THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, INC.
March - April 2006
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 Dr.
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 521-9047
E-mail: pattianne1@cfl.rr.com
Membership Secretary:
Linda Jacobson
2915 Circle Ridge Dr.
Orange Park, FL 32065
(904) 272-8405
E-mail: jacobsli@bellsouth.net
Recording Secretary:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Immediate Past President:
Robert Miller
2201 Limerick Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(850) 906-9821
E-mail: easytalk@earthlink.net
Editor of White Cane Bulletin:
Sharon Youngs
237 Maple Ave.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 937-8631
E-mail: sky11@tampabay.rr.com
Articles for the White Cane Bulletin must be submitted to Sally Benjamin no later than the 20th of the month before it is published.
Sally's E-mail is: salbenjamin@comcast.net. If you do not have access to a computer
and E-mail, please find someone in your chapter to help send it. We would like to hear from anyone who wants to contribute to our
newsletter.
Articles published in The White Cane Bulletin are in compliance with Public Law No. 104197, Copyright Law Amendment of 1996.
This law allows authorized entities to distribute copies of previously published non-dramatic literary works in specialized formats,
including Braille, audio or digital text that are exclusively for use by Blind people or those with disabilities. Any further distributing of such
articles in another than a specialized format is an infringement of copyright.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Linda Jacobson
REMINDER
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Paul Edwards
CANDIDATES CORNER - by Sally Benjamin
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING - by Barbara
Grill
DEADLINE IS APPROACHING - by Barbara Grill
THANK YOU LETTER FROM CRAIG KISER
FCB CONVENTION LETTER - from Debbie Grubb
OPPORTUNITIES FOR DBS CLIENTS - by Mike Taylor
REPORT ON AEIT TASK FORCE - by Robert Miller
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN JACKSONVILLE - by Debbie Drylie
FEDERAL COMMITMENT TO DIABETES PREVENTION FALTERS IN 2005 AS DIABETES EPIDEMIC GROWS:
CONGRESS TO ADJOURN BY MAKING FIRST-EVER REDUCTION TO EFFECTIVE CDC DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM;
RESEARCH AT NIH ALSO CUT - by Zach Goldberg (Taken from the American Diabetes website) - Submitted by Sally Benjamin
FUNDING UNDER SAFETEA-LU - ACB Legislative Seminar 2006
UPDATE ON TRANSPORTATION IN THE ORLANDO AREA - by Nicole Hugues
CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Pinellas Council of the Blind, Tallahassee Council of the
Blind
REQUEST - by Tom Fillyaw
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
RECIPE CORNER
HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
ARE YOU MOVING? - by Linda Jacobson
If you are moving, please notify me of your new address so you will continue to receive your White Cane Bulletin. Also, if you know of
anyone interested in joining FCB and would like to receive the White Cane Bulletin and the Braille Forum, please contact me at (904)
272-8405 or E-mail jacobsli@bellsouth.net.
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REMINDER
The Sheraton Safari Hotel is where we will be for our Annual Convention this year. The dates of the Convention are Thursday, May 11th,
to Sunday, May 14th, 2006.
The hotel is located at 12205 Apopka-Vineland Road in the Lake Buena Vista area of Orlando. The direct number to the hotel is (407)
239-0444 to make a reservation. Remember to state you are booking under our group's name.
Further convention information will follow in future White Cane Bulletins.
Prepare for ACB Convention 2006 – July 8th to July 17th, 2006, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Jacksonville. To make reservations, call
1-800-233-1234.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Paul Edwards
THE OTHER PROGRAM
Last fall, Congressional hearings elicited outcomes that were very disturbing to many of us who are interested in ensuring that blind
people in this country are able to retain a variety of job options. At that time, I sent a message (featured in this publication) that outlined the
Randolph-Sheppard program.
Today, I am addressing issues regarding the Javits Wagner O’Day Act (JWOD). This column does not provide adequate space to delve
deeply into this complex program but I will attempt to provide relevant, helpful information.
In 1938, the Wagner-O'Day Act was passed in order to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind by allowing them to
manufacture items for sale to the Federal Government. The Act required, as it does today, that the government purchase these products
from people who were blind over any other vendor. This initiative has come to be known as the "blind priority." The Act also required, and
it still does, that 75 percent of the labor force producing these products had to be legally blind.
At the time, there were many "workshops" (today known as blind industry programs) struggling to identify products people who were blind
could produce in large enough quantities to sustain blind employment. Most of these employees were at or below competitive rates, and
there was little expectation that they would move out of workshop employment into an integrated employment environment.
At the time of the Act’s authorization, a federal agency (now known as the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or
Severely Disabled) was formed with the mission of overseeing and enforcing the Act. A central nonprofit agency, National Industries for
the Blind (NIB) was formed to fairly and equitably distribute and provide technical assistance on federal contacts among associated
nonprofit organizations employing people who are blind. If a federal agency needed to purchase an item on the procurement list, it must
be purchased through an NIB associated agency. The federal agency oversaw the awarding of these contracts, while NIB promoted the
implementation of the programs to fulfill the federal contract. NIB also became a contract and information clearinghouse -- distributing
contracts as appropriate and, to some extent, overseeing fulfillment of the contracts.
For many years, the Wagner O’Day Act successfully oversaw and maintained the blind priority program. Nearly every major community in
the United States had a blind industry program and, for many years, NIB and the federal agency overseeing the Act worked to develop a
wide range of federally contracted products and services provided by people who are blind.
But times (and attitudes) change, and by the 1970s, legislation added people with severe disabilities to the Act (now JWOD) and a new
central nonprofit agency -- NISH -- entered the picture. The federal agency (now the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind
Or Severely Disabled, known as the "Committee") now had the task of determining which products and services would be added to the
federal procurement list. (The Committee’s oversight would continue to increase over the next 25 years.)
Other factors were also beginning to alter the overall feeling of the effectiveness of the JWOD Program. First, blind consumer
organizations began to attack the failure of JWOD agencies to promote blind people to supervisory positions and objected to the
numbers of blind people who were being paid less than the minimum wage. The 1970s and 1980s were characterized by
demonstrations by blindness organizations in attempts to force agencies to provide greater upward mobility options for blind
employees.
The second major change involved an alteration in the way that most federal agencies purchase products and services. In the past,
JWOD agencies could be somewhat competitive. Now, many of the products and services provided could be acquired cheaper and
quicker through the utilization of individually issued federal credit cards and large, national retail office supply companies. In a very real
sense, NIB agencies were faced with needing to find ways to more successfully compete if they were to remain in the business of
contracting with federal agencies.
NIB agencies were also finding that NISH was not only competing openly with NIB but was quietly engaged in Congressional efforts to
get a larger slice of the federal contracting pie, which federal law had reserved for people who are blind. In particular, NISH
demonstrated to Congress and to others its belief that NISH agencies were (and are) better qualified to fulfill federal food services
contracts. Under law, these contract opportunities fall within the domain of the Randolph-Sheppard program. NISH has also worked
hard to identify other federal contracts, raising questions and issues regarding how appropriate the blind priority remains.
Traditionally, blind industries manufactured specified products for sale to the government. These programs implemented assembly
lines and produced tangible, valuable products. However, this approach may be becoming less viable as time goes on, and, while there
are certainly still many agencies that are running successful assembly lines, emphasis has necessarily moved to the creation of service
contracts, all of which are overseen by the Committee. Stores that sell supplies on military bases, professional call centers at veterans
hospital switchboards and other similar services and activities have become major components of NIB’s federally contracted efforts.
Federal service contracts employ people who are blind at wages usually well over ten dollars an hour, and as high as $40 an hour and
offer competitive benefits, including health and welfare, vacation and sick time off. And, as with every federal contract, federal service
contracts must be administered through NIB agencies.
Around the year 2000, blind industry programs were dealt another blow. The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) concluded
that placement of people in blind industry programs would no longer count as successful rehabilitation. This means that RSA counselors
avoid placing people in blind industry programs. It also means that every employee in blind industry programs are, in effect, being told
that their employment does not matter, and is not counted as successful.
ACB has partnered with NIB and its agencies to demonstrate that wages, benefits, transportation and informed choice are much more
important than "integration." Together, ACB and NIB, with the support of members of Congress, have successfully worked for the
requirement of vocational rehabilitation counselors to visit work sites, both immediate work areas and total work places, to determine
opportunities for employees who are blind to interact with individuals who do not have a disability.
In Congressional testimony regarding the JWOD Program, it was suggested that there are still significant numbers of people working for
less than the minimum wage. For NISH agencies this statement is unfortunately true. NIB associated agencies have virtually no
employees making less than the minimum wage; yet the program is getting tarred with the same brush that applies to NISH.
Another claim is that agency executives are being paid salaries that are too high. In fact, there was mention of a NISH agency executive
director earning more than $800,000. The implication of the testimony was that people with disabilities are, generally speaking,
undervalued and mistreated and that excessive profit-taking is a common occurrence. NIB nor its associated agencies were included in
the congressional testimony.
I would argue that some of the most innovative and financially rewarding jobs emerging for people who are blind are being identified by
NIB and its agencies. Perhaps more importantly, the vast majority of the people working in blind industry programs WANT and prefer to
be there. In fact, there is growing number of people who are blind who are able to obtain employment outside of the blindness
community, yet prefer to maintain and grow their careers within the industry.
Despite all of the recent progress, it has become fashionable to see blind industry employment as demeaning and inappropriate. Many
thousands of blind people are employed in industry programs. NIB and its agencies are working hard to demonstrate its commitment to
better jobs and better pay. For example, NIB recently initiated its Fellowship for Leadership Development -- a fellowship program that
provides blind college graduates with a two year training fellowship -- prepares then for management-level jobs at NIB, one of its
affiliated agencies or the greater business community. In 2005, the first three fellows competed the program. Today, all three of them
are competitively employed at NIB agencies with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $60,000.
Also in 2005, twenty-eight blind participants completed NIB’s Business Management Training -- an MBA-style crash course offered in
partnership with the University of Virginia Darden Graduate School of Business Administration. Following graduation of the program,
many of the participants have received job promotions.
People need the right tools to challenge the misinformation that is dominating publicity about these issues. Today, NIB and its agencies
offer unprecedented, meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind. Within blind industry employment there is, of
course, always room for improvement. However, we must make sure that it is understood that the violations of the spirit and the letter of
the law are not occurring in blindness organizations. Good jobs are too scarce to risk losing!
Even though we have no industry programs in Florida right now, I believe we must still work hard to make certain that NIB continues to
operate independently and effectively and does not get blamed for the violations of other organizations. However we may feel about
industry jobs, we must recognize that these jobs are preferred choices made by many blind people working productively every day. These
people, like all people, deserve to have their jobs valued and respected by all of us. They also deserve to have their jobs protected.
We must also create a more effective partnership between the federal procurement folks and representatives of blind industries. While
buyers at agencies get credit for using small business and minority business, there are no incentives for buying under JWOD. This
should change! We must continue to put pressure on RSA to rethink how industry jobs are treated. We should ask why supported
employment counts and industry employment does not.
I believe that blindness organizations must also change. At best, our attitudes regarding blind industry programs have been lukewarm.
Many of us dislike and distrust industry employment. There has to be real commitment to this issue if we are to emerge with our
programs in tact. Believe me, NISH will trot out piles of people to say how much their services are needed.
Unless the collective blindness community is prepared to speak to the need of preserving and growing our blind industries programs,
there is a real danger that we will see the creation of a new hybrid entity -- where the needs and capabilities of people who are blind are
not valued. Will you help?
A PRIVELEGED PAST AND AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
Over the past two years I have had the privilege of serving as President of the Florida Council of the Blind. As all of you know, these have
been very tough years for me. I do not think I have done the kind of job that FCB deserves and know that we would not be in the shape we
are in were it not for a truly exemplary Executive Committee. In addition, Sally Benjamin has continued to give FCB wonderful value for
money through her exemplary work as part-time staff person for Project Insight and for FCB.
When I ran for office I had every intention of serving my allotted two terms and doing a good job. With Gayle's death, my whole life has
been turned upside down. While I had planned to work several more years, I do not now think this will happen. In fact, I expect to retire
some time next year.
In addition, I have met someone and, if things go as well as I expect, we will be married before too long. She has two lovely girls and,
though it is not certain, there is a good possibility that I will be leaving Florida to move to North Central Washington state.
For all these reasons, I have decided not to seek election as FCB's President at our convention in May. I will continue to serve on the
Executive Committee as Immediate Past President because I believe that I still have a good deal to contribute to the organization.
I am very pleased that my first Vice-President, Debbie Grubb, is running for the office of President. I cannot imagine a better person to
take my place but, of course, democracy being what it is, anything may happen. Whoever is chosen will, I am sure, do a wonderful job.
I want to thank Debbie, my Executive Committee and Sally and all of you for your support and kindness during my term of office. I want to
apologize for those things I did not get done and want to ask all of you to focus on what we have accomplished. That is a great deal.
We continue to move forward and I believe that, with new leadership, our progress will be even swifter. The bottom line for FCB is
making things better for people who are blind in Florida. We continue to do that and, with your help, FCB will remain a vital and important
force in making Florida a state where blind people are treated well and where new and exciting initiatives happen.
Thanks again for all you are and all that you do. Thanks also for the opportunity to have served this wonderful organization.
Paul Edwards, President
Florida Council of the Blind
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CANDIDATES CORNER - by Sally Benjamin
As you may know, the time is nearing when we will need to elect our new leaders for FCB. The election will be held at this year’s state
convention in Orlando to be exact. With this in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to share information about who is interested in
which office so those of us voting may have time to ask questions and help make informed decisions.
As Paul mentioned in his article above, Debbie Grubb, our current First Vice President, has announced her intension of seeking the
office of FCB President. Former FCB President, Robert Miller, has agreed to be her running mate and seeks your vote for the office of
First Vice President. John Richards, FCB’s Technology Committee Chair and long-time Inter County Representative to the FCB Board,
has announced he will be running for the office of Second Vice President. Patti Davis-Land, our current Treasurer, Linda Jacobson our
current membership Secretary and Sharon Youngs, our Secretary have all assured me they will be seeking reelection to their respective
offices.
Please understand this is not our "final slate of officers" and does not preclude any one interested from running for any of the above
offices. It simply gives us somewhere to start and something to think about.
Thank you to the above folks for making their intensions known and for being willing to lead this organization! Also, thank you to Mr.
Edwards for your leadership and willingness to share information about your personal life. We hope things work out splendidly for you
and your lucky lady!
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FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING - by Barbara
Grill
Do you or do you know someone who has that FCB Scholarship Application sitting on your table? Have you been putting off completing
the application or obtaining that reference letter. Time is growing short! This is a friendly reminder to you that the deadline for submitting
applications is March 31st.
There are four FCB Scholarship awards ranging from $1,500 to $500. Those recipients who are chosen to receive one of the
scholarships will be invited to attend the 2006 FCB Convention being held in Orlando at the Sheraton Safari Hotel from Thursday, May
11th, through Sunday, May 14th.
See you at the Convention!
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DEADLINE IS APPROACHING - by Barbara Grill
The closing date for applying for the Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision Scholarship is fast approaching. If you have that nearly
completed application sitting on your kitchen table, please get that last reference letter or official transcript NOW!
The FCCLV Scholarship Application must be postmarked no later than March 31st. Drop yours in the mail as soon as possible.
Send to:
Barbara Grill
2030 Preymore Street
Osprey, FL 34229
GOOD LUCK!
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THANK YOU LETTER FROM CRAIG KISER
October 31st, 2005
Ms. Patti Land, Treasurer
Florida Council of the Blind
6933 Alpert Drive
Orlando, FL 32810
Dear Patti:
I want to thank you and the Florida Council of the Blind for the donation in support of the Kilimanjaro Expedition. As always, the FCB is in
the forefront of focusing on the abilities of the blind, not the disabilities.
The Kilimanjaro Expedition was all about demonstrating to the public the competence of blind people and that we are interested in
doing and accomplishing the same type of things that interest them. It was equally intended to demonstrate to the blind that they should
not let blindness prevent them from pursuing their dreams.
I will be happy to attend meetings around the state to talk about the experience. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro was only a part of the
experience. We also visited two primary schools that are regional centers for blind and visually impaired children in Tanzania. The group
founded the Kilimanjaro Blind Foundation to help raise funds for the schools.
As a group, we did much better than the average for successfully reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. Of all the climbing attempts, it is
normal that only about one-third climb all the way to the top. The rest turn back. We started with 28 climbers -- 8 blind and the rest
sighted. Five of the blind and 23 of the total made the summit.
I have been gratified to hear numerous anecdotes since my return about using Sam’s and my experience to inspire others to live their
dreams. I made it about two-thirds of the way up the mountain to about 13,400 feet before I had to go back. It was an amazing
experience.
We started in a true rain forest and moved up through heather and moorlands. We were in the high desert when things fell apart for me.
Even the first night, when we camped at 10,000 feet, the temperature dropped at night below freezing. The next night, it got so cold we
had to bring our water into the tent and store it between us to keep it from freezing. We were far above the clouds and the only things
visible were the clouds below and the sky above. They tell me you could see another mountain peak that broke through the clouds and
the summit of Kilimanjaro far above us.
I plan to write an article soon that will more fully detail the climb. Thank you again for your support.
Very Truly
Craig Kiser
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FCB CONVENTION LETTER - from Debbie Grubb
Hello Members and Friends of the Florida Council of the Blind:
The Florida Council of the Blind, (FCB), will hold its 53rd Annual Convention from Thursday evening, May 11th, through Sunday noon, May
14th, in Orlando, Florida, at the Sheraton Safari Hotel, Lake Buena Vista, 12205 Apopka Vineland Road. The room rates are $85 per
night.
You may reserve your room now by calling the Sheraton Safari Hotel at (407) 239-0444. Please be sure to state that you are with the
Florida Council of the Blind in order to guarantee the convention rate. The deadline for making hotel reservations for this year’s FCB
Convention is April 10th so please reserve your room now.
On Thursday night, there will be a fun and exciting evening planned at SLEUTHS Dinner Theater, where good food will be enjoyed and a
mystery will be solved for your entertainment pleasure.
The 2006 FCB Convention formally begins on Friday afternoon with the opening of the Exhibit Hall, our annual FCB Legislative Seminar
and a workshop on self-defense.
Saturday morning will find us attending the opening session that will include the awards ceremony where our premiere volunteers, the
heart and soul of FCB, will be honored for their commitment to and hard work on behalf of FCB and its chapters.
Several workshop options will be available for your participation. They include an update on what's new in Medicare, our annual report
from the Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services, a special workshop dedicated to showing interested attendees how to build
leadership skills and how to recruit new members for the organization. There will also be a presentation for guide dog users and pet
owners demonstrating and giving away to lucky participants what’s new and innovative in products for humans and canines.
The afternoon session will open with our Annual Town Meeting with Craig Kiser, Director of the Division of Blind Services.
Our Special Interest Affiliates will meet on Saturday afternoon and they are now preparing exciting and information packed programming
for their members and friends.
On Saturday evening, FCB will begin the festivities with a cocktail party, followed by the FCB Banquet. Otis Stephens, Past President of
the American Council of the Blind, will be our keynote speaker. The evening will close with the drawing of the FCB Raffle and, with what
has become a much looked forward to annual tradition, our gift of music. Our concert will be brought to us this year by Michael McNevin, a
performer of folk and acoustic music.
On Sunday morning, the FCB Business Meeting will be conducted and the officers that will guide the organization for the next two years
will be elected.
The Administrative Office of the Florida Council of the Blind will mail out the Convention Announcement and registration packet within the
next few weeks. If you are an FCB member, you will receive this information from our office. If you are not a member of the Florida
Council of the Blind and would like to attend our convention, please contact our administrative assistant, Sally Benjamin, toll-free at
1-800-267-4448 and a copy of our convention registration materials will be sent to you.
This year’s convention promises to be one of our best and we look forward to seeing you there!
Sincerely,
Debbie Grubb, Convention Chairwoman
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR DBS CLIENTS - by Mike Taylor
Because he believes there are many benefits to attending the conventions of the organized blindness community, Executive Director
Craig Kaiser has made it possible for some clients of the Division of Blind Services to attend these conventions. Current DBS clients
who have never attended a convention may be eligible to be sponsored by the agency to attend.
DBS clients interested in attending our FCB Convention in May at the Sheraton Safari Hotel in Orlando or the ACB National Convention in
Jacksonville in July should contact their DBS counselors. Members of the FCB agree that there are real benefits for attending our
Conventions, and we would be happy to have DBS clients present.
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REPORT ON AEIT TASK FORCE - by Robert Miller
On June 24th, 2005, Governor Jeb Bush promulgated Executive Order Number 05-133. Executive Order 05-133 established the AEIT
(Accessible Electronic and Information Technology). AEIT is a 15-member task force, the purpose of which is to make recommendations
to the Governor on how to make Florida’s electronic and information technology systems accessible to persons with disabilities. It also
mandated that the taskforce include recommendations for legislative change.
Although neither FCB nor NFBF had any official appointments on the task force, to the best of my knowledge, there were approximately
four members who used speech on their computers and worked in situations where their jobs required them to use Florida’s electronic
and information technology systems, such as state websites and agency in-house applications. Tom Lewis, Secretary of the
Department of Management Services was named as the Chairman of this taskforce. The task force met in six different locations
throughout the state from August 2005 until the last meeting in January of 2006, at which time it unanimously approved its final report.
When I found out the task force had been established and the first meeting had been scheduled, I called our President, Paul Edwards,
and requested to attend all the meetings as a representative of FCB. Our Executive Committee approved my request and I was honored
to attend all six meetings. I would like to spend the rest of this article relaying to you what happened during the meetings and what a
major step forward this will be for disabled people living in Florida.
The use of the phrase "major step" requires a little FCB history, so you can more easily understand the effort of FCB in this area. Around
1998, FCB, under the guidance of President Carl McCoy, established a new standing committee -- the FCB Technology Committee. The
first Chairman was Warren Clary. The first and most important item on the agenda for the newly formed committee was to deal with the
state of Florida’s non-accessible websites, non-accessible electronic equipment, such as fax and copier machines, and phone
systems.
Although no miracles happened overnight, the Technology Committee has been a valuable resource to FCB. They have worked in many
other areas. Now, after eight years, it has re-focused on its original goal. Approximately two years ago, through an FCB Resolution, FCB
President Paul Edwards sent a letter to Attorney General Charlie Crist. Mr. Edwards pointed out in his letter the inaccessibility of two
state systems, "People First" and "Myfloridamarketplace," and one agency application, "RIMS," that is used by the Department of
Vocational Rehabilitation. You may read Mr. Edwards’ letter online at http://www.fcb.org. It was posted
in the September-October 2004 issue of the White Cane Bulletin.
To the best of my knowledge, Mr. Crist never gave an official response to FCB. Therefore, FCB decided to begin legal proceedings
against the state. It is my firm belief that our actions played a major role in the establishment of the AEIT Task Force.
Although I was not an official member of the task force, I have had some experience in this area. As many of you may recall, I served as a
member of the Accessible Voting Task Force. The first few meetings of the AEIT Task Force were generally a little confusing to the
members since some members were encountering an area of discussion they may not have had any knowledge or experience with in
the past. With both task forces, there were a lot of housekeeping and legal issues which must be explained to the members such as
ethics, Sunshine law, adoption of procedures, resolution conflict and amendment procedures for the final report.
During the first four meetings of the AEIT Task Force, there were various speakers from the state of Florida. Most of these speakers were
technology personnel and software vendors who provide applications purchased by the state of Florida and nationally recognized experts
on the ADA and Section 508 of the Voc Rehab Act. One of the things I found interesting was that Florida has a higher-than-average
percentage of disabled people than the national average. The national average is 19.3 percent and Florida's percentage is at 22.2
percent, according to the 2000 census. Another interesting fact is that 19 other states already have some form of accessibility legislation
in place.
During the meeting held in Jacksonville, the ADA Working Group (ADAW) presented a report to the task force. This report outlined their
testing implemented by the State of the four major websites. As I mentioned earlier, the FCB Technology Committee had first addressed
this issue around 1998. The ADA Working Group has pretty much dropped the ball because they lacked the authority to make any
legislative changes. Basically, ADAW painted a pretty bleak picture in regards to accessibility for the state, which piqued my interest,
since I, as a vendor doing business with the State, had used "myflorida" and "myfloridamarketplace."
I began perusing their report with a fine-tooth comb. The first thing I noticed was that the report was a little over 2 years old! And we all
know how quickly technology changes. In the past two years, both Window-Eyes and JAWS have had two or three major upgrades.
I also noticed that they used a software program called "High-Soft" to do the testing. Basically, "High-Soft" runs a set of routines that
check for screen reader compatibility. Although this method may have some value, the best way to test for accessibility is to test using
real people who are blind and know how to use their own adaptive technology.
ADAW also made mention of the fact that JAWS is the "gold standard of screen readers" and you know that didn’t set well with me. I have
a big problem when someone says a website isn't accessible, especially when the report is two years old and it is apparent the tester
doesn’t have the experience a person does who uses a screen reader every day. I also didn’t like the fact that ADAW only tested using
JAWS.
We all know both Window-Eyes and JAWS have their own merits and if you are going to say something isn’t accessible, then you better
test using all available tools or you might get embarrassed. For those of you who know me, you can bet I didn’t waste any time pointing
this out to the taskforce during the public comment section of the meeting. In the beginning, all I heard was "JAWS, JAWS, JAWS."
However, this changed by the end of the Task Force's existence.
I also began visiting the State websites to see just how accessible they really were, since it had been a while since I had been on them.
I should also mention here that the various information technology personnel responsible for the four state websites began making
changes to the websites to make them accessible. This was apparent to me since I noticed changes that occurred during the first four
meetings of the Task Force.
One of my assigned tasks as a member of the Executive Committee is to oversee the FCB Technology Committee. After conferring with
our President, we decided to have the Technology Committee conduct our own test since we have some of the best resources for testing
with real people who use adaptive technology every day. I divided up the links on "Myflorida" among the five members of the Technology
Committee. Each committee member was asked to report on about fifteen links. The testers were John Richards, Gary Metzler, Jesus
Garcia, Liz Bowden and myself.
Each member submitted a report on their findings, which I combined into a single report that was presented to the Task Force at their
fifth meeting held in Fort Lauderdale. Although we found about seven or eight areas that had problems, our report wasn't nearly as
bleak as that of the information provided by ADAW. The main issues were with some non-standard controls, such as combo boxes,
lists and PDF documents.
One thing a Task Force does is prioritize the importance of their recommendations and in doing so, must stay within the guidelines of
the executive order. The Task Force mainly focused on the four websites operated by the State, in-house applications and electronic
equipment purchased by the State. Many of the Task Force members were concerned about the accessibility of Florida's educational
systems, such as schools, community colleges and universities. In fact, some of the discussions became a little heated.
As with the Accessible Voting Task Force, the school system presents somewhat of a different situation, since there are 67 counties in
Florida and each county has their own jurisdiction and creates their own policies. I think the Task Force did an excellent job with this
issue. In fact, they recommended the Florida legislatures do their best to encourage our educational systems to comply as well, since
they receive State dollars also.
During the last two meetings things started to fall into place. Basically, the Task Force recommended that Florida pass legislation that
would use the pertinent parts of Section 508 of the Voc Rehab Act. The Voc Rehab Act was Federal legislation and contains some parts
that would not be appropriate for state governments.
We would not want to just say (Florida will accept Section 508 of the Rehab Act as its standard for accessibility) because if the Federal
law was changed or abolished then that would automatically change Florida law. Although there were approximately 20
recommendations, due to limited space, I am only touching on the ones I feel are of the most importance.
The Task Force also recommended that an AEIT office be established under the Department of Management Services. This office would
have the duties of implementation, compliance, policy making, training, education and annual reporting to the legislature. There was
some discussion of placing this office with the ADA Working Group, but this met with much opposition from the members and was shot
down pretty quickly.
The Task Force also worked on a timeline for compliance and most of the websites should be compliant by 2007. The hardest task will
be compliance by State agencies regarding their in-house applications. These are applications that are developed in-house by State
programmers, which are hoped to be compliant by 2008 or 2009, depending on what the legislature does and when the funding is
available.
The final report was presented to Governor Jeb Bush on February 8th here in Tallahassee and should start moving through the
legislature probably before you read this article. It is my understanding that we already have two sponsors so things should move pretty
quickly.
In closing, I would like to mention another pretty interesting event that happened at the Jacksonville meeting. Commissioner John Wynn
of the Department of Education stated that he was going to direct all his staff to include a clause in all procurement contracts that would
insure Section 508 compliance for purchases made by the Department of Education. It is my understanding that this did take place last
November.
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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN JACKSONVILLE - by Debbie Drylie
The American Council of the Blind and the Florida Council of the Blind invite you to the beautiful city of Jacksonville, Florida, home of
Super Bowl XXXIX, for the ACB Annual Convention. Jacksonville is located in Northeast Florida; therefore, she has the sunshine,
beaches, and tropical flavor of Florida along with the grace, hospitality, and southern charm of Georgia.
The ACB Convention Committee and the FCB Host Committee are working together to make this year's convention enjoyable for
everyone. In this article, I will concentrate on the tours that Berl Colley has lined up for us.
For the history buffs, there will be a trip to St. Augustine, the oldest organized community in the United States. While there, you will visit
the old fort, the lighthouse, the old schoolhouse, shop on St. George Street in the old city, and much more.
For you sports fans, there will be an evening at a Jacksonville Suns baseball game. The Suns are a minor league team affiliated with
the Los Angeles Dodgers.
For those of you desiring to learn more about Jacksonville, there will be tours of the city. Jacksonville is the largest city in landmass in
the United States, so there will be much to see.
For those of you who did not get enough gambling done in Las Vegas, there will be a casino cruise. Enjoy a cruise on the lovely St.
Johns River while you play the games.
For the fishermen and women, there will be an ocean fishing tour. This tour will depart from beautiful Amelia Island.
For the beer lovers, there will be a tour of the Busch brewery. Bottoms up!
For those of you interested in what services are available for the blind in Florida, there will be a tour of Blind Services and the Florida
School for the Deaf and Blind.
You will find these two tours very enlightening.
For nature lovers, there will be a tour of the Okefenoke Swamp. Florida has many wetlands that offer a special kind of beauty.
For the museum lovers, there will be trips to the Science and Arts Museum and to the Cummer Museum. So as not to become too
cultured, there will be a ghost tour in St. Augustine. Berl is also planning a few more tours to be announced later.
As you can see, the 2006 ACB Convention in Jacksonville has something for everyone. Come join us at the Hyatt Regency Hotel,
overlooking the beautiful St. Johns River. Within walking distance or a relaxing water taxi ride are many wonderful restaurants offering
various cuisines and all price ranges.
Room rates are $79 plus tax. Make reservations by calling 1-800-233-1234 or (904) 588-1234.
The Halifax chapter has generously donated $500 worth of Wal-Mart gift cards as door prizes for the convention. I hope their generosity
will motivate other affiliates to make donations also. If your chapter or affiliate would like to contribute, contact the Chairman of the Host
Committee, Linda Jacobson, at (904) 272-8405 or via e-mail at jacobsli@bellsouth.net.
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FEDERAL COMMITMENT TO DIABETES PREVENTION FALTERS IN 2005 AS DIABETES EPIDEMIC GROWS:
CONGRESS TO ADJOURN BY MAKING FIRST-EVER REDUCTION TO EFFECTIVE CDC DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM;
RESEARCH AT NIH ALSO CUT - by Zach Goldberg (Taken from the American Diabetes website) - Submitted by Sally Benjamin
Alexandria, VA (December 22nd, 2005) -- The fiscal year 2006 appropriations bill Congress is expected to pass today contains cuts to
critical diabetes prevention efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation -- which works with local
communities to help those suffering from diabetes better control the disease and those at risk for diabetes prevent or delay its onset -- is
funded at $300,000 less than the previous fiscal year’s budget level. This is the first time the Division of Diabetes Translation has been
cut, and it comes on the heels of a newly released CDC study that found that diabetes has risen by over 14 percent in the last two
years.
The CDC estimates that 20.8 million Americans – 7 percent of the U.S. population – now have diabetes, up from 18.2 million in 2003. As
part of the FY06 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act, Congress also slashed funding for the National
Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), an NIH research division. NIDDK will be funded at $9 million less than
last year.
The budget cuts cap a year in which the federal commitment to diabetes prevention lagged behind the increase in diabetes prevalence.
This week, Congress also is set to make substantive changes to Medicaid, which will make it much more difficult for beneficiaries with
diabetes to access the critical care services, supplies, and medication they need to control the disease. Additionally, Congress will
adjourn without passing stem cell research legislation that would expand and accelerate the research that holds much promise for a
cure and better prevention treatment options for diabetes. The Association is a strong supporter of the Stem Cell Research
Enhancement Act (S.471/H.R. 810), which earlier this year passed the U.S. House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support and
currently awaits a vote in the U.S. Senate. The Association had hoped the Senate would send the bill to the President this year, but now
urges the Senate to consider it early next year.
"The 20.8 million Americans with diabetes -- and the millions more who care for them and are touched by the disease -- deserve better
from our government," said Robert A. Rizza, MD, President of the American Diabetes Association. "Instead of increasing our investment
in prevention research efforts, Congress has taken the extraordinary step of cutting CDC and NIH funding. Instead of making it easier for
people with diabetes to access life-saving health coverage, Congress is set to approve changes to Medicaid that will do significant harm
to beneficiaries with diabetes. Instead of finally passing stem cell legislation that will accelerate the search for better treatments and a
cure for diabetes, Congress has opted for inaction."
The CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT) runs state-based Diabetes Prevention and Control Programs, which take medical
research -- such as that sponsored by NIH -- and translates it into practices and programs that can be used in local communities.
These programs help those currently suffering from diabetes better control and manage the disease and also help those at risk for
diabetes prevent or delay its onset. Unfortunately, current funding levels only allow the DDT to provide full support -- implementation of
awareness and education programs -- in 28 states. Because of the decreased funding, the DDT will only be able to conduct surveillance
programs in 22 states. While the conference report containing funding for CDC included a minimal .05 percent increase over FY05 for
the DDT -- because of a one percent across the board cut in non-defense discretionary spending included in the Defense Appropriations
Act -- the program will receive $63.1 million in FY06, down from $63.4 million in FY05.
The ADA has also been a strong advocate for efforts that help to ensure that Americans with diabetes have access to health care that
enables them to properly manage and control the disease. Having access to preventive care, more intensive diabetes management, and
diabetes tools helps prevent the serious complications associated with diabetes, while simultaneously saving the U.S. health care
system billions of dollars in long-term costs. Consequently, the Association has fought cuts and changes to Medicaid that would leave
patients without the tools and supplies they need. The changes to Medicaid contained in the budget reconciliation will dramatically
weaken the health coverage of Medicaid beneficiaries.
"It is increasingly vital that we match the rise in diabetes prevalence with a commitment to diabetes research and prevention," said Dr.
Rizza. "This year, the federal response not only failed to keep up with the growing diabetes epidemic, but in fact took a few critical steps
back. The American Diabetes Association urges Congress and the Administration to resolve in 2006 to act forcefully to improve the
federal investment in diabetes research, prevention, and care."
Diabetes is one of this nation's most prevalent, debilitating, deadly and costly diseases. The CDC recently estimated that 20.8 million
Americans live with diabetes, meaning that there are approximately 50,115 people living with diabetes in every Congressional District.
One-third of diabetes instances are undiagnosed. The cost of diabetes in America in 2002 was at least $132 billion.
The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and
advocacy. The Association’s advocacy efforts include helping to combat discrimination against people with diabetes; advocating for the
increase of federal diabetes research and programs; and improved access to, and quality of, healthcare for people with diabetes. The
Association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Founded in 1940, the
Association provides service to hundreds of communities across the country.
For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit
http://www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and
Spanish.
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FUNDING UNDER SAFETEA-LU - ACB Legislative Seminar 2006
BACKGROUND
Transportation facilities must include features that will allow people of all abilities to use them. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and
Efficient Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) Public Law 109-59 funding can work hand in hand with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which requires all pedestrian facilities be accessible for people with disabilities.
Accessibility is not an exclusive or separate issue; all pedestrians benefit from accessible design. As such, it is an intrinsic part of
planning, retrofitting and constructing pedestrian facilities, along with safe accommodation and good design.
Enacted on August 10th, 2005, SAFETEA-LU supports federal transit programs and authorizes a total of $45.3 billion in guaranteed
funding from September 30th, 2005 through September 2009. What is of note is that this is a 46 percent increase over transit funding
guaranteed in TEA-21, the previous transportation legislation.
There are a number of provisions in SAFETEA-LU that are important to people who are blind or visually impaired. The purpose of this
article is to provide advocates at the state and local levels with the information and references to use in local advocacy efforts. It is up to
local advocates to make accessibility projects a priority with local planners.
PROGRAMS
Two of the most important programs that relate to improved accessibility for people with disabilities are the New Freedom Initiative
(Section 5317) and the Formula Grants for Special Needs of Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities Program (Section
5310).
NEW FREEDOM PROGRAM
The New Freedom Program is a new program to address the transportation needs of people with disabilities that go beyond those
required by the ADA. Some examples of how New Freedom funding can be used include: detectable warnings at non-key transit
platforms, accessible pedestrian signals around transit stations, and extended routes for paratransit beyond the required ADA limits.
FORMULA GRANTS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS OF ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM
The ongoing Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities Program provides funding to increase mobility for the elderly and
persons with disabilities. Some examples of how Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities Program funding can be used
include: the purchase of accessible transit and paratransit vehicles and the implementation of ADA requirements to make public transit
accessible, or to implement paratransit programs.
NOTES TO REMEMBER
1. Early and continuing public involvement is a requirement to successful planning, and can ensure that facilities will provide the
accessibility needs of your community. Make sure to encourage accessibility from the start and explain that it is the best way of making
funds stretch farther. It costs little to make a new project accessible, whereas altering older facilities often takes skill and care, and may
cost more. But it is also important to stress that the cost of removing the barriers in the pedestrian environment is minimal compared to
the great social costs of not removing them.
You can get involved in seeing that SAFETEA-LU funds are used to make pedestrian and public transportation access a reality in your
area by contacting your metropolitan planning organization (MPO) or your state Department of Transportation. You can also contact your
regional office of the Federal Transit Administration to learn how to get involved in the SAFETEA-LU planning in your area. Contact
information for FTA regional offices can be found below.
2. Be informed and prepared to provide information. Try to have not only anecdotal information, but also any statistics that might be
available to support your stance. As a stakeholder, you give valuable input to transportation providers on how the pedestrian system
should function and perform.
3. To receive funding, projects and programs must be included into the state and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) planning
documents: the Long-Range Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Statewide Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP). Once in the plans, a project or program will need to be approved by the state or MPO in order to be funded.
Project planning often occurs at the beginning of the fiscal year. To ensure that grants can be obtained in time for implementation into a
project, know the fiscal schedule of your local DOT or Council of Governments.
For more information and updates, please contact the following:
Department of Transportation (www.dot.gov)
Telephone: (202) 366-4000
TTY: 1-800-877-8339
Voice: 1-866-377-8642
VCO: 1-877-877-6280
Federal Transit Administration Contact Information (www.fta.dot.gov)
Please note that some major metropolitan areas have their own separate transit administration offices in addition to the regional
office.
REGION 1
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut
Telephone: (617) 494-2055
REGION 2
New York, New Jersey, and U.S. Virgin Islands
Telephone: (212) 668-2170
REGION 3
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and District of Columbia
Telephone: (215) 656-7100
REGION 4
North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Puerto Rico
Telephone: (404) 562-3500
REGION 5
Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan
Telephone: (312) 353-2789
REGION 6
Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico
Telephone: (817) 978-0550
REGION 7
Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri
Telephone: (816) 329-3920
REGION 8
Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota
Telephone: (720) 963-3300
REGION 9
California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands
Telephone: (415) 744-3133
REGION 10
Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska
Telephone: (206) 220-7954
Surface Transportation Policy Project (www.transact.org)
Telephone: (202) 466-2636
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UPDATE ON TRANSPORTATION IN THE ORLANDO AREA - by Nicole Hugues
At the request of FCB First Vice President, Debbie Grubb, I am updating my article that was published in the September-October issue
of the White Cane Bulletin. If you have previously used Access Lynx Paratransit service, even if you used it during the Mid-Year Board
Meeting, it is important that you have your local paratransit service resubmit the request. The fax number for eligibility is (407) 849-6759.
Please request this service at least one week prior to your arrival date.
One should also be sure that your local paratransit service indicates whether you use a wheelchair, have a service animal, use a mobility
aid such as; a cane, a walker, crutches, braces, or a personal care attendant. There is no charge for a personal care attendant. But if you
bring a companion that is not designated as a personal care attendant, they will be charged the same fare as you.
Fare increase coming soon: effective April 1st, 2006, the Americans with Disabilities Act fare (for Access Lynx) will be increasing. If your
origin and destination are inside the three-quarter mile of a fixed route, your fare will be going from $2.50 to $3.00 for each one-way trip.
If either your origin destination or both are outside the three quarter mile of a fixed route your fare will be going from $3.50 to $5.00 for
each one-way trip.
If you would like to save 10 percent, Access Lynx prepaid tickets can be ordered online with a credit card and they will be mailed to your
residence. The tickets are in denominations of $1.00 and $1.50. For $18.00 you would get 40 of the $ .50 tickets. For $45.00 you would
100 of the $ .50 tickets. This would eliminate the need for exact change.
If I can be of any assistance, please e-mail me at blindnikki@myfreedombox.com
or blindnikki1@bellsouth.net.
If you don't have e-mail, you may call me on my cell phone at (321) 663-2007.
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CHAPTER NEWS - Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Pinellas Council of the Blind, Tallahassee Council of the
Blind
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
MFCB has been staying busy as of late. On Saturday, February 11th, MFCB participated in a Bowl-A-Thon to help raise money for the
Carter Family Blind Bowling League, an Orlando-area affiliate of the American Blind Bowlers Association (ABBA). The event was held in
Winter Garden, which is west of Orlando. During the Bowl-A-Thon, Members of MFCB had a Bowl-Off with members of the National
Federation of the Blind (NFB)-Greater Orlando Chapter. MFCB won the Bowl-Off, 379-238!
The big winners, however, were those with the Carter Family Blind Bowling League, who raised more than $1100 during the
Bowl-A-Thon. MFCB, along with NFB-GOC, was proud to have been part of this worthwhile event and hope that the group can send a
bowler to the ABBA National Tournament in Indianapolis later this year.
A week later, on Saturday, February 18th, MFCB Members attended a joint disability organizational meeting at the Orange County
Supervisor of Elections office in Orlando. The purpose of this meeting was so the disabled people in Orange, Osceola and Seminole
Counties could experience hands-on use of the accessible voting machines that are being used in these counties. It was designed to
also to let these Supervisors know how we can all work together in maintaining a positive relationship in giving the disabled what is
everyone's right - to cast a secret and independent ballot. WFTV-TV in Orlando was there as well to cover the meeting and the story
appeared on their newscasts later in the day.
After a meeting ended, it was apparent that there is much cooperation within Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties in insuring that
the disabled, including those who are visually impaired, will no longer need to avoid going to the polls and use absentee ballots.
MFCB, as well as the other disability organizations represented, including NFB-GOC, feel confident that once a person who is disabled
participates in accessible voting, whether it is via Early Voting or on Election Day, that person will no longer need anyone to assist them
in casting a ballot that they can truly cast for themselves.
MFCB is looking forward to being the host chapter for one of the best FCB Conventions ever. The chapter is making plans that will be
announced soon, especially in The White Cane Bulletin.
Pinellas Council of the Blind - by Sharon Youngs
FCB CUPID STRIKES AGAIN!
Last May, the Pinellas Chapter brought a First Timer to the Convention. He was somewhat apprehensive and wasn’t sure he would find
anyone he could talk with. Last May, Sandra was looking forward to the Convention because she was getting very bored living in a
community that doesn’t even have a local FCB chapter. Cupid saw a great opportunity and sent out his arrows.
On Friday, February 3rd, Sandra Chitty of Starke, Florida became the bride of Rob Anderson, formerly of Homestead, Florida. The
wedding was planned for an outdoor event at sunset on the St. Petersburg Pier. The weatherman had other ideas. An unprecedented
15 inches of rain fell on Pinellas County on that date. The wedding was moved inside and everything was dry except the eyes of those
attending.
Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple!
Tallahassee Council of the Blind - by Sally Benjamin
Well, we are moving on with this New Year and our chapter has a lot planned. On February 18th we went to visit the Museum of Florida
History. We rode the city bus to the museum and took a tour. We got to actually put our hands on a few things and everyone had a good
time. After we left there everyone went to lunch and then home. Each month we are supposed to have some kind of outing to attend.
Sila Miller is busy making these plans.
This year, our fundraisers include selling raffle tickets, having a garage sale in April and selling candy. With all of these, we are
hopeful that we will have a lot more money and meet more people who want to become members. Our chapter loves to get out in the
community and let others know that blind people live the same lives as everyone else.
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REQUEST - by Tom Fillyaw
I have a request for those of you who attended the Florida School for the Blind. Some time ago, I placed an article in the White Cane
Bulletin about this. Unfortunately, I did not get much response. So I am asking again if anyone has any past issues of the "Florida
School Herald." I am especially interested in the ones beginning with Sept. 1948 all the way through and including May 1959.
If you have any to share, please contact me at 1140 SW 3rd Avenue, Lake Butler, FL 32054 or phone me at (386) 496-8189 or e-mail me
at tfillyaw@earthlink.net.
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
Voice Recognition
(Portions of this article provided by Jupitermedia)
The field of computer science that deals with designing computer systems that can recognize spoken words. Note that voice
recognition implies only that the computer can take dictation, not that it understands what is being said. Comprehending human
languages falls under a different field of computer science called natural language processing.
A number of voice recognition systems are available on the market. The most powerful can recognize thousands of words. However,
they generally require an extended training session during which the computer system becomes accustomed to a particular voice and
accent. Such systems are said to be speaker-dependent.
Many systems also require that the speaker speak slowly and distinctly and separate each word with a short pause. These systems are
called discrete speech systems. Recently, great strides have been made in continuous speech systems -- voice recognition systems
that allow you to speak naturally. There are now several continuous-speech systems available for personal computers.
Because of their limitations and high cost, voice recognition systems have traditionally been used only in a few specialized situations.
For example, such systems are useful in instances when the user is unable to use a keyboard to enter data because his or her hands
are occupied or disabled. Instead of typing commands, the user can simply speak into a headset. Increasingly, however, as the cost
decreases and performance improves, speech recognition systems are entering the mainstream and are being used as an alternative
to keyboards.
If some of you wish to experience voice recognition without purchasing an expensive software package, then try one of the toll-free
phone portals such as Tell Me. This system uses simple voice recognition commands with no more than a 4-word recognition limit.
Call 1-800-555-8355 and follow the prompts. You can even play blackjack, call a cab, get movie listings, weather and driving directions,
etc.
The FCB Technology Committee hosts a Tech Talk session in the FCB General Chat Room on the first Monday of each month at 8:00
PM. Please take advantage of this free tech support session. Have you paid for tech support lately? If so, then you're aware of the
cost.
The following link will take you to the sign in screen:
http://www.fcb.org/FCBGenRSigIn.htm.
At that point, type your name in to the edit field and press the enter key. Give the chat program time to load to your system. After the chat
client has loaded, press the Ctrl key to talk and release to listen. If people are already talking, you will hear them when you enter the
room.
I will be glad to help anyone if you are having difficulty getting into the chat room. You can e-mail me at
jsrj@earthlink.net
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RECIPE CORNER
Omelet’s in a Bag
by John Richards
Quart size resealable bags (half-gallon size for hearty eaters)
Eggs
Whatever fixings you like in your omelets (ham, cheese, mushrooms, etc.)
Salt and Pepper
Milk (optional)
Fill a large pot half full with water and bring to a boil. Break eggs into resealable bag along with milk, salt and pepper if you wish. Seal
the bag and mix (squish the ingredients together with your fingers). Once mixed, add other ingredients. Leave some room for eggs and
air to expand.
Reseal and tumble (mix everything together). Make sure to remove as much air as possible, seal the bag, and drop into boiling water.
The bags will float on top, and the air will expand in the bags when it gets warm. Cook approximately 10 minutes.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
by Sally Benjamin
1 pkg. Wyler’s Soup Starter
8 cups water
Fresh Broccoli
Bring water to boil. Add soup mix and stir with wisk. Cut up fresh broccoli (as much as you want) and add to soup. You can also add
chicken. Let cook 20 minutes and serve.
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HANDY TELEPHONE NUMBER REFERENCES
Project Insight: 1-800-267-4448
Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services: 1-800-226-6075
Division of Blind Services (Tallahassee State Headquarters): 1-800-342-1828
American Council of The Blind: 1-800-424-8666
(available only 3:00 to 5:30 PM EST Monday-Friday)
ACB Legislative Hotline: 1-800-424-8666
(Evenings 8:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight EST
Weekends 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM only)
A T & T Disability Services: 1-800-872-3883
Press 00 and speak with your long distance carrier
BellSouth Disability Services: 780-2273 from anywhere
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
24-hour voice and touch tone accessible
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