DBS News
District 10 - Guide Dog Visits Pre-school
Some
District 10 schools are falling in love. At least one would think so with the
rapt attention they offer to Christina Panczak-Smith and her dog guide Joanie,
or "Joanie Monster" as she is affectionately referred to by Christina. The last
school they visited was Del Prado Elementary in Boca Raton where head teacher
Mrs. Herman couldn't resist giving Joanie a big kiss on the snout.
Christina and Joanie taught 120 kindergarten children a little about
blindness, O&M, white canes, and tech devices. Joanie loves kids and just about
drags Christina to the schools that request presentations. Christina and Joanie,
with technology devices in tow, love this important aspect of their work.
Christina's goal is to minimize the fear children may have towards blind people.
It is also a "show and tell" about how things get done without vision, hence the
technology.
Yet, adult priorities and thinking are not so important to the very young. They are always brimming with questions like "How do blind people dress? Or drive?" Or, "Do blind people have eyes?" . . . a testament to the simple and honest innocence of children. Christina and Joanie continue to take their 'show' on the road when time allows. American Idol, move over! Christina and Joanie have some serious work to do and invariably walk away unforgettable and loved. And it's the best PR that DBS can hope for.
Children Experience Eco-Tour
The fourth annual Eco-tour from Pirate's Cove Marina into the Indian River
Lagoon took place without a hitch this year compliments of Captain Nancy Beaver,
the 20/200 Fellowship, the Division of Blind Services, and the weather. Captain
Nancy, of Sunshine Wildlife Tours in Martin County, offers her 40-seat pontoon
boat and her service once per year out of the goodness of her heart. Last year the tour took three separate attempts due to bad weather but this
year it went off like a charm. Children four years old and up, with canes and
siblings in tow, piled onto the boat, June 14. As luck would have it, within
minutes we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of a pod of dolphins. Between
the lectures and stories that Captain Nancy told, it took very little to
convince us (at least a few of us) that humans possess inferior intellect to the
dolphins. They truly are amazing creatures.
Did you know?
Dolphins have very distinct names for every member of their pod with which they communicate using a sophisticated combination of clicks and whistles?
Dolphin mothers that lose their babies go through an intense ritual of grief. They will not abandon their dead baby but protect it fiercely from predators for weeks. This, they do, in isolation from their pod.
When Dolphins sleep, they do so by putting one half of their brain to sleep at a time. The other half remains alert and fully functional.
Contrast that with the fact that Florida's Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commissioners just announced that the manatee has been removed from the list of endangered species. The rationale, apparently, is based upon an increase in the manatee census, although the nature of census taking makes numbers very unreliable. The numbers presented are suspect and are not based in actual science, according to Captain Nancy. Manatees are continual victims of boaters that do not heed speed limits and ply waters so shallow that a manatee can be sliced by propeller blades before a boater knows what they have encountered. Captain Nancy laments that the federal counterpart is likely to follow suit and we can say goodbye to the manatee as a species. When an authority renders decisions that seem plainly errant, and yet proceeds to fashion those mistakes into policy, it is easy to believe that dolphins have superior intelligence.
The Eco-tour was also a case of little things meaning a lot. Personally, it
afforded me an opportunity to usher two of my clients into the shallow waters
off 'Boy Scout Island' after our picnic lunch for a little lesson in hermit
crabs. The shells were readily found, but not being familiar allowed for a
delightful (or creepy, depending on your perspective) surprise. I placed two
little shells squarely on the palms of my unsuspecting students and bade them to
wait. The anxious little creatures did not take long to creep along
the hands of their host and flee. With a bit of a startle, they discovered the
hermit crab and broke into giggles. To introduce them to this tiny speck of
creation might hardly be worth mention to some, but it was a delight to me.
As before, our captain also described a few of the 310 bird species and their shrinking habitat and played recordings of their calls. We learned about mangroves (sort of the 'Publix' of our coastal waters) that are also very threatened. Florida is, however, starting to do right by these critical protectors of our coast line. A project that was initiated about three years ago is proving to be a success. If you can imagine a vast metal mesh surrounding the shoreline acting as a stabilizer that allows mangroves to root, you have the picture. Unfortunately, the sea grass beds that grow in many varieties, another essential part of the coastal eco-system, are disappearing without remedy. These sea grasses serve as incubators for a multitude of sea creatures. As the sea grasses disappear, so goes our sea creatures.
Most prominent in Captain Nancy's coastal show and tell was the point that many people remain oblivious to the destructive tendencies that we ourselves are guilty of. The rules of boating are lax or unheeded, agencies delegated as guardians of the environment can be the offenders themselves, and the public nods to the officials as the only responsible entity. Where does it end? How do we begin to stop the destruction of the coast and creatures so much a part of the state of Florida? We should pay attention to the little things. Take a few minutes to visit websites to see and learn about our coastal environment. Pose a challenge about the "science" that directs the decisions of our Wildlife Commission. Their website can be found at http://myfwc.com. Visit the shoreline and take a ride with Sunshine Wildlife Tours. Their phone number is (772) 219-0148. Little things can mean a lot. The Eco-tour is getting a little bigger every year. It meant a lot to the youth of District 10 and to me. Thanks again Captain Nancy.
Activities and Events
Governor Bush Proclaims October as Vision Awareness Month
Governor Jeb Bush signed a proclamation announcing the month of October as Vision Awareness Month.
In conjunction with the proclamation, the state office had an information booth in the Department of Education building for the month of October featuring information about the White Cane Law and Vision Awareness Month.
On October 6, DBS staff, FSU Rehab students, and members of the Tallahassee Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind gathered to make posters for the upcoming White Cane Awareness day.
White Cane Awareness Day was held on October 14, in conjunction with a White Cane Walk and an information booth at the Downtown Marketplace. DBS state employees and staff, members of the Tallahassee Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind, and The Greater Tallahassee Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind did a two-hour white cane walk and worked at the booth for the day.
A Vision Awareness Month event was held for DOE employees at the Eatz Café on October 20.
The events were well attended and very successful.
District 3 (Jacksonville)
The Naval Air Station Disability Awareness Fair was held on August 24th. The Clay County Council of the Blind Visual Arts Fair was held at the Orange Park Library on September 8. The 9th Annual Vision Awareness Walk at Jacksonville Beach, located at 1st and 3rd street at the Beach Pavilion, was held on September 30th.
District 5 (Daytona Beach)
Daytona held a campus-wide "Open House" on Friday October 13, 2006. The Open House highlighted CVI's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony opening their new adaptive technology Microsoft computer lab. State Rep. Joyce Cusack cut the ceremonial ribbon, assisted by staff from State Senator Evelyn Lynn's office and a Representative from the Volusia County Council. Over 125 local participants attended this event. Informational tables were manned in the District Office by members of the Halifax Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind and the Daytona Beach Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.
In support of White Cane Awareness, the annual White Cane crossing was held on the corner of Dunlawton Ave. and Clyde Morris Blvd. in Port Orange. This event had particular meaning as four visually impaired pedestrians have been hit in the past six months in our area.
Approximately 30 individuals participated in this event. We received excellent press and T.V. coverage on these events from the Daytona News Journal, the Orlando Sentinel, and local T.V. affiliates.
District 8 (St. Petersburg)
Susan Bradley attended a health fair sponsored by the Pinellas County Health Department and got the word out about the Division of Blind Services and our role in the blind community. Deborah Alexander and David Phaneuf attended a program on October 20th sponsored by Work Net. The program was designed to educate employers and the community on visual impairments and the benefits of employing the visually impaired. David Phaneuf and Lynn Ritter attended another event on October 31st (sponsored by Work Net) which dealt with how technology plays a role in employing the disabled. Presentations were given about the various adaptive and assistive technologies that are available to blind and visually impaired employees.
District 10 (West Palm Beach) - Another Independence Day
The
Children’s Program held an event for families back in August to take a break
from the back to school activities. We held a cooking event with the students
doing the cooking. Our two Rehabilitation Teachers, Diane Salina and Martina
Shaffer, ran the kitchen. Three students, who were 13 and 14 years of age,
cooked mac and cheese from scratch. None of that box stuff. They grated cheese,
measured ingredients, and even cut apples for a well balanced meal. We invited
three of our families with younger children to join us for lunch. Parents were
included in all of our activities, but they did not touch a thing in the
kitchen. They watched and learned as Diane and Martina turned our kids into
chefs. The parents picked up great tips and learned how much their VI kids were
capable of. One parent was especially taken with her son scrubbing the pots.
After
lunch, we did blindfold activities including money ID, sorting silverware, and
matching socks. They really got serious and used a timer that was part of our
cooking activities to limit the time available to sort the silverware. I thought
I would get off Scott Free, but no. They blindfolded me and I took a turn
sorting the silverware. I could not beat the timer. It was a lot of fun and the
families and kids were fabulous at trying all of the activities.
We did have dessert. I must confess, the brownies were a mix in a box. A special thanks to Martina and Diane for making our event a success. An extra special thanks to the Braille Club for letting us use their wonderful facility. It is a perfect place for events such as this and they are so generous and helpful. Eileen (Bertha) Rich, who was our hostess from the Braille Club, provided a band-aid from their first aid kit. Wouldn’t you know, I was the only one who cut theirself.
Carol Fratti (Children’s Counselor)
District 10 (West Palm Beach) - Adopting the “Give the Gift of Sight Program”
Grace Golasz, District 10’s one and only rehab tech, has had her schedule squeezed since May of 06. That date marked the closure of the Lighthouse of the Palm Beaches and the beginning of new tasks for Grace when she adopted three programs that had been carried out at the Lighthouse.
The first program is made possible by the generosity of “Give the Gift of Sight Foundation” and by Luxottica retail, home of LensCrafters. This program is guided by the belief that vision is a basic right, not a luxury, therefore they provide free glasses to indigent or non-working persons without insurance. Upon receiving a request, Grace takes a phone referral with pertinent information. She then sends the referral form and a cover letter to the eligible applicant. The applicant, in turn, takes these forms to LensCrafters and they dispense glasses without charge. Since May 2nd of this year, Grace has processed 130 referrals. This is a nationwide program which is proving to be a success in District 10 through the collaborative efforts of Grace Golasz and LensCrafters. For more information, contact Grace at District 10 or visit http://www.givethegiftofsight.org.
Grace’s time is also shared by the CCTV donation program. CCTV’s, occasional computers, and braillers are donated and collected to be cleaned, repaired when appropriate, and re-issued to folks in need. So far, 8 CCTV’s have cycled through the District 10 office to find their way back to grateful recipients.
Eyeglasses have become another facet of Grace’s work schedule. Recycling of used glasses is a part of the Gift of Sight program with LensCrafter. Grace receives them and forwards them to a central collection site. Over 200 pair have been collected thus far.
District 10 is grateful to Grace for adopting and carrying out these programs enthusiastically. It was an unexpected adoption of sorts but Grace has done well to make them a welcome part of her day and continues to give exceptional services to clients.
Bonita Eiden
District 10 (West Palm Beach) - Technology Training in collaboration with the Martin County School District and the Children and Families Program of DBS
The most technology savvy member of the vision team in the Martin County Public Schools left last year, which left the school district scrambling to cover their students' needs. With DBS's assistance, they have done a fabulous job at making lemonade from the lemons. We are in the midst of a series of three trainings, sponsored by DBS, to help with Technology. The first was with Denise Marshall (sponsored by DBS in Tallahassee) training the four vision teachers, two of which were new to the district. The topic was using Kurzweil 1000 scanning software to help the students have access to books and materials used in regular education classrooms. The vision department assistants also participated. They do much of the work in adapting the classroom materials for use by the VI students. They Braille materials or adapt them in various ways to allow access in a timely manner so the students do not fall behind. The coordinator of the Vision Teachers, Curt Seeley, was anxious to demonstrate his new found skill. When I asked him to share an eye report on a common student, he scanned and emailed it to me. He was quite proud.
The second training was even more exciting. It involved the Braille Note. A number of Martin County's Braille reading students are using electronic brailing devices. The two new teachers and the assistants were at a bit of a loss since they had not used the equipment previously. This time we called in Rachel Trinkowsky of Florida Reading and Vision, funded by Children's Program case service dollars. She spent the morning training the children on the Braille Note. One skeptical student was so excited at how fast he was able to learn to use the Braille Note, he decided break time was not necessary and wanted to continue learning. After the students went back to class, Rachel worked with the same Vision Teachers and Assistants to help them understand all of the capabilities of the Braille Note and how versatile a refreshable Braille display is at making things accessible for the kids. Curt, being the fabulous collaborator that he is, invited a Vision Teacher from Okeechobee County to join us for the day. She also has a student who will be using the Braille Note. The staff had some hands on practice at using the device. We are still working on updating the Braille Note that DBS has to loan to Lori Brodie, one of the Teachers, to practice on to prepare for student's lessons. Denise Marshall is going to take care of that for us at her next visit.
This brings me to the final training that we have planned in Martin County. One of the parents sent me an email saying she was a bit lost with all of the new technology her child had learned to use. Why didn't we think of that sooner? I pride myself on considering the parent's need to be aware and I totally did not think about training them. At the end of November, we are going to take care of that and have Denise Marshall return once more and we will hold training for the parents. The technology used recently will be demonstrated and the parents will also have the opportunity to ask any questions they have on barriers they face at home. One family is having difficulty with doing specific things in JAWS. DBS has funded JAWS for home use for many of the VI children. It is actually one of our more common requests for funding. The same parent also said she would love to hear about how Ms. Marshall managed her trip to Martin County, being Visually Impaired herself. We have worked up an agenda to address all of this and we look forward to our third training session to benefit the VI students in the Martin County School District.
Another hero on the Martin County School District Team must also be mentioned. Susan Gamble decided to take advantage of the Mount Batten made available via DBS. She learned the equipment on her own and has begun to use it with one of her students in early elementary school. Sue handles the glitches and breakdowns inherent in technology like a trooper. It has been a pleasure to take part in her endeavors. Her young student can now communicate academically with her regular classroom Teacher due to Sue's efforts and DBS's assistance. I am grateful for the support offered by DBS in Tallahassee and the Martin County School District's willingness to fund and support technology for their students.
Carol Fratti
Children's Counselor
District 11 (Ft. Lauderdale)
Broward County celebrated White Cane Safety Day on October 13, 2006. Approximately 50 individuals walked the four corners of the street around Broward Blvd. The Lighthouse held a breakfast prior to the walk and the Broward County Talking Book Library held a luncheon after the walk. The Mayor of Ft. Lauderdale presented a proclamation from the city of Ft. Lauderdale to the National Federation of the Blind Greater Broward Chapter in honor of the day. Several citations were given by police to motorists who failed to obey the white can law. Several employees of DBS attended the event including District Administrator Ivy Romero. It was a fun and very productive day. We chanted, "Yield to the blind, it's the law!"
Quarterly Awards
Congratulations to the DBS Quarterly Award Winners for July 1 - September 30, 2006:
State Office - Greg Luther
Library - Cathy Johnson
OAC/MTTL - Anna Johnson
Pensacola/Panama City - Dianne Dubke
Tallahassee District - Gayle Newton
Jacksonville/St. Augustine - Cheryl Undheim
Gainesville - Peggy Bowie
Daytona/Rockledge - Jim Woolyhand
Orlando - Helen Thomas
Tampa/Lakeland - Ana Garcia
St. Petersburg - David Phaneuf
Ft. Myers/Bradenton - Coleen Fry
West Palm Beach - Julie Diaz
Ft. Lauderdale - Joan Brown
Miami - Julie Kenicer
Around the State
A Blind Man Sees the Way
Nearly 10 Years Ago, David Bigoney was blinded by a shot to the face.
Today, he is a triathlete, computer expert, and motivational speaker.
David Bigoney wants you to ask him if he watches television.
Never mind that he has been blind for nearly 10 years. He runs triathlons, works to start his own business, and occasionally speaks at events—including a recent TV appearance and upcoming documentary.
Bigoney has been married to his wife, Jackie, for seven years and has an 11-month-old son, Jack.
But he will be the first to crack a blind joke or scold people for changing how they act or ask a question because of his blindness—even if it was about something on TV, which he does listen to.
''It's important to treat people the same, so that it doesn't just automatically stereotype them or put them in a lesser position,'' Bigoney said.
"So what if I'm blind, if I'm in a wheelchair or have cerebral palsy or am deaf? It doesn't mean I can't impact society.''
Bigoney lost his sight on Dec. 27, 1996.
His stepmother, Margaret Bigoney, fatally shot his father, Bill Bigoney, a well-known Fort Lauderdale architect.
Then she shot David, home for the holidays, when he heard the gunshots and walked into the bedroom.
Then she overdosed on pills.
Only David survived.
Today, Bigoney, 32, lives in Tallahassee, his home for 11 years. His days are filled with the same list of ''to do's'' as most people's—work, family, and exercise when he has time.
But special projects find him—like his appearance last month on the Learning Channel's "The Messengers," a reality show searching for the next great motivational speaker.
Each episode puts contestants through a challenge they later use in a speech before a live audience.
In one episode, half the contestants spend the day blind with Bigoney as their leader. He taught them to survive. They learned to travel with walking canes and listen for traffic before crossing the road.
Then they were on their own. Each person had to find the bathroom, buy a train ticket, and get on board without Bigoney's help.
''They were in the same boat I was in 10 years ago when I lost my sight,'' Bigoney said.
"So I taught them based on trial and error . . . what I learned when I was in their position.''
Along with "The Messengers," Bigoney is among five blind athletes featured in the documentary "Victory Over Darkness" which follows their quest to complete the grueling Ironman.
He has run another 55 races (including about 30 triathlons) with a sighted guide.
For swimming, he follows a cord tied around both their waists. For bicycling, they ride tandem.
For running, they run beside each other with a cord around their waists while the guide calls out about obstacles in their path.
The system isn't perfect. He does fall sometimes.
But that is part of Bigoney's toughness, said his friend Jim Phillips who has also been Bigoney's guide for about five years.
''He knows he's going to hit the deck every once in a while. You can't catch every hiccup in the road,'' Phillips said.
At a competition five years ago, Bigoney met Jeremy Newman, the friend who introduced him to "The Messengers" producers.
Most of Bigoney's work has a lower profile.
He is starting a company that would teach people with little or no vision to use computers with the help of programs that enlarge text or read it aloud.
He plans to call the company "Blink."
Bigoney also tests websites to ensure that people with disabilities can use them.
Then there is public speaking.
Speaking isn't the bulk of what he does, but through word of mouth people in Tallahassee and other parts of the state hear about his story and ask him to speak.
''People get inspired by seeing someone who was knocked down and got back up, who had a choice and got back up,'' Bigoney said.
"Because that's what it is—a choice.''
Source: Miami Herald, copyright 2006,
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/states/florida/counties/.
Around the Nation
Blind Americans to Cast First Secret Ballot - National Federation of the Blind to Monitor Compliance
BALTIMORE, MD, October 24, 2006 -- The National Federation of the Blind announced today that it has created a hotline for blind and visually impaired voters to report any difficulties in casting their ballots both secretly and independently in the upcoming election. The purpose of the hotline will be to monitor compliance with the provisions of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) relating to non-visual access to the voting process for the blind.
James Gashel, Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives at the National Federation of the Blind, said: "This election is historic because it is the first general election since the implementation date for the accessibility provisions of the Help America Vote Act. I was able to vote independently and completely in private for the first time in the Maryland primary election last month and look forward to doing it again in November when many blind voters across the nation will cast a secret ballot for the first time in their lives. The ability to cast a secret ballot is not only thrilling for us as blind voters, it protects our democracy by ensuring that nobody exercises undue influence over us or engages in outright fraud while pretending to help us vote. A secret vote is just as important for blind voters as it is for every other American."
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind led the effort to make it possible for the blind to vote independently and in secret, like all other Americans. We have been working to help jurisdictions to comply with that statute by providing educational and training materials through our National Center for Non-visual Election Technology. Having worked so hard to achieve full and equal participation by the blind in the voting process, it is our duty to ensure that no blind American is denied the right to cast a secret ballot, and we will take any action that is necessary and appropriate to carry out that obligation."
The National Federation of the Blind HAVA National Compliance Hotline will be available at 1-877-632-1940 from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST on Election Day (Tuesday, November 7) and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 8. Callers will be asked where they are voting and whether they have been able to cast their ballot with accessible equipment. The National Federation of the Blind will analyze the data collected and conduct any appropriate follow-up—including assisting voters with actionable grievances in filing complaints with the United States Department of Justice.
Passed in 2002, the Help America Vote Act was intended to help states replace outdated voting equipment like the punch card machines that caused problems during the 2000 presidential election. The law mandates that every polling place in the nation must have at least one voting station accessible to the blind. As of January 1, 2006, jurisdictions should be complying by using electronic voting terminals, special ballot-marking devices, or vote-by-phone systems. All of these methods use audio prompts to read the ballot to a blind voter and allow the voter to make ballot choices using a keypad. This technology allows the blind to vote without the assistance of a sighted poll worker. "Since many jurisdictions will be using new voting equipment that is accessible to the blind for the first time," Dr. Maurer explained, "we feel that it is essential to collect data on whether that equipment has been implemented and works properly."
The National Federation of the Blind was instrumental in advocating for the non-visual access language contained in the HAVA and received a grant under that statute to ensure its implementation. The National Center for Non-visual Election Technology (NCNET) was established by the Federation to carry out the terms of the grant. The NCNET has developed an on-line curriculum and a DVD to help make election officials aware of the needs of blind voters and to help jurisdictions select appropriate equipment to provide non-visual access to the blind at the polling place.
For more information about the National Federation of the Blind and its work on access to elections, visit: http://www.nfb.org/nfb/HAVA_intro.asp.
American Foundation for the Blind and National Association of the Deaf Partner to Expand Accessible Media for Educational Use
SILVER SPRING, MD -- The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) announced it has entered into a new five-year $7.5 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for management of the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP). The DCMP will provide free-loan accessible educational media to students who are deaf or hard of hearing and also to those who are blind or visually impaired. Most educational media does not contain necessary accommodations for students with a sensory loss.
The NAD has selected, captioned, and distributed open-captioned educational media in video and DVD format through a nationwide library system and through Interment streaming under an agreement with the ED since 1991. This program of over 4,000 free-loan educational media items has reached an annual audience of over three million educators, families, and other registered users.
"We are deeply honored to have been selected once again as administrator of this vitally important program which provides captioned access by deaf and hard of hearing students to educational media, and we are pleased to enter into partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) to expand the program to include described educational media for blind and visually impaired students," said Nancy J. Bloch, NAD Chief Executive Officer.
AFB will take the lead on an activity to develop and validate guidelines for creating educational video description. Video description refers to an additional narration track for blind and visually impaired viewers of educational media—including television programs and movies. The description narrator talks through the presentation, describing what is happening on the screen during the natural pauses in the audio (and sometimes during dialogue if deemed necessary). "While general guidelines for entertainment video description exist, there is a need to validate them and apply them to a wide range of digital media now available in today's classrooms," said Carl Augusto, AFB President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are pleased to join the NAD in this effort to expand accessible educational media."
Similar guidelines have been created by the NAD for captioning educational media. These guidelines, titled Captioning Key, have been distributed internationally and receive over a thousand visits monthly on the DCMP Web site. "Both captioning and video description are essential for children with special needs," added Ms. Bloch. "As educators across the nation hone their instruction ever more finely to produce the desired end-of-year outcomes, every in-class minute counts."
While most television networks and many cable channels provide closed captioning and some video description, very little educational media is described or captioned. "Only 15% of educational videos, 5% of educational CD-ROMs, and 1% of Internet content is captioned," said Bill Stark, NAD Director of the DCMP. "Even fewer educational media contain video description," he added.
In addition, the DCMP will provide a database of accessible media available for purchase by schools from educational media producers. A further service will include the provision of a clearinghouse of information and materials on the subject of accessible media for consumers, agencies, corporations, businesses, and schools. The Web-accessible clearinghouse will also allow users to search informational offerings on the Web sites of major educational and consumer organizations serving blind and deaf individuals.
For more information, call toll-free 800-237-6213 (Voice) or 800-237-6819 (TTY). You can also visit the DCMP Web site at http://www.dcmp.org or e-mail the DCMP at info@dcmp.org.
Improved Test Scores Drive Increased Demand for WYNN Software in New Mexico School District
Las Cruces, New Mexico to Increase Technology Support for Struggling Students
The Learning Systems Group of Freedom Scientific, Inc., developer of assistive software designed for people who struggle to read, write, or take tests, announced today that the Las Cruces, New Mexico School Administration has expanded its investment in Learning Systems Group technology. With this new order, students in Las Cruces can now access 189 software licenses that will be shared among 16 schools, potentially serving thousands of students. This new deal includes both WYNN™ and TestTalker™ products.
The challenge to achieve academically is greater in New Mexico than many areas of the country. The School Administration and teachers are servicing a low-income student body, 50 percent of which are either learning disabled or considered "at risk." Several students in Las Cruces have been using WYNN for three years. After seeing significant improvement in those students' test scores (as compared to students not using the technology), New Mexico purchased additional WYNN licenses and TestTalker software in an effort to bring the benefit of the technology to more of the state's students.
"We quickly saw that using WYNN was a cost effective way to ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to achieve," said Dee Ann Powers, Software Trainer, School Administration, Las Cruces, New Mexico. "WYNN allows the teachers to get students interested in learning and build important self esteem by experiencing academic success, and supports the state in their effort to reach assessment mandates of federal legislation."
Technology Jumpstarts Learning
WYNN converts printed text into spoken word for individuals with reading and writing difficulties that may occur for a variety of reasons including learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADD, ADHD, or for those learning English as a second language (ELL). While WYNN's features support all learning styles, the design is based upon Universal Design for Learning (UDL) concepts and can be used with any curriculum.
TestTalker creates a computer version of a test, worksheet, or other form. The material looks exactly like the paper rendition and is then converted into the spoken word. For those who struggle to read and write, hearing questions being read out loud while simultaneously having them highlighted on the page helps to increase accuracy of answers and test scores.
"This installation at Las Cruces is one more demonstration that students are improving comprehension, writing, and test scores while using WYNN and TestTalker," said Roberta Brosnahan, Vice President & General Manager, Learning Systems Group, Freedom Scientific, Inc. "Once teachers see that getting the technology up and running is painless and immediate, the academic results follow quickly. With the need for training minimized and the movement of struggling students supported by WYNN and TestTalker back into mainstream classrooms, our customers frequently come back to us for more software to reach the ever-growing population of at risk and struggling students they must serve."
About the Learning Systems Group, Freedom Scientific, Inc.
The Learning Systems Group, headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, was founded in 2000 by a team of education and assistive technology experts to address the needs of students with reading-related learning challenges. The group's award-winning products, WYNN and TestTalker, are best known as the "teacher's choice" among competitors and are currently sold in all 50 United States, Canada, U.K., Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Australia. Freedom Scientific, Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of assistive technology products for those who are blind or vision impaired and software for the special education and learning disability markets.
For more information about WYNN, TestTalker or the Learning Systems Group of Freedom Scientific, please visit http://www.freedomscientific.com/lsg or call (888) 223.3344.
Source:
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?
ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20051102005234&newsLang=en.
IKEA North America Selects VeriFone for Electronic Signature and Payment
Extract: "The VeriFone payment solution meets California requirements for the visually impaired and will enable individual IKEA stores to add features, such as contactless payment card acceptance, when they need them, through the use of the unique field-replaceable modules."
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VeriFone Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: PAY) announced today that IKEA North America, the world's leading home furnishings retailer, has selected VeriFone's customer-facing payment system with signature capture for use in its U.S. locations.
IKEA is currently deploying the multilane payment solution in all checkout lanes in the U.S. The company currently has 28 stores in the U.S. and is opening three-to-five new stores per year. IKEA is acquiring the systems through Torex Retail and the deployment in existing stores is scheduled to be complete by mid-2007.
"VeriFone's comprehensive payment solution provides IKEA with a full range of payment capabilities for today while providing a versatile, field-replaceable platform that will protect our investment for years to come," said IKEA spokeswoman Mona Liss.
The VeriFone payment system was selected because of its proven high reliability and low cost of ownership with the ability to utilize electronic signatures for payment at all US IKEA locations. The VeriFone solution is the industry's first modular payment device to support debit, credit, signature capture, smart cards, contactless, and USB and Ethernet connectivity.
"VeriFone's customer-facing payment solution provides retailers with the agility to add new features such as signature capture, contactless card, and smart card acceptance when the need arises," said Jeff Wakefield, director of marketing with VeriFone. "Retailers are able to leverage VeriFone payment solutions to take advantage of new opportunities available through advanced communications options."
The VeriFone payment solution meets California requirements for the visually impaired and will enable individual IKEA stores to add features such as contactless payment card acceptance when they need them through the use of the unique field-replaceable modules.
Source: Business Wire. Copyright 2006,
http://www.verifone.com/products/terminals/multilane/index.html.
Additional information: ( http://www.IKEA-usa.com )
Golfer Won't Let Blindness Keep Him off Course
The average golfer often takes the mechanics of the game for granted.
Shove a tee in the ground, place a ball on it, grab the driver from the bag, swing away, and watch the white, dimpled sphere fly through the air.
Now try it with your eyes closed. The ball is impossible to see but certainly not impossible to hit. Just ask Dan Schaller who is blind.
Schaller, 64, of La Crosse, is an avid golfer. Despite becoming blind more than two years ago, he continues to play the game he loves.
The affable Schaller, a Vietnam veteran, grew up in La Crosse. He graduated from Logan High School in 1960 and was employed at the city's brewery for many years.
"I had a lung and kidney disease that went into remission, but then all of a sudden my eyesight became fuzzy when I was playing in a golf tournament in May of 2004," said Schaller, while hitting golf balls on the practice range at Walsh Golf Center in La Crosse recently.
Schaller said the unknown disease attacked the internal parts of his eyes and within two weeks his vision was gone.
"It scared me a lot because I didn't know how I would take care of my family," he said, bending down, placing a ball on a tee and lining up the face of his club with his other hand before straightening up and swinging at the ball.
Schaller hit four tee shots with his driver. Two went straight as an arrow about 175-180 yards down range. He hit one drive thin and another fat, but both balls would be playable on a course.
Schaller bubbles with enthusiasm today but admits that wasn't the case when he received the bad news. He became extremely depressed when told he would never see again.
"I was scared to death, but I didn't tell anyone at the time," he said softly. "I did everything before that and then I didn't think I could do anything ever again."
Schaller said he wouldn't have made it through the tough times without the support from his wife, Sonja, and daughter, Pam, who lives in Eau Claire, Wis. with her husband and their three-year-old daughter.
Schaller said relatives, especially brother-in-law Bob Neumeister, also have helped him along the way. So have his friends, particularly Jerry Bartheld, his golfing buddy and "seeing eye caddy."
Schaller said the turning point of depression occurred when he had two identical dreams that he could see his then one-year-old granddaughter. When he awoke from the second dream, he could see nothing but darkness, but said he saw the light with a change in his mental attitude.
"I thought I just had to be around for my granddaughter, especially for her young years," he said. "I had to quit feeling sorry for myself and move on with life."
Schaller began exercising despite having trouble keeping his balance, which is quite normal for someone who is blind. Surprisingly, it was radio music one morning that helped him learn how to maintain his balance.
"I woke up one day and they were playing '50s rock music," he said, swaying back and forth on the practice tee at Walsh Golf Center. "I got out of bed and started moving to the music. It helped. It really did."
Sonja Schaller entered the bedroom and asked her husband what he was doing. He told her, "dancing," and before long, they were both dancing to the '50s tunes.
Schaller returned to golf in 2005 when either Bartheld or relatives would drive him to Walsh's.
Course owner and PGA professional David Swift fashioned grips on Schaller's clubs that helped him align the shaft with the clubface to ensure a square impact with the ball.
While Schaller hit the ball every so often when he first started, he literally fell down more times than whiffing the ball.
"I don't know how many times we had to virtually pick him up after he swung because he would lose his balance," said Swift, adding that he has worked with disabled golfers using prosthetics but never with someone who is blind.
"Danny has come a long ways in a short time though, and he's kept his sense of humor," Swift said. "He likes coming here because he can visualize what the course was like when he could see."
Bartheld jokes that his own golf game is nonexistent, but he still enjoys taking Schaller to the course, hitting practice balls, and playing a few holes with his friend.
"Danny struck the ball so well when he could see, but he still maintains a good swing," said Bartheld while telling Schaller how far and where his lob wedge shots went on the practice range.
Schaller plays golf or hits balls at Walsh's at least three or four times a week during the season. He also played in a couple of scrambles with friends and relatives this year.
"My best shot so far? Oh yeah, that was when I was playing men's day at Maple Grove. I was about 30 yards out from the green and I holed the shot with my lob wedge," he said.
Bartheld is extremely helpful when Schaller gets to the green. During practice a week ago, the men showed just how well they work together.
"OK, Dan. You're about 30 feet from the hole and there's just a slight break uphill to the right," Bartheld said as he lined up Schaller and placed the face of his putter behind the ball.
"Just a nice firm stoke now," Bartheld said.
Schaller's putt dropped cleanly into the cup.
"Did it really go in?" asked Schaller, turning toward his friend and smiling.
"It sure did," said Bartheld, slapping Schaller on the back.
Schaller, who played to a respectable 12 handicap before becoming blind, plans to establish a handicap next spring. He is even thinking about playing in the La Crosse Tribune County Amateur Golf Championships.
"Maybe that's being a little too optimistic, but I think I'm going to try," he said. "Maybe I can't see, but I can sure hear the birds sing."
Bob Lamb can be reached at (608) 791-8228 or blamb@lacrossetribune.com.
Source: La Crosse Tribune, Wisconsin USA, copyright 2006,
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2006/10/15/news/2golfer_1015.txt.
Surgery Gives Young Girl Her Sight Back
(CBS4) BOSTON -- The doctors and nurses at Children's Hospital Boston pull off miracles everyday.
Allie was just a baby and she was blind. But thanks to Children's Hospital Boston she can see again.
Allie Defrancisco is nearly four now, but when she was just fifteen months old she lost her sight because of cataracts. Her pediatrician sent her to Children's Hospital.
"We say, that's impossible," Allie's mother Kristin Defrancisco said, remembering when doctors told her about the cataracts. "We didn't even know that was something children could experience."
But it happens due to heredity, injuries, or infection. And in some cases like Allie's, the cause is a mystery.
With cataracts, the lens of the eye clouds over, as can be seen in photographs of baby Allie.
"When both eyes were gone, she couldn't see anything," she said. "She was totally blind."
Dr. Deborah Vanderveen performed the delicate surgery, removing Allie's damaged lenses and replacing them with artificial ones.
"We actually just put it in the space where the old lens was and the eye naturally holds it in as it heals," said Vanderveen.
After two surgeries spaced a few weeks apart, Allie's vision slowly returned.
Children's Hospital Boston is one of the few places in the country where this surgery is routinely performed.
"We felt right from the beginning that we were getting the best care that we could," says Rob Defrancisco, Allie's father.
The hospital took care of not only Allie but the whole family.
Today Allie's vision is great and she's very proud of her glasses, showing them to her friends. "None of them has 'em," she said.
The surgery that restored Allie's sight requires highly specialized expertise and state of the art equipment. We really are fortunate to have all that right in our own backyard.
Source: CBS4 Boston, USA, copyright 2006,
http://cbs4boston.com/seenon/local_story_285150225.html
Legal Precedent for Web Accessibility
Federal judge sustains discrimination claims against Target; precedent establishes that retailers must make their websites accessible to the blind under the ADA.
BERKELEY, Calif., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- A federal district court judge ruled yesterday that a retailer may be sued if its website is inaccessible to the blind. The ruling was issued in a case brought by the National Federation of the Blind against Target Corp. (Northern District of California Case No. C 06-01802 MHP) The suit charges that Target's website ( http://www.target.com ) is inaccessible to the blind and, therefore, violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the California Disabled Persons Act. Target asked the court to dismiss the action by arguing that no law requires Target to make its website accessible. The Court denied Target's motion to dismiss and held that the federal and state civil rights laws do apply to a website such as target.com.
The suit, NFB v. Target, was filed as a class action on behalf of all blind Americans who are being denied access to target.com. The named plaintiffs are the NFB, the NFB of California, and a blind college student, Bruce "BJ" Sexton.
The plaintiffs are represented by Disability Rights Advocates http://www.dralegal.org, a Berkeley-based non-profit law firm that specializes in high-impact cases on behalf of people with disabilities; Brown, Goldstein & Levy http://www.browngold.com, a leading civil rights law firm in Baltimore, Maryland; and Schneider & Wallace http://www.schneiderwallace.com, a national plaintiff's class action and civil rights law firm based in San Francisco, CA.
The court held: "the 'ordinary meaning' of the ADA's prohibition against discrimination in the enjoyment of goods, services, facilities, or privileges, is that whatever goods or services the place provides, it cannot discriminate on the basis of disability in providing enjoyment of those goods and services." The court thus rejected Target's argument that only its physical store locations were covered by the civil rights laws ruling, instead, that all services provided by Target— including its Web site—must be accessible to persons with disabilities.
"This ruling is a great victory for blind people throughout the country," said NFB President Dr. Marc Maurer. "We are pleased that the court recognized that the blind are entitled to equal access to retail websites." Dr. Maurer explained that blind persons access websites by using keyboards in conjunction with screen-reading software which vocalizes visual information on a computer screen.
Target's website contains significant access barriers that prevent blind customers from browsing among and purchasing products online, as well as from finding important corporate information such as employment opportunities, investor news, and company policies.
The plaintiffs charge that target.com fails to meet the minimum standard of web accessibility. It lacks compliant alt-text, an invisible code embedded beneath graphic images that allows screen readers to detect and vocalize a description of the image to a blind computer user. It also contains inaccessible image maps and other graphical features that prevent blind users from navigating and making use of all of the functions of the website. And because the website requires the use of a mouse to complete a transaction, blind Target customers are unable to make purchases on target.com independently.
The plaintiffs originally filed the complaint in Alameda superior court on February 7, 2006. The case was removed to federal district court and assigned to Judge Marilyn Hall Patel. Target responded to the suit by filing a motion to dismiss the case, which argued in part that no civil rights laws apply to the Internet. "We tried to convince Target that it should do the right thing and make its website accessible through negotiations," said Dr. Maurer. "It is unfortunate that Target took the position that it does not have to take the rights of the blind into account. The ruling in this case puts Target and other companies on notice that the blind cannot be treated like second class citizens on the Internet or in any other sphere."
Explaining the ramification of the ruling, Mazen M. Basrawi, Equal Justice Works Fellow at Disability Rights Advocates, noted that: "the court clarified that the law requires that any place of public accommodation is required to ensure that it does not discriminate when it uses the internet as a means to enhance the services it offers at a physical location."
"I hope that I can soon shop online at Target.com just like anyone else," said UC Berkeley student BJ Sexton, who is a named plaintiff in the lawsuit. "I believe that millions of blind people like me can use the Internet just as easily as do the sighted, if websites are accessible."
Heidi Pfau is a Legally Blind Photographer
A lack of sight, but no lack of vision: Photographer proves eyesight and imagery are not necessarily synonymous
Media Credit: Adam Briere
Heidi Pfau is a legally blind photographer.
While this may seem like a handicap for any visual artist, Pfau uses her lack of sight as a filter for her digital photography—a reminder that simplicity can be an important element for good pictures.
At her exhibit "Do You See What I See?" at the Living and Learning gallery last week, Pfau revealed a comprehension and appreciation for visual metaphors and a natural theme that is well-suited for an autumn exhibition at UVM.
Although she has minimal eyesight, Pfau is able to produce the caliber of photographs that she does with the aid of a special program on her computer that allows her to enlarge images without sacrificing picture quality and with the help of good friends who have better eyesight—according to a write-up she posted on the wall of the exhibit.
Next to the write-up was a sheet of paper describing in Braille the motivation for and the context of the images she displayed.
Most of the photos in the gallery had an organic theme to them, with several images of leafless, sickly, or dead trees.
Titles like "Reaching Out" and "Old Friends" are depictions of trees that had evidently been struck by lightning but still have one major branch reaching off to the side—its leafless offshoots stretching across the photograph.
Not all of her pieces are so optimistic and inspiring, though. One piece, "Tormented by Titles," is a shot of a bookshelf overflowing with literature—yet it's noticeably devoid of any books in Braille (at least as is visible to the naked eye).
Source: Vermont Cynic, VT, USA, copyright 2006,
http://www.vermontcynic.com/media/storage/paper308/news/2006/10/16/
ArtsAndEntertainment/A.Lack.Of.Sight.But.No.Lack.Of.Vision-2372608.shtml?
norewrite200610172302&sourcedomain=www.vermontcynic.com.
Around the World
Blind Techies Study Musical Transcription
Published on page A1 of the October 16, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
A blind person can now do "My Way" his way
The next time you sing along to a videoke track or download a cell phone ring tone, you may be enjoying the product of techie talents who cannot even see.
Four such individuals are currently studying "musical transcription" at a special computer school which, for over a decade now, has placed some 350 visually impaired Filipinos in highly competitive jobs that even the sighted may find daunting.
It is the latest course offering from ATRIEV, a nonprofit organization that has produced the country's first blind computer programmer, its first blind recruitment specialist, and Asia's first blind medical transcriptionist.
ATRIEV stands for Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired. Set up in 1994, it currently shares office and training space with its partner school, STI College-Cubao, at the Araneta Center in Quezon City.
A multi-awarded institution, the school has sustained partnerships also with the World Bank, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and info tech companies like IBM Philippines. Its board of trustees is chaired by Australian economic analyst Peter Wallace.
But beyond churning out impressive graduates, ATRIEV has proven that the blind can indeed lead the blind: Its 12 "founders" are themselves computer enthusiasts whose world is one big blank screen.
One of those founders is now the school president, Antonio Llanes Jr., an AB Psychology graduate and ordained pastor who also earlier worked in a string of music lounges either as a keyboard player or a "sequencer."
A sequencer is someone who preprograms some or all of the instrumentals in a song which could otherwise be performed live; the task can thus be considered an early form of musical transcription, "Tony" explained.
Self-taught geek
Despite being born to darkness, Llanes strove to become a self-taught computer geek in the '80s by buying IT books, among other science materials, and "having my wife Necy read them to me."
The father of four had also taught himself how to repair household appliances, needing only an assistant "to tell me what color is this wire or that."
Equipping the blind with skills that are currently "in demand" has been ATRIEV's principle in designing its curriculum, added Llanes, whose own home served as ATRIEV's first workshop.
And now in his 12th year of running the school, the sightless headmaster has apparently seen the next big thing for his students.
"Every barangay in this country probably has at least two restaurants or beerhouses that have videoke machines," Tony smiled when the Inquirer met him last week at an ATRIEV function where he served, practically unassisted, as the sound system technician.
Making music digital
"For as long as there are new hit songs, whether foreign or local, that need to be added to our videoke (repertoire) or downloaded into our cell phones, there will always be a demand for musical transcriptionists," he said.
For videoke or mobile phone use, musical transcription basically involves transforming an original track of music into digital "Minus One" format.
The transcriptionist, of course, must know how to play an instrument like a synthesizer or organ to begin with. His or her main task is to copy the melody, rhythm, and harmony of the original piece.
Working alone, he must capture the notes and chords from the different instruments used in the song. The aim is to be as faithful as possible to the original rendition -- or to be "plakado," in local musicians' lingo.
The applied technology is called Midi (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), which allows the transcriptionist to record what he plays on the organ and then play back the piece for editing, this time using a computer keyboard.
Guiding voice
But for the blind to do all this, he needs help from another software program called "Jaws" (Job Access with Speech), essentially a guiding "voice" that tells him every action he makes on the computer screen or keyboard.
Introduced in the country in the mid-1980s during the DOS era, Jaws helps the groping user sense whether he has struck the right key, opened the right scroll, or clicked on the right option.
Llanes said Atriev piloted the course early this year with its first four students aspiring to be the first Filipino blind musical transcriptionists who could meet requirements not only in the Philippines but in other videoke-crazy countries like Taiwan and Japan.
To ensure the employment of the blind students, the school has made preliminary arrangements with multimedia service companies that serve as "content providers" to videoke producers and cell phone companies, Llanes said.
To be industry-grade, however, these pioneering ATRIEV trainees must be able to match up with their sighted counterparts. They must, for example, "digitize" a new song in just three to four days, he said, describing how hungry the videoke market has become.
Unlocking hidden powers
"It's tedious work, but we can do it," Llanes said. "We have long been unlocking the hidden powers of the blind through technology."
ATRIEV alumni include Dr. Michael Borgonia, who lost his vision due to a bullet wound but went on to become Asia's first blind medical transcriptionist; Ma. Criselda Bisda, sighted until she was 12 and now the country's first blind recruitment specialist working for TeleTech call center; and Julius Charles Serrano, who became blind in his late teens but last year was the first Filipino with such a disability to finish computer science.
The school has also trained over 350 visually impaired persons aged 17 to 60 in basic computer literacy. It has also taught over 100 sighted persons to become IT instructors, special education teachers, and rehabilitation workers—or just the best parents—for the blind.
Source: INQ7.net, Philippines, copyright, 2006,
http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?
article_id=26901.
Busking Pays Off
While most 29-year-olds are out partying on a Friday or Saturday night, Liam Cole is trying to make a living.
The former New Zealander is a busker and keeps the endless sprawl of revellers entertained along Fortitude Valley's Ann St with his bongo-playing beats.
"It's my enjoyment," he says. "It's better than going out and spending money on (alcohol) and having to deal with the pub scene. I'd rather be here meeting people in the fresh air."
Cole started busking four years ago with a small drum and a confessed lack of talent.
"I couldn't play—and that's where I learned—on the street," says the resident of Narangba in Brisbane's north. "I play for four or five hours each time I come out and that's good enough practice."
And the practice is paying off for the professionally trained jazz musician.
While it varies from weekend to weekend, Cole says he can walk away with up to $200 from a few hours work.
In fact, he has been so successful he's used the money to buy a small bongo set, an African djembe drum and, by playing a few other music gigs around town, has been able to give up his full-time job as a laborer.
"I make enough money from music now," he says.
Graham Pampling is another musician living off people's spare change.
With his guide dog Nick by his side, the 67-year-old has been belting out tunes on his saxophone in Brisbane City's Queen Street Mall for almost two decades.
While Nick is now retired, the performer still takes to the shopping strip up to six days a week for as long as nine hours at a time.
"This is the best mall in Australia, the cleanest mall and the friendliest mall because it's full of Queenslanders and it's like a family to me," he says.
While he was keeping tight lipped on exactly how much money he takes home each week, the suburban Sunnybank Hills resident says it's definitely enough.
"Put it this way, I've been doing it for 18 years and I'm still here," he says.
"I get a blind pension but that's only $240 a week and you can't live on that and this just adds a bit extra."
As busking licenses are free in most parts of the state, only requiring a short audition, the only cost to the busker is in transport, which makes it a cheap living.
The Courier Mail, Australia, copyright 2006,
http://www.news.com.au/sundaymail/story/0,23739,20574255-5003417,00.html.
China has Five Million Blind People
Beijing, Oct. 16 (PTI): About 45,000 Chinese lose their eyesight every year due to various eye diseases, latest official statistics said Sunday, the International Day of the Blind.
By July this year, China had reported 12 million people having eye problems with five million being blind and another 1.35 million suffering from amblyopia (reduced vision in one eye), according to statistics from the blindness prevention office of the Ministry of Health.
Vice-Director with the Blindness Prevention Office in East China's Shandong Province, Prof. Wang Lihua, said that glaucoma and cornea diseases are likely to lead to blindness.
Wang suggests diabetes patients have regular check-ups for their eyes, children form good habits to read and write with right postures, and people keep certain distance from televisions and computer screens.
Source: The Hindu, India, copyright 2006,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200610160330.htm.
'No One Knows It Isn't Real'
Modern methods and the skill and care of the ocularist ease the trauma of needing a false eye, says Selina Mills.
Our eyes are said to be the windows to our souls—the key to how we are recognized by the world and by ourselves. But for those of us who have lost an eye through disease, accident, or even a war injury, a false one can play just as important a role in shaping our identities.
I have only ever had one working eye. While she was pregnant, my mother contracted German measles (rubella), an infection that can cause a range of severe birth defects in developing babies. I was born with a blind, underdeveloped right eye and a cataract in my otherwise normal left one.
My parents first took me to an "eye-maker" or ocularist, to use the formal term, when I was 10 years old. This week I was reminded of that momentous visit when I read about two-year-old Sophie Cooke who has lost one of her eyes to the cancer retinoblastoma.
Her parents realized something was seriously wrong when they saw a photograph of Sophie and her twin sister. One of her sparkling blue eyes looked black. A cluster of tumors had grown behind it and prevented the camera flash from reflecting off the retina. Sophie has since had surgery to remove the tumors and a prosthetic eye has been fitted.
When I was a child, my useless eye didn't look too different from the working one—just smaller. But as my face grew and the right eye remained unchanged, the difference became more obvious. It appeared as a little white blob and, as the unused muscles in the socket wasted away, my face began to droop slightly, giving me a perpetual squint.
I remember my parents telling me they wanted me to have every opportunity in life and if, by having a false eye, I would be judged on my abilities (not my disabilities) so much the better. I accepted this and so, by the time I went to my first fitting, I was curious rather than scared.
I was introduced to Miss Gladden who crouched in front of me and looked at my good eye very keenly. "You have a lovely hazel in your eye," she said kindly. "We will have fun matching that."
In my teens I would hop off to the "eye-maker" to get a replacement whenever my face outgrew the prosthetic. It became as much a part of my life as a visit to the dentist.
I'm now in my mid-thirties and I still go to see Miss Gladden, although these days I call her Paula. One of only 20 ocularists in Britain, Gladden has created four eyes for me over the years as my face has grown into adulthood. She is kind and utterly discreet in her handling of such a personal item.
"Making a good eye," she says, running her fingers around the edges of my prosthetic to check for scratches (it's technically called a shell because it fits snugly over my defunct eye), "is about making something that fits in with how a patient sees themselves, not how I see them." I know exactly what she means. I find it hard to think of myself without my false eye.
Occasionally, I do "live" without it (particularly when I lose it), but generally it is part of my daily routine: have shower, brush teeth, pop in eye. Somehow, having a false eye makes me feel less vulnerable and reassured that my identity is not determined by my disability.
Gladden says this is exactly how she hopes all her many patients feel. Currently, she is looking after several soldiers who have been injured in Iraq.
As she takes my false eye to be polished, I explore her tiny studio lab. It smells of nail polish remover and there are rows of eyes in various states of creation. Each is utterly unique. To make an eye, Gladden first takes an impression of the socket using a special frame. She then fills it with a revolting vivid green glop and waits for about a minute for it to set.
With your head held at a 45-degree angle, it seems to take an age, and it does sting as the glop becomes firm and starts to feel taut against the eye's membrane. It squelches a little when it comes out and the socket feels uncomfortable for a few moments.
Once the mould has hardened properly, Gladden makes a clear Perspex template and checks that it fits into the socket comfortably. She decides where the centre of the eye is so it will look straight ahead. The real craftsmanship now begins as Gladden paints the mould to create the appearance of an eye. More artist than technician, you feel it is as if she is crafting an object d'art—a Fabergé egg.
"I concentrate very hard," she confesses. "I can spend hours at home redoing veins because they just have to look right."
Depending on the complexity of the eye, it can take from three days to three weeks to paint. Sometimes she has to start again because the eye does not sit correctly.
"It takes about three days for a new eye to settle down in the eye socket. But Perspex has revolutionized the prosthesis industry. It's far more comfortable than anything else."
Gladden tells me babies as young as three months old go through the process without shedding a tear. "It gets a bit harder when they are three or four," she says sympathetically, "but most kids are fine if their parents are in the room."
Do adults feel scared about having an eye made? "It depends on their character. I just tell people as much or as little as they want to know."
According to the Institute of Ocularists, archaeologists have found false eyes dating from as early as the fifth century BC when the Egyptians made crude clay eyes attached to the head with a bandana.
Later, more glamorous versions were made of gold with an inset of colored enamel for inside the socket. The Venetians crafted theirs from fine glass, but it was German specialists who produced the first orb glass eyes using glass-blowing techniques.
A hundred years on, we now have custom-made, hand-painted Perspex eyes that are either fitted over the defunct eye (as in my case) or, where the whole eyeball has been removed, held in place with pegs sewn into the socket.
The moistness of the socket allows the false eyes to move with the head. They are so light and comfortable that I forget I am wearing mine and so realistic that no one would know it wasn't real.
There is no official qualification to become an eye-maker, although most train through maxillofacial prosthetics programs attached to hospitals such as the Charing Cross in London.
Gladden says the real skill in eye-making is, in any case, instinctive.
"It's got to fit well. The color has to be just right. It has to balance the face and move well. It takes a long time to know what works," she explains. "My job is to make people feel better. To make them feel like themselves."
And as I pop my eye back in and head out into the world, I already do.
To find an ocularist, go to: http://www.ocularist.org. Paula Gladden can be reached at: Gladeye@waitrose.com.
The Telegraph (UK), copyright 2006,
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?
xml=/health/2006/10/16/heye16.xml.
Visually Impaired Feel Discrimination
As the world celebrates White Cane Safety Day today, many visually-impaired people in our society feel they are still discriminated against by the general public.
Jyoti Naidu, 25, of Kennedy Avenue, Nadi, said members of the public should have a positive attitude towards people with disabilities.
Ms. Naidu said despite awareness on the treatment of persons with disabilities, she was still experiencing discrimination.
Ms. Naidu said when she calls her friends to go to town with her, they always give excuses and stay away.
"With the excuses I know that people do not want to come with me," she said.
"Once I went to the market to buy vegetables and asked the market vendor for the price. I was given a very rude response that if I was visually impaired why I did I come alone," said Ms. Naidu.
Ms. Naidu, who is staying with her sister, said self-confidence and support from her sister has kept her going in life.
She said the major support in a visually-impaired person's life is the white cane, which they use to walk.
Another visually impaired student, Ruci Senikula, 21, of the University of the South Pacific shared similar sentiments.
Ms. Senikula said at the beginning when she joined USP, she used to face discrimination but now her friends at university were very understanding and she had no difficulties.
Fiji Times, Fiji, copyright 2006,
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=49937.
Leash and Harness
My Dog is My Friend
Editor's note: Mackenzie is a senior at Florida A&M University, majoring in Criminal Justice. The paper below was written for a Public Relations class.
In this paper I will tell you what made me make up my mind to go and get my first guide dog. Let me start by telling you all of the things I had to do before I even went for training for a dog.
For the last couple of years I was going back and forth trying to make up my mind to either get a dog to make me more independent or continue using my white cane. I believe what made the decision for me was when I was down in Jacksonville walking across the river and feeling like I was about to fall in. After this uncomfortable experience, I looked up a couple of guide dog schools online. The two schools that I applied to were Guide Dogs for the Blind in California and Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Michigan. The school that I chose was Leader Dogs. After getting a home visit and getting all of my paperwork to them, I was on my way to getting my own dog.
In the summer of 2005, I was a student at Florida A&M University taking summer classes and getting ready to go to Michigan for training. On July 3, 2005, I left Tallahassee, Florida—leaving on Northwest Airlines early in the morning. I arrived in Detroit later that day. Trainers and volunteers from the school met me and I met other students who were also there for a good working dog.
The length of the training was 28 days (if you were there for your first dog) and only two weeks if you already had a dog. My first day at the school was one used for getting to know the staff and other students who were there and I met people from all over the United States.
My first day of training dealt with Juno. Juno is a method of training when the student and the trainer go out walking [the trainer uses a harness that simulates using a guide dog] and the student is trying to picture a dog walking with him, but it is not. With this training, the trainers are able to match the right kind of dog with the applicant and, after a couple of days, we were given our dogs.
My dog's name was Deiter and he was a pure black German shepherd. I spent the rest of the day getting to know my new friend. Deiter and I did all kinds of training from walking along railroad tracks, shopping, country traveling, and even downtown Detroit. Not only did I learn a lot by using and depending on my new friend, but I was also given important information to refresh my training once I returned home.
I returned to Tallahassee from Detroit on July 28, 2005 with my new friend and partner. I have had Deiter for over a year now and he is a wonderful working dog, but he is also a good friend. I am very glad I made the decision.
Hero's New Leash on Life
He's known affectionately as the Mayor of Washington Square Park.
Now, after eight years of loyal service and faithful companionship, downtown's most beloved Seeing Eye dog, Hickory, is ready to trade asphalt for rolling green meadows at his new home in rural Virginia.
"Since he was a puppy he's always had a leash or a harness," said the yellow Labrador's guidee, Lloyd Burlingame, a former lighting designer and chair of the design department at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
"This is his opportunity to finally be just a dog."
Seeing Eye dogs generally work between eight and 10 years before they retire or "graduate" to a life of leisure, said Bonnie Lannom, communications associate for the Seeing Eye, the Morristown, N.J., school where Hickory was trained.
At age 10, Hickory seems ready to collect his pension. Last Christmas, Burlingame noticed his loyal pooch was starting to cut some corners. "The sniffing became much more necessary and important than guiding," he laughed.
In eight years together, the constant companions logged an estimated 5,000 miles, including a daily morning two-mile trot—rain or shine—around Washington Square Park.
They've strolled along the Hudson River, ridden Amtrak to the Kennedy Center in Washington, and are regulars in museums, libraries, the Metropolitan Opera, and Carnegie Hall. Hickory even enjoys his own box at the New York State Theater.
Still, deciding whether to part ways with Hickory (Burlingame's very first guide dog) was nothing less than a heart-wrenching decision.
Lannom, 34, who lost her vision when she was eight years old, has retired three of her own guide dogs and says the transition can be difficult and devastating.
"This is an animal that you spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a week with," she said, of the incredible human-animal bond. "The dog becomes an actual extension of your body."
Burlingame, 72, will be partnered with a new Seeing Eye dog in November, worried the nonworking dog would feel constrained and lonely at home all day in their one-bedroom Greenwich Village apartment which they share with two Burmese cats, Hugo and Clementine.
In a serendipitous March encounter, a wonderful couple with a large house, horses, dogs, and acres of green grass in Vienna, Va. offered to adopt the rambunctious, curious pooch.
On a test run down south, the deal was sealed the moment Burlingame removed Hickory's harness, dropped the leash, and sensed him haltingly sniff the grounds with glee.
In the epilogue of a book he authored on Manhattan adventures through Hickory's own eyes, Burlingame wrote: "At the top of his game as a guide dog, he was truly trustworthy and totally dedicated. However, equally important, he was the bridge to hundreds, maybe thousands of unforgettable meetings and experiences."
Burlingame, who was robbed of his vision over time from macular degeneration, is passionate about spreading the word on freedom and empowerment.
Of the estimated 10 million Americans who are blind or visually impaired, 65% are 55 or older. Yet, only a small fraction of elderly blind persons are paired with one of the country's 10,000 trained guide dogs. Many simply do not know the opportunity exists and at little cost.
Next week Hickory will take off in a Porsche convertible along with his favorite treasures: a tug rope, a red rubber rattle given by a young boy, his cozy wicker bed, and one of many industrial strength, heavily-gnawed bones.
"These have been the happiest years of my life," Burlingame said, and finds solace knowing his favorite pooch will embark on a new life of unfettered freedom. "For him, I know it will be heaven on earth."
To learn more about Seeing Eye dogs, contact the American Foundation for the Blind at http://www.afb.org, go to the Seeing Eye at http://www.seeingeye.org, or call (973) 539-4425.
Source: New York Daily News, NY, USA, copyright 2006,
http://www.nydailynews.com/city_life/story/461485p-388304c.html.
Tools for Living
Microsoft Releases Final Version of Windows Defender Spyware Application
Today Microsoft released the final version of Windows Defender.
One of the enhancements from the release notes states: Support for assistive technology for individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities.
I have played with it quite a bit and I must say it is a must have.
Link: http://tinyurl.com/7rzu5.
Source: The Desert Skies
http://jeffbishop.net/archive/2006/10/23/Microsoft-releases-final-version-of-Windows-Defender-Spyware-application.aspx.
New ZoomNews Audio Player
In our September issue, we introduced the new ZoomNews Audio Edition, offering each ZoomNews article in a friendly listening format. The feedback from our readers (now listeners) has been all positive, so we're happy to report that the ZoomNews Audio Edition is here to stay.
This month we've made listening to ZoomNews even easier by rolling out the new ZoomNews Audio Player. With the ZoomNews Audio Player, you can select and listen to articles from the current issue of ZoomNews. The player's simple controls make it easy to browse, select, and play articles with only a few clicks.
Check out the new ZoomNews Audio Edition and the ZoomNews Audio Player here: http://www.zoomtext.com/audio/0610C/mp3player.html
Source: Ai Squared News,
http://www.aisquared.com/news/zoomnews.cfm.
New Software Automatically Converts Digital Documents to Talking Flash Format
Texthelp's Lexiflow software service makes it easy for publishers to comply with the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS). Already adopted by Five States, assistive technology software publisher Texthelp Systems, Inc. announced the release of a new software program that converts textbook publishers' content to a new digital format. Texthelp's Lexiflow (patent pending) program is a set of tools that works with Adobe(R) Acrobat(R) to convert publishers' textbooks and other instructional materials saved in PDF format to an electronic "talking Flash" presentation. This new format enables schools to more easily provide the publishers' learning materials and to ensure that they are accessible by all students on both Macintosh(R) and Windows(R) platforms. The student experience includes viewing an exact representation of the original book with supporting highlighted text-to-speech using the highest quality voices.
In addition to talking Flash technology, Lexiflow also provides an output format that complies with the U.S. Department of Education's National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS). NIMAS is the emerging standard that guides the production and electronic distribution of digital versions of textbooks and other instructional materials so they can be more easily converted into accessible formats for students, such as Braille. Five states—Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kentucky and New York—have already adopted NIMAS and require that electronic instructional materials purchased by their schools be provided in this format. California is also considering adoption, and Texthelp expects that many more states will soon adopt the standard.
A further advantage to publishers with Lexiflow is that the system provides a cost-effective, accessible solution that includes royalty-free, high-quality voices and a simple cost per title licensing fee. Since PDF documents are created by textbook publishers for all written materials as a standard part of the publishing process, they do not have to change their normal procedures or do anything differently to convert documents with Lexiflow. They simply submit the documents to Texthelp and the conversion is handled securely for them. Lexiflow provides a secure conversion environment that cannot be copied. It is backwards compatible to multiple versions of Windows and Mac OS. Converted documents are returned to publishers as talking Flash presentations and NIMAS formatted files, ready to distribute to schools on CD-ROM, DVD, or online.
"As publishers faced increasing demands from state Boards of Education for accessible electronic textbooks, Texthelp developed a tool to simplify the process for them," said Mark McCusker, chief executive officer. "Our new Lexiflow software turns ordinary textbooks into feature-rich Flash presentations that make the content enjoyable and accessible for all students without changing or slowing down the normal publishing cycle of the materials. Our extensive research into the needs of leading education publishers clearly identified a trend that is growing and creating a demand for our technology, which will accelerate as more states adopt NIMAS."
Features:
Lexiflow produces an exact representation of the publisher's original PDF and provides consistency to users through an identical experience on both Macintosh(R) and Windows(R) platforms. A key feature of the talking Flash presentations created by Lexiflow is speech with synchronized highlighting that enables students to follow along with the words onscreen as they are being spoken. It was independently proven that this feature provided a seven percent increase in students' reading comprehension. The program offers multiple language support. It also offers "zoom" and "pan" control for visually impaired students as well as a word search feature and multiple page navigation.
Pricing, Availability, and System Requirements:
Lexiflow is available now and can accommodate any PDF file. Texthelp handles all Lexiflow file conversions as a service to publishers. Turnaround time to convert an average 700-page textbook is approximately four to six weeks. Pricing is customized, based on the length and complexity of the material a publisher wants to convert. For sales information, customers can call Texthelp at 1-888-248-0652. More information about Lexiflow and other Texthelp products is available on http://www.texthelp.com. Additional information about NIMAS is available at http://nimas.cast.org.
Source: http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2005/Sep/1186778.htm
GW Micro Posts Window-Eyes 6.0 Public Beta 1
GW Micro released the first public beta of Window-Eyes 6.0 in October. It can be downloaded and used freely for a limited time.
Link: http://www.gwmicro.com/
We strongly urge all of you to try this new version and provide GW Micro with all feedback needed to make the screen reader the best it can be.
Source: Blind Access Journal,
http://www.blindaccessjournal.com/2006/10/gw-micro-posts-window-eyes-60-public.html.
Trekker 3.0 Now Available
HumanWare expands the possibilities of GPS guidance for blind people. A web version is available at:
http://humanware.ca/web/en/NewsGetFile.asp?file=20061018.html
Longueuil, October 18, 2006 -- HumanWare is proud to announce the release of the new version of the GPS orientation system most used by blind people in the world. Trekker 3.0 boasts an array of new features, including using multiple GPS maps, maps covering wider areas, turn by turn instructions guidance while in a vehicle, capabilities to handle various sources of points of interest, and other innovations providing more information.
New Generation of GPS Maps
Moving from one region to another is now easier with the new generation GPS maps used by Trekker 3.0. These cover larger territories and are divided into regional maps for more convenience. Multiple maps can now be activated and stored in the memory.
More Flexibility to Manage Points of Interest
Trekker 3.0 also expands the sources of geographical information with the capability to integrate complementary points of interest coming from other users or databases downloadable from the web. Searching for points of interest is now easier because different search criteria can be used and combined (postal code, categories, distance, etc.). Personal points of interest can be organized into categories, transferred to and backed up on a PC, and even shared with other users.
More Comprehensive Routes
Whether you are traveling on foot or in a vehicle, Trekker 3.0 provides more information than ever before. When a route is activated, the initial direction is now announced. Navigation information is provided step by step, giving the next instruction and the distance to it.
Superior Information System
Trekker 3.0 offers the user an unsurpassed access to information. This includes shortcut keys for instant information about speed, direction, city name, altitude, latitude, longitude, and number of satellites in view.
"Since Trekker was introduced 4 years ago, the lives of sightless people have been literally transformed: they now have more freedom and can take full advantage of their environment," says product manager Lucia Gomez. "With Version 3.0, we have expanded the concept of "freedom to explore" even further, offering a product that is both more comprehensive and more flexible."
Trekker 3.0 is now available from HumanWare subsidiaries and distributors. Learn more about Trekker and get an upgrade of an earlier version by the following address: http://www.humanware.ca/web/en/Trekker3.asp.
About HumanWare
HumanWare is the global leader in assistive technologies for vision. HumanWare provides products to the blind, people with low vision, and students with learning disabilities. HumanWare's many innovative products include: BrailleNote, the leading productivity device for blind people in education, in business, and in their personal lives; the Victor Reader product line, the world's leading digital talking book players; and SmartView Xtend, the first fully modular and upgradeable CCTV-based video magnifier.
Contact Information
Nicolas Lagace
HumanWare Canada
Phone: (450) 463-1717
Email: nicolas.lagace@humanware.com
Braille Reading Pals: a Pre-readers Program
Dates: November 1 - December 31
Braille Reading Pals is a non-competitive Braille readiness program for blind infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and older students with reading delays. The goal of this program is to expose the family and the child to Braille and to encourage parents (or other responsible adults) to read aloud to or with their children a minimum of fifteen minutes a day during the program period.
Here's how the Program Works:
- Fill out and mail in the Braille Reading Pals Registration Form.
- Upon registering for Braille Reading Pals, you will receive: a reading journal, a print-Braille children's book, a Beanie Baby Reading Pal, instructions about how to complete the program, a Braille alphabet card, a paperback book about the importance of Braille in the lives of blind people, a booklet about reading Braille books with young blind children, and resource information about sources of children's print-Braille books. After receiving the packet, here's what you do:
- Schedule time to read to your child a minimum of fifteen minutes a day from November 1 to December 31. (Note: You will not be penalized for failing to read daily or for reading less than fifteen minutes a day. We will honor any sincere effort to participate in the program as fully as your schedule will permit. If you start before November 1, that's okay, too. However, we only ask that you keep a log for the months of November and December.)
- As much as possible, read from print-Braille books so that your child becomes accustomed to "seeing" Braille on a regular basis and begins to associate Braille with the pleasure of reading. To help you get started, your packet includes a print-Braille book for you to keep.
- Introduce the Beanie Baby Braille Reading Pal to your child. Explain that this is his/her Reading Pal to keep, BUT it only comes out when it is time to read. The Reading Pal is never played with any other time—only during reading time. Ask your child to name his/her Reading Pal and encourage your child to develop a personality for the Reading Pal. You may want to discuss what type of animal it is, what type of voice it would have, etc. If you wish, you can engage in reading games with the Reading Pal. You might use a fake voice and pretend to be the Reading Pal as you read the story aloud. Or, you could ask your child to pretend to read to his/her Reading Pal. Have your child hold the book and pass his/her fingers over the Braille and "read" to the pal. In the beginning, don't be picky about how your child holds the book or touches the Braille—you just want your child to get the concept that reading involves holding a book, touching Braille, and turning pages. There are lots of possibilities for reading games with your Braille Reading Pal. Be creative, use your "Because Books Matter: Reading Braille Books with Young Blind Children" booklet and other literacy materials to get ideas.
- Keep the Braille Reading Pal and your two-month reading journal together. Every time you read, make a notation in the journal of the date and the minutes of reading time. Optional information to include in the journal is the title of the book and any other comments you want to make about the reading activity for the day.
- After the program ends on December 31, fill out the "We Did It!" one-page entry form (enclosed in your packet) and mail it to Braille Reading Pals, Braille Readers Are Leaders, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230.
- Every participant will receive a certification of completion and a prize that parent and child can share together.
For more information and to register, visit the website at:
http://www.nfb.org/nfb/NOPBC_BRL_Reading_Pals.asp?SnID=707861602.
Website of the Month
Arcess Accessible Games on the Internet
This month's website is Arcess.com. It is a website for accessible computer games. Arcess has been providing accessible switch games through the Internet since 1997. The focus of the games has been to overcome the physical barriers to playing Arcade Games. Visit the link at:
Announcements
ADA Working Group Quarterly Board Meeting and Public Hearing in Orlando, November 13-15, 2006
Are you a person with a disability?
Do you have a friend or family member with a disability?
Do you provide services to persons with disabilities?
Are you interested in learning what the hot ADA topics/issues are in your area?
The Governor's Working Group on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAWG) is holding its quarterly Board Meeting and Public Hearing from November 13-15, 2006 in Orlando, Florida. You're cordially invited to participate and share your issues & concerns regarding accessibility, benefits, employment, housing, transportation, assistive technology, education, state & local government services, etc. with the ADA Working Group's Board Members and staff.
Location, Meeting Dates and Times:
The Sheraton Studio City Hotel
5905 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 351-2100
Quarterly Board Meeting:
November 13, 2006: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
November 14, 2006: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
November 15, 2006: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Public Hearing:
November 14, 2006: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Accommodations (including American Sign Language Interpreters), assistive listening devices, and real-time captioning will be provided for persons with disabilities. Call ADAWG's Clearinghouse on Disability Information (Toll Free/Voice & TTY) at (877) 232-4968 for further information.
Focus Group Participants Wanted
The Solutions Marketing Group (http://www.disability-marketing.com), a disability and health-focused consulting company, is looking for focus group participants who are employed or volunteer with a community-based organization which supports members/constituents diagnosed with any of the following conditions: Musculoskeletal (like spinal cord injuries) or Endocrine (like thyroidism); Respiratory (like Cystic Fibrosis) or Urinary System (like kidney disease); Cardiovascular (or heart disease); Sensory Disabilities (like hearing or vision loss); Mental disorders (like bi-polar, developmental delay autism, cognitive impairment, schizophrenia); Immunosystem (like HIV/AIDS); Other (like epilepsy, Hodgkin's disease, or Sickle Cell Anemia).
These focus groups will help a healthcare company explore preferences and perceptions about medical health plans with the goal of providing insight to improving its service. In return for their time, participants will receive a $50 honorarium.
The criteria we are looking for includes the following:
- Must be between 18 and 64 years of age
- Individuals who are employed or volunteer at a community-based organization which supports members/constituents with one of the following diagnosis: Musculoskeletal (like spinal cord injuries) or Endocrine (like thyroidism); Respiratory (like Cystic Fibrosis) or Urinary System (like kidney disease); Cardiovascular (or heart disease); Sensory Disabilities (like hearing or vision loss); Mental disorders (like bi-polar, developmental delay autism, cognitive impairment, schizophrenia); Immunosystem (like HIV/AIDS); Other (like epilepsy, Hodgkin's disease, or Sickle Cell Anemia).
- Not employed by a market research firm
- An employee or volunteer of a community-based organization which supports members/constituents who are recipients of Medicaid sponsored health plans, such as HealthEase, StayWell, Amerigroup, Buena Vista, Citrus Health Care, EverCare, Humana, Jackson Memorial Health Plan, Personal Health Plan, Preferred Medical Plan, Total Health Choice, or United HealthCare
- Has never served on the board of a healthcare company
- Must be in the Orlando, Florida area
The focus group will take place on November 14th at the following time:
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
If you are interested in participating in the focus group, please complete the online questionnaire located at:
http://www.abilitypanel.com/surveys/advocate.htm.
If you have any questions, please contact Cornelius Butler at:
Cornelius@butlernewmedia.com.
American Association of People with Disabilities Offers Summer 2007 Internship Programs
The American Association of People with Disabilities is accepting applications for the following summer internships:
The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation-AAPD Congressional Internship Program:
http://www.aapd-dc.org/internships/internship07/MEAFinternInfo07.htm
The Microsoft-AAPD Federal Information Technology (I.T.) Internship Program:
http://www.aapd-dc.org/internships/internship07/MS-AAPDinternInfo07.htm
Deadline: December 1, 2006
Esight Community News, USA,
http://www.tabinc.org/blog/archives/2006/10/american_associ.html.
Medicare and You 2007 Handbook Now Available
Notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:
The Medicare & You 2007 handbook to help people with Medicare review their coverage options and prepare to enroll in a new plan if they choose is now available in English at:
For the Spanish version visit:
This official government handbook contains important information about what's new, health plans, prescription drug plans, and rights for people with Medicare. You can find 48 geographic-specific versions of the handbook on the website with drug and health plan comparison charts for particular states or regions. These are the versions that will be mailed to people with Medicare in the next few weeks.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is encouraging people with Medicare to review their current coverage this fall to see if it will meet their needs in 2007. Now is the time to help people think about the cost, coverage, and customer service that they need in a plan to get the most out of their Medicare.
For more Medicare Prescription Drug Plan issues, see:
http://www.aapd.com/News/medicaredrugcoverage/
Job Opportunities
Volunteer Coordinator for Employment Computer Information Access Lab
Position: Volunteer Coordinator
Immediate Supervisor: Assistant Director
Basic Function: Coordinate the functioning of the Employment Computer Information Access (CIA) Lab. Recruit, screen, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers to assist others in the lab. Instruct persons who are blind or visually impaired in the area of adaptive computer and assistive technology vocational skills.
Work Direction: Work as a member of the instructional staff under the direction and training of the Assistant Director and Assistive Technology Instructor. Create and implement new volunteer program for Employment CIA Lab.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work 20 hours per week in the Employment Computer Information Access Lab instructing clients, providing assistance, and coordinating volunteers.
- Provide instruction as outlined in the Assistive Technology curriculum to
address the individual goals and skills needed for employment, including:
- Basic Computer Concepts, utilizing the keyboard, and typing skills
- Screen Access through enlargement or speech software (JAWS, Window Eyes, ZoomText, MAGic, etc.)
- Word Processing, including reading, creating, saving, printing, copying, and pasting documents
- Operating System, including accessing the control panel, help function, menu bars, system tools, shortcut keys, and files
- Email reading, writing, printing, and saving
- Internet browsers, screen access, and security
- Using other assistive technology devices and software used on the job such as scanners with speech via Open Book software, PacMate, Braille Embosser with Duxbury Braille Translation software, Braille Note Takers using qwerty input, portable close circuit television, and others
- Resume Writing
- Job Searching
- Resources for Job Leads
- Job Applications
- Interviewing Techniques
- Assist with installation and teach clients how to maintain their hardware and software
- Read groups, classes, and trainings dealing with assistive technology and volunteering
- Knowledge of Braille to translate complex documents with translation software and proofread Braille for accuracy
- Communicate with other instructors, supervisors, and Director of Operations regarding client progress and provide written documentation as requested
- Write monthly progress reports to supplement billing requirements that are clear, concise, behavioral, objective, measurable, and reflect functional outcomes related to instructional process
- Contribute to continuous programmatic quality improvement by innovating and/or seeking opportunities to promote professional growth
- Adhere to the "Rehabilitation Teaching Code of Ethics" which is included in FIRE's Personnel Policy
- Perform other duties as assigned
Position Requirements:
- Relevant Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree preferred
- 2 years experience in Visual Disabilities preferred
- 2 years experience in Volunteer Coordination preferred
- Excellent oral and written communication skills required
- Fluency in Braille preferred, including Grade 2, Nemeth code, and Computer Braille
- Adaptive Computer knowledge and skills including typing, screen magnifiers, screen readers, note taking devices, Braille translation software, refreshable Braille displays, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software required
Volunteer Coordinator for Assistive Technology Computer Lab at local non-profit serving people who are visually impaired or blind, 20 hr/wk, $18/hr, 1 year grant from The Able Trust. Deadline to apply is 11/15; please send resume & cover letter detailing experience to the Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education (FIRE), 1286 Cedar Center Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32301 or fireinformation@earthlink.net. More information is on FIRE's website at http://www.firesight.org.
ADA Coordinator Position at the Florida State University
If you are aware of anyone in the field who may be interested in the FSU position which will function as University ADA Coordinator, please feel free to refer them to http://www.hr.fsu.edu, link - employment opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact:
Ms. Renisha L. Gibbs
Director, Diversity and Compliance and Chief Diversity Officer
The Florida State University
Office of Human Resources
Phone: (850) 644-8082
Fax: (850) 645-9504
Email: rgibbs@admin.fsu.edu
Web: http://www.diversity.fsu.edu
Kennel Technician
Reports to: Kennel Manager
Overall Summary: A Kennel Technician provides care to dogs which are being kenneled at our facilities for reasons other than formal training.
Requiring solid teamwork and communication skills, this work entails feeding, bathing, and medicating dogs; maintaining a clean kennel environment; assisting with whelping; providing neo-care to newborn puppies as well as some data entry and reception duties related to dogs coming into or leaving our kennel facilities.
Position Essential Functions:
- Provide basic care of kenneled dogs and puppies such as weighing, assisting in whelping and breeding duties, grooming, bathing, dipping, spraying and medicating dogs, reporting behavioral changes as well as walking dogs or transporting them by van to other locations.
- Prepare and dispense food, including special diets, for up to 65 dogs being kenneled. Keep precise feeding records.
- Clean individual kennels and maintain sanitary kennel environment.
- Greet the public and volunteers, assist with the intake and release of dogs. Maintain precise records of dogs moving into or out of the kennel, following GDB procedures to assure that complete and accurate information gets to the right person.
- Keep precise records relating to medications administered and prescribed, conditions under observation, and care given to the dogs and puppies in the kennel.
- Adheres to our organization's safety policies and procedures and encourages others to do the same. Promptly reports incidents and accidents according to campus procedures.
- Represent GDB at special functions, assist in photo shoots of puppies, and undertake other duties assigned.
Position Essential Requirements:
- Prior experience caring for dogs in a kennel or vet environment desirable
- Ability to handle a variety of large breed dogs with varying strength and manageability
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
- Ability to remain on one's feet, standing or walking, all day on cement
- Ability to withstand up to two hours of repetitive bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting
- Able to communicate via voice mail and e-mail within one month of employment
- Able to take direction and to work as part of a team
Position Specifications:
This fulltime, non-exempt, position is expected to start at $14.00 per hour and includes benefits. Requires day, evening, and weekend shifts. Some holiday work required.
How to Apply:
Please submit your application for this position in one of the following ways:
Complete the Online Application for Employment
Email your cover letter and resume to icareer@guidedogs.com
Mail your cover letter and resume to the following address:
Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.
Attention: Recruiting
P.O. Box 151200
San Rafael, CA 94915-1200
Phone: (800) 295-4050
Distributed Proof Readers Needed
Please visit the site http://www.pgdp.net for more information about how you can help a lot by simply proofreading just a few pages per day, or more.
If you have a book that has been scanned but not yet run through OCR (optical character recognition) or proofed and you would like the Distributed Proofreaders to work on it, please email dphelp@pgdp.net and we will get things started.
Also, DP is seeking public domain books not already in the Project Gutenberg collection. To see what is already online, visit:
http://ibiblio.org/gutenberg/GUTINDEX.ALL
(a text file) listing Project Gutenberg eBooks and is available for downloading.
Do you have Public Domain books you would like to see in the archive?
Can they be destructively scanned? If so, send them to the Distributed Proofreading Team! Please email dphelp@pgdp.net with your geographic location. You will be given the address of the nearest high-speed scanner.
NOTE: High-speed scanning requires destruction of the book(s) which will not be returned. We have high-speed scanners currently located in the east, west, and central portions of the US to make shipping easier.
Please make sure that any books you send are NOT already in the archive and please check them against David's "In Progress" list at:
http://www.dprice48.freeserve.co.uk/GutIP.html
to ensure no one is currently working on them. It would also be helpful if you obtain copyright clearance before mailing the books and send the 'OK' lines to dphelp@pgdp.net.
Do you like to work on an entire book at once but don't have the time or technology to do the scanning, OCR, and initial proofing yourself?
Distributed Proofreaders has the perfect solution! Just send us email telling us that you are interested in post-processing and we will help find a project you would like to work on.
Please contact us at dphelp@pgdp.net if you would like to know more about the Distributed Proofreaders.
Source: The Project Gutenberg Blog, copyright 2006,
http://www.mikecook.net/gutenberg/?cat=2.
Recipes
In next month's Recipe section, we would like to feature special holiday delights from across the state. Please send your holiday recipes to the ezine by November 15. Recipes must be your own and not taken from a cookbook unless the name of the book is included.
This month the menu contains a variety of recipes for a Thanksgiving Day feast. There are several for each category.
Mixed Greens with Orange Dressing and Walnuts
- 6 cups mixed baby greens, washed and crisped
- 1/2 small red onion, 1 1/2 ounces, sliced very thin
Orange Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- freshly ground pepper
- 2 teaspoons chopped toasted walnuts
Place the greens in a salad bowl. Sprinkle with red onion.
In a small mixing cup, whisk together dressing ingredients until well combined. Drizzle over the greens and toss.
Divide between four salad plates. Sprinkle with walnuts. Serve at once.
Per Serving: 76 calories (69 percent calories from fat), 2 g protein, 6 g total fat (0.8 g saturated fat), 5 g carbohydrate, 2 g dietary fiber, 0 cholesterol, 37 mg sodium
Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat
Roast Turkey with Pan Gravy
- 1 15-pound turkey with giblets
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons crushed dried
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon crushed dried
- 12 large cloves garlic, smashed with the sides of a knife
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 onion, peeled and cut into quarters
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery ribs with leaves, coarsely chopped
- 4 cups 98 percent fat-free, no-salt-added canned chicken broth
- 2 parsley sprigs
- 1 small bay leaf
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- salt (optional) and freshly ground pepper
Place oven rack in lowest position; preheat oven to 325°F.
Remove and set aside neck and giblets for gravy. Remove and discard any fat from turkey. Wash turkey; pat dry with paper towels. Combine thyme, and sage. Sprinkle turkey with the mixture. Place turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Place garlic cloves in body cavity.
Loosely tent turkey with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Roast turkey, breast side up, for 3 1/2 hours or until an instant meat thermometer registers 180°F when inserted in the thickest part of a thigh, rotating the pan and removing the foil tent after 2 1/2 hours roasting time. If using wine, baste turkey several times with white wine.
Meanwhile, rinse neck and giblets; remove and discard neck skin and any fat. Place neck and giblets in a large saucepan with onion, carrot, celery, chicken broth, parsley sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. Discard the neck and giblets, parsley sprigs, and bay leaf. Strain the broth and vegetables through a fine sieve, forcing as much of the vegetables as possible into the strained broth. (You should get about 2 1/2 cups liquid). Chill strained liquid until ready to use.
When turkey is done, remove from oven and place on a carving platter. Remove the garlic cloves from the body cavity. Squeeze the roasted garlic pulp into a small bowl and set aside. Loosely cover the turkey with foil and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
Meanwhile, pour the pan drippings from the roasting pan through a fine sieve into a small freezer-proof bowl. Place bowl in the freezer for 20 minutes to solidify the fat.
Stir the red wine and two tablespoons of the reserved giblet broth into the roasting pan and cook on top of the stove over medium-high heat, scraping up any browned bits. Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan. Skim off all fat which has formed at the top of the pan drippings. Add the de-fatted drippings and remaining reserved broth to the saucepan. Bring to a boil and whisk in reserved roasted garlic pulp. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the gravy mixture has thickened slightly. Taste and add salt (if using) and pepper to taste.
Carve the turkey, discarding the skin. Arrange the turkey on a serving platter. Pour the gravy into a sauceboat and pass separately.
Per 4-ounce turkey + 2 tablespoons gravy serving: 197 calories (27 percent calories from fat), 24 g protein, 8 g total fat (1.9 g saturated fat), 0 carbohydrates, 0 dietary fiber, 86 mg cholesterol, 85 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean protein
Turkey Breast Braised with Garlic and Rice
- 1 Cup long-grain rice
- 1 Can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
- 1/2 Cup white wine
- 2 Teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/2 Teaspoon each dried rosemary, thyme and sage
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (5-6 pounds)
- Paprika
- 3 Cloves garlic
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In 5-quart Dutch oven combine rice, broth, wine, parsley, rosemary, thyme, sage and bay leaf. Place turkey over rice mixture and sprinkle turkey generously with paprika.
Cut off root ends of garlic cloves. Place whole garlic bulbs, cut-end-up, in rice around turkey breast. Cover top of Dutch oven with foil and lid. Bake at 350 degrees F. 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast registers 170-175 degrees F.
Allow to stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving. To serve, carve turkey into slices and place on platter.
Spoon rice mixture into serving bowl.
Squeeze garlic from skins onto turkey and rice.
Guilt-Free Turkey Gravy
- 1/4 Cup cornstarch
- 1/4 Cup water
- 4 Cups turkey broth and defatted pan juices (recipe below)
- Salt and pepper
In a large saucepan, over medium heat, bring turkey broth and pan juices to a boil.
Meanwhile, blend until smooth the cornstarch and water.
Whisking constantly, slowly add the cornstarch mixture and continue stirring until the gravy is thickened.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Note: To defat pan juices, pour poultry drippings into a glass measuring cup and refrigerate until the fat solidifies. Remove the fat layer and discard.
Nicholas' Roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 8 to 10 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 cup olive oil
- 4 russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Asiago cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Put the garlic and olive oil in a heavy saucepan over lowest possible heat and simmer until soft; 30 to 40 minutes.
Drain off oil (reserve for marinades or vinaigrettes).
Purée garlic; set aside.
Meanwhile, prick potatoes with a fork and bake in a 400°F oven for 1 hour or until soft. While still hot, peel and mash, or pass through a potato ricer.
Melt butter in heavy cream; whisk in puréed garlic.
Stir into potatoes.
Stir in cheeses and season with salt and pepper.
Spoon into a gratin dish.
Place in a 400°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until browned and bubbling.
Aunt Polly's Sweet Potato Casserole
- 2 lbs. sweet potatoes, boiled, peeled and mashed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 oz. fat-free margarine, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or Splenda brown sugar blend
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg and cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350.
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Will be very soupy.
Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Brown Sugar Carrots
- 3/4 pound medium carrots, peeled
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed or Splenda brown sugar blend
- Dash of salt
Cut carrots in half, both crosswise and lengthwise. Cook carrots in a medium saucepan, covered, in a small amount of boiling water 8-10 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain well; remove from pan. In the same saucepan combine butter or margarine, brown sugar, and salt. Stir over medium heat until combined. Add carrots. Cook, uncovered, about two minutes or until glazed Stir frequently. Season to taste with pepper.
Green Beans and Glazed Onions
- 1 10-ounce bag frozen baby pearl onions
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons reduced-fat margarine
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Cook onions, according to package directions, until tender. Drain and keep warm.
Cook green beans in a large nonstick skillet in water to cover until crisp tender, about five minutes. Drain and keep warm.
In same skillet, melt margarine over medium heat. Add balsamic vinegar and onions. Toss to glaze. Add green beans and gently mix to combine.
Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot.
Per serving: 60 calories (21 percent calories from fat), 2 g protein, 2 g total fat (0.3 g saturated fat), 11 g carbohydrates, 3 g dietary fiber, 0 cholesterol, 37 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges: 1/2 carbohydrate (2 vegetable), 1/2 fat
Cranberry Chutney
- 1 Package (12 ounces) fresh cranberries
- 1/2 Cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 Cup sugar or sugar substitute
- 1 Teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 Teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 Teaspoon cumin
In medium saucepan, over high heat, combine cranberries, vinegar and sugar; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add nutmeg, cinnamon, cayenne, and cumin.
Simmer 20 to 25 minutes or until mixture is very thick, stirring frequently.
Old-Fashioned Bread and Sage Dressing
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat margarine
- 5 celery ribs with leaves, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed dried thyme
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed dried sage
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 1-pound loaves firm white bread, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 1/3 cup chopped parsley
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups 98% percent fat-free, no-salt-added canned chicken broth
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Melt margarine in a large nonstick skillet. Add celery and onion. Sauté until vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in thyme, sage, salt (if using), and pepper. Set aside.
Meanwhile, place bread slices on a baking sheet and lightly toast on both sides, about 10 minutes per side.
Break bread into bite-size pieces. Mix in vegetable mixture and parsley. (At this point stuffing can be made one day ahead, placed in a self-sealing plastic bag, and refrigerated).
In a medium saucepan, heat broth to a simmer. Place dressing mixture in a large mixing bowl. Pour on hot broth and stir until bread is evenly moistened, starting with 2 1/2 cups broth and adding additional broth to reach desired consistency.
Transfer dressing mixture to a shallow baking casserole. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and continue to bake until lightly browned and heat through, another 15 to 20 minutes.
Per 1/2-cup (120 ml) serving: 116 calories (20 percent calories from fat), 4 g protein, 3 g total fat (0.6 g saturated fat), 20 g carbohydrates, 1 g dietary fiber, 0 cholesterol, 237 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges: 1 1/2 carbohydrate (bread/starch)
Ice Cream Pumpkin Pie
- 1 package (9 ounces) prepared graham cracker pie crust
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream softened
- 1 can (16 ounces) pumpkin
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Fill pie crust with ice cream; freeze until solid.
In medium bowl, combine pumpkin, whipped cream, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and salt.
Spoon mixture over frozen layer of ice cream in crust; freeze until solid.
To serve, remove pie from freezer and place in refrigerator one hour before serving. Slice and serve with additional whipped cream, if desired.
Cooking tip: Frozen non-fat yogurt and fat-free whipped topping may be used in place of ice cream and whipped cream.
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Slices
- 1 16 ounce golden pound cake mix
- 2 eggs, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter (or reduced fat margarine), melted
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts, divided
- 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 egg whites
- 1 16 ounce can pumpkin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease a 15 x 10-inch jellyroll pan; set aside.
In large bowl, combine cake mix, 1 egg, butter (or fat free substitute), 1/2 cup nuts and 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice until crumbly. Press onto bottom of prepared pan; set aside.
In large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk, then remaining egg and egg whites, pumpkin, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice and salt; mix well.
Pour over crust; sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup nuts on top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until set. Cool. Chill; cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.
Pumpkin and Praline Pie
- 2 pie crusts
Filling:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. flour
- 1 tbsp. bitters (optional)
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ginger
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. cloves
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1 can (29 oz.) pumpkin
- 1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup water
Praline:
- 4 tbsp. butter, softened
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar or Splenda brown sugar blend
- 2/3 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
- Whipped cream, for garnish (optional)
Mix sugars, flour, bitters, spices in large bowl.
Stir in egg; set aside.
Melt butter in large skillet over low heat.
Add pumpkin, simmer, stirring occasionally until purèe thickens slightly, 10 minutes.
Gradually stir hot pumpkin into sugar mix, stir in evaporated milk, milk, and 1 cup water. If desired, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Prepare crusts.
Preheat to 450°F.
Spread half the praline mix in each crust. Bake until praline is golden brown and bubbly, around 10 minutes; cool slightly.
Reduce oven temp to 400°F. 0
Pour half pumpkin filling into each crust; smooth top with spatula.
Bake until pumpkin is firm and crusts are golden brown, about 1 hour. Cool completely and serve. Garnish with whipped cream or topping, if desired.
Reprinted with permission from Diabetic Recipes.com. Visit the website at:
http://www.diabetic-recipes.com/.
To Our Readers
We hope you found this issue of Eye on DBS both informative and interesting. This newsletter continues to evolve. Towards that end, we encourage all of you to send your suggestions, article ideas, recipes, or criticisms to either:
- Sam Atwood (Sam_Atwood@dbs.doe.state.fl.us), or
- Lydia Markley (Lydia_Markley@dbs.doe.state.fl.us)
The Eye on DBS Newsletter can be accessed in several ways:
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