspended rope bridge. (Afterward, I asked my blind companion
how she'd found the bridge -- was she afraid, since she couldn't see how far above the ground she was? Oh, yes. She could hear the
distance between herself and the ground, sense the bridge swaying in the wind, and she could feel that I was breathing about twice my
normal rate.) Overall, the Malaysian blind are amazingly functional with their canes and their senses, and occasional help from
passers-by.
Not only do the blind in Malaysia have a challenge in getting around, but they also have a challenge with multiple systems of Braille. The
country is composed of ethnic Malays, Chinese and Indians. The national language is Malay. Many people speak English. The Chinese
also speak Mandarin, Cantonese or Hokkien. The Indians speak Tamil. Devout Muslim Malays also learn the Jawi script, which is a
localized version of Arabic, for reading the Koran and holy texts. The MAB library contains some works in Malay, English, Chinese, Tamil
and Jawi Braille. It's a paltry collection, though -- maybe 500 - 600 titles in all, many donated from other, wealthier countries. The audio
library is actually a bit better stocked, again with titles in Malay, English, and Mandarin. Nicholas, the blind man who runs the audio library,
is a wizard with technology; he maintains the recording studio PCs and transfers the digital files to CDs. He's in the process of converting
old audio books from cassette to CD. A German patron donated the 4 audio recording booths a few years ago, and it's surprisingly
high-tech for this part of the world. Not top-notch, mind you, but very functional.
In Malaysia, (as with most of SE Asia), much of the blindness comes from cataracts or retinal diseases, which could be treatable.
Nicholas lost his vision to an early attack of meningitis, and another MAB employee lost his to diphtheria. There are many people blinded
by industrial accidents: the rubber-processing industry uses very caustic chemicals, for example, and the conditions on the rubber
plantations are unregulated and usually absurdly unsafe. And every year, MAB gets a host of new students, almost exclusively adolescent
boys, who have been blinded by fireworks after one holiday or another.
For all its shortcomings and challenges, Malaysia is Heaven on Earth for the blind when compared to Cambodia. The country is destitute,
and the years of the Khmer Rouge's reign of terror left it nearly without doctors. Blindness is rampant -- from treatable diseases and
conditions left untreated, from landmines, and now, from a new trend of attacking enemies by throwing battery acid into their faces. Given
the shortage of doctors, many people go to traditional "healers", who often advise them to wash out their eyes with their own urine. Since
healthy urine is sterile, this might be a harmless prescription (or even a slightly beneficial one), but if the patient has gonorrhea, the
gonococcus bacteria runs amok in the eye, reducing the whole eyeball to mush, and apparently there's enough gonorrhea in Cambodia to
make this a troubling, continuing problem. Other people turn to pharmacists, who often give them cortisone drops or ointments. If the
problem is a bacterial or fungal eye infection, the cortisone merely accelerates it, and leaves the patient in worse shape than before, often
permanently blind.
I volunteered at a school in Siem Reap for a short time. They also teach blind massage, and there are "Seeing Hands" massage centres
now in many Cambodian towns. Someone has, within the past couple of decades, devised a Braille form of the Khmer language (which
is monstrously complex in its written form), and the schools are also teaching English braille. All the braille materials come from the
headquarters in Phnom Penh, which is fortunate enough to have a Perkins braillewriter. Maybe two -- the teacher in Siem Reap wasn't
sure -- but his students had only styluses.
I didn't do any work with the blind during the years I lived in Turkey or Jordan, because I wasn't near any schools or agencies there. I tried
to volunteer in Helsinki, but the woman looked at me as if I were mad. She told me that they didn't need volunteers. Amazing country that
funds its blind institute so well that they can function with 100% fully-paid staff. I suppose, if one had to be blind, Finland would be an OK
place to live. The weather is so disagreeable that you'd never want to go outdoors anyway, and from one end to the other, it's a
monotonous landscape of conifers and lakes, so if you can picture in your mind's eye a pine tree and a body of fresh water, you pretty
much know what the entire country looks like.
Amanda
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CHALLENGE ASPEN: A DOWNHILL SKIING TRIP NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN - by Sila Miller (for Rob and
Sandra Anderson)
In February, Sandra and Rob Anderson, Members of the Pinellas County Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind, were honored to be
chosen to attend Challenge Aspen for a week filled with downhill skiing in beautiful Aspen/Snowmass Colorado.
It all came about, with a presentation from Chuck and Debbie Hietala about Challenge Aspen to the Pinellas Chapter. Chuck and Debbie,
both long-time Members of Challenge Aspen and FCB and from St. Petersburg, work to raise awareness and money for the sport of
downhill skiing. "Challenge Aspen and downhill skiing changed our lives and we just want to share that joy and experience with others,"
said Chuck.
Challenge Aspen has provided adaptive recreational and cultural opportunities to thousands of individuals with disabilities from around
the world since 1995. Based in Aspen, Colorado, Challenge Aspen is an internationally established charitable organization. As a leader
and innovator offering participants safe, expert instruction and the best competitive ski-racing and educational programs available in the
world, Challenge Aspen also provides outstanding summer therapeutic art and drama camps to children with physical and cognitive
disabilities. In addition, Challenge Aspen creates adaptive wilderness experiences and provides elite race training for Veterans with
disabilities. Critical partnerships with sponsors like Aspen Skiing Co., combined with the generous support of the Founders' Circle,
National Council members and annual fundraisers, provide the funding necessary for Challenge Aspen to empower all participants
through its outdoor and cultural experiences, regardless of financial status. To learn more about Challenge Aspen, visit
www.challengeaspen.org.
The Pinellas Chapter decided to purchase 10 tickets from the Hietalas to assist in raising funds for a deserving person to go downhill
skiing. When their winning ticket was drawn, Debbie Downey, Vice President of the chapter, polled her Members to see who would be
interested in participating in this golden opportunity. Both Rob and Sandra responded affirmatively. Having funds for only 1 attendee,
Debbie and Chuck got to work raising additional funds. Thanks to the generosity of the St. Petersburg Lions Club, they were able to send
both the Andersons to Colorado on a trip they'll never forget.
The Andersons arrived in Snowmass on February 9th after an all-day flight. Directly after checking into their hotel, it was off to rent skis for
the next day and the pace didn't slow down a bit. Days were filled with downhill skiing instruction and evenings were spent dining with
friends, shopping or relaxing in the hot tub.
Each participant was assisted by a guide and given personal instructions on the sport by a skiing instructor. The participant and guide
each held the opposite end of a long bamboo pole. Gradually, as the participant's skills improved they used the joint pole less and less,
until they were given their own ski pole.
"I rode up to the ski area in a Gondola instead of a regular chair lift," Sandra explained. "They did everything they could to help us learn and
have fun." When asked if she was scared, Sandra replied, "I was scared to death of breaking a leg or arm. I had trouble keeping my skis in
a V position so I was given a device to help keep them that way for me and that made it easier." Sandra was speaking of the Snow Plow, a
maneuver used to control a skier's speed when descending a hill. When asked to share his thoughts about his trip, Rob said, "I'd love to
do it again. It was a challenge. It was hard work but, when you get down the hill by yourself, it'ss really a great feeling."
Sandra and Rob want to express their sincere appreciation to both the Hietalas and the St. Pete Lions. "Thank you for helping Rob and I to
have the experience of a lifetime. We got to see snow and got to experience skiing. We were treated like royalty. Debbie and Chuck helped
us with every thing from carrying our luggage to driving us around. The financial generosity such as that shown by the Lions Club is truly a
blessing," Sandra said.
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COMMUTER RAIL WILL HELP VISUALLY IMPAIRED - by Debbie Grubb
Florida Voices
As an organization that is dedicated to the creation of a seamless, statewide, intermodal system of transportation in the state of Florida, the Florida Council of the Blind, Inc. has been monitoring the forward progress of the Central Florida Rail Project. Approval of the deal will greatly benefit members of our organization, as well as all visually impaired citizens of our state.
The goal of the Florida Council of the Blind is to better the lives of Florida's citizens who are blind and visually impaired through public
education, legislative action and the distribution of statewide information and referral services. The implementation of the Central Florida
Rail Project is an important first step in the creation of a seamless, statewide, intermodal system which contributes greatly to an
enhanced quality of life for the blind.
I presume all Floridians would agree that people who do not drive because of fiscal constraints, disability, illness, age or choice, have the
right to access the state's streets and highways. Supporting this project is both morally and fiscally responsible, as it will help to meet the
transportation needs of citizens who do not drive.
The commuter rail project not only enhances Central Florida's economic viability and transit alternatives, but offers important benefits for
the entire state. Additionally, the Central Florida project could provide future connections to other areas in the state, including connecting
rail passenger services between Tampa and Orlando -- and beyond. This is especially important in light of the dwindling transportation
options for people who are blind and visually impaired, as bus operators are reducing service in our state.
By providing a mode of transportation that is accessible to the blind community, we are in fact allowing these Floridians to pursue their
vision of the American Dream. While the ability to go to and from work, to doctor's appointments and recreation activities is taken for
granted by many, the opportunity that the rail project will provide will not only improve our Members' lives, but will enable them to
participate fully as citizens of this great state.
Grubb is president of the Florida Council of the Blind, Inc.
(This article was taken from the Daytona Beach News-Journal.)
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POETRY CORNER: ABOUT MOTHERS - Submitted by Sila Miller
(The following introduction is written by the person who started Poetry Corner, Shelley Justice.)
It's that special time of year when we celebrate our mothers, whether they are stil here with us or not. I feel richly blessed to still have my
mother here with me, and a truly special Mom she is.
Our thanks to Sila for submitting this poem, which says so much about those wonderful, blessed women we call "Mom."
Your Mother is always with you.
She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street,
She's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and the perfume that she wore,
She's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well,
She's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day.
She's the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow,
She is Christmas morning.
Your Mother lives inside your laughter and she's crystallized in every teardrop.
A mother shows every emotion.....happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger,
helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow.....and all the while, hoping and
praying you will only know the good feelings in life.
She's the place you came from, your first home,
And she's the map you follow with every step you take.
She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy,
But nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space......not even death.
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WALTER DIETZ- Submitted by Sally Benjamin
Below are a few thoughts people have shared about Walter Dietz, who recently passed away. He did much more than many of us probably
will ever know for FCB.
I can say this though: Walter loved children especially those with learning disabilities. He worked at several private schools and learning
centers several times a week working with young children teaching them and tutoring them on all subjects. He also worked with several
assistive living facilities and their clients taking several of them on shopping and medical trips. The man also worked tirelessly for our
chapter. He worked on several projects behind the seen that many of our members and perhaps some of our officers never knew about.
In the past several years, Walter really became involved in the computer. He would work on that thing until sometimes extremely late at
night. He was never one for reading manuals and books to figure something out regarding a project. He was a hands-on kind of man,
never giving up until the project was done. He never knew too much about the computer and programs but learned enough to get the job
done.
The loss of Walter Dietz is truly sad news for many of us in Palm Beach County. He generously gave of his time to help several
organizations such as the local Braille Club and FCB Chapters. He also assisted the Florida Outreach Center for the Blind with its "Dining
In The Dark" event last October. Walter did everything from making cookies to designing signage for our organizations. He was reliable
and went out of his way to assure our projects were a success. And if that wasn't enough, Walter worked as a teacher and took time out of
his busy schedule each week to take a friend, shopping. Walter Dietz will be greatly missed especially by those of us who were touched by
his kindness. Thank you, Walter, for your time, your support and your friendship.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Lapp
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DOUG HALL: A FINE EXAMPLE OF ADVOCACY, INVOLVEMENT AND MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE -
by Sila Miller
Born on October 2nd, 1947, to Abbie Loretta Schmitt and Lloyd Hall, Douglas Edwin Hall grew up on Long Island, New York. Part of a large
family, Doug and his younger brother, Phil were both blinded in early childhood during a dynamite blasting accident.
"Losing my vision probably turned out to be a good thing for me," Doug said. When I questioned that statement, Doug explained, "Because
my father was a tenant farmer with 8 children. Being a farmer you can bet they didn't have much money and education wasn't a priority in
our family. Both my parents only completed the 8th grade because they had to quit school and go to work to help support their families.
When I lost my vision, I couldn't do a lot of activities that boys typically do in rural areas. I redirected my energies and discovered that I could
excel in education.” Doug began learning Braille at age 9, receiving instruction from an itinerant Braille teacher while attending public
school. With motivation to achieve academically and governmental support because of his disability, Doug eventually received a
scholarship and support from the State of New York to attend college, receiving his Bachelor's in Experimental Psychology. He then went
on to attain his Master's degree in counseling at the University of New Hampshire. "Chances are, if I had kept my vision, I'd have ended up
in the army and gone to Vietnam," Doug said.
Doug got his first dog guide in 1972, not as much due to a need for mobility, because he was an excellent cane user, but because of
frequent seizures caused from brain damage he had sustained during that childhood accident. His first instructor stated that he could tell
when Doug was having a seizure because he and the dog functioned more as a team. Doug has worked with six dog guides, the first five
from Guiding Eyes for the Blind and the current one, Keaton, from The Seeing Eye.
Doug first got into advocacy and volunteering as a junior in high school, where as a member of the Honors Society, he tutored students.
During college, the state of New York gave him an allowance for readers. In an attempt to make optimum use of the various readers and
their schedules, Doug started a recording studio, though he didn't think of it as such at the time. While attending college in New
Hampshire, Doug volunteered at a center for people who were mentally and emotionally handicapped.
In 1976, Doug and his first wife came to the Daytona Beach area to visit her grandparents. Doug heard about a rehabilitation center there
and during the visit he and his father-in-law went to check it out. Carl McCoy was Director of the Rehabilitation Center at the time and
inquired if Doug might be interested in working there. Later that fall, as Doug was finishing his masters degree at UNH, Carl contacted
Doug to say the job was being advertised. Doug applied and was selected as an adjustment counselor for the Rehab Center in Daytona
where he worked for about five years.
Carl made it clear to Doug that advocacy and community involvement were important requisites for the job in Daytona. He encouraged
Doug to join FCB, the only consumer organization in Daytona Beach at the time. He provided opportunities for Doug to attend conferences
that would be beneficial. Eventually, Carl was promoted and moved to the State office of DBS in Tallahassee. "Carl was an excellent
mentor and kept telling me that we needed blind people to get involved," Doug says. "I'm a real supporter of volunteering because while
helping others I have gained experience, met new people and encountered opportunities that led to jobs.”
"Paul Edwards was my first client," Doug says. “He was a challenge, questioning authority, while learning about and accepting
approaches to rehabilitation." Paul and Doug became fast friends and where you saw one, you saw the other. They advocated for
accessible transportation and volunteered doing voice auditions with people who were interested in recording books. "Charlie Rhein was
one of my students too," Doug recollects. "I was lucky to have several future FCB Members as students. I just told them how important it
was to join consumer groups and get involved," Doug proudly states.
One of the major problems Doug saw, especially for college students who were blind, was getting access to their text books. With his
volunteer experience from the Braille and Talking Book Library, he set about establishing a recording program at the University of Florida.
Mary Skorheim, Dean of Students, secured funding and appointed a student intern as its first coordinator. Thus, was born "Vocal-Eyes
Recording Studio." Doug clarifies, “That was long before the screen reader.” Ironically, the U.F. program is now run by the man who is
indirectly responsible for Doug and Nancy's meeting.
In 1980, Doug and Paul were invited to attend a Section 504 Disability Rights conference in Tampa along with many fellow advocates,
including Mike Taylor, Patti Land (then Hendricks), Renee Miles and Stan and Paula Carter. At dinner that first night, a college student
attending her first conference alone, missed the cocktail hour following a short nap and was having difficulty finding an empty seat. Paul
invited her to join them. Thus began a sweet love story of mutual love, respect, help and commitment between Nancy Dyer Burgess-Hall
and Doug.
With Carl's departure from the Rehab Center came new leadership and a new philosophy. Advocacy and involvement in consumer
organizations was no longer encouraged at the Center. "Carl had created a monster in me and I wasn't about to give it up," Doug says, "so
I resigned." Doug then took a vending course but quickly realized that wasn't for him. At loose ends, Doug volunteered at the recording
studio at U.F. and soon became its Director, where he worked for the next 4 years. He and Nancy were on the Board of Directors of the
Center for Independent Living in Gainesville and Doug served on Gainesville's Disability Advisory Board.
In 1986, Doug moved back to Daytona Beach, where Nancy had accepted a position as a Speech-Language Clinician with the Volusia
County Schools. In 1987, the Rehab Center started a computer training program and Doug was in the first class, learning how to use IBM
computers and Vert speech screen reading software. It opened up a whole new world of communication for him. Shortly after that, Doug
agreed to serve as Vice President of an organization to establish a radio reading service in Orlando. "I have a bad habit of saying yes,"
Doug laughingly says. Well, the president resigned, and Doug took charge of the corporation, which started the radio reading service in
Central Florida and later was turned over to WMFE.
It was about this time, when Don Weber, the then-Chief of The Braille and Talking Book Library, asked Doug if he'd be willing to serve on
its Consumer Advisory Committee. Again, Doug said yes, serving alongside folks like Charlie Rhein and Mike Taylor. Meanwhile, Doug
was volunteering at the Library, doing everything from outreach to helping people learn how to use the recording equipment. As Chair of
the Advisory committee, Doug was making recommendations for changes at the Library. Mr. Weber asked if he'd be interested in working
as head of the volunteer program and that's where Doug spent the next 14 years of his career. "Both Don Weber and Mike Gunde were
always encouraging me to use my strengths doing what I love, advocacy and outreach," Doug says.
In 2005 Ed Hudson, Director of the Orientation and Adjustment Center, asked Doug and other advocates to share ideas regarding policy
changes, including development of positive attitudes and self-advocacy, as well as acquiring independent living skills. Eventually, this led
to Doug’s return to the Orientation & Adjustment Center, where he taught Home Management, then Personal Management,
community involvement and advocacy.
Doug's interests have expanded over the years. He is passionate about accessible voting and accessible transportation. He serves on
Volusia County's Elections Advisory Board and the Daytona Beach Mayor's Alliance for Persons with Disabilities. He is also active on the
Board of the Florida Independent Living Council, and until recently, was on DBS's Rehabilitation Council for the Blind. He wants to see the
Centers for Independent Living work more with people who have visual disabilities, work with young people transitioning out of high
school and reach out to minorities.
When I asked about hobbies, Doug responded, without missing a beat, "advocacy." Doug has served on just about every FCB committee
at one time or another and currently chairs the Access Committee. He has been honored with the W. A. Outzs and R. Henry P. Johnson
Awards, as well as a President's Special Award and chapter awards from both Daytona and Gainesville.
"It is vital that people with disabilities work together. Census figures indicate that 24 percent of the people in this country have disabilities,
yet people with disabilities are not considered a minority. They're not considered because they're not organized. We've got to change that,"
Doug adamantly says.
There is not adequate space in this publication to do Doug and Nancy justice for their contributions to their fellow visually impaired
brethren, communities and to the human race, so I'll not try. What I shall try to do is continue this article in our next issue of the White Cane
Bulletin. Join me then for Nancy's story.
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
Oh No!! Not Another Phone Gadget
Portions of this article were taken from...SAN DIEGO (MarketWatch) from the "you heard it here first" file: Telco veteran Borislow launches
cheaper Internet telephone service by Herb Greenberg; also the magic jack FAQ's/Knowledgebase at:
http://www.magicjack.com/1/faq.aspx
This device is small enough to fit in your shirt pocket or inside your laptop bag. The MagicJack has an USB connector on one end and an
RJ11 phone jack on the other. Connect the MagicJack to the USB port of a laptop or desktop system with a broadband connection to the
Internet. MagicJack requires approximately 80 kpbs of bandwidth. MagicJack currently runs only on PCs with Microsoft Windows XP or
Vista. A Mac Beta has been released. At this time, customer support is not available for this upgrade. You must have your MagicJack
plugged into a Windows PC to download the MAC upgrade. Then you can plug your MagicJack into your Mac. Vista users plug in the
MagicJack and run the upgrade for vista before attempting to use this device. Mac and Vista users may retrieve their respective MagicJack
upgrades at: http://www.magicjack.com/1/customercare.asp.
Next, connect a phone in to the other side of the MagicJack. You can use any regular telephone handset that has an RJ-11 plug. You can
use either an analog or digital phone with this service. At this point, wait until the MagicJack connects. The device will boot a softphone
onto the screen in approximately 28 seconds. Before you can start calling, fill out the registration screen and follow the prompts. Vista
users will have to click on an item that appears prompting you to load the device. Screen reader accessibility is good to fair while
navigating through the registration screens. You will be asked to provide your name, contact information and select an area code and
phone number. After the registration process has been completed and an account has been established, you may then pick up the
phone, listen for the dial tone and punch in the area code and phone number to anywhere in the US and Canada you wish to dial.
According to the information obtainable through the FAQ's/Knowledgebase link on the MagicJack home page, here is what you get when
you order a MagicJack. Included with your MagicJack cost of $39.95 are the following: A phone number from one of many metropolitan
areas around the country that can receive free incoming calls from around the world. A license to use the MagicJack to call the US and
Canada for FREE during your first year of use is available. (After the first year of use, each additional license costs $19.95 per year.) Free
International calling to US/Canada numbers when traveling outside of the US.
If you purchased the MagicJack directly from our website and if for any reason the MagicJack does not perform just as we say, you can
return it to us during the first 30 days, and get a full refund of the purchase price minus shipping and handling; or receive a device
exchange. In order to receive a refund or exchange you must request and receive a MagicJack RMA number by e-mail and the MagicJack
device must be returned in its original packaging, be accompanied by proof of purchase and you will pay for the return shipping. If you
purchased the magicJack from one of our authorized agents, please contact the distributor or retailer directly to learn about their refund
policy.
If anyone is interested in examining a MagicJack, I will have one with me at The Florida Council of the Blind Annual Convention this May in
Jacksonville. For additional information regarding the MagicJack, go to:
http://www.magicjacktv.com.
The Technology Committee urges everyone to use the FCB chat rooms that are linked to:
http://www.fcb.org
Click on the "Voice Chat for FCB" link. When the page loads, you can either click on the "Florida Council of the Blind General Chat Room"
link or the "Florida Council of the Blind Board & Committee Chat Room" link. When the page loads, First time users should click the
"download here button" to install the plugin called tcConference. tcConference is a little piece of software that lets you talk with others,
anywhere in the world. When you click the "Download Here" button you will be prompted to download or run the tcConference software.
Select "Run" and tcConference will be installed to your system. When tcConference has been installed, click on the "Finish" button to
complete the installation process. At that point, you should return to the web page you were at before you performed the software
installation. Now, click on the link that says "Click here to enter in the room." A page will load with two edit fields, prompting you for a
username and password. Type your name in the first edit field and leave the second edit field blank. Press "Enter" and you should be
launched in to the room. You should hear a sound when you enter the room. If others are present, you may hear them talking. Press your
Control key to talk and release it to listen. If you are unable to perform any of the above tasks, feel free to contact a Member of the
Technology Committee for assistance.
If you know when you have a meeting scheduled in either of the rooms, ask for assistance a day or two in advance so someone can assist
you in a timely manner. Please feel free to contact me if you are having difficulty with either of the chat rooms. My contact information is
located in the "FCB OFFICERS, 2006 - 2008" section of this publication.
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CHAPTER NEWS - Halifax Council of the Blind and Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
Halifax Council of the Blind - by Doug Hall
HCB activities
For the last 30 years, the Halifax Council of the Blind (HCB) has been holding its monthly meetings at Florida's Orientation and Adjustment
Center in Daytona Beach, currently using the Center's cafeteria. Besides being a good central location, having our meetings at the OAC,
encourages staff and students to attend and find out about the Council. HCB generally meets on the second Thursday of each month at
6:30 PM. Occasionally, we have met at the Braille and Talking Book Library, especially while the Center was undergoing renovations.
Community involvements -- Over the years, HCB has increased its collaboration with other organizations, including the local NFB chapter,
Guide Dog Users of Florida, disAbility Solutions for Independent Living (DSIL), Southeastern Guide Dogs, the Mayor's Alliance for Persons
with Disabilities, etc. Last October and again in early February, HCB collaborated with other organizations to participate in White Cane and
pedestrian awareness activities. On Saturday, April 12th, HCB held its annual picnic, inviting NFB members to this year's event. In June,
HCB will join forces in sponsoring a voter awareness workshop, which will make current and potential voters more aware of their rights
and responsibilities.
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
MFCB is proud to announce that its President, Shelley Justice, has expressed her candidacy for Recording Secretary of the Florida Council
of the Blind. She made the announcement at the April General Meeting, with the chapter endorsing her unanimously. Before she was
elected President of MFCB in November 2006, Shelley served for over 3 years as MFCB Recording Secretary and also told the following in
a recent posting to FCB-L:
"I have considerable experience as recording secretary in various organizations and at various times in my life, going back as far as my
grade school years. I believe that I have good communication skills, as well as a passable knowledge of today's technology. More
importantly, I enjoy the duties that come with being a recording secretary.
"If elected, I believe that I can hold this office and perform its duties to the benefit and satisfaction of FCB, of which I am so proud to be an
active Member.
"I ask you all to carefully consider my candidacy. I realize that there are many FCB members who are not on this list. Therefore, I would
also ask that you pass my candidacy along by word of mouth to other Members. I thank you all in advance for your support."
MFCB also continues to stay active in the Orlando area, especially in working with and helping to raise funds for other organizations. In
recent months, we have had representatives from Lighthouse Central Florida (LCF) and the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office
speak during our General Meetings. And MFCB has participated in the Southeastern Guide Dogs' Walk-A-Thon and LCF Sight & Sole
Walk, helping to raise lots of money for those valuable organizations.
Our chapter is working closely with Central Florida Advocates for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way (CFA) as the process of installing
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) will be reviewed and improved in the Orlando area. After there have been concerns raised with the 3
installations done so far, MFCB, as well as the National Federation of the Blind-Greater Orlando Chapter (NFB-GOC) and other disability
organizations represented in the panel, feels that before any further APS installations are made, a set of guidelines need to be developed
that will insure those signals will both be installed properly and work the way they were intended.
MFCB knows there is plenty more work to be done in the Orlando area, and we remain determined to meet and exceed our goals for
2008.
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RECIPE CORNER
New Orleans Shrimp Toss
from Campbell's Kitchen
Prep/Cook Time: 20 min.
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. large shrimp, shelled and deveined
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken with Herbs Soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. paprika
Cornbread OR biscuits
2 tbsp. chopped fresh chives
DIRECTIONS:
MIX shrimp, 1 tbsp. oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire and Cajun seasoning. HEAT remaining oil in skillet. Add onion and garlic and cook
until tender. Add soup, milk and paprika. Heat to a boil. Add shrimp mixture. Cover and cook over low heat 5 min. or until shrimp is done.
Serve with cornbread. Garnish with chives. Serves 4.
Mediterranean Potato Salad
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups green beans (1/2 pound)
5 cups red potatoes (10 medium), cubed
1 (2-1/4 ounce) can black olives, sliced
1/3 cup capers, drained
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 to 3 teaspoons freshly-ground pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
DIRECTIONS:
1. Clean beans, snap off ends and break into 1-inch pieces. In a saucepan over high heat, blanch beans for 5 minutes, until bright green.
Drain, rinse under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large stockpot over high heat, boil potatoes in lightly salted water for 10 to 15 minutes until tender (do not peel). Cool and cut into
cubes.
3. In a large bowl, combine beans, potatoes, olives, capers, parsley, dill, pepper, salt, lemon juice and olive oil and toss. Chill for at least
2 hours. Remove from refrigerator 1/2 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
SERVES: 6-8
Butter Pecan Ice Cream - by John Richards
INGREDIENTS:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups pecans; chopped, toasted
3 tablespoons butter; melted
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
2 cups half and half
2 cups whipping cream, unwhipped
DIRECTIONS:
In large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, pecans, butter and maple; mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into ice cream
churn container. Freeze according to manufacturer's directions.
Makes 2 quarts.
Answer to Brain Teaser:
116 years
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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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