FCB OFFICERS, 2004 - 2006
President:
Paul Edwards
20330 N. E. 20th Ct.
Miami, FL 33179
(305) 692-9206
E-mail: edwpaul@comcast.net
First Vice President:
Debbie Grubb
4215 17th Ave. W.
Bradenton, FL 34205-1418
(941) 749-6178
E-mail: debbiecg@verizon.net
Second Vice President:
James R. Warth, Jr.
1859 N. Washington Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33755
(727) 461-7067
E-mail: james.warth@verizon.net
Treasurer:
Patti Davis Land
6933 Alpert Drive
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 521-9047
E-mail: pattianne1@cfl.rr.com
Membership Secretary:
Linda Jacobson
2815 Circle Ridge Dr.
Orange Park, FL 32065
(904) 272-8405
E-mail: jacobsli@bellsouth.net
Recording Secretary:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Avenue
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Immediate Past President:
Robert Miller
2201 Limerick Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(850) 906-9821
E-mail: easytalk@earthlink.net
Editors of White Cane Bulletin:
Bill and Bobbie Probst
11721 Dunes Way Dr. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32225-1888
(904) 641-0709
FAX (904) 998-9012
E-Mail: wantom_1@juno.com
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
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - Paul Edwards
PRESIDENT'S LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESIDENT'S LETTER TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF FLORIDA
MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN - by James Warth
WHITE CANE LAW PROTECTS BLIND PEDESTRIANS: Violation of the White Cane Safety Law as a Punishable
Offense - by Carl McCoy, a Past President of FCB
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
FCB CONVENTION 2004 - BANQUET SPEECH - by Guest Speaker Patrick Sheehan, Member, ACB Board of
Directors
MACULAR DEGENERATION: STARVATION OF THE RETINA - THERE IS HOPE - by Robert Able, M.D.
MEMBERSHIP - Linda Jacobson
PROJECT INSIGHT - HELP NOW
NEW ADA REQUIREMENTS - Submitted by Rosanna Lippen
EVER WONDER - Submitted by Patti Land
RULES OF COURTESY - from the Foundation for Fighting Blindness Website
IT'S NOT SO MUCH WHAT YOU SAY - Submitted by Gail Thompson
CHAPTER NEWS - Jacksonville Chapter
OTHER CHAPTERS, WHERE ARE YOU?
HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
CHAPTER LIASONS
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Paul Edwards
GETTING STARTED
I would like to begin this President's message by thanking my Executive Committee who I have already made work pretty hard. Some of
us met at the ACB Convention and we have held three meetings since we returned.
I have actually found it a little hard to get off to a running start with the job you have given me and I very much appreciate the support and
assistance of many on the Executive Committee who have been of immense help to me already. I am actually going to include two
letters that I have sent out at the end of this President's Message and want to provide a little background to them here. Before that,
though, I want to tell you about a decision that the Executive Committee has made that will involve the expenditure of two thousand
dollars.
One of our members sent me a copy of an article that appeared in the St. Petersburg Times concerning a blind graduate of the School
for the Blind in St. Augustine who has been selected to represent the United States at the Paralympics in Athens, Greece as a member
of our Judo team. His mom has spent an awful lot of money so that he could get the training he needs and is herself blind. The article
indicated that four thousand dollars would actually be required to cover some of the immediate expenses involved.
The Executive Committee voted to donate two thousand dollars from FCB to help. Individual members and other chapters have also
contributed funds and it is very likely that, with our help and encouragement, money will be raised that will be sufficient not only to make
it possible for the young man to go but for his mom to be there as well. Neither the mother nor the son are members of ACB but it is
exciting to think that we can help a young man demonstrate his athletic excellence and that we can help a mom who is blind be there to
see her son's success.
The Executive Committee also approved two letters that you will find attached to this message. They both indicate just how far we still
have to go to create a state environment that is open to the needs of people with disabilities and is responsive to them.
One of the letters goes to the Attorney General of the State of Florida. For at least the last decade, the Florida Council of the Blind has
been working on making state information accessible to people who are blind. We have passed many resolutions and have interacted,
in the past, with state government to try to work as partners to create accessible information.
Despite all our efforts, there are three examples that we can point to that indicate the indifference of bureaucrats to the needs of people
who are blind. The information system used by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, not the Division of Blind Services, is not
accessible to people who are blind. The information system that is used by the state to enter purchases cannot be adequately accessed
by people who are blind.
On October 1st, 2004, the state plans to inaugurate a new site called "People First" and, though its inaccessibility has been repeatedly
reported to those who are putting it together, the those who object are told, "Leave us alone, we will launch it and fix it later!" This is
simply not good enough! We as an organization of blind people must hold the state accountable for its failure to be responsive to the
needs of people who are blind.
Our letter asks the state's chief law enforcement officer to act on our behalf to enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act. This letter only
went out this week but you can be sure that I will let you know what response I receive. The Attorney General is a candidate for political
office and all people with disabilities will be watching to see just how he responds to us.
The second letter approved by the Executive Committee is addressed to Governor Bush. Again, the matter at issue is one that both the
Florida and the American Council of the Blind have joined everyone in the blindness field to champion. At the heart of this issue is the
potential for the creation of a super-agency that would include the Division of Blind Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the agency
that serves people with Developmental Disabilities. I must stress that this is only a potential threat. There is no current proposal that we
have seen but there is certainly discussion in Tallahassee.
This is what we absolutely know so far. Toward the end of the legislative session with no consultation with people with disabilities, a bill
was passed and signed creating The Agency for Disabled Persons. When it was passed, it was designed to serve only folks with
developmental disabilities. At about the same time, the Governor created a Blue Ribbon Task Force to look at how people with
developmental disabilities are being served and to consider, in particular, transition issues that operate as these young people move
from school to the rest of their lives.
While Vocational Rehabilitation is represented on this task force, the Division of Blind Services is not. DBS serves many people with
developmental disabilities who also happen to be blind. Certainly our agency deserves to be represented. There is some discussion of
expanding the terms of reference of the task force and, as suggested earlier, there is discussion of moving other agencies into the
department just legislated into existence.
In a way, then, our letter is intended to remind the Governor that people with disabilities must be included in decisions that are made that
affect their lives. More than that, this letter is intended to be a wake-up call for legislators as well. People who are blind will do everything
we can to protect the autonomy of our agency so it can deliver services specifically tailored to the needs of people with visual
impairments. Such services cannot and should not be delivered by a super agency where the needs of the blind are only too likely to be
a low priority.
I will let all of you know how our state government responds to us. I will also share how Manuel does in Athens when I know. In the
meantime, please read the letters and share them with your friends. Oh, and remember to vote!
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PRESIDENT'S LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR
Paul Edwards
20330 Northeast 20th Court
Miami, FL 33179
August 19, 2004
Governor Bush
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Dear Governor Bush,
I am writing to you as President of the Florida Council of the Blind. We are an organization of people who are blind with more than a
thousand members located throughout the state of Florida. Our primary objective is to work collaboratively at the state and local levels to
make sure that people who are blind receive the training and opportunities that will enable them to fully realize all their rights as citizens
of the state of Florida.
Toward the end of the legislative session, a bill was passed that created an agency for Persons with Disabilities. Despite the
somewhat narrow purview of that agency as defined in the legislation, you subsequently appointed a Blue Ribbon Task Force to make
specific recommendations concerning the organization and parameters of such an agency. It now appears that there is discussion of
broadening the terms of reference of this group. In addition, it is my understanding that some consideration is being given to the
creation of a large, single agency which would centralize service delivery to most, if not all, people with disabilities.
I am sympathetic with the creation of an agency to serve the needs of people with developmental disabilities. In fact, my organization
firmly believes that services are best when they are delivered to discrete populations of people with disabilities by agencies specifically
trained, funded and equipped to serve the specialized needs of the disabilities they serve. The Division of Blind Services is an example
of an organization which must deliver specialized services to a population whose rehabilitation and training needs are specific and
substantially different from those of other populations of people with disabilities.
Blind people must be taught new communications skills such as Braille; must learn to use specialized equipment if they are to be able
to access technology; must learn to find their way around their communities with no sight; and must learn the specific coping skills of
living with a substantial disability well enough that they can function independently in their communities.
I am concerned that the legislature passed a law creating an agency with this name without the input of the very people described in its
title. I want to assure you, sir, that the days when people with disabilities can be legislated for are long past. Federal, state and local
ordinances have enshrined the involvement of all people with disabilities in the determination of the kinds of services that are to be
delivered to them. Yet there are no blind people on your Task Force. Though the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is represented, there
is, equally, no representation given to the Division of Blind Services.
There are more than fifty-four million people with disabilities in this country, which makes us one of the largest discrete minorities in the
nation. People with disabilities and the Florida Council of the blind are eager to work with you to make services as good as we can
make them for all people who are disabled. I would like to make five specific requests.
1. Please consider appointing a person who can represent blind consumers to the Task Force. Such an appointee should be chosen
from the leadership of any of the three major organizations of blind people.
2. Since the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is already a part of this Task Force, please consider also including the Division of Blind
Services. That agency is increasingly tasked with serving individuals who, in addition to being visually-impaired, have levels of
intelligence low enough to qualify them for services from the newly created agency.
3. If it is your intent to significantly expand the terms of reference of the Task Force be certain that there is adequate representation for a
broad cross-section of people who are disabled and that no decisions are proposed to the legislature by your office without substantial
efforts to do outreach to the broad, disability community for their input. Representation is not sufficient. Consultation is essential.
4. Publicize both the terms of reference of the Task Force and any changes proposed in those to the disability community at large and to
those who do not have access to the Internet or printed memoranda. Please do not disenfranchise the very population this agency is to
serve by allowing parents, service providers or well-intentioned advocates to make decisions about services that should properly be
made with significant, direct input from people with disabilities.
5. Join with the disability community to take a leadership role in developing an initiative that makes it one of your priorities to deliver
expanded services to the poorest and least employed sector of our state, the disability community. Instead of seeking to divide a pie
which is shrinking into smaller and smaller pieces, join with us to take the courageous step of providing sufficient funding to seriously
impact the delivery of services to people with disabilities. Certainly there is immense budgetary pressure on the state of Florida.
Certainly there are competing demands for the limited funds available. Consider recognizing that it is time that funds were proposed in
your budget that would be sufficient to truly make a difference to the capacity of agencies to deliver quality services to the largest, poorest,
and least employed minority of Florida's citizens.
I look forward to receiving a prompt response. Placing the services to a huge population of people who truly need them in jeopardy by
considering the creation of a single, over-arching agency must be approached with both circumspection and consultation.
Yours Sincerely,
Paul Edwards, President
Florida Council of the Blind
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PRESIDENT'S LETTER TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF FLORIDA
Paul Edwards
20330 Northeast 20th Court
Miami, FL 33179
August 19, 2004
Office of Attorney General Charlie Crist
State of Florida
The Capitol PL-01
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050
Dear Mr. Crist,
I am writing to you as President of the Florida Council of the Blind, an organization with over a thousand members in this state. We are
an organization of blind people whose primary objective is to work collaboratively with the state and at the local level to optimize the
opportunity for blind people to demonstrate their competence to be full and equal citizens in our communities.
The state of Florida is covered under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and, under that law, has an obligation to take affirmative
steps to assure that it is not implementing programs and activities which have the effect of excluding a whole class of people from
programs, activities or employment made available through the state.
In spite of ongoing efforts on the part of the Division of Blind Services and others, agencies of state government and entities receiving
substantial funding from the state are implementing computerized and internet information systems which are categorically inaccessible
to people who are blind.
I would draw your attention to three systems in particular. People First is due to go online on October 1st and will have the effect of
excluding people who are blind from the job-seeking opportunities that it offers. RIMS, the case management software currently being
used by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, can also not be used by a blind person independently and without assistance. This
means that people are being denied the opportunity to work as counselors or in support positions for which they would otherwise qualify.
Finally, I would draw your attention to the Florida Marketplace software, which must be used to handle state purchases. Its inaccessibility
has already caused people to lose jobs.
People with disabilities are the poorest minority in the state and the unemployment rate for this population is generally considered to be
around seventy percent. It is difficult enough for people who are blind to find and retain employment. When the State of Florida
implements computerized management and information systems which are an absolute barrier to the placement of people who are
blind, there is a fundamental need for your office to become involved and to take action that will remedy this gross injustice to a whole
class of Florida's citizens.
Clearly, we as an organization or our individual members could seek redress in the court system for what seems to us to be a clear
violation of the letter and the spirit of the law. However, I firmly believe that your office now that it has been apprised of the situation will
take swift and substantive steps to demand that elements of state government and those receiving substantial state funding will comply
with the law.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. I know you have had the opportunity to interact with competent blind
people who did their jobs well. I know you will assure that the inaccessibility of technology will not be allowed to prevent people who are
blind from obtaining and retaining employment. Thank you in advance for your prompt efforts at righting a wrong that negotiation has
failed to impact.
Yours Sincerely,
Paul Edwards, President
Florida Council of the Blind
***"Those who expect to reap the blessing of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it. - Thomas Paine***
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MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN - by James Warth
God, my wife, and FCB have collaborated to make a miracle happen. My wife and longtime FCB member, Kathy, rarely is able to read the
newspaper. But a few weeks ago, she saw an article about a family that needed some assistance.
The Brannon family consists of a mother who is blind from albinism, a 19 year-old son who is also blind from albinism and a teenage
daughter, who is also blind and attends the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine. The son is particularly talented and
athletic and is the only person from Florida to be part of the Paralympic Judo team competing in Athens, Greece in September. Valerie,
the mother, has sacrificed her home and everything to further her son's dream. The newspaper article said that her fondest wish was to
see her son in the Paralympics. But she had no money for such a trip.
Kathy was so moved by the newspaper story that she made it her goal to see to it that the trip became a reality. She contacted Paul
Edwards, President of FCB, who looked into this and called a special meeting of the Executive Committee. Everyone present at the
meeting voted to help out financially with this project. When the members of the local chapters heard about the project, they each
contributed. Several vendors in Florida have sent in checks. A local gaming establishment, Lanminez, held a fundraiser for her. She's
going to Athens!!
It makes me proud to be part of the "blindness community" and a member of an organization that is involved in helping on another. I am
proud of my wife for pursuing this. I am proud and humble to be a small part of a modern-day miracle.
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WHITE CANE LAW PROTECTS BLIND PEDESTRIANS: Violation of the White Cane Safety Law as a Punishable
Offense - by Carl McCoy, a Past President of FCB
(Editors' Note: October 15th is Florida White Cane Day)
There is little doubt that the American intersection is becoming more and more hazardous to blind pedestrians. In one recent week
alone, there were five incidents of persons struck by motor vehicles resulting in one being killed and the other four being seriously
injured. With ever-increasing traffic volume everywhere, hearing about a person who is blind becoming a traffic victim somewhere in the
U.S. is almost a daily occurrence.
As a countermeasure, many states have adopted legislation designed to protect this vulnerable group who must cross busy streets to
conduct their daily activities. Florida Statute 413.07 is named Traffic Regulations To Assist Blind Persons and states:
1. It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or partially blind, or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or highway, to carry in
a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red.
2. Whenever a pedestrian is crossing or attempting to cross a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or
extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the
intersection or place where such pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection
or place of crossing and before proceeding shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian.
3. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to deprive any totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated person not
carrying such a cane or walking stick, or not being guided by a dog, of the rights and privileges conferred by law upon pedestrians
crossing streets or highways; nor shall the failure of such totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated person to carry a cane or
walking stick, or to be guided by a guide dog upon the streets, highways, or sidewalks of this state, be held to constitute, or be evidence
of, contributory negligence.
4 Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided
in section 775.082, section 775.083, and section 775.084.
Since there seems to be little public awareness that violating the legal rights of blind pedestrians is a punishable offense, we urge that
every driver in Florida, both residents and visitors, at least learn and observe this law. If it would enhance their sensitivity to mentally place
themselves in the role of the unsighted, they might imagine being blindfolded and told to "Now, cross the street." Would a careless or
reckless driver have a clearer insight into the plight of the blind and observe safety?
October 15th is traditionally designated as National White Cane Safety Day. Governor Jeb Bush has signed a proclamation to this effect
for the state of Florida and declares:
"Whereas, everyday, Floridians who are blind and visually impaired demonstrate personal courage and determining as they pursue an
active life, and;
Whereas, the White Cane Law and other state laws ensure the right to travel independently using a white cane or guide dog wherever a
person who is blind or visually impaired chooses to go, and;
Whereas, the public awareness and perception of the White Cane Law is the key to implementation and understanding of this State
Statute and its objectives, and;
Whereas, The Florida Council of The Blind endeavors throughout the year to heighten public awareness of the White Cane Law by way
of special activities held throughout the state on October 15;
Now, therefore, Jeb Bush, Governor of the State of Florida, does hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing White Cane
Safety Day, October 15."
Signed and sealed by Governor Jeb Bush on September 17, 1999, in Tallahassee, Florida.
We, the members of the Florida Council of the Blind, challenge Florida's drivers to observe the rights of blind pedestrians, and indeed all
pedestrians, to take into account the lives of these courageous pedestrians and respect those who carry a white cane or are lead by a
guide dog.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
FCB Board Meeting, Friday, November 12th, to Sunday, November 14th, 2004 - Sheraton Safari Hotel, Orlando
FCB Convention, Ft. Lauderdale - Sheridan Airport Hotel - May 12th to 15th, 2005
Prepare for ACB Convention 2006 - Jacksonville
***It is better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life. - Elizabeth Kenny, a pioneer in the treatment of Polio***
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FCB CONVENTION 2004 - BANQUET SPEECH - by Guest Speaker Patrick Sheehan, Member, ACB Board of
Directors
(Editors' Note: This was the speech given at the Banquet Dinner during the Annual FCB Convention on June 6th, 2004.)
Dear ladies and gentlemen. It is wonderful to be here this evening. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be invited to your FCB family
this weekend to enjoy all the wonderful company and fellowship everyone has offered. Paul (Edwards) has been most gracious in his
introduction, as always I hate to follow him on the microphone and he just gave most of my speech in his introduction.
One of the advantages and perks of being able to talk to you this evening is being able to give you my view of the American Council of the
Blind (ACB) and to publicly thank several people who have given so much to me and ACB. Recently people have asked me privately and
on our discussion lists if ACB will last, given the actions and mind set of the current administration and I emphatically say that it will. ACB
will last and thrive because of the skills and dedication of its people.
Florida is blessed with a lady, Debbie Grubb, who is an extraordinary advocate. When she lived in Maryland she got so much done as a
one-woman show. She taught me how to advocate: pick a subject, do my homework, communicate my positions to the people involved
and keep persisting until the job is done. Debbie did this while in Maryland and she continues to be an outstanding advocate in Florida
and with Guide Dog Users Incorporated (GDUI). Last year, when GDUI and the Iowa Council of the Blind (ICUB) disagreed concerning
the rights of a person to bring their guide dog into a state rehabilitation facility there were a lot of harsh words tossed around by our
leaders on E-mail lists. As a professional, Debbie stayed true to her principles and remained steadfast to the goals of ACB while stating
her case and ultimately getting the job done.
The second person Florida has to be thankful for is Paul Edwards. I call him the visionary. Under his administration he made us feel
that we were part of a great organization, that we had a noble purpose and we could measure our accomplishments by the many
services we extended to all blind persons. Initiating ACB Radio and extending the number and range of the Braille Forum are just two
examples of how we achieved more under Paul Edwards. The ability to create a vision for ACB and make people feel like they are a part
of a greater good is very special. I never got a chance to say, "Thank you, Paul, for all your hard work," but I am saying it now. Thank you,
Paul, for giving us so much.
The last person I need to thank is not here tonight but she is still hard at work and that is my wife Jane. She is what I would call a doer.
She says as Treasurer and Office Manager of Guide Dog Users, Inc. that her place is behind-the-scenes filling product orders, keeping
up the membership and providing other membership services. For the last few years, I have had to leave her on Valentine's Day to attend
the Mid-Year Presidents/Board Meeting. This year I also was not around for our anniversary since I was in Broken Bow, Nebraska,
talking to our affiliate there. I appreciate her understanding and admire how she takes responsibility for getting her GDUI work done,
even though many times there are not a lot of acknowledgments or pats on the back. Thank you, Jane, for all you do and for who you
are, I love you very much.
In many ways, all of us are a combination of the advocate, visionary and doer. This is why I have hope for ACB. ACB is not just about who
is running the organization; it is about our people, giving them services and the hope for a better tomorrow. As I stated earlier, Florida
has so much talent and because of Florida, Maryland will enjoy again this year accessible elections that insure privacy, security and our
right to a secret ballot, just like everyone else. Thank you, Florida, for giving us that great opportunity.
As members of Florida, and as a powerful and respected affiliate, Florida needs to hold the President and leadership accountable for
getting projects done. Our job as Board Members is to provide stability and direction between Conventions and insure a sound financial
system. As members of Florida, you insist on your Board providing this to you. The national scene is no different. This year, we have
elections for Board members, ask the candidates how they voted on critical issues, and hold them accountable for their past votes.
Consider this question, are we better off now than we were four years ago and then vote accordingly.
In Florida this weekend, I have seen an affiliate which produces results. You have an organized, diverse funding stream which funds
critical state programs, you fund an outreach service (Project Insight), getting critical services to blind people in need of answers to
problems. Florida is doing the work of ACB, providing accessible voting to parts of your state, installing accessible pedestrian signals
and theaters with video description. Florida is a state which demands and gets results from its leaders. Should you expect any less from
your national leadership?
In the final analysis, Florida has much to be proud of: its advocates, visionaries and doers. Its ability to articulate goals and insure they
get implemented and most important to give credit to its members and make everyone feel that they are part of a greater whole. It is an
honor and privilege to serve such a worthy group of people. Thank you for inviting me to your Convention.
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MACULAR DEGENERATION: STARVATION OF THE RETINA - THERE IS HOPE - by Robert Able, M.D.
(Editors' Note: This is taken from Dr. Able's book, "Eye Care Revolution," and can be ordered from
www.amazon.com.)
Macular Degeneration is a condition that affects the central area of your vision, which provides the ability to see small details such as
road signs and print, and aids daytime vision. The cone cells in the macula, a region at the rear of the interior of the eyeball, respond to
light and color. They break down on order to send an electrical response through the optic nerve to the brain.
There is a yellow-colored pigment, Lutein, which is deposited in the retina to help prevent toxicity from ultra-violet and blue light. The cone
photoreceptors are lined with fatty membrane and are connected to nerve fibers. Just beneath this carpet of photoreceptors is the retina
pigment epithelium, and then a clear membrane - called the Bruch's Membrane - that separates the retina from the underlying blood
vessel layer.
Free radicals are formed during the vision process, which requires rapid neutralization by circulating antioxidants. In order to maintain the
right chemistry, we need to choose healthy foods and supplements, digest and absorb them, have good liver function for storage and
metabolism, circulation support, and sleep a solid five hours nightly. We also need to decrease inflammation in other parts of our bodies,
which will compete for the antioxidants.
So if your body has a low antioxidant "bank account", degeneration in the macula may result. The cells cannot be rebuilt quickly
enough.
Symptoms of macular degeneration include: difficulty with small print, missing areas in vision, and distortion of the letters on a line. Ninety
percent of people who have AMD have the dry, slowly progressive form of macular degeneration. The other 10 percent suffer from the wet
form, which may cause a sudden loss of central vision.
In the dry form of macular degeneration, toxic byproducts accumulate in the Bruch's Membrane, forming yellow spots called drusen. The
pigment layer can also erode, further limiting the body's ability to clear toxic materials from the eye. Again, the goal is to increase your
antioxidant bank account and make good lifestyle choices to keep these cells functioning well.
In the wet form of macular degeneration, blood vessels may invade the retina and begin bleeding, causing sudden vision loss. Some
people will respond to immediate photodynamic laser treatment, but others may be left with a large blind spot and the loss of reading
vision in that eye. Therefore, it is important to contact an eye doctor immediately and begin preventive measures for the other eye, as
well.
The Amsler Grid, a checkboard-patterened square, has parallel vertical and horizontal lines. You should look at the central dot with one
eye covered, and note the pattern of the lines. If any of the lines in any direction are missing or wavy, mark it with a pencil or make a note.
This Amsler grid can be used to determine if there is a disorder of central vision (usually the macula) . It is an excellent way to follow
macular degeneration to see if it is stable or progressing.
TREATMENTS
Although many medical experts contend that there is no cure for macular degeneration, I have discovered that there are natural remedies
for people who suffer or who are at risk from the dry form of AMD.
AMD is a reflection of an underlying condition. I recognize that it is due often to poor digestion for several decades, plus a lifetime of light
bombardment. Inadequate antioxidant defenses may be due to poor nutrition from a fast food diet, or lack of absorption of the essential
antioxidants. Poor circulation, smoking, untreated heart disease, and a high saturated fat diet may contribute.
The 8-year ARED (Age-Related Eye Disease) study demonstrated that antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and Zinc
significantly reduced the risk of vision loss from moderate and severe macular degeneration. Add Lutein, another naturally-occurring
carotenoid which reflects harmful UV and blue light and builds retina pigment defenses. To learn more about how 6mg Lutein daily for
high risk patients may decrease their chances of developing AMD, visit www.luteininfo.com.
Did you know that 30 percent of the human retina and brain are made of that most important omega-3 fatty acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid) DHA is a major component of the retina photo receptors. To rebuild the retina, add cold-water fatty fish to your diet or supplement
with DHA. DHA, the end product of the omega-3 fatty acids, is in every cell of our bodies and is more important than flax seeds or EPA in
fish oil. To learn more, visit www.martekbio.com or
www.carlson.com. You can read more about all the antioxidants, including Lutein and DHA in my
book, The Eye Care Revolution, and The DHA Story, both of which can be ordered from
Amazon.com.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Wear UV-protecting sunglasses and hats.
Teach all of your family members to wear sunglasses.
Do not smoke.
Control high-blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and heart disease.
Eat a balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and cold water fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
Take a daily multivitamin with 2 mg Lutein. Take 6-10 mg Lutein if you have Macular Degeneration or are at risk. Take 200-500mg of DHA
for vision support as well.
Get an annual eye exam.
Check the Amsler Grid frequently, and report any changes.
Be sure your eyeglass prescription is current, and know that additional magnification is available.
There are amazing new technical options being investigated.
***"Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors.
Try to be better than yourself." - William Faulkner,1897-1962, American Novelist ***
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MEMBERSHIP - by Linda Jacobson, FCB Membership Secretary
I would like to challenge all FCB chapters to increase their membership by 10 percent. It is important to revitalize our FCB chapters with
new and fresh ideas. The best way to do this is with new members. One very easy way to recruit new members is with a mailing through
the regional Talking Book Library. They will allow an organization one free mailing a year.
You can request that they mail your letter to patrons in your area. This is just one suggestion. If you are interested in doing this contact
Gloria Feinauer at the Daytona Talking Book Library at 1-800-226-6075, extension 6060, for the specifics on the proper format for your
letter.
The Membership Committee will decide how to recognize the chapters who increase their membership. Your chapter will benefit most
by having new members.
This is probably a good time to encourage everyone to begin thinking about membership dues. It is never too early to begin a
membership drive. It takes time to contact everyone and collect their dues. So let's get started!
***"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller ***
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PROJECT INSIGHT - HELP NOW
What are you doing to help the "Project Insight" information get out to the public, to help them cope with their problems of sight and
insight into their problems? Help Project Insight - Help Others - Do what you can and pass it on to others in the organization - to reach
out to the general public, so FCB can get the word out to as many people as possible.
If you need brochures you can call, E-mail or write to the WCB. If you have specific questions or want to refer people to Project Insight,
call Sally Benjamin at 1-800-267-4448. Do a "little something" and the little somethings will add up to a very worthwhile project that will
help a great many people.
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NEW ADA REQUIREMENTS - Submitted by Rosanna Lippen
The new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) now requires a brand new surface texture on all new public sidewalk ramps called
"Detectable Warnings," or effectively, "Braille for your feet." This gives blind and visually impaired persons a "tactile cue" to warn them of
impending danger or a grade change. Required in all states, this new mandate opens up worlds of mobility for those previously held
hostage in their homes for fear of safety issues most take for granted.
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) August 26, 2004 -- Due to new federal mandates (July 26, 2001/DOJ, and March 6, 2002, DOT/FHWA), detectable
warnings, also referred to as "Truncated Domes," are now required at all new public ramps for the benefit of blind and visually-impaired
persons. Detectable warnings at ramps and hazardous vehicular ways are in fact "Braille for your feet," and by virtue aid the blind and
visually impaired in safely maneuvering those areas that sighted persons daily take for granted.
You've probably already begun seeing these unusual, typically yellow, sometimes brick red, little bumps installed on the lower half of all
new pedestrian ramps in your area and you're wondering "what the heck are those things?!" They're effectively "STOP" signs for blind
people. An international standard first developed in Japan for public ramps and transit platform edges in the early 1960's, they can be felt
underfoot, and mean in every language "STOP! Be aware! You're about to enter a dangerous vehicular way or a grade change!" In very
short order these new surface textures will become as common as computers.
Vanguard ADA Systems of America and their unique product lines installed by licensed installers coast to coast came in to the national
market in 2001 because products then available to meet the new federal standards were often difficult to install, expensive to maintain
and in some cases even dangerous when installed improperly. In fact, because Vanguard products were invented solely to obviate the
problems inherent in all other then available systems, architects, cities, municipalities and owners nationwide contacted the firm to find
out when they'd be coming to their state next. The answer was; "Now!" according to Jon Julnes, President of Vanguard.
Thanks to far reaching civil rights legislation of the early 1990's, those who previously had little to no forum, now have a voice as loud as
Thor, the fabled Viking God of thunder. In fact, disability advocacy groups have gotten vocal enough to actively right the wrongs formerly
built into all public access ways nationwide. In 2002, the Ninth Circuit Court in "Barden v. Sacramento" stated, among other things, that
public sidewalks and ramps are a "public service" and therefore must meet all current ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards,
including the installation of detectable warnings for blind and visually-impaired. This established a significant precedent with national
benefits to blind and visually impaired. On January 22, 2004, Sacramento lost a very public appeal.
As quoted from the "Disability Rights Advocates" web site, "On January 22, 2004, the court granted final approval of the settlement in
Barden v. Sacramento. This case set a nationwide precedent requiring cities and other public entities to make all public sidewalks
accessible. As a result of the court's ruling in this case, public entities must address barriers such as missing or unsafe curb cuts
throughout the public sidewalk system, as well as barriers that block access along the length of the sidewalks."
The settlement addressed all sidewalk barriers throughout Sacramento. Sacramento agreed to an injunction requiring the city to install
1,500 curb cuts each year until all sidewalks throughout the city become fully accessible to all citizens. The city previously had installed
only 100 curb cuts per year. The city also agreed to install detectable warnings.
Cities nationwide quickly got the message. The 9th Circuit courts decision weighed heavily on every state, and within weeks, states,
cities and municipalities across the country recognized their responsibility to enforce the ADA with immediacy. There simply was no
valid legal argument left for leaving one of the fastest growing groups of individuals in the world out of the public design standards any
longer. All cities now must step up to the plate and make their public areas accessible to all. The final impasse to true and full
accessibility to all people, blind, visually/mobility impaired or simply infirm has just been removed.
While it's true that the ADA has made significant inroads to making the world at large more accessible to all, regardless of any disability,
no longer will visually-impaired persons feel captive to a small one block area around their own homes, or in some cases, just their
own homes. Thanks to these and other useful aids to all disabled persons nationwide, the world is becoming safer for people that
previously felt far too excluded from the same world most of us enjoy every day without ever considering how truly lucky we are, and how
much others struggle just to survive.
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EVER WONDER - Submitted by Patti Land
Why do drugstores make sick people walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions, while healthy people can buy
cigarettes at the front?
Why do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet Coke?
Why do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters?
Why do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage?
Why do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight?
Why does the sun lighten our hair, but darken our skin?
Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?
Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?
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RULES OF COURTESY - from the Foundation for Fighting Blindness Website
Many people who are not visually impaired are often unsure about how to interact with those who have lost or are losing their sight. The
article below can help educate individuals about the sensitivity of partial blindness. If you are personally visually-impaired, then perhaps
you would like to share this useful information with your friends, family, and co-workers.
Often, partially seeing people do not look impaired. Many people wear glasses; however, wearing corrective lenses does not indicate
that vision is corrected to 20/20.
Here are some rules of courtesy to remember:
When you meet a visually-impaired person, speak first and always identify yourself, even if familiar with one another. Don't assume
he/she will recognize your voice.
At a bus stop if someone asks you the number of an approaching bus, consider that the person doesn't see the bus number. Answer
politely. Do the same in a store where price labels are often scarcely legible to a visually-impaired person.
If you know someone who is losing eyesight, don't hesitate to ask: "Do you see me clearly?" Questions like this will break the ice. Loss
of vision is a tremendous loss. Open the subject to discussion to help both you and the person living with partial eyesight.
If your friend is visually-impaired, offer to read mail for him/her. Asking for help is very difficult for most people. Your offer ("I'm on my way
to market, is there something I can pick up for you?'') will be greatly appreciated.
When walking with a partially-sighted person, identify terrain, i.e., an upcoming curb, a pothole in the sidewalk, a low hanging tree. Let
the low vision person set the pace of the walk. Also, let a partially-sighted person take hold of your arm.
When giving directions to a visually-impaired person, be explicit. Example: "The door is to your right", as opposed to: "The door is over
there."
Continue to use phrases that refer to sight. Example: "Did you watch that TV program?" or "How good it is to see you." Ours is a
visually-oriented culture. To avoid phrases that refer to sight can create unnecessary awkwardness. Also, expect a visually-impaired
person to use these phrases.
When writing to a visually-impaired person, clarity is important. Don't jumble letters together. Printing is clearer than script. Use a black
felt tip pen on white paper. This often creates enough contrast to allow a partially-sighted person to read, with or without assistance of
visual aids, what you've written.
Don't "lump" disabilities. Because a person is partially sighted does not mean she is physically disabled, demented, etc. Be sensitive;
don't condescend.
If spoken to by a visually-impaired person, respond verbally. A nod or smile might not be seen.
If an elder is socially isolated and remains homebound, consider the possibility of eyesight loss. Impaired vision can and does reduce
mobility.
The above tips have been compiled by the National Association for Visually Handicapped. For additional information, please call
1-888-205-5951.
***Election Time: quote from Jay Leno: "This is a strange country we live in. When it comes to electing a President, we get two choices.
But when we have to select a Miss America, we get 50."***
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IT'S NOT SO MUCH WHAT YOU SAY - Submitted by Gail Thompson
It's not so much what you say
As the manner in which you say it.
It's not so much the language you use
As the tone in which you convey it:
"Come here" I sharply said,
And the children cowered and wept.
"Come here," I said
He looked and smiled
And straight to my lap he crept.
Words may be mild and far
And the tone may pierce like a dart.
Words may be soft as the summer air.
But the tone may break my heart;
For words came from the mind.
Grow by study and art.
But the tone leaps from the inner self.
Revealing the state of the heart.
Whether you know it or not.
Whether you mean or care
Gentleness, kindness, love or hate.
Envy, anger are there.
Then would you quarrels avoid
And peace and love rejoice?
Keep anger not only out of your words.
Keep it out of your voice.
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CHAPTER NEWS - Jacksonville Chapter
Jacksonville Chapter will hold its second annual White Cane Ball on October 9th, 2004, at the Adams Mark Hotel in Downtown
Jacksonville. Everyone is invited, members, friends and the general public are all welcome and are guaranteed to have a good time, as
was had by all last year. Choice of food, cash bar, dancing with a live band till midnight, great speakers, and starring Confetti - the
adorable mini guide horse.
The cost is $40.00 and can be sent to the WCB editors made payable to JCB. There is a special room rate for attendees who would like
to stay overnight. The hotel is overlooking the St. Johns River and can easily be reached by plane, bus, railroad, or private
transportation.
We will arrange to have you picked up from a public station if you call in advance at (904) 641-0709. We will send the guide horse out to
bring you back (joke)! Hotel phone number is (904) 633-9095 for reservations. All readers of this WCB are welcome to come to a
meeting and join us in Jacksonville at any time. Usually we meet the first Saturday of each month but call first just in case of last-minute
changes. (904) 641-0709
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OTHER CHAPTERS, WHERE ARE YOU?
The Rest of The Chapters: Where are y'all - let's hear from you. Send E-mail to
wantom_1@juno.com, or call at (904) 641-0709, or send mail to 11721 Dunes Way Dr. N., Jacksonville, FL 32225. Sorry, the
carrier pigeon service is out of order.
***Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die. - Malachy McCourt, Writer, Author***
KEEP SMILING ANYWAY - AND PASS IT ON
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HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
Project Insight: 1-800-267-4448 Free Resource Counselor for the Blind (Florida Council of the Blind Free Service)
Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services: 1-800-226-6075
Division of Blind Services (Tallahassee State Headquarters): 1-800-342-1828
American Council of The Blind: 1-800-424-8666
(available only 3:00 to 5:30 PM EST Monday-Friday)
ACB Legislative Hotline: 1-800-424-8666
(Evenings 8:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight EST
Weekends 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM only)
800 Number Free Directory Service: 1-800-555-1212
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
Outta Sight Travel: 1-866-338-8747
Phone: (772) 336-TRIP (8747)
Fax: (772) 336-8595
E-mail: gmtravel@bellsouth.net
Web site: http://www.outtasighttravel.com
Cheap Computers for The Blind: (But Good)
(Center for the Physically Impaired)
$100.00 Includes Shipping.
Mr. Langford: Phone (214) 340-6328
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FCB CHAPTER LIAISONS
Bobbie Probst: Clay, Alachua, Halifax, PSLCB - (904) 641-0709
Robert Miller: Tallahassee, Pinellas County - (850) 906-9821
Lee Stallworth: Pensacola, Port Charlotte, FABS - (850) 433-5663
Patti Davis Land: Mid-Florida, Tampa, RSVF - (407) 521-9047
Carl McCoy: Brevard, Palm Beach County, Polk - (850) 553-9490
Nancy Folsom: Ocala, Greater Tampa, FCCLV (850) 893-8650
Sharon Youngs: Plant City, Sarasota, Venice, Englewood - (727) 937-8631
Jesus Garcia: Miami Metro, Broward - (305) 654-8329
Jim Warth: Greater Miami, Jacksonville - (727) 461-7067
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