DBS News
Division of Blind Services Receives the Governor's Sterling Award
Over 50 Division of Blind Services employees received the prestigious Governor's Sterling Award at the Governor's Sterling Award Banquet at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes hotel on June 1, 2007.
"I am honored to congratulate and recognize the 2007 Governor's Sterling Award Recipients," said Governor Crist. "The process required for receiving this award is recognized as one of the most comprehensive methods for any organization to improve performance and drive excellent results."
Since 1992, the Governor's Sterling Award has recognized Florida businesses and organizations that have demonstrated proven standards of excellence within their operations and management. Each winner has completed an assessment and evaluation that included an expert team of examiners conducting an on-site review of the organization's management systems and organizational performance results.
The Division of Blind Services is a division within the Florida Department of Education. The Division serves blind and visually impaired people of all ages throughout Florida. There are 12 district offices, five satellite offices, and a central office in Tallahassee. Within the Division are the Braille and Talking Book Library and the Orientation and Adjustment Center. The Division of Blind Services' results demonstrate high levels of performance and sustained improvement trends in areas of product and service outcomes, customer satisfaction, and human resources. Excellent current performance is evident in several customer measures while overall customer satisfaction results exceed the comparative best. The overall customer satisfaction with library services shows sustained performance. In 2002, 96 percent of the customers were satisfied, and that number has increased to 98 percent in 2006, which exceeds the best comparison.
Established in 1992, the Florida Sterling Council is a public/private not-for-profit corporation supported by the Executive Office of the Governor. Sterling's Annual Conference is exclusively designed to teach participants how to elevate performance and increase productivity. More than 1,200 executives and professionals gather at this event for a one-stop source for education, information, and inspiration. The conference concludes with the recognition of best practices, the Team Showcase Champion, and presentation of the Governor's Sterling Awards.
District 5
This is to notify you that one of our very dedicated and talented staff Fred Bowers (Senior Rehabilitation Specialist, CRC) will be retiring from the Division of Blind Services at of the close of business today, April 30, 2007. Fred has been employed with the Division for 10 years and has proven himself to be a compassionate and learned staff member and friend. We would like to take this opportunity to wish Fred a wonderful retirement and much success in his future endeavors. Fred, you will be sorely missed.
District 7
Debbie Hietala is a licensed Blind Services Business Enterprise operator. She operates the cafe located at the Hillsborough County Courthouse in Tampa. Debbie received the distinguished Employer of the Year Award for Persons with Disabilities. This award was presented by Tampa Mayor Pam Iorion on May 23rd.
If you get a chance, give Debbie an "atta-girl" call at 813-226-2227.
District 8
Angela Daughtry, our Children's Counselor here in District 8, will be the recipient of the Davis Productivity Award. This achievement fills all of us with great pride and joy. Angela's hard work, dedication, and creativity in developing her Children's Summer Camp is being recognized, and deservedly so. I would also like to thank Tony Ames who assisted me in the nomination process along with Michael Elliott in ensuring Angela's nomination went through without a hitch.
Congratulations Angela! I am very proud of all your hard work and honored to have you here in St. Pete.
Lynn Ritter
District Administrator
Around the State
Blind Area Teens to Trek to Peru
ORMOND BEACH -- Emily and Ashley Townsend are independent and intelligent, spirited teenagers full of self-confidence.
Both sisters are excited about their future, despite the genetic disease that steals their vision.
Emily, at 17, remains set on a career in medicine or music, while Ashley, 16, aspires to perform and direct on Broadway.
The girls face immense challenges in a seeing world where stereotypes and value judgments often follow the blind. There will be mountains to climb, and they can't wait for the first this summer—hiking through Inca villages along Peru's highest peaks.
Emily and Ashley are among 10 blind or visually impaired students selected nationwide to take part in the 12-day journey in July that's being led by Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind man ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Weihenmayer and the girls share a common bond. Each lost his or her sight bit by bit early in life.
Retinitis pigmentosa has destroyed Emily's central vision, while Ashley sees only through the middle of her right eye. She is almost blind in her left. Their loss of vision began in early childhood.
"If they put us together, it would be great," Emily said with a smile, glancing at her sister.
Their loss of vision has been no excuse to give up on life. Instead, it motivates them to excel.
"People have lower expectations (of the blind)," Emily said. "They expect you to be less, and I want to be more."
Called Leading the Way, the Peru trip is sponsored by Global Explorers, a Colorado-based nonprofit organization that teaches middle and high school children teamwork and respect, while building self-esteem. The $3,500 cost for each girl is being paid by Florida's Division of Blind Services.
"There are two things we can expect in Peru. It'll be very cold and really rocky. We were told it's going to be tough," Ashley said of the hike ultimately to 16,000 feet in the middle of that continent's winter. "But this is an opportunity to see a beautiful part of the world."
Adam Dolezal, program coordinator for Leading the Way, said science, service, culture and leadership will be stressed among both the 14 sighted and 10 visually impaired students selected from the applications. Last year's group, the first, climbed to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas in Peru.
"The program focuses on leadership more than anything," he said.
Earlier in April, Ashley spent a weekend preparing and hiking with Weihenmayer and other student team members in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Emily stayed behind to participate in a high school event, where the junior was named Miss Mainland.
Preparing for a high-altitude climb in Ormond Beach will be a challenge.
"It's not a very mountainous region," Emily said, grinning.
The girls were told by Leading the Way leaders to do a lot of cardiovascular exercise. So they have started a long-distance running program, breaking in their new hiking boots four or five times a week.
"It's not all legs," Ashley said of the preparation. "We have to use trekking poles and work on our arms."
The sisters are confident they will complete the climb, surviving high above and far from the modern world, where they will be unable to bathe or call their parents.
Their mother, Sue, isn't looking forward to her longest separation ever from her teenage girls.
"I'm going to be on tranquilizers for two weeks," she said, laughing.
Source: Daytona Beach news-journalonline.com, copyright 2007.
For Once in His Life
Tampa -- Tutor Ted Hull's young student loved music. He'd play his beloved harmonica at every opportunity, even on crowded airplane flights. The pair's fellow passengers never seemed to mind.
"When people found out it was Stevie Wonder, they never complained," Hull says.
Hull, 68, a Hyde Park resident, is retired but remains active as an advocate for the visually impaired.
In the 1960s, though, Hull was an integral part of Motown, the Detroit record label that produced soul and R&B greats such as Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, the Temptations, and Mary Wells.
Hull recounts his experiences in his book, "The Wonder Years: My Life & Times With Stevie Wonder," written with Paula L. Stahel. Hull will make a presentation on his book Tuesday at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library.
It was the success of then 13-year-old Wonder that brought Hull into the Motown fold in 1963.
Born Steveland Judkins, Wonder was riding high with a number one single, "Fingertips Pt. 2," and album, "Little Stevie Wonder/The 12-Year-Old Genius."
His studies, though, weren't faring as well. His career already was taking a toll on his schoolwork.
Hull, legally blind with 20/200 vision, had graduated from Michigan State University in 1962 with a degree in special education for the visually impaired. He taught mentally and physically handicapped elementary school-age students and spent his summers hitchhiking around Europe, going as far as his thumb and meager funds would take him.
When Motown came looking for a tutor for Wonder, Hull seemed perfect—a visually impaired young man with a teaching degree and a love of travel.
It was the first quality that mattered most to Wonder.
When Hull and Wonder met, "His first words to me were, 'Are you blind, too?'" Hull remembers.
"I suddenly realized how important that was to him, that I could identify with some of his issues," Hull says. "I said, 'Not totally, but pretty doggone close.'"
Hull got the job and quickly set about putting Wonder's schooling in order. Hull thought it best that the sixth-grader repeat fifth grade to make up for his many missed lessons.
Wonder was taken out of the public elementary school he had been attending and enrolled in the Michigan School for the Blind. The curriculum from which Hull taught him at home and on the road would be the same as that used by the school's other students.
He imposed restrictions on Wonder's schedule to make sure the boy had plenty of time for rest and his studies.
"Stevie can't stay at the studio past eight at night. He can't sit in the car with other musicians because they're smoking pot. He can't have recording sessions between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.," which were his school hours, Hull recalls telling the Motown brass.
"They knew without me it wasn't going to work," Hull says. "I was just part of the team, but it all worked very well."
Hull soon signed on as Wonder's road manager. "I needed to be more in control of who was around Stevie, who we hired, where we played, how late Stevie worked," Hull says.
Can't Get Next To You
On tour, Hull wanted to keep Wonder away from temptation—or, in some instances, The Temptations.
"The Temptations were very difficult," Hull recalls of the group responsible for hits such as "My Girl."
"They were nice guys, but they always had a bottle of whiskey open in their room, they always had women in their room, and they always tried to get Stevie to come in their room. They'd get mad at me because I wouldn't let them."
Despite his blindness and prodigious talent, Wonder was a fairly typical teen, Hull reckons.
"The most abnormal thing about him was he really worked hard as a teenager. He worked hard in school, worked hard on the road. He didn't get anything for free," Hull says.
"We had to go back to the Michigan School for the Blind and pass the achievement tests," Hull says. "There's no excuse when you've only got one student."
Wonder often stayed on campus at the school.
"We tried as best we could on a monthly basis to go to the School for the Blind and stay on campus for a week," Hull says. "On the road, you don't make long-lasting friendships, so the purpose of that was so Stevie would have the opportunity to meet other kids like himself."
"He has one friend he met at school, and they still call each other all the time," Hull says.
Wide World of Field Trips
The lessons often extended outside the classroom.
In Japan, Hull and Wonder took part in a traditional tea ceremony. In London, museum cases were opened so Wonder could feel a suit of armor. The two rode in a canoe on the Delaware River as they discussed George Washington's crossing during the Revolutionary War.
"In Atlantic City, I wanted Stevie to see what it was like to fish," Hull recalls. "He was the only one who caught a fish, and he was asleep when he caught it!"
Some of the lessons were harsher.
Traveling the South in the early and mid-'60s, the Motown revue was subjected to segregation and occasional hostility.
Once, in Birmingham, Alabama, Motown musician Thomas "Beans" Bowles was in a car at a traffic light. "A car pulled up beside him, and a guy pointed a gun at his head and pulled the trigger," Hull says. "It didn't fire. Maybe there was no cartridge. Maybe that was the whole idea."
Sometimes Hull, a white man in the company of blacks, was the target.
"Stevie and I stopped to eat at a cafeteria, and all the workers came and got Stevie's signature," Hull says. "One of the guys who got his autograph came up to me and said, 'Aren't you the wrong color to be eating with these people?'"
Hull, a Southerner himself, grew up with the prejudiced attitudes of his day but says they didn't stick.
"Even though I was from Tennessee, I never thought about racial stuff," Hull says. "I couldn't care less what color [Wonder] was."
Hull's time with Wonder came to an end when "Little Stevie" graduated from high school in 1968.
Humble About His Past
Hull eventually returned to school, earning a master's degree in human services administration.
He moved to Tampa in 1989 to become administrator of the Department of Blind Services before retiring in 2004.
His advocacy for the blind, particularly in the area of bus services, brought him to the attention of former Hillsborough County Commissioner Jan Platt.
Platt says he was an effective advocate, making his points in "a very informal, calm manner that caused elected officials to listen."
Platt had no idea about Hull's past until he presented her with "The Wonder Years," which Hull published in 2002.
"He's so humble about his past," Platt says.
Platt will introduce Hull's presentation Tuesday.
Hull still talks to Wonder once a year or so, he says. In 2003, Hull was honored as a Man of Motown by the Motown Historical Museum, founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy and one of Motown's original employees.
Hull still gets the occasional royalty check from three songs he wrote while working with Wonder. Placed on the B-sides of singles by Wonder and the Supremes, the songs - "Purple Rain Drops," "Music Talk" and "Baby Doll" - are now available as downloads.
Hull also hopes to see "The Wonder Years" eventually made into a movie.
Information from allmusic.com and motownmuseum.com was used in this story. Reporter Curtis Ross can be reached at (813) 259-7568 or cross@tampatrib.com.
Ted's official website is http://www.steviewonderbook.com/
Source: http://www.tbo.com/life/MGBAC4WYN1F.html, copyright 2007.
Blind Pedestrians Plea
There was a close call for a couple of blind pedestrians crossing North Monroe Street in Tallahassee Friday, and they tell us it happens all the time.
Sally Benjamin and Larry Turnbull tried to cross North Monroe Street Friday morning, only to find the chirping signal that's designed to help them wasn't working properly. When they finally did cross, they didn't make it to the other side before the light changed and our videographer literally had to throw up his hand as drivers hit the gas.
"I didn't know that there was a truck in the middle of the road that was going to hit me if the camera man hadn't put his hand up and said stop. It's scary," Benjamin said.
"You're pretty much taking your life in your hands," Turnbull added.
We talked with several blind and visually impaired people this morning and all have had close calls with cars. Some have even been hit by them, including Debbie Grubb, President of the Florida Council of the Blind.
"I gave my guide dog the forward command and the lady accelerated just as I got in front of the car and knocked me to the ground. I skinned up my hands and knees."
"I had one at John Knox and Monroe," said Toni King, "where the car actually knocked my cane out of my hand."
Cassandra Jessie, a visually impaired student at FSU, says she says a prayer every time she steps off the curb.
"I say, Lord, come with me across this street."
They're asking motorists to keep their eyes open, be patient and be especially careful when turning right on red.
"When you're turning right, you're naturally looking to the left and for us, that's when it's time to step off the curb and you won't see us," King said.
The Florida Council of the Blind is hosting its state convention in Tallahassee this week and while crossing safety isn't on the agenda, it's always a topic of conversation, Benjamin says.
Source: http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/7580082.html.
Mugger Stoops to Kicking Blind
TAMPA -- Kris Scheppe had a bus to catch. He stepped off the Amtrak train near Nebraska Avenue, slung his bag over his shoulder and started the short hike to downtown, feeling for curbs with his cane.
Tap, tap, tap.
Scheppe was born with retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited eye disease that left him with no peripheral vision and central vision of 20/100. He can see, but only directly in front of him, like in a tunnel.
But he doesn't shrink from a challenge. He's a former wrestler whose father taught him how to sail. He wants to sail around the world, alone.
At 2:30 p.m. Friday, in broad daylight, the 27-year-old—in town from Fort Myers for a conference for the blind at the Wyndham Westshore—asked a man for directions to the bus stop.
The man grabbed Scheppe's T-shirt.
"Give me the money," he demanded. Then came a rain of kicks and punches. When it stopped, and the man ran away, Scheppe felt for his belongings.
His cane was gone. His phone. The duffel bag was gone, and with it his clothes, digital camera, about $190 and National Federation for the Blind shot glasses to sell to raise funds for the group. He also lost a checkbook belonging to the Student Division of the National Federation for the Blind of Florida, for which he's treasurer.
He got to his feet, bleeding from the face, and walked toward the skyscrapers. He found himself in front of the County Courthouse.
He saw a tie.
He asked for help, and the man in the tie showed him inside to security.
They phoned the Tampa police. The man with the tie—Scheppe remembers his first name was Steve—gave him $200, told him the police were on their way, and disappeared.
Police took a report with a vague description of the attacker: black male, 18-21 years old, 140 pounds, medium build.
Scheppe has never been in a fistfight before, but he won a Wisconsin wrestling conference championship for the Falcons of Sheboygan Falls High School. He was team captain his senior year.
He was such an accomplished 103-pounder, he wrestled for two years in college at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. And he loves to sail. His dad taught him on Lake Michigan. He loves the peace, the quiet. Nothing but the wind pushing you.
He started power-lifting at Florida Keys Community College and dead-lifted 356 pounds.
After college he moved to Fort Myers and bought a 29-foot sailboat called Morgana. He now lives on the water and dreams of using the boat to teach blind people to sail offshore. He wants to be the first legally blind person to circumnavigate the world alone.
At the conference, word of the attack spread. Several people noticed how shaken he appeared.
The federation covered Scheppe's room and fees and gave him money for new clothes.
"I was absolutely horrified to hear about it," said Kathy Davis, the group's president. "I just cannot believe that someone could be that vicious, that evil."
Scheppe says the attack has changed him, made him more skeptical, more careful. He has knots on his head, a swollen eye and a scrape on his temple. And his jaw hurts, but he smiles when he thinks about one thing.
"I swung a few times," he says. "A few of them connected."
St. Petersburg Times, copyright 2007,
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05/27/Hillsborough/Mugger_stoops_to_kick.shtml.
Florida Council of the Blind Announces 2007 Scholarship Winners
The Florida Council of the Blind, Inc. (FCB) announced the recipients of the scholarship awards during the 2007 Convention in Tallahassee.
FCB awarded $6,500 among four recipients. More than thirty applications were received this year. The Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision (FCCLV) awarded two $750 scholarships.
Christine Anne Difato, 23, of St. Augustine was awarded the Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship. This is the top scholarship with a $2,000 award and is presented to an outstanding blind student who exhibits academic and leadership excellence and who plans to pursue a college degree.
Christine won an Academic Bright Futures Scholarship and a New College Foundation Scholarship to attend New College of Florida, located in Sarasota. New College is the state honors college of Florida. She received her bachelors with dual degrees in International Studies and History. After graduation, Christine applied for and received a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English to visually impaired students in the former East Germany. She has been accepted to the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England and will be pursing a masters degree in International Relations with an emphasis on ethnic conflict resolution. She plans to return to the U.S. for doctoral studies in order to become a college professor.
The recipient of the 2007 Terry Blessing Scholarship is Gathary Jean McKinley, 22, of Palmetto Bay. This award is $2,000. After graduating from Miami Palmetto Senior High School, Gathary, 23, entered Miami-Dade Community College majoring in foreign language. She is able to Braille in English, Spanish and French. Currently, Gathary is studying Italian and her goal is to be a translator or interpreter.
Barry H. Hyde of Daytona Beach is the recipient of the Timothy Turpin Career Enhancement Scholarship. This award is $1,500. Mr. Hyde graduated from Embry-Riddle University, on May 7, with a masters degree in Aeronautics with a specialization in Aviation Safety and Aviation Operations. He will continue his education at North Central University in the Business Administration doctoral program.
Mr. Hyde was blinded in a plane crash in 1998 and, since that time, has been recognized numerous times for his academic and leadership achievements. He plans to use his degree to work in aviation management or to become a full-time professor at Embry-Riddle University.
The recipient of the $750 scholarship is Nickey Lewin of Miramar. This scholarship is awarded, annually, to a part-time student. Mr. Lewin is attending Trinity International University majoring in Psychology in the masters program. This summer he plans to begin his internship in Mental Health Counseling Psychology, which is a step toward completing the process of becoming a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida.
Mr. Lewin is afflicted with Retinitis pigmentosa and is legally blind. He has been employed with the Broward County Health Department since 1993. Currently, he serves as an Operation Management Consultant responsible for supervising 8 employees. His long-term goal is to work as a counselor with people who are infected with HIV/AIDS.
The Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision Announces 2007 Scholarship Winners.
FCB announced two recipients of the 2007 Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision Scholarship during the 2007 Convention.
Michael Andrew Hall of Lutz, 22, graduated from Gaither High School. After graduation, he entered the University of South Florida majoring in Religious Studies. Upon completion of the bachelors program, he plans to continue studies either at a seminary or a post-graduate program at a state university. Michael's current long-range goal is be a full-time minister. A retinal scar caused Michael's blindness.
Rachel Shepherd, 22, of Englewood, graduated from Lemon Bay High School and Manatee Community College. Rachel is afflicted with Retinitis pigmentosa. She currently is attending the University of South Florida at the Sarasota campus. After graduation, she plans to obtain a masters degree either in social work or criminology. Her long-term goal is to go to law school and pursue a career as a prosecuting attorney.
For more information about the Florida Council of the Blind, Inc. Scholarship Programs, please contact 1-800-267-4448 or email grillbh@comcast.net.
Community Liaisons Needed for Florida Disability Mentoring Day
The Able Trust seeks community organizations and volunteers to help students and job seekers with disabilities participate in job-shadowing activities
Tallahassee -- Florida Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) will be held on October 17, 2007. The Able Trust is seeking Community Liaisons from cities across Florida to coordinate mentor opportunities for students and job seekers with disabilities.
This year's Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) will generate additional excitement for everyone involved as Governor Crist has joined the effort to serve as the 2007 DMD Honorary Chair. Additionally, Florida has been selected by the national DMD hosts, the American Association of People with Disabilities, to serve as the national launch site for DMD activities across the country. The national kickoff event will take place September 24, 2007, in Orlando with a press conference and statewide career fair for high school and college students with disabilities.
DMD is a national, broad-based effort to promote career development for people with disabilities through hands-on career exploration and job-shadowing opportunities. Students and job seekers with disabilities are matched with employers for a one-on-one job shadowing activity at the workplace, helping them make more informed decisions about their future career choices. Florida leads the nation with more than 1000 participants in DMD activities each year.
"DMD is a perfect opportunity to give students and job seekers exposure to the world of work. Anyone who has a connection with the school system or a disability-related organization can serve as a Community Liaison," said Kristen Knapp, Vice President of Public Relations for The Able Trust. "With the excitement surrounding this year's DMD with Governor Crist's involvement and our role as the national launch site, we want to make sure those employers taking a proactive approach to disability hiring have an opportunity to participate in this unique experience, and community liaisons are the key to making that happen."
Community Liaisons receive all the necessary tools, resources and materials to help them recruit volunteers, identify employers and coordinate job-shadowing activities for students and job seekers with disabilities. Anyone interested in becoming a Community Liaison or learning more about Disability Mentoring Day can log onto the Florida DMD Web site at http://www.floridadmd.org or contact Kristen Knapp at The Able Trust at Kristen@abletrust.org or toll-free 1-888-838-2253.
About Disability Mentoring Day:
Disability Mentoring Day is organized in Florida by The Able Trust, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and a collaboration of statewide disability organizations. In 2006 more than 1,000 mentees with disabilities and employer mentors participated in over 62 cities statewide. DMD is a national initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities. For more information about Florida DMD visit www.floridadmd.org.
About The Able Trust:
The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Governor's Alliance for the Employment of Citizens with Disabilities, is a 501(c)(3) public-private partnership foundation established by the Florida Legislature in 1990. Its mission is to be the leader in providing Floridians with disabilities fair employment opportunities through fundraising, grant programs, public awareness and education. Since its establishment, The Able Trust has awarded over $19 million to individuals with disabilities and nonprofit agencies throughout Florida for employment-related purposes, enabling over 2,000 Florida citizens with disabilities to enter the workforce each year. The Able Trust youth programs provide career development and transition to almost 2,000 students with disabilities annually, helping to reduce the dropout rate and prepare young adults for life beyond high school. For more information about The Able Trust, visit www.abletrust.org.
Around the Nation
Watch for White Canes, Legally Blind are at Risk
Traffic whizzes by Anne Holcombe as she crosses Ashley Phosphate Road.
She stands on the yellow, bumpy patch of concrete at the foot of the crosswalk and listens for traffic. Drivers don't seem to notice her white cane. If they do, they don't seem to care.
"Many people have no clue what this white cane stands for," she said.
Holcombe is legally blind. And as part of her daily commute, she usually traverses six lanes of 50 mph traffic at the intersection of Ashley Phosphate Road and Patriot Boulevard.
Her cane is white with a red tip. Only somebody who is totally or partially blind can use a cane with these colors. The white is reflective to be easily visible, and the red tip stands for caution, a point that seems lost on many drivers.
The South Carolina Commission for the Blind has helped Holcombe learn to walk outside using her hearing and the vague forms she still can see.
Felisa Benbow, a York County-based employee with the commission, helps the visually impaired with mobility and employment. But she also teaches members of the seeing world to respect the white cane because many are unfamiliar with it.
"They really don't know," Benbow said. "Before I became an employee of the agency, I didn't know about it either."
When the cane is held across the body, it means the person is getting ready to cross the street. When held upright by the person's side, it means they're waiting to cross.
Approaching drivers must come to a full stop whenever somebody walks on a roadway with an extended white cane or with a guide dog. The law is very clear. This doesn't always happen, especially not with drivers turning left.
On Ashley Phosphate Road recently, Holcombe said one car drove in front of her, another behind her and a third straight at her. She froze and screamed. She said she could practically feel the pickup truck or sport utility vehicle's grill when it stopped because it came that close to her. There is no sound signal at the intersection to tell Holcombe when to cross. The state Department of Transportation can install a buzzer if requested.
"I know I'm approaching the intersection because I hear a lot going on," she said. "I'll wait possibly two, three red lights before I cross. As long as traffic is moving in front of me, I'm not going anywhere."
She has Stargardt's disease, a form of macular degeneration that began affecting her at 29.
She now gives her age as "over 50."
She works in a call center taking reservations for a major hotel chain. Co-workers often give her rides. They're a huge help, she says, but that's not the point.
"I value my independence," she said. "I value that because I've worked so hard to get it."
Source: The Post & Courier, SC, USA,
http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/may/29/
watch_white_canes_legally_blind_are_risk/.
Blind Man Has Message for Drivers: Crosswalk Blocking is Illegal
OMAHA, Neb. -- Next time you pull up to a stoplight, Adam Gottsch hopes you'll think of him.
Gottsch is blind and said he is tired of bumping into cars parked in the crosswalk at Omaha's major intersections.
Gottsch and his dog, Lanie, make their way on foot to his job at the Marriott Reservation Center a few blocks from his apartment. Lanie knows the way.
Still, Gottsch said, crossing Blondo Street at 90th Street during rush hour can be scary.
"I've got a job to do. I've got to get there on foot. That's the only way I can do it," he said. "Parking in the middle of the crosswalk—it inhibits my safety. It inhibits the dog's safety."
It is also illegal, but drivers do it all the time.
"These cars are wrong," said city traffic engineer Todd Pfitzer. "They're parked right in the crosswalk. They should be backed up between 4 to 10 feet back."
Pfitzer said vehicles in the crosswalk are a nuisance for any pedestrian.
"If you're blind, it's impossible," Pfitzer said.
"I've had people sit there and honk at me because we ran into their vehicle," Gottsch said. "Maybe some people have places to go they're late for, but most are in a hurry to go—seems like— nowhere."
Gottsch said that he and Lanie are just trying to get to work safely.
According to the latest Omaha statistics, 122 pedestrians were hit by cars in 2005 and two of them died of their injuries.
KETV.com, Nebraska USA, copyright 2007,
http://www.ketv.com/news/13245937/detail.html.
24-Hour Walker in Liberty Sees His Goal
LIBERTY -- A handful of participants at the Liberty Relay for Life are attempting to walk a solid 24 hours, but one of them has some help from his seeing eye dog, Snowball.
Jeremy Gilley of Broadview Heights, who is legally blind, said he would be walking for 16 members of his family who died of cancer and one family member recently diagnosed. He wore their names on a T-shirt Friday as he waited for the Relay to step off at 6 p.m. Friday.
''My family has lost a lot to cancer,'' he said. ''I don't think anyone's ready to walk 24 hours. But I made sure that this was something I wanted to do.''
Jeremy and his wife, Jenifer, were among 25 people in the Boardman Wal-Mart group walking in Liberty's Church Hill Park in the yearly event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Out of about 40 teams at the event, organizer Carole S. Weimer said Jeremy would be one of about five participants attempting the solid 24-hour walk.
Weimer said 24-hour walkers are permitted 10-minute breaks every hour.
Jenifer said she had faith in her husband of a year and a half: ''He can do it. There's no doubt."
Jeremy said, ''If I can't, then I've still done more than most.''
Jeremy said he would use his dog at night when there would be fewer people walking the track. To pass the time, he will chat with the other walkers, listen to his Walkman and think about his family.
''I'm going to keep my family in mind. They're going to be pushing me on,'' he said.
The Gilleys' favorite event at the Relay is the luminary ceremony.
''It's very moving when they read the names of the people who passed away from cancer,'' said Jenifer, who lost three family members to the disease.
Weimer said this year's Relay has a fundraising goal of $192,000. Jeremy Gilley said he had mixed emotions when taking pledges for his walk.
''It shouldn't be an issue that I'm visually impaired. My focus is more on this life-taking disease,'' he said.
Jeremy said that people should be aware of cancer's warning signs, keep healthy and have regular checkups.
''Be aware. It's out there and it's not going away anytime soon,'' he said.
The Liberty Relay is one of five in Trumbull County. Next up is Cortland on June 9 and 10. In Mahoning County, the Boardman Relay is this weekend, and Austintown will be June 2 and 3.
Source: Tribune Chronicle, OH, USA; copyright 2007
http://www.tribune-chronicle.com/News/articles.asp?articleID=18249.
Around the World
All Around the World
A Stockton Heath woman will take to the roads on a very unusual trek.
Catherine Birchall will use two-wheels to make her trip across the globe—and she aims to raise £250,000 in the process.
Catherine, who is totally blind, is leaving her guide dog, Biscuit, at home in Warrington to undertake the epic journey, scheduled to start in the spring of 2008.
And if she successfully completes the trip, she will become the first blind woman in history to travel around the world on a motorbike.
She said: "It's an incredible challenge but a very worthwhile one."
"There are two million people with sight problems in Britain. Simple facilities such as software to enable reading and writing can make such a difference to our lives."
"All of that costs money and, unfortunately, there isn't always enough to go around."
"We want to raise awareness and people's hopes that even if they lose their sight, it shouldn't necessarily mean placing boundaries around their expectations or ambition."
Catherine Birchall
Catherine will be piloted on the trip by Bernard Smith, an employee of the Royal National Institute of the Blind, who is planning to sell his home in order to finance the expedition.
En route, they will be dropping in on a number of projects to help visually impaired people in some of the countries they will be crossing.
Recent figures from the World Health Organization suggest that there are 161 million people with sight problems across the globe. Of those, some 50 million are blind.
Catherine added, "Bernard and I have been on a few trips to Europe before but nothing on this scale. by taking on the trip, we will be doing more than merely raising money."
"We want to raise awareness and people's hopes that even if they lose their sight, it shouldn't necessarily mean placing boundaries around their expectations or ambition."
Source: This is Cheshire, copyright
2007.
http://www.thisischeshire.co.uk/display.var.1409458.0.all_around_the_world.php.
Klango Games - Listen to the World and Expo 2012 in Wroclaw
Klango votes for Expo in Wroclaw!
Klango games use sound to present a world, action and mechanics of the game.
Link: http://www.klangogames.com/en/
Why do audio games deserve attention?
First of all, such games are the only computer games fully accessible to the blind and visually impaired. In video games, pictures are the only carrier of information important to the game. Attempts at playing such games with no vision come to grief, because the player receives too little information. In contrast, in the case of audio games, pictures (if they appear at all) are an extra element of the application.
The author of an audio game has to adopt a different approach to many aspects of the game. Playing and creating audio games is like a trip to a new world for everyone—for the blind and sighted people. Everyone will find something new and interesting here.
Why Wroclaw? Why Expo?
We say that our games are not only for the blind. Klango is for all people who want to listen to the World.
Wroclaw is a meeting place where people meet to start a dialogue and listen to each other. We have been there several times and we really love this place. That's why we support Wroclaw as the host of Expo 2012.
by the way, we live in Torun, a small picturesque town (placed on the UNESCO's heritage list) which is at the other side of Poland.
Link: http://www.torun.pl/portal/index.php?lang=en.
(Free demo's of "Haunted Castle" and "Pirate Memory Game," plus two freeware games are available at above link)
This entry was posted on Thursday, May 17th, 2007 at 12:20 and is filed under Bez kategorii.
Source: Wroclaw Expo 2012, Poland (blog), copyright 2007,
http://expo2012.klango.net/2007/05/17/klango-listen-to-the-world-and-expo-2012-in-wroclaw/.
The Benefits of Accessibility
Navigating some Web sites can be a challenge even if you have all your faculties. But what if you don't?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in five Australians is disabled in some way, and with an ageing population the figure is likely to rise.
For many disabled people the Internet can provide an important access point to the wider world; if, that is, the site can be read by a screen reader for a blind user, navigated using speech by a quadriplegic user, and has audio available as text for deaf users.
Providing improved access for disabled people, however, isn't just about "doing the right thing"; accessibility done properly can bring important economic benefits.
One important bonus is reaching a whole new workforce. IBM business development executive Mark Bagshaw, himself a quadriplegic, says there are 606,000 Australians not working and receiving disability support. He believes that finding jobs for just a fraction of this group, many of whom would love to find work, would help tackle skills shortages.
Particularly challenged to find jobs are blind or vision impaired people. According to a survey released in March by Vision Australia, 69 percent of Australians of working age who are blind or vision impaired are unemployed, and 34 percent of blind or vision impaired graduates don't have jobs.
Fortunately Tim Noonan isn't one of them. A graduate in cognitive psychology and special education, Noonan—who was born blind—has established a consulting business to work with enterprises that want to make their information systems more accessible without losing the aesthetics or security of the site.
At the moment, however, many corporations' move toward accessibility is driven by feedback from users or by complaints, says Noonan; and Mark Bagshaw confirms that there is a group of businesses which see compliance as the only reason to make their Web sites accessible.
Yet Noonan believes that while the legislation is a big stick, there are carrots to be offered. "When you design a system so that it is more accessible and you separate content from the presentation, Web site usability automatically improves," he says.
The World Wide Web consortium champions accessibility and recommends a series of actions and standards. For example, it recommends Web sites provide alternatives to auditory or visual content, not rely on color alone to distinguish sections of the Web site, use proper tagging so that screen readers can identify what information is being displayed, and use context and orientation information so a blind person filling out a form knows what they are supposed to enter where.
Noonan claims that companies that do tag their Web pages rigorously, and use other programming techniques, such as harnessing cascading style sheets and using the ALT text tag to describe an on-screen image, get an important secondary benefit besides accessibility. "Using meaningful labels for images and creating page hierarchies may give better search results," said Noonan. Also when audio information is made accessible as text for hearing impaired people, there is a side effect in that Google can index that information.
That said, "The process and extensiveness of accessibility is sometimes a trade-off game," Noonan confirmed, "But if you do make your Web site more accessible then you will get a lot of extra mileage and mitigate your risk of litigation."
"The industry doesn't have a problem with accessibility as a concept, it's just the perceived complexity involved, which is why I usually get called in," he said.
Mark Bagshaw is also passionate about the need for reforms that support disabled people, and that includes reforming access to technology; "Given that technology has become such a fundamental part of the way we work and live, anyone who is excluded from it is further behind the eight ball than ever," he said.
And those companies that don't accommodate disabled people risk missing out on important streams of potential employees and revenues. As Bagshaw noted, a company which does not have accessible Web pages automatically excludes the 20 percent of Australia's population who are disabled.
In his view the fundamental difference between those companies which understand the benefits of accessibility and work toward achieving it and those that don't is: "Those companies that don't get it see this as a cost. Those companies that do get it see it as an investment."
More information of the W3C accessibility initiative is available at:
Tim Noonan can be reached via http://www.timnoonan.com.au.
Beverley Head is a freelance writer who has been writing about the relationships between people, business and technology for over 20 years.
Source: Computer World, Australia, copyright 2007,
http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;542766110;fp;4194304;fpid;1.
Leash and Harness
Very Special Canine Moms Looking For Permanent Homes
Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a non-profit organization and one of the world's leading guide dog schools, is seeking permanent homes for some very special canine moms—the dogs who will give birth to the next generation of guide dogs through the Guiding Eyes Brood/Stud Program.
Patterson, NY (PRWEB) April 30, 2007 -- As Mother's Day approaches, Guiding Eyes for the Blind is seeking permanent, loving homes for some very special moms—their exceptional brood dogs who will give birth to the next generation of guide dogs.
"Guiding Eyes broods provide such a vital service to the blind community. Their puppies will grow up to be guide dogs and allow safe travel, independence and new opportunities for vision-impaired people," said Vikki Iwanicki, program manager at the non-profit's Canine Development Center (CDC), http://www.cdc.guidingeyes.org in Patterson, NY. "We don't keep our dogs in a kennel environment. That is why we're looking for more homes for our breeding dogs. We want them to live happy, active lives in loving homes, and return to the center periodically for breeding."
Most of the dogs in the program are Labrador Retrievers, although some German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers also participate. Prior to being placed in the Brood/Stud Program, the dogs are born and socialized with other puppies at the Center. They are then raised and trained by volunteer "Puppy Raisers" across the Northeast who teach them basic obedience and house manners, and socialize them in a variety of environments. Those dogs that have an exceptional temperament and good health are selected to be Broods or Studs for the program. These "cream of the crop" dogs are usually available for placement at about 16 months old.
In order to qualify to take home a Brood, volunteers must live within an hour and a half of Guiding Eyes' Canine Development Center in Patterson. They must agree to exercise the dog for three miles every day, keep the dog in excellent physical shape and follow some simple rules (such as keeping the dog on leash in any unfenced area). The dogs are great with children and other pets, and are highly adaptable to most living situations.
Guiding Eyes provides free veterinary care, including all flea, tick and heartworm preventative medication, free instruction in dog handling and obedience, and a 24-hour veterinary hotline. Once the dog is retired from the program, Guiding Eyes will neuter or spay the animal at no charge, and the foster family can adopt it as their own.
Iwanicki and her husband, John, even provide a home for a brood themselves. "We have loved every minute of our time with our precious girl, Hattie," said John. "She has brought us immeasurable joy and has transformed us from couch potatoes to avid walkers. But more important, we have loved seeing her puppies grow up to be guide dogs. When you see the enormous difference that a guide dog brings to the life of a blind person, you can't help feeling proud of the small part you played in getting them there. I highly recommend the program to anyone who is looking for a furry family member and wants to do something to help others."
About eighty percent of the dogs in the Brood/Stud Program are female, and are brought to the CDC when they are in heat or to give birth. But there are males too, known as "studs," that are also looking for homes. Volunteers interested in harboring a stud should live within one hour of Patterson, NY given the short notice that they may have when their stud's services are needed. They are also required to exercise the dog three miles each day, keeping it healthy and happy.
"Many fosters tell me their male dogs really enjoy going to the Center for their 'dates.'" Iwanicki laughed.
Perhaps one of the most fulfilling aspects of the program is that fosters are invited to the graduation ceremony of any of their "grandpuppies" that graduate as guide dogs. "When I saw my first grandpuppy graduate as a guide dog I thought I would burst with pride!" said Iwanicki, "It's immensely satisfying to know that Hattie's puppies will grow up to change the world for a blind person."
If you are interested in fostering a dog as part of the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Brood/Stud Foster program, please contact Linda Hines at 845-230-6424, or toll free at 1-866-GEB-LABS. For more information, you can also visit the CDC online at http://www.cdc.guidingeyes.org.
About Guiding Eyes for the Blind
In 1954, Guiding Eyes for the Blind was founded to enrich the lives of blind and visually impaired men and women. Since that time, Guiding Eyes has become one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, graduating more than 6,000 guide dog teams. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. It provides professionally trained Guiding Eyes dogs, training and lifetime support services to students free of charge with funds raised solely through the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and civic organizations. Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Headquarters and Training Center is located in Yorktown Heights, New York and its Canine Development Center is located in Patterson, New York.
Source: PRweb.com,
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/4/prweb522252.htm.
It's All Business for Guide Dogs When They Are Wearing Their Harnesses
WOOSTER -- The harness on Diane Johnson's guide dog, Grant, tells bystanders he's a working dog and not to be bothered, but that's a message many people overlook.
"Everybody wants to touch them and if you look at these guys they're like teddy bears on a string," said Johnson, an associate pastor at Wooster United Methodist Church. "They're very cute, very friendly, (their) tails are always wagging and they are perfectly receptive to being petted."
On Sunday, Johnson told an audience at Brigadoon Kennels on state Route 83 north of Wooster why it's important people not pet guide dogs while they are working. She said a dog's natural attention span is short and constantly roving, and needs to be focused on what's best for both of them. Being petted or played with while working is a major distraction, one that disrupts the dog's ability to guide and could become deadly.
"If he is distracted by somebody who is beside us who is petting him, he may step out in front of that car at an unsafe distance," she said. "If he is distracted by having been petted a lot in harness and he sees a child across the street, he may go wanting the attention of that child at an unsafe distance and get us both killed in the street."
Johnson said Grant can gauge direction and speed of a car up to about 35 mph and knows exactly how long it will take for him and her to cross in front of traffic. She said he's also aware of her gait, what she can fit under and what could possibly trip her.
She recalled a time when she first started with Grant and a child across a street was bouncing a ball. Grant responded by stepping out into traffic to go meet the child, a mistake she said could have been tragic.
"It is so important that when this dog's harness is on, that his attention be specifically to his work... Their attention will just naturally distract in that direction and they could make a tragic mistake as a result," she said.
Johnson said people often ask if the guide dogs are loved, since no one can touch them while they work, but she assured they are when the harness is off. She introduced the audience to her former guide dog, Walter, that she replaced with Grant in 2005 and now is owned by doctors Denny and Kathy Helmuth. She said Walter is considered a pet and has all the life expected of a pet.
Helmuth said he does not rely on Walter for any guiding, though he said Walter does tug on the leash the way a guide dog would. He said some people joke to him it must be nice to have a seeing eye dog for when the electric goes out, but he said when it's dark, even a seeing eye dog is no help because he can't see either.
"We want his retirement to be his retirement, his time to enjoy just being a dog and it's working out real well," he said.
Johnson said she's happy her former guide is in good hands, though she said giving him up and accepting a new dog was at first a challenge. She compared the separation of dog and handler to being divorced, though she said she's never been divorced.
Although Johnson mostly is accustomed to her new guide, she said there are some differences. One is Grant has a tendency to steal when they go shopping.
"Grant steals," she said. "Walter would always wait for permission to take something—Grant helps himself and part of the fault is mine."
She said the first time, he took an item in his mouth and slobbered all over it, so she felt compelled to pay for it and later gave the item to him, which she learned was a mistake.
"Don't ever give a dog something they've stolen," she said, because it will turn into a habit.
Johnson said Grant also has begun to recognize members from her church in the public and will nudge her in their direction when he sees someone she likely would want to speak with.
In January, her book "The View From Under The Pew" will hit stores, which is a children's book about her experience with blindness and Walter.
Source: Wooster Daily Record, OH, USA, copyright 2007, http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/1866252.
Goodbye to Ozark
For the past five years, Aaron Roberts and his Labrador retriever Ozark were best friends and close partners.
Ozark was a guide dog for the blind Pawtucket resident, a student at Boston's Berklee College of Music. The 6-year-old Lab died Tuesday, a victim of the sudden onset of a lethal immune disorder.
The unexpected loss left Roberts, a part-time guitar teacher at White's music, saddened and saddled with thousands of dollars in veterinarian bills.
"He's really devastated," said David White, Roberts's employer.
Besides being a companion, Ozark filled a vital need for Roberts, enabling him to commute back and forth to Boston on the train. Replacing Ozark will probably take several months, White said.
Roberts, in an interview last week, said his guide dog was diagnosed last month with a combination of rare disorders that caused Ozark's white blood cells to attack his red blood cells. The condition became apparent just before St. Patrick's Day, when Ozark became listless and uninterested in eating.
"Normally, he's a walking stomach," said Roberts, 31, who has been blind since age 20. "So when he didn't want to eat, I thought maybe he didn't like that brand of food."
When Ozark continued to turn up his nose at treats and started sleeping more and more, Roberts knew it was time to consult a veterinarian.
Ozark received chemotherapy-like treatments and had spent much of the time since in the intensive care unit at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists in East Greenwich, R.I. He died Wednesday, following a visit home.
Roberts, who has missed some classes as a result of his dog's ailment, had hoped to graduate next month. But his main concern recently had been his dog.
Roberts quickly ran up $5,000 in vet bills as a result of the illness, adding to the young musician's anxiety. However, he said friends and patrons at White's Music have been more than generous in contributing toward Ozark's care.
"Everyone there has been great," Roberts said.
White said anyone who wishes to contribute toward Roberts's veterinary bill can do so through his business, but asks that any checks be made out to Roberts.
"Aaron's really like a member of the family to us," White said.
White's Music is located at 110 Richards Ave.
Source: Attleboro Sun Chronicle, MA, USA, copyright 2007,
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2007/04/12/news/news2.txt.
Plans to Launch Guide Dog Service for the Visually Impaired
When Ron Colombo, 68, goes out on his own, it's not the first time that he bumps into a lamppost or slips on a pavement, but he gets around.
However, possessing poor eyesight—he is blind in one eye and has one-tenth vision in the other—means he would be able to move about much easier with the help of a guide dog, a crucial aid that is missing in Malta.
Having recently being appointed chairman of the new non-profit group the Foundation for Guide Dogs and Services for the Blind, Mr. Colombo is planning to introduce the first guide dog service on the island.
Mr. Colombo, who is also president of the Malta Society of the Blind, has established contact with a guide dog school in Bratislava, Slovakia, to bring the first three guide dogs to Malta in September next year.
Guide dogs are an expensive business and each one will cost the foundation ?10,000 (Lm4,347). Luckily, the foundation is counting on receiving about Lm16,000 from the money raised through last year's TV charity marathon L-Istrina.
Mr. Colombo points out that training a puppy to become a guide dog is a lengthy process. Pedigree puppies, usually Labradors, are specifically bred for a temperate bloodline. When merely a few weeks old they're homed with "puppy walkers" for a year to learn basic obedience, after which they start a guide dog school for another eight months. This intense process usually only reaps four dogs that can work as guide dogs from every 10 trained.
They then undergo three to four weeks training with their new owner. Guide dogs usually work for eight to nine years, before getting tired.
"At the moment we cannot breed our own guide dogs and to change the situation we are planning to send someone abroad for a three-year training course," Mr. Colombo said in an interview.
The foundation estimates that it needs 45 to 50 guide dogs in Malta, a number that would give a new lease of life and independence to blind people or those with impaired vision.
Mr. Colombo explained that in Malta there are about 800 people with sight problems who are registered and receiving benefits. However, the society believes that if one takes into account the number of people with acute sight impairment, the figure would rise to 3,000.
"Not everybody would need a guide dog. There are two categories of potential guide dog owners: The first are those with tertiary education who are working; and those who are in their mid-50s and 60s who lost their sight due to degenerative diseases such as diabetes. Unfortunately, there are many people with impaired vision who stay indoors and do nothing—with a guide dog you can go anywhere at any time," he said.
So what has taken the introduction of such a service so long?
"We have even more fundamental things that don't exist, such as the lack of a mobility and orientation service for blind people in their homes and neighborhood," Mr. Colombo said.
This service exists in all the other 24 EU member states and, despite battling with the Family Ministry for the past three years to introduce this service, nothing has materialized yet.
"Basically, the government has to budget to send people on a two-year training course to start providing this service. We have made our proposals and we're not giving up on this, nor are we going away," he insisted.
"The whole ethos in Malta seems to be that when you lose your sight you get state benefits and that's it."
Bringing guide dogs to Malta is just the first step. Mr. Colombo believes the public's attitude towards allowing guide dogs to enter most places will also have to change.
"I think there will be some resistance initially, but not much I hope. An Englishman in Gozo has been testing to see where he can or cannot go accompanied by a guide dog and he got more favorable results here than in the UK. The problems he encountered were in the odd restaurant," he added.
Another wall the foundation has to breach is persuading Air Malta to allow guide dogs to travel alongside their owner for free and not placed in the hold.
"Other airlines have no problem with this. An EU directive stipulates that by 2010 all public transport has to be accessible to the blind, so we hope Air Malta will change its views," he said.
"It's a question of attitude, that's what we have to chip away at. Once we have the service of mobility and orientation, together with the guide dogs, there will be no limitations."
Source: Times of Malta, Malta,
http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=259972.
Tools for Living
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic® (Rfb&D®) and Humanware Support New Portable Players for Audioplus® Books
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic® (RFB&D®), America's educational library of recorded textbooks for people unable to read print due to a visual or perceptual disability, and HumanWare, the leader in assistive technology for vision, are pleased to announce that the HumanWare family of BrailleNote mPower, PK, and Maestro accessible PDA's will have the ability to play AudioPlus recorded books from RFB&D as of early June 2007.
HumanWare Canada has long been a supplier of the Victor Reader family of digital audio book players to RFB&D's members, all of whom have print disabilities. When played on the HumanWare Victor Reader digital players, AudioPlus recorded books can be navigated much like a print book, allowing the reader to move from chapter to chapter, section to section, or jump directly to any page.
"RFB&D's AudioPlus books are an essential learning tool for students and an important information source for professionals," says Stephanie Turner, RFB&D Product Manager of Market & Product Initiatives. "With Victor Reader audiobook players, and now the addition of the HumanWare portable PDA products, our members have an even wider variety of tools they can use to access our books."
"Since 2001, Victor Reader CD-based talking book players have benefited RFB&D members with an enhanced reading experience for the special navigable AudioPlus books," says Gerry Chevalier, Victor Reader Product Manager at HumanWare. "We are excited to now have the Victor Reader technology available on our mPower, PK, and Maestro PDA products so these already highly functional devices can now also be used to listen to RFB&D's books."
With the recent addition of tools such as the Oxford Concise Dictionary and the Nemeth tutorial, the BrailleNote mPower has become the Braille notetaker of choice in the educational market. The Maestro PDA, in addition to its accessible suite of Windows PDA applications, also hosts the very popular Trekker GPS navigation tool to help people who are blind navigate independently in their everyday travels.
RFB&D will provide and support the UAK (User Authorization Key) to enable playback of AudioPlus books. Users will be required to purchase the BrailleNote or Maestro devices directly from HumanWare or through an authorized dealer.
About RFB&D
RFB&D serves more than 146,000 students from kindergarten through graduate school and beyond with its one-of-a-kind collection of digitally recorded educational titles. RFB&D's AudioPlus textbooks on CD provide unprecedented navigation, ease of use and proven effectiveness as learning tools for students with print disabilities.
Students rely on RFB&D's unique accommodation to access the printed page and to achieve educational success. All of RFB&D's accessible titles are recorded by more than 7,000 volunteers working in 29 RFB&D recording studios nationwide.
About HumanWare
HumanWare http://www.humanware.com is the global leader in assistive technologies for vision, including products for the blind and visually impaired. HumanWare's 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 myReader2, the new version of HumanWare's unique "auto-reader" for people with low vision.
For further information, contact:
RFB&D
Mark Zustovich
Phone: (609) 520-7993
Email: mzustovich@rfbd.org
Website: http://www.rfbd.org
HumanWare Canada
Nicolas Lagace
Phone: (450) 463-1717
Email: nicolas.lagace@humanware.com
Website: http://www.humanware.com
Matthew Janusauskas
Technical Support and Training Manager
HumanWare USA Inc.
656 N Kennedy Drive
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: 800-722-3393 Ext. 204
Fax: 815-939-3194
Email: matthew.janusauskas@humanware.com
Website: http://www.humanware.com.
NLarge New Full Screen Magnifier for Windows XP and Windows Vista
NLarge full screen magnifier for Windows XP, 2003 server, and Vista really has the potential to become a useful screen magnifier for visually impaired people in the future. Currently it comes with shortcomings because you can only read and view while your screen is magnified.
A new tendency in the area of free screen magnifiers is support for full screen magnification.
The best free screen magnifier for Windows 2000 / XP is iZoom 1.1. This screen magnifier supports 1.5x to 16x magnification, tracks events in windows like mouse cursor movements, input caret, menus, and window focus. iZoom also includes speech support, but on the Internet the maximum magnification is 3 times.
Link: http://www.issist.com/index.asp?page=iZoom
Desktopzoom is a good second choice. It is a very small free full screen magnifier that lets you zoom in and out with the wheel of your mouse. It also magnifies and tracks the mouse cursor, but does not track other events in Windows.
Link: http://users.telenet.be/littlegems/MySoft/
Number three in the top four freeware screen magnifier programs for Windows is Magnifying Glass from Workers Collection. It runs on Windows 9x and higher. For Windows 2000 and higher users it includes full screen magnification. The mouse cursor is magnified, but windows events are not tracked. This utility rates number three because Desktopzoom is easier to use than Magnifying Glass.
Link: http://www.workerscollection.com/wcollect/english/html/mg.html
At number four, and new in the area of full screen magnifiers, is NLarge.
NLarge is a very small full screen magnification utility requiring only 100 KB of memory. This is because it uses the Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation, already available on all Windows Vista releases. It will also work on Windows XP and Server 2003 after installing the free .NET Framework version 3.0.
Like Desktopzoom, NLarge needs no installation. Simply run the nlarge executable file, press ALT + 1 keys, and use the wheel on your mouse to zoom in and out.
The current version of NLarge has an important limitation. NLarge was developed for technical presentations and at this moment you can only use it for reading or viewing. It is not possible to work with the computer in magnification mode.
Link: http://www.codeplex.com/NLarge
We hope to see some improvements in the future and can welcome NLarge as a real interactive full screen magnifier!
Source: http://magnifiers.org/news.php?action=fullnews&id=248.
Window-Eyes 6.1 Has Been Released
GW Micro is proud to announce the official release of Window-Eyes 6.1. Window-Eyes made history as the first full fledged screen reader available the same day Windows Vista, the latest operating system from Microsoft, was released. Window-Eyes users were able to access all of Vista's new features and take advantage of new security enhancements. Now, thanks to all of the feedback from our public beta cycle, Window-Eyes 6.1 is officially available with unprecedented performance, stability, and security for Windows Vista.
Although Windows Vista was the primary focus of Window-Eyes 6.1, there are plenty of enhancements for Windows 2000, Windows XP (Home, Professional, and Media Center), and Windows 2003 users too, including more robust support for Microsoft Office 2007 and the Office 2007 Ribbon, enhanced User Profiles, support for new Braille displays, enhancements for Firefox and Internet Explorer 7, new silent install options for corporate rollouts, and we've resolved several issues reported by you.
Thank you to everyone involved in the public beta cycle. Window-Eyes continues to lead the way in adaptive technology because of the dedication of our customers.
Now on to the juicy details! Window-Eyes 6.1 is a free upgrade for Window-Eyes 6.0 users. If you own Window-Eyes 6.0 and are using a computer with Windows 2000, Windows XP (Home or Professional), or Windows Server 2003, just go to the Window-Eyes Help menu and choose the Window-Eyes Upgrade option. Alternatively, you can visit http://www.gwmicro.com/upgrade and follow the instructions.
If you are using Windows Vista (all 32-bit versions are supported, including Vista Ultimate, Vista Home Premium, Vista Home Basic, Vista Business, and Vista Enterprise), you are required to use a Window-Eyes 6.1 CD to ensure a complete installation. Window-Eyes 6.1 CDs are available to registered Window-Eyes 6.0 users for $5 for the next 30 days. After 30 days, the price will return to the standard $20 charge, so please place your order now by calling our order department at 260-489-3671.
If you own a version of Window-Eyes older than 6.0, you will be required to pay any applicable upgrade costs before you can receive your Window-Eyes 6.1 CD.
Important Information about Copy Protection
Non-copy protected versions of Window-Eyes are available now for both download and purchase on CD.
Dongle versions of Window-Eyes 6.1 are available now for download. Dongle versions of the Window-Eyes 6.1 CD are currently in development and will be available soon.
Download and CD versions of Everlock, Lease to Own, and Evaluation versions of Window-Eyes 6.1 are still being polished and will be available soon.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 260-489-3671 or email support@gwmicro.com.
Source: The Desert Skies, copyright 2007,
http://thedesertskies.com/archive/2007/04/16/window-eyes-6-1-has-been-released.aspx.
JAWS 8.0 Released
We have just posted a new English Update for all JAWS 8.0 customers. It is version 8.0.2107.
This release is for all XP and W2K customers as an official release. For our customers with Vista, this is Public Beta 2. It has many things addressed, but the most significant is that JAWS is working at the Login screens and with the User Account Control (UAC) security features in Vista. In addition, we now offer support to the Sidebar and Gadgets feature in Vista and we are fantastic now on the start menu in both speech and Braille.
If anyone has installed one of the previous versions of JAWS that we released to the public, they can use the "Check for Updates" feature in the Help Menu to get this update or they can just download the latest full release from the Web and install right over top.
For more information and to download the updates, visit the Freedom Scientific website at: http://www.freedomscientific.com/.
Website of the Month
Our Website of the month is Geek.com
Jon Mason, a vision teacher, has designed a website to make Web search and the navigation of websites much easier for the visually impaired. Mason says, "Most blind computer users seem to want an extremely simple and easy way to navigate websites."
You might think Mason is looking to make some money off his website thanks to advertising, but you won't find any advertising there. He says that's because "Advertisements have the potential to ruin the Internet experience for many blind persons." Advertisements are typically very graphic intensive, which is a barrier to those searching the Internet who are visually impaired. That's why you will find that the websites Mason features use fewer graphics than more traditional websites.
So why is Mason offering this free service? He says, "I want to help as many persons as possible with my website." In featuring Mason's website, we hope to help him help those who are visually impaired and frustrated with their typical browsing experiences.
Visit Mason's webpage at http://easysites.4t.com.
Source: http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2007Apr/gee20070426004594.htm.
Announcements
Call for Papers
Persons Aging with Hearing and Vision Loss 2nd Annual Conference August 15-17, 2007, Wyndham Hotel, Austin, Texas
Psychosocial Adjustment, Communication, and Community Integration: Issues and Solutions
Co-Sponsors: Mississippi State University, Helen Keller National Center, and San Diego State University
This two and one half day conference offers a national forum in which participants can share their knowledge and diverse experiences related to psycho-social adjustment to aging with dual sensory loss. Sessions are designed to attract seniors with dual sensory loss, caregivers, health and social service professionals, SSPs, researchers, and policy makers from across the country. We regret that we are not able to offer stipends or honoraria to presenters. However, the Registration Fee will be waived for presenters.
Presentation Format: Presentations should be designed for Breakout Sessions (i.e., 60 minute traditional presentations designed to address a specific topic).
Session Tracks & Sample Paper Topics:
- Psychosocial Adjustment
- Adapting Strategies: Activating personal, social, and spiritual resources
- Communication
- Personal, situational, and environmental triggers for communication breakdowns and compensation and avoidance strategies
- Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement issues and alternative funding strategies for assistive devices and technology
- Community Integration
- The functional impact of dual sensory loss on activities of daily living, community participation, and mobility and transportation
- Future trends and expectations for improving community integration
Deadline for Submissions: June 18, 2007
Submission Guidelines
Please provide the following information for each presenter:
- Name
- Title
- Organization/Affiliation
- Phone
- Biographical Sketch (Describe, in 50 words or less, your qualifications to present on the topic). Abstract (200 words or less).
Paper submissions should be sent to (e-mail preferred):
BJ LeJeune
RRTC on Blindness and Low Vision
Mississippi State University
P. O. Box 6189, Mississippi State, MS 39762
Email: bjlejeune@colled.msstate.edu
Voice: 662-325-2001
TTY: 662-325-8693
HumanWare Shareholders Accept Proposal and Celebrate Achievements
Christchurch, New Zealand -- HumanWare shareholders today voted in favor of a $10.80-a-share proposal from Jolimont Capital and HumanWare senior managers. Adviser Deloitte had concluded the fair value to shareholders was in the range $9.80 to $12.80 a share. The offer is being funded by private equity from Jolimont Capital, debt financing from ANZ National Bank and personal investments from HumanWare senior managers. HumanWare has around 3.3m shares on issue.
HumanWare CEO Dr. Richard Mander expressed his delight at the result of the vote, "This marks an exciting next chapter in the growth of HumanWare and we look forward to delivering on our strategy. It's also a wonderful opportunity while staff and shareholders are gathered to take stock of achievements to date and to celebrate." Charles Gillies, Managing Partner, Jolimont Capital echoed this sentiment, "We are looking forward to working with HumanWare to build on their achievements and achieve their vision."
After the vote, staff and shareholders joined in a celebration of HumanWare's achievements. HumanWare makes a range of blindness, low vision, digital talking books, and GPS products that improve the lives of blind, low vision, and learning disabled people.
A large collage was unveiled to celebrate the journey of HumanWare from 1973 to 2005 under the leadership of the visionary Dr. Russell Smith. Dr. Russell Smith was tragically killed along with his wife Marion D'Eve in a light plane accident in 2005. The display was unveiled by Shirley Farrar, who recently retired from HumanWare after 25 years. She was the executive assistant to Dr. Russell Smith and to CEO Dr. Richard Mander.
The display charts Dr. Russell Smith's first interest in assistive technologies while completing his Ph.D. in Sonar while at the University of Canterbury in 1973. At that time he developed the Binaural Sensory Aid, a sophisticated sonar system build into spectacles, which made it possible for blind users to sense and interpret their environment using sound.
HumanWare's ground breaking research and developments continued with products such as hand held sensors, text scanners, reading systems, word processors with speech synthesis, and the BrailleNote with GPS.
Dr. Smith's contribution to the industry was highlighted in 2003 when he was made an honorary fellow of the Institute of Professional Engineers. In 2004, he was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to the visually impaired. In 2007, HumanWare created the Russell Smith and Marian D'Eve Chair in Assistive Technology at the University of Canterbury to commemorate the distinguished couple.
HumanWare is headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand under the leadership of Dr. Mander. The company's low vision and blindness products are designed and manufactured in the Christchurch Product Development Center which also serves as the company headquarters. Digital Talking Book and GPS products are designed and manufactured in a Product Development Center in Montreal Canada.
The company has its own distribution and sales teams in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, United Kingdom, Sweden, and The Netherlands, and dealers in more than thirty countries. Sales are over $NZ70m and 98% of all products are exported.
Source: Scoop.co.nz, New Zealand, copyright 2007.
News Note from TravelBraille.com
TravelBraille.com -- Selections from the world of Travel and Tourism Websites, Publications, and Brochures in BRF Braille Format... At no cost to you...
News Note from TravelBraille.com:
Travelbraille.com has received personal copyright waiver from the Pulitzer prize-winning poet Gary Snyder to make BRF Braille transcriptions available of all his published works. This is unprecedented for such an acclaimed author.
The following volumes by Gary Snyder are now available:
- Earth House Hold
- The Back Country
- Riprap, and Cold Mountain Poems
- Regarding Wave
- Pulitzer Prize-winning Turtle Island
Travelbraille.com will also start to make available transcriptions of copyrighted materials—including copyrighted fiction—under Section 31A of the UK Copyright Act of 1988. As always, all BRF materials obtained from travelbraille.com are free to any registered user.
Available now are:
- Doctor Faustus by Nobel Prize winner Thomas Mann
- The Treasure of the Sierra Madre by B. Traven (the book on which the movie starring Humphrey Bogart was based)
- Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow is 'in progress'
- Hardball by Christopher Matthews
The short list of works planned:
- The Bridge over the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle
- Flight to Arras by Antoine de Saint Exupery
- Wind Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint Exupery
- One Hundered Years of Solitude by Nobel Prize Winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac
Available also are several books from Gutenberg.org editions:
- An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
- A Room with a view by E.M Forster
- Howard's End by E.M. Forster
- Crime and Punishment by Theodore Dostoyevsky
- Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
- The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell
- Burmese Days by George Orwell
All these BRF files have been edited by a Library of Congress Certified Transcriber and are available to any registered person, not just US citizens as under US Copyright Act Section 121 (Chafee Amendment).
The UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 Section—An Act to permit, without infringement of copyright, the transfer of copyright works to formats accessible to visually impaired persons—states in Section 31A, 'Making a single Copy for Personal Use' that:
(1) If a visually impaired person has lawful possession or lawful use of a copy ("the master copy") of the whole or part of.
(b) a published edition, which is not accessible to him because of the impairment, it is not an infringement of copyright in the work, or in the typographical arrangement of the published edition, for an accessible copy of the master copy to be made for his personal use.
Then such a copy is made 'without infringement' of copyright.
Nowhere in the official publication of the Copyright (Visually Impaired Persons) Act 2002 does it say the recipients of such accessible copies must be citizens of the UK—also that a 'lawful' copy can be one obtained from the local library.
TravelBraille.com has requested copyright waivers from both Lonely Planet Publications and Fodor's/Random House (Bertelsmann AG). Lonely Planet offered a restrictive license that would be in effect for only one year; Fodor's/Random House declined to offer any license at all. Both firms disputed the claim—in writing—that 'Fair Use/Fair Dealing' copyright provisions might apply. We requested a waiver from Penguin / Rough Guides but received no response from them at all.
So now we at TravelBraille.com maintain the position that not only does Fair Use/Fair Dealing apply, but that ANY copyrighted work of fiction or non-fiction, published in the UK, and distributed for free, on a one-for-one basis as described on the TravelBraille.com website to registered users, is exempt from copyright.
We also note that recital 43 of the European Copyright Directive (EUCD) states:
(43) It is in any case important for the Member States to adopt all necessary measures to facilitate access to works by persons suffering from a disability which constitutes an obstacle to the use of the works themselves, and to pay particular attention to accessible formats. (End of recital)
We think that any publisher located within the EU—or in any other country for that matter—should follow this directive as to all necessary measures.
For now, until we modify the 'Available Files' page on the website, please send any request using the 'Contact Us' page. Thanks John "at" travelbraille.com.
Source: TravelBraille.com, copyright 2007.
Job Opportunities
Director of Blind Services - Talladega, Alabama
Director of Blind Services - Re-Advertised 5-10-07
Location: Talladega, AL
Re-Advertised - 5/10/07 R-1649
Position ID #403105
Posting Date: February 19, 2007
Position Requirements:
- Minimum of Masters Degree in Rehabilitation and/or Education.
- Experience as administrator preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of blindness and rehabilitation process.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, employees and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated knowledge of program and curriculum development in rehabilitation services for the blind and visually impaired.
- Demonstrated knowledge of various methodologies used in residential rehabilitation programs for the blind and visually impaired
- Must demonstrate competency in reading and writing Braille by scoring 80% or better on AIDB Braille Skills Assessment Inventory within the first thirty (30) months of employment.
- The successful applicant must submit to a criminal history background information check including, but not limited to, FBI and ABI record repositories. Upon offer of employment, the applicant must present a non-refundable fee of $49.00 and appear for scheduled finger printing appointment.
- Demonstrated participation in professional and consumer organizations
AIDB is sensitive to the needs of Blind or Visually Impaired and Deaf or Hard of Hearing and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees that do not impose undue hardship and are not essential functions of the job.
Performance Responsibilities:
- Direct center based and community rehabilitation program for the blind or visually impaired.
- Develop, revise, and implement a core curriculum which builds confidence, independence, and leads to employment.
- Maintains positive relationship with organizations of the blind.
- Research latest strategies for services leading to independence and employment.
- Work closely with Director of AIDB Field Services and Regional Directors
- Responsible for programmatic supervision of all staff who serve persons who are blind or visually impaired.
- Responsible for evaluation of personnel.
- Responsible for improving professional competence of staff through in-service education and training activities.
- Maintains relationship in and participates in the affairs of professional societies, vocational rehabilitation conferences, and consumer groups for persons who are blind or visually impaired.
- Work in partnership with Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama Industries for the Blind, community Rehabilitation Programs, and local educational agencies as appropriate.
- Assist in the development of the Gentry strategic plan and to ensure that objectives are met.
- Develop and coordinate planning for personnel, budgets, inventory, etc. for daily operation of the department.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Salary: 41,973 - 73,997 Scale A1 Rank 04
Direct deposit is required.
This is an exempt position, and is not subject to overtime or compensatory provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Deadline for Application: June 21, 2007
For More Information Contact:
Daniel L. Wirth
Coordinator of Recruitment and Employment
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind
Phone: (256) 761-3302 Voice/TDD
Phone: (256) 761-3372 Fax
Email: wirth.daniel@aidb.state.al.us
Director - Office of Disability Rights
Application Deadline: Friday, June 15, 2007
Mayor Fenty has been given a broad mandate to improve city services by the District of Columbia voters. To do so, he seeks exceptional leaders to run key offices such as the Office of Disability Rights (ODR). The Fenty administration will employ individuals who combine energy, enthusiasm, achievement, and an ability to attract and motivate other exceptional people. Backgrounds in either the public or private sector, characterized by innovation and imagination, will set candidates apart. A focus on public service as "customer service" will be a hallmark of the new administration. In addition, the Fenty administration will hold its agency heads accountable for achieving targeted results. Respect for the public trust and the commensurate integrity are mandatory prerequisites. Years of experience will be considered as will responsiveness, aptitude, and adaptability.
The Disability Rights Protection Act of 2006 (D.C. Law 16-239; effective March 8, 2007) creates a new cabinet-level Office of Disability Rights and a new citywide program to help the DC government comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Disability Rights Protection Act was developed as a collaborative effort between the disability community and the DC Council. Seventy DC community organizations have endorsed the legislation since its introduction at the DC Council on July 11, 2006 by then-Councilmember Adrian Fenty. On December 5, 2006, the DC Council approved the bill unanimously.
The ODR Director will report directly to the Mayor. The Director will have a staff of at least nine employees and a budget of $882,000 in FY 2008.
The Director of ODR shall coordinate and oversee the District's ADA Compliance Program. The Director will be responsible for evaluating the District's compliance with the ADA, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the disability rights provision of the DC Human Rights Act, and make recommendations for addressing deficiencies to the Mayor. The Director is responsible for submitting annual Olmstead Compliance Plans to the Mayor and City Council. In addition, the Director will promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation of the Disability Rights Protection Act.
Qualifications:
Candidates should hold a master's degree, J.D., or its equivalent and possess:
- demonstrated knowledge of the ADA and related disability rights laws
- demonstrated knowledge of assistive technology and alternative formats used by individuals with disabilities
- knowledge of current best-practice policies, programs, services, and support systems for individuals with disabilities
- possess familiarity with local and federal funding streams supporting services to people with disabilities
- experience in evaluating and managing accessibility programs
- possess a demonstrated ability to successfully advocate for and implement new policies and/or programs. In addition, candidate should be able to develop and administer an operational and programming budget, communicate effectively and travel within the District of Columbia to attend meetings and events.
Salary and Residency Requirement
The Director of the Office of Disability Rights is an E3 employee with a salary range of $100,848 to $151-081. The incumbent must be a resident of the District of Columbia or be willing to become a resident within six months of his/her appointment.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should forward a resume and cover letter via email to laura.zeilinger@dc.gov by June 15 ,2007. Applications may also be forwarded to:
Office of the City Administrator
Attn: Laura Green Zeilinger
1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 533
Washington, DC 20004
Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology Executive Director
The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology is a statewide 501(C)3 organization committed to enhancing the lives of Floridians with disabilities by providing access to and awareness of assistive services and technology. Funded by the federal Assistive Technology Act and other sources, FAAST provides assistive technology education, device lending, alternative financing, affordable housing coordination, information and referral, equipment recycling, and other programs that increase awareness of assistive technology. FAAST is represented throughout the state in six professionally staffed regional demonstration centers located in Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. FAAST nurtures strong partnerships with key stakeholders on disability policy and service delivery and maintains an active presence as an advocate for disability issues before the legislature.
FAAST seeks a dynamic Executive Director with strong leadership skills. The ideal individual must possess: the ability to address systems reform, knowledge and experience with disability policies and procedures, and the ability to manage state and federal grants and contracts. Qualified candidates must be able to represent the organization before the Florida Legislature and state agencies and work closely with the organization's Board of Directors and other partners to develop and implement a strategic plan. Background in assistive technology and strong communication and interpersonal skills are required. The Executive Director will be directly responsible for the oversight and management of staff in Tallahassee and Tampa, Florida. Statewide travel is required. Full benefits package includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, and a pension plan. Please send resume and salary requirements by May 31, 2007 to:
FAAST Search Committee
PO Box 180605
Casselberry, FL 32718-0605
The Children's Advocacy Center of S.W. Florida, Inc.
Bilingual Part-Time Parent Educators Needed
Can you make a positive difference? Rewarding Part-Time position to facilitate parent education classes in Spanish. Daytime or Evenings. AA/BA/BS in a human services related field or equivalent experience working with children and families. Apply Now! Fax resume to Phyllis at (239) 939-4794.
Rehabilitation Program Specialist Position Available
The following OSERS vacancy announcement(s):
Vocational Rehabilitation Program Specialist, GS-101-13 (6 positions) located in the Rehabilitation Services Administration, SMPID, VR Unit closes on June 18, 2007 and is open to everyone.
If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the announcement or wish to apply, you must submit your application online through the OPM website which can be accessed through the location:
OSERS-2007-0024 (federal/status employees)
OSERS-2007-0020 (non-Status candidates)
Rehabilitation Supervisor
Position 48007165, Rehabilitation Supervisor Blind-SES, Ft. Myers is currently advertised with a closing date of 6/30.
If you are interested in this position, please apply via the People First Service Center Web Site. For specific questions contact Mary Anne Varda, Administrative Secretary or Linda Brown, District Administrator.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Position in Richmond
The Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) is recruiting for a vocational rehabilitation counselor in the Richmond regional office (see job announcement below).
Chief Deputy Commissioner
Agency Title: Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired
Role Title: Counselor II
Work Title: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Position #: 00110
Location: Henrico County
Open To: General Public
Pay Band: 4 ($30,146 - $61,872)
Hiring Range: Neg. based on qualifications/salary history
Close Date: Open Until Filled
Comments:
The Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) is the Commonwealth's agency solely dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind, vision impaired, and deafblind to achieve their maximum level of employment, education, and personal independence. DBVI services include vocational rehabilitation, education, independent living skills, orientation and mobility, deafblind services, and a comprehensive statewide low vision program. The agency also operates the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired (a residential training facility), a Library and Resource Center that provides library services and produces and distributes educational materials in alternative media, the Virginia Industries for the Blind, and the Randolph-Sheppard vending facility program. DBVI employees embody the values of integrity, honesty, and teamwork, ensuring respect for customers and supporting personal choice.
Responsibilities:
The Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired is seeking a qualified professional to determine applicant's eligibility for program services and to plan, develop, implement, and manage vocationally focused Individual Plans for Employment for eligible consumers resulting in successful employment outcomes. You will provide vocational rehabilitation services for blind and visually impaired persons including analysis of diagnostic reports,
determination of program eligibility, development of individual rehabilitation programs, and job development and placement. This caseload works with transition age clients to help them prepare for life after high school and achieve higher education and, ultimately, employment outcomes.
Qualifications:
- Requires knowledge of the rehabilitation process, community resources, Americans with Disabilities Act, Social Security Administration guidelines and work incentives, and alternative skills that enhance the independence of blind or visually impaired individuals
- Individual and group counseling skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with clients, the public, and agency staff
- Ability to manage caseload
- Ability to work independently within a multi-tasked environment
- Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling or closely related field and/or certification as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. A college/university transcript and/or copy of your applicable certification should be included with your application.
Successful completion of fingerprinting and criminal background check required. Annual completion of Statement of Economic Interests form required.
Salary is negotiable above the minimum of the pay band based on qualifications and salary history. Comprehensive state benefits program is included.
Visit our Career Center at http://www.vdbvi.org to learn more about us!
Contact Information:
Applications are required. The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired only accepts fully completed online applications for all employment opportunities. Online application and job listings are located at http://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov/. Resumes may not be substituted for State applications.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Contact 804-726-1919 for assistance. Minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.
Two positions with the Washington State Bar Association
To apply for a position, please mail, fax, or e-mail your résumé and a cover letter to the Human Resources Department:
WSBA
Attn: Human Resources
1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600
Seattle, WA 98101-2539 Fax: 206-727-8321
E-mail: HR@wsba.org
To learn more about us, please see "About the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)" and explore the website. The WSBA is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. If you need assistance in the application or interview process, you are encouraged to contact the WSBA Human Resources Office. Our mission is to promote justice and serve our members and the public.
Bar Leaders Program Manager
Member and Community Relations
Job Grade E9; Exempt; Full-time; Monday-Friday
Starting Salary Range: $54,700 - 61,000/year DOE+ benefits
The Bar Leaders Division works closely with volunteers to build and strengthen relationships with members and affiliate groups and serves as the WSBA's liaison to its 26 sections; 29 committees, boards, and panels; the Washington Young Lawyers Division; and local, specialty, and minority bar associations.
The Bar Leaders Program Manager develops and implements strategies and tactics to better serve the WSBA and these groups, and to improve the effectiveness of programs. Additionally, this position serves as manager of the WSBA Leadership Institute. The ability to work collaboratively and think creatively is essential. The Bar Leaders Program Manager reports directly to the Director of Member and Community Relations and supervises four FTEs.
Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree plus five years of staff-supervision, program-development, and project-management experience. Prior experience working with volunteers in other nonprofit organizations and/or the legal field is preferred. Qualified candidates will be highly proficient in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook). Customer-service orientation and commitment to quality are extremely important. Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to handle and prioritize multiple and competing tasks with minimal supervision; outstanding planning and organizational skills; diplomacy in dealing with others; exceptional attention to detail and experience developing and monitoring budgets. Occasional travel to off-site meetings and events is required.
Deputy Executive Director of External Relations
Office of the Executive Director
Job Grade E14; Exempt; Full-time
Salary Range: 78,000 - 116,000/year
Starting Salary: Depending on experience + benefits
Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) is seeking an exceptional candidate to serve as its Deputy Executive Director for External Relations.
The Deputy Executive Director of External Relations reports to the Executive Director. Primary responsibilities include facilitating relationships among WSBA staff, the Board of Governors, WSBA members, other stakeholders, and the public in support of the WSBA mission. Deputy Executive Director develops and maintains a clear external vision/image for the WSBA and is responsible for coordinating the communication of this vision to stakeholders for the purpose of enhancing membership, public, and stakeholder relations, and developing a public affairs strategy. This position supervises the directors of the Continuing Legal Education (CLE), Member and Community Relations (MCR) Justice and Diversity Initiatives and Lawyer Services (LaSD) departments and an administrative assistant. In collaboration with department directors, the Deputy Executive Director develops, directs, and provides oversight for all public, media, and government relations strategies. This position acts as a chief staff liaison to the Washington State Bar Foundation and ensures that programs undertaken by the Foundation proceed as outlined. The Deputy Executive Director attends all Board of Governors meetings and related functions.
Essential Qualifications include:
- Proven leader with 5-10 years of executive level public relations and supervisory/management experience.
- A Bachelors degree in public relations, communications, business administration, or related field is required. An advanced degree in law, public relations, business administration, or other related fields is preferred.
- Must possess analytical and strategic planning skills in order to evaluate information, critically think through options, and develop appropriate strategies.
- Experience in managing multiple departments within a multi-function organization; outstanding public speaking skills; budget and financial management skills; and excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Extensive experience working with law related organizations and related industry experience (e.g., American Bar Association and other state bar associations, or government entities) is a plus.
- Knowledge of the legal system and/or bar associations is preferred.
Recipes
Chicken Whole Meal Casserole
- olive oil cooking spray
- 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 8 ounces each, halved
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 4 ounces each
- 8 small red potatoes, about 1 pound total, scrubbed and quartered
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, quartered
- 1 large onion, 8 ounces, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
- 8 dried apricot halves
- 8 dried pitted prunes
- 1/2 tablespoon crushed dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
- freshly ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small navel orange, washed and thinly sliced crosswise
- 1 large lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a large baking pan with cooking spray.
Rinse chicken pieces; remove and discard any visible fat. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
Arrange chicken in the prepared pan and surround with potatoes and mushrooms. Scatter onion and garlic cover chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over all. Arrange orange and lemon slices on top. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, uncovering the pan during the last 5 minutes of baking time.
Serve at once.
Per serving: 247 calories (18 percent calories from fat), 27 g protein, 5 g total fat (1.0 g saturated fat), 24 g carbohydrate, 3 g dietary fiber, 80 mg cholesterol, 92 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean protein (meat), 1 1/2 carbohydrate (1 bread/starch, 1/2 fruit)
Mixed Greens with Citrus Splash
- 8 cups mixed baby greens, including some arugula, Boston lettuce, escarole, frisée, and radicchio
- Citrus Splash:
- 6 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely minced chives
- 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons finely minced flat-leaf parsley
- generous dash of Tabasco or other liquid hot sauce
Rinse and spin dry the greens. Place in a large salad bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
In a small cup, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Drizzle over greens and toss. Serve at once.
Per serving: 17 calories (8 percent calories from fat), 1 g protein, trace total fat (0 saturated fat), 4 g carbohydrate, 1 g dietary fiber, 0 cholesterol, 15 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges: free
Country Apple Pie
- 1 refrigerated ready-to-bake pie crust, about 7 1/2 ounces
- 3 Granny Smith apples, 6 ounces each, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup spoonable brown sugar substitute
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon reduced-fat margarine
- pinch of ground mace
- pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon skim milk
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pie crust in a 6-inch tart pan or round shallow casserole, letting the dough drape over the sides of the pan.
Fill the crust with apple slices. Sprinkle with brown sugar substitute and cinnamon. Dot with margarine.
Spindle on mace and nutmeg; fold pastry edges up over the apples.
Brush the pastry top with milk and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake for 45 minutes until apple filling is bubbly and crust is golden. Cool slightly and serve.
Per serving: 162 calories (45 percent calories from fat), 1 g protein, 8 g total fat (3.1 g total fat), 22 g carbohydrate, 1 g dietary fiber, 7 mg cholesterol, 160 mg sodium
Diabetic exchanges: 1 1/2 carbohydrate (1 bread/starch, 1/2 fruit), 1 1/2 fat
Reprinted with permission from Diabetic Recipes.com. Visit the website at: http://www.diabetic-recipes.com/.
To Our Readers
Copyright Notice
The copyrighted information in this e-zine is used in compliance with, and subject to sections 107 through 118 of the copyright act (title 17, U.S. Code).
Contact and Submission Information
We hope you found this issue of Eye on DBS both informative and interesting. This E-zine 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.fldoe.org), or
- Lydia Markley (Lydia.Markley@dbs.fldoe.org)
The Eye on DBS E-zine can be accessed in several ways:
- Monthly email subscription with a web link to that month's E-zine and an MS Word file.
- Eye on DBS (for current or previous issues)
- Newsline.
If you are already registered with Florida Talking Books, call your local Talking Book librarian or the main Talking Book library at 1-800-226-6075 and tell the librarian that you want to register for NFB-Newsline. If you are not registered with Talking Books but you are legally blind or print handicapped, you must fill out an application and attach a letter from a qualified professional attesting to your eligibility. Clients of the Division of Blind Services can contact their VR counselor or district office.
For the application visit the NFBF website at:
http://www.nfbflorida.org/newsline/index.htm.
Logging in:
From any touch-tone telephone, call NFB-Newsline® at the number listed on your Welcome Letter. A female voice will answer and ask for a Portal Number. Enter 632.
You will then be connected to the NFB-Newsline computer. When the voice asks, punch in your 6-digit identification number. You will then be asked for your 4-digit security code. All these numbers are provided at the bottom of your Welcome Letter.
After Newsline recognizes you by name, you will be asked to select option 2.
Guidelines for E-zine Submissions
- Do not include any information within your article that could identify a client. This includes last names or employment information specific enough to determine that someone is a DBS client.
- If a client wishes to be named in an article or wishes that information be included that could lead to them being identified (i.e. name of small business), the newsletter staff must have a permission form signed by the client specifying they acknowledge and allow DBS to make their name public.
- If you have photos you wish to accompany your story, the E-zine staff must have copies of completed photo permission forms for every individual who appears -- including DBS employees. If individuals are under 18, the permission forms must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- If you wish your article to be accompanied by materials previously printed in another source, we must have the following information: Where the material was originally printed; The date on which the material was initially published; The author of the work in which the desired material was published; Contact information for the author and or editor of the work.
- The sooner you can provide this information to E-zine staff the more likely it is that we will be able to include materials with your article. Newspapers and magazines are not required to give us reprint permission, so there is no guarantee that we will be able to include the material.