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
Editors of White Cane Bulletin:
Elizabeth Bowden
1919 Leone Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 574-6252
E-mail: esbowden@nettally.com
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
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Paul Edwards
APOLOGY - by Sharon Youngs
MEMBERSHIP - by Linda Jacobson
A PREVIEW OR A REPEAT VISIT? 2005 ANNUAL BOARD MEETING - by Rosanna Lippen
WHITE CANE LAW PROTECTS BLIND PEDESTRIANS: VIOLATION OF THE WHITE CANE SAFETY LAW AS A
PUNISHABLE OFFENSE - by Carl McCoy
AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND - by Paul Edwards
HUBERT DAVIS FOSTER - Submitted by Sila Miller
MORE TALES FROM AN AMTRAK TRAVELER - by Barbara Grill
SHOULD YOU BE INSTITUTIONALIZED? - Submitted by Jack Varnon
TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
THE WILLIAM (BILL) FERRELL (JUST BILL) HUMANITARIAN AWARD - by Sharon Youngs
PROCLAMATION - Submitted by Paul Edwards
HELPFUL TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION - by Nicole Hugues
EDITORIAL - by Sharon Youngs
TALES OF MY TRAVELS IN ITALY - by Sila Miller
KEEPING UP WITH THE KILI KIDS - by Sila Miller
WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN - by William Benjamin
A NEW ERA FOR TECHNOLOGY - by Paul Edwards
TOLERANCE AND EDUCATION WORKS BETTER THAN BITTER REPRISALS - by Ron Milliman (Submitted by Sally
Benjamin)
CHAPTER NEWS - Clay Council of the Blind, Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Palm Beach Chapter, Tallahassee
Council of the Blind
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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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - by Paul Edwards
PERIL AND COOPERATION
It seems that many of the messages I have written so far are negative. They point up problems we are having with the state or Federal
governments. There has certainly been much that I could fill this message with that would amplify ongoing instances of disappointing
government action. Instead, I want to talk about cooperation and peril.
You see I can’t quite get past the scare tactics. We are living at a time when the needs of all disadvantaged people are being given
short shrift by those who govern. Somehow we must find a way to create alliances that will better protect all of us at risk.
However, what I really want to focus on in this message is the season of cooperation that we seem to be in. In May, the National
Federation of the Blind took the lead in setting up a rally in front of the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. At that rally, many
organizations representing a broad array of disabilities were present and were given the chance to speak.
The NFB has not often chosen to collaborate with other groups as they did in May and I commend all at the NFB for their efforts. I hope
that this will be just the first in an ongoing period of collaborative effort on the part of both our organizations. Clearly at the state and
local levels there is a real desire to create opportunities for cooperation. The autonomy of our organizations will remain and there may
even be times when we disagree. However, I believe that it is crucial to create and foster an environment of joint action so that our
opponents cannot point to our two organizations and claim we are at odds with one another.
It was in this spirit that I, as President of the Florida Council of the Blind, cordially supported the efforts of the NFB of Florida, under the
able leadership of Kathy Davis, to get the courts to overturn the totally inappropriate decision taken by the Volusia County Council
concerning accessible voting. As many of you will remember, Florida passed legislation that required counties to have purchased and
deployed accessible voting equipment by the 1st of July. Volusia County, where Daytona Beach is, and Leon County, where our capital
Tallahassee is located, have both failed to meet this deadline.
Both are allegedly waiting for a device called the AutoMark to be certified. This will allow blind people and, to an extent, other people
with disabilities to vote independently and privately using scan technology. The Federation and FCB both believe that Leon and Volusia
Counties both broke the law. In our view, the deadline is absolute and there is no good reason for either county’s failure to abide by the
rules set in the legislation.
The Judge in Orlando took a position that is indicative of just what kind of times we are living in. He ruled that, while the law required
that equipment purchased must be accessible, there was no affirmative obligation to purchase equipment at all. Thus, he argued,
Volusia County did not break the law by doing nothing. He actually went further. He indicated that people with disabilities have the
ability to vote now and should be satisfied that they can use absentee ballots and receive help from poll workers. He dismissed the
use of the word “secret” in the Florida Constitution as it refers to the ballot as simply an ideal, not a mandate.
It seems pointless to continue the fight at the state level. We will be looking at where both counties are when the deadline for
accessible voting mandated by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Federal law comes along in January of 2006. While the decision of
the Judge is disheartening, to say the least, the fact that both Florida organizations are on the same page and cooperating is truly good
news. I would like especially to thank Doug Hall and Nancy Burgess-Hall for their hard work on this issue. I would also like publicly to
thank Kathy Davis of the NFB of Florida and Dr. Mark Maurer of the National Federation of the Blind for their leadership and initiative in
stepping up to the plate to be counted on this important issue.
At our state convention in May, we adopted a resolution that called for the legislature to work with blindness organizations in Florida to
create a Commission that will oversee services to people who are blind in Florida. I am happy to tell you that a similar resolution was
passed at the convention of the NFB of Florida two weeks later. I pledge to the blind people of Florida that, whenever I can, I will seek to
enable FCB to work hand in hand with the NFB of Florida.
I am also interested in seeing what we can do to foster more cooperation at the national level. How far apart are we in what we want
legislators to know? Is it possible for us to develop joint position papers? The last couple of years have seen both organizations going
to Capitol Hill with decidedly similar messages. Surely it would be better if we could go there and say that the whole weight of the
organized blind movement is behind a recommendation!
Let us make no mistake, here. Service delivery, as we know it, is threatened. The viability of Social Security is under attack. Medicare
and Medicaid are being pillaged. The future is extremely scary. Somehow we must manage to build coalitions of affected populations
to challenge the erosion of the disadvantaged by people who simply don’t care. I truly believe it is time for us to seek compromise and
collaboration and FCB pledges to do just that.
Now, at the local level, can our chapters undertake some joint activities? Will you local chapter leaders write to the White Cane Bulletin
and tell us about your joint projects? After all, talk is cheap and work is much harder.
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APOLOGY - by Sharon Youngs
Let me go on public record with a heartfelt apology to Nicole Hugues. Two of the articles in the last issue of the White Cane Bulletin
were inadvertently credited to me when, actually it was Nicole who took the time to submit them. We do appreciate your articles.
Everyone, please keep ‘em comin’!
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MEMBERSHIP - by Linda Jacobson
As many of you know, at the last FCB Convention, we passed a By-Law amendment changing the date for membership dues. The new
date for FCB dues and chapter assessments is November 30th. So, soon your chapter will be collecting dues. Those who are
members-at-large will be receiving a letter from me asking you to please renew your membership in FCB.
What do you get for your membership dues? You receive the state and national publications, The White Cane Bulletin and the Braille
Forum, as well as the convention calls. These publications come in the format of your choice. This membership also entitles you
voting rights at our conventions' general sessions. So, renew your membership and have your say.
If you have any questions my contact information is at the beginning of the WCB.
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A PREVIEW OR A REPEAT VISIT? 2005 ANNUAL BOARD MEETING - by Rosanna Lippen
The Sheraton Safari, location of board meetings for the past three years, will again be the location for the 2005 Board Meeting. The
dates of the board meeting are Friday, November 18th, to Sunday, November 20th, 2005.
This is also the hotel that will hold our Annual 2006 Convention, for anyone seeking a sneak preview of a super location where there is
more to do than hours in the day. The dates of the convention are: Thursday, May 11th to Sunday, May 14th, 2006. Further convention
information will follow in future White Cane Bulletin's.
The hotel is located at 12205 Apopka-Vineland Road, in the Lake Buena Vista area of Orlando. You may use 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: FCB.
This hotel is on Disney property and offers free shuttle service to the park. Additionally, no one could ask for a finer location. Hundreds
of restaurants, banks, and stores are within a close proximity covering all price ranges. There is even a Pizza Hut on the hotel
premises.
The cutoff date for the board meeting at a room rate of $86.00 for up to four people in a room is October 1st, 2005. Please comply with
this date as no extensions will be honored at the group rate.
Looking forward to seeing everyone there.
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WHITE CANE LAW PROTECTS BLIND PEDESTRIANS: VIOLATION OF THE WHITE CANE SAFETY LAW AS A
PUNISHABLE OFFENSE - by Carl McCoy
(Editor's Note: October 15th is Florida White Cane Day. Carl McCoy is a Past President of FCB.)
There is little doubt that the American intersection is becoming more and more hazardous to blind pedestrians. In one recent week
alone, there were five incidents of persons struck by motor vehicles resulting in one being killed and the other four being seriously
injured. With ever-increasing traffic volume everywhere, hearing about a person who is blind becoming a traffic victim somewhere in the
U.S. is almost a daily occurrence.
As a countermeasure, many states have adopted legislation designed to protect this vulnerable group who must cross busy streets to
conduct their daily activities. Florida Statute 413.07 is named Traffic Regulations To Assist Blind Persons and states:
1. It is unlawful for any person, unless totally or partially blind, or otherwise incapacitated, while on any public street or highway, to carry in
a raised or extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red.
2. Whenever a pedestrian is crossing or attempting to cross a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or
extended position a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white tipped with red, the driver of every vehicle approaching the
intersection or place where such pedestrian is attempting to cross shall bring his vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection
or place of crossing and before proceeding shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian.
3. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to deprive any totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated person not
carrying such a cane or walking stick, or not being guided by a dog, of the rights and privileges conferred by law upon pedestrians
crossing streets or highways; nor shall the failure of such totally or partially blind or otherwise incapacitated person to carry a cane or
walking stick, or to be guided by a guide dog upon the streets, highways, or sidewalks of this state, be held to constitute, or be evidence
of, contributory negligence.
4 Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in
section 775.082, section 775.083, and section 775.084.
Since there seems to be little public awareness that violating the legal rights of blind pedestrians is a punishable offense, we urge that
every driver in Florida, both residents and visitors, at least learn and observe this law. If it would enhance their sensitivity to mentally
place themselves in the role of the unsighted, they might imagine being blindfolded and told to "Now, cross the street." Would a careless
or reckless driver have a clearer insight into the plight of the blind and observe safety?
We, the members of the Florida Council of the Blind, challenge Florida's drivers to observe the rights of blind pedestrians, and indeed all
pedestrians, to take into account the lives of these courageous pedestrians and respect those who carry a white cane or are lead by a
guide dog.
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AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND - by Paul Edwards
Thank you for the opportunity of presenting this document for your consideration. The Task Force on which you serve can either become
a part of the problem or a champion for a real solution to the shameful absence of accessibility which pervades state government web
sites and information management systems. As you will see, the FCB has a long history of affirmatively seeking to work with the state to
get this problem solved.
The Florida Council of the Blind is a consumer organization in the state of Florida with more than a thousand members in 26 chapters.
For the past decade one of our highest priorities has been to work with the state of Florida to assure that laws, regulations, policies and
practices be developed to assure that people who are blind and live in Florida can access government information. In addition, we have
worked to get the state to assure that information management systems deployed by state agencies or their subsidiaries are accessible
to people who are blind. After repeated efforts to collaborate failed, the Florida Council of the Blind wrote last year to the Attorney
General’s office to ask that they intervene to demand that the state abide by its obligations under the law. We further referenced repeated
assurances from Governor Bush that he expected state entities to adhere to Section 508 guidelines.
Currently whole classes of people with disabilities are denied access to information and employment through systems authorized,
owned and funded by the State of Florida and its agencies. It will not be sufficient to create a future policy. Clearly, unless the state
agrees to make retroactive changes to existing information systems comprehensively and expeditiously, the task force will be a waste of
time. Mistakes must be corrected and a clear timetable for their correction must be adopted. More than that, a system must be created
that will assure the following:
1. The state has implemented policies and procedures that will monitor compliance with Section 508 or its equivalent and which will
have the power and duty to penalize agencies failing to comply with requirements under Section 508.
2. A clear and unequivocal approach to correcting the egregious breaches of the law on Florida's website and in programs used by
state agencies must be developed, implemented and monitored. Such a program must have a time table of no longer than two years
for all corrections and must include an allocation of funds sufficient to make such changes as are deemed necessary to bring all such
web pages and information management programs into compliance.
3. Regulations must be promulgated that will assure that safeguards are built into the purchasing rules of the State of Florida that will
preclude the purchase of hardware or software that, by its design or implementation, excludes a whole class of people with disabilities.
Again, such a system must include monitoring provisions and penalties for agencies that do not comply. Also, information systems
and websites purchased since the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act must be brought into compliance. Further,
proposed changes in such sites must be tested by independent evaluators to assure that they truly do meet 508 standards.
4. The task force is encouraged to recommend specific procedures to receive and process complaints of non-compliance with Section
508. It is also urged to address the question of how best to deal with individuals who have been forced to leave their jobs because of
the implementation of information systems or web sites which made it impossible for them to function independently and effectively in
their positions. It is also hoped that the Task Force will develop specific recommendations concerning the protection from harassment
or retaliation for persons filing complaints of inaccessibility who may be state employees.
5. It is insufficient to make a set of static recommendations concerning technological accessibility because of the rapid evolution of
technological change. At a minimum, then, it is hoped that the task force will:
1) Suggest a periodic review of state policies, procedures and legislation by an independent entity that will include persons with
disabilities and representation from consumer organizations of persons with disabilities in its membership.
2) That the Governor's Office be required to submit an annual report to the legislature outlining its efforts to remove information barriers
and setting goals for the following year. Such a report shall also include a description of complaints received from individuals or
entities alleging noncompliance with Section 508 and how such complaints were handled.
3) Legislation be promulgated that will incorporate many or all of the principles included in these recommendations and that will create
at the highest level within state government oversight for access to information.
Such legislation should include specific penalties for noncompliance and should mandate that the state develop and implement
approaches to assure compliance by agencies directly under its control and to strongly encourage compliance by entities not under its
jurisdiction. At the least, this legislation should include a provision that its effectiveness be reviewed by the legislature five years after
implementation. This review will include the creation of another task force at that time to report to the legislature on the effectiveness of
the law.
Obviously, the above suggestions constitute one organization's concerns. However, the Florida Council of the Blind has already
indicated its intention to file suit under the ADA and other appropriate legislation at the state and federal level for what it deems the
cavalier disregard of the rights of people with disabilities by various entities of state government. In many cases, such disregard
occurred despite repeated efforts on the part of interested persons and entities to get such problems fixed. Often such efforts were
treated as threats and were punished.
People with disabilities are citizens of Florida and have the right to access information that is available to citizens who are not disabled.
Such persons also have the right to seek employment or to do business with the state of Florida utilizing websites and information
management systems that do not, by their structure or components, exclude access and/or use by persons with any disability. The
Task Force must recognize that Florida's citizens with disabilities have been systematically and knowingly excluded from access to a
majority of web sites and information management systems adopted by the state or its agencies over the past decade.
It may be that there was not an intent to exclude people with disabilities but there is clear evidence that when such exclusion was
reported, virtually no action was taken to remedy such situations. Alternatively, a timetable to remedy inaccessibility was adopted that
was far too lengthy and that assured that people with disabilities would lose jobs or the capacity to compete equitably in doing
business with the state. Essentially, then, the Task Force must recognize the environment of exclusion an discrimination out of which
this task force has grown and take actions that will not only create a future free of arbitrary exclusion but that will also take account of
what has happened in the past.
The Florida Council of the Blind appreciates the opportunity to present our views to the task force. It is our fervent hope that this
document will help to focus the discussions of the Task Force and that its recommendations will perhaps serve as a first
approximation of your final recommendations to the Governor.
Yours Sincerely,
Paul Edwards, President
Florida Council of the Blind
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HUBERT DAVIS FOSTER - Submitted by Sila Miller
Hubert Davis Foster, 84, of Chiefland and a former resident of St. Augustine, died August 20th, 2005, at his home. Mr. Foster was a
native of Coleman Falls, Virginia, and attended the Virginia School for the Blind in Staunton, VA. He earned his Bachelor of Music from
the Shenandoah Conservatory in Dayton, VA, and a Master of Music from the Florida State University.
Mr. Foster taught voice, piano, chorus and piano tuning at Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind in St. Augustine, FL, from 1957 until
his retirement as chairman of the music department in 1984. He then moved to Chiefland in 2002. His Funeral services were held in
Lynchburg, VA.
Mr. Foster is survived by his wife, Karen; four children and three stepchildren; his brother, Maynard, five grandchildren and five step
grandchildren. From all of us who's lives you touched and helped to shape, we love and appreciate you Mr. Foster!
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MORE TALES FROM AN AMTRAK TRAVELER - by Barbara Grill
I waited to board the train, in the Amtrak station mulling over the events of the previous day. It had been fun to explore he San Francisco
CalTrain station using the Remote Infrared Audio System device. Undoubtedly, the feeling of satisfaction I felt using this technology will
last for a long time. My tour of the CalTrain station was early on Saturday morning and I didn’t realize that the rest of the day would be
spent in an Oakland California hospital emergency room. Unfortunately, Ed, my traveling companion, was wearing an arm sling due to
an injury from a fall. Luckily nothing was broken but he was in a lot of pain.
The announcement over the station loudspeaker brought me back to reality. The train would be slightly delayed. I do not mind delays
because train stations are good places for people watching. On this occasion, we were immediately approached by an Amtrak
employee who had noticed Ed's arm sling and my white cane. He asked whether or not we would need assistance. It has been our
experience that Amtrak makes every effort to assist disabled people both on the train and in stations. I did not wait for Ed to answer.
"Yes, we need help!"
Within minutes, Ed, I, and our luggage were hurried onto the people mover. Max, the redcap put the vehicle in gear and we raced down
the platform as the Coast Starlight slowly entered the station. The familiar excitement came over me. Passengers clambered aboard
and, after only a few minutes, we heard the "all aboard." The train whistle tooted and once again we were on our way.
Once settled in our sleeping room, I realized that we needed a break from train travel to visit with friends. It isn't often that I am willing to
forego train travel for anything else. Our car attendant came to ask if we would be going to the diner for lunch but we decided to eat in
our room. Ed and I both enjoy going into the diner and meeting passengers but this time, Ed needed to rest.
Even though we were very tired from the stress of the previous day, we began to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside the train
window. The Coast Starlight travels along one of America's most scenic routes. Much of the trip between Seattle and Los Angeles
winds alongside the beautiful Pacific Ocean before ascending the picturesque Coastal Mountain ranges. The highlight of the entire trip
is the wine and cheese tasting offered in the parlor car. The Coast Starlight is the only train in the Amtrak fleet that offers this wonderful
treat. Today, we are lucky to travel with Darrin, the parlor car attendant. Along with wine and cheese, Darrin serves up an interesting
narrative - history of the region and graphic descriptions of the scenery as the train passes through beautiful mountains and valleys. All
too quickly this idyllic afternoon drew to a close.
The wine and cheese tasting ended and, we decided to go to the lounge car to watch a movie and eat junk food. Time passed and
soon we are back in our room preparing for our arrival into LA Union Station. Ed had developed a balance problem due to his painful
injury. Luckily, we had chosen a hotel directly across the street from the station so it did not take long to settle in for the evening. The
next morning, Ed's friends arrived to drive us to the California desert country.
The following few days were spent in beautiful Rancho Mirage California. The trip from Los Angeles to the desert country is spectacular
passing through the Santa Rosa Mountains. Windmill farms stand along the sides of the highway generating power for California
communities. We rode along Bob Hope Drive, Dinah Shore and Frank Sinatra Streets; past spectacular snow capped mountains and
manicured landscapes; past security guards and into the gated community. Rancho Mirage is a community that takes your breath
away!
Four days later I was still spellbound. Ed's friends are former college classmates who took good care of him. Ed nursed his sore arm
in the heated pool and Jacuzzi. We visited local restaurants and historic places. But the Marriott Hotel complete with a manmade lake
that enters into the building was mind-boggling. A small fleet of motorboats is available to guests for a cruise across the lake to visit a
restaurant or a friend's villa. All this is located in the desert where humidity is low and summer temperatures routinely rise above 105
degrees. Amazing!
The return trip along California freeways to LA was long and tiring. Of course, as luck would have it, we got stuck in famous Los
Angeles gridlock. My heart was pounding. Our train was scheduled to leave shortly for San Diego. We arrived at Union Station . . . but
no, it wasn't the station. It was the post office! We got back into the car with only 15 minutes until departure. We zigzagged In and out of
traffic, screeched to a halt in front of the station, grabbed our luggage and ran into the station. Ed hurried to find a redcap. We needed a
cart to take us to the train. I bounced from foot to foot straining to see Ed. It seemed like an eternity when Chris, an Amtrak redcap,
asked me if I needed assistance. "Yes." I explained that Ed was off trying to find someone to help. Another Amtrak employee came over
and asked Chris to assist a disabled passenger. Chris replied that he would. I thought that all was lost when Ed returned. Chris
loaded us into the people mover and we sped out the passenger gates. We made it!
Within two or three minutes, the Pacific Surfliner slowly rolled down the platform out of the station. While Ed and I exchanged
breathless accounts of the previous half hour, the train lumbered through LA's industrial areas. The coach attendant came to offer us
and other passengers' snacks and beverages. The Pacific Surfliner is a daily commuter train between LA and San Diego. Coaches
are double decker, which means that the view from the upper level is quite spectacular. And, once again, the route winds along the
Pacific Ocean. Sometimes, I see the scenery (depending on the light level and speed of the train and the cleanliness of the windows).
A few years ago, I saw maneuvers of big ships from the San Diego Naval Base from the train window. But this time, the day had turned
overcast and I could not see any scenery so amused myself thinking about what was ahead of us for the remainder of our trip. We
were traveling to San Diego for the semi-annual National Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee meeting.
The train sped closer to San Diego as daylight turned to twilight. Ed walked with me to the café car. Each coach has an upper and
lower level so we had to climb stairs to walk through to the next coach. The café car is located on the lower level so we made our way
very carefully downstairs. The train swayed and lurched along the tracks. I wondered whether it was a good idea to go to the café car
because Ed still was off balance. We sat in the café car until we were in Oceanside station with arrival into San Diego in 10 minutes.
We then made our way back to our coach seats as the train slowed down for arrival into the busy San Diego area.
Our visit to San Diego was great. We were surprised that temperatures were pleasantly cool. We went sightseeing, riding the trolley to
Tijuana but didn’t go into Mexico. The next day, we took the ferry to Coronado across San Diego Bay. A lump rose in my throat as the
ferry entered a restricted naval area to pick up young sailors who were going into San Diego on shore leave.
All too soon, our California visit was coming to an end. The ACAC meeting was barely over when we found ourselves running for
another train. This time, I felt a twinge of sadness mixed with the usual anticipation of riding another train. We were on the homeward
bound leg of our trip. Wouldn’t it be great to stop the clock to bask in pleasant moments with friends and family? I was sitting on the
accessible cart in the San Diego station gathering my thoughts. ACAC friends were boarding the train to LA with Ed and me. The
return trip took about 3 hours and before we knew it we all were running again for another train. Thankfully, we had friends to assist Ed
who still was wearing the arm sling. This time, we were boarding Amtrak's Southwest Chief - one of America’s premier trains.
Larry, the sleeping car attendant, greeted us and took us to the Family Room. We needed sleeping accommodations because we
would be spending two days on the train and this was the only room available. Larry stowed our luggage and offered any assistance
that we would need including walking with us through the train. I suspect that he was concerned about how we would manage. We
were walking wounded! We made prior arrangements for arm assistance for me when booking our reservation. "Arm Assistance" is
one of many special needs requests that can be made when making reservations. We thanked Larry but declined his offer to walk with
us to the diner or to serve us meals in our room.
We were off on another adventure. The Southwest Chief follows the old El Capitan route through more beautiful deserts, mountains
and valleys. It is a special trip for me because I rode El Capitan as a young girl. I enjoy desert mountains although they are not as
glorious as the Rockies. Nevertheless, it is a spectacular trip. And, what is more important the trip takes two whole days!
After supper in the dining car, we returned to our room to find our beds turned down. Luckily, I can sleep anywhere and truly enjoy
sleeping on trains. The rocking, swaying and even the sound of the train whistle lull me to sleep! I love to rise early and have coffee
served in my room as the train travels through the countryside. Nothing can be more enjoyable than seeing the sunrise over desert
mountaintops. Well, I had ample time to enjoy these small pleasures on this trip. Another special moment was the 2-hour stopover in
Albuquerque. On the platform, native Indians sold beaded jewelry so I bought gifts for my daughters.
Hours passed visiting various parts of the train and my Amtrak friends as well as resting and relaxing. Along the route, volunteer
groups made several nature presentations. Ed was able to see antelope and big horn sheep from the lounge car window. Pat, the
lounge car attendant, was a humorous guy who added to the enjoyment of this trip with his funny announcements about upcoming
movies.
I have to confess that I worried whether or not we would make our connection in Chicago. With only 2 hours between trains, I feared the
worse. Trains can run late … very late! Believe it or not, the train arrived into Chicago 5 minutes early!
Although we didn’t have time to do anything other than hang out in the Metropolitan Lounge, I was able to make a few phone calls to
family. And, then it was onto the Capitol Limited bound for Washington, D.C. That train left Chicago on time and I was now anticipating
what awaited us in D.C. We would be leaving the train and, of all things, flying to Ft. Lauderdale! We had several hours cushion built
into our schedule and the train made it into Washington with ample time to spare. Again, we relaxed in the Union Station lounge and I
even managed to check e-mails! Something I had not done during the previous three and a half weeks. The world was surviving nicely
without me!
Refreshed, we headed to Reagan International Airport to catch an early evening flight. There is a significant difference between
traveling by train and airplane. So far, there are no security checks on trains but this may change in the near future. And, as you have
learned, Ed and I have been known to arrive at stations within a few minutes of a train's departure. We couldn't do this going through
airport security. It is easy for me to conclude that I like trains better. In any event, we didn’t have time to go all the way to Ft. Lauderdale
by train. We had too tight a schedule to take a chance on a train arriving late.
Well, you probably suspect the reason why we had to fly to Ft. Lauderdale. We were attending the Florida Council of the Blind 2005
Convention. I am the delegate from the Venice Chapter and wanted to be secure about arriving in time to participate in all Convention
activities. But leaving the train was sad.
As I wrote earlier, one of my most favorite things to do in the whole world is to travel Amtrak. I love train lore and even the songs about
trains . . . "Orange Blossom Special," "City of New Orleans" and scores of others. Being able to combine Amtrak travel along with
advocacy for disabled and blind persons through the Amtrak Customer Advisory Committee and the Florida Council of the Blind is the
best of all possible worlds.
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SHOULD YOU BE INSTITUTIONALIZED? - Submitted by Jack Varnon
It doesn't hurt to take a hard look at yourself from time to time.
This little test should get you started.
During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director which is the criteria that defines a patient to be institutionalized. "Well,"
said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, we offer a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask the patient to empty the
bathtub."
Okay, here's your test:
(Those with an abnormal tendency will scroll to the bottom to get the answer before taking the test.)
1. Would you use the spoon?
2. Would you use the teacup?
3. Would you use the bucket?
"Oh, I understand," said the visitor. "A normal person would choose the bucket as it is larger than the spoon."
"No," answered the Director. "A normal person would pull the plug."
So how did YOU do?
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TECH TIPS - by John Richards for the FCB Technology Committee
If you have purchased a new system lately, then you have probably noticed the industry is phasing out the floppy drive. That’s right,
some new systems have no floppy drive. However, if you have a shoebox full of 3.5-inch diskettes with important data, you can
purchase a USB floppy drive, which connects easily to your system. Just plug it in to a USB port and you are ready to copy those old
diskettes.
On Monday, October 3rd, at 8:00 P.M., the FCB Technology Committee will host a Tech Talk session in the FCB General Chat Room.
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 in to the chat room. You can E-mail me at:
jsrj@allvantage.com
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THE WILLIAM (BILL) FERRELL (JUST BILL) HUMANITARIAN AWARD - by Sharon Youngs
Bill Ferrell worked for the Tennessee Agency for the Blind for many years. He first worked as a counselor. Then he moved up the ladder
until he was Director.
Retiring did not mean resting on his laurels for Bill. He helped to organize the Brevard Chapter in 1981. Although Bill was a simple
man in his estimation, he had a huge impact on the continuation of FCB. Bill was involved in blindness issues for many years. He
was a Project Insight peer advisor since that program’s inception. He was a member of many vital FCB committees and represented
his chapter to the Board of Directors for many years.
Bill was a calm introspective man but, if the need arose, he would give his view of an issue with an informed politeness and in a
politically correct manner.
When addressed as Mr. Ferrell, he would invariably say, "I’m just Bill." So, Bill our tribute to you is to try to be more like you, just Bill.
Bill, we all loved you!
The recipient of this award may be blind or sighted but must have gone to great lengths to better the quality of life of people, be they
sighted or not. The recipient should have demonstrated a sincere concern for their fellow human, just as Bill always did. Membership
in Florida Council of the Blind is not a prerequisite for this award. Anyone who, over they years, has contributed their time and caring for
others, especially people who are blind or visually impaired, may be a candidate for this award.
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PROCLAMATION - Submitted by Paul Edwards
The Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners
WHEREAS:
People with disabilities have fought for, and largely won, the opportunity to take part in all aspects of Miami-Dade County and through
their efforts have made invaluable contributions to our community; and
WHEREAS:
Gayle Krause Edwards played a vital part in many of the advances made in our society and made major achievements that have helped
many people achieve their goals and make their dreams a reality; and
WHEREAS:
As the Supervisor of the Compliance/Awareness Division of the Office of ADA Coordination, Mrs. Edwards was instrumental in providing
ADA compliance and Disability Awareness training to many Miami-Dade Departments and worked with Transit to develop Standard
Operating Procedures for bus drivers; and
WHEREAS:
Mrs. Edwards worked with the Police Department to develop ways for dealing with victims, perpetrators and witnesses with disabilities
and dedicated her time and efforts to ensuring that many public facilities including taxi cabs, Election voting areas and Libraries were
accessible for our residents; and
WHEREAS:
It is fitting and proper that the memory of Gayle Krause Edwards be honored for her extensive achievements that have enabled others to
enjoy more independent lives and all the benefits of our community;
NOW THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED, THAT I, CARLOS ALVAREZ, MAYOR OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS AND THIS COMMUNITY, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, July 19th, 2005, as day in remembrance of Gayle Krause
Edwards.
In Observance Thereof: I call upon the good people of Miami-Dade County to join me in paying homage to this dynamic individual who
truly personified the spirit of the Americans with Disability Act.
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HELPFUL TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION - by Nicole Hugues
If you are an FCB Board Member and plan to attend the meeting in Orlando in November, this information may be helpful to you.
Greyhound bus now has wheelchair lift equipped buses for people who either use wheelchairs or for individuals whose disability
prevents them from safely climbing the bus stairs. If you need this service, please call Greyhound’s ADA travel assistance line at
1-800-752-4841 at least two days prior to your travel date or as far in advance as 7 days. You may be asked for your confirmation
number at the terminal, so have it handy.
Be sure to ask about other services too. If any of the members were once in the military or are a dependent of someone who is on active
duty or retired, you are eligible for 10% discount on your ticket. By showing your military identification card, you may use this discount on
line or at the terminal. If you use this discount online and have your tickets held at your pick up terminal, you must show your military
identification card to the customer service representative when you pick the ticket up.
The Greyhound bus terminal in Orlando is located at 555 North John Young Parkway. The phone number is (407) 292-3440. If you
would rather use the Kissimmee terminal, it is located at 103 East Dakin Avenue. The phone number is (407) 847-3911.
You may also find useful this Amtrak information. The Orlando Amtrak train station is located at: 1400 Sligh Boulevard. The phone
number is (407) 423-4882. The Winter Park Amtrak station is located at 150 West Morse Blvd. The phone number is (407) 645-3365.
The Kissimmee Amtrak train station is located at 111 Dakin Street. The phone number: (407) 933-5508. When making your reservation,
ask for “meet and assist”. This assistance is only available during operational hours. Amtrak can accommodate wheelchairs.
Mears Transportation group has 6 wheelchair accessible taxis if you need to use them. The phone number is (407) 699-9999. I would
suggest putting a time call for this service.
Lynx fixed route bus information may be obtained by calling (407) 841-5969 or visiting
http://www.golynx.com. All buses are wheelchair accessible. There is no charge for blind and
visually impaired people who are using a white cane, accompanied by a guide dog, or carrying their Division of Blind Services
identification card.
If you would prefer to use paratransit services and you have valid eligibility where you currently live, you may request a 21-day card to
use in the Orlando area. To do this, you need to contact access Lynx Paratransit Eligibility at (407) 423-8747, option 6. Paratransit
service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the Orlando area.
If I can be of assistance with other transportation issues, please E-mail me at
blindnikki@aol.com or call me at (321) 663-2007.
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EDITORIAL - by Sharon Youngs
Do you listen to newscasts? I don't think you can avoid them. Every day the newscaster sits there calmly and says something like, "Four
more U.S. service people were killed/ injured in a roadside bombing in Irag today." Do you ever stop and think that those service people
were there because they VOLUNTEERED for service. There is no draft any longer.
I hope that the next time you hear such a news story you will take a brief second to thank God for these people. Then say a brief prayer
for the people who were left behind by these brave people. We will "celebrate" Veterans Day in the next issue but I feel we should
honor them every day.
But that’s just my opinion.
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TALES OF MY TRAVELS IN ITALY - by Sila Miller
Earlier this year, I had the good fortune, thanks to a generous but anonymous Angel who helped to raise money to sponsor two people
from Florida, to attend No Barriers Dolomiti. The conference was held in the beautiful Italian Alps. The conference offered physically
challenged attendees the opportunity to meet, interact and learn from scientists and inventors who are developing assistive
technologies, and to see, feel and use state-of-the-art assistive equipment.
No Barriers Dolomiti seeks to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities by increasing active participation in the outdoor
environment. It is not just a name; it is a state of mind. It is the attitude of reaching out and finding a way to accomplish one's dreams,
no matter what it takes. The principle aim of No Barriers Dolomiti is to facilitate knowledge exchange between people with disabilities
and those who create assistive technologies, thus fostering cooperation between them, and improving the efficacy of current
rehabilitation approaches.
Leaving on the heels of Hurricane Dennis on an international flight made for an interesting and challenging beginning of my trip
abroad! After an "overnight" 8-plus-hour flight to Paris with my seat mate falling into my lap and my feet being constantly tickled by the
curtain that divided us from the first class passengers, we arrived in the Charles DeGaul Airport. There, we practically ran for what
seemed like miles to catch our next flight to Venice, despite the fact that we had plenty of time.
Arriving in Venice at approximately 11:00 local time we went in search of currency exchange, only to find the computers down. Being
jet-lagged as we were, what with it being 5:00 AM at home, we decided to tackle that mountain a little later. When we met up with our
friend and traveling companion, we learned that our hotel rooms had been given away. However, being the wonder that she is, Bobbie
had already scouted out another hotel and we struck out for it.
Venice is a beautiful, romantic little city with no cars, lots of out-of-the-way alleyways, cobblestone streets and bridges. A pedestrian's
dream and mobility nightmare! To cross a bridge you must walk up one side and down the other.
Venice is built on the Mediterranean Sea and sports many forms of water transportation, the best, in my opinion being gondolas,
narrow boats that are guided by one long paddle. The highlights of my time there are: a visit to the Doge's Palace where there was
beautiful, old art and lots of history, taking a gondola ride with a most helpful and friendly gondolier and browsing in the shops which
were filled with beautiful Venetian glass, gorgeous leather and interesting masks.
Cortina d'Ampezzo where No Barriers Dolomiti was held is near the northeastern border of Italy with Austria. The village, boasting a
thousand-year old remarkable historical background, has nearly 7,000 inhabitants. It attracts visitors from all over the world for its lively
international atmosphere, its fashionable shops, and excellent restaurants. Cortina is also known as the "Regina delle Dolomiti" -
Queen of the Dolomites - since it is in the heart of the wonderful Dolomites, which is where we did our rock climbing and hiking.
Cortina is surrounded by forests and wide ski slopes, below the towering craggy red rock mountains. It offers something to everyone
and most certainly captured my heart. Alpine skiing is not the only international sport that has gained Cortina its worldwide fame; there
are also an Olympic ski-jump outside the village and a thrilling bobsled track where international championships take place every year
as well.
The morning we wound our way up the mountain to Cortina, we were awed by the panoramic views, noticeably cooler air, and friendly
local folks. No joke, there were flowers of every color all over the place. We met some pretty amazing, determined people there. They
not only had a lot of good advice to offer regarding how to overcome whatever life tosses your way, remain active and have fun but also
showed us firsthand just how to go about it!
Take Erik Weihenmayer, for instance; 14 years ago, he was just another Boston College kid trying to pick up girls at keg parties. Today,
this mountain-climbing nut is the toast of the world as the first blind person to reach the top of Mount Everest. Weihenmayer may not be
able to see, (the victim of a rare hereditary disease, he lost his sight at 13), but the most famous blind American after Stevie Wonder
and Ray Charles can climb mountains, teach middle school aged people, motivate CEOs, and write a book (Touch the Top of the
World.) He is the recipient of numerous awards, among them the prestigious Free Spirit Award and the 2002 ESPN ESPY Award.
Then there is Warren Macdonald, who had always wanted to climb one of Australia's most remote mountains, Tasmania’s Federation
Peak. His world changed dramatically when a climbing accident on Hinchinbrook Island left him pinned under a rock for two days and
resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. After the accident, Warren revealed his desperation to get back out into the wilderness he
loves so much. Ten months later, he was in a wheelchair climbing Cradle Mountain, and less than a year after that walking into
Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness on a pair of short prosthesis he developed himself.
Next comes Mark Wellman, an accomplished athlete and outdoor adventurer, who was left a paraplegic by a freak accident on a
descent in the John Muir Wilderness in 1982. Mark didn’t let that stop him though; he has gone on to ascend over 50 peaks in the
Sierra Nevada as well as many summits in the French Alps.
There is no limit to what we can reasonably achieve, except perhaps in our own minds" he says. Mark was honored in 1996 by the
Paralympic Committee and ascended a 120-foot rope with the flaming torch to light the Olympic Cauldron. His autobiography is
entitled “Climbing Back.” He has designed adaptive equipment and has developed programs to inspire and motivate others, including
films highlighting a variety of athletes with disabilities. He speaks for Disabled Sports USA, and lends his name to the Governor's
Committee on Employment for the Disabled.
There was lots of interesting technology and many new and challenging ideas were shared at No Barriers Dolomiti. Sile O'Modhrain,
Ph.D., from the MIT Media Lab presented a lecture on Sensible Design, a Perceptually Aware Approach to the Design of Assistive
Devices. Michael May, Ph.D. and President of Sendero, Inc. shared information about GPS navigation and demonstrated wayfinding
technology for people who are blind.
There was a rock wall in the city that we all had a chance to climb and each of us managed to reach the top...Some a little faster than
others but reach the top we did! Sam and Bobbie also went rock climbing in the Dolomite Mountains. Sam was ecstatic to have the
opportunity to climb with and belay for one of the heroic climbers, Andy Holzer, who is to accompany he and Craig Kiser on the climb
on Kilimanjaro in September.
We went for a couple of hikes through the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites, which is in the Dolomite mountains and has a
powerful and spectacular river running through it. We managed to keep our guide, Giordano on edge as he thought we'd be a subdued
group of disabled people just wanting a walk in the park and instead, we wanted to ramble around on our own and experience walking
under a waterfall where you had to put on a safety harness and hook into a line as there was a 200-foot, sheer drop down the
mountain.
Unbeknownst to us, the locals were giving poor Giordano a really hard time as well and we ended up feeling a little sorry for him and
relenting but this was a wonderful opportunity to focus attention on the capabilities of blind people and to shatter the public's
perceptions about what is possible, not only for blind people, but for all of us in our lives.
Thanks to Leonard Timm and Jerry Kerr, founders of DRAFT, a non-profit organization that represents people with disabilities who are,
by virtue of new developments in technology and more widespread use of the principles of universal design, finding the opportunity to
more fully participate in our society, and enhance the quality of their lives we had a chance to experience operating the Segway HT. The
Segway is a human transporter that can self-balance because of a technology called dynamic stabilization, which works in much the
same way your own sense of balance does.
Believe it or not, the most challenging aspect of this cool contraption was making it be still. It responds to your body position so, if you
lean forward, it goes forward. A good posture tester!
The last leg of my journey was Rome. I must admit, I was a bit disappointed. It was hot, noisy, dirty and crowded. However, in
historical Rome's defense, it was viewed through tired and blind eyes. We visited the Coliseum, properly named The Flavian
Amphitheatre where Romans used to go for entertainment, which largely consisted of blood sports where animals would be pitted
against both each other and gladiators, slaves who were trained to fight to the death.
Then it was on to the ancient Roman Ruins to plunder around in the fallen debris largely caused by an earthquake. Last, we visited the
Crypt of the Capuchin Priests. This museum honors the dead by displaying their bones in an art format. Yes, a bit bizarre but quite
interesting.
I hadn't meant for this tale to go on for quite so long but didn't want to leave anything out. I hope you’ve had a good time traveling with
me on the magic carpet of imagination. My trip was fun, challenging and well worth it! You must seize every opportunity to live and
experience new things and I’m so grateful to have had that opportunity.
Here’s hoping that one day you'll get to wing it and ask for toilet paper in Italian! Ciao!
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KEEPING UP WITH THE KILI KIDS - by Sila Miller
Craig Kiser and Sam Atwood, two blind residents of Tallahassee, Florida, will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro early this September. The
mission of the Kilimanjaro expedition will be to climb the mountain as an integrated blind and sighted team.
Mt. Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano mountain reaching an elevation of 19,335.6 feet. It is the tallest freestanding mountain in the
world. A climb of this proportion is an impressive feat for anyone to accomplish.
Follow this exciting trip as it unfolds. Craig and Sam will be providing daily updates once they embark on the trip. To catch these
updates, go to http://www.state.fl.us/dbs and click on the Kilimanjaro Expedition 2005 link.
More to come once they return and I finish bending their ear and pounding on them because I am so envious!
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WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN - by William Benjamin
Over the last few months, I have been submitting articles on how to be successful. If there is one thing that you need to be successful,
it is a business plan. Carpenters, ship builders and bridge builders wouldn’t think of beginning with out a plan. People beginning a
new business shouldn’t either.
When I was at the ACB National Convention, the Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers (IVIE) asked me to speak on how to write a
business plan. Virtually every person in that audience had a business and was successful. One thing that struck me was that each of
them knew the importance of a business plan and moreover, that it should be updated every year. We were in agreement that
physically writing down your ideas, goals and plans is the cornerstone to being successful.
So, how do you write a business plan? There is no way I could cover this subject in such a short article, but let’s cover some of the
basics.
A business plan should be between 12 and 24 pages long. There should be a cover page followed with a resume. Every page
should be on your letterhead. That way, if any page is separated from the rest of the packet everyone knows where it belongs.
A business plan should follow what we know as classic essay style. Each page should entertain one subject. And on each page there
should be an introduction paragraph. Then three thoughts broken into one paragraph each. Finally, each page should have a
conclusion paragraph summarizing the subject.
Now, that is the long and the short of it. I remember when I had not written a business plan and the above description would have left
me with a lot of questions. The first and most important was what topic should each page cover. We don't have much room, but I will
try to guide you a little.
When teaching business at the Piano Hospital, I helped many students write a business plan. I talked to many state Rehab
counselors and they gave me the guidelines to their states standards. With this background, let's look at a possible roadmap.
Your business plan should tell a story. After the resume, make the next page your history. Talk about what your experiences and what
has led you up to the point of writing this business plan.
The next page should be a description of your city or town, called the demographics. You should include population, main industries,
schools of higher learning, important traffic routes and air availability, and if it is upcoming and prosperous. The next page should
describe the location including, accessibility, visibility, surrounding neighborhood and how your business will fit into the neighborhood.
This is important even if your business is in your home.
Now you should describe the business: is it your home or a storefront? Give the size, describe the building, discuss each room and
how you will display the products you have to offer. Next should be your overall view of future plans. Don’t go into detail, but give a
broad description of where you hope to go. Now you are ready for the meat and potatoes of the subject. You want one page each on:
introducing your product, advertising, Market share, description of the competition and any promotions that you have planned.
One important page should be on publication. Did you know that to get a sizable rehab grant you must show that you can produce
publication advertising your business? Large agencies know how important it is to produce: flyers, direct mail and other pieces of
literature. So if you want to be successful, you are going to have to learn how to publish. You will want a page on justifying your
business plan, a page on capital resources you bring to the business, a page on capital needs you have for the business, a page on
debts and obligations, a page on special accommodations needed for your disability and a page on the unique qualities that you have
to offer.
Probably the two most difficult pages are toward the end. First you will need two years income and profit projection. This page should
be a chart and it is very hard to project. My suggestion is to keep your projection modest; I would rather be happily surprised, rather
than sorely disappointed.
The final page should be a credit report. If you do not get one, the person you are giving it to will get it. If your credit is not good, this
gives you a startling look at reality. At the same time, even if it isn’t, don’t discount the ability to negotiate.
Believe it or not, this is a business plan in a nutshell. Just like all the other members of IVIE, I am glad to answer any questions to help
another person be successful. Finally, if you haven’t thought about IVIE in the past, you might want to do so now because there is a
wealth of information that can be derived from the group.
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A NEW ERA FOR TECHNOLOGY - by Paul Edwards
On April 29th, 2005, the Apple Computer company launched the fourth generation of OS X or 10. Each of the versions of OS X were
named after cats and thus it was that version four was known as Tiger. With the launch of Tiger, Apple signaled the beginning of a
new era in access technology. It will probably take a while for the full effect of the revolution to be felt but we, as blind computer users,
are clearly in a place we have never been before.
You see, with the release of Tiger, Apple included a suite of disability access programs as a part of its operating system, which means
that a blind person can walk into a Mac store and buy a computer that is accessible out of the box. There is a magnification program
that will make using the Mac easier for those with low vision but the real blockbuster news is that there is a program called Voiceover,
which is shipped with every Tiger Mac. This is a full-fledged screen reader which certainly gives blind people access to word
processing, E-mail, Internet browsing, music storage, and chess. There are actually many other things and programs that can
probably be accessed but this is a fairly impressive list.
Apple is to be commended for making sure that Voiceover is a fairly robust and mature product at release time. As with the Windows
operating system, most of the products that are used on Macs are developed by third-party companies who are not directly affiliated
with Apple. Many of these are not currently accessible. Apple is taking a proactive stance by making programming guidelines available
to such companies and, with luck, more and more content will soon be fully usable. The interface appears sensible and Apple is again
to be commended for their use of many blind people and a public list to beta test the Voiceover software.
The arrival of another screen reader on the scene is not, by itself, such a big deal. In fact, the Mac operating system is notorious for its
use of graphics and many people who are blind have shied away from having much to do with Macs for that reason. There had been a
screen reader for the Mac, Outspoken, which ceased to be available a little more than a year ago. It was never upgraded so it could
work with OS 10. So, essentially, those diehard Mac users who are blind were forced until now to stay an operating system behind with
a product that was only ever mediocre at best.
What is significant about the release of Tiger and Voiceover is an economic reality. A blind person can now walk into an Apple store
and get a Mac Mini and a Keyboard for well under $600. For this outlay, the blind person will not only get a computer with 20 software
voices built in but will not need to spend any more money on a screen reader. Most Windows users would have to find an additional
$1,000 to purchase a screen reader.
Imagine this. Every new Mac in every office and every new Mac in every class room and every computer lab and every library is
accessible. What will this mean for education and employment? Is the training community ready for the influx of requests for training
on the Mac will undoubtedly come? How will Microsoft react now that accessibility is built into computers by its chief rival? Will
Windows become the platform of those who have money? Will the Mac become the computer of choice for poor people who simply
cannot afford more?
These are tough questions which only time will answer. What it is important to recognize for now is that, for the first time, blind people
have the chance to buy a computer at the same price and in the same place that sighted people buy theirs. A family does not have to
buy a separate computer for their blind child. Neither I nor anyone else knows what the future of the Mac and blind people is likely to be.
Many are entrenched Windows users who will not want to learn a new system. However, many blind people for whom a computer was
just a distant dream on the horizon will, for the first time, be able to look at the prospect of acquiring the freedom and productivity a
computer brings at a price they may be able to afford.
Whatever the future holds, April 29th, 2005, is a pretty significant day in the lives of blind people. Only time will show us just how much it
means!
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TOLERANCE AND EDUCATION WORKS BETTER THAN BITTER REPRISALS - by Ron Milliman (Submitted by
Sally Benjamin)
Have you ever noticed that people that come to the United States from other countries, especially those countries that have totalitarian
governments, people that are coming from countries where they, as individuals, have no rights, who are totally oppressed, are the very
people who most appreciate what we have here in America?
In like manner, those of us who have rejected and thus, escaped from "that other organization" that purports to represent the blind can
most fully appreciate the ACB!!! We, as individuals, have a strong voice in this organization, and we are allowed to freely express our
views, not based upon our power, but based upon our freedom of expression. This list certainly delineates that point.
I, most emphatically, commend the volunteer system that we utilized in the ACB to assist our members in getting from place to place
during our conventions. It is a civilized, couth way of ACB handling the awesome challenges of navigating in strange and unfamiliar
places such as the Riviera Hotel and Casino. In extreme contrast, our competitive organization utilizes "barkers" who yell out, in a most
obtrusive and uncouth manner, announcements such as: "elevators over here," or "Exhibit area this way," or "Ladies toilets in here," etc.
And, that is the organization that says they oppose audible traffic signals because it draws attention to our blindness!!
Personally, my single most concern regarding the volunteers that help us during our conventions is the way some of us treat them, not
how they treat us!! Some of us might be angry because we are blind, or we have a severe lack of patience with the sighted public when
they exhibit ignorance of our challenges, but it is not the public's fault that we can't see perfectly nor is it their fault they know little or
nothing about blindness and what it is like to be blind. The burden of tolerance and education is upon us, not the public.
For each one of us that bitterly strikes out in an angrily manner or express total intolerance of a sighted person, especially in a public
arena, it projects a negative image which all of the rest of us have to try to overcome, if, indeed, we ever can.
My point, in conclusion, is that we should praise the volunteers that try their best, limited as it might be, to help us. If one is behaving in
an unacceptable manner, we should exhibit tolerance, seek to educate them when we can, and as a last resort, we can, in a private
setting, politely correct them or suggest how they could be more effective, e.g. "I realize you are trying to help me, and I am sincerely
grateful for that, but I would appreciate it if you would not yell at me.," or "Please don't steer me by my shoulders, rather, let me take your
right elbow, and I can just walk beside you."
While I am a professor and have the official responsibility of teaching business marketing here at Western Kentucky University, I
probably teach more about blindness, in a tactful manner through example, than I do marketing.
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CHAPTER NEWS - Clay Council of the Blind, Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, Palm Beach Chapter, Tallahassee
Council of the Blind
Clay Council of the Blind - by Pat Southwell
The Clay County Council of the Blind presented a program, "Insight," to the Orange Park Woman's Club on March 3rd, 2005.
The guests were introduced by Pat Southwell, a volunteer with the Clay Council and a member of the Woman's Club. Mike Taylor spoke
on the 1982 beginnings of the Council. Debbie Drylie spoke on the Clay Council and "what we are about." Linda Jacobson brought her
guide dog, Ira. She demonstrated Ira's obedience skills. She also talked about mobility and showed the use of the 'white cane' and
also demonstrated walking with a sighted guide.
Michela Tavolieri, who teaches visually impaired children in the county, told of her work with these children, ranging in age from about 3
years to high school seniors. Also introduced were Elaine Keithan and Rowena Adsit, volunteers with the Council. Pat expressed
appreciation to Jerri Fahlbusch and Dorothy Collins who were involved in the implementation of this program.
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind - by Jay Bader
Mid-Florida Council of the Blind (MFCB) was proud to have a few of its members attend and participate at the ACB National Convention
in Las Vegas this past July. President Rachel Bader served double-duty there as she fulfilled responsibilities with promotions on ACB
Radio during days when the Exhibit Hall was open and was selected by FCB President, Paul Edwards to be the Alternate Delegate for
Florida during General Sessions. Everyone from MFCB who attended enjoyed themselves, some even going on tours and sampling the
evening activities in Las Vegas, and is looking forward to the 2006 ACB National Convention when it is hosted by us in Jacksonville.
MFCB is preparing for a busy fall season in the Orlando area as it returns from the summer break. The chapter is in contact with the
Supervisors of Elections in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties and will be ready to help in training their poll workers in the use of
their respective accessible voting machines. Also, with White Cane Day coming on October 15th, MFCB is looking forward to joining
with the National Federation of the Blind-Greater Orlando Chapter in what should be a fun and informative event.
And with the changes passed at the FCB Annual Convention this past May in Ft. Lauderdale, MFCB is getting ready to do another
revision or two to its By-Laws, especially regarding deadlines for receiving membership dues. All in all, the chapter will be working hard
to get all of its plans for the fall made and successfully accomplished.
Palm Beach Chapter - by Jason Goldfield
The Palm Beach Chapter is having our third annual Community Outreach Picnic right here In West Palm Beach. It will be held on
Saturday, September 17th, 2005. The times are from 11:00 AM until 5:00 AM. We will have lots of food, games, musical entertainment
and several door prizes. It will be held at Okeeheellee Park. The cost is free and is open to anybody blind or sighted and your guests
are welcome.
For further information please call Jason Goldfield at (561) 304-2544. Come on out and have a great afternoon of food fun and
fellowship.
Tallahassee Council of the Blind - by Sally Benjamin
As you may remember, one thing we have been working on is a tandem bike club. Thanks to Mycell Armington, it is coming together
nicely. On October 8th, we will be riding from a camp ground to the St. Marks Lighthouse and back. It is 11 miles each way but there
are no hills. When we return, lunch will be provided for all who attend. There are also t-shirts being made for all the bike riders to wear.
These t-shirts have raised lines so blind people can appreciate them. We are very excited about this way to get out in the community
and let sighted people see that being blind doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the things you love.
Another couple of months has gone by and our chapter has had a good summer. We are now getting ready for our annual picnic. Each
year after we have our meal we have an auction. We collect things during the year and bring them to sell. Some things are brought
more than once to the picnic. But we all have a good time and raise money for our chapter.
One of the things our chapter has been talking a lot about is fund raising. If you keep spending out money but never plan to put any
back, it will eventually run out. Fund raising is not, only a way to make money but it also gets us out in the community so others can
see what we are doing and understand more about blindness. On October 22nd, we will be selling APH calendars at our Downtown
Market Place. This will get us out in the community again.
If you have had a successful fund-raiser in your chapter please send your ideas to the White Cane Bulletin so we can learn from each
other.
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RECIPE CORNER
Best Marinated Grilled Chicken
Makes 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cook Time: 45 min.
Ready in: 55 min.
"Sweet and tangy BBQ chicken with a hint of smoke flavor. Serve with pasta salad."
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup rice wine
1/3 cup sesame oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey mustard
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 dashes liquid smoke flavoring
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon fines herbs
1 (4 pound) chicken, skin removed, cut into pieces
6 sprigs fresh rosemary
Directions:
1. In a large shallow dish, combine water, wine, sesame oil, soy sauce, mustard, brown sugar and liquid smoke. Stir in Italian dressing
mix, orange zest, ginger, paprika and fines herbs. Place chicken in the dish, and turn to coat. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil grate. 3 Discard marinade. Grill chicken 15 to 20 minutes per side, until no
longer pink and juices run clear. Occasionally place rosemary sprigs on coals to impart a unique smoky flavor to chicken.
Barbecued Shrimp
2 lb. fresh, unpeeled shrimp
4 stalks celery with leaves in chunks
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
3 lemons, cut in wedges
2 Tbsp. cracked black pepper
3/4 c. butter or margarine, cut into cubes
lemon wedges (for garnish)
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. salt
3/4 tsp. hot sauce
Directions:
Wash shrimp thoroughly and place in a large shallow pan. Add celery and garlic. Squeeze juice from lemons over top. Dot shrimp with
butter and sprinkle with remaining ingredients except lemon wedges. Place shrimp under broiler until butter melts and shrimp starts to
turn pink (about 5 minutes), stirring several times.
When all shrimp are slightly pink, reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake 20 more minutes or until done, stirring often. Don't
overcook or shrimp will become mushy. Taste for doneness. Garnish with lemon wedges. Flavor improves if shrimp is cooked ahead
of time and then reheated, but do not overcook.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Prep: 10 min.
Grill: 25 min.
Ingredients:
6 fresh ears of corn
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon snipped fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
Directions:
1. Peel husks back, but do not remove. Using a stiff brush or your fingers, remove silk from corn. Pull husks back up around corn. In a
large saucepan or container, cover corn (husks on) with cold water. Soak for at least 1 hour. Drain, shaking corn to remove excess
water. Cover corn as much as possible with husks. If necessary, tie the tips of the husks together with wet kitchen string.
2. Grill corn (with husks) on an uncovered grill directly over medium-hot coals about 25 minutes or until tender, turning several times.
Carefully remove the husks and strings.
3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine margarine or butter, lemon juice, and thyme. Heat on the grill or stovetop until margarine is
melted. Brush mixture over the corn before serving. Makes 6 side-dish servings.
Kasha Friendly Fiber Muffins - by Janice Revill
Makes: 12
Pre Heat Oven to 400 Degrees
1 Cup whole-wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 3/4 Cups Kashi Good Friends Cereal
3/4 Cups skim milk
2 egg whites
1/4 Cup honey
1/4 Cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 Median ripe banana mashed
Non-stick cooking spray
In small bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In large mixing bowl combine Good Friends Cereal, and milk, and
let stand for 2-3 minutes. Add the egg whites and beat well. Stir in apple sauce and banana and honey. Add flour mixture and mix only
until dry ingredients are moistened. (Over mixing will produce rubber muffins) Fill sprayed muffin tines. Bake 20-25 minutes or until
muffins are lightly brown.
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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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