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ACBI EVENTS
Our State Convention Is Just A Few Weeks Away!
Dr. Henry W. Hofstetter Inducted In Optometric Hall of Fame
Bloomington Chapter Moves Into the Millennium
ACBI Is Spinning Its Internet Web
What Core Values Does ACBI Offer?
Board of Directors - 1998-1999
NATIONAL ACB NEWS
Plan Now For ACB's National Convention In 2000
Will President Clinton Use A White Cane?
INDIANA HAPPENINGS:
Dr. Windsor: National Optometrist of the Year
BITS & PIECES
Sunglasses May Reduce the Risks of Macular Degeneration
Redesigned Illuminated Stand Magnifiers
International Braille Essay Contest Deadline Announced
Braille Code For Chemical Notation
NCD's Policy Fellowship Program
FCC Builds First Curb-Cut on Information Superhighway
FCC Rules and Policies Summarized
New Name & Address for VISION Foundation, Inc.
COMPUTER TALK
Hear Audiocassettes On The Web
Electronic Shopping Village To Open Soon
Self-Help Braille Computer Manuals
URL: http://www.acb.org/indiana/
Webmaster: IndianaACB@aol.com
445 North Pennsylvania - Room 707
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: 317-637-0130 (M, W, & F. Only)
A Few Weeks Away!
Our Indiana ACB 28th annual convention will be held October 15, Friday, and 16, Saturday, at the Best Western Airport Plaza, 3939 Ferguson Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809. Room rates are just $60 per day plus tax. The block of rooms will only he held until October 1, 1999. So, to qualify for this special rate, call the Best Western Airport Plaza right away at 1-800-528-1234. Be certain to tell the Reservations Clerk that you will be attending the American Council of the Blind of Indiana convention.
As mentioned in prior notices, ACBI is planning to provide its members and other interested individuals an outstanding program. The League for the Blind and Disabled will assist us in doing this and, in turn, we will help them kick off their year long celebration of 50 years of services to the blind and visually impaired in northeast Indiana.
Watch for your Registration Form with complete details. If you haven't received it or have any questions or comments, contact Don Koors at his office, 317-232-1352 or 1-800-545-7763 Ex. 1352, by E-Mail dkoors@fssa.state.in.us, or at home: 317-251-2562.
After careful consideration and deliberation, the 1999 ACBI Nominating Committee suggests the following slate of officers and directors:
Officers: 2-Year Terms
President: Dolly Sowder, BedfordVice-Pres: Earlene Hughes, Lafayette
Secretary: Gerry Koors, Indianapolis
Treasurer: Donald Koors, Indianapolis
Directors: 3-Year Terms
Rev. Maurice Brockman, BloomingtonBenny Demaree, Bedford
Dr. Herman Hudson, Bloomington
Submitted by the 1999 Nominating Committee
Earlene Hughes
Richard Williams
Lois Leader (Now Deceased)
Inducted In Optometric Hall of Fame
Dr. Henry W. Hofstetter, a visionary leader in the profession of optometry, has been chosen for the 1999 National Optometry Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on October 15 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Henry W. Hofstetter, Rudy Professor Emeritus in the School of Optometry at Indiana University and this year's recipient of the first Distinguished Service Award from the World Council of Optometry, has served with distinction at three optometric educational institutions: Indiana University, The Ohio State University, and Los Angeles College of Optometry, now the Southern California College of Optometry. He is the author of over 500 scientific papers and four textbooks on the subject of eye care and the optometric profession. Dr. Hofstetter has received five honorary degrees, the Prentice Medal from the American Academy of Optometry, the Apollo Award from the American Optometric Association, the International Optometrist of the Year from the International Optometric and Optical League, Distinguished Service Award from the Indiana Optometric Association, and many more, too numerous to include here.
Dr. Hofstetter's indelible impact upon his profession and the people it serves has been a significant part of history, as well. He is the founding director of the optometry program at Indiana University, whose School of Optometry has maintained a standard as one of the top Optometric Educational Facilities in the world. He also played a significant role in the establishment and work of the Indiana Optometric Association and its development and growth over the last quarter century.
Dr. Hank Hofstetter, as he is known world-wide, began his teaching career in a one-room school house in Middlefield, Ohio. Three years later, he enrolled in The Ohio State University for his degree in optometry. He then enrolled in graduate school to earn the first Ph.D. degree in physiological optics. In the latter studies and during the next six years on the Ohio State University faculty, his research was in the graphical analysis of ocular accommodation and convergence interrelationships and their clinical interpretation, in which subject matter he became a leading authority. In 1948, he was appointed Dean of the Los Angeles College of Optometry. In 1952, he joined the Indiana University faculty to organize and develop the legislatively mandated program in optometry and graduate study in physiological optics. In 1970, he withdrew from administrative duties to pursue full-time teaching and research, at which time the program had become variously rated among the top three optometric institutions.
During his tenure at Indiana University, Professor Hofstetter dedicated his three sabbatical leaves to surveying and observing optometric education and professional development in 26 countries. This led to more than fifty published reports, most of which were subsequently reprinted in the local journals of the subject countries. For more than two decades, he was regarded as the best authority on international aspects of the profession.
His publications, including two textbooks and four editions of the co-edited Dictionary of Visual Science, total over 450, the majority based on direct research. Dr. Hofstetter has served as president of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, and the Optometric Historical Society and serves on numerous national and international committees. He has been awarded five honorary doctorates and given several major citations. In 1974, he was named Rudy Professor of Optometry at Indiana University.
Editor's Note:
The name of Hank Hofstetter is synonymous with education and service world-wide. Just put the name "Henry W. Hofstetter" into any Internet search engine and you will be rewarded with hundreds of links to documentary evidence of the scope of his outreach. I limited my search to 2 hours and didn't even begin to follow all the meaningful "links." Many that I did follow took me to foreign countries where the text was non-English.
To members of ACB of Indiana, Hank is considered one of its strongest supporters. He served as our Treasurer for many years and at a time when he was deeply involved in university travel, research and textbook writing. Few of us ever realized the real scope of his leadership. What we did and still know is he is a warm human being with a genuine interest in helping ACBI leaders move forward to serve its targeted population, the vision impaired of Indiana. Fortunately, that interest has never waned but continues to this day. Hank is very much a part of ACBI and responds quickly to our requests for guidance and wisdom. How proud we all are of his accomplishments and the prestigious honor he has so genuinely earned of being chosen for the 1999 National Optometric Hall of Fame!
Congratulations are extended to ACBI Vice-President Dolly Sowder for being the recipient of the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Exchange Club of Bedford, Indiana. We are very proud of Dolly and are grateful to have the leadership she displays.
by Pat Price
What a wonderful surprise &emdash; and shock &emdash; it was to be honored by the ACB of Indiana with a Life Membership in the American Council of the Blind. Although I was unable to accept it personally at the Los Angeles Convention, and the telephone connection terminated before ACB President Paul Edwards could make the presentation, the gift took on a special significance and was more meaningful when it was personally presented to me by ACBI President Donald Koors and the ACBI Board at its July meeting. Please know that I am deeply humbled by this special honor you have bestowed upon me. Please also be assured in citing some of my past efforts on behalf of my vision impaired friends and colleagues has given me a goal for the future and for that I shall always be grateful.
How saddened we were to learn of the death of former 6-year ACBI director Lois Leader following heart surgery. She had been active in our organization for many years serving on a number of committees, including serving as our 1998 Convention Chairman. She was slated to be nominated for return to the Board of Directors at its October Convention. Lois was well known for her work on behalf of vision impaired people in her church and the Brownstown community. In a memorial at the July ACBI Board meeting, officers and members spent time commenting about her optimism, sense of humor, dedication to purpose, integrity, and genuine caring disposition. She will be very much missed. Condolences and memorial gifts were presented to her mother, Esther Leader, and the entire Leader family.
Our organization was well represented again this year by officers and members at the 38th annual convention of our parent organization, ACB, in Los Angeles, California. Don and Gerry Koors, Mike and Dolly Sowder, Dr. and Mrs. Herman Hudson , Josephine Price, Richard Williams, Earlene Hughes, and Don Osburn.
They reported excellent programming, warm hospitality, and fun events. The business meeting was characterized by active debate on a number of important issues. 5 Officers and 1 Director were elected: Paul Edwards (Florida), President, Brian Charlson (Massachusetts), 1st Vice-President, Pamela Shaw (Pennsylvania), 2nd Vice-President, Cynthia Towers, Secretary, (Washington) Patricia Beattie (Virginia), Treasurer and Stanford Alexander (Kansas), Director to complete the unexpired term vacated by Pamela Shaw.
For more information, surf the ACB Website at: http://www.acb.org or read upcoming issues of The Braille Forum.
Into the Millennium
The Bloomington Chapter of the American Council of the Blind of Indiana recently spent a couple of their monthly meetings in planning for the future.
Brock (Maurice Brockman) led the group in a rather formal system of planning. He reports the following action:
We set out to define our purpose &emdash; a brief statement of who we are, why we exist, and what we are about. Everyone present contributed to the content and wording of our mission and, with little necessary refinement, at its next meeting the Chapter voted to accept the following statement of purpose.
Our purpose is to:
1. Educate the whole community about blindness issues and to integrate the blind and visually impaired into the community.
2. Educate ourselves and foster the independence of all blind and visually impaired individuals.
3. Provide a forum for learning about community issues and programs.
Our goals for the near future are these:
1. Increase our membership and active participation thereof.
2. Continue seeking cooperative relationships with other agencies and organizations.
3. Host the state convention in the year 2000.
4. Develop an outreach effort to educate teens about blindness issues.
5. Increase involvement in a variety of community activities.
6. Take an educational field trip.
7. Have at least one major fund-raiser per year.
8. Educate the community about dog-guide, white cane and other travel related issues.
9. Encourage Chapter participation in ACB 2000 National Convention.
10. Increase the Chapter's involvement in legislative and governmental activities at the local and state level.
Our South Central Chapter continues to be heavily involved in community activities. The group participated in the July 4th parade in a fully decorated pickup truck. We will try to share a picture of it in our next issue. Before then, though, we will try to post it up on our Website. So, stop by often.
Two special opportunity awards have been presented by SCAVI to Michelle Garrett of Milltown, IN and Aaron Fountain of Paoli, IN.
White Cane Awareness Day has always been an important event for SCAVI members. This year will be no exception. On October 8 you will see them all around town distributing informational flyers and candy canes. The group reports: "It is amazing how many people stop to tell us about a friend or family member with vision problems." What a great way to reach those in the community who need support and are not yet known to the organization.
Do you have access to the Internet? If so, do you surf the World Wide Web? Do you visit the ACBI Website often at http://www.acb.org/indiana/? Why? What information are you looking for? What "links" do you think we should include? Are you interested in existing services for vision impaired people in Indiana? What vendors do you use for your canes, voice synthesizers, screen readers, or other blindness related products?
These are just a few questions ACBI would like each of you to answer. Our Website at http://www.acb.org/indiana/ is very much "under construction." It currently contains just a minimal amount of news and contact information. We are anxious to expand it to meet your needs. So, please take time to let us know how you think it can be improved. Just send an E-Mail note to IndianaACB@aol.com. In the subject line, show ACB's Website.
Frequently, and often unexpectedly, prospective members and individuals in our community ask, "Just what does ACBI offer its members and the community?" How would you answer this question? Here are a few thoughts for your consideration.
Organizations are defined by their core values, a fluid set of beliefs and assumptions at the heart of the organization. ACBI's core values include:
Editor's Note:
Now, it is your turn. Let me know what values you believe should be added to this list.
The mid-year meetings of the national ACB State/Special-Interest Affiliate Presidents, ACB Board and various committees have been scheduled for the weekend of February 19-21, 2000 at the Galt House, 140 North Fourth Street, Louisville, Kentucky.
If you are directly involved or just want to spend a pleasant week-end checking out the site of the National Convention in July, 2000 and visiting with friends, you should make your hotel reservations and travel plans now. It really isn't too early.
Room rates are $65 plus tax, and are available from February 17 to February 21. Call the hotel at: 800-962-0150 / 502-589-5200.
The Affiliate Presidents meeting will be held on both Saturday, February 19, 2000, from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and Sunday, February 20, 2000, from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
The ACB Board Meeting will be held on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, February 20 and February 21, respectively.
Convention in 2000
July 1, 2000 will mark the beginning of the ACB National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. It will continue through the week and will end on July 8, 2000. You are urged to make your hotel reservations right away as the convention hotel is filling up fast. Room rates are $65 plus tax. So, call the Galt House TODAY at 800-962-0150. The hotel is located at 140 North Fourth Street, Louisville, Kentucky.
This will be a week of outstanding programming, exciting tours, and lots of great fellowship. You will not want to miss this extravanga! Plan now to attend!
Two new professional staff joined the ACB National Office on September 1 Penny Reeder, Editor of The Braille Forum, the position formerly held by Nolan Crabb, and Terry Pacheco, Affiliate Services Coordinator, the position formerly held by Billie Jean Keith and Barbara Hayes.
The office of the National ACB will soon move to larger quarters at its present address. So, only the Suite Number will change to 1004, rather than 720. The remainder of the address remains the same: 1155 - 15th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005.
Use A White Cane?
With the upcoming annual observance of White Cane Safety Day, National ACB has extended an "invitation" to President Clinton to do a little more than just sign a Proclamation. He is being invited to put on blindfolds and with a white cane in hand cross a busy Washington, D.C. street. Will he do it?
While we do not know the answer to that question, we do know that if he would do that it would serve as a significant event that would gain national, and probably international, media coverage. Maybe we should extend such an invitation to our Indiana Governor and Mayors. What do you think?
National Optometrist of the Year
On June 24, 1999 in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Richard Windsor, of Hartford City, Indiana, received the American Optometric Association's "National Optometrist of the Year" Award. The award is given each year to only one doctor of optometry in the United States. It has been given only thirty-two times in history by the 32,000 member organization.
Dr. Windsor was recognized for his work in the low vision care of macular degeneration patients and in his innovative rehabilitation of stroke and head injury patients. He has lectured nationally on vision rehabilitation, and has contributed to books on low vision. He was the 1973 recipient of the Fox Optical Award as the outstanding clinician at the Indiana University School of Optometry. The Indiana Optometric Association has also honored Dr. Windsor five times, including the Indiana Optometrist of the Year 1996 Award, the 1992 Distinguished Service Award, two Meritorious Service Awards 1987 and 1995, and the Young Optometrist of the Year Award in 1979. Dr. Windsor and Marjorie, his wife of 28 years, have five children, including three adopted special needs children.
Dr. Windsor is associated with the Eye Associates Group LLC., the 105-year old parent practice of the Low Vision Centers of Indiana. This is the only practice in the United States to have received this award twice. Dr. R. Lewis Scott, the senior doctor, received this award in 1984. Its five Indiana centers are located in Hartford City, Marion, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Union City. They not only provide low vision care for all ages and have developed special programs to assist those with macular degeneration. but also the latest in low vision technology, offering a range of rehabilitative devices from the simplest magnifiers to the latest electronic low vision aids. All of the doctors have decades of experience in low vision care, have taught low vision courses across the United States and contributed to books on low vision.
Its main office is located at 315 Huggins Drive, PO Box 166, Hartford City, IN 47348. Ph: 765-348-2020. E-Mail: richw@eyeassociates.com. Web: www.eyeassociates.com.
Low Vision Gateway: www.lowvision.orgIndiana Optometric Association: www.ioa.org
Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association: www.noravc.com
Excellent programming has been scheduled for the following two conferences:
1. The Indiana AER Conference will be held at the St. Vincent Marten House and Conference Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, October 1 and 2, 1999. For more information, contact: Sharon Knoth, President, 3926 Sherman Town Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46237-1562.
2. The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Tri-State AER Conference will be held at the Best Western Blue Ash Hotel and Conference Center, November 3-5, 1999 in Cincinnati, Ohio. For complete details, contact: Marianne Mundy, Conference Chair. Tel: 513-761-9059.
E-Mail: gmundy9207@aol.com
by Tom Douglas
Nellie Kelly of Gosport, Indiana, who is visually impaired, recently wrote a letter to the editor of the Evening World, addressing the fact that the current Indiana Motor Vehicle Handbook fails to address both state and federal laws concerning yielding the right-of-way to blind pedestrians.
As a result of her letter, and contact with state officials, the next revision of the driver's manual will find the appropriate changes being made to address Nellie's concerns.
In her letter, Nellie explained, "Those of us who are blind or visually impaired, yet are able to be fairly independent with just a little consideration of others, would appreciate having the right-of-way law brought to the attention of all motorists."
She continued, "None of us will dart into a street without first ascertaining, to the best of our ability, whether or not a car is approaching. This is sometimes made difficult by cars parked nearby with the motor running, or a car may veer around a corner without slowing."
The current driver's manual instructs drivers to only "respect" pedestrians with a white cane or guide dog, but state law requires "A person who drives a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog."
The letter was also sent to State Representative Vern Tincher and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Nellie later received a reply from BMV Director of Driver Service, Linda M. Datzman, explaining that her concern had reached the right person. Datzman wrote, "While the current wording references any individual who may have difficulty in crossing streets, including the blind, I agree with your concern as to requirements by law. In that regard, I will make appropriate changes to the driver's manual with the next revision."
The process just goes to show that just one person can make a difference if they address a concern in the right way.
by Eric Lindquist, Specialty Lens Corp.
(From Vision Enhancement Vol. 4 No. 2)
Most people are aware that long term exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light is associated with the development of cataracts and other eye diseases. However, recent studies suggest that UV is not the only harmful light spectrum. Many scientists and medical researchers now believe that high energy visible violet and blue light may be linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Special Sunglasses may be helpful in reducing the risks of the disease.
AMD is a loss of central vision due to retinal damage. It is the leading cause of legal blindness in the US. People who suffer from AMD may have difficulty reading, driving or performing other routine activities. Prevent Blindness America notes that, "13 million people in the US age 40+ have signs of macular degeneration". One in three Americans will get AMD after age 75. Since there is no known cure for AMD, it is essential to identify measures that may help slow the progression of the disease.
There is mounting evidence that sunlight may play a significant role in the development of AMD. The Schepens Eye Research Institute states on their web page that; " The blue rays of the spectrum seem to accelerate AMD more than other rays of the spectrum". A study of watermen who worked on the Chesapeake Bay suggests that high level of exposure to blue light late in life may increase the risks of developing AMD.
Consequently, UV protection alone may not be sufficient to protect the long term health of the eye. Sunglasses should block visible blue and violet light in addition to UV light. The Schepens Institute notes that, "Special sunglasses that block out the blue end of the spectrum may reduce the progress of the disease (AMD)". There is however a problem with some amber or so called "blue blocking" lenses. These lenses tend to block out 100% of blue light, which can cause color blindness.
There are special sunglasses available that filter violet, blue and UV light without causing color distortions. Contact your local eye care professional for more information about ways to protect the long term health of your eyes.
The Menopause Guidebook is now available from National Braille Press (NBP). It discusses the types of hormone replacement therapy, their side effects, who should take them, and why they should be considered. Underwritten by the North American Menopause Society, the cost for the two braille volumes is just $6.
Eschenbach's popular 1550 and 1580 illuminated stand magnifier product lines now offer new features. The round, 1550 series now includes a red orientation line that can be engaged when needed to help track text and increase reading speed. The orientation line can then be disengaged and hidden out of the way when not needed. A high contrast switch for the flip-up orientation line makes it easy for patients to locate and use. (Please note that the orientation line is only available on the 3, 4, and 5x heads.) In addition, new brighter plastic material reflects more light to increase the brightness of the text.
Eschenbach's rectangular illuminated magnifier heads (1580 series) have also been enhanced and feature a flip-up segment magnifier that, when engaged, offers an extra 4 diopters of magnification. The lens can be disengaged and hidden out of the way when not needed and is great for reading particularly fine print text. These new enhancements have been added at no extra charge.
For these and other Eschenbach products, consult your eye care professional or contact: Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc., 904 Ethan Allen Highway, Ridgefield, CT 06877. Tel: 203-438-7471. Web: www.eschenbach.com
The World Blind Union (WBU) in cooperation with The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) invites any individual to enter a Braille essay contest on the topic, "What Braille Means To Me". Essays should be written from a personal perspective and describe how Braille has affected or changed a life. Ten winners will be chosen; each winner will receive $500 (Canadian) and the winning essays will be published in English, French and Spanish and distributed internationally. Published essays will become the property of WBU. Winners will be notified by mail. The decision of the judges is final. Submissions must be postmarked or received electronically by February 1, 2000.
Entry Rules: The contest is open to writers who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or sighted. There are no citizenship restrictions. Entries can be submitted in English, French or Spanish. There is no entry fee. Entries may be written in print or Braille; electronic submissions are preferred. The essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length. Each entry must include, on a separate sheet of paper, the individual's name, address and phone number. Essays should not include personal identification within the text. Winning essays will be selected based on their ability to capture the judges' interest and how compelling, powerful and creative they are. Entries will be judged by an international panel. Submissions will not be returned. Entries should be sent to: CNIB, Attn: James W. Sanders, 1929 Bayview AV. Toronto, ON M4G 3E8 Canada or E-Mail: sanderj@east.cnib.ca.
National Braille Press (NBP) has recently announced the release of The 1999 Area Code Handbook, covering national and international cities and states. The information was provided in March 1999 by Lucent Technologies for this two-volume braille publication. Cost: $8.95. Order from: National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115. Ph: 800 548-7323. Fax: 617-437-0456. Web: www.nbp.org.
The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) has released a new publication. The Braille Code for Chemical Notation, 1997. Cost: $16 for either edition. Braille #5-16900-00; Print #7-16900-00. Order from the American Printing House for the Blind, PO Box 6085, Louisville, KY 40206-0085. Ph: 800-223-1839 / 502-895-2405. Fax: 502-895-1509. E-Mail: info@aph.org. Web: www.aph.org.
Approximately 5,000 pedestrians die each year from being struck by vehicles. When viewed over time, this is roughly the same rate of killing of USA soldiers in Vietnam. How does our public reaction differ? Remember how hundreds of thousands marched on Washington and conducted massive rallies around the nation to protest the war? Now today, how many have rallied to protest the killing of pedestrians?
In June 1999, Bethel Mines was killed and her husband critically injured when they were struck by a delivery van. Six months before, a man named Joe was killed by a cable company van. Less than a year ago, Carolyn Garrett of Texas was struck and killed as she crossed a familiar intersection near her home on her way to college. These and many more too numerous to mention were all blind. Moreover, each of them had lives and families. Each of them had their joys and sorrows like the rest of us and each of them died in America's new killing fields as they simply dared to cross an intersection.
Making intersections safe for pedestrian travel is not a simple task. New technology and the impersonal nature of our society are actually making it more difficult. Blind people are being killed or maimed at a disproportionate rate. National ACB is making every effort to work in a variety of ways to correct this wrong. We know pedestrian deaths can never be totally eliminated but we can reduce the tragic number of deaths by re-engineering our environment and rebuild an America based upon people knowing people. For all those who have died and for those who remain at risk, isn't it time that we do it?
You can help by getting in touch with your local politicians and ask why sidewalks are not available. You can contact your local traffic engineers and ask them what they are doing to create accessible signalized intersections for blind people and safer traffic patterns for all. You can get in touch with your community leaders at your churches and philanthropic organizations to ask them how you and them can make a difference. You can ask yourself if you care enough to stop the killing and help rebuild your community. In other words, while you cannot bring back those lives that have already been lost, you can join ACB and other caring organizations in protecting and celebrating life and community rather than looking the other way. All facets of society &emdash; children, non-disabled adults, senior citizens &emdash; need a safe community in which to grow, contribute, and live.
The ACB National Office can answer all of your questions on this important issue. Call them at: 202-467-5081 or 800-424-8666 3:00 to 5:00 P.M.
For collectors of unique music, you might be interested in knowing that Veronica Elsea, of Laurel Creek Music Designs, has produced her second album (CD and cassette) titled, "The Guide Dog Glee Club." The titles of the musical tracks are: (Watch the special spelling)
1. Lied in C Minor
2. Barkarole (The real boat song is spelled
with a c)
3. Adogio (Not Adagio)
4. Paw de Deux (Not pas)
5. The Juno Waltz
6. Artist Reads Liner Notes
Ms. Elsea has written all the music using sounds made by the guide dogs which have served her and her twin sister. There are no other vocalists or instrumentalists on this entire album. It's all guide dogs with the exception of the liner notes which she reads directly on the CD. She had a bit of fun reading the liner notes and other animals "visited with her" during the recording.
The front cover of the album pictures a chorus of fifteen guide dogs being conducted by Ms. Elsea with a large dog biscuit, rather than the traditional baton. The back cover shows the backs of nine dogs all looking at the conductor except one. That dog is turning around, tongue out, eyes winking mischievously at the photographer.
The cost is $15 per CD and $12 per cassette. Order from: GDUI (Guide Dog Users, Inc.), 14311 Astrodome Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906-2245. Ph: 888-858-1008 (Toll Free) / 301-598-2131 E-Mail: jcsheehan@smart.net. Web: http://www.infinet.com/~jeninems/index.html
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the Department of Justice to provide technical assistance to entities and individuals with rights and responsibilities under the law. The Department encourages voluntary compliance by businesses, governments, and members of the general public through a variety of means. These activities include providing direct technical assistance and guidance to the public through its ADA Information Line, ADA Home Page, and Fax on Demand, developing and disseminating technical assistance materials to the public, undertaking outreach initiatives, operating an ADA technical assistance grant program, and coordinating ADA technical assistance government-wide.
The ADA Home Page at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm provides information about:
* The toll-free ADA Information Line.
* The Department's ADA enforcement
activities.
* The ADA technical assistance program
* Certification of State and local build-
ing codes.
* Proposed changes in ADA regulations
and requirements.
* The ADA mediation program.
The home page also provides direct access to:
• ADA regulations and technical assistance materials (which may be viewed on-line or downloaded for later use.)
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ADA materials.
• Links to the Department's press releases, ADA Bulletin Board, and Internet home pages of other Federal agencies that contain ADA information.
The National Council on Disability (NCD) has just established the National Disability Policy Fellowship program to provide experience, training and contacts to qualified individuals with disabilities. Qualifying individuals will begin their one-year term in January 2000.
Many leaders within the disability civil rights movement have been lost. This program is intended to identify and develop new leaders with disabilities and to enhance NCD's policy capacity. Additionally, during calendar year 2000, NCD plans to conduct a number of activities focused on improving civil rights enforcement for children and adults with disabilities.
For more information, contact: NCD, 1331 F Street, N.W. - Suite 1050, Washington, DC 20004-1107. Ph. 202-272-2004 Voice / 202-272-2074 TTY. Fax: 202-272-2022. E-Mail: mquigley@ncd.gov. Web: www.ncd.gov.
On July 14, 1999, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took action that represents the most significant opportunity for people with disabilities since the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. As would be expected, much rhetoric was heard from a number of high governmental and organizational leaders. Because of the tremendous significance of this announcement, we have chosen to reprint here two which we believe define and summarize this historic action.
of
FCC Commissioner Susan Ness
For the nondisabled, it takes little effort to dial a telephone number on a telephone touchpad; scroll through an automatic voice response system to check your bank account balance; leave a simple voicemail message on a colleague's or friend's answering machine; or even to scan a mobile phone's visual display to ascertain who is calling you or whether you dialed the correct telephone number. Unfortunately, in this day and age, the same cannot be said for people who are disabled. Accessing telecommunications equipment or services to perform these seemingly routine tasks that most of us take for granted is a frustrating exercise at best and potentially a life-threatening barrier at worst for people who are disabled.
In this respect, as in others, passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 marks a new beginning. Section 255 requires telecommunications equipment and services to be made accessible to the disability community, and today we adopt implementing rules to fulfill Congress' intent.
These accessibility rules could not have been adopted at a better time. We are in the midst of a revolution that is reshaping not only telecommunications but our economy and society as well. The timing of this ruling is fortuitous because these accessibility rules will apply to the next generation data networks that are on the drawing boards today. If accessibility can be designed in from the "get-go," it will be easier and more cost effective than trying, later in the process, to make compensating or retrofitting adjustments.
Related to the design of the next generation data networks are the individual telecommunications products and services that will communicate with and provide services using those data networks. In concept, our action today adopts the universal design or the so-called "product approach," rather than the "product line" approach, to making telecommunications products and services accessible.
The goal is to ensure that as many products as possible will be accessible, if readily achievable.
I have been delighted by the cooperation we have seen between the disability community and the manufacturers and service providers to reach a common understanding. The key insight on which widespread agreement has been achieved is that manufacturers and service providers must consider accessibility concerns in designing all products and services, not just relegate such considerations to a narrow subset of models or services, even if ultimately a particular accessibility feature cannot practically be incorporated in any given product or service. This fundamental change in the mindset of manufacturers and service providers will open product and service design to new and exciting possibilitie.
The benefits to the disability community will be substantial. But just as with curb cuts, closed captioning, and volume controls on pay phones, the nondisabled will benefit too. Indeed, in examining one manufacturer's Section 255 offerings during the CTIA convention. I was struck by the utility of a mobile phone with the microphone suspended around the neck. This "hands-free" unit would be ideal for many of us, disabled or not. And now we can reasonably expect that the future will be brightened by many other similar examples, with products and services competing on the basis of their accessibility features.
Moreover, the nondisabled will benefit in other ways as well. Metcalfe teaches that the value of a network is directly related to the number of users. Making telecommunications accessible will facilitate access by the estimated 54 million people who are disabled, thereby increasing the value of the network for everyone &emdash; disabled and nondisabled alike.
I want to thank the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board ("the Access Board"), the disability community, the manufacturers, the service providers, and our own staff for all the hard work that has culminated in this order.
From A Speech by William E. Kennard, FCC Chairman
before the Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. Convention in Seattle, WA, July 15, 1999
I was just in Europe at a conference, and there I heard a wonderful story about the construction of one of the great buildings of that continent: St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
One day while it was being built, an inspector from the King went to the site. He approached one of the workers and asked, "What are you doing?"
"I'm cutting stone," he replied.
Then he asked another worker, "What are you doing?"
"I'm making 5 shillings, 2 pence a day," he said.
Then, he asked a third worker, "What are you doing?"
The man put down his chisel and said, "I'm helping Sir Christopher Wren build a magnificent cathedral."
Now, all three of these men had the same job, but only the last man had vision. He could see beyond the slabs of stone and see the soaring nave and the resplendent dome of the cathedral.
In our lives and in our jobs, sometimes it's hard for us to stay focused on the 1arger vision, to rise above the mundane, above the day-to-day. In the last century, Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Gallaudet had that vision, one that has benefited us all - deaf, capital D-deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, and hearing alike.
In my own work, I too sometimes get caught up in the details. I go to the meetings, read the briefs and reports, and talk to the reporters. But there are times in this job when the big picture is as clear as day, when I feel truly connected to issues and ideas much larger than myself, larger than any job, larger than any government agency.
Those are the moments when the vision is so very clear. And yesterday was such a day.
Yesterday, the FCC passed rules implementing Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
We said that telecum manufacturers and providers would now have to design their products and services so that they are accessible to people with disabilities.
We said that from now on, 54 million Americans with disabilities must have access to the wondrous benefits of telecommunications technology.
We said barriers will no longer be tolerated.
We said this must be part of our national policy.
We said that people who are deaf and hard- of-hearing can no longer be denied access to telecommunications anytime, anywhere, or anyhow. And that includes voice mail and interactive menus.
Friends, yesterday, we built the first curb-cut on the Information Superhighway.
We said that not only do these products have to be accessible to you, but they also have to serve you in accessible ways. That means not only that you must have access to the product, but also access to information about the product that is useful and meaningful to you -whether it be in Braille, over the TTY or in ASCII text.
Access to products. Access to information about products. Access to the choices that every American wants, needs and deserves. That's what 255 is all about.
Yesterday was one of the finest moments in the FCC's history. And I feel very proud, and very privileged to be here with you today, as Chairman of the FCC &emdash; the Federal Communications Commission.
But I also feel very humble. Because I am here today with the people who truly made yesterday possible.
Policies Implementing Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996
and Section 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934
• Adopted rules based upon the Access Board guidelines, with a few exceptions.
• Required manufacturers and service providers to ensure that telecommunications products and services are accessible to people with disabilities. if readily available. Manufacturers and service providers must develop a process to evaluate the accessibility, usability, and compatibility of the covered services and equipment, and incorporate such an evaluation throughout the product design, as early and as consistently as possible.
• Required manufacturers and service providers to ensure that the information and documentation it provides to its customers is accessible to customers with disabilities, if readily achievable.
• Adopted the ADA definition of disability in its entirety in our rules.
• Adopted a definition of accessibility, based on the Access Board definition that incorporates the list of ways in which the functions of a product should be made accessible.
• Adopted criteria for determining compatibility.
• Consistent with the ADA, defined readily achievable as easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense. Determinations as to what is readily achievable will be made on a case-by-case basis considering factors which include ( l ) the cost of the action; (2) the nature of the action; and (3) the overall resources available to the entity.
• Determined that Section 255, by its terms, applies to the design and production of each individual product and service offered by a manufacturer or service provider. A manufacturer's or service provider's obligation to review the accessibility of a product or service, and incorporate accessibility features where readily achievable must occur at every natural opportunity.
• Required modest accessibility features that can be incorporated into the product design with very little or no difficulty or expense to be universally deployed. For those features or actions that cannot be universally deployed, but are readily achievable to incorporate into some products and services, manufacturers and service providers must distribute those features across their products or service in a manner that will maximize accessibility.
• Determined that, pursuant to Section 251 (a)(2), a telecommunications carrier may not install network features, functions, or capabilities that do not comply with accessibility requirements rules.
• Determined that telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment include software integral to the equipment's telecommunications operation.
• Determined that accessibility requirements of this order extend to the providers of voicemail and interactive menu and the manufacturers of telecommunications equipment and CPE which performs those functions.
• Adopted an informal complaint procedure where complaints are forwarded to the manufacturers or service providers who have 30 clays to attempt to resolve the customer's concerns and respond to the FCC. The FCC may. based on complaints or its own motion, launch an investigation to determine if manufacturer or service providers are complying with the rules.
• Consumers are not required to contact the manufacturer and service provider before filing a complaint.
• Required service providers and manufacturers to establish a contact for handling accessibility-related complaints.
• Did not adopt a standing requirement.
Following the merger of the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and VISION Foundation, Inc. into the newly named agency, VISION Community Services, additional space was needed to house its services in one location. Consequently, the Store and Bell Atlantic Project for Customers with Disabilities are now located in the same building providing convenient one-stop shopping for consumers. Its services include: Community Volunteers, Peer Empowerment Project (support groups), Visually Impaired Elders Project, Information, Referral, and Community Education, Communications Center (Braille Transcribing Service and Recording Studio), AIDS Project, and Newsline.
The new address is: 23A Elm Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Ph: 800-852-3029 (MA Only) / 617-926-4232. Fax: 617-926-1412. E-Mail: mablind@tiac.net. Web: www.mablind.org.
In preparation for the 50th anniversary commemoration of the Korean War, veterans of that conflict are encouraged to register with the U.S. Korean 2000 Foundation, Inc. The Foundation wants to locate all Korean veterans and notify them of the national and international events that will mark the War's 50th anniversary from 2000-2003. To register, call the U. S. Korean 2000 Foundation, Inc. at 703-212-8128. Immediate family members of deceased Korean War veterans are also strongly encouraged to participate.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a new toll-free telephone number for veterans and dependents to get the latest information on VA education benefits and general background about VA programs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just dial: 888-442-4551.
Digital Corporation of Japan is currently perfecting a talking voting machine that will be totally accessible. All that is required is to insert a programmed card, listen to the options with earphones, press the telephone number keypad that has been marked with Braille, and its done. With its excellent speech output and ease of operation, this device allows the blind voter to cast ballots in full privacy. While its cost is now approximately $1,500, that is considerably less than other options.
(From Vision Enhancement Vol. 4 No. 2)
Using the Internet and RealAudio technology, Assistive Media, a not-for-profit entity, produces and provides an avenue of accessibility to literary material that helps many individuals with cognitive, physical and communication disabilities in the home, school, community, and workplace.
Although the Website was not launched until last year, the idea began years ago while David Erdody, now a software consultant from Ann Arbor, Michigan, was studying education technology in college and found it convenient, while commuting, to listen to books on audiocassette. Probably because his father had diabetes and faced the possibility of losing his eyesight, Mr. Erdody began paying attention to what was and was not available on cassette. He quickly learned that only about 3% of the published works in the United States were made into an alternative format for the print handicapped.
Initially, Mr. Erdody distributed audio readings of magazine articles on cassette. The venture grew as he became familiar with the Internet and RealAudio technology, which allows anyone with a powerful enough computer and speakers to listen to audio files posted on the Web. Consequently, those audio recordings are now easily accessible and on-demand to the ever growing number of blind and vision impaired persons who use the Internet.
Visitors can download the free RealAudio player directly from the Assistive Media Website and then play the recordings on their computer. The site's low-graphics format makes it extremely user-friendly to vision impaired surfers using screen readers, braille displays, and speech output devices.
By offering material that is immediate yet timeless, energetic, thoughtful, serious and funny, it fulfills its mission to offer universal accessibility to good writing, points of view, and a deeper understanding of people, communities, and cultures. The organization is supported entirely by volunteers.
For more information, contact: Assistive Media, 400 Maynard Street - Suite 404, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2434.
E-Mail: info@assistivemedia.org. Web: www.assistivemedia.org.
Following one of those devastating computer malfunctions, commonly referred to as "crashes," it seems expedient to re-design our former ACBI Announce List. First, we've changed its name to ACBI E-News, The policy will be the same. Messages sent to your E-Mail address will only include relevant material and not in any great quantity. We respect your privacy and will not share our list with anyone else. The purpose of ACBI E-News is to keep you informed between issues of our newsletter, Focus. It will not be a discussion list.
You can subscribe simply by sending an E-Mail message to IndianaACB@aol.com. Show "ACBI E-News" in the subject. In the body of the message, please include the E-Mail address you wish us to use and your first and last names. That's all.
If you have been a subscriber in the past to the former Announce List, you will soon be receiving a test message. If you do not receive that test message from me, please re-subscribe. Many of the addresses were saved but we're afraid some were lost. We don't want it to be YOU!
If you have an E-Mail address and have not yet subscribed to the ACB Announce list, you may wish to do so. Not only will you receive timely special news items but each week you will receive a short, but informative, update from Executive Director Charlie Crawford on happenings in the ACB National Office. His "News Notes" are usually no more than 2 pages in length but provide a capsule-type news overview. To sign up, just send an E-Mail post to: majordomo@telepath.com. Show nothing in the subject. In the body, type: subscribe acb-announce and your first and last name.
To Open Soon
It is anticipated that by October 1, ACBers will be able to make purchases from the Greater Good electronic shoppping village on the ACB Website at: www.acb.org. This will benefit not only the web surfer but will also provide some revenue for ACB. Keep checking the website to learn more about the advantages of electronic shopping.
The National Braille Press (NBP) has released several publications designed to help make computer usage easier.
1) Word for Windows 95 Quick and Easy provides exercises that take beginners from starting the computer to creating documents in Word for Windows 95 (Word 7) and Word for Windows 98 (Word 8). The single braille volume is available for $22.99.
2) Windows 95 Explained, describes fundamental Windows 95 concepts from a nonvisual perspective. It lists Windows keyboard commands and provides a comprehensive glossary. The book is written specifically for blind users and the principles are applicable to most access technology. It is available in braille, on diskette, on cassette, and in large print at $18 per format. A special bonus pack of all four formats is available for $50.
3) For a "spacial perspective" of Windows 95, NBP offers Windows 95 Explained Tactile Diagrams, which complement the manual, describing the content and layout of various screens. The diagrams may be purchased separately for $15 or with the manual for $25.
4) Eudora Pro 4.0 Reference Card, a keyboard summary of the graphics-based e-mail software, is being offered in braille format for $5. For the same price, the Internet Explorer 3.02 Reference Card, which lists keyboard commands for Microsoft's Internet browser, can also be purchased. Produced in braille, the card was written by Dean Martineau for blind users.
To order any of these products or for more information, contact: National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA 02115. Tel: 800-548-7323 / 617-266-6160. Fax: 617-437-0456. Web: http://www.nbp.org.
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has posted its National Braille Literacy Mentor Project on its Website at http://www.afb.org/literacy/nblmp/. The packet includes factsheets and resource lists. It was originally designed for the January observance of braille literacy, but the materials can be used all year long. For more information write: National Literacy Program, American Foundation for the Blind, 100 Peachtree St., Suite 620, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Parents of children with special needs will find an abundance of information and support at http://www.specialchild.com. It is highly recommended "viewing" for both parents and professionals.
In its ever growing outreach, Vision World Wide, Inc. has established an Internet communication link, "Vision E-News". There is no charge. It is FREE.
It is not a "discussion list" but simply a means of providing relevant information between the issues of its journal, Vision Enhancement. You will not be bombarded with irrelevant and/or numerous mailings.
To avail yourself of this opportunity to keep informed, send your E-Mail address now to info@visionww.org. Just show in the subject of your post "Vision E-News." In the body of your post, just show your complete E-Mail address and first and last name. Nothing more is needed.
The television and movie programming of the Tulsa-based Narrative Television Network, made accessible for blind and visually impaired people, is now available world-wide on the Internet at its Website - http://www.narrativetv.com. The programming is available free-of-charge, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, and users can enjoy the programs on-demand. This will enable blind and visually impaired people to experience NTN's narrated programming day or night, at their convenience. Titles include:
• The Big Lift• Catherine the Great
• Charade
• Cheers for Miss Bishop
• Cyrano De Bergerac
• Delightfully Dangerous
• Divorce of Lady X
• Go For Broke
• The Inspector General
• The Last of the Mohicans
• Life With Father
• Margin For Error
• My Man Godfrey
• Nicholas Nickleby
• Of Human Bondage
• The Paris Express
• The Perils of Pauline
• Private Buckaroo
• Royal Wedding
• Sabotage
• Saraband for Dead Lovers
• The Scarlet Pimpernel
• Cherokee Holmes & The Secret Weapon
• The Snows of Kilimanjaro
• A Star is Born
• The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
• Terror By Night
• The Third Man
• Till The Clouds Roll By
The Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network has made television, movies, and live Broadway productions accessible to blind and visually impaired people since 1988 by adding the voice of a narrator to existing programming soundtracks. In addition to the Internet, NTN offers their programming via broadcast, cable, and satellite, and includes over 1,200 affiliates across North America.
Jim Stovall, president of NTN, said, "Since the blind and visually impaired population currently utilizes computers at or above the national average via screen readers, we are excited that this new technology will serve the 13 million blind and visually impaired Americans, as well as millions more around the world. We are grateful to our programmers, our partners, and the U.S. Department of Education for helping to make NTN's programming possible."
Over the past decade NTN has opened the world of entertainment to blind and visually impaired people by narrating hundreds of hours of movies, television shows, live Broadway productions, and museum tours.
For more information contact NTN, 5840 South Memorial Drive - Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082. Ph: 800-801-8184 / 918-627-1000. E-mail: info@narrativetv.com. Web: www.narrativetv.com.
The brightest dogs include 1) Scottish border collie; 2) Poodle; and 3) Golden retriever. The Afahan hound is considered the least brightest of all dogs.
Catfish have over 27,000 taste buds.
Cats, camels and giraffes are the only animals in the world that walk right foot, right foot , left foot, left foot rather than right foot, left foot.
SPAM was created by Hormel in 1937.
Coca-Cola was originally green.
Peppermint was the flavor of the first Life Saver candy introduced in 1912.
The seven rays atop the Statue of Liberty's head represents the seven seas and the seven continents.
A pair of dice has 42 dots.
Alaska is the state with the highest percentage of people who walk to work.
China has more English speakers than the United States.
Top 5 Richest Men in the World:
Bill Gates U.S. $90 Billion
Warren Buffett - U.S. $36 Billion
Sultan of Brunei, Brunei $30 Billion
King Fahd - Saudi Arabia $28 Billion
The U.S. Postal Service recycles undeliverable mail into pencils? Each pencil made from the mail contains up to 25 percent of recycled contents.
The piece of their mind some people give you makes you wonder if they have any left.
The businessman dragged himself home and barely made it to his chair before he dropped exhausted. His sympathetic wife was right there with a refreshing drink and a comforting word. "My you look tired. You must have had a hard day today. What happened to make you so exhausted?
"It was terrible" her husband replied. "The computer broke down and we all had to do our own thinking."
One of life's mysteries is how a two-pound box of candy can make a person gain five pounds.
Have you ever wondered why builders are afraid to have a 13th floor but book publishers aren't afraid to have a Chapter 11?
Drawing upon my fine command of language, I said nothing.
Don't be mad at your government. They haven't done anything.
Friends may come and go but enemies
accumulate.
1998-1999
President: Donald Koors
5885 North Central
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Tel: 317-251-2562 (H)
800-545-7763 Ext. 1352 or
317-232-1352 (W)
Fax: 317-232-6478 (W)
E-Mail:
dkoors@fssa.state.in.us
Vice-President: Dolly Sowder
205 Hawthorne Drive
Bedford, IN 47421
Tel: 812-279-1669
E-Mail: sowder@kiva.com
Secretary: Gerry Koors
5885 North Central
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Tel: 317-251-2562
Treasurer: Maurice Brockman
3806 Pepperchase
Bloomington, IN 47401
Tel: 812-334-8141
Immediate Past President: Josephine
Price
222 South Downey - #407
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Tel: 317-359-9778
Directors
Harry "Benny" Demaree
1802 Circle Drive
Bedford, IN 47421
Tel: 812-275-3296
Ardis Dobson
5769 N. Keystone Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Tel: 317-255-7274 (H)
or
317-232-1513 (W)
Earlene Hughes
4277 Sunburst Trail - #703
Lafayette, IN 47905-4582
E-Mail: hughese@mail.gte.net
Donald Osburn
2041 Windsor Parkway - #D
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Tel: 317-780-8649
Pat (Patricia) Price
5707 Brockton Drive - #302
Indianapolis, IN 46220-5481
Tel: 317-254-1185
Fax: 317-251-6588
E-Mail: IndianaACB@aol.com
Byron K. Smith
4300 Morningside Drive
Bloomington, IN 47406
Tel: 812-330-5400
E-Mail: byron@indiana.edu
Michael Sowder
205 Hawthorne Drive
Bedford, IN 47421
Tel: 812-279-1669
E-Mail: sowder@kiva.com
Dr. William Trubey
1414 West Lancaster Street
Bluffton, IN 46714
Tel: 219-824-0234
E-Mail: trbey@uptamail.com
Chapter Representatives
Bloomington:
Jeffrey R. Busch
1349 Basswood Circle
Bloomington, IN 47403
Tel: 812-336-1447
E-Mail: jebusch@indiana.edu
Circle City:
Gerry Koors (See Above)
North Central:
Ronald Ray
1140 Prairie Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
Tel: 219-293-8778
Fax: 219-294-8329
South Central:
Harry "Benny" Demaree (See
Above)
West Central:
Earlene Hughes (See Above)
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Last Updated December 13, 1999