DISCLAIMER: This publication contains announcements from the Silicon Valley Council of the Blind and is also a forum for opinions relating to blindness issues. Signed articles reflect the views, and research, of their authors.
STATUS: SVCB is a 501(c)3 non-profit, tax-exempt organization under the California Council of the Blind.
MEETING LOCATION SVCB's monthly meetings are held in the dining room of the Monte Vista Terrace Apts. at 1101 Grant Road, Mountain View. Meetings run 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Saturday of the month and are open to all. Monte Vista Terrace is one block from the intersection of Grant Road and El Camino Real and is accessible by bus #22.
Note: Local contact information is removed except when requested to remain. For local contact info, email info@svcb.cc.
Twenty years ago, when we were dating, Star and I worked at Hewlett Packard. We used to buy computer stuff at a CompUsa near a Chili's restaurant; and when we went on an expedition, we'd often stop at Chili's for lunch. They had an appetizer called the Awesome Blossom, an onion that was cut so that it made a big blossom when quickly dipped in water and deep fried in batter. We'd share one between us, and an Awesome Blossom and a coke was a great lunch.
We liked it a lot, and whenever Star said "awesome," which she often did, I'd say "blossom," just to be funny. We still play this game, it's fun!
Last March for our 16th anniversary, we went to Chili's and got an Awesome Blossom. We wanted to find out if it was the same as 20 years ago. It was! So when Star says "awesome" I still often say "blossom." Weird, isn't it?
Anyway, it's May and time for the Human Race walk a thon fund raiser on May 10. SVCB has been involved with the Human Race for at least ten years, maybe longer. Please contact Michelle McGrew for more information if you haven't already signed on. Suffice it to say that I've been walking in the 5K event for many years and have had many sponsors. Although the event is thronged with all kinds of people, the walk is invigorating and I always look forward to it. Why not try it for yourself and raise some money for SVCB!
Debbie Archuleta from Outreach was the program speaker at our April meeting. Debbie was once an Outreach driver but now works in customer service. She really knows the ins and outs of the program, and she was peppered with many questions. You will soon be able to hear her presentation on our website www.svcb.cc. She is a long time friend of SVCB, and will gladly help you with your Outreach issues. You can reach her by calling 408-436-2865 Ext. 231 or emailing debbya@outreach1.org.
During the business meeting, we accepted Andy's All You Can Eat Barbecue as the caterer for our August picnic, and we'll finalize picnic plans at the May meeting. Come join us!
We now have our caterer and the main menu will soon be established. But we'll need appetizers, desserts, drinks and other items. Beverly Clifford (bevclffrd@sbcglobal.net) is your contact, and you should call her for more info and to make a contribution.
And don't forget those raffle prizes. I know you've got useful stuff you'd like to be rid of. Raffling them away is a great way to do that. So contact Naomi!
A copy of our Constitution and Bylaws will accompany this newsletter. Please read it carefully so you can become familiar with it. At our June business meeting, you will have an opportunity to propose amendments. The Constitution and Bylaws comprise the framework under which SVCB operates as a chapter, and the chapter depends on you to help it run smoothly and efficiently. So give it a read and come to the June meeting. But first, attend the May one.
Return to the Table of ContentsSecretary of State Debra Bowen Unveils Downloadable Audio Version of Voter Information Guide.
SACRAMENTO: To brush up on the issues before Election Day, California voters need only fire up their laptops, iPods, or Zunes, now that the Secretary of State's office has launched a downloadable audio version of its Official Voter Information Guide.
"Many people may not read the voter information guide, but they still want to learn about the important issues on the statewide ballot," said Secretary of State Debra Bowen, California's chief elections officer. "The new, downloadable audio version of the voter guide allows people to catch up on elections issues while driving to work, multi-tasking at home, or working out at the gym." The new downloadable version of the Official Voter Information Guide is available online at http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/audio/.
"The downloadable audio guide won't knock 'Politics Lost' off the list of best- selling audio books" Bowen continued. "However, it will be a real boon to voters who are visually impaired and to anyone who processes information better by listening to it rather than by reading it."
The Official Voter Information Guide, produced by the Secretary of State's office, offers voters a wealth of information to prepare them for voting. It includes the full text of each ballot proposition, arguments for and against them, and analysis of each from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst.
The guide also provides useful information on registering to vote, voting by mail, voter rights, options available to voters who decline to state a political party, provisional balloting, finding a polling place, and becoming a poll worker.
Paper versions of the voter guide will begin landing in voter mailboxes later this month. The guide is produced in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese, and is available online in all seven languages at http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/. It is also offered in large-print and audiocassette formats. Those versions of the guide can be ordered at http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vig_altformats.htm or by calling 1-800-345-VOTE.
The last day for eligible Californians to register to vote in the June 3 Statewide Direct Primary Election is May 19. The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is May 27.
Return to the Table of ContentsDate: Mon, 21 Apr 2008
From: US Association of Blind Athletes
Congratulations to the following blind and visually impaired athletes for finishing today's Boston Marathon!
Kurt Fiene: Omaha, NE, 2:55:00; Adrian Broca: Los Angeles, CA, 2:56:18; James Salley: Frederick, MD, 3:21:33; Ivonne Mosquera: New York, NY, 3:22:22; Jeffery Benelli: Overland Park, KS, 3:26:49; Steven Wood: St. Clair Shores, MI, 3:35:28; Erich Manser: Leominster, MA, 3:41:07; Richard Miles: East Lansing, MI, 3:42:32; Jennifer Herring: King of Prussia, PA, 3:44:04; Richard Hunter: Folsom, CA, 3:46:30; Kenneth Clark: Cleveland, TN, 4:10:32; Ivan Castro: Ft. Bragg, NC, 4:25:06; Alexander Mueller: Boston, MA, 4:25:51; John Kusku: Kalamazoo, MI, 4:42:44; Charles Plaskon: Punta Gorda, FL, 4:53:22; Vic Vereshack: Springdale, PA, 4:53:26.
Return to the Table of ContentsThe spring 2008 Convention of the California Council of the Blind (CCB) was held at the Arden West Hilton Hotel in Sacramento, April 10-13, 2008; and the theme was "Striving for a Better Tomorrow." Lorraine Brown was SVCB's delegate, and Mike Keithley was the alternate.
First of all, congratulations to SVCB's Naomi Grubb, who was the recipient of the CCB "First Timer" award.
It's amazing how much information one can accumulate in four days of meetings. I took lots of notes and while writing this report, I realized how valuable my notetaker was because my memory bank had filled up and was in overflow mode.
The convention began on Thursday with Capitol Day. Thirty CCB members met at the Capitol building with the purpose of meeting their state legislators, or their staff, to discuss issues of concern to CCB and other legislation vital to persons who are blind or visually impaired. Our own Lupe Medrano said that she was able to speak to her legislator for 20 minutes.
Thursday afternoon featured a combined meeting of the Technology and Rehabilitation Services committees. During the technology section, a representative from Innovative Rehabilitation Technology, Inc. (IRTI) talked about its Eclipse software, which takes all formats and turns them into affordable, navigable and portable audio DAISY books. In addition, Lina Resnik from ABISEE, Inc., of Maynard, MA (800-681-5909, www.abisee.com), demonstrated the Eye-Pal, which takes a picture of text, such as from a newspaper; and, seconds later, this text is read to the user.
Rehabilitation Services committee members performed a skit to show that a Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) client needs to be an informed consumer and advocate for his/her needs and, if necessary, go above the counselor to the supervisor.
Thursday evening found many of us at the five hour marathon CCB board meeting. Some of the highlights included:
The "Friends of California Council of the Blind" program, which is just beginning. This will involve contacting people to get them to donate to CCB.
Bernice Kandarian gave the Publications committee report. She said that there is a committee working on a fall 2008 convention workshop on the process of writing and submitting an article for the Blind Californian. She also said that the CCB website is being updated. You can check it out at www.ccbnet.org.
The fall 2009 Convention will be in Los Angeles at the Four Points Sheridan hotel. The cost will be $90 per night.
After quite a discussion and vote, the spring 2009 convention will be back in Sacramento, largely because of the success of Capitol Day, at the Arden West Hilton. The cost will be $99 per night, and the dates will be April 1 to April 4, 2009.
On Friday morning, the California Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCCLV) and the Committee on Access and Transportation (CAT) held a joint program on "The elevator of the future is here now." These elevators, "Destination Elevators," will stop only at floors as directed by the user inside the elevator. The user outside, trying to get on, needs to know what's going on, as well as trying to get a ride. Obviously, access issues are very important as usage of these elevators becomes more widespread. A representative of the elevator industry attended this meeting.
At the Braille Revival League of California (BRLC) meeting, our own John Glass gave a well-done demo of AFB's Braille Plus, their rendering of the Icon from LevelStar. They are identical except that the Braille Plus features a 6-key braille keyboard. In addition, $661 was donated to cover travel expenses for a winning student to the Braille Challenge finals this July.
During Friday's general sessions, there were many excellent presentations, including the following:
John Wagner and Tom Lee of the Department of Social Services spoke about the programs that are under the department. Tom Lee spoke on the difficulties of the "one stop shop" system, and demonstrated how one program does not fit all needs. He described the services on the website www.disabilitybenefits101.org that help workers, job seekers, and service providers understand the connections between work and disability benefits.
Mike Marlin, manager of the Braille and Talking Book Library, spoke about downloadable digital talking books. He said that in 2010, NLS will stop producing cassette tapes and go completely digital. He also spoke on how the budget cuts are greatly impacting this change-over.
With the topic of "Providing Fire Safety for All Communities", Ms. Tonya L. Hoover (Assistant State Fire Marshal) answered a question about how someone with a disability can get help clearing refuse from his yard. She told listeners to contact local fire agencies as they get grants for such tasks.
There was an "Update on retinal disease and stem cell therapies" by Dr. David Telander from UC Davis health system. He took highly technical data and made it very interesting. Among other things, he said that vitamins and nutrition do promote the health of the retina and that sugar and smoking do not.
There was an update on DOR by Anthony Sauer and Tony Candela. They spoke about budget cuts and how they will impact DOR and its clients. There is a possibility of closing ten to fifteen offices in the state. One bit of good news was given by Cathy Bales, who said that there will be one procurement specialist in each of the 13 rehab districts to expedite the purchase of equipment for clients.
"What You Need to Know About the February 17, 2009 Switch to DTV": Bob Fitzhugh, Director Technology/Operations, KXTV NEWS 10, Sacramento, told us that this switch only affects those who get their TV reception over the air, not those who have a cable or satellite connection.
There was a whole alphabet soup of special interest meetings: GDUC, CLUA, BSC, BRLC, CAT, etc. It was impossible to attend everything and also visit the exhibits.
On Saturday morning, after the Membership/Public Relations breakfast meeting, CCCLV and Seniors with Vision Loss met jointly. SVCB member Dawn Wilcox explained and demoed talking blood pressure with a talking device. In addition, Chris Gray talked about his Fleximeter that he is developing. It will be a talking device that will combine readings for different systems, such as a talking scale, blood oxygen, blood pressure, etc. measuring devices.
Saturday evening found most of us at the banquet. Two of our members were the recipients of very distinguished awards: Roger Petersen was given the Distinguished Service Award and Sam Chen received the Community Service Award. In addition, just before the end of the banquet, Donna Sanchez won a Victor Stream donated by HumanWare.
The spring 2008 convention ended at noon on Sunday after the CCB business meeting where 12 resolutions were passed. A summary of these resolutions will appear in the summer Blind Californian.
Return to the Table of ContentsWelcome to new members Illi Kirk, Diana Koester, Ray Fahey, Cathy Marvin, and Marsha Marciano.
Also happy May birthdays to Dinesh Desai, Trish Foley, John Glass, Vernon Phillips, Steve Schnur, and Susan Schulter!
A large group from our chapter attended the convention. (My count was about 15.) Read the convention report for some snippets of what went on.
As you read this, Sam Chen is traveling in Southeast Asia.
Return to the Table of ContentsMay: Healthy Vision Month.
May 7, 7-9 p.m.: SVCB Board meeting, Meeting Place.
May 10: The Human Race Walk-a-thon. Contact Michelle McGrew for info.
May 17, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: monthly meeting. Dining room, Monte Vista Terrace Apartments, 1101 Grant Road, Mountain View. Lunch orders must be made by 9:45. 9:30: Coffee and conversation, 10: Program, 11: Business, 12: lunch. Program: TBA. Business: Finalize Picnic plans, remind members to acquire door prizes for picnic.
May 21, 22, 23, at 8 p.m.; May 24 at 2 p.m.; May 25, 1 and 6:30 p.m.: AMTSJ presents Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST with descriptions by AudioVision. For prices and tickets, call James in the AMTSJ box office at 408-453-1550 or email amtsj-access@amtsj.org.
May 23, noon: June newsletter deadline.
June: Vision Research Month.
Jun 1: Helen Keller Day.
Jun 6, 10-noon: SAF lab tour. Call 408-245-7330 for reservations.
Jun 7, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: SMCB meeting; Paul's at the Villa; 4000 South El Camino Real between 39th and 41st bus stops. Contact Philip Kutner at fishl@smccb.org.
Jun 7, 5-9 p.m: Bayview Chapter fund-raiser Lasagna Dinner; Lions Blind Center, 3804 Opal Street, Oakland; reservations: call Ida Johnson at 510-655-1982.
Jun 11, 7-9 p.m.: SVCB BOARD Meeting.
Jun 21, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: monthly meeting. Consider amendments to Constitution or Bylaws.
Jun 27, noon: July newsletter deadline.
Jul 2, 7-9 p.m.: SVCB Board meeting.
Jul 5-12: American Council of the Blind National Convention; Galt House, Louisville, KY; reservations: 502-589-5200. Rates are $85 single/double for rooms on the west side, and $105 single/double for suites (one bedroom with a small parlor) on the east side. Add $10 for each additional person in a room, limit four. Rates do not include tax.
Jul 11, 10 a.m.-noon: SAF lab tour.
Jul 11 and 12 at 8 p.m., 13 at 2 p.m.: TheatreWorks presents SNAPSHOTS described by the Visual Voice; MVCPA.
Jul 19, 9:30 a.m-1 p.m.: SVCB monthly meeting. Begin plans for White Cane Safety Day and Employment of People with Disabilities Awareness Month, and appoint holiday party chair.
Jul 25, noon: August newsletter deadline.
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