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.
CHANGES OF ADDRESS
Contact Julie, database@svcb.cc
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.
Is it Christmas or not? I'm writing this on November 21, and we haven't had Thanksgiving dinner yet. But we went to a Thai restaurant this evening; and they were playing Christmas music, which Star thought was strange: she was expecting Thai music. It didn't matter to me as I couldn't make sense of it. But Star got used to it and sang right along! I had duck, she had prawns with peanut sauce (she loves peanut sauce). So whether it's Christmas or not, have a merry holiday. And don't forget the holiday party on December 20. See article in this newsletter.
The November meeting was dedicated to the memory of Barbara Rhodes, who had been an SVCB member almost since its inception and chair of the Transportation Committee for as long as I can remember. She will be remembered in SVCB as its transportation advocate as well as the one who made talking pill bottles a reality at Kaiser. You can hear the program segment of the meeting by accessing www.svcb.cc/psaudio/ps1108.mp3.
Barbara's work as transportation advocate needs to continue, and we are looking for members to attend VTA public meetings and, ultimately, represent SVCB on VTA's Committee on Transportation Accessibility (CTA). Contact Mike Keithley if you are interested.
Nicole Torcolini, a visually impaired freshman at Stanford, told us about the Nemeth braille translator she developed and now sells. We witnessed how the need for a tool to get homework done resulted in a creation that benefits all of us.
An item I forgot to mention in my last message, because I didn't hear of its happening, was the awarding of the $500 second prize in the CCB sweepstakes drawing to SVCB. I was truly amazed when the check arrived in the mail. A check for $100, half of the $200 we spent, also arrived for SVCB.
At the business meeting, the 2009 administration was elected. Officers and directors are:
Mike Keithley, President; Susan Schulter, Vice President; Susan Hyatt, Recording Secretary; Naomi Grubb, Corresponding Secretary; Judy Polatchek, Treasurer; Victor Clifford, newly-elected director; and Lorraine Brown and Steve Nakagawa, who start the second year of their two-year terms.
The budget committee was also appointed. This ad hoc committee will form SVCB's 2009 budget, which will be approved at the February meeting. Committee members are: Victor Clifford, chair; Mike Keithley; Judy Polatchek and Naomi Grubb. If you have concerns about the budget, please contact a committee member ASAP. The committee's work starts in December and continues through January, 2009. The proposed budget will be distributed in the February, 2009 newsletter.
Remember to pay your $10 dues for 2009! If possible, send them to SVCB's address, which is in the masthead of every newsletter. Make checks payable to SVCB. Please don't send cash.
Braille copies of TV converter box information are available. In February, 2009, analog TV stations will go off the air; and if you are using an antenna and analog receiver to receive these stations, like channel 11 in San Jose, you will need a converter box to continue receiving them. You're in good shape if you already have cable TV service. Contact me if you want a braille copy of this information.
Return to the Table of ContentsAs noted in last month's In Touch, we lost our long-time leader, Barbara Rhodes, in October. Several of us from SVCB attended Barbara's memorial service on November 5 and we dedicated our November SVCB meeting to her memory.
Upon the announcement of her death through the email lists and on the California Connection, many people throughout the state reacted with memories and gratitude. Here are some of the messages we received.
From CCB President Jeff Thom: She not only cared about causes, as everyone has said, but she cared deeply about people. She always took the time to ask how you were, whether the rigors of life were getting you down, etc.
From Greater Long Beach Chapter President, Robert Wendt: The Greater Long Beach Chapter would like to extend its sympathies to the family and friends of Barbara.
From Ardis Bazyn: I'm sorry to hear this sad news. She was a great advocate.
From Ken Metz: I've known Barbara for many years, and from the first time I met her, she was already an advocate. Barbara is one person who never held back from speaking out on issues that were not only important to her, but realized the importance of how these issues affected all blind people. Her work with Kaiser and talking pill bottles helped me fight that system for a talking glucose meter when I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. Barbara's strong advocacy is what got me interested in working on transportation and paratransit issues here in Los Angeles. She taught many of us never to give up when we believed that change was necessary to improve the lives of blind and visually impaired persons. Barbara, without a doubt, will be missed, but never forgotten to those of us who had the privilege of knowing her and working alongside her.
From Mary Beth Randall: This is a huge loss to the blindness community. My condolences to the family.
From Donna Pomerantz: Wow what a big loss this is for us. She was always a fighter and I know that every time Mitch uses his talking prescription bottles from Kaiser we have that access because of her and the fight for accessible prescription bottles that she and others fought for. She will be missed.
From Dave McElroy: I'll always remember that New York accent of hers. Pam and I were just wondering about her this weekend and remembering that she hadn't been well recently. RIP Barbara.
From Dan Kysor: We have lost one of our best all-time advocates and fighters. She was a fighter for accessible documents and websites and led our efforts to make the health industry accessible to us such as access to prescription labeling, blind friendly medical facilities and medical reports. Her legacy will live on in CCB!
Return to the Table of ContentsHappy December birthday to our members Ruben Armenta, Brandon Biggs, Lorraine Brown, Celina Carey, Bernice Kandarian, LeeAnn Nakagawa, Steve Nakagawa, Bianca Stokkingreef, and Bill Tipton!
We also welcome Brandon as a new member, along with his mother, Sonja Biggs. He is a student and she is a teacher of the blind, working at Vista Center.
Return to the Table of ContentsHello all,
Haven't we had some incredible goodies at our meetings this past year? I should say so!--and now it's time for all of you who either love cooking or enjoy browsing in your local supermarket to consider being one of the volunteers who brings delicious food contributions to our monthly meetings in 2009. And would you believe it: we already have three months taken care of!--January, September, and October. Thanks so much to the three of you who signed up so early: you make my job very easy. To all the rest of you, I will be delighted to know which months would be good for you. The earlier you sign up, the more likely it is that you will get the month that is most convenient for you.
If you have any questions about what to bring and how much, feel free to email me at bevclffrd@sbcglobal.net
All of us very much appreciate your generosity, and we will wait with our mouths watering as you decide to shower us with your delectable goodies. Thanks in advance for your time and your help, and I look forward to talking to you.
Return to the Table of ContentsDo you have friends, coworkers, neighbors, or family that you would like to give a special gift to during the holiday season? In addition to five-ounce boxes of peanut brittle, See's has three four-ounce holiday items available this year. Each is in an appropriately shaped and decorated box. There are two assortments of chocolate, each containing a mixture of milk and dark chocolate ("Mini Holiday Fancy" and the "Snowman Box"), and a package of milk chocolate foil-wrapped balls. All items cost $5 each. Contact me at for additional details or to order any of these items (please do not send email). Please order holiday items by noon, December 2. If you miss this deadline, check with me to see what I still have available, but remember that our supply may be limited.
Want a larger See's candy gift or perhaps some sugar-free See's candy? Gift certificates for one-pound boxes cost $15, or I can get various one-pound boxes of candy. We can also use gift certificates to purchase See's sugar-free candy.
See's candy bars are again available from SVCB! We have dark chocolate with almonds, milk chocolate with almonds, milk chocolate with toffee, and plain milk chocolate bars for $1.50 each, and we have walnut squares and nut and chew bars for $1 each. Contact me to place your orders.
Purchase entertainment coupon books from SVCB for $25 each (SVCB receives 20 percent of the cost for each book we sell). To purchase or help sell entertainment coupon books, please contact Mike Keithley at mlkeithley@comcast.net.
If you have not yet ordered your calendar for 2009, we do still have a few remaining. These large print/braille calendars feature artwork by blind and visually impaired people of all ages. They cost $9 each. To reserve yours, please contact me.
Remember to save your recyclable aluminum cans and plastic water bottles. Donna Sanchez is collecting plastic water bottles, and Charlie Stein is collecting aluminum cans. You may bring these items to an upcoming meeting or call the appropriate contact to make other arrangements. Donna and Charlie redeem the bottles and cans for funds which are then used to support SVCB activities.
See you at the holiday party!
Return to the Table of ContentsMy journey to the convention got off to a great start and set the tone for the rest of the trip. Either airport security is becoming more efficient or I'm learning the ropes. Either way, I sped right through. Then, while waiting at the gate, I was pleasantly surprised to meet Elmer Chapson. We enjoyed discussing CCB and CSB history on our way to the Four Points Sheraton hotel. Elmer attended his first convention in 1951, the year I was born.
One of the joys of attending CCB conventions is walking into the hotel lobby to hear the familiar voices of other CCB conventioneers. One problem with arriving Thursday morning is that rooms aren't available for check-in until mid-to-late afternoon.
I attended the afternoon joint session of the Technology committee and the Rehabilitation Services committee. It began with an in-depth presentation by Mike May, president of Sendero Group, concerning portable GPS navigation systems for the blind. Now you can even get GPS navigation on a cell phone. Sendero group, in conjunction with Code Factory, offer Mobile Geo which runs on Windows Smart Phones or Pocket PDA devices. The next presentation was a panel on rehabilitation services. Ed Crespin and Tricia Leetz discussed their experiences as rehabilitation counselors. Ed emphasized the importance of having specific goals and being well prepared before meeting with the counselor. Tricia discussed the question of who should provide the access technology, rehab or the employer. Ideally, everything should be in place on the client's first work day. The third presentation was from the Assistive Technology Center, based in Sacramento, which is the distributor of an innovative new product called MobilEyes. It's an Optical Character Recognition device, an organizer, media player, notes recorder, magnification device, barcode reader, and more.
Next, I attended the Braille Revival League of California board meeting to perform my secretarial duties. I did not attend the CCB board meeting due to a prior personal commitment.
My first order of business on Friday morning was to chair the Credentials Committee. Then it was on to the Braille Revival League membership meeting. There was lots of enthusiasm about the Braille Challenge contest sponsored by the Braille Institute. After the business meeting adjourned, Debbie Barry, Joanie Patche, Dan Kysor, and Frank Welte each explained how they use Braille to perform their various job tasks. Their presentation was a testimonial to the flexibility of Braille.
The speaker at the California Library Users of America luncheon was Brian Albriton from the Braille Institute library. He discussed services available to patrons with internet access. The digital talking book download service continues to be very popular. Braille Institute Library patrons can now order their books online. I didn't find that option on the Braille and Talking Book Library website. Another source of audio books is a library called unabridged. You can obtain an application for it online from the Braille and Talking Book library. Their website is www.library.ca.gov/services/btbl.html
The first speaker at the Friday afternoon general session was John Benison, Manager, Equal Employment Opportunity Consulting Group, Office of Civil Rights, Federal Aviation Administration. His speech concerned the Air Carrier Access Act, and FAA Initiatives to Create Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities. Mr. Benison is legally blind and his job requires lots of travel. It was obvious from the way Mr. Benison spoke that he is passionate about his work. Becoming a model employer of persons with targeted disabilities is a goal of the FAA. Legal blindness is a targeted disability. New regulations under the Air Carrier Access Act are coming out next year which will improve its provisions, including prohibition of charging a higher price for blind people ordering tickets by phone vs. online.
The next topic was a "Progress Report from the California Audio Describer's Alliance", presented by Teri Grossman, Audio Describer, Audio Description Los Angeles. Teri spoke about efforts to standardize methods for audio description and to spread its availability throughout California and beyond.
The Friday afternoon session also featured "Avoiding the Impact: Safety Concerns with the Audibility of Hybrid Cars", Dr. Lawrence D. Rosenblum, Professor, University of California, Riverside; "Recent Updates and Resources from the Disability Rights Legal Center", Paula Pearlman, Executive Director, Disability Rights Legal Center, Loyola Law School; and the "Announcement of the Introduction of a New Internet Reading Service for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired or Have Other Print Disabilities", Max Flehinger, Executive Director, Audio Internet Reading Service of Los Angeles.
The Friday evening general session was chaired by Gabe Griffith. The first topic was ŝAccessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Paradigm Shift: The United Nations Treaty or Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities", Cynthia D. Waddell, Executive Director, Law, Policy and Technology Consultant, Subject Matter Expert, International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet. She is traveling the world working on the information technology aspects of implementing the UN Convention.
Next up was the ACB report, given by its president, Mitch Pomerantz. Mitch described his presidential duties as falling into three categories: overseeing the work of the Executive Director and office staff, monitoring internal organizational matters, and facilitating working relationships with outside entities. He said that he plans to retire from his "day job" as ADA coordinator for the city of Los Angeles after 34 years of working for the city to give his full attention to the presidency of ACB.
The rest of the evening was taken up by Jeff Thom's CCB Presidential Report, Dan Kysor's legislative report and a little matter of elections.
The Membership Committee breakfast was held Saturday morning. I thought the speaker had some good ideas, but her presentation would have been more relevant for a larger, better- funded organization.
The Saturday afternoon general session was chaired by Chris Gray. The first topic was "Financial planning and asset building opportunities for people with disabilities", Thomas Foley, J.D., Program Manager: Access to Assets, World Institute on Disability. His email address is tom@wid.org. The whole point around Access to Assets is changing the economic expectation for people with disabilities. There are ways around the economic disincentives built into SSI, SSDI, and other benefits programs.
The next topic was "The Hope of Stem Cell Progress for Heart, Vision and Other Diseases", Christian Wilde, Author/ Researcher. His newest book "Miracle Stem Cell Heart Repair" presents cases showing how stem cells can regenerate both muscles and nerves. Research is fifteen to twenty years ahead of standard medical practice. The book has been enthusiastically endorsed by leading medical professionals.
Brandy Morgan from the Bakersfield chapter was the master of ceremonies at the banquet and became president of the Blind Students of California. I believe that she will attract students and turn that affiliate around. I'm glad the banquet didn't drag on for so long this year. Jessie Lorenz was certainly an inspirational speaker. Her talk reminded me of how much harm overly protective parents do without knowing it.
I've been attending CCB conventions since the early 1970s. This convention was one of the best. The topics were informative and the speakers were excellent. Even though many are facing difficult times economically, spirits were high and a friendly mood prevailed.
Return to the Table of ContentsOnce again, I take advantage of one of the perks of being delegate and editor. I wait and see what my alternate writes and fill in the gaps. In this case, Rob wrote a book! And I really had to cut it down for In Touch. You may read some of it in the Blind Californian, but I really feel that we should make the unexpurgated version available to those who are interested. Stay tuned!
Bernice and I arrived at the Four Points on Wednesday and attended the Publications Committee's Writers' Seminar on Thursday morning. Though sparsely attended, the seminar was well presented by Cathy Schmitt Whitaker and Bonnie Rennie. It was designed to convince members of CCB that each one of us has a story and can write it for the Blind Californian.
I also went to the Technology and Rehabilitation Services Committees' seminar on Thursday afternoon and the BRLC Board meeting that evening. Then came the CCB board meeting, which is set up in a big room with the board sitting at the front, with room for a big audience. This meeting was mostly administrative and budgetary, with committee reports, etc. One highlight was the decision to go to Fresno for our Fall 2009 convention to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of CCB, which took place in Fresno. A new affiliate was also chartered, the Yosemite Gateway Chapter of Merced.
An interesting event which took place Friday morning, while Rob and I were at the BRLC meeting, was the joint session of the Committee on Access and Transportation (CAT) and the California Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCCLV). The highlight of this meeting was a demonstration and discussion of the hazards of quiet vehicles. Guide Dogs of the Desert kindly provided a hybrid car and drove it past many blind people who had not experienced the lack of noise produced by such cars. Then they discussed how they use it in guide dog training.
At the Friday evening session, the credentials report was given, which technically seats the delegates to vote at the convention. The thing that struck me listening to the credentials report was how many chapters weren't there. It seems as if there are a lot of chapters that are not functioning very well and could use more loving concern from CCB. The election also occurred Friday evening, quite late. The president, first vice-president and treasurer were re-elected to their positions as were all board members who were eligible for re-election. Vincent Calderon was elected to the position vacated by Barbara Rhodes.
A few more words about the banquet Saturday evening are warranted. I presented a CCB Special Recognition Award to Senator Alan Lowenthal for sponsoring our "quiet car'" legislation, which passed both houses in the legislature only to be vetoed by the governor. Jessie Lorenz spoke about her participation in the Paralympics in Beijing, where she was a member of the gold medal goal ball team. I held her gold medal after the banquet.
Sunday morning's business session featured a relatively small number of resolutions and we actually got out early, allowing us to have a somewhat leisurely meal before leaving for the airport.
Return to the Table of ContentsThe SVCB Holiday Party will be on Saturday, December 20, 2008, 11:00 - 3:00, at the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center, 408-295-4016; 101 North Bascom Ave, San Jose. Register by 12/12/08 and call Bev Clifford at 408-223-6444 to do so. We are soliciting contributions of appetizers and desserts, so at that time let Bev know if you would like to contribute food. Send payment of $15 for members, $20 for non-members to Silicon Valley Council of the Blind, P.O. Box 493, Mountain View, CA 94042 as soon as possible, and before the event. Checks only, please, not cash. Other CCB/ACB chapter members are welcome to attend at the member rate. Following appetizers graciously contributed by chapter members, the catered meal provided will be: Garden Green Salad, Carved Turkey and Ham - light and dark meat, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with gravy, Homestyle Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Dinner rolls with butter. Dessert will be provided by more generous contributions from the members.
Return to the Table of ContentsBowling: every Saturday at Moonlight Lanes in Santa Clara. Contact Tom Keiser.
Dec 1-12: Insight art exhibits, San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery in SF City Hall, lower level. Contact Kim Shuck, Insights Coordinator at 415-694-7335 or kshuck@lighthouse-sf.org.
Dec 1, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Education and Treatment of Common Eye Diseases, presented by the Center for Independent Living and The West Berkeley Senior Center. West Berkeley Senior Center, 1900 Sixth Street, Berkeley. For further information call Armando Garcia at 510-841-4776 x123.
Dec 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: VA Country Store; Palo Alto Veterans' Hospital, 3801 Miranda Ave., Palo Alto. Contact Brian Higgins for info.
Dec 5, 10 a.m.-noon: SAF lab tour. Call 408-245-7330 for reservations.
Dec 5, 1-5 p.m.: NLS Digital Talking Book Conversion seminar online, by phone or at the LightHouse for the Blind in San Francisco. More info at info@lighthouse-sf.org.
Dec 6, 5-11:00 p.m.: Holiday Party, The Lions Blind Center of Oakland, 3834 Opal Street, Oakland. Enjoy live music, dancing, buffet and a raffle. RSVP to Hilda Diaz or Charyn O'Young at 510-450-1580.
Dec 7, 2-4 p.m.: Delta Gamma Christmas Party, Mountain View Community Center in Rengstorff Park, 201 S Rengstorff Avenue, Mountain View. Contact Lolly Osborne at lolly@osbornefamily.org.
Dec 10, 7-9 p.m.: SVCB board meeting on the MeetingPlace.
Dec 10 at 1 p.m. and 11 at 7:30 p.m.: Winter Concert at the California School for the Blind, 500 Walnut Avenue, Fremont. For more information call 510-794-3800.
Dec 12, 10 a.m.-3p.m.: Vista Center Holiday Open House; 2470 El Camino Real, Suite 107; Palo Alto. Enjoy refreshments, purchase holiday gifts and meet Vista Staff. Sendero Group will be demonstrating GPS Systems, and representatives from Freedom Vision Low Vision Products will be showing their digital magnifiers. For more information contact Alice McGrath at amcgrath@vistacenter.org.
Dec 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: SMCCB holiday party at Peninsula Regent, 1 Baldwin Avenue, San Mateo in the Regent Clubhouse. Contact Philip Kutner.
Dec 13, 4:00-8 p.m.: Bayview Chapter, CCB Christmas party, Hayward Ranch, 22877 Mission Boulevard in Hayward. Phone: 510-537-5522. Attitude adjustment hour 4 p.m., dinner and installation of chapter officers until 8 p.m. Dinner choices are prime rib with baked potato, salmon also with baked potato, and teriyaki chicken with rice. All dinners include salad and vegetable. Reservations: Ida Johnson, 510-655-1982 or Catherine Skivers, 510-357-1986.
Dec 20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: SVCB holiday party at the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center in San Jose. Cost $15 CCB members, $20 everyone else. See article above, and phone tree messages.
Dec 20, 2 p.m.: Presented by SHN: "Phantom of the Opera," Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., San Francisco. To charge tickets and reserve one of the 20 receivers for the show, call 415-551-2027 and request AudioVision tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office without the convenience fee. The box office is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about this and upcoming audio-described shows, contact Margaret Hardy at katiemags@aol.com.
Dec 22 (Monday), noon: January 2009 In Touch newsletter deadline. Distribute 2009 Business Calendar.
2009
January: Braille Literacy and Glaucoma Awareness months.
Jan 3, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: SMCCB meeting.
Jan 7, 7-9 p.m.: SVCB Board meeting.
Jan 17, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: SVCB annual 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: New administration takes office. Approve 2009 business calendar.
Jan 23, noon: February In Touch newsletter deadline. Distribute 2009 budget.
Jan 25: Membership dues are due to avoid disruption of newsletter subscription.
February: Eye Donor Awareness Month.
Feb 6, 10 a.m.-noon: SAF LAB TOUR.
Feb 6 and 7 at 8 p.m., 8 at 2 p.m.: TheatreWorks presents TWENTIETH CENTURY with descriptions by the Visual Voice.
Feb 7, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: SMCCB meeting.
Feb 8: Deadline for membership dues payment to CCB.
Feb 11, 7-9 p.m. (provisionary date): SVCB Board meeting.
Feb 18-20 at 8 p.m., 21 at 2 p.m., and 22, at 1 & 6:30 p.m.: AMTSJ presents: Disney's musical TARZAN with descriptions by AudioVision.
Feb 21, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: SVCB membership meeting. Approve 2009 budget, elect delegates for CCB Spring Convention, distribute Human Race info.
Feb 27, noon (provisionary date): March In Touch newsletter deadline.
A weekly listing of events in Northern California is available by calling the San Francisco LightHouse Vision Loss Resource Center dedicated event and entertainment line at 415-694-7326 or on the LightHouse website, www.lighthouse-sf.org. The listing is also distributed on the ccb-l mailing list.