The PCB ADVOCATE

Published by the

Pennsylvania

Council of the

Blind

Spring Edition

2008

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 the 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

MISSION

To promote independence and opportunities for people with vision impairments.

VISION

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, at the PCB office address, at 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 Spring 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 Summer edition of the ADVOCATE is June 1, 2008.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

President's Report 7

From the Director's Desk 8

Committee Reports:

Employment 10

Fundraising 12

Governmental Affairs 15

Long Range Planning 16

Membership 17

Publicity 20

Transportation 21

Chapter News:

Capitol Cities 24

Clearfield-Jefferson County 25

Cumberland Care & Share 25

Lancaster Red Rose 26

Lehigh Valley 28

Monroe County 29

Philadelphia Regional 29

Washington County 30

2008 Regional Meetings 32

State News:

Governor Announces Resignation of

Labor & Industry Secretary 33

PCB Convention in 2008 34

PCB Reports - March 35

Primary Election Reminder 37

Voting Made Easier for Persons

With Reading Impairments 37

Perils of the Press 39

PIAT Update 44

National News:

ACB Legislative Seminar 53

Additional Legislative Issues 55

Raffle to Support BRAILLE FORUM 56

New Commemorative Section

Of ACB Convention Program 57

HumanWare Products Star in

Extreme Home Makeover 59

US Senate Honors Louisville APB 60

Does It Pay to Advocate? 64

Service Dogs in NY School District 66

Robert Roebuck 68

Board of Directors 70 Chapter Presidents 70

Membership Application 71

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

George Holliday, President

The winter snows are melting and the signs of Spring are finally near! The chapters throughout PCB are showing signs of coming out of hibernation and exerting plenty of excitement about which everyone needs to hear.

As your know, the Publicity Committee has the "Project Outreach" program, which will eventually involve all chapters. Every chapter has ideas for advocacy, voting, fundraising, membership, etc. Let's brainstorm about those great ideas instead of wasting time "reinventing the wheel." I am planning to have a conference call every two months, beginning in May, with chapter presidents and PCB officers. These conference calls will enable chapter presidents to discuss different issues.

Also, the Regionals are scheduled, and John Horst and I will be attending them to give reports. In addition, I am planning to have PCB Board members visit chapter meetings periodically. This will enable chapter members and board members to discuss issues on a local basis. My plans are to have the state membership interacting together more on topics.

If there are any questions or concerns, or you just want to talk, please feel free to contact me at: 215-748-3556 or by email at: george.holliday1@verizon.net

Let's all continue to advocate for issues for the blind in Pennsylvania and across the United States.

FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK

John A Horst, Executive Director

The arrival of the late winter and spring months are a challenge to the PCB office. We are in the process of wrapping up the PCB membership records for 2008 with the chapters, members-at-large and ACB.

We have planned for and participated in the American Council of the Blind's annual Legislative Seminar. We are now coordinating the five regional meetings, to take place throughout the state in April and May.

There are a number of projects that committees have developed, which are vital and are increasing the effectiveness of PCB. There is also PCB Reports to be distributed monthly, work with the newer chapters, and current legislative issues that need attention. This is in addition to the everyday work of the office in dealing with correspondence, responding to telephone calls, and providing information.

The office is busy, but the work of PCB is greatly increased by what our committees accomplish. The newly-appointed committees this year have been challenged to move beyond the discussion of issues, and to take on selected projects and to carry them to fruition. There has been good response, but we need more of PCB's "rank and file" members to be active on these projects.

We hope you are listening to PCB Reports, which is aired on all Pennsylvania's Radio Reading Services. The tapes are also distributed to all chapter presidents. If you would like your own personal copy of PCB Reports each month, please let the office know and we will be happy to send one to you. Ed Facemyer and William Newland are doing a great job with these reports.

This issue of the ADVOCATE again reports on the work of PCB and what its committees and chapters are doing. We also report on issues and news, and what is happening in the blindness field. Enjoy reading. You may respond to any article or idea presented. Letters of comment or questions to the Editor are always welcomed. They will be published ONLY with your permission.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE

Carla Hayes, Chair

New Goals for a New Year

The Pennsylvania Council of the Blind has entered a new era. Committee assignments have been made and it is time to get down to the hard work of goal setting and planning for the future of our organization. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who took the time to complete the survey that the Employment Committee disseminated last year. Findings from this survey will be published in a future column. Your survey responses will greatly help us to decide the direction in which our committee should go.

As we analyze the survey data and set goals for the Employment Committee, I would like to remind you that your input is always welcome. Is there something that you would like to see covered in the Employment column, or would you like to contribute an article to be published in this column? If so, please contact me. Would you like to share information about what you do for a living and how you do it with a visual impairment? Do you know of helpful employment-related resources or valuable job search techniques which have been useful to you? Do you have an idea for a program that you would like to see the Employment Committee conduct for PCB, or an employment-related seminar that you would like us to present during the PCB State Convention? Would you like to give us feedback about articles that we have published or programs and seminars that we have conducted in the past? In short, if you have any employment-related concern, suggestion, or insight, please contact me or any member of the Employment Committee. Your input would be valuable to us. My contact information is: Carla Hayes, 230 Robinhood Lane, McMurray, PA 15317. Phone: 724-941-8184. Email: lengual@concentric.net

Remember--PCB is your organization, and the Employment Committee is your committee. Therefore, you have the right and responsibility to help shape what we do so that we can continue to be a strong and effective organization for people who are blind and visually impaired.

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

Thomas Reid, Chair

"As a Village We Can"

Since 2008 is an election year, it seemed appropriate to borrow some slogans from the presidential candidates and apply them to PCB's fundraising efforts.

"It takes a village…"

This African proverb, popularized by Hillary Clinton, teaches the importance each individual has in educating and raising children in the community.

In our PCB village, all of us as members play a role in every aspect of the success of the organization. This includes fundraising. We participate in the twice annual raffles, convention auction and media sale, and through various other financial contributions. While we will continue to ask for your support in these areas, we are welcoming input from the community.

The PCB Fundraising Committee met in February to begin planning various projects. This meeting included a brainstorming session among the committee members. We discussed some good ideas and will analyze each one further to determine the most appropriate for PCB.

Now, we want to hear from you. Give us your ideas for generating funds for PCB. Contact any of the committee members listed below.

"Yes, we can!"

Finally, Barack Obama's inspirational call for all to believe and take an optimistic approach to the rebuilding of this country, I hope will inspire us all to work together for PCB.

It's not too early to begin donating items for our auction. Contributions of new or unused items or gift certificates are welcomed. As spring approaches, take a look at the various media items you have, including audio books, music CD's and descriptive movies, that you can donate in order to make room for the new items on your wish list. All items can be sent to the PCB office. We ask, that if possible, you label each item in Braille as well as print.

There are other ways you can help. When discussing PCB during any community meetings, be sure to get the word out that PCB accepts car donations. For more information or to receive fliers, contact the PCB office.

PCB's ability to successfully promote the issues of the visually impaired and blind community is based on all members believing and taking action. Get involved. Will you?

Committee members:

Thomas Reid, Chair 570-421-2543

treid@ptd.net

Janet Facemyer 610-647-3365

EFACEM@COMCAST.NET

John Freiss 610-759-676

jmfreiss@verizon.net

Mike Gravitt 412-344-2313

mgravitt2@concast.net

Bernard Joyce 724-495-7524

baj6090@hotmail.com

Sue Lichtenfels 412-429-1727

susan@lichtenfels.us

Caroline McFarlane 570-629-0034

luv2create4u@yahoo.com

Meg Miller 717-230-9331

megmiller@earthlink.net

Jeanette Schmoyer 610-797-5870

jmschmoyer@worldnet.att.net

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Rodger Simmons, Chair

It's that time of year when everyone is urging us to vote. So, I won't say the usual things that you may hear or read elsewhere. But here is a couple of things to think about.

Think of all the money that was spent to get new voting machines for this state. It is now possible for a blind or visually impaired person to cast a private vote. Isn't this what we were fighting to get for all those years? Now, our voice can be heard. But the problem is this: few blind and visually impaired persons vote! Some day a politician may say that after all the money that was spent, we still do not vote. They may put back the old machines that we cannot use. So, it is important for all of us to get out there and vote!

After the voting is over in April, it is our duty to get involved in the campaign. Chapters should be asking questions of the candidates in their area. The candidates should be asked about how they feel concerning funding for transportation, APS, and BBVS. The Governmental Affairs Committee cannot get involved in every election around Pennsylvania, BUT YOU CAN!

LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE

Joe Wassermann, Chair

First, let me thank the members of the Long Range Planning Committee who are: Tom Burgunder, Ernest Wright, Pam Shaw, John Horst, and Helen Koshensky. Of course, George Holliday, participates when possible.

Job descriptions have been compiled for Rhonda Hanafi, Office Assistant, and John Horst, Executive Director of PCB. A proposal is being written for the purchase of equipment, which will allow us to stream our convention proceedings at the PCB State Conventions. Pam and John have begun work to secure an intern to work in the PCB office for the fall semester. Plans are under way to contact the support services at colleges in and around the Johnstown area. The plan is to seek out and encourage as many blind and vision impaired students at these institutions, and give them information about PCB. Further, we will invite them to at least the activities on Friday afternoon at the state convention, to be held in Johnstown next fall. This will also give them the opportunity to see the displays. There will be more specifics in the next issue of the ADVOCATE. -- Contributed by Joe Wassermann, chair.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Jeanette Schmoyer, Chair

The Two "R's" of Membership

Is your chapter's membership growing? Are some of your new members young, with new ideas, and providing new energy? If not, you may need to consider doing something differently. Are you actively trying to recruit new members? Are you doing all you can to involve all members in the work of the chapter?

There are two aspects of membership growth. One is RECRUITMENT and the other is RETENTION. These are the two "R's." Membership recruitment and retention are important issues for each chapter and affiliate of PCB. Every chapter should have a Membership Committee among its standing committees.

How can we do RECRUITMENT? Use the PCB brochure or create a brochure for your own chapter. Distribute the brochures to eye doctors' offices, to blindness agencies, to blindness groups (such as Blind Bowlers), and to other disability agencies and groups. Give a brochure to your friends who are not members. They may know other visually impaired people. You will want to include local contact information. If you are using the PCB brochure, create a ship-in page with your local contact information. You might consider making the brochure available on cassette tape. Challenge your members to bring in new members. A contest or awards may add excitement to the challenge. Give time to visitors and guests at your meetings to give a short biographical background of themselves. Encourage members to speak to visitors to make them feel welcome.

Once we have visitors coming to meetings, how do we keep them coming? Ask interested guests for contact information. Keep in touch with them between meetings. Encourage them to join your chapter in order to receive the ADVOCATE and BRAILLE FORUM magazines, and to support the work of your chapter, as well as PCB and ACB.

Keeping your members happy is just as important as getting new members. Be aware of special events in the lives of your members, such as birthdays and anniversaries. Acknowledge sad times in the lives of your members, such as times of illness and death in their families. Encourage all members to be involved in chapter activities, such as committee work, fundraisers, advocacy, peer support, technical assistance, etc. Every member of a chapter should have a copy of the chapter's membership list so that members can contact each other. This helps to foster friendships among members and provides all members with the ability to "care" for each other. If a member misses a meeting, other members can call to check if he or she is ill. Also, members can call each other to arrange transportation to meetings. Another important aspect of retention is to appreciate new ideas and give them consideration. Avoid the attitude "we never do it that way." Allow some social time with meetings, either monthly or periodically, so members will have ample opportunity to get to know each other and become friends.

If your chapter has been successful in membership growth, write to the ADVOCATE Editor and let us tell your story in the ADVOCATE, to share your ideas with other chapters. Email your ideas to either the PCB office or to June Horst, Editor, at jjkhor95@epix.net

PUBLICITY COMMITTEE

Ed Facemyer and Bill Newland, Co-chairs

The Pennsylvania Council of the Blind (PCB) has successfully unveiled phase 1 of Project Outreach. This phase includes contacting all chapters and reviewing their accomplishments and plans for the future. A number of chapters were contacted and everyone was pleasant, cooperative, talkative, and looking forward to some of our ideas. We will continue to complete phase 1 by contacting the remaining chapters.

By the time you read this article, you will have received either a large print letter, an audio cassette, or an email, in an effort to complete a similar project which was started last April when all chapters were asked to create a referral list which we can use in our chapters and the PCB office files. We need to finalize this project and go forward with others.

We continue to aim for inter-chapter cooperation. The plan is for all of us to be working similarly on a project of importance to your own chapters and to PCB.

Time is on our side, and I know as we progress, all things will fall into place, and we will see results within your individual chapters and on the PCB at-large level. -- Submitted by Helen Koshensky, Project Outreach Coordinator

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Joe Perry, Chair

It's time for an update as to what your Transportation Committee is dealing with. We have had two meetings this year. Our general coverage has been the same: mass transit, shared ride for persons under age 65 with disabilities, pedestrian safety, and general accessibility of transportation facilities for persons with visual impairment and blindness.

There is still much concern about sources of funding, designated by Act 44, the legislation signed by the Governor last July concerning transportation. At this time, privatization of the turnpike and exacting tolls on route 80 are far from being implemented. There is much opposition to both ideas. Many consider privatizing the turnpike will present a risk, and some of our own congressional representatives are opposed to tolling route 80. As far as I know, the Governor favors putting the turnpike in private hands. As I sit here writing this article, my thought is to contact the Governor's office to get an idea of what our next step should be. In the meantime, keep hoping that a solution can be reached.

The shared ride situation seems to be optimistic. As you may recall, the shared ride program for persons under age 65 with disabilities was extended to all eligible counties. Allegheny and Philadelphia are not included. It is now up to the counties where shared ride does not exist to apply to PENNDOT for inclusion in the program. It is my pleasure to inform you that Luzerne and Lackawana counties have applied and soon will be included in the program. Other counties have also applied, and it will not be long until all 65 counties will have shared ride for persons under age 65 with disabilities.

In regard to pedestrian safety, we have learned of a way that local chapters might implement the installation of accessible pedestrian signals: that is to contact the Federal Department of Transportation, informing them that your rights have been violated under ADA. The exact address is: US Department of Transportation, Departmental Office of Civil Rights, 1200 New Jersey Avenue Southeast, Washington, DC 20590. We would like to compliment the local chapters of PCB on their success in having accessible pedestrian signals in their localities.

The "quiet car" issue is now very prominent among organizations of the blind. The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has developed a resolution which urges Congress to pass legislation for the US Department of Transportation and other entities to study the issue, with the object of coming up with a solution to the problem. We will try to keep you informed as to the outcome. Another related issue is "quiet buses." Cynthia Lister, of SEPTA, spoke to the Philadelphia Regional Chapter about these vehicles. She seems to believe that, although they are quieter than regular buses they can still be heard. However, she went on to say that there is a willingness on the part of SEPTA to demonstrate these quiet buses for anyone who wishes.

Finally, Amtrak needs money to repair their tracks and other equipment. They are asking for $23 million for this purpose. At this time, there does not seem much hope that Congress will act on this matter. You may want to contact your representative in this regard.

If you have any questions, or wish to contact me for any other reason, you may do so at 4753 Brian Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. My telephone number is 717-761-1920, and my email address has been changed to: joleperry@comcast.net

CHAPTER NEWS

Capitol Cities: Ray Bogardus, a member of our chapter and our Legislative Representative, had hip replacement surgery in January. He developed an infection, which put him back in the hospital. Upon his release from the hospital, he spent several weeks in Manor care. He is now at home recuperating and will be doing therapy 3 times weekly. To reach him with cards or phone calls, his address is: 214 Bailey Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070. Phone: 717-774-6896. His email address is: raybosr@paonline.com

June Horst, ADVOCATE Editor, is recuperating from rotator cuff and torn muscle surgery, which was performed in January. For 6 weeks she was not permitted to drive, which was a real hardship! Because of the severity of the tears, she was original told that therapy would take at least a year, but she is doing so well that she is now told that she will finish therapy by May! She still has limited use of her right arm, but she learned to eat left handed pretty quickly!

Clearfield-Jefferson Counties: The traffic control project is due to begin construction on June 1, 2008. Members of the task force committee, along with Donna Zierer (Altoona PAB) and Jim Joyce (BBVS Erie) met with city planners.

The Wal-Mart sensitivity training program in February, had a good response to the video and sight loss kit. The Braille display generated much interest and many questions about eye diseases. A follow-up call to Wal-Mart will be made to continue the training possibilities.

Sheetz coupons are ready for distribution. Fund raising options were presented for review.

We now have 30 paid members, and are actively seeking new ones. Our group picnic committee is planning for our annual summer picnic.

Cumberland Care and Share: Ruth Ann Gilbert, former president of our chapter, passed away on March 9. She had been in a nursing home for several months. Her sister, Eldereen Paules, who lives in Connecticut, is also a member of our chapter, and was here for her sister's funeral. Their sister, Beverly Garman, is also an active member of our chapter.

Lancaster Red Rose: Since we reported in November that we had 15 members, the Red Rose Council of the Blind (RRCB) now has a total of 22 members. We have been meeting the 2^nd Saturday morning of the month at 10:30 in the County Library in downtown Lancaster.

We have been active with many advocacy efforts, including successfully convincing Millersville University of the need for an Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) on campus. We are working with Millersville Borough officials to obtain APS at several other intersections in the town of Millersville. Positive progress has been occurring.

In the city of Lancaster, we have had a more difficult time advocating for APS. Eight of our members attended a city council meeting and several of us have subsequently met with city officials, but funding seems to be a critical obstacle. We are now searching potential funding sources for APS in downtown Lancaster.

Two of our members attended the ACB Legislative Seminar in Washington, DC in February. We visited the offices of several US Congressmen from our area. We assisted with advocacy efforts for 3 specific pieces of legislation related to quiet vehicles, web site accessibility and audible telecommunication devices access. -- Submitted by Ed Hersh, President

Yvonne Garris is a student at Harrisburg Community College in Lancaster and a two-time PCB scholarship winner at our annual ACB convention. Because of her efforts, working with John Horst and several others, the Lancaster Red Rose Chapter of PCB was organized. She has sent in the following statement: "I wanted to take a moment and thank you for the honor of receiving the William Cory scholarship for the second year in a row. This scholarship helps me in my academic goals.

I have been so inspired by what I have learned and through the people I have met, I have the desire to become more involved in the blind community, and advocating for our rights.

Again, thank you for choosing me for a second year and for all the inspiration you have given me."

Lehigh Valley: The officers of the Lehigh Valley Council of the Blind are: President--Sherry Hancik; Vice President--Rita Lang; Recording Secretary--Josh Young; Corresponding Secretary--Jameel Memon; and Treasurer--Adam Shive.

The dues for the LVCB chapter are $20.00. Of this amount, $5.00 goes for ACB, $5.00 for PCB, and $10.00 for LVCB dues. Our dues provide to us both the quarterly PCB ADVOCATE magazine and the monthly ACB BRAILLE FORUM magazine. It also helps to pay the salaries of a skeleton staff in both the ACB and PCB offices. The Executive Directors of ACB and PCB are responsible for the advocacy for legislation that will benefit people who are blind or visually impaired. Advocacy and blindness/low vision education are the two most vital task of our state and national offices.

In 2007, the LVCB had several interesting speakers and programs, but perhaps among the most interesting was a tour of the Rehability Store, which sells adaptive devices for people with disabilities. Among the most interesting items for sale there for people who are blind or visually impaired was the Hamilton Beach talking microwave and a talking alarm clock that also speaks the indoor temperature. Staff at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Center, in which the store is located, provided us with a continental breakfast from their snack café, and also provided tables in the lobby outside the Rehability store for our meeting and bag lunches after the tour.

Rosalie Mayer and Joanne Rath are co-chairs of the LVCB Program Committee, and are looking for ideas for programs. If you have suggestions, please contact Joanne Rath at jrath1@rcn.com

We welcome ideas from other chapters as well. What has worked for you in terms of interesting speakers?

We hope you all enjoy the coming spring! --Submitted by Jeanette Schmoyer

Monroe County: See article under STATE NEWS, entitled "Reading Made Easier for Persons with Reading Impairments," by Mary Ann Alexander, Chapter President.

Philadelphia Regional: Rudolph Thompson, a long-time member of our chapter is receiving care at home for terminal cancer. He had been a patient at Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia, but is now at home. To contact Rudy and Anne, it would be best to call on Friday. Their telephone number is: 215-877-9729. Address is: The Duffield House, 3701 Conshohocken Avenue, Apartment 203, Philadelphia, PA 19131. They would love to hear from you. We are not sure how long we will have Rudy with us, but as you all know, Overbrook, PCB, and ASB has always been dear to his heart. -- Submitted by Bernadette Giddens

Washington County: Our chapter has lost another member and beloved friend. On February 21, Pat Dorgan of Houston, PA., passed away at the age of 75, after losing a battle with cancer.

Pat was a high school graduate and had an interesting and varied work history. After she worked for 14 years in retail at the Fashion Bug, she was employed as a babysitter, helping to raise more than 30 children. In her later years, she worked as a tour guide for several bus companies, and later organized her own tours under the name of Pat Dorgan Tours. She had a special knack of making her tours fun, exciting, and memorable. Several of our chapter members had the privilege of touring with her.

She was also a generous volunteer and a strong advocate for people who are blind and visually impaired. She was active in the Washington Green County Blind Association and a dedicated, hardworking member of the Washington County Chapter of PCB. She volunteered her time to speak to children at various schools regarding blindness diseases and counseled individuals with visual impairments. Among her many surviving relatives and friends are her son, Dan, who is on our chapter's Board of Directors, Dan's wife, Karen, who is our treasurer, and all the members of the Washington County Chapter.

In saying "goodbye" to Pat, we will always have many special memories of her. We remember how she and the other residents of the Heritage House, where she resided, often welcomed our chapter into their Community Room, and all the memorable parties, meals and chapter meetings we had together in that place. We have fond memories of the many hours we spent together on bus tours, her endless enthusiasm and energy, the stories she told, and the compassionate way she treated all the travelers.