The PCB ADVOCATE is a quarterly news publication of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind. It is available in large print, braille, cassette, disk, and by email.
Please send change of address and other matters to:
PCB office,
931 N Front St.,
Harrisburg, PA. 17102,
or call 717-920-9999,
or 1-877-617-7407.
FAX 717-920-9988.
Email address: pcb1@paonline.com
Web site: pcb1.org
June M Horst, Editor
John A Horst, Ass't Editor
Send articles to:
ADVOCATE, PCB Office,
931 N Front St., Harrisburg, PA. 17102.
Email pcb1@paonline.com
Articles can also be sent directly to the Editor at:
jjkhor95@epix.net
To promote independence and opportunities for people with vision impairments.
To continue to be recognized as the leading advocacy organization for people with vision impairments in Pennsylvania. The aim of all of our efforts is to encourage and assist people in achieving their potential as valued members of society. PCB assistance, advocacy, and encouragement will be carried out in such areas as, but not limited to, all aspects of accessibility, transportation, education, and employment.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Articles in this publication reflect the views of the individual writers. They do not necessarily represent the views and policy of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind.
CONTRIBUTIONS: Contributions are tax deductible, and are always much needed. They can be sent to;
Anthony Evancic, Treasurer,
PCB Office,
931 N Front St.,
Harrisburg, PA 17102.
If you wish to remember a relative or friend by sharing in the Council's work, the PCB office will acknowledge contributions made by loved ones in memory of deceased persons. Anyone wishing to remember the PA Council of the Blind in his/her Last Will and Testament, may do so by including a paragraph for this purpose. If your wishes are complex, you may contact the PCB office.
SUBMITTING ARTICLES: If you wish to submit articles for consideration in the ADVOCATE, please do so. Deadlines for submission are:
March 1 June 1
September 1 December 1
You may send them in any format, either to the PCB office, or email them to:
jjkhor95@epix.net.
Your input is always welcome.
From the Editors:
This Winter issue of the ADVOCATE updates the activities, functions, and critical concerns of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind. Major contributions to this issue have been made by committee chairs and chapter presidents, keeping in mind the due date for articles. We would like to hear from more chapter members as to what you are doing and what the issues are that you discuss at your meetings.
Are you using the PCB Reports' tapes? Do you hear them broadcast on your local radio reading service? Do you know the day and time of these broadcasts?
The submission date for articles for the Spring 2009 edition of the ADVOCATE is March 1, 2009.
| President's Report | 7 |
| From the Director's Desk | 8 |
| Braille | 10 |
| ByLaws | 12 |
| Employment | 15 |
| Fundraising | 18 |
| Governmental Affairs | 20 |
| Legislative Action | 21 |
| Long Range Planning | 22 |
| Membership | 25 |
| Nominating | 27 |
| Transportation | 28 |
| Capitol City | 31 |
| Cumberland Care & Share | 33 |
| Clearfield-Jefferson County | 33 |
| Golden Triangle | 34 |
| Lancaster Red Rose | 37 |
| Lehigh Valley | 39 |
| Monroe County | 42 |
| Oil Valley | 44 |
| Washington County | 45 |
| York | 46 |
| 73rd. Annual Convention | 47 |
| Take the H-I-G-H Road | 58 |
| Dues, Dues, Dues! | 62 |
| PCB Reports for December | 62 |
| Audio Darts Opportunity | 63 |
| From the ACB Office | 64 |
| Social Security Suit | 65 |
| Starbucks Comes Through | 66 |
| Louis Turns 200! | 67 |
| New York Times Offer | 70 |
| Poem | 71 |
| Board of Directors | 74 |
| Chapter Presidents | 74 |
| Membership Application | 75 |
George Holliday, President
Once again we are nearing the end of a very productive year for Pennsylvania Council of the Blind. At the beginning of 2008, committees were established from a very large list of applicants. This gave me the opportunity to structure committees that did not result in a person serving on several committees. During the first meeting of the year, each committee was given a task of developing goals and creating tasks for members to complete between committee meetings.
Throughout the year, from reading the ADVOCATE and listening to reports during the state convention/conference, it was recognized that all committees worked hard this year, and are continuing to do so, and plan projects for the up-coming year. I personally want to thank all committee chairs and committee members for their endless efforts to improve the quality of life for blind individuals throughout Pennsylvania.
During a joint meeting of the Transportation and Governmental Affairs Committees, the Legislative Action Committee was established to address funding for mass transit and other related issues of transportation. Stay tuned for reports from all the committees.
During the convention, Mary Ann Alexander, Joseph Wassermann, and Bob Lichtenfels were elected as newcomers to the Board, with Ed Hersh being reelected for another term.
I say, "WELCOME" to all and look forward to working with you. Edgar Facemyer, Sandra Marsiglia, and Michael Zaken completed their board terms. I enjoyed working with them, and thank them for their hard work and continued service for PCB.
In closing, I would like to thank the members of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind for your support of the officers, board members, office staff, committee chairs, and committee members. Also, to all, I wish you a joyous holiday season and a happy new year.
John A Horst, Executive Director
Christmastime reminds us of those things that are most precious to us. To most, family and friends come first; after that, sharing our interests and concerns. To those of you reading the ADVOCATE, we hope PCB and your chapter rates high in your priorities.
We have all just experienced a great convention, and now look forward to a new year. For 2009, there are goals to be achieved, work to be accomplished, and dreams to be realized. May we resolve together to make our chapters, committees, and all of PCB a better and more productive Council in 2009.
The news from the PCB office is that Edgar Facemyer has been coming to the office two days per week to assist with the work, and to maintain a record of activities. Also, Rhonda Hanafi, our office assistant, continues to experience health problems. Be sure to keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
It is renewal membership time, and we encourage all chapters, if you have not already done so, to send in your membership lists promptly. All members of chapters should pay their dues through their chapter. Members-at-large who are not chapter members should send their renewals directly to the PCB office. PCB dues remain at $10 per year. At the beginning of each year we are required to reconcile our membership records with those of ACB. This is why we MUST have your chapter lists and dues, as well as dues from non-chapter members, by JANUARY 15th, 2009.
From the staff of the PCB office and the ADVOCATE Editor, we hope all of you will experience the blessings of this Christmas season, and that 2009 will be a healthy and prosperous year for you.
Louise Chuha, Chair
Our big project for this year has been the essay contest for school children who use Braille. We divide them into three groups: grades 4,5, and 6; grades 7,8, and 9; and grades 10, 11, and 12. We choose a winner from each group. Each winner received $50. This year we had no entries from the 4 to 6 grade group, so we awarded only 2 prizes. The 2 winners, Jill Novak and Kasandra Hernandes, were from Overbrook School for the Blind, so they received their award at Overbrook's Achievement Day Awards ceremony.
We've just started making plans for the coming year's Braille essay contest. The theme is "My Favorite Pastime." We have had some difficulty making sure that all the Braille-using students in the state learn about the contest, so this year we are starting earlier to publicize it, and trying personally to contact every vision teacher in the state to make sure all Braille students learn about the contest.
Our committee has also begun to plan for a Braille workshop at the 2009 PCB convention. The idea for the workshop came about as a request from the Board of Directors because there are a number of people who were unable to read either the print or Braille labels on the items in the media sale at last year's convention. You can think of it as a "practical Braille experience." It will be intended for those who do not know any Braille, and it's focus will be on basic, practical Braille and why it would be good to learn it.
If you have any thoughts on what you would like to see in a Braille workshop, remembering that we may not have more than a 2-hour block of time for such a workshop, please get in touch with me or one of the Braille committee members. We would really be interested in your thoughts. My phone number is: 412-271-7114. Email is: louc01@verizon.net
The Braille Revival League is hoping to celebrate Louis Braille's 200th birthday in January by having all the BRL chapters across the state plan a Braille Awareness Day at a local Barnes & Noble bookstore in their areas. The Philadelphia BRL chapter would like the PCB chapters throughout the state to join the celebration. Suggestions are to have a local sports authority be involved or perhaps have some children demonstrate Braille reading and writing. Our local chapter, GTCB in Pittsburgh, has already begun making plans to celebrate at the Children's Museum in our area on January 3rd. Louis is even going to have a birthday cake! I hope I don't have to blow out 200 candles!
Tony Evancic, Chair
Amending PCB's Bylaws: The Bylaws Committee of PCB has not presented a report in over three years. This has resulted because no Bylaws changes have been presented to the committee for consideration. Perhaps the membership feels that no substantive changes are necessary. More likely is the possibility that members do not know the procedure for amending the Bylaws. To clarify this issue --
To begin, let's look at the appropriate article in the Bylaws. Article X Amendments, states:
A. These Bylaws may be amended only at an annual convention of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Bylaws Committee no later than April 30. The Bylaws Committee shall review the proposed amendments to determine whether they are in conflict with any other provision of these Bylaws before referring them to the convention for final action.
A copy of all proposed amendments must be forwarded to the home/office of members of the Board of Directors and to the President of each chapter, no later than thirty (30) days prior to the convention.
In order to amend or revise these Bylaws, an affirmative vote by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and voting at any convention of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind is required. All amendments, changes, or deletions made to these Bylaws shall become effective January 1, following their ratification.
The first paragraph is the one to make note of if you wish to propose an amendment. Any proposed amendment must be submitted IN WRITING to the Bylaws Committee no later than April 30. Why so early? The Committee must study the proposed amendment to assure that it does not conflict with any other part of the Bylaws than the one for which the amendment is being submitted. The recommended form for your submission is to quote the Bylaw (including Article and Section number) for which you are proposing changes. In a following paragraph, state your proposed amendment. Finally, let us know your rationale for the change(s) you propose. That way, we will all "be on the same page." That is all you have to do.
If the Bylaws Committee finds that the proposed amendment DOES NOT conflict with the Bylaws, the Committee will send copies to chapter presidents and board members no later than thirty days prior to the next PCB convention. A copy of the proposed amendment will also appear in the ADVOCATE.
The most current version of the PCB Bylaws (revised in 2004) can be found on our website: pcb1.org/bylaws.
If you do not have internet access, you may request a copy of the Bylaws in your preferred format by contacting the PCB office. We will be happy to send you a copy in either large print, Braille, or on cassette. If you wish to contact the Bylaws Committee, my address is: Tony Evancic, 307 S. Dithridge St., #605, Pittsburgh, PA. 15213. Phone: 412-621-4046. Email: tony.evancic@verizon.net
Carla Hayes, Chair
You may recall that the Employment Committee devised and disseminated an employment survey to help us set goals for employment-related programs and other activities that PCB should plan for in the future. 21 people completed and returned the employment survey. Here is a summary of the survey results:
The first question asked about the age of the respondents. Of those who responded, 3 were between the ages of 30-39, 5 were between the ages of 40-49, 10 fell in the category of 50-59 years of age, and 3 were 60 years old or older.
The second question dealt with visual acuity. According to the forms returned, 6 respondents classified themselves as totally blind, 2 reported having light perception, 13 described themselves as legally blind, and 3 have vision greater than 20/200.
Question 3 asked about the level of education completed. 1 person completed the 7th grade, 7 were high school graduates, 1 person received an Associate Degree, 3 completed trade school, 4 received Bachelor's degrees, 1 received post-graduate education, 3 obtained Master's degrees, and 3 earned a Doctorate degree.
Question 4 had 3 parts: the first part asked if the respondents were working, and what type of work they were doing. A variety of jobs and professions were represented in the forms we received, as well as people who are not working or retired. The second part of the question asked if those responding to the survey were considering a career change. The final part of the question asked if respondents considered themselves underemployed. According to our survey data, 4 people who completed the survey are not working and most of the respondents are not considering a career change, nor do they feel that they are underemployed.
Questions 5 and 6 asked what the respondents believe are the greatest barriers faced by people who are blind or visually impaired, and which of these were the greatest barriers to employment. Some of the most common responses to these questions included: interviewers only seeing the white cane or blindness, rather than the whole person; trying to find a job; little or no support from BBVS; case workers who have no perception of what people who are blind or those with low vision can do; the lack of transportation, independence, training, mentors, support from family and friends, motivation and confidence, and education and information on blindness for employers.
The final question on the survey asked what barriers to employment for people who are blind or visually impaired that PCB should address. Here, I will try to paraphrase some of the comments and suggestions that we received.
"People on SSI should be permitted to work without penalty. We should keep educating employers and the public about the abilities and capabilities of people who are blind or visually impaired. We should help dispel negative attitudes, myths and untruths about hiring people who are blind or visually impaired; BBVS case workers should be more encouraging and help us to secure training in the fields in which we want to work. Funding for mass transportation should be provided, and there should be more coordination between transit systems. PCB should initiate networking and mentoring opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired in various fields. PCB should also continue to provide employment information in the form of articles, workshops and programs, and continue to offer encouragement to those seeking employment.
Now that the survey has been completed and the results have been tabulated, where will we go from here After its initial analysis of the survey data, the Employment Committee has decided to develop a breakout session or panel discussion pertaining to one of the topics in question 7 of the survey for next year's PCB state convention. We will also continue to analyze the survey data, and use it to set future goals for our committee. Of course, we will continue to provide a regular Employment column for the ADVOCATE. Although the survey is officially concluded, your input, suggestions, and column submissions are always welcome.
I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank each of you who took the time to complete the survey. The information you provided will help us to better serve you.
Thomas Reid, Chair
GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores, including HSN, QVC, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop, and every time you place an order, you will be supporting PCB.
Here's what to do:
Additional Ways to Support Your Organization:
Forward this information to friends, family. Ask them to use the links above to purchase gifts. While it won't cost any extra to purchase using the above links, it will greatly assist the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind in achieving its mission.
This year some of you may want to ask friends and/or family to donate to PCB in lieu of a gift. Adversely, you may want to donate to PCB in the name of a loved one as a gift. Please send checks made payable to PCB and mail to: Pennsylvania Council of the Blind, 931 N Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17102.
Happy Holidays.
Rodger Simmons, Chair
Now that the last voting machine has been turned
off, how was your voting experience Did you have trouble operating the machine Did you have trouble with the poll worker Or did you not have any problems at all If you did, this committee would urge you to contact your chapter and insist that they work on your behalf to address these issues. Your chapter would have to contact the voter registration board with the complaint. It would be wonderful to think that there were no problems, but early indications are that the majority of the complaints were about the attitude of poll workers. In some cases, it was their lack of knowledge of how to set up the machines. Once again, I urge chapters to deal with these situations so that we can have a better voting experience in the future.
As for legislation, two of the major bills that ACB has been supporting, HR632 and HR5734 will have to be introduced next year.
Mary Ann Alexander, Chair
This Fall, our esteemed and forward-thinking president added a new and exciting committee to the roster of PCB committees--the Legislative Action committee. Presently, this is a sub-committee, consisting of members of both the Governmental Affairs committee and the Transportation committee. It's initial purpose is to explore the possibility of pursuing a legislative action in Harrisburg to address funding for mass transit. As you may know, two major funding sources of mass transit, the privatization of the Turnpike and revenue from the proposed implementation of tolls on Route 80 are no longer "on the table" and so there is some concern as to whether mass transit throughout the state will be adequately funded. In addition, the committee hopes to address ancillary issues to transportation.
In order for the committee to perform optimally in Harrisburg and to truly represent the needs of PCB members, you can assist us by gathering information which will help to determine what we should be requesting when we meet with legislators on the Hill in Harrisburg. Please do all that you can to speak with key officials within your county's transit authority to ascertain their need for funding and their goals for the next few years. You may report your findings to any one of the committee's members.
Mary Ann Alexander, Chair: 570-807-1276
maryanna@ptd.net
John Horst, 1-877-617-7407
George Holliday, 215-748-3556
Rodger Simmons, 717-747-1895,
Edward Hersh, 717-872-1192
Susan Frazier, gypsyaqv@comcast.net
Joseph Perry, 717-761-1920
Joe Wassermann, Chair
Thanks to my committee for this past year's work. They are: Tom Burgunder, Ernie Wright, Pam Shaw, Jeanette Schmoyer, Helen Koshensky, George Holliday, and John Horst.
Due to the efforts of Mike Zaken, a good used embosser was donated to the PCB office, courtesy of Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. This is only one replacement of office equipment that the Long Range Planning Committee knows must be an ongoing effort. This is one of the ongoing projects that will give "fodder" for grant writing.
Much energy was expended, mainly by John Horst, trying to initiate an intern program in order to help our small office staff, as well as expand our visibility on Capitol Hill and other fronts. This endeavor had to be terminated because of various circumstances, but much good ground work and contacts have been established. We will embark on this project for '09.
For the first time we tried to interest vision impaired students at neighboring educational institutions to attend our state convention. Heads of the support departments at four institutions were contacted, and a good rapport developed. Unfortunately, no students, if in fact there are any at these schools, were interested in coming to Johnstown and seeing just what we were all about. However, Teresa Horner, Director of the Support Services office at Pitt/Johnstown, did stop in Friday afternoon and seemed impressed with what she saw. She obtained John Horst's phone number so that she could express her thanks for the exposure. Perhaps through her contacts with other support services directors, more can be contacted and become interested in future conventions. This is an effort which must be attempted again for the Pocono convention in 2009. Again, the ground work has been laid and with possible modifications, more creative ideas, etc., perhaps we can entice those interested in the field of vision work to join us next November. Somehow, we must interest blind and sighted people in the activities and advocacy work of our organization.
There is a definite need to be laying specific plans for a new Executive Director in the relatively near future. This is also true for our treasurer, both of whom have served untiringly for many years. Plans for both of these vital positions will be part of the five-year plan which the committee was charged with for completion by the time for the Pocono convention.
The challenge has been put forth to increase membership by at least 5% within the next 2 or 3 years. This must start with the chapters. The board will do its best to assist chapters by visits from various board members throughout the year. If travel expenses are not prohibitive, such visits may occur more than just at the regionals. In order to spur interest in joining local chapters, as well as sparking interest in state conventions, reimbursement for speakers through grant money can provide meaning and purpose for locals, and give people reasons for wanting to be PCB/local members. Any organization needs to have purposes and reasons for their existence; that's the best way to attract members.
Let's tackle this new year with vigor.
Jeanette Schmoyer, Chair
The Membership committee sponsors the First Timer's event on Friday evening at the state convention each year. This year we had eight guests at this event. However, we met other First Timers who came only for the Saturday program. I can remember the excitement and awe of my first PCB convention. All those canes, and all those guide dogs! All those blind people who made their way around independently! It was encouraging and inspiring. One of my friends said it well, "Every convention is magical."
The Membership committee instituted the Life Membership status in 2004. We currently have four Life Members in PCB. The cost of a Life Membership is $1,000, but we encourage you to consider a 5-year plan, sending PCB $200 a year for five years. Perhaps your chapter would like to honor someone with a gift of a Life Membership. It is an awesome thing to do to support our PCB.
The Membership committee has set some goals for ourselves for 2009. We will try to assist chapters by:
I want to thank all the members of the committee who served in 2008. They are: Michael Bryant, Mike Gravitt, Sue Lichtenfels, and Jim Saylor. Thanks also to John Horst and George Holliday for their valuable leadership.
Joe Perry, Chair
During the PCB convention in Johnstown, four persons were elected to the Board of Directors, and one reelected. Ed Hersh was reelected to serve a second term. The following were elected to serve a new term: Mary Ann Alexander, Bob Lichtenfels, and Joseph Wassermann. Their terms will begin on January 1, 2009. Congratulations to all of them.
May I take this opportunity to thank the other members of the Nominating Committee: Jeanette Schmoyer, Janet Facemyer, Tony Evancic, and Tony Swartz. Unfortunately, Leona and I were not able to attend this year's convention because of Leona's illness. That meant several people had to fill in for me. I should like to thank Tony Swartz for taking charge of conducting the Candidate's Forum, Ed Hersh for conducting the Necrology service, and Bill Newland for delivering the Transportation Committee report.
Joe Perry, Chair
The Transportation Committee has been meeting regularly by teleconference on a monthly basis. Basically, the meetings covered the same agenda: the status of funding for mass transit, the PWD program, better known as "shared ride," pedestrian safety, including the installation of audible pedestrians signals, and the "quiet car" issue. Also of concern was the failure of bus drivers to call out stops, and the failure of taxi cab drivers to serve the blind and visually impaired in certain localities, especially those with guide dogs.
Our main concern is long-term funding for mass transit and other transportation facilities. One of the main focus' of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind is mass transit, for without it, we would be greatly handicapped. Under Act 44, which the Governor signed, the two main sources of future funding for transportation were the privatizing of the turnpike and the tolling of Route 80. Unfortunately, both are no longer "on the table." It is our understanding that there is ample funding for the next two years only. If we, the members of PCB, do not take proper action, mass transit may be the first program to go.
With this in mind, the Transportation Committee and the Governmental Affairs committee held a joint meeting on October 21. After much discussion, a decision was made to have a special subcommittee, appointed by the President, comprised of members from both committees, to come up with an action package to address the problem of additional funding for transportation, specifically, mass transit. This subcommittee, with the approval of the Board of Directors, began it's work after November 1. It was felt that board approval was needed, since additional expenditures will be involved.
On a more optimistic note: the "shared ride" program has spread to practically all of the eligible counties in Pennsylvania. There are only four counties not providing this service, although their applications have been approved. They are: Butler, Clarion, Armstrong, and Susquehanna counties. It is projected that by July 2009 all eligible counties will be providing "shared ride" service. So far, there is enough funding to cover the cost of the program, and it is hoped that such funding will continue. The Transportation Alliance, the originator of the program, continues to oversee its progress.
It appears that the majority of PCB chapters are in the process of taking action to have audible pedestrian signals installed, or have already been successful in so doing. Most of the action has taken place within the past five or so years. This is certainly a tribute to the efforts of the membership of PCB.
The "quiet car" issue is still in the forefront of our advocacy. A letter was sent to all congressmen, urging them to support HR5734, the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act. This legislation would mandate the Federal Department of Transportation to make a study of the "quiet car" situation, to determine what can be done to alleviate the problem. On June 23, members of ACB, AFB, and NFB met with officials of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), at which time the blindness community presented the problem caused by "quiet cars" to blind and visually impaired pedestrians. There seemed to be an interest on the part of NHTSA officials. Beside "quiet cars", there is the other issue of "quiet busses." There is a distinct possibility that blind and visually impaired passengers could miss them because they cannot be heard when they are near. It is anticipated that members of the Philadelphia and York chapters will have the experience of listening to the noise that these buses make. We will wait for their report.
I would like to thank the members of this committee for their help and participation: Sue Frazier, Joe Fagnani, Bill Newland, and Jim Saylor. If you have any questions, or wish to contact me, I can be reached by phone at 717-761-1920, or by email at: joleperry@comcast.net
At our November meeting, the following officers were elected to serve in the coming year: President, Joseph Perry; Vice President, Cathy Long; Recording Secretary, Marie Sersch; Corresponding Secretary, Georganna Caddy; Treasurer, Doris Suhr; Chaplain, Bill Suhr.
Thankfully, we have good news concerning the health of our members. Ray Bogardus had several hip replacements this past year (repeated several times due to infections). But as we go to press, he is back at home, attending meetings, and serving on the Board of Directors of Tri-County Blind Association. Ray has lost a considerable amount of weight.
Our beloved Leona Perry recently had a rod put in her leg to stabilize it against bone cancer. This is why she was not with us at our PCB state convention. Around the house, she uses her walker, but outside she is in a wheelchair for now. Her spirits are good, and we look forward to her steady improvement.
Wendy Maroney is doing better. She recently had some surgery to repair a condition which occurred because of the radiation treatment for her fourth brain tumor. Her spirits are good, however, she is home-bound because she is on intravenous antibiotics. The antibiotic treatment causes her to need quite a bit of sleep, but she manages to be a mom, lay down the "law" with her two girls, and run the household. She is thankful for cards and letters.
Our chapter had eight people at the 2008 convention, none of which were first-timers. One of our members made a afghan and we sold 50/50 tickets as a fund-raiser for the chapter. The lucky winner was Hope Pietrolungo from Maryland. We also had candy to sell, but sold out by Friday night (some of our members purchased candy and consumed it prior to the convention).
We're looking forward to fun things in the near future, like our Christmas party in mid December. We are also planning a bake sale in the Spring, and looking at some other fund-raising ideas. -- Cathy Long, Vice President
Three of our members attended the convention in Johnstown. One member baked cookies to sell at the convention. At our monthly meetings, birthdays are recognized, as well as any illness of members. Dues for the coming year are being collected, and door prizes are awarded. November's meeting consisted of a catered meal. -- Mary Ann Worthington, Secretary
We as a chapter have several on-going projects, along with several new ones. On October 14th., we had our second annual White Cane Day. Members were at several locations in the communities of Punxsutawney, Clearfield, and DuBois. We did very well with donations, and also with getting information into the community about our organization. We raffled off three best-selling books, and gave small tokens of thanks along with our brochures.
Before our White Cane Day, we had articles in the Punxsutawney and Clearfield newspapers. The Mayor of Clearfield signed a proclamation honoring the day. Acting President, Jacqueline Wissinger gave a half hour radio interview with a local radio station, which aired twice. She covered many of the projects and activities on which we are working.
Our chapter now has a telephone number where people can call to ask for information about us. We are also having a membership drive, where each person will receive his or her renewal, along with a form to give to a new prospective member.
Our members who attended the PCB convention in Johnstown all had an outstanding time, several of which attending for the first time, and hope to attend next year also.
We are on-going with the pedestrian signals project in DuBois. We have been told that PennDot has promised to have the project completed before winter. We have some concerns, but hope to receive answers at the next city council meeting. -- Susan Frazier
Like most of you throughout the state, our chapter has been dealing with such issues as accessible signals, transportation, and voting.
In August, Richard Meritzer, city of Pittsburgh ADA Director, spoke to our group about several of our concerns. The primary issue was accessible pedestrian signals. He agreed to look into the maintenance of those APS, which are already in place. In addition, Mr. Meritzer requested that we provide a list of what we believe would be the most critical intersections in the city for the installation of additional signals. Bonnie Dodson-Burk is also working with us concerning the accessible signal issue.
The Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT) is currently seeking ways in which the transit system can be operated in a more efficient manner. Peter Berrman with the planing and development of such, talked to us about some of the proposed changes in the system. Over the next few months these plans are to be made available to the general public, and we were encouraged to review these changes and comment on those which would affect the blindness community. Mr. Berrman also related that they are seeking ways to make the Port Authority web site more accessible, as well as improving the phone service.
Criss Rosselot, an aide from Senator Robert Casey's Pittsburgh office, spoke to the chapter members about ways in which we can make our concerns known. He pointed out that any inquiry should go through the congressman's local office, to insure the issue will be given prompt attention. We also learned never to assume that a congressman is aware of everything. For instance, Mr. Rosselot never knew that the hybrid car (or quiet car) was a concern of ours. He promised to include this issue as part of his weekly report to the senator. A question was raised as to the best way to express our feelings on those topics that affect us. We need to find the type of communication preferred, whether phone, email, or written correspondence.
At our September meeting, the importance of voting was emphasized. Also, voting without assistance was encouraged.
We had 17 members of The Golden Triangle Council of the Blind attend the PCB state convention in Johnstown in November.
GTCB elections were held and the following officers and board members were elected to serve for the next two years: Mike Zaken, President; Bob Lichtenfels, Vice President; Bill Newland, Recording Secretary; Louise Chuha, Corresponding Secretary; Judy Zaken, Financial Secretary; Tony Evancic, Treasurer; Joe Wassermann, Public Education and Research; and board members Bonnie Newland, Mike Gravitt, and Darlene Barton.
Because of her work in the area of fund raising and providing information on membership, as well as being a long-time member of our chapter, Maxine Antonacceo was awarded lifetime membership in the Golden Triangle Council of the Blind.
What is in store for us in 2009 In addition to continuing our work on the above mentioned projects, we will be holding our Bowl-a-thon and Drinks and Dogs fundraisers. These events will be of special importance to us because of the transportation cost to the 2009 PCB state convention, to be held in the Poconos. Based on our experience in 2007, it is not too early to begin planning for this event. Please contact Mike Zaken for your ideas on this transportation issue. Phone number is: 412-655-1234 or email: michael.zaken@verizon.net-- Bill Newland and Mike Zaken
Our chapter continues to meet the second Saturday morning of each month at the library in Lancaster. Three of our members attended the PCB state convention in November. We are already thinking about how we can find a way to have more members attend next year's convention in the Northeast.
Our community education efforts included manning a booth at a Family Fest event, held on the campus of Lancaster HACC, in September. We distributed literature, talked to passers-by, and sold craft items and finger foods made by chapter members.
Our advocacy efforts for Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) continue to focus primarily on the city of Lancaster. The ADA discrimination complaint our chapter had filed in July with the Federal Highway Administration continues to move forward. The "Self Development of People" grant we applied for to be used to fund an APS installation was denied, but we learned much from the process, and may apply for the same or other grants in the future. Two of our members met with both our state representative and senator to seek help in APS funding for the city. Five members met with Mayor Gray and were well received. We followed up with information which he requested, and are hopeful the process will soon yield a number of intersections being equipped with talking signals in the downtown area by sometime in 2009.
Efforts to exercise our right and responsibility to vote also continue. Now that accessible voting machines exist in all polling places, we continue to work with the Board of Election and other officials to make sure all blind persons wishing to cast their ballot independently, have all the remaining obstacles removed in order to do so. Voting is one of the most basic steps a blind citizen can take as an active, contributing member of society. Our hope is to see increasing numbers of blind people register and vote in their respective polling places across the county. -- Ed Hersh, President
We are pleased to announce our 2009 officers as elected at our November meeting. They are: President, Sherry Hancik; Vice President, Rita Lang; Treasurer, Adam Shive; Recording Secretary, Joshua Young; and Corresponding Secretary, Jameel Memon.
Our newest LVCB member is Christie L Gilson, Ph.D., who is Assistant Professor in the Education Department of Moravian College in Bethlehem. Dr. Gilson holds Baccalaureate and Masters degrees in social work, and a Doctorate in special education. She moved from Illinois to Pennsylvania in August of 2008. She says she is delighted to be a part of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind.
Christie has served on numerous local and state disability rights boards, including the Illinois Council of the Blind. She is an avid international traveler and has studied and conducted research in Germany and Hong Kong.
Christie's other pastimes include: singing, writing, mentoring youth with disabilities, swimming, exercising, and horticulture. Her favorite hobby is reading, and she is enamored with HumanWare's VictorReader Stream.
Former member, Jim Van Horn, has returned to Lehigh Valley after spending more than a year in Rustin, Louisiana. On November 16, 2007, he completed the 10-week immersion program at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. He then prepared to start college classes at Louisiana Tech University a few days later to obtain a M.A. degree in Educational Psychology, with a concentration in Orientation and Mobility.
Jim sent us, via email, pages from his journal as he journeyed through those first weeks of the immersion program. An indication of his own wisdom going into the program is this paragraph from the first pages of his journal:
"Society's misconceptions concerning blindness are numerous. Blind persons are too often perceived as dependent and not capable of being functional, contributing, productive members of society. I believe that these misconceptions can be curved through educating the sighted population about the abilities of blind people. Comfort is the primary barrier that needs to be breached. If a sighted person and a blind person establish an ease of communication relating to the topic of blindness, many misconceptions will become rendered as myths. However, many blind people also have the misconception that no other person than a blind person can understand what blindness is. Realistically, the blind experience is quite different for each blind person, and in many instances the blind experience differs from day to day. How can a sighted person understand blindness when many of us blind people do not understand it ourselves Through communication, at least the sighted members of our immediate society can learn what blindness is to us."
In September 2008, in Omaha, Nebraska, Jim successfully completed his final assigned mobility route for his O&M program at Louisiana Tech University. He is now a nationally certified orientation and mobility instructor! Jim believes that what he has learned will greatly benefit many blind people in our area. Thank you, Jim, for taking this adventure and for sharing it with us. We are looking forward to your return to the Lehigh Valley and to the LVCB!
LVCB has been selling the 2009 Greater Lehigh Valley "Enjoy the City" coupon book. We have sold over 100 books so far. The chapter retains 50% of the selling price. We are also selling the "As seen on TV" Streak-less Microfiber Cloth. It cleans everything from glass and chrome to stainless steel and tile, and leaves no streaks. We are investigating selling the scrumptious Perkins Restaurant pies, if we can work with them on a voucher plan.
In October, we met at the Lehigh County PAB to tour their new store and technology lab prior to our meeting.
Following lunch, we had a good session with Sam Bennit, a candidate running against incumbent Charles Dent, for the position of House Representative in Washington, DC. (Representative Dent was also invited, but he was not able to attend.) We had invited clients of the PAB to also attend our meeting and the legislative forum, and we were pleased with the result of this opportunity. We will again try to set up a legislative forum for the counties we serve.
We wish you all a healthy and safe winter season. -- Jeanette Schmoyer
We in Monroe County continue to gain increased access to our community, and to build relationships with community leaders who believe in our mission and support our efforts. White Cane Safety Day was a huge success. The event was attended by Representative John Siptroth's assistant.
Steve Washington, who presented our council with a framed Proclamation passed by the House on October 6, 2008, declaring October 15, 2008 as White Cane Safety Day in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Also in attendance were the Mayor of Stroudsburg and the Borough Manager of East Stroudsburg. We were joined by the Chief of Police and by various other representatives within the community. It was exciting to walk Main Street and witness the installation of a brand new Accessible Pedestrian Signal. Each and every area media source was present for the event and the coverage was appropriate and on target.
In this year's presidential election, more of our members voted than ever before and most reported being able to vote privately, some for the first time since experiencing sight loss.
Now onward! MCCB is looking forward to a year packed full of "firsts." Over the past few months, the Board of Directors has been developing a program whereby we will assist persons who are blind or visually impaired and living in Monroe County, or those who are existing members with the purchase of access technology which will enable them to use their computers efficiently, and for the purpose most suited to their own needs and goals. Coincidentally, we can offer as our first piece of available access technology, the Zoom Text Version 8, which we purchased at the very lively PCB auction at this year's convention for a mere $100!
We had four new members attend the PCB state convention for the first time, and as a result, more of our members will be sitting on PCB committees. Speaking of conv entions, we hope you will all plan to join us in the Poconos at the Chateau Resort, where the MCCB will host the 2009 PCB convention.
Our elections were held on November 14th, and I am happy to report that in 2009, our officers will all serve another term, and are as follows: Mary Ann Alexander, president; Helen Koshensky, Vice President; Michael Bryant, Treasurer; Elida Gares, Corresponding Secretary; and Thomas Reid, Recording Secretary. -- Mary Ann Alexander, President
In lieu of our monthly meeting, October was our annual "Applefest" celebration. Gift baskets were assembled for the fundraiser by council members who also manned the booths. Proceeds will be used for a scholarship in the upcoming year. New officers for the new year are: Scott Roberts, President; Ken Weber, 1st Vice President; Robin Barrett, 2nd Vice President; Ginny Taylor, Treasurer; Teresa Oddo, Secretary. Robin Barrett and Mona Lovejoy attended the convention in Johnstown and gave their report, which included the various technical advances on display, including the digital talking book. A reminder for everyone to vote and also to attend the next PCB convention in the Poconos was communicated. Scott Roberts was approved by the Venango County Commissioners as President of the county Transportation Advisory Committee, and OVC member, Audrey Turner, was approved as a member of that committee. Scott and the Barretts attended a Council Advisory meeting in Meadville, where they learned that BBVS has a hiring freeze, which affects services to their clients. The Pennsylvania Tele-communication device distribution program can help visually impaired people obtain a free phone with larger numbers or louder speakers.--Submitted by Scott Roberts.
Friends from Washington County Chapter, Golden Triangle Chapter, and Beaver County Chapter spent a Saturday afternoon in September cruising the three rivers of Pittsburgh, setting sail at noon. After a narration, which included several interesting facts about the boat, the three rivers, the route we would be taking and landmarks we would be passing, we settled in for a delightful time.
Although we wished for bright sunshine, it rained most of the day, but did not dampen our spirits. The crew prepared a sumptuous meal, topped off with strawberry shortcake!
We shared the boat with other passengers, but even though the cruise was "sold out," there was plenty of room to roam around. Though the cruise is over, we will have fond memories of that delightful day. --Adapted from article by Carla Hayes.
This chapter has been busy working with a local Lion's Club to get a resolution for White Cane Day. It was presented to members of both organizations by the Mayor of York. A picture of that event appeared in the local newspaper.
The York chapter is continuing to work with the Public Works Department to make sure that York's APS's are in good repair. We are also proposing locations for new ones.
Hybrid buses are another of our concerns. Our local bus company has purchased several of these buses. We will go to see and hear them some time in 2009.
We also continue our annual tradition by making a donation to a needy family with a blind or visually impaired member. -- Rodger Simmons
From the Editor: Most chapters are working on community projects, and your fellow PCBer's across the state would like to know what you are doing, what difficulties and successes you are experiencing. If your chapter is not represented in the "Chapter Reports" column, it is probably because we have not heard from you. Chapter reports come from YOU. Let the rest of our readers know what your group is doing.--The Editor
"Independence Through Empowerment"
The convention convened on Friday afternoon with two workshops.
The first was called "Abuse and Overprotection" as evidenced by people with disabilities. This subject was being discussed due to a situation that occurred January 2008 in Philadelphia. A father who was ill took the life of his blind daughter and himself, as well as their pet because he feared she could not cope without his assistance after his demise. John Horst opened with remarks and presented several examples of people with disabilities who also had to overcome obstacles set before them by family members. Some persisted and went on to live a productive, independent life. Others showed the person continued to depend on family and never reached full potential or independence. We also heard testimonials from Roy McCutcheon and Carla Hayes concerning their experiences as blind children. Day Al Mohamed spoke and stated that people are affected by their upbringing relating to their self-esteem. The group discussed the motivating factors as to why parents would tend to overprotect their disabled children or family members. Fear, guilt, stereotypes, shame, ignorance, and "boxing people in" were mentioned. As always, Day's delivery was awesome! She gave us a lot to think about.
The Monroe County chapter presented a workshop on relations with the local press. (This was the slickest presentation I have ever witnessed at PCB conventions!--Cathy Long)
First, they discussed how to prepare for a meeting with the press. Have a fact sheet, providing the chapter's name, as well as the names of any individuals to be interviewed, and the subject matter under discussion, including talking points. First, we heard some sound bytes from the movie, "Blind."
A skit was presented, where a member pretended to be from the newspaper, and another member represented himself. It was entertaining, but truly presented good information. The Editor attempted to ask questions unrelated to the news item to be covered, which was voting machines. Instead, she wanted to know about the individual's disability, how long, etc.
The member kept firmly to the subject at hand and did not let her questions distract him from the goal.
The Monroe County chapter had an event they called, "Media Meet Up," where they met with the press. Later they interviewed media personnel about how their "Meet Up" changed the media's perspective. Finally, they played a clip of some coverage which the chapter received on the news for White Cane Week. The positive change in this report was phenomenal. This chapter is to be commended for their hard work and for making such positive progress with the press and in their community.
For more details, contact Mary Ann Alexander.
After a break for the evening meal, the general session began. President, George Holliday welcomed us warmly. Once again, our convention was live streamed on ACB radio. Therefore, we began with a shout of greeting to those who were listening online.
George thanked the committees for their work this past year. In an effort to get more persons involved in PCB, he has limited the number of committees on which an individual can serve. Because of committee activity improving, more work is being done and they have taken on more of the work load previously done in the PCB office. He highlighted some of the positive work done by some committees. This included a "white paper" on voting machines and procedures; hand-outs to legislators dealing with mass transportation funding, touching on accessible audible signals, and quiet cars. Fund raising had planned a live auction which took place Friday evening following the evening general session. Public relations is working on putting together a DVD to publicize our organization.
Three students from Northampton Community College attended the convention and took pictures throughout the convention, and also interviewed some of our participants.
PCB Reports is a monthly program that is distributed to Radio Reading Services in Pennsylvania. All chapter presidents receive a cassette copy of the monthly reports which is available to respective chapter members. This can also be found on the PCB web site:
pcb1.org
There is also a link which takes you to previous reports.
Executive Director's report: Please review the summer ADVOCATE for office updates. Our office assistant, Rhonda, is dealing with some health issues, and as a result is currently working four days instead of five.
Committees are attempting to do more of the office work in order to lighten the office load. June Horst, Editor of the ADVOCATE and the office continue to prepare and send out our news magazine quarterly. It is available in the format of your choice. ACB Board of Publications is sponsoring the Hollis K Liggett Free Braille Press Award again this year, and our Editor will be entering the ADVOCATE in that contest.
This year we had eight first-timers in attendance at our convention. Each was recognized by name.
Chapter reports: Each chapter president or designee, as well as our special interest group, gave a report of their events and ongoing projects. As always, projects were varied, all aimed at improving public awareness of blindness issues and improving conditions and situations in our communities.
Nominating Committee and Candidates' Forum: The slate for four board positions was read. We then heard from Ed Hersh, Mary Ann Alexander, Bob Lichtenfels, Lyle Sine, Harry Epstein, and Joseph Wassermann.
Site Selection Committee: Under consideration is our site for 2010. The result was that the convention will be held in Pittsburgh, October 22 - 24. The 2009 convention will be held in the Poconos at the Chateau in Monroe County, November 6 - 8.
We had some unexpected excitement about 11:30 that night when the fire alarm went off in the hotel, and we had to evacuate. Some were already in their night clothes, but fortunately, it did not last long until we were permitted back in the building.
Saturday:
Our first presenter was Georgia Lehmon, Director of Emergency Services, Keystone chapter of the American Red Cross. Her topic was: "Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs." If you need to be evacuated from your residence or if you are confined to your home, the American Red Cross has programs to help. Their three-fold plan is: get informed, make a plan, and build a survival kit. Have a personal support network (others you can depend on) with someone you can trust.
Gerald L Zahorchak, Secretary of the Department of Education spoke to the convention on preparing the student for the future, be it further education or work. He thanked the libraries for the blind for their work toward this goal. He stated that 16% of students in the public school system are people with disabilities. Many questions were asked regarding specific services for blind or visually impaired children. PCB members asked to be part of Education's Councils or committees to provide expertise to Intermediate Units.
Kathleen Rega Kappel, Director of Carnegie Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped told us that their library serves 36 counties in the western part of Pennsylvania. The main thrust of her topic was the conversion of books from cassette to digital recordings. She reviewed the history of this change and the funding. Carneige Library expects to begin shipping digital players in May 2009. You can put your name on a list to receive players by calling either 1-800-242-0586 for Carnegie, or 1-800-222-1754 for Philadelphia.
BBVS was represented by David De Notaris, Director, who told us how much he enjoys getting to conferences and meeting people.
His presentation was entitled "REAL."
Sarita Holliday and Ed Hersh, from the Low Vision Committee, gave us a "thumb nail" sketch of their background and experience. This committee, which is a spin off from CCLVI (ACB), formulates ideas to bring programming to us on the state level. Points stressed: Focus on what you can do, and not on what you cannot do; do not apologize for your vision loss; it is our right to love and be loved, regardless of vision or no vision.
Day Al Mohamad opened the afternoon session speaking to us about when and when not to partner with other advocacy organizations. She likened it to dating: build your profile - who am I and what do I want?
What is my priority and focus What am I looking for. What are our similarities Collaborate on issues and combine resources. Create alliances.
PAB past president, Richard Bosserman spoke of future directions of that organization. He began working at the Johnstown office of PAB 41 years ago, when the Association was about to close. He turned this around and began including other disability groups in its service provision, but concentrated on services to people who are blind. Mr. Bosserman was also the keynote speaker at our banquet and proved to be very interesting as he took us through his boyhood, losing his vision, and his successful career at the Cambria County Association for the Blind. We thank him for his dedicated service in his community for over 40 years!
A business session rounded out the afternoon activities.
The financial report and budget was presented, the slate of board candidates was read and voted on. The Board positions went to Mary Ann Alexander, Ed Hersh, Robert Lichtenfels, and Joseph Wassermann.
Sunday morning's breakfast business meeting began with the Necrology report, prayer and singing. 17 names were included in the report.
Resolutions and committee reports followed:
Employment--Their thrust was a survey which will be analyzed and reported on. Long Range Planning--The committee contacted local colleges to invite students in special education to attend our convention; securing an intern for the PCB office has been put on hold; the possibility of grant writing is being investigated; and the development of a DVD presenting the vision, mission, and work of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind is in progress. Braille committee--Their big project is the Braille essay contest, and the celebration of Louis Braille's birthday in 2009. Convention committee--Chair, Tony
Swartz thanked volunteers by name for their assistance in planning and holding this year's convention. Next year's convention is November 6-8. Fund Raising--A free conference call program is in use, shopping online through GoodSearch and GoodShop results in monies for PCB. Live auction netted $3,200. Governmental Affairs--Areas of concentration were voting and voting machines, funding for mass transportation, and the "quiet car" issue. Membership--Chapter dues are being collected for next year, Life memberships were explained, a first-timer's pizza party was again sponsored at the convention. Publicity--The new PCB brochure is available from the PCB office, Project Outreach is in progress, PCB Reports is available monthly, a DVD of PCB is being produced and will be used for grant development, corporate sponsorship, and disseminating information concerning the vision and work of PCB. Transportation--Major concerns are funding for transportation in Pennsylvania, accessible signals, and "quiet cars." Technology - A Braille printer was donated to the office this year, and a new computer was purchased to replace the one which "crashed." Web site--Our web site is a work in progress, the ADVOCATE and PCB Reports are available online, as well as previous editions. Additional links are also available, and there is a comment link for input for the committee.
We will next meet as a convention in Monroe
County in November 2009. -- Submitted by Cathy Long, PCB Board Secretary.
Contribution Recognized:
The Pennsylvania Council of the Blind wishes to recognize and thank the Corporate Contributions and Community Relations Office of Hershey Foods Company of Central Pennsylvania for their donation of $500 to assist with the expenses of the 2008 convention. -- Editors
By Edward Hersh
Co-Chair Low Vision Committee
At the PCB convention this year, Sarita Holliday and I presented a session we called "Higher View for Low Vision." Our goal was to offer a conversational perspective on some of the challenges of living with low vision. I shared from the perspective of being born with optic atrophy and facing education, employment, being a husband and father, and wearing many other hats that landed me on various ends of the spectrum between the perspective of a person who is sighted and blind. Am I sighted, partially sighted, partially blind, or blind Do I fit anywhere Sarita shared from the perspective of losing vision from a personal perspective, and also the perspective of others around her. After becoming pregnant with her daughter, her vision loss left others around her not knowing how to relate to necessary changes for functioning in a world with limitations on things, such as transportation, reading, maintaining employment, and caring for family. Similar adjustments may be experienced by all persons facing other disabilities as well.
The session went well, with a lot of interesting questions and comments to follow. We want to keep the dialog going. I would like to share some thoughts regarding personal transformation. Following are several empowerment tools in the form of a higher view called H-I-G-H. They are meant to keep us focused on a higher view for low vision. Healthy perspective leads to good health in all areas of life.
H-I-G-H
H -- Hang out with "higher view" people. What I mean by this is you should be making friends and creating alliances with people who focus more on their abilities and what they CAN do, instead of their disabilities and what they cannot do. There is strength in numbers. Try to avoid isolating yourself, but instead, join with others who are fighting similar battles for dignity, opportunity, accessibility, and empowerment. Be involved in something bigger than yourself.
I -- Input Seeker. If you wish to change your environment, you must first adopt a mentality of change for yourself. Human nature always finds it easier to see the faults of others quicker than our own. Sometimes we need to make a conscious effort to stop the finger pointing and accept responsibility for things we should change within ourselves. Seeking the input of others is helpful in discovering how others perceive us, and finding areas for change and growth.
Although greater access to the Internet and other electronic sources of information needs to be advocated for, even blind people have access to enough sources to create information overload. Seeking input should not be confused with processing information. Understanding is often more important than knowledge itself. What we know can actually harm us if we're depending on false information. French philosopher Claude Bernard once said,
"It is what we think we already know that prevents us from learning." If what we perceive about ourselves is not accurate (and it is never 100%), we must seek the truth, no matter how hard the truth may hurt.
Be an integrated learner--receiving input with body, mind, and spirit.
G -- Grudges "gotta go." A grudge is a poison pill that kills the holder. Nursing an offence is never productive. Despite excuses we come up with to convince ourselves not to forgive, learning how to forgive is a key to mental and emotional health. Facing adversity either makes us bitter or better. We must remember that although we cannot change circumstances that have occurred in the past, we can change our response currently to those circumstances. Bitterness, critical judgments, and blame directed at other people will always end up hurting more than helping. When we blame other people for what they could've, should've, would've done, or not done in the past, we lose sight of opportunities that lie ahead.
Be quick to release offenders, and admit when you've created an offense.
H -- Help from a Higher Power. For those with a faith perspective, remember that God is in control. The prophet Isaiah writes, "In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quietness and trust is your strength" (Isa. 39:15). Turning from our error and resting in God's ability to change our circumstances will save the day without fail. Trusting in His higher power will empower our journey like nothing else can. Be a God-chaser, not a self-absorber.
For the acronym lovers, we could add E-R to H-I-G-H to go even higher. E is for every day. Consistency is always a key to implementing change. R is for recycle. When you come to the end of learning one lesson, there's always another lesson of life to be learned. Recycling back to the first H and following through to a H-I-G-H-E-R view completes the cycle.
Now that we have gone from H-I-G-H to H-I-G-H-E-R power, we are empowered to advocate for the kind of change that will result in dignity, opportunity, accessibility and empowerment for the entire community of blind people. And, remember one last quote from Ghandi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
The year is flying by quickly, and it is time to be thinking renewal for PCB memberships. We hope you will be able to complete and mail your membership information to the PCB office by January 15th.
PCB Reports are now up on the web, thanks to Mike Zaken for his help. This month we will hear an interview with our newest contributor, Cathy Long, who will talk with a representative of Schelzenback Associates. Ed Facemyer will talk to a representative from Luv-To-Create-for-You. To listen, go to: pcb1.org and tab over to PCB Reports for December.
If you do not have internet access, contact your local chapter president, who receives a copy.
Are you looking for a new low impact activity to do SportsVision's Audio Darts group has a great opportunity for you!
We are looking for new participants over age 16 to join us for an evening dart group. Whether you have never thrown before, or you have thrown recreationally at home or elsewhere, we encourage you to join us. This opportunity is open to blind, visually impaired, and sighted participants, since eventually everyone will use a blindfold. This is an unique, inclusive activity for all.
We've set two dates, so if you cannot make it to one, hopefully, you can make it to the other. Of course, you are welcome to attend both, as we try to establish a regular evening darts opportunity. We will provide you with the darts and the talking dartboard. We will also have experienced audio dart throwers and sighted assistants to show you "the ropes." All you need to do is prepare to have some fun!
Dates: Monday, December 15 and January 14.
Time: 6 to 9 PM.
Place: School for Blind Children, 201 N Bellefield Avenue in Oakland (Pittsburgh)
Cost: Free.
RSVP: By the day prior to 412-429-1996 or to:
info@MySportsVision.org
-- Submitted by Bill Newland
Eric Bridges, Director of Advocacy And Governmental Affairs
During its November meeting, the Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) voted overwhelmingly to endorse ACB's petition for rule-making on access to televised emergency information. The specific language contained in the petition was adopted by the CAC at its June meeting.
FCC officials have also reported receiving dozens of letters from ACB members urging action on this issue. The letters you have undoubtedly sent provides ACB with positive momentum as we head into a new administrative year.
The recommendation on access to televised emergency information was adopted in June. It requested that the FCC take action to ensure that individuals who are blind or have low vision have access to televised emergency programming. To accomplish this, the FCC needs to identify methods to make such on-screen-displayed text, which includes written or other non-verbal information (whether scrolled or displayed as characters or images) that appears on a television screen, accessible to this population.
Such text should include information provided during regular programming when such information is provided to afford viewers with warnings of and instructions on how to respond to emergency or hazardous conditions, during local and national news bulletins, and during the broadcasting of any other information the Commission deems appropriate.
On October 3, 2008, the American Council of the Blind petitioned the FCC to begin the rule-making process on this very issue.
This petition utilized the CAC's adopted recommendations. The Consumer Advisory Committee supports this petition and urges the FCC to move forward in its rule-making process.
-- From Mitch Pomerantz, President, ACB
If you have a visual impairment that substantially limits your ability to see, so that you require materials to be in an accessible format in order to participate in these programs, this is of interest to you.
A federal court has authorized a class action lawsuit against the Social Security Administration on behalf of people with visual impairments who require communications from SSA to be in an accessible format. The case, called American Council of the Blind v. Astrue, No. C05-04696, is pending in Federal District Court in San Francisco, CA.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to find that SSA has violated a federal law, called the Rehabilitation Act. It says disabled individuals cannot be denied meaningful access to federal programs and benefits. Plaintiffs, who include The American Council of the Blind, are asking the court to order SSA to provide communications in alternative formats, such as Braille, large print, electronic mail, computer disk, and audio recording, to make sure that people with visual impairments have meaningful access to SSA's programs. This case DOES NOT include any claims for money damages.
From Melanie Brunson
Executive Director, ACB
Did you know that there are over 87,000 beverage combinations at Starbucks To help you order, Starbucks has made their popular brochure, "Make It Your Drink" available in both Braille and large print. Ask your barrista for it the next time you visit your local Starbucks.
Enjoy!
The input from customers, partners (employees), and disability organizations helped guide this effort. Starbucks would specifically like to thank the American Council of the Blind, the American Association of the Deaf-Blind, and the Seattle Lighthouse for their input. Thank you also to Easy to Read Documents for producing the Braille and large print.
January 4, 2009 will be the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, and it will begin a year of worldwide celebrations of this historic event in the tide of history. It will be a time for blind people to celebrate the gift beyond price that Louis Braille gave to the world, and it will be a time for us to reach out and invite communities to celebrate with us.
One hundred seventy years after the first book was published in Braille, millions of people who are blind or have low vision, continue to read, write, and communicate through the six-dot system. In fact, Braille is used throughout the world by people who read a variety of languages. Louis Braille designed the coding system, based on patterns of raised dots, by which the blind can read through touch.
Louis Braille was born January 4, 1809, in Coupvray, France. An injury to his eye at age three resulted in total loss of vision. When he was ten, he entered the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, the world's first school for blind children. There he would live, study, and later teach. When Louis was fifteen, he developed an ingenious system of reading and writing by means of raised dots.
Louis Braille accepted a full-time teaching position at the Institute when he was nineteen. Unfortunately, he became seriously ill with incurable tuberculosis (a lung infection) in 1836 and was forced to resign his teaching post.
Shortly before his death, a former student of his, a blind musician, gave a performance in Paris. She made a point of letting the audience know that she had learned everything she knew using the system developed by the dying Louis Braille. This created renewed interest in, and a revival of the Braille system, although it was not fully accepted until 1854, two years after the inventor's death. Louis Braille died on January 6, 1852 at the age of forty-three.
The Braille system has been modified slightly from time to time over the years; for instance, to accommodate the new computer terminology and symbols. The fundamental version employed today was first used in the United States in 1860 at the Missouri School for the Blind. It continues to be used by many blind people around the world. Mitch Pomerantz, President of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) says: "As someone who learned to use Braille at the age of five, I am absolutely convinced that without this wonderful code, I would be, in every sense of the word, illiterate and unable to hold the responsible position I have with the City of Los Angeles." Lynne Koral, President of the ACB affiliate, the Braille Revival League, which is at the forefront in the fight for Braille literacy, says, "Despite the substantial impact of digital communications, Braille is still the preferred medium for comprehension and literacy for many blind people."
The American Council of the Blind, with its numerous state and special interest affiliates, take pride in supporting the continued teaching and use of the Braille system.
--Melanie Brunson, Executive Director, ACB
National Braille Press has commissioned artist Judith Krimski to design a new image of Louis that would respect his place in history, and illuminate the vitality of his vision today. His icon appears on almost every Bicentennial commemorative from National Braille Press. For a list of commemorative gifts available, go to: www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/louis/gift_shop.html
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By Carla Hayes
The world was made for those who can see,
Filled with obstacles that can drive you up a tree!
Yes, blindness can be a pain in the behind
'Cause the world's not designed with the blind in mind!
Take, for example, your computer screen,
Covered with graphics that cannot be seen.
You have to click on things that you cannot find
'Cause the world's not designed with the blind in in mind!
And what about those kiosks in the shopping mall:
The ones that don't speak and have no buttons at all
To having sighted help, you must be resigned
'Cause the world's not designed with the blind in mind!
If you are blind, it is hard to get far
Simply because you can't drive a car.
So, you'd better move close to a trolley line
'Cause the world's not designed with the blind in mind!
And those laws that make it legal to turn right on red
And those things that jut out and make you bump your head!
Your mobility skills had better be refined
'Cause the world's not designed with the blind in mind!
You need a machine to help you read your mail,
Because it's not on tape, or in large print, or Braille.
And be careful when there's something to be signed
'Cause the world's not designed with the blind in mind!
When orange juice and milk cartons feel the same,
And you pour juice on your cereal, who's to blame
Then a new marking system must be defined
'Cause the world's not designed with the blind in mind!
Since the colors of clothes must be matched just right,
It's much easier to only wear white.
Life is so visual and unkind
'Cause the world's not designed with the blind in mind!
Washing clothes is easy, or so you think
Until a black sock makes your white clothes pink.
Go buy some new clothes, if you're so inclined
'Cause the world's not designed with the blind in mind!
When the battery goes dead on your Braille 'N Speak,
You can lose all the work that you've done in a week.
Perhaps you don't know that your margins aren't aligned
'Cause the world's not designed with the blind in mind!
So, harness that guide dog, snap open the cane!
Don't let your blindness drive you insane.
Sometimes, you just have to whimper and whine
'Cause the world's not designed with the blind in mind!
George Holliday, President 215-748-3556
Anthony Swartz, 1st V President 610-799-4565
Wm Newland, 2nd V President 412-487-4995
Cathy Long, Secretary 717-737-1979
Anthony Evancic, Treasurer 412-621-4046
John A Horst, Executive Director 717-367-6346
Joe Perry, Past President 717-761-1920
Mary Ann Alexander 570-807-1276
Joe Wassermann 412-687-5166
Roberta Simmons 717-747-1865
Jeanette Schmoyer 215-703-4072
Edward Hersh 717-872-1192
Bob Lichtenfels 412-429-1727
Sue Lichtenfels 412-429-1727
Thomas Reid 570-421-2543
Beaver County Ken Sheets Capitol City Joseph Perry
Carl Shoemaker Geraldine Zeigler
Clearfield-Jefferson County Jackie Wissinger
Cumberland Care & Share
Catherine Kingsborough
Erie Ernest Wright
Golden Triangle Mike Zaken
J. F. Kennedy David Shaw
Lackawanna County Janice Hargick
Lancaster Red Rose Ed Hersh
Lehigh Valley Sherry Hancik
Luzerne County Thomas Walsh
Monroe County Mary Ann Alexander
Oil Valley Scott Roberts
Philadelphia Region James Saylor
Washington County Carla Hayes
York County Jim Marchiano
Special Interest Group --
Delaware Valley Council of Citizens with Low
Vision Jerry Weinger
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