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 email is: floridacouncil@comcast.net
If you do not have access to a computer and email please find someone in your chapter to help send it. We would like to hear from anyone who wants to contribute to our newsletter. If you don’t have a way to write an article you can call Sharon Youngs at the number above and she will be glad to write it for you.
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.
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 who would like to receive the White Cane Bulletin and the Braille Forum please contact me at: (800) 267-4448 or E-mail: floridacouncil@comcast.net
As I write to you, the first hint of Fall has brought its little Florida nip into the air. October is moving along and with the way time is flying by, it won’t be long before our annual Board meeting scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg from December 4 through December 6. I am truly looking forward to this year’s Board meeting not only because of the exciting work that will take place in our organization’s committees and the business that our Board will conduct but because of our special workshop scheduled for Sunday morning. Donna Smith, a long time member of the American Council of the Blind, and a transportation expert who works in that field for the national office of Easter Seals, will be our guest presenter. We will receive first hand information on how to improve transportation where we live and work, public transportation that moves throughout the State, and Paratransit and fixed route transportation. There will be opportunity during this presentation for questions and discussion. All Board representatives must attend this workshop and any of you who wish to join us, are more than welcome to do so. Transportation continues to be one of the most important issues to all of us and the Florida Council of the Blind remains committed to working toward making accessible and affordable transportation available to all of Florida’s citizens who do not drive because of disability, age or financial hardship. Complete resolution of inaccessible and unaffordable transportation is years away. However, we can and will continue to take steps to bring some respite in the near future. Toward that end, Paul Edwards, Doug Hall, Robert Miller, Donna Smith, and I met via teleconference to begin work on a transportation white paper that FCB members can use as we work in our communities and on the state level to make officials aware of the barriers to transportation that we face and to suggest possible ways to remove at least some of these barriers. Paul Edwards has volunteered to draft this white paper based on the comments, observations and suggestions of the experts who participated in the transportation teleconference. It is our hope to bring this white paper to you within the next few weeks.
On Monday, October 12, I attended a meeting of the Sarasota Council of the Blind. Their guest speaker was a representative from the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA). The ultimate goal of this project is to create a seamless system of rapid transit throughout the Tampa Bay area. Unfortunately for us, the realization of this fantastic goal will not take place for approximately 25 years. Once this system is in place, it will truly bring a wonderful transportation option to the Tampa Bay area. It is obvious from the comments of the speaker that not a great deal of thought has been given to the unique access needs of people who are blind and visually impaired as nothing was said about that in a presentation to the Sarasota Council of the Blind. When I asked a key question about our access needs regarding identification of transit vehicles, announcement of stops and readily identifiable stops, I was invited to contact the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority office which I will do. I commend both the Sarasota and Pinellas affiliates for reaching out to this body so that our needs and concerns can be addressed early on in the process. Although many of the benefits of this transportation system will not directly benefit us, we can work to make the system beneficial to those who will come after us. Perhaps, too, some of what we advocate for will appear as changes are made in transportation systems available today in our State.
I am delighted that FCB has made available to members a brief paper outlining the organization’s legislative initiatives for the 2010 session of the Florida Legislature. I urge each of you to visit or at least phone or write to your legislators while they are at home in November or December and present this paper to them, personalizing it with your own experiences where appropriate. Each affiliate President has been given this paper. It is also available from our Office Manager, Sally Benjamin, and it is posted on the FCB website for download. An entire Presidents’ meeting was dedicated to this legislative initiative. I’m sure that your President will be more than glad to assist you should you have questions or concerns. You are also welcome to phone Carl McCoy, Chair of the FCB Public Education Committee at (850) 553-9490 who stands ready to review the legislative process with you. Visiting legislators in their local offices is the most effective way of bringing issues to their attention. It is my sincere hope that legislators all over Florida will hear from our members whom they represent. When you contact your legislators, please invite them to join the Florida Vision Caucus if they are not currently members and be sure to thank them if they have shown the wisdom to join this most important legislative body. The entire membership list of the Florida Vision Caucus is posted on the FCB Website. The legislative initiatives that we have decided to concentrate on for the upcoming legislative session are: transportation, education about and enforcement of Florida’s White Cane Law, access to software for state employees, specialized education for blind children in which Braille and orientation and mobility training are provided, and access to the paper ballot when voting for people with disabilities by the current deadline of 2012. Many thanks to Carl McCoy, Chair of the FCB Public Education Committee for spearheading this legislative venture and to Barbara Brown, Paul Edwards, Doug Hall, Ellen Hilstrom, and Robert Miller who worked with him to create the legislative initiatives paper. A special thank you goes to Paul Edwards for capturing the work of this group on paper.
There is a move afoot to change the deadline for ADA access to the paper ballot in the State of Florida from 2012 to 2016. Technology already exists to make the paper ballot accessible to people with disabilities. The State and counties have had several years to implement this access requirement and they still have two years left to come into compliance. There will always be cost involved with coming into ADA compliance. There was a cost involved when the legislature decided to mandate that the paper ballot be the law of the State. Funds were found to enable Florida’s counties to honor this law. People with disabilities were expected to vote with assistance from friends or family members or poll workers or use the touch screen system that had been determined to be unfit for the general public. Separate but equal disobeys all civil rights law. Separate but unequal is even more disgraceful. I have contacted the Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind, (FAASB); the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, (NFBF); the Blinded Veterans Association, Florida Regional Group; and Florida Families of Children with Visual Impairment and we will be meeting via telephone to discuss strategy for thwarting this unjust initiative. This issue has been added to the FCB white paper that you will share with your legislators. Please share with them your own personal experiences of voting and how crucially important it is that you cast a secret, independent and verifiable ballot as does the general public now that technology exists to enable you to do so. Casting a secret ballot is one of the founding principles of this nation. It is high time that people with disabilities be able to fully participate in the voting process that was made the law of the State.
Congratulations to each affiliate and member who participated in White Cane Day. I was delighted to learn during our various Presidents’ meetings that celebrations of this most important day were scheduled throughout the State. Pedestrian safety is a vital component of accessible transportation and it effects our lives in a very real way as we move about conducting the business of living.
I look forward to seeing many of you in St. Petersburg at the FCB Board meeting. I promise you that this administration, whose time in office is drawing to a close, will continue to be vigilant in carrying out the mission and goals of this organization.
Once again, F.C.B. will be holding its 2009 Board Meeting at the St. Petersburg Hilton Bayfront, 333 First Street South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 telephone number: (727) 894-5000 from Friday, December 4th thru Sunday, December 6th.
Although our agenda will again be packed with little time to spare, perhaps some advanced knowledge about the hotel and surrounding area will help make the best use of those precious extra minutes.
Located in the waterfront district of downtown St. Petersburg, across from Progress Energy Park and The Mahaffey Theater, the Hilton is in walking distance to downtown St. Petersburg, businesses, USF - St. Petersburg Campus, The Pier, Baywalk, Salvador Dali Museum and a variety of restaurants and nightlife. Exiting by way of the side door you are able to cross the parking lot and under the chain fence, there is a shopping center with a Publix, American Spirits store, and a sub shop. The Tampa International Airport is 25 minutes away.
Room rates are $89 for singles and doubles and $99 for triples and quads. The cut off date for reservations is November 1, 2009. Please call the hotel directly and be sure to mention you are part of the Florida Council of the Blind to ensure the special rate.
Other special amenities include High-speed Internet access in each meeting room, a full service restaurant serving American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner and overlooking the heated pool area, a lovely lobby bar, and the largest Starbucks Coffee location in Pinellas County.
After that frapichino, you may want to check out the Fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, located in Spa Olympia.
Each room is furnished with:
• Coffee maker with complimentary coffee & tea
• Large work desk with desk-level outlets and Ergonomic chair
• Wireless high-speed Internet access
• Iron & ironing board; hairdryer
• Innovative, easy-to-set alarm clock radio with jack for portable music player • Cable TV
Get ready for a fun filled weekend of business and pleasure. As the date approaches, I will post additional information on the FCB list serve. Any questions, please feel free to contact me directly via e-mail.
Rosanna Lippen
Hotel Coordinator
rmlippen@bellsouth.net
The 2010 Florida Council of the Blind Raffle Tickets will be ready for you to pick up at the Mid-Year Board Meeting in December. All chapters can and should participate in this great fund raiser for your chapter.
Your chapter retains sixty-five percent of the money collected from raffle ticket sales and one of your chapter members just might be lucky enough to win the $1,000. Grand Prize in May at the 2010 FCB Convention. Plan now to boost your treasury while having a bit of fun in the process!
Contact:
Virginia Jacko, President & CEO
Direct line: (305) 856-4176
vjacko@miamilighthouse.org
MIAMI — September 19, 2009 — Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been reaccredited through June 30, 2014 by the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving People with Blindness or Visual Impairment (NAC). This reaccreditation documents that Miami Lighthouse meets and exceeds the highest standards in services to the blind and visually impaired.
Miami Lighthouse first sought and received NAC accreditation in 1978 and is among five other agencies that have consistently achieved NAC accreditation to the present time. The NAC letter states, “The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind has successfully met the national standards of performance required for membership in the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving People with Blindness or Visual Impairment.
This important achievement is an indication of your agency’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life for people with vision loss.” Commendations cited in the report include achieving four-Star Charity Navigator ranking for the past two years; adopting a strategic plan toward becoming a “center of excellence” and assuming a leadership role in training and
research aimed at reducing the shortage of professionals in the low vision rehabilitation field; merging with the Heiken Children’s Vision Program thereby expanding outreach to thousands of school children who do not pass school vision screening tests and have no access to follow-up eye care; and establishing the state-of-the-art Henry and Inez Stone music production studio.
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is located at 601 S.W. 8th Avenue, Miami, FL 33130. Since 1931, Miami Lighthouse has provided vital rehabilitation and low vision services and training to give blind and visually impaired people of all ages hope, confidence and independence. In 2009 Miami Lighthouse received its second consecutive a four-star ranking from Charity Navigator, the independent evaluator of not-for-profits, in recognition of its fiscal responsibility. The ranking notification letter states: “Only 18% of the charities rated by Charity Navigator have received at least 2 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America.” The ranking is based on 2008 financial statements. Visit www.miamilighthouse.org for more information.
MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE MISSION STATEMENT: To provide vision rehabilitation and eye health services that promote independence, to educate professionals, and to conduct research in related fields.
Linda Lee Foltz Jacobson was born on December 14, 1948. The eldest child of Iona and Richard, Linda grew up in Millersburg Ohio, a small town with a population of only 2,500 in the heart of Amish country. She has 2 sisters and a brother. Richard drove a truck, hauling steel for different companies while Iona raised children, baked and took in ironing to supplement the family’s income.
Linda was fully sighted at birth but at the young age of 2, she contracted a rare disease known as Oldstilles. This condition primarily affects the joints and causes swelling of the soft tissue surrounding the joints. Its symptoms are similar to those of Polio and quite painful. In Linda’s case, the tissue in her eyes swelled and caused significant vision loss. She suffered 3 major episodes of this devastating condition during her early years and each onset resulted in more vision loss.
Linda attended public school in Millersburg through her sophomore year. She then transferred to The Ohio School for the Blind in Columbus, where she completed her secondary education. Linda learned Braille in junior high school from an itinerary teacher who came once a week from Canton Ohio. However, she wouldn’t realize the full value of this knowledge until almost 4 decades later, since her vision allowed her to use a magnifying glass to read print at that time.
Following high school graduation in 1967, Linda began attending Bowling Green State University. After a year, she quit and took a job with a factory in Columbus for a short time. Linda decided to return to college and began attending Ohio State University, working towards a degree in Social Work. It was while there she met Eric Jacobson, who read for her. He was a University of Chicago graduate, participating in an accelerated program at the university, pursuing his PhD in Mathematics. Reading and help soon led to a fast friendship and then to a strong bond of love and the young couple were married in 1972. Their wedding ceremony was held in Eric’s sister, Rese’s back yard in Columbus. Eric introduced his young wife to a doctor friend and Linda underwent several surgeries, including a couple of cornea transplants in Cleveland which restored some vision to 1 eye.
After marrying, Linda again returned to the workforce, managing a snack bar with the Randolph Sheppard vending program. “Our facility was in a down town, commercial building along with the Galbreth Mortgage Company. We made soups and fixed sandwiches on the grill and such,” Linda explains. “I worked in the stand for about 3 years.”
Then, the babies started coming-- 3 boys-- Cameron born in 1976, Devin in ‘77 and Wayne in ‘81. While their sons were growing up, Linda stayed at home and did volunteer work at their schools.
In 1983, Eric received a job offer and the family moved to San Antonio, Texas for a short while. In 1985, he had the opportunity to further advance his career and moved his family to Orange Park Florida. Eric works for NCP Solutions as a computer programmer. The company produces financial statements.
In the early 90s, when Wayne was in the 6th grade, Linda began working with physically handicapped children at a school in the Clay County area. “I was pretty well known by most of the school principals because of all my volunteer work,” Linda says, “and I guess they thought I would do a pretty good job even though I was legally blind.”
Linda had only been working as a teacher’s aide for 1 year when the school offered a vaccine for Hepatitis B. Because of her close contact with children and periodic exposure to bodily fluids, she gladly accepted this injection. Unfortunately, the vaccine and its associated exposure to a bit of the virus caused a rejection reaction with her cornea transplant. Sadly, this is what robbed Linda of the remaining bit of her vision. “I lost my sight in 1994 or ‘95,” Linda says “and it took me a year or so to get over it. The transition from low vision to no vision wasn’t easy,” she freely admits.
“After I lost the rest of my vision, I think Eric was trying desperately to find something that would cheer me up and he suggested that I consider getting a guide dog. At first, I was really reluctant because Eric is very allergic to dogs. But, he finally convinced me to do it and I applied and was accepted at Guide Dog School for the Blind out in San Rafael, California. I got trained with Ira. She was a real sweetheart, a beautiful yellow lab whom I had for about 10 years. I really liked working with a dog. Of course, there were problems and issues such as people letting the dog into places and unrestrained animals in the area but we just worked through it,” Linda explains.
After recovering from the loss of her vision, Linda became involved with the Temple Sisterhood Braille Group, sponsored by a Jewish Temple in the Clay County area. Linda first heard of this group from a fellow Clay Council member, Clara Stubbs. The Temple Sisterhood Braille Group is a volunteer organization that transcribes printed materials into Braille. Braille material is thermoformed and spiral bound. Children’s books are illustrated by raised thermoform or by sewing on tiny toys and materials. The types of materials produced include textbook and literary Braille, books, pamphlets, charts, bus schedules, and menus. Tests may also be transcribed on request.
I asked Linda to describe her job and what type of work she does. She said, “The way that I got my job was, when I took a proofreading course through National Library Services (NLS), I developed a relationship with the fellow who was in charge of the proof reading course at that time, John Wilkinson. When he retired, he recommended me for the job and then to take his position on the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) Literary Committee.”
BANA sets all the rules for Braille code and formatting. Their committee structure and collaborative process assures that the rules are not changed without all the implications first being considered by the best minds. BANA has published several documents that set the standard to which the Library of Congress adheres and within which it creates its own rules for its specific format needs and training.
NLS offers a correspondence course in braille transcription. Very few of the students are blind and can actually read braille. Linda is an instructor for this course as well as a Braille proofreading course. She offers information and feedback on course information to an average of 120 students at any given time. “I’ve been in this position for about 12 years now. I started out real small, just doing trial manuscripts,” Linda says. “Eric said it wasn’t really worth my time at first because you get paid per manuscript or lesson. But, it’s worked into a pretty decent income now. My goal initially was to get up to the point that I was making above poverty level income and I’ve done that,” Linda chuckles. “It’s now a good second income.”
Amongst all her other volunteer work, Linda presents information at Visual Aids Volunteers of Florida VAVF’s annual conference each year. Her subject matter is proofreading Braille and trial manuscripts. She is also a member of the Braille Revival League, an affiliate of ACB and is in her 2nd year of service on the BANA Literary committee.
“I heard about FCB in the late 80s, a couple of years after we moved here. Eric saw something in the paper about the Clay Council of the Blind and wondered if I’d be interested. Donnagene Knutsen was president then. I went to a meeting and have pretty much been going ever since. I didn’t really get involved at the state level until sometime in the mid 90s,” Linda relates. But boy when she did, it was with a bang. Linda chaired the Constitution and By-laws committee for 3 years and oversaw the production and distribution of new Braille, print and disk Policy Manuals. She served as Membership Secretary, chairing the Membership committee for 6 years and has served several years on the Awards committee.
Among the many awards that Linda has deservedly received are the Dolly Gamble, W.A. Ouzts and President’s Special Award.
The Jacobson’s involvement in FCB has been a strong and loyal one as well as a family affair and FCB has richly benefited. In addition to all of Linda’s contributions I would be remiss not to recognize those of Eric. From computer programming, to lending technical expertise, to driving, he is always willing to help in that quiet gentlemanly Jacobson style. How blessed is FCB to call the Jacobsons family!
Linda loves Braille, enjoys cooking, volunteering and reading. She is very family oriented and spending time with her family is important to her. “We’re expecting our first grandchild in March of next year,” Linda proudly says. “Yep, Devin, who works for an international computer programming company in Tokyo Japan and his wife, Yoko are expecting. Cameron lives and works in Ohio and Wayne and his wife, Dawnielle both teach at a local high school here in Clay County.”
Linda is quite impressed with Kyle Coon, a young man from Jacksonville who wrote an article entitled, “It Takes a Journey” which was recently featured in the White Cane Bulletin. Kyle lost his sight and is an over-comer as is Linda. Linda echoes Kyle’s philosophy and offers the following advice. “You have to learn to be comfortable with who you are, because until you can do that, you can’t present yourself well to society. It’s not something that we’ve chosen but, we can make it work, I mean, we can make the best of it. If you don’t have a good attitude about yourself, people don’t want to be around you, so why not?” When reviewing Kyle’s article in writing this one, a quote jumped out at me that helps me understand just why Linda is so impressed.
Kyle writes, “Blindness was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I learned to use my blindness not as a crutch to say I couldn't do something, but as a vaulting pole to tell me that I could do something.”
How is it, that this humble, gentle, giving woman who has every right to be bitter, finds every opportunity to laugh with her whole self and despite the odds, remains willing to go above and beyond and continue to give unselfishly of her time, talents and expertise? I do not know, but I can tell you, that’s Linda Jacobson, volunteer extraordinaire, hero and a perfect example of fine humanity! My life has been enriched tremendously by Linda’s kindness, support and sharing of wisdom. And, now that I’ve unwrapped the gift of her story, I am sure you’ll agree, all who have known her have benefited as well! Thank you, Linda!
Barbara Ann Pusey of Clearwater, Florida, entered into rest on Sunday, September 20, 2009. She was 56.
Barbara was born in Newark, New Jersey to Charles A., and Carol L. Pusey and graduated from Jefferson Township High School in Milton, New Jersey. She later graduated from Glassboro State College (now known as Rowan College) with a Bachelor's Degree in elementary Education. Barbara went on to become a teacher at the White Rock Elementary School in Oak Ridge, New Jersey.
While in Florida, Barbara taught Braille at the Lighthouse of Pinellas (formerly Watson Center); was the editor of the Kidney Group Dialysis Center newsletter; and secretary of Pinellas Council of the Blind. She also worked as a medical transcriptionist.
Barbara is predeceased by three brothers, Steven, Kenneth, and Michael.
She is survived by her parents, Carol and Charles Pusey; and brother, William.
In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Barbara's name to one of the charities listed below:
Lighthouse of Pinellas
6925 112th Circle N Ste 103
Largo, FL 33773
Pinellas Talking Book Library
1330 Cleveland Street
Clearwater, FL 33755
Newsreel Inc.
8 E Long
Columbus, OH 43215
Barbara A. Pusey
Born: Tuesday, June 02, 1953 Newark, New Jersey
Died: Sunday, September 20, 2009 Dunedin, Florida
Memorialized by: Moss Feaster Funeral Home, Dunedin, FL
It is with great sadness that I report that our “Lil’ Redhead” has gone to her reward. Barbara Pusey was born in New Jersey on June 2nd and died here on September 20, 2009.
Barbara had been the secretary for over 10 years for the Pinellas Council of the Blind. She did a great job and will surely be missed. Her e-mail address was “Lilredhead”.
Barbara had a kidney condition that caused her to need dialysis three times a week. She had been on this treatment longer than anyone in the area – 31 years. In these later months, she had to use a wheelchair. The times when she looked unwell were many. But whenever she was asked she would always say, “I’m OK.”
Her memorial was held on September 29th with more than half of the membership of the group she served so diligently in attendance.
Rest in peace, Barbara. You’ve surely earned it.
Now winter nights enlarge
The number of their hours,
And clouds their storms discharge
Upon the airy towers.
Let now the chimneys blaze,
And cups o’erflow with wine;
Let well-tuned words amaze
With harmony divine.
Now yellow waxen lights
Shall wait on honey love,
While youthful revels, masques, and courtly sights
Sleep’s leaden spells remove.
This time doth well dispense
With lovers’ long discourse;
Much speech hath some defence,
Though beauty no remorse.
All do not all things well;
Some measures comely tread,
Some knotted riddles tell,
Some poems smoothly read.
The summer hath his joys
And winter his delights;
Though love and all his pleasures are but toys,
They shorten tedious nights.
While using a standard 104-key Windows Keyboard or higher, you should locate the group of 6 keys commonly referred to as the "6 pack". They are located above the arrow keys. The arrow keys are located between the typing keys and the number pad. The arrow keys are sometimes referred to as keys that resemble an up-side-down T.
While exploring this set of 6 keys, locate the upper most left key in the group. This key is referred to as the "insert" key. Jaws users may use this insert key as well as the zero on the number pad.
The lower left key located directly under the insert key is the "delete" key. This key is used to delete data within applications as well as deleting files and folders on your system.
The upper key in the middle is the "home" key. The home key is a cursor or highlighter navigation key. Navigating specifically while using this key will depend on the application you are using at the time.
Below the home key is the "end" key. The end key is also a cursor and highlighter navigation key. Like the home key, the end key is application specific in relation to its movement. Both home and end keys respectfully, when pressed send a home or end command to the active cursor.
The upper right key in the 6 pack is called the "page-up" key. When the page-up key is pressed, the page-up command is sent to the active cursor or highlighter. This key is also application specific.
The last key in this group is located below the page- up key. It is known as the "page-down" key. When pressed, a page-down command is sent to the active cursor or highlighter. This key is also application specific.
Find Free WiFi Hotspots (city, state, or zip) Follow the link below and type your zip code in to the edit field. Make sure the edit field is empty before you type. search for hotspot locations
The Technology Committee urges everyone to use the FCB chat rooms that are linked to: http://www.fcb.org
Click on the "Voice Chat for FCB" link. When the page loads, you can either click on the "Florida Council of the Blind General Chat Room" link or the "Florida Council of the Blind Board & Committee Chat Room" link. When the page loads, First time users should click the "download here button" to install the plugin called tcConference. tcConference is a little piece of software that lets you talk with others, anywhere in the world. When you click the "Download Here" button you will be prompted to download or run the tcConference software. Select "Run" and tcConference will be installed to your system. When tcConference has been installed, click on the "Finish" button to complete the installation process. At that point, you should return to the web page you were at before you performed the software installation. Now, click on the link that says "Click here to enter in the room." A page will load with two edit fields, prompting you for a username and password. Type your name in the first edit field and leave the second edit field blank. Press "Enter" and you should be launched in to the room. You should hear a sound when you enter the room. If others are present, you may hear them talking. Press your Control key to talk and release it to listen. If you are unable to perform any of the above tasks, feel free to contact a member of the Technology committee for assistance.
If you know when you have a meeting scheduled in either of the rooms, ask for assistance a day or two in advance so someone can assist you in a timely manner. Please feel free to contact me if you are having difficulty with either of the chat rooms. My contact information is located in the "FCB OFFICERS, 2008 - 2010" section of this publication.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal published two articles on our event Friday (seen below).
October 10, 2009 Daytona Beach News-Journal
Blind pedestrians gather for driver awareness
By RON HURTIBISE, STAFF WRITER
ron.hurtibise@news-jrnl.com
HOLLY HILL — You’d think the driver of the little red coupe would have figured it out.
Police officers on Friday stood on all four corners of the intersection of Ridgewood Avenue and Calle Grande amid four groups of pedestrians — most with white canes, service dogs or wheelchairs — taking part in an event to build awareness of laws requiring drivers to yield to blind and handicapped pedestrians.
As the groups made their way across southbound Ridgewood, eastbound Calle Grande, northbound Ridgewood, and so on, scraping the tips of their white canes across the asphalt to guide their way, most motorists got the message and waited their turns.
Not the driver of the red car.
The traffic light and pedestrian signal turned green, and the driver turned right — in front of pedestrians beginning to cross Ridgewood.
One officer got on his radio, and the driver was soon parked in front of a set of flashing blue police lights.
Happy White Cane Awareness Day.
The event is staged annually to make motorists aware of the White Cane Law, which requires vehicles to stop anytime a person with a white cane or guide dog is attempting to cross the street.
Blind services advocate Doug Hall said the event normally takes place on Oct. 15. But that day falls during Biketoberfest this year. ‘‘No way I’m going to try to cross the street as 100,000 motorcycles go by,’’ he said.
Sponsors include the Halifax Council of the Blind, Greater Daytona Beach Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, Handicapped Adults of Volusia County, and the city of Holly Hill.
Holly Hill Mayor Roland Via and County Chairman Frank Bruno donned blinders and grabbed canes to experience the challenge of sightless street crossing.
‘‘It was very interesting,’’ Via said later. ‘‘You have to rely on the sound of the vehicles, and learn to trust the cane.’’
That’s not enough when motorists aren’t vigilant, said Mike Bowmer, a blind Holly Hill resident who has been struck by cars three times in three years.
In 2006, he was walking with his guide dog across Ridgewood Avenue and Walker Street when they were hit. Both Bowmer’s legs were broken. Police didn’t cite the driver, saying Bowmer was wearing dark clothes and the driver didn’t see the dog.
Bowmer said he hopes the event will help convince motorists to ‘‘just be aware that I can’t see them. I just want them to give me the opportunity to go across.’’
That’s the message police gave the driver of the red coupe, and four others they pulled over during the event. No one actually got a ticket, Police Chief Mark Barker said.
‘‘We wanted to make it an awareness day, rather than an enforcement initiative,’’ Barker said. ‘‘It was a great day.’’
Color Photo Below
News-Journal/ JIM TILLER
[Photo Caption] Holly Idler helps a blindfolded County Chairman Frank Bruno cross the street in Holly Hill on Friday for White Cane Awareness Day, designed to educate drivers about those with sight and mobility limitations.
HCB members also in the photo: Doug Hall and Steve Williamson, and Joseph Young (NFBF member).
[Black and White Photo below of Bill Outman (NFBF member), Joany Arosko and Barbara Coleman (students from the Orientation & Adjustment Center). Photo taken from the ground, looking up at the cane tip, feet and to the clouds]
[Photo Caption] Visually impaired residents navigate the intersection of U.S. 1 and Calle Grande Avenue in Holly Hill as part of White Cane Awareness Day on Friday.
News-Journal/ JIM TILLER
White Cane Law
Whenever a blind or mobility-impaired pedestrian is crossing or attempting to cross a public street or highway, motorists must come to a full stop and before proceeding, take such precautions necessary to avoid injuring the pedestrian. This includes anyone guided by a service dog or carrying an extended or raised white cane or walking stick, as well as anyone using a walker, crutch, orthopedic cane or wheelchair.
It is unlawful for anyone not totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated to carry a white cane or walking stick in a raised or extended manner while on any public street.
- Florida Statutes 316.1301 and 316.1303
MFCB is in the homestretch of its Annual MFCB Membership Drive. As with previous years, this Drive is done in cooperation with the Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services in Daytona Beach. Those mailers are sent with the hope that there are those who receive it interested in becoming Members of MFCB. And renewals are being accepted, with the annual dues remaining at $12.00.
There will be those who get this mailing that are already Members but please keep in mind that if you are a Talking Book subscriber in Orange, Osceola or Seminole County, this will arrive. So MFCB Members, if you know someone who you think may be interested in becoming a Member of MFCB, or if they would like to donate to our organization, pass it along. Just as they do on the state level, donations are always gladly accepted.
Memberships and Renewals can be paid by check or money order; however, if you attend the November General Meeting, you also have the option of paying by cash. The deadline for dues to arrive is coming up fast - November 15th. If you cannot attend, please send check or money order to the following address:
MFCB Membership Secretary
5611 Pecos St.
Orlando, FL 32807
And make your check or money order payable to MFCB.
MFCB Members should take note as to the next 2 Meetings. The dates are Saturday, November 7th (for the November General Meeting), and Saturday, December 12th (for the Annual Holiday Luncheon, as the FCB Mid-Year Board Meeting will take place the first weekend in December this year). The General Meeting times are from 12 NOON to 2 PM, and once a location has been finalized for the Annual Holiday Luncheon, the Telephone Committee will be contacting Members of that location and those times so reservations can be made.
Our Chapter has been busy researching for the next steps it will take for the future. Since MFCB has held its General Meetings for well over 25 years at the same location (William Booth Towers in downtown Orlando), it was decided by the Members in attendance at the September General Meeting to have a special committee formed to look into other possible meeting places. One important criterion is that the place has an open Wireless Internet (WiFi) connection, which Booth Towers has not had. This would allow MFCB to consider having its Meetings carried in a chat room, as well as bring Guest Speakers from outside the Orlando area to us. Since the committee was formed and researching, Booth Towers is trying to work with MFCB in establishing a working WiFi connection. The special committee will give a final report for recommendation at the November General Meeting.
Another important aspect to our future Meetings is having Wireless Public Address (PA) capability. MFCB Recording Secretary Larry Turnbull and Membership Secretary Jay Bader have been searching locally and on the Internet for a portable Wireless PA system that would free us from running wires for microphones. In addition, having a portable system would help MFCB tremendously when it comes to having activities and Luncheons outside our Meetings. Larry and Jay should also have a report for recommendation at the November General Meeting.
And besides the tireless work being done by the Transportation Committee, led by its Chair, Debbie Hazleton; the Fundraising Committee, which is headed by Leslie Spoone; and outreach with Lighthouse Central Florida, done by MFCB 2nd Vice President Paul Hutsko and Bill Freeman, the MFCB Nominating Committee was formed, as it is every year, at the September General Meeting. This year, Debbie Hazleton chaired this Committee. As a result of its work, here is the Recommended Slate of MFCB Officers for 2010:
President - Shelley Justice
1st Vice President - Sheila Young
2nd Vice President - Debbie Hazleton
Recording Secretary - Dick Sawyer
Treasurer - Bill Freeman
Membership Secretary - Jay Bader
MFCB President Shelley Justice wants all Members to be aware that anyone who is eligible to run for office can be nominated from the floor. The Election of Officers will take place at the November General Meeting. MFCB strongly encourages Members be a part of the process to determine who represents our Chapter and attend on Saturday, November 7th, at William Booth Towers.
MFCB Officer and Membership results will be in the next Chapter News. Since this is the last MFCB Chapter News for 2009, we would like to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday Season.
Our chapter had a White Cane Day celebration that was very exciting! We, along with the Tallahassee Lions Club crossed two busy intersections here in town. Also attending were five people from our local transit company. They put on blindfolds and crossed the street with a white cane. They even wanted to know how you find the button to push to make the audible signal work. I think it woke them up to just what we deal with each day.
Along with this, they came to our chapter meeting and discussed a new plan that they are considering for next year. This plan will make many changes to our local bus system and has many people concerned about the safety and ease of use. We were able to ask questions and make suggestions that will help them decide how to make these changes better for all riders.
Please remember, you can make a difference. So, get involved in your local transit systems and let them know you need good accessible transportation.
The Venice Chapter of the FCB, the Venice Lions, and the Mana-Sota Lighthouse for the Blind has been sponsoring White Cane Day in October since 1998. This year we began with a walk in downtown Venice led by the Venice Lions. More than 60 representatives of the sponsors and friends participated in the walk despite sweltering heat and humidity. We were pleased that a number of members of the Sarasota County Chapter of the FCB joined us for the occasion.
The walk was followed by a luncheon at Boca Royale Golf and Country Club in Englewood. Venice Mayor, Ed Martin read a proclamation designating October 14 as White Cane Day in Venice and Greg Carlson, Manager of the Jacaranda Public Library, spoke on the origins and meaning of White Cane Day. Greg is well known in the blind community through his work with the Pinellas County Talking Books Service and the Braille and Talking Books Library in Daytona Beach. The featured speaker was State Senator Nancy Detert, a long-time advocate for people with visual and physical disabilities. Our guest of honor was Vi Soroka, a founding member of the Venice Chapter, who was surrounded by four generations of her family in celebration of her 95th birthday.
Feedback following the event was very positive. Many thanks to Venice Chapter members Ellen Hillstrom, Gloria Kelleher, Lillian Reilly, and Peg Toomey for all they did to make it a success.
For sale: Portable Braille Blazie Blazer Braille Embosser by Freedom Scientific in excellent physical, cosmetic and working condition. Uses both serial and parallel connections. Includes power cable and serial cable.
Asking $500.00 plus $100.00 shipping/handling/insurance or will trade for a copy of Zoom Text V9.1 magnifier/screen reader program.
For sale: External Doubletalk voice synthesizer with serial cable. Requires 9 volt battery which I will include. Asking $50.00 plus $25.00 shipping/handling/insurance.
For Sale: Lexmark X9530 All in one wireless ink jet printer, copier, scanner and fax. Includes brand new unopened black and color cartridges, USB cable, network cable, phone cable, power adaptor and all software and drivers. Unit is in excellent working, physical and cosmetic condition. Asking $75.00 plus $25.00 shipping, handling and insurance.
If interested contact Don Risavy Jr. by e-mail at drisavyjr@att.net or telephone (850) 457 8131 or (850) 208-1923.
Project Insight: 800-267-4448
Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library: 800-226-6075
Division of Blind Services: (Tallahassee) 800-342-1828
American Council of The Blind: 800-424-8666 (available only 3:00 to 5:30 PM EST Monday-Friday)
ACB Legislative Hotline: 800-424-8666 (Evenings 8:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight EST Weekends 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM only)
AT&T Disability Services: 800-872-3883 Press 00 and speak with your long distance carrier
BellSouth Disability Services: 800-982-2891 from anywhere
Social Security: 800-772-1213 24-hour voice and touch tone accessible
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
1531 Dempsey Mayo Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308