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
ERIC BRIDGES, KEYNOTE SPEAKER, PARTICIPATED IN WHITE CANE DAY CELEBRATION AT MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE
(INCLUDES DISCUSSION OF LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR THE BLIND) - Submitted by Virginia Jacko
UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE FOR COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPARMENTS - by Lynda
Jones
CARL MCCOY - A LEADER AND FRIEND TO ALL BLIND PEOPLE - by Sila Miller
3RD ANNUAL PAULA BAILEY "DINING IN THE DARK" SHEDS LIGHT ON TALENTS OF THE BLIND - by Barbara
Ross
COMPUTER LAB AIDS THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED - by Iricka Berlinger, Chronicle Staff Writer (Originally published
October 17th, 2007; Taken from the Eastside Chronicle)
POETRY CORNER - by Shelley Justice
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
Greetings FCB,
It is my great pleasure to report to you that our Project Insight Coordinator and all around Girl Friday, Sally Benjamin, is back to work. It is
wonderful to have Sally only a telephone call away, assisting us as we seek to learn about available resources. All of us in FCB
leadership positions appreciate Sally's professionalism and willingness to lend a hand no matter what the task. We all admire Sally for
the spirit and determination she displayed as she fought to regain her independence after a stroke. During Sally's absence, two
wonderful FCB ladies kept Project Insight and the FCB office running smoothly. Heart felt thanks to Debbie Drylie, Co-Chair of the Project
Insight Committee, for being the voice of our wonderful information and referral and peer counseling outreach service. Debbie took
every call that came over the Project Insight line and left no stone unturned to assist each caller. Heartfelt thanks also go to Sila Miller
who was instrumental in the preparation of the last edition of our newsletter and who ably helped me with clerical matters on more than
one occasion.
On Tuesday, September 25th, the Pinellas Board of Elections presented an opportunity for county poll workers to examine four optical
scan voting systems under consideration for purchase by the county. Because the AutoMark was the ADA solution for two of these voting
solutions and because I felt that it was imperative that I see the ballot marking device that is the only such system now certified in the
state to make optical scan voting accessible to people with disabilities, I went to Largo with my husband, Frela, to see what the AutoMark
is made of. As you know, FCB has joined the Florida Voters Coalition. Dan McCrea, President of the Florida Voters Coalition, who lives in
Miami and Pam Haengel, an active member of FVC who lives in Pinellas County, accompanied Frela and me to the demonstrations of
the proposed voting systems and to our hands on examination of the AutoMark.
The AutoMark is a sophisticated scanner and mechanical pencil. When people with vision vote using the optical scan system, they color
in ovals on a paper ballot to mark their ballot choices. These ballots are then fed into the optical scan device. The ballot information is
stored in a database; but the paper ballots are also stored for checks and balances and recounts. The AutoMark actually performs two
distinct tasks to make this voting option accessible to us. The ballot is placed in a slot in the machine. The blind person can do this
without assistance as the information is readily scanned regardless of the way in which the ballot is taken into the machine. After the
AutoMark scans the information on the ballot, the machine feels and responds very much like the audio device on the touch screen
systems. There is a set of keys that regulate volume and speed and whether or not the screen is on or off. There is another set of keys
that enable one to move back and forth through the ballot and to select ballot choices. At this point in the voting process, the ballot is not
yet marked; the ballot information is stored in the computer’s memory. Once each ballot selection is made, it is possible to review
choices and make changes in the ballot selections. The voice is clear and the keys fit well under the hand making movement through
the balloting process easy. Once the person is sure that all ballot choices are correct, the machine can be instructed through the push of
one button to mark the ballot. Once the ballot has been marked, the machine ejects the ballot, holding onto the bottom of the paper until
the voter has the paper safely in hand. At that point, the ballot is taken to the optical scan device and entered just like the ballots marked
by people with sight. The data is entered into the optical scan device and the paper ballots are stored in the same manner as the ballots
of the general public.
State law now mandates that optical scan voting systems be used throughout the state in all future elections. The Florida Voters
Coalition was instrumental in making that happen. The coalition feels strongly that the touch screen systems that made the voting
process accessible to us were inaccurate in terms of counting and recording every vote cast. Paul Edwards and Jesus Garcia agree
with them. At first, I was reluctant to give up on the touch screen systems; but I have been convinced that, sad as it is for us, it is the right
thing to do. From the beginning, The Florida Voters Coalition has advocated with us to insure that we have access to the optical scan
system process rather than being forced to vote on a touch screen system until 2012 as the state now recommends, a voting system that
the state has declared unfit for use by the general public. As I said above, there is only one certified ballot marking device that will enable
us to independently mark a mark sense ballot the ballot that is used in the optical scan voting option. As of now, there are two optical
scan voting systems certified in Florida to interface with the AutoMark ballot marking device. They are E S & S and Premier, formerly
Diebold Voting Systems. FCB asks each of you to contact your Supervisor of Elections and request that they purchase the AutoMark
ballot marking device with one of the optical scan voting systems that are certified in Florida to interface with it.
During the September teleconference of the Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, which Robert Miller and I attended, the letter that
I wrote to Acting Commissioner of Education Blombert regarding the search process for the hiring of the new Director of the Division of
Blind Services was presented. Jesus Garcia, Chair of the Council, asked Kathy Davis, President of the National Federation of the Blind
of Florida, and me as President of FCB to form a committee of the presidents of the consumer groups and FAASB to prepare a letter that
the Rehabilitation Council could send to Acting Commissioner Blomberg and Governor Crist requesting that our groups be represented
on the search committee for the new DBS director as well as outlining job criteria that any candidate must possess in order to be
considered for the position. The Presidents of FAASB, FCB, FFCVI (Florida Families of Children with Visual Impairment) NFBF and BVA,
Florida Regional Group met and carried out our mandate. On October 3rd, the letter and accompanying job criteria created by our
committee were signed off on by the Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind and have been sent to Governor Crist, Acting
Commissioner Blomberg, and will be sent to the newly hired Commissioner of Education, Dr. Eric Smith. The presidents worked well
together and we all owe Lee Nasehi, President of FAASB, many thanks for being our scribe.
The Transportation Coalition consisting of members from FCB, NFBF and the Florida Independent Living Council, about which I spoke to
you in my last President's Message, held its second meeting. We are all working in a true spirit of collaboration to define what we mean
by a statewide intermodel transportation system. The work ahead of us will be difficult; but I am heartened by the commitment to this
initiative that I see from all who participate in this coalition. I want to thank Doug Hall, Chair of the FCB Access Committee, Robert Miller,
FCB First Vice President, and Barbara Grill, active member of the FCB Access Committee, who, through hard work, show their
commitment to a statewide intermodel system of transportation. Thanks, too, to Don Moore for setting up a listserv for the coalition
members.
On October 16th, Robert Miller, FCB First Vice President, John Richards, FCB Second Vice President, Sila Miller, Chair of the FCB
Convention Committee, and Carl McCoy, Chair of Public Relations Committee, will represent FCB at the first meeting of the Governor's
Disability Commission. They will bring forward our issues and concerns during the public comment period of the meeting. Among the
issues to be raised are: lack of Governor's Disability Commission members who are blind and visually impaired and the organizations
and agencies that represent us; the creation of a separate Commission for the Blind in the State of Florida; accessible software and
computer systems for state workers; statewide intermodel system of transportation; pedestrian safety and education about the Florida
White Cane Law; and accessible voting using the state-mandated optical scan system.
On October 6th, John Richards, FCB Second Vice President, spoke to a support group in Polk County who had expressed an interest in
learning more about FCB. After his meeting with this group, they voted to affiliate with us. The affiliation will take place at our 2008
Convention. Guide Dog Users of Florida (GDUF) plans to affiliate with us at our 2007 Annual Board Meeting. FCB is enhanced by each
of its affiliates.
The work is hard. However, FCB will continue on the path that leads to true equality.
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ERIC BRIDGES, KEYNOTE SPEAKER, PARTICIPATED IN WHITE CANE DAY CELEBRATION AT MIAMI
LIGHTHOUSE (INCLUDES DISCUSSION OF LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR THE BLIND) - Submitted by Virginia Jacko
MIAMI (October 18th, 2007) - Hundreds gathered at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired on October 15th to mark
White Cane Day, a national event that recognizes the white cane as both a tool and a symbol of the independence and capability of the
blind and visually impaired. Graduates of Miami Lighthouse vision rehabilitation programs, community leaders, friends and volunteers
heard speakers on issues of importance to the blind and visually impaired.
Eric Bridges of the American Council of the Blind provided the audience at the Miami Lighthouse with information regarding accessible
currency, i.e., paper money. He asked: "Why is it that the Euro has different size paper bills dependent upon the denomination? Yet, in the
U.S. we, the blind, do not have this capability to differentiate our money?" The American Council of the Blind (ACB) filed a lawsuit
concerning accessible currency and the judge ruled in ACB's favor, but the Department of the Treasury has appealed the decision.
"Eric's presentation helped the Miami blind community understand several national consumer and legislative issues," said Miami
Lighthouse CEO Virginia Jacko. "There is more to come on this topic. As the legislative advocate in Washington, D.C., for the blind, Eric
is following up for the blind consumer on legislation that would differentiate currency."
Bridges also discussed the upcoming digital television transition in February 2009 and its implications for the blind. For example, blind
consumers who have analog TV capability will lose the ability to listen to TV unless they purchase a new digital to analog converter box.
"There are concerns with the overall accessibility of this box," Bridges said. "Because the federal government indicated to industry
developers that accessibility is voluntary, this has created a serious concern for blind consumers."
In June of this year, Bridges joined the staff of the American Council of the Blind as Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs.
Previously, he spent six years working for National Industries for the Blind, where he managed their public policy and legislative
initiatives. During his tenure at National Industries for the Blind, Bridges was accepted into the Brookings Institution Congressional
Fellowship Program. As part of this program, Bridges worked as a legislative assistant for Congressman John Kline (R-Minn.), focusing
on issues including immigration policy, gun control, homeland security, and telecommunications. Bridges received a Bachelor of Arts in
Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Iowa.
State Representative Luis Garcia was the Grand Marshall of the White Cane Day Walk. The celebration included performances by the
Miami Lighthouse musicians, participants in the only music program of its kind in the nation. Local Burger King franchisee and friend of
the Miami Lighthouse Al Cabrera provided lunch. Other speakers included Heidi Johnson-Wright, Director of Miami-Dade County's Office
of Americans with Disabilities Act Coordination. Each year, the Miami Lighthouse helps almost two thousand blind and visually-impaired
people and their families learn to live safe and independent lives while coping with vision loss. Twenty percent of these clients are
children.
** Leadership: the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it. ** - Dwight D. Eisenhower
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UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE FOR COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPARMENTS - by Lynda
Jones
All students attending college or university for the first time share similar experiences: register for classes, find their way around an
unfamiliar campus, purchase textbooks, learn to live in a small area with one or more strangers, survive cafeteria food, and make new
friends. These changes in life style are challenging for a sighted student; these plus many more challenge the student with a visual
impairment. How will he manage reading assignments? Hire readers? Use recorded texts? Use online texts? How will she negotiate
the college Blackboard system where every jot'n'tiddle of course material is located? Who will advocate for him with his professors; a job
his dad once handled? What format will work for taking notes and how will she obtain the information written on the board or in the
professors' Powerpoints?
In the spring of 2004, Craig Kiser, Director of the Florida Division of Blind Services (DBS), and Lynda Jones, from the FSU Program in
visual Impairment, collaborated in developing a college preparatory program at Florida State University for visually-impaired high school
graduates planning to attend college. The mission of the University Experience (UE) Program is to provide instruction and guidance to its
participants within a "real-life college experience." Its vision is to assist visually-impaired college-bound students in achieving their
goals - successfully completing college and realizing their dreams.
The first University Experience Program was held in the summer of 2004 with eleven students attending. This summer (2007), fourteen
students participated in the fourth UE summer program. A survey will be conducted this fall with the 2004 and 2005 classes - now
juniors and seniors in college - to evaluate the long-range impact of the program. In October, Joe Strechay from DBS and Lynda Jones
from FSU will present the UE Program at a national meeting of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR)
to challenge other states to replicate the program.
Every participant has a story to share about his or her UE experiences. Some students found courage to go beyond the "usual." Two
former participants of the program studied abroad this summer - one in England and another in China. Another participant received a
student achievement award in chemistry last fall at FSU. One young woman from last year's program, who had never traveled alone,
went to Buffalo, New York, to attend a training program, then won a special award this summer from her new employer.
The FSU/DBS University Experience Program not only gives visually-impaired students the forum to develop skills for succeeding in
college but brings together professionals working in the field of blindness and members of consumer organizations.
The social highlight for the UE Program participants this summer was a delightful afternoon at Sally and William Benjamin's home,
hosted by the Tallahassee Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind. Members of FCB and UE students and staff enjoyed burgers,
melon, ice cream, and cake generously provided by the chapter. Screams could be heard around the neighborhood from young people
splashing in the pool or spinning round and round on the tire swing. Others enjoyed a few quiet moments lounging in the hammock,
high above the earth in Sally's tree house. Thank you, Tallahassee Chapter, for offering to do this again next summer.
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CARL MCCOY - A LEADER AND FRIEND TO ALL BLIND PEOPLE - by Sila Miller
Carl Fredrick McCoy, 1 of 7 children was born to Malcolm Daniel and Beulah on May 16th, 1927. He grew up in Tallahassee where his
dad worked as a logger, fireman and drilled wells to support the family. Carl lost his vision at age 9 in an unfortunate childhood
accident. "We were playing a game with a spinning top which had a nail in one end that you through into a ring. The other players would
through their tops into the ring and try to knock yours out. When they did, the top was theirs. So, we learned to gamble early," Carl jokingly
says. A top bounced off of another one hitting him in the eye.
In those days, a one-eye injury usually resulted in the loss of sight in both eyes, Carl explains. This is known as sympathetic ophthalmia,
(a kind of inflammation) of both eyes following trauma to one eye. It is the most dreaded complication of unilateral severe eye injury, as it
can leave the person completely blind.
Following unsuccessful treatments by specialist in both Tallahassee and Jacksonville, Carl's ophthalmologist told his parents about
Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine. Carl says "I've always thought that that's one of the best things that happened to
me, that my parents sent me off to school like two months later. I'm sure it was hard as hell for them to do that though."
Following graduation from FSDB, Carl attended the University of Florida, where he majored in Business. Securing employment in those
days was next to impossible, and Carl really wanted to find a job on his own. "Division of Blind Services, at that time known as Florida
Council for the Blind, had helped me through college," Carl says. "Back then, blind people were just given token positions and the (good
jobs) were for the sighted." After a year or so, with no job possibilities on his horizon, Carl took a minimum wage job in Tampa, tying box
springs. After about 3 months, Carl was able to land a position in Radio Advertising where he worked for the next year and a half.
Following that, Carl tried selling life insurance "which was a flop," he says. After that, the agency offered him a temporary position,
running a vending stand in Ft. Lauderdale, where he worked for approximately four months.
It was around this time, when Carl's career took a turn. He was offered a position as a mobility instructor at the Rehabilitation Center in
Daytona, where he taught for four years. "I didn't have much interest in working in this field, since there wasn't much opportunity for
advancement for blind people in those days," Carl explains. Being newly married and seeking that elusive career advancement, Carl
heard of a Director's position in Topeka, Kansas, with the rehabilitation center there. He applied for the job and was selected as their
Director in 1958. Moving to Kansas with his new wife, Carl and Betty started their family. They had a son and twin daughters. After 10
years as Director of the Kansas Center for Rehabilitation, Carl relocated his family back to Florida, where a new rehabilitation center had
been built in Daytona which was in need of a Director. Following 12 years of directorship there, Carl moved to Tallahassee where he
spent the next 10 or so years as Chief of the Bureau of Rehabilitation, one of three bureaus within the Division of Blind Services. After the
retirement of Don Wedewer, Carl McCoy was appointed to the esteemed position of Director and worked, leading DBS until his
retirement in 1993.
When asked to discuss his advocacy activities and involvement in blindness issues, Carl said he first became involved in1953 when the
Florida Federation was formed. "It was a group of us working locally together to improve our own situation. We had our first convention in
either 1954 or 55 in St. Petersburg. A representative from the National Federation of the Blind came to speak to the group and they
decided to join with NFB." Carl was opposed to this decision as he didn't agree with the philosophy of NFB, believing they were too
aggressive. Carl says "I am probably the only charter member still living of the Florida Federation of the Blind." Over the next decade, Carl
became involved with the organized blind in Kansas and it was there where he first joined the American Council of the Blind. Returning to
Florida, he remained active in advocating. He recalls a convention in Miami during the early 60s in which Florida was expelled from the
NFB. Larry Thompson, Florida Federation's president, and a counselor for Florida Council for the Blind, was an independent sort and
hadn't been doing as he was told. NFB was fed up with him, hence them being expelled. The Florida Federation then became an
independent organization until 1969 when they joined the American Council of the Blind. Then, in 1971, they became Florida Council of
the Blind.
Carl is proud to have played a part in helping to bring about change for blind people. Through a combined effort of the advocacy groups
of the blind in Florida lobbying the legislature, Florida Council for the Blind became Division of Blind Services in 1975 and was moved
from Vocational Rehabilitation to the Department of Education. Additionally, the "little Randolph Sheppard Act" was passed, which
designated spaces in state buildings where blind people could operate cafeterias and vending stands.
Carl served from 1996 until 2000 as FCB's President. He currently chairs the Public Education/Legislative Committee and has for many
years. He has also served on the Budget and Finance Committee. Nationally, Carl served two four-year terms on the ACB Board of
Directors from 1977 through 1985. He currently serves on the Durward K. McDaniel First-Timers Committee.
When asked who stood out in his mind as being the all-time great here in Florida in advocating for the blind, Carl says "without a doubt,
it was Don Cameron. Don was a great advocate. He spent a lot of his own time and money coming to Tallahassee to lobby and he had a
great ability to influence and gain the attention and friendship of the legislators," Carl says. Cameron actually died at an ACB Convention
in Las Vegas. "He was a real party kind of guy -- boisterous when he came into a meeting -- you wouldn't miss him if you were in the
audience." Mr. Cameron has been recognized nationally with a Randolph Sheppard Award being named after him.
Carl also recalls other great advocates as Terry Blessing and Jim Lamb. "I first met Terry at a rehab meeting where she was an
exhibitor. I talked to her about FCB. At that time, she wasn't really interested in the whole advocacy scene as she was busy doing
research about an eye condition her family suffered from." Soon however, Terry joined FCB and later moved up and became President
and went on to begin the Project Insight outreach program. "Jim Lamb also did his time as FCB's President," Carl says. "Jim did an
outstanding job for the Legislative Committee with FCB's then limited resources. He developed relationships and alliances with both
the Paralyzed and blinded Veterans. Even though he worked from Orlando, he had a lot of good contacts here in Tallahassee and was
always prepared with a report. Jim gave a lot to FCB through the years."
When asked to share any advice or words of wisdom, Carl said, "I would encourage anybody, no matter what their level of interest is, to
get involved. I mean, it's ok to be just a member but if you have interest in providing leadership, it's a great opportunity. I think one of the
most rewarding things to me, having been involved in FCB is to have seen so many people, who you at the least had to encourage, and
sometimes drag into the organization, develop their abilities and leadership. You had people who were afraid to ask a question from the
audience and within a few years, they're running for President."
Carl loves spending time with his family, which now includes 4 grandchildren. He enjoys music and dabbling in the real-estate
business. "I used to like to travel back before flying became a pain in the butt," he says. "I don't mind short trips on the bus but do not like
road trips in cars these days." Speaking of road trips in cars, Carl has an excellent sense of humor and tells a funny story about one of
his daughters, June. The family was traveling from Florida back to Kansas. They stopped in Mississippi to have lunch, let the kids play
and try to get a breath of air. This was back before every car had air conditioning and kids had to be buckled in. "It was in the hottest part
of the summer and we had all the windows down. It must have been 110 degrees. I'd made a platform on the back seat for the kids to
sleep or stand on. Well, June was standing on it, hanging onto the back of my seat, when all of a sudden she just exploded down the
back of my shirt. She never said a word, probably didn't have time to." No wonder you don't like traveling by car, Carl!
Carl, thank you for your straight-forward, no-nonsense, down-to-earth honesty. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to
advocate for, and protect the rights of those who are blind. Thank you for taking time to share your rich history and many
accomplishments with us.
** A man is only a leader when a follower stands beside him. ** - Mark Brouwer
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3RD ANNUAL PAULA BAILEY "DINING IN THE DARK" SHEDS LIGHT ON TALENTS OF THE BLIND - by Barbara
Ross
A sold-out crowd was on hand Sunday night, October 14th, 2007, to attend the "3rd Annual Paula Bailey Dining in the Dark" fundraiser
sponsored by FIRE, the non-profit serving the blind in the Big Bend. The event, held at the University Center, is unique in that it's a
three-course dinner served in pitch-black darkness.
"Dining in the Dark" is a benefit designed to raise awareness and funds for the Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education (FIRE) for
People Who Are Visually Impaired or Blind. Without vision, information from other senses becomes more noticeable and conversation
becomes more intimate. For those who are blind, this is a chance for friends and family to experience for a few short hours what those
who are blind live with every day. Fred Sanguiliano, a business owner who is visually impaired, brought his wife Nancy who said, "This
was a real eye-opening experience!"
The evening opened with a reception hosted by Fire Chief Cindy Dick, and then diners made their way up to the ballroom, protected by
Red Lobster bibs. Guests were guided through the dark to their table, led by volunteers who are blind. As people were seated, they were
treated to the sounds of the Capital City Chordsmen Barbershop Quartet. During the dinner, a guest at all 36 tables received a door
prize in the dark - free dance lessons for a month from "Dance 'Til It Burns."
s
The Leon County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team again volunteered their time to serve dinner to the 309 guests utilizing their night vision
goggles. UCC staff also had the challenge of learning to use the five sets of goggles loaned especially for the event by Rigel Optics.
SWAT Squad Leader Sergeant Charlie Strickland said, "This gives the guys good training working with their night vision. At one point I
was carrying two deserts which I could see clearly, but when I looked up I couldn't see a thing 10 feet in front of me because my goggles
were focused at arms length. Normally in a training exercise, we are carrying a weapon and can hold on to the gun with one hand and
reach up and focus the goggles with the other. This gives us more experience dealing with real-life situations."
This year's event received national attention with two organizations sending representatives to observe the Tallahassee event in order to
replicate it on a national scale. Paula Graves, the Development Officer for Lions World Services for the Blind, and Suzanne Ressa,
Coordinator of Education and Research for the Helen Keller National Center, were both excited to be able to attend. These organizations
and others across the United States have received free copies of FIRE's "How To" manual in order to create a Dining in the Dark
experience in their own area.
After dinner, the lights came up as Board President Frank Seidman presented the "Paula Bailey Inspirational Community Member"
award. Both the event and award are named in honor of Paula Bailey, a former FIRE client and Board member who was an inspiration to
the community. She became blind and deaf in 1999 after an attack of meningitis, but regained her independence and reached out to
many with her warmth and generosity. She passed away in April 2005, but her memory lives on in this event she was part of creating.
The winner of this year's award, Barbara Kiger, was in tears as she approached the podium to receive a plaque in Braille from Fire Chief
Cindy Dick. "Those of you that know me, know I am never speechless…but thank you. Just thank you." Kiger became totally blind in
1985, due to a reaction to medication. Among her many inspirational accomplishments, she published a mystery novel, "Payback,"
served as a spokesperson for FIRE in last year's United Way campaign, and is currently the President of the Pensacola/Tallahassee
Diocesan Council for Catholic Women.
FIRE received a great deal of community support for the event from Doug & Elizabeth Bailey, Fishback Family Community Fund,
Patti Liles, Mainline Information Systems, Nature Coast Eye Care Institute, Rose, Sundstrom & Bentley, LLP, Tallahassee
Community College, Tallahassee Council of the Blind, Tallahassee Lions Club, the University Center Club, and many other individuals
and businesses. Over $27,000 in funds were raised to support FIRE's services for individuals who are visually impaired or blind.
As the evening came to a close, FIRE Executive Director Barbara Ross said, "If you take one message away tonight, know that being
blind does not mean being helpless." All 309 guests received pins stating, "I survived Dining in the Dark!"
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COMPUTER LAB AIDS THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED - by Iricka Berlinger, Chronicle Staff Writer (Originally published
October 17th, 2007; Taken from the Eastside Chronicle)
Lynn Evans sits in the computer lab diligently searching the Internet. There is nothing out of the ordinary with this scene except that he's
visually impaired. Through advanced software and a computer lab provided by F.I.R.E. (Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education),
Evans is able to utilize the computer just as well as any fully-sighted person.
In December 2006, F.I.R.E. was awarded a grant from The Able Trust to build a computer lab to help participants learn computer skills
using technology designed to assist the visually impaired. With this new equipment and software, participants learn job skills, how to
write resumes and search for jobs.
"The Able Trust proudly supports F.I.R.E.," said its president and CEO Sharon Griffith. "We look forward to seeing this program develop
and help people with disabilities gain meaningful employment."
The computer lab was organized, assembled and is run for the most part by volunteers with the help of F.I.R.E. employees. Nancy
Folsom, who is visually impaired, is the volunteer computer trainer. She teaches classes to get people acquainted with the different
programs available to the blind.
"It's great to know that when people leave here, they take with them skills from the workplace," Folsom said.
Programs such as JAWS for Windows and Zoom Text allow users to magnify the text on a website or in a document. They adjust the
text to the user's level of eyesight. The programs also use screen reading which provides a voice that reads the text to the user. The
technology has advanced over the years, now allowing users to choose a tone and speed of the voice that reads to them. The program
will read the entire webpage or document for the user. Braille readers, on display keyboards, can translate the text on the screen into
Braille.
"The programs allow us to be self-sufficient," Evans said.
Evans, who was born legally blind, has been interested in computers since the early '80s. The older Word Perfect programs were easier
for him to use because of the contrast of the blue screen and white words. With time, his eyesight worsened, and the technology
changed, in ways not always friendly to the visually impaired.
"We live in a visual world, and there's no way around it," Evans said. "Computer skills hold back people from getting jobs."
More than 40 people have utilized the computer lab since it opened in March.
"The lab has proved to be important," executive director of F.I.R.E. Barbara Ross said. "We are extraordinarily fortunate."
Evans added, "It's nice to be blind in the digital age."
Contact reporter Iricka Berlinger at (850) 599-2157 or
iberlinger@tallahassee.com.
** The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep
from meddling with them while they do it. ** - Theodore Roosevelt
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POETRY CORNER - by Shelley Justice
It has long been in my mind that the WCB needed a "Poetry Corner" in each edition. Therefore, I have decided to try it and see how it
goes. Since the holidays are approaching, the first poem is a Thanksgiving poem. I found it on a rainy afternoon when work was very
slow, and I had time to play on the Internet.
I enjoy doing internet research; so if any of you have a favorite poem that you would like to see in the WCB, please let me know. I will find
it, if possible, and submit it as the "Poetry Corner" selection. Otherwise, I will choose them and submit them. However, I think it would be
fun if some of you chose the poems. Of course, if you choose a poem and I send it in, your name will be mentioned as the person
requesting the selection. You can phone me at (407) 668-4745, or via E-mail at:
Seabelle913@cfl.rr.com. If you send an E-mail, be sure to include your name, or "poetry
request" in the subject, so I don't delete the message without opening it. If addresses are not familiar to me, I usually delete them.
Well, without further noise from me, here is the first contribution to "Poetry Corner."
The Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
(Edgar Albert Guest, 1881-1959)
It may be I am getting old and like too much to dwell
Upon the days of bygone years, the days I loved so well;
But thinking of them now I wish somehow that I could know
A simple old Thanksgiving Day, like those of long ago,
When all the family gathered round a table richly spread,
With little Jamie at the foot and grandpa at the head,
The youngest of us all to greet the oldest with a smile,
With mother running in and out and laughing all the while.
It may be I'm old-fashioned, but it seems to me to-day
We're too much bent on having fun to take the time to pray;
Each little family grows up with fashions of its own;
It lives within a world itself and wants to be alone.
It has its special pleasures, its circle, too, of friends;
There are no get-together days; each one his journey wends,
Pursuing what he likes the best in his particular way,
Letting the others do the same upon Thanksgiving Day.
I like the olden way the best, when relatives were glad
To meet the way they used to do when I was but a lad;
The old home was a rendezvous for all our kith and kin,
And whether living far or near they all came trooping in
With shouts of "Hello, daddy!" as they fairly stormed the place
And made a rush for mother, who would stop to wipe her face
Upon her gingham apron before she kissed them all,
Hugging them proudly to her breast, the grownups and the small.
Then laughter rang throughout the home, and, Oh, the jokes they told;
From Boston, Frank brought new ones, but father sprang the old;
All afternoon we chatted, telling what we hoped to do,
The struggles we were making and the hardships we'd gone through;
We gathered round the fireside. How fast the hours would fly --
It seemed before we'd settled down 'twas time to say good-bye.
Those were the glad Thanksgivings, the old-time families knew
When relatives could still be friends and every heart was true.
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
This article was taken from SAKS Electronics (UK)
SAKS Electronics "VI-Player," "the ultimate MP3 player for visually impaired users"
SAKS Electronics was specifically formed to design, manufacture and distribute the "VI-Player". SAKS Electronics are a privately-owned
British company and have worked with some of the best known names in the industry to design the ultimate MP3 player for
visually-impaired users. Calibre Cassette Library have been heavily involved during the design and manufacturing process of "VI-Player"
and this has given SAKS a unique insight into the needs and requirements of visually-impaired users. Also, due to the user-friendly
nature of the player, the unit is ideal for all users who may have deteriorating eyesight or just simply want an easy to use device for
playback of audio files.
"VI-Player" will open up a whole world of MP3 entertainment to all users, audio files (whether they are music or audio-books) can be
easily loaded and played from either the Internet or from existing libraries using SD card technology. The voice-guidance software will
guide you precisely through the easy-to-use menu system and take you exactly to what you want to listen to. The unique "Intelligent
Pause/Resume" function will ensure you never lose your place while listening. At SAKS Electronics we have a passion for what we do -
and we believe you will see this in our product.
"VI-Player" has been specifically designed with the needs of visually-impaired users in mind and offers the very latest in technology
whilst remaining easy to use. Innovation lies at our heart, we constantly challenge convention. Through fresh thinking we are continually
first with new ideas and products that seize the initiative. Even as we've grown, we have stayed innovative; striving to create our next
advance. This ensures you will always be offered products that take full advantage of opportunities and technologies available,
"VI-Player" is only the first product to be offered by SAKS Electronics and over the coming years, more new and exciting products will be
added.
We are committed to working in partnership with experts - knowing what core skills are a part of SAKS, and refining these - knowing what
expertise others have and working with them. We created "VI-player" by listening to experts who know what users require and by using
manufacturers who are the best in their chosen field and have a commitment to making the very best product possible. Innovation,
partnership and commitment to excellence - three hallmarks of the way we approach business.
Contact us:
10 Melbourne Business Court, Milleniun Way, Pride Park, Derby DR24 8LZ
E-mail: sales@viplayer.co.uk
The Technology Committee urges everyone to use the FCB chat rooms that are linked to the "fcb.org" web page. 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 Talkcom. Talkcom 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 Talkcom software. Select "Run" and Talkcom will be
installed to your system. When Talkcom 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 - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
It has been a very busy Fall for MFCB. Beginning with forming the Nominating Committee for our Annual November Elections, conducting
our Annual Membership Drive and especially continuing to plan for and participating in our local White Cane Safety Event, MFCB has
been proud to help make a difference for the blind and visually-impaired in the Orlando metropolitan area. As this submission is being
made, here are the Nominations for MFCB Officers going into the Annual November Elections, as announced by the MFCB Nominating
Committee at our October General Meeting:
President - Shelley Justice
1st Vice President - Sheila Young
2nd Vice President - Bill Freeman
Recording Secretary - Larry Turnbull
Treasurer - Dan Spoone
Membership Secretary - Jay Bader
The final results will be reported in the next MFCB Chapter News here in the White Cane Bulletin.
MFCB was proud to take part in the White Cane Safety Event, held on White Cane Awareness Day itself, October 15th, at the intersection
of Orange Avenue and Michigan Street in south Orlando. There were other blindness organizations involved in this as well (the National
Federation of the Blind-Greater Orlando Chapter, Blinded Veterans Association, Lighthouse Central Florida, and the Division of Blind
Services), and this was primarily planned through the work of Central Florida Advocates for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way (CFA).
MFCB President Shelley Justice said that while the months of planning that had gone into the White Cane Event this year did not all
happen as expected, it still was a successful event and a good time was had by all the Members of the organization who were able to
participate.
Those sentiments were echoed by Sherri Brun, President of NFB-GOC and Secretary of CFA, especially with a message she sent to the
NFB of Florida Listserv, portions of which follow. This is all reprinted with Sherri's permission.
"I want to thank all who attended our White Cane Awareness Day event. For those who were not there, it was quite a success. We got
lots of TV and newspaper coverage. Channels 6, 9 and 13 were there.”
"We crossed the very busy intersections at Orange Ave. and Michigan St. in Orlando. Before we started the street crossings,
Commissioner Mildred Fernandez and Captain O'Dell from the (Orlando) police department presented the Orange County and City
proclamations. Commissioner Linda Stewart, whose district we were in, also attended. She stayed quite a while and we were honored
to have her. Shelley Justice and the MFCB presented the drivers and dispatchers at Access Lynx a plaque for their invaluable service
getting us from place to place. Hector, the representative for the drivers, was very surprised. He also stayed through the whole event."
"Both our commissioners crossed the street under blindfold with the assistance of the instructors from Lighthouse. The media
interviewed me as well as several others who attended."
"Many of us crossed the challenging intersections. We also had the participation of the Community Traffic Safety Team who handed out
citations and taught people about the White Cane Law. We also handed out white candy canes with the law attached. This year, we even
had T-shirts to commemorate the day and call attention to the White Cane Law. Several businesses and organizations donated the
funds for the shirts and I want to thank all who were so generous."
”In my opinion, this is among the most successful White Cane Events we have had. My sincere thanks to all who took part."
As we wind down 2007, MFCB is planning for its Annual Holiday Luncheon in December, which combines the Thanksgiving and
Christmas Holidays for MFCB Members, highlighting with the Annual Love Offering to a worthwhile cause. Details on that Offering will be
in the next MFCB Chapter News. In the meantime, all of us with the Mid-Florida Council of the Blind wish all those reading the White
Cane Bulletin a very Happy Holiday Season.
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RECIPE CORNER
Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo
from Campbell's Kitchen
Prep/Cook Time: 20 min.
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 pkg. linguine (8 oz.)
1 cup fresh OR frozen broccoli flowerets
2 tbsp. butter
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup OR 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS:
1. Cook linguine according to pkg. directions. Add broccoli for last 4 min. of cooking time. Drain.
2. Heat butter in skillet. Cook chicken until browned, stirring often.
3. Add soup, milk, cheese, black pepper and linguine mixture and heat through. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese. Serves 4.
TIP: Serve with a mixed green salad topped with grape tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette. For dessert serve pear halves.
Oatmeal Carrot Cake Bread
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
1/2 cup whole, 2% or fat-free milk
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
4 large egg whites or 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots (about 3 medium)
1/2 cup raisins
Cream Cheese Spread (optional)
4-ounces regular or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray bottom only of 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or grease lightly.
2. For bread: Combine oats and milk in medium bowl; mix well. Let stand 10 minutes. Add pineapple (including juice), egg whites, oil
and vanilla; mix well.
3. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Stir in carrots and raisins.
4. Add oat mixture to dry ingredients all at once; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not over mix.) Pour batter into pan.
5. Bake 60 to 75 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean and crust is golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack 10
minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely. Store tightly wrapped.
6. For Cream Cheese Spread: Beat together all ingredients in small bowl until smooth. Store tightly covered in refrigerator up to 3 days.
Makes 1 loaf (16 servings).
Tomato-Basil Zucchini
from Campbell's Kitchen
Prep/Cook Time: 25 min.
INGRDIENTS:
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. finely shredded fresh basil leaves OR 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves, crushed
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
4 medium zucchini, sliced
1 small green pepper, cut into 2" strips
1 large onion, sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS:
1. Mix soup, lemon juice, basil, garlic powder, zucchini, pepper and onion in skillet. Heat to a boil. Cover.
2. Cook over low heat 15 min. or until vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir in cheese. Serves 8.
TIP: Delicious with any favorite vegetable combination: sliced yellow summer squash, broccoli flowerets, cauliflowerets, sliced
asparagus and/or sliced carrots.
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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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