THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN

FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.

November - December 2006


FCB OFFICERS, 2006 - 2008

President:
Debbie Grubb
4215 17th Ave. W
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 749-6178
E-mail: debbiecg@verizon.net

First Vice President:
Robert Miller
2201 Limerick Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(850) 906-9821
E-mail: easytalk@earthlink.net

Second Vice President:
John S. Richards, Jr.
939 NE 18th St.
Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 629-4530
E-mail: jsrj@earthlink.net

Treasurer:
Patti 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. Articles can be no longer than five pages in 18 point font. Sally's E-mail is: salbenjamin@comcast.net.

If you do not have access to a computer and E-mail, please find someone in your chapter to help send it. We would like to hear from anyone who wants to contribute to our newsletter.

Articles published in The White Cane Bulletin are in compliance with Public Law No. 104197, Copyright Law Amendment of 1996. This law allows authorized entities to distribute copies of previously published non-dramatic literary works in specialized formats, including Braille, audio or digital text that are exclusively for use by Blind people or those with disabilities. Any further distributing of such articles in another than a specialized format is an infringement of copyright.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Linda Jacobson
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Debbie Grubb
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT TRANSPORTATION TO NEXT YEAR'S CONVENTION - by Sila Miller
SARASOTA HERALD TRIBUNE, FL, USA - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17TH, 2006: SOME MUST HEAR THEIR WAY ALONG - by Lisa Miller (Submitted By Sally Benjamin)
VETERANS: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW - by Sharon Youngs
NEW RESOURCE GUIDE FOR PARENTS WHO ARE BLIND OR PARTIALLY SIGHTED - Submitted by James Kracht
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
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

As you read this message, you will be fully involved in the holiday madness and wonder. As I contemplate the things for which I have to be thankful, my husband, my family and our guide dogs, FCB comes near the top of my list. I am thankful that there are men and women who are dedicated to making this world truly accessible to those of us who are blind and visually impaired.

As you read this message, it is my sincere hope that you will have had a positive voting experience to look back upon. I know that transportation can prove to be problematic; but I hope that you will make the effort and take the time to be a presence at polling your places all over this state. My husband Frela and I took advantage of the early voting opportunity to vote in the Primary and found it to be an uplifting experience. It took some effort to get to the office of the Supervisor of Elections because the directions that we were given were less than accurate. After much walking and asking of directions to nice folks along the way, we made it to the office and found the accessible voting equipment very user-friendly. The Supervisor of Elections walked in while we were voting and he and his staff were delighted that the equipment was actually being used. ACB and its affiliates fought long and hard to realize the civil rights of people who are blind and visually impaired to cast an independent, secret and verifiable ballot. It is now up to each of us to exercise this civil right and prove that we were serious about this initiative and are a voting base to be reckoned with.

On September 16th, I met with a very nice group who are interested in starting an FCB Chapter in the Fort Myers area. We talked about all that FCB and ACB have accomplished, the many benefits of membership and the benefit to FCB of having a chapter in their part of our state. It is my sincere hope that they will be prepared to accept their charter at our upcoming Board meeting.

On October 7th, Barbara Grill, Chair of the committee that administers our scholarships, represented FCB at a conference of vision teachers and parents of children who are blind and visually impaired held in St. Petersburg. She spoke about FCB, our scholarships and our Project Insight Program. Barbara stated that her presentation was well-received.

On that same day, I represented FCB at the 25th Anniversary Conference of VSA Arts of Florida, formerly Very Special Arts of Florida. I sat in on a meeting of their Strategic Planning Committee, attended their luncheon at which the National President of VSA spoke and I attended their Board of Directors meeting during which I was elected to the VSA Arts of Florida Board. VSA Arts of Florida will be presenting at our 2007 Convention this May.

The FCB Chapter Presidents have met twice since last I wrote to you. During the September Meeting, we talked about past celebrations of White Cane Safety Day, sharing how chapter’s commemorations have grown and evolved over the years. During our October Meeting, we discussed how chapters commemorated the day in 2006. I was proud of our Chapters as they told us of their innovative and moving celebrations of White Cane Safety Day.

The Presidents' Meetings are rapidly becoming a vital part of FCB life. I urge each Chapter President to come to these meetings or to designate someone to represent the chapter. If you would like to learn how your chapter may participate in these meetings, please call Sally Benjamin at Project Insight and she will be more than happy to give you that information.

I celebrated White Cane Safety Day in Sarasota on Monday, October 16th. The Mayor read his proclamation and he and several County Commissioners heard about the White Cane Law and its significance in the lives of all of us who use the cane and the guide dog as we seek to access this country's streets and highways. It was my privilege to speak to this fine group on behalf of the Florida Council of the Blind. Barbara Grill is to be commended for the fine work she did on putting together this first commemoration of the Day for the Sarasota Chapter.

On Tuesday, October 17th, Manatee County held its second celebration of White Cane Safety Day. The Manatee County Education Channel filmed us as we walked around the downtown Bradenton area. The footage will be used in a White Cane Law PSA that Paul Edwards and I co-wrote last year. There will be a 60-second version for the Education Channel to air and a 30-second version for the cable company to air. The PSA's will be made available to any Chapter who wants to have one of the versions locally available to publicize the Florida White Cane Law.

On Tuesday, October 17th, an article was published in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in which Frela and I spoke about the necessity of having accessible pedestrian signals installed in all new intersections, all newly renovated intersections and all other intersections on a request basis (Note: this article is reprinted later in this issue). That evening, a brief piece was aired on Tampa Channel 10 showing us crossing at an intersection outfitted with accessible pedestrian signals. It is my sincere hope that this publicity will move municipalities in the state to do the right thing regarding our access needs to Florida's streets and highways. The Federal Highway Administration has stated that signalized intersections constitute programs and services provided to citizens to which people with disabilities have a right. This stand brings crucially important weight to our arguments on behalf of this important issue. FCB will continue to work on putting forward equal access to Florida's streets and highways via accessible pedestrian signals at every opportunity. You can assist us where you live and work by requesting accessible pedestrian signals at intersections that you access on a regular basis.

From our house to yours, Frela and I wish you every wonderful thing as you celebrate the holidays and look forward to 2007. Regardless of who wins what election, FCB stands ready to create relationships with local and state leaders that will enable us to continue in our work to make this state truly accessible to us. Happy Holidays!


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SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT TRANSPORTATION TO NEXT YEAR'S CONVENTION - by Sila Miller

As many of you may know, next year's state convention will be held in our state's capital, Tallahassee. The dates for the convention are Thursday, May 17th through Sunday, May 20th. Our local chapter, TCB, is proud and excited to be the host chapter and ready and willing to make you feel welcome, help you to have a good time and learn lots. And, if you're not careful, we might even find a job for you!

With public transportation being what it is or more accurately in our case, what it is NOT, in our state the purpose of this article is to encourage members from the same general areas to share transportation to the convention. There are many benefits of this idea, some of which I will expound upon and I assure you I speak from experience.

On several occasions, TCB members have either rented or borrowed a van and either hired a driver or been fortunate enough to have one of our members with sight drive for us. This makes for a great road trip, great memories, stories and building close and strong friendships outside of the advocacy arena. Of course, you all will recall TCB's group bus trips and what memorable and fun times we had during them!

I recall one such road trip to Miami back in the mid '90's in which we shared good music, got to know some of our newer members and laughed all the way! We had a caravan, complete with 2 vans loaned by members and friends and not one but both broke down. Yes, we laughed then too even though it was hot, we were tired and late for meetings.

Another benefit is that if your driver/friend isn't a member they get "blind exposure." Most of the time this will be a positive experience and might even result in them joining us and lending their support, wheels, and eyes! You know we're all in this together and it's not just about what you get but what you can give to make a positive difference. You might find that this idea naturally migrates to other areas such as rooming together, sharing meals, cabs and so forth.

Other chapters you may want to check with are Pensacola and Miami-Metro as they frequently travel together. If you'll notice, they are both close-knit chapters as well. Nine times out of ten, you’ll hear them laughing and joking together and having a good ole time! Of course, you could say you don't have the time or would rather not hang out with a bunch of blinks but you never know how much fun you just might miss out on and what good memories you might forfeit. Besides, "You will never find time for anything. You must make it." I’m a firm believer that we’re all put in a particular place at a particular time for a reason. If that reason is to help, encourage or laugh with someone I don’t wanna miss out on it! Thank you for taking time to read my meanderings and considering the suggestion of sharing transportation to our Tallahassee convention. I hope to see ALL of you here in May! More news to follow about our upcoming convention next time!


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SARASOTA HERALD TRIBUNE, FL, USA - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17TH, 2006: SOME MUST HEAR THEIR WAY ALONG - by Lisa Miller (Submitted By Sally Benjamin)

(Note: Lisa Miller's e-mail address is lisa.miller@heraldtribune.com.)

MANATEE COUNTY -- Debbie and Frela Grubb have guide dogs, but like most blind people they rely mainly on their hearing to safely cross busy streets.

At most area intersections, the Grubbs must listen for cross-traffic to stop, then wait until they hear parallel traffic start moving before they enter the street. They have to just trust that motorists see them.

Crossing busy streets such as Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, Tamiami Trail in Sarasota or Marion Avenue in Punta Gorda is one of the most dangerous things blind people do in their quest to remain independent.

Twice, inattentive drivers have hit Debbie Grubb, and her husband has had numerous close calls.

Things are safer at a few select intersections -- about a dozen in Manatee and Sarasota counties -- where an audible signal such as a voice, chirp or beep lets people know when it is safe to cross the street.

Even though the audible signals are fairly inexpensive -- about $1500 to cover each crosswalk, or $6000 for a complete intersection -- local and state transportation officials haven't made them a priority.

But the Grubbs want to change that.

Debbie Grubb is president of Florida's Council of the Blind, and is using her position to work with the state Department of Transportation and local officials to get more audible signals installed across the state.

Audible signals are only installed now if requested by a blind or visually-impaired person. Requests are either routed to the state or the county, depending on which agency owns the road.

The Grubbs asked for two signals near their home along Manatee Avenue in West Bradenton, but it took more than two years to get them installed.

County and state officials say the delay results from a lack of funding.

Transportation projects that affect a larger population are ahead of audible signals on a priority list, said DOT spokeswoman Cindy Clemmons-Adente. Also, the audible signals can increase in cost at intersections with more lanes.

But Grubb isn't budging, and she's pushing to make the installation process easier and faster.

"Driving is a privilege, but access for pedestrians is a civil right," she said.

Florida has the third-highest blind population in the nation, with more than 1 million people over the age of 45 being visually impaired. California has the highest blind population, and New York is in second place.

Grubb plans to show local and state transportation officials how important the audible signals are for blind people who don't want to be confined to their homes. She also wants to help officials identify which intersections could use an audible signal.

The signals also provide a safe crossing for children, the elderly and those who are color-blind, Grubb added.

The Grubbs are filming a public service announcement, which will be aired on local television stations, to remind drivers to watch out for blind pedestrians.

Crossing a street is frightening without the audible signals. With guide dogs Bonnie and Magic at the lead, the Grubbs stood on the corner of Manatee Avenue and 43rd Street West recently.

After finding the crosswalk button, they pushed and waited, listening as cars pass by.

When the light changed, a woman's voice told them it was safe to cross Manatee Avenue, and then they heard a series of chirps.

Debbie Grubb said it is the initial signal that is most important because it reduced the dangerous hesitation factor.

"Sometimes you're wasting a lot of time and energy waiting, then you'll go, but can find yourself in the intersection in the middle of traffic," she said.

Ideally, the Grubbs would like to see audible signals along every intersection on Manatee Avenue. Having some in downtown Bradenton is another necessity, as well as increasing numbers in Sarasota and Charlotte counties, so more visually-impaired people can get out of their houses and into the community.


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VETERANS: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW - by Sharon Youngs

We are here to honor the vets of yesterday
And remember the ones who were lost along the way
One, Two, Korea and 'Nam
And vets who also served in calm

We are also here to honor the veterans of today
We think about the hardships they bear along the way
In Afghanistan and on unfriendly sands
And in other hostile far-off lands

And yet again the vets must come
Because all men seek freedom
So, now we realize in sorrow
That there will still be vets tomorrow

Yesterday, tomorrow and today
We honor our veterans in every way
Yes, we want to thank them all
Each one of them who answered the call

(Written by Sharon K. Youngs, 11/2003)


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NEW RESOURCE GUIDE FOR PARENTS WHO ARE BLIND OR PARTIALLY SIGHTED - Submitted by James Kracht

Berkeley, California. September 7th, 2006 – Through the Looking Glass and its National Resource Center for Parents with Disabilities are proud to announce the release of the first comprehensive resource guide for parents who are blind or partially sighted. The new 212-page "Hands-On Parenting: A Resource Guide for Parents who are Blind or Partially Sighted" provides a wide range of practical information, adaptations and resources for parents who are blind or partially sighted.

The Resource Guide addresses many situations a parent who is blind might face, such as: If you are a parent who is blind, how do you diaper, feed or give medications to your baby? How will you know where your toddler is? How do you choose the colors for your child's clothes? How can you help your children with homework? What types of toys or games are available for a parent who is blind to use with their child? How can a parent who is blind educate the general public about how they manage parenting tasks? This guide is one of several projects of the National Resource Center for Parents with Disabilities. The National Center is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education.

The Resource Guide was developed by blind parent specialist Debbie Bacon, who is also a blind mother of three adult children. Ms. Bacon compiled the resources and suggestions from discussions with parents who are blind and partially sighted across the U.S. as well as in several other countries. Parents of a wide age-range of children describe their parenting experiences -- especially noting any barriers, strengths, adaptations or suggestions for other blind and partially sighted parents. Because parents who are blind or partially sighted are often geographically isolated from each other, many parents explained how they had to figure out a variety of routine parenting tasks on their own. This Resource Guide is intended to pass along successful adaptations and strategies so that new parents don't have to keep re-inventing the wheel. The topics covered in the Resource Guide include such issues as: newborns, when your child is sick, feeding, toilet training, transportation, monitoring your child, child safety, toys and games, and working with professionals. Each of the 14 chapters includes parent discussions as well as contact information for a wide variety of resources (many of which are available through the Internet).

The Guide is currently available in regular print, Large Print or CD-ROM. This Resource Guide can be ordered directly from Through the Looking Glass for $40 (includes shipping and handling for orders within the U.S.). To order this Resource Guide or other publications regarding parenting with a disability, please call 1-800-644-2666. Or, you can also go to Through the Looking Glass' website: http://www.lookingglass.org, where this information will be posted shortly.

Founded in 1982 in Berkeley, California, Through the Looking Glass (TLG) is a nationally-recognized center that has pioneered research, training, and services for families in which a child, parent or grandparent has a disability. Since 1998, TLG has been funded by NIDRR as the National Resource Center for Parents with Disabilities, providing consultation and referral regarding the nearly 9 million U.S. parents with disabilities. The overall goal of this national center is: To increase knowledge regarding parenting with a disability and support more accessible and disability-appropriate resources for diverse parents with disabilities and their children. The Center's services and activities include: national toll-free information and referral; technical assistance and consultations; professional trainings, workshops and presentations; national library and resources clearinghouse; publications and training modules; a national parent-to-parent network of parents with disabilities; international newsletter; website and bulletin boards; and regional and statewide systems development.

In addition to the National Resource Center, TLG also provides direct services and many programs to San Francisco Bay Area families with disabilities. For additional information, please contact:
Through the Looking Glass
2198 Sixth Street, Suite 100
Berkeley, CA 94710
Phone: 1-800-644-2666 (voice) or 1-800-804-1616 (TTY)
E-mail: tlg@lookingglass.org
Website: http://www.lookingglass.org

Paul Preston, Ph.D.
Director, National Resource Center for Parents with Disabilities Through the Looking Glass
2198 Sixth Street, Suite 100
Berkeley, CA 94710-2204
U.S. 1-800-644-2666 ext. 104 (voice)
U.S. 1-800-804-1616 (TTY)
International (510) 848-1112 ext. 104 (voice)
International (510) 848-1005 (TTY)
Fax: (510) 848-4445
E-mail: ppreston@lookingglass.org
Website: http://www.lookingglass.org


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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee

Skype -- Talking around The World

(Portions of this article were taken from Blind Access Journal and the web page of Chris Nestrud - JFW Scripts for Skype and CSE Designs.)

What is Skype? Skype is an Internet telephony program used by millions of individuals around the world allowing them to communicate by using voice and or text chat. Multiple users may chat with each other in a single conference. Voice contact between Internet users is free of charge and it is possible to place calls to regular telephones at extremely competitive discount rates. For the remainder of the 2006 calendar year, placing telephone calls are free. However, this does not include international calls. Do you own a web cam? If so, you can splash your picture around the world while using Skype.

Skype allows you to use a microphone with speakers or headphones and talk with others using either the program or a regular telephone (in many countries). It is similar to MSN Messenger or AIM, but the voice quality is much better with the delay being much less. It works best with a broadband connection but will also work over a modem. The delay is comparable to a cellular phone. Another great feature is the ability of the program to work from behind firewalls and NAT devices, such as those found on DSL and Cable connections.

During the Mid-Year Board Meeting of the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB), the Technology Committee will conduct a two-hour workshop on how to use Skype and how to access and use the FCB Chat Rooms. This is an ongoing effort on the part of FCB to get as many members as possible trained to use Internet telephony. Ask your board representative to fill you in on the workshop.

To read more about Skype or download the latest version, go to: http://www.skype.com

Set files and script files for using Skype are available for both Window Eyes and Jaws. To download the scripts for Jaws, go to: http://www.panix.com/~ccn/projects/jfw/skype.php

There you will find information on how to configure the Skype scripts with Jaws and download the scripts.

Window Eyes Set Files For Skype 2.5
A Window-Eyes user has some simple set files for Skype 2.5 if you want to try them. So far, when the up and down arrow keys are pressed, he has gotten Window Eyes to speak the contact name, phone number, country information, and caller location time in the contact list. Status of the contact is not read. The history window seems to read all information presented. If anyone wants these files send an e-mail to dlawlor@warp.nfld.net.

The FCB Technology Committee hosts a Tech Talk session in the FCB General Chat Room on the first Monday of each month at 8:00 PM. Please take advantage of this free tech support session. Have you paid for tech support lately? If so, then you're aware of the cost.

The following link will take you to the sign-in screen:
http://www.fcb.org/FCBGenRSigIn.htm.

At that point, type your name in to the edit field and press the Enter key. Give the chat program time to load to your system. After the chat client has loaded, press the Ctrl key to talk and release to listen. If people are already talking, you will hear them when you enter the room. I will be glad to help anyone if you are having difficulty getting into the chat room. You can e-mail me at jsrj@earthlink.net.


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CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind

Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader

MFCB was proud to be a part of White Cane Safety Events on Monday, October 16th, along with the National Federation of the Blind-Greater Orlando Chapter, Blinded Veterans Association, Lighthouse Central Florida and the Orlando Division of Blind Services office, as well as the Orange County Community Traffic Safety Team. In East Orlando, in the middle of morning rush hour, participants demonstrated crossing the intersection of Chickasaw Trail and Valencia College Lane. Orange County Commissioner Mildred Fernandez attended and with the assistance of Dianne Ketts, Orientation and Mobility Specialist at LCF, was blindfolded and guided across the intersection. She was impressed at the turnout of those from the local organizations to make the public aware of Florida's White Cane Law, as well as the smooth process of how this event was run.

Later in the day at around lunchtime, a second White Cane Safety Event was held in downtown Orlando at the Orange County Administration Building on Rosalind Avenue. Again, all the above organizations worked together to cross the intersection of Rosalind Avenue and Jackson Street. We also passed out flyers about the Florida White Cane Law as well as material for all the participating organizations. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer presented a proclamation for the event and a history of White Cane Safety Day was told to those in attendance.

To coincide with these White Cane Safety Events, plans are in the early stages for Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) to be installed at various intersections in the city of Orlando. While it is not yet known how many APSs will be installed, MFCB is pleased that this process will begin shortly. We hope to be part of what is long overdue for at least the city of Orlando, and are hopeful that other cities in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties will follow with APS installations in the near future.

MFCB is also about to have a changing of the guard, as Rachel Bader is finishing her fourth and final 1-year term as President. The members of MFCB are scheduled to elect a new president at the general meeting held on November 11th. The newly-elected President will begin his or her term in January 2007. In her four years, Rachel has helped forge a strong working relationship with many disability organizations in the Orlando area, including the NFB-Greater Orlando Chapter. She has been involved with many important blindness issues in Central Florida, from the maintenance of the Orlando Subregional Talking Book Library, to being more involved in ongoing paratransit concerns, to accessible voting and now the beginning of the process with having APS in Orlando. Rachel plans to remain an active member of MFCB and she is confident that whoever is elected to the MFCB presidency will continue the efforts in keeping MFCB an organization that makes a positive impact in the blindness community.

MFCB wants to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, and looks forward to a prosperous 2007 for the blind and visually impaired in Central Florida.


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RECIPE CORNER

Breakfast Burrito
(Makes 1 serving)

INGREDIENTS:
Butter-flavored cooking spray
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1/2 tablespoon chopped canned green chilies, drained
1/2 cup egg substitute
1 tablespoon shredded fat-free Monterey Jack cheese
1 dash pepper
1 dash liquid hot pepper sauce (optional)
1 10-inch 98% fat-free flour tortilla, warmed

DIRECTIONS:
1) Lightly coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Cook the onion and chilies in the skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
2) In a small bowl, whisk together egg substitute, cheese, pepper, and Tabasco (if using).
3) Pour into skillet and scramble for 3 to 4 minutes, until the eggs are done to taste, but not dry.
4) Place the egg mixture along one-third of the tortilla, about 2 inches away from the bottom. Fold up the lower edge, then roll from the side to form a burrito. Eat immediately or wrap in a napkin or paper towel to eat out of hand while waiting for the school bus.

Per serving: 150 calories (3% calories from fat), 1 g total fat (trace saturated fat), 16 g protein, 22 g carbohydrates, 4 g dietary fiber, 1 mg cholesterol, 262 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges: 2 very low fat protein, 1 carbohydrate (bread/starch), 1 vegetable

Farmhouse Beef Casserole
(Makes 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:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C, Gas Mark 5)
1) 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, if mixture seems too dry.
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% 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)

Extra Cheese Pizza
(Makes 6 servings)

INGREDIENTS:
1 11 1/2-inch (28.75 cm) thin-crust Italian bread shell
1 cup (189 g) Contadina Original Pizza Sauce
2 tablespoons (19 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/3 cups (160 g) shredded part-skim (1/3 less fat) mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) crushed dried oregano
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) crushed dried basil
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C.).
1) Place the shell on an ungreased 12-inch (30 cm) nonstick pizza pan.
2) To assemble the pizza, spread the pizza sauce over the shell, leaving a 1-inch border around the rim. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella.
3) Sprinkle evenly with oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Top with remaining mozzarella.
4) Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted and browned. Cut into 6 wedges.

Per serving: 215 calories (31% calories from fat), 13 g protein, 8 g total fat (3.8 g saturated fat), 24 g carbohydrate, 1 g dietary fiber, 18 mg cholesterol, 589 mg sodium
Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1 1/2 carbohydrate (1 1/2 bread/starch), 1 fat


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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)

Washington Connection, 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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