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ACBI State & Chapter News:
Presidents Message by Dolly Sowder
Meet ACBI's New Leaders
Overview of A.C.B.I. 2003 Annual Meeting by John Huffman
Chapter Reports:Lakota Chapter by Sue L'Esperance
North Central by Sandy Lingofelter
South Central by Ada Bailey
Variety As A Spice of Life by Gerry Koors
Circle City's Summer Event by John Huffman
Names in the News:
Two More Accolades for Don Koors
Sagamore of the Wabash Legend
Steve Campagnoli, O.D. Receives 2003 Hank Hofstetter Award
Pat Price Receives National Media Award
General News:
DVS Survey
ACBI's Fund Raising Program
SSD Sponsors Winning Summer Program
Two New Online Resources On Medicaid
Self-Advocacy Training for Seniors
Free Online Course for Parents
Sclera Lens Helps Those With Damaged Corneas
Community Spirit: Focus of Indiana Conference for People with Disabilities
Facts About Expired or Damaged Medications
Flower Power or Chicken Feed for Your Eyes
New Discussion List for Diabetics
BANA Launches BANA-Announce List
New / Renewal Membership Application
President: Dolly Sowder, 205 Hawthorne Drive,
Bedford, IN 47421
812-279-1669 sowder@kiva.net
Treasurer: Don Koors, 5885 No. Central, Indianapolis, IN 46220-2509. 317-251-2562 donkoors@aol.com
Editor & Webmaster: Pat Price 317-254-1185 pprice@indy.rr.com
ACBI Website: www.acb.org/indiana/
Presidents Message by Dolly Sowder
My term as ACBI President will end January 2004. Congratulations to Gerry Koors, John Huffman, Edie Huffman, Earlene Hughes, Sue L'Esperance, Jeff Busch and Rebecca Hodson as they begin in their new positions on the ACBI board. Congratulations also to Don Koors on his re-election as treasurer.
Success is achieved by working together. By combining our energies, enthusiasm, power, strength and ideas we are able to serve our communities. The past 4 years for me have been challenging and rewarding. In 2001 the vehicle donation program began. Along with being a fundraiser, it gives visibility to the name of American Council of the Blind of Indiana. May 1, 2003 the Lakota chapter of ACBI began in Columbia City. Sue L'Esperance, chapter president and members are a great inspiration to many. They are filled with ideas and have the energy to help the chapter grow.
I thank the board of directors, Focus editor and Webmaster Pat Price, volunteers and all the members who have worked to make ACBI the best organization of the blind and visually impaired.
In deepest appreciation and love to all.
God Bless the American Council of the Blind and God Bless America.
At the recent annual membership meeting, new leaders were elected to guide our organization in the coming years. As you read the brief biographical sketch of our new leaders, you will be impressed with the significant talents and skills they possess and the achievements they have attained. ACBI will certainly be in good hands as they work together with the remaining officers and directors.
Gerry Koors: President
Gerry is no stranger to most of us. She has served ACBI and other organizations in many leadership roles for many years.
Following graduation from the Indiana School for the Blind, she received a B.S. degree in Sociology from Purdue University. She has held several positions in the Circle City Chapter and has been a long-time member of the ACBI Board, both as Secretary and Vice-President. For 25 years, she has been self-employed running a day care center in her home.
Music has been an important part of Gerry's life. During her four years at Purdue, she sang in the University Choir. She sings in her church choir and leads the congregational singing. For many years, she has been providing musical entertainment and enrichment at two retirement communities.
In addition to music, Gerry is an avid braille reader and enjoys listening to basketball and football games. She is a water arobics instructor and has conducted classes at the ACB National Conventions for several years
Gerry and her husband, Don, live in Indianapolis. They are the proud parents of 7 children and 4 grandchildren.
Jeffrey R. Busch, Director (3-year term)
Jeff, a resident of Bloomington, Indiana, has distinguished himself academically and in community service. He received his B.S. degree in Applied Health Science, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Sociology at Indiana University. He has had much experience as an assistive technology assistant at the I.U. Adaptive Technology Center, as a student representative of the I. U. Search and Screen Committee for the Director of the Office of Disabled Students, advisory member of the Bloomington Council on Transportation, and Research Assistant at Adoption Research.
He is no stranger to ACBI. He was a co-founder of the ACBI Bloomington Chapter where he held several leadership positions including serving as the Chapter President.
He is currently a member of the national academic Mortar Board Honor Society, the national academic Golden Key Honor Society, and the home economics, interior design, and family studies Alpha Omicron Nu. Among other achievements, Jeff received a 3-year Crane scholarship that is awarded to Applied Health Science students who have special needs and academic promise.
Jeff is skilled in the use of all adaptive technology for the visually impaired and is an accomplished braille and computer user.
Rebecca Hodson: Director (2-year term)
Rebecca, of West Lafayette, Indiana, is the youngest board member but already has amassed a tremendous list of outstanding credientials that demonstrate an abundance of leadership skills.
She graduated from the Indiana School for the Blind as valedictorian of the Class of 2000. She is currently a senior at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana with a dual major in music and communications. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue a job in the field of public relations.
Throughout her college career, she has been an active member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Delta Gamma sorority, Mu Phi Upsilon (music honorary); and has held executive positions with Student Organized Drinking Alternatives (S.O.D.A), Lambda Pi Eta (communications honorary), and Purdue Advocates for Disability Issues. During the 2003/04 academic year, Rebecca was selected to serve as a mentor for first year students at DePauw. This summer, Rebecca worked as an intern with the ACB national office in Washington, D.C.
In addition to her recent appointment to the ACBI Board of Directors, Rebecca is currently serving as the Vice-president of the National Alliance of Blind Students (NABS).
In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys socializing with friends, both listening to and playing music, reading, and traveling all over the country with her dog guide Harris, a 3-year old male yellow lab from Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California.
Earlene Hughes: Director (3-year term)
Earlene, a resident of Lafayette, Indiana, received her B.S. degree in Industrial Management from Purdue University and her MBA in Delaware from Wilmington College.
Following graduation, she was employed as a Computer Programmer at Purdue University. She then moved to Delaware to accept a position as a Systems Analyst for the Delmarva Power & Light in Wilmington. Since her return to Indiana many years later, she has been self-employed as a Computer Consultant for Purdue University, the Indiana Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and numerous private clients.
Earlene is well known in national ACB circles as she currently serves as its Webmaster, Secretary of BITS (Blind Information Technology Specialists - formerly VIDPI), a board member of LUA (library Users of America), and a member of the ACB Constitution & Bylaws Committee.
Earlene admits she is a serious sports fan who follows Purdue Basketball and Football, the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and the Indianapolis Colts.
Susan L'Esperance: Director (3-year term)
Sue, a current resident of Columbia City, Indiana, brings numerous organizational skills to her newly elected position. She received a B.A. degree in Psychology from Purdue University. She serves as Site Manager of the North Ridge Apartments. During her residency in Oregon, Sue served as Human Service Specialist, Senior & Disability Services, Grants Pass, Oregon; and Human Service Specialist, Disability Service Office, Medford, Oregon. She now serves as Public Assistance Caseworker, Family & Children Services and as an Accounting Clerk at Lincoln National Life Insurance Company in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
She has been involved in numerous training seminars and workshops targeting such topics as domestic violence, creative case management, alcohol / substance abuse, cultural diversity, T.E.A.M. Conference, ADA training and the "Who's Handicapped" Series for PBS. She is an Associate of Applied Science, Mental Health Technology, at Purdue University in Fort Wayne.
Her many volunteer activities include the AARP Tax Aide Program, Counselor of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP), President of the Lakota Chapter, Past President of the Rogue Valley Chapter of Oregon, and the Three Rivers Community Hospital Auxiliary, and the Josephine County Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
Sue is legally blind due to optic nerve atrophy. She now has progressive macular degeneration which is reducing more of her central vision. When necessary, she uses a cane for travel.
We will provide similar information about other officers and board members in future issues.
Overview of A.C.B.I. 2003 Annual Meeting by John Huffman
ACB of Indiana held its 32nd annual convention at the Ramada Inn & Conference Center in Goshen on September 12-13, 2003. This year's theme was: "Catch Real Vision with ACBI."
New officers elected for the 2004-05 biennium are: President, Gerry Koors, Indianapolis; Vice-President, John Huffman, Indianapolis; Secretary, Edie Huffman, Indianapolis; Treasurer, Don Koors, Indianapolis. New members of the Board of Directors, elected for 3-year terms are: Jeff Busch, Bloomington; Earlene Hughes, Lafayette; Sue L'Esperance, Columbia City. Rebecca Hodson of Greencastle was elected for a 2-year term.
A high point of the convention came when President Dolly Sowder presented to Sue L'Esperance the charter to recognize ACBI's new Lakota Chapter. The new chapter was approved for affiliation at the April Board of Directors' meeting and draws its members from several counties in northeastern Indiana.
ACBI's Hank Hofstetter award is presented to a sighted person for contributions benefiting Indiana's blind and visually-impaired community. This year's award was presented to optometrist, Dr. Steve Campagnoli, a former student of Dr. Hofstetter at Indiana University and well-known provider of low vision services in the Elkhart area.
Friday evening's session featured a presentation from ACB's Second Vice President, M.J. Schmitt of Forest Park, Illinois, concerning challenges faced by the blind community. Ms. Smitt was then joined by ACBI members Paul Filpus, Don Koors and John Huffman for a panel discussion on challenges they have had to face and overcome in the world of work.
Saturday presentations included Dawn Turco on adult education programs of the Hadley School; Dr. Philip Gabriele, ophthalmologist, on treating diseases of the eye; and ACB Second Vice President, M.J. Schmitt, on expanding and improving services for the blind and visually-impaired.
The exhibits hall is always a big attraction at ACBI conventions, and 2003 carried on this fine tradition. Exhibitors represented were GW Micro, producers of the WindowEyes screen access program; the Hadley School; Circle City Resource Center of Indianapolis; the Indiana State Library's Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; IVS of Louisville, Kentucky, manufacturer of products to make voting accessible to blind persons without sighted assistance; Vision Aids; FTP Associates; En-Vision bar-code reader; Magnifiers by Tom Phillips; North Central Chapter of ACBI; and Sensability Aids.
Plans are already underway for next year's convention in Evansville. Future issues of "Focus", ACBI E-News, and the ACBI website will provide details as they become available.
Lakota Chapter News
by Sue L'Esperance
On May 1, 2003 the Lakota Chapter held its first meeting at the Whitley County Senior Center in Columbia City with seven persons attending, six of whom joined. Prior to this time, there had been no support or advocacy groups for the blind located in Whitley County. Services for persons who are blind were provided on a somewhat limited basis to individuals through The League for the Blind and Disabled and Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Allen County, about twenty miles away. The closest ACBI chapter is in Elkhart.
The Lakota Chapter of ACBI was created for residents of Whitley County and the surrounding area who are either blind or sighted and share an interest in the objectives of the chapter. The name "Lakota" is the Native American word for "friend" or "ally". A couple of our objectives are to increase awareness and decrease the stigmas attached to blindness in this community, and to identify, study, promote and develop social, economic, and educational opportunities for persons who are blind. We do not want to just point out obstacles in our community, but to find solutions, which will result in a betterment of the entire community.
Currently, the Lakota Chapter has 11 members. Our meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM at the Senior Center in Columbia City. Meetings include a guest speaker or special program followed by the business meeting. In July, Linda Scribner, independent living specialist from League for the Blind and Disabled in Fort Wayne, was our guest speaker and told of many of the services offered by the League for the Blind and Disabled including O & M training, peer counseling groups, instruction on independent living skills, adaptive equipment loaned on temporary basis, ADA advocacy, and more. She brought many low vision aids as hands-on demonstration to the group. In August, Dave McAllister, Orientation and Mobility Instructor from the League for the Blind and Disabled, spoke on gaining independence and confidence to go places locally, to travel, how to set goals and achieve them. He also discussed various eye disorders and the associated safety issues. Marcia Gevers, itinerant rehabilitation teacher, was our guest speaker in September. She talked about various services provided in her ten county region in northeast Indiana. She also brought several alternative lighting devices and bulbs which she explained as being less harmful to the eyes than fluorescent lights which are used so prevalently in our society. Jan Robson, diabetes educator at Parkview-Whitley Hospital will be our guest speaker in October. Shannon Gangwer, local business owner, will be providing information on audio taping services at the November meeting. Plans are underway for a Christmas potluck and gift exchange for the December meeting.
As we are still waiting approval of not-for-profit status by the State of Indiana, we have not yet held any fundraising events although several ideas are under consideration.
Volunteers are a vital part of our chapter and many are still needed. I would like to thank the Whitley County Council on Aging for allowing us to meet at their Senior Center at no cost, as well as announcing our meetings in their monthly senior newsletter. Also a big thanks goes to the staff and volunteers at The League for the Blind and Disabled for copying our brochure and putting our newsletter on audio tape for members desiring that format. The Post and Mail, local newspaper, published a front-page feature article on the chapter at end of July and keep us on the Community Events calendar. We appreciate the media coverage they are giving us!
Any person, blind or sighted, is welcome to become a member of the Lakota Chapter ACBI. For more information, please contact:
Sue L'Esperance, President
Lakota Chapter ACBI
113 Park Terrace Blvd.
Columbia City, IN 46725
Phone: (260) 248-9692
E-Mail: angel519@maplenet.net
North Central
News
by Sandy Lingofelter
The North Central Chapter has had a variety of programs that its members have enjoyed. :
Two successful events in June - our yard sale and our special planning session. At the latter, we developed future programs and activities that would meet the needs of our current members and also attract new members
In July we met at Peddler's restaurant in Goshen and enjoyed good food and fellowship.
The September meeting featured guest speaker Sherrie Oman, She told about her experience teaching economics to children, ages kindergarten to high school, in China. Later in the month, our traditional annual hot dog roast was fun and well attended.
We have invited Tracy Porter of the Elkhart Human Relations Department to speak at our October meeting.
In November, Karen Frey of the Elkhart City Park and Recreation Department will be our speaker.
We will conclude our 2003 program with a Christmas party in December.
If you reside in our area, you are invited to join us. Just contact:
Sandy Lingofelter, President
210 Vistula St - Box 142
Bristol, IN 46507
Tel: 574-848-4010
E-Mail: sanken3@juno.com
South Central
News
by Ada Bailey
South Central Association of the Visually Impaired is planning White Cane Awareness Day October 10 and 11. We will be at several locations passing out information on vision loss and our support group.
The Visteon plant was celebrating their 25 year anniversary and we were invited to set up a table along with other health related groups. We were able to pass out information regarding loss of vision.
Our store is doing well. Locator dots, 20-20 pens and some talking items are the biggest sellers. We are not in it to make a profit, only to be a service.
Our attendance has been growing through our PSAs on radio and in newspapers.
Convention in Goshen, Indiana was enjoyed by those who attended. The programs and the welcome bags of goodies, door prizes and game prizes were wonderful. We would encourage more to attend next year.
We invite anyone living in the Bedford area to join us. For information regarding places and times of our meetings, contact:
Ada Bailey, President
2400 Ramsey Ridge
Heltonville, IN 47436
Tel: 812-834-6419
Variety As A Spice Of
Life
by Gerry Koors
Circle City Chapter of ACBI had a year of interesting speakers ranging from having none to programs of information, travel and of course a delightful Christmas party. It was held at the home of Don and Gerry Koors. In October we heard from Julia Vaughn, chairperson of the "Count Us In," program concerning voting and accessible voting places for the blind and visually impaired. After the first of the year, we learned about the new and more accessible State Museum from Debbie Specht, director of volunteers. We planned to visit the museum as part of our summer get together. (See John Huffman's overview of our visit below.) Cheryl Sparks' annual travelogue was about their trip to South Africa. Four speakers from the Mayor's Advisory Council for People with Disabilities, all volunteer, talked to us about the different areas in which each of them works. Some of the areas discussed were: buildings being accessible, transportation and public works dealing with curb cuts, sidewalks etc. Our last meeting of the season dealt with water aerobic exercise. Gerry Koors talked about the positive
Circle City
Chapter Hosts Summer Activity
by John Huffman
Saturday, June 7th, was a near perfect summer day, even for an indoor activity. That day, twenty members and friends of ACBI's Circle City Chapter met at the new Indiana State Museum in downtown Indianapolis for our annual summer get-together. The centerpiece of the day's event was a self-guided tour of the museum. Those wanting to do so got the chance to try out the museum's new AcoustiGuide system, which provides audible information about the museum and individual exhibits, and there were plenty of artefacts available for members to experience tactually. In return for the museum's gracious hosting of the event, the chapter is actively gathering feedback for museum staff to make the exhibits even more accessible to blind and visually-impaired visitors.
Before the tour, we treated ourselves to an outstanding picnic of fried chicken and other delicious fare. But we believe this get-together will go down in history for an even bigger reason. Between lunch and tour, we held a short business meeting and voted to change the time and location of future chapter meetings. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 20th, chapter meetings will move to the third Saturday of the month. We'll convene at the "Gold Building," a well-known downtown Indianapolis landmark at 151 North Delaware. We're excited about the change! We think it will lead to higher attendance more participation, and a stronger chapter in every way!
For more information, you are urged to contact any of the following people:
Don & Gerry Koors
5885 North Central Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Tel: 317-251-2562, or
E-Mail: gerrykoors@aol.com
E-Mail: donkoors@aol.com
John Huffman, President
9110 Electric Court
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Tel: 317-228-0496
E-Mail: j.huffman@verizon.net
Two More Accolades for Don Koors
If you were watching Channel 6 June 2, 2003, you would have heard the reporter say "Man Creates Opportunity For Visually Impaired" and she was referring to our own Don Koors who had received the RTV6 Leadership Award reported in the last issue of this newsletter. She then commented on ways Don, although legally blind himself from congenital cataracts, strives to help create opportunities for others with blindness or limited sight. She then quoted Don as saying:
"I think the most important thing is, can you make a difference for yourself and other people? That's the key. It would be my hope that people would stop and take a look and say, 'You know, those are people just the same as I am and they have the same kind of desires and wishes as I do, and that's to be successful and have a full life,".
The TV camera focused on Don and Gerry as they walked through the Bosma Industries where most of the employees are blind or are visually impaired. Don volunteers his time there as a board member.
As exciting as this was, the best was yet to come.
On the day of his retirement from employment with the State of Indiana, Don was hailed as a Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor the State of Indiana can bestow on its citizens. The legend is printed below.
The entire ACBI family sends a resounding "Hail Chief" to Don for all his accomplishments on behalf of others.
The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Governor Ralph Gates who served from 1945 to 1949. Then Governor Gates was to attend a tri-state meeting with officials from the states of Ohio and Kentucky in Louisville. Aides to the governor discovered that the governor of Kentucky was preparing Kentucky Colonel certificates for Governor Gates and Senator Robert A. Taft, who was to represent the state of Ohio. The Hoosiers decided that Indiana should have an appropriate award to present in return.
The term "sagamore" was used by the American Indiana Tribes of the northeastern United States to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice.
Each governor since Gates has presented the certificates in their own way. It has been said that one governor even resorted to wearing full Indian headdress as he read thescrolls. The award is the highest honor which the Governor of Indiana bestows. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor. Among those who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to our Hoosier heritage.
It should be noted that Sagamores have been conferred upon both men and women since the beginning of their existence. There is no record of the total number which have been presented, as each governor has kept his own roll; just as each has reserved the right to personally select the recipients.
The scroll reads:
"State of Indiana….Council of the Sagamores of the Wabash
"Frank O'Bannon, Governor of the State of Indiana
"Known all men by these presents:
"WHEREAS, the greatness of the Sons of Indiana derives, in part, from qualities possessed by the noble chieftains of the Indiana tribes which once roamed its domain; and
"WHEREAS, it has been the immemorial custom of the State of Indiana to attract to its support those who have exhibited such qualities; and
"WHEREAS, there has endeared himself to the Citizens of Indiana one _Donald J. Koors distinguished by his Humanity in Living, his Loyalty in Friendship, his Wisdom in Council, and his Inspiration in Leadership:
"NOW, THEREFORE, recognizing his greatness and desiring to avail myself of his counsel, I do hereby appoint him a chieftain upon my staff with the rank and title of SAGAMORE OF THE WABASH
"Witness my hand and the Seal of the COUNCIL OF THE SAGAMORES, at Indianapolis, Indiana this sixth day of June in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Three.
Signed
FRANK O'BANNON,
Governor of the State of Indiana."
Steve Campagnoli, O.D. Receives 2003 Hank Hofstetter Award
This year's Hank Hofstetter's Award was presented to optometrist Dr. Steve Campagnoli of Elkhart, Indiana who has distinguished himself for many years in the field of low vision. He attended Indiana University on a football scholarship and was a student during Dr. Hofstetter's tenure as Dean at the University.
Following graduation he planned to join the Navy but decided to accept an invitation to join the optometry practice in Elkhart with Dr. Tom Artley. Early in his professional career, he became involved in the Low Vision Clinic at ADEC. This association influenced him greatly and he has always made low vision optometry a major part of his practice.
Dr. Campagnoli is a long time member of the American Optometric Association. Along with golf, music is also an important part of his life. He has sung with the Bach Choir of Elkhart, the Elkhart Symphony Choir, and presently sings with the Vesper Chorale of South Bend.
Without a doubt, Dr. Campagnoli is a worthy recipient of the Hank Hofstetter Award that is presented to a sighted person who has made significant contributions to the blind and visually impaired community.
Pat Price Receives National Media Award
At the ACB annual convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the prestigious 2003 Vernon Henley National Media Memorial Award was presented to Pat Price for her lifelong endeavors to make a positive difference in the media - in radio, TV, magazines, daily newspapers and Cyberspace - which have resulted in changing public attitudes to recognize the capabilities of people who are blind.
When presenting the award, Charles S. P. Hodge, Chair of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) Board of Publications, cited the many ways in which.Pat has creatively and uniquely used her talents and journalistic skills to make a positive difference in the lives of those experiencing vision loss for the first time, as well as those who have been meeting the challenge of blindness for years. Mr. Hodge said, "Not only did she serve as a member of the ACB Board of Directors from 1981 to 1989 and as the ACB National Secretary from 1989 to 1995, she has also held numerous other national and international organizations in many leadership capacities. Tonight, however, she is being recognized for the role she has played in the media to present a positive image of people with visual impairment by emphasizing their capabilities and concerns rather than focusing on outdated stereotypes and misconceptions. "Through the use of her web site, the Internet, numerous publications in print, large print, audiocassettes, computer diskettes, CDs, Braille, and electronic formats," Mr. Hodge continued, "Pat has distributed information worldwide about programs, products, and services that are designed to motivate, encourage, and empower those with vision loss, including the totally blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted, to live meaningful and productive lives."
When accepting the award, Pat commented that since she has experienced perfect sight, deaf-blindness, total blindness for many years, and now severe hearing loss and low vision, she has learned first-hand that information provides hope and empowerment. For those reasons she has felt compelled to focus her attention on providing not only relevant and timely information on all aspects of life, but also providing it in all accessible formats.
She also said that because she knew Vernon Henley personally, receiving the award was most meaningful and significant because of the many ways his life had impacted her goals personally and professionally.
In closing, she said, "Thank you so much ACB for this great honor. Please know that by presenting this award to me you have given me yet another goal for which to strive, and for that I shall be forever grateful."
Editor's Note:
The Vernon Henley Memorial Award was established in 1988 to honor a sighted individual who created and first produced ACB Reports, a radio presentation distributed to radio reading services around the country. Mr. Henley, a resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma until his untimely and tragic death in a home fire, dedicated his life to encouraging and training visually impaired journalists.
D o you have Descriptive Video Service (DVS) in your area? If so, Dolly Sowder would like to know what programs you watch. Tell her by e-mail, sowder@kiva.net, or by phone at 812-279-1669.
Do you have vehicles, real estate, lots, boats, RV's, and more that you would like to donate to ACB of Indiana? In the case of vehicles, the company with whom ACBI has contracted has agreed to provide Free Pickup whether or not the item is running. ACBI derives a small commission from this program, so, if you have any of these items to donate, just call 800-929-8659.
SSD Sponsors Winning Summer
Program
(Reprinted with permission from "In Touch", Fall,
2003.)
Since 1972, the Indiana regional library has sponsored a state-wide summer reading program for children ages 5-13 who are eligible for the Talking Book Program.
During the 70's and 80's, when most students attended the Indiana School for the Blind, participation in the summer programs averaged between 100-110. As more students were included in the public schools, participation began to decline until only 80 children read during 2000-01.
In an effort to reach more students, especially those in public schools, Carole Rose, coordinator of children's services, contacted parents by phone to promote the program. Eighty-eight children read during the summer of 2002.
When the theme, "Readers Are Winners" was selected for 2003, we had no idea that it would be perfect for this year's record-setting program. From June 2-August 1, 120 participants read 749 braille, cassette, and large print books. Participation by students in the public schools rose from 40 in 2002 to 62 in 2003.
For the past four summers, participants have been encourage to select titles from a theme-related reading list. In 2003, a record 76 children used the list. Our list of sponsors this year was most impressive. Special thanks goes to our loyal, longtime sponsors-Wendy's Corporation for the food coupons, Indiana Parents of Blind Children and the Sight Loss Support Group of the Wabash Valley for financial contributions used to buy special awards. Although our theme did not focus specifically on winning in sports, we thought it might be fun to offer some sports-related prizes. We especially wish to thank the Indiana Pacers organization who, when contacted, graciously agreed to be a sponsor.
Each child who read and returned his/her first shipment of books received a colorful reading certificate, a Wendy's coupon, a trophy, and a set of "thunder sticks," donated by the Pacers. These inflatable plastic tubes, two to a set, make wonderful noise and were great entertainment for our staff.
The outstanding reader in each grade received either a Pacers bear or a Pacers basketball. Winners were:
Kindergarten: Joshua Pierce
First Grade: Christian Arnold
Second Grade: Tara Abella
Third Grade: Jordan Huff
Fourth Grade: Jason Moffit
Fifth Grade: Rochelle Schmitt
Sixth Grade: Brittany Young
Nongraded: Tiffany Cole
Ten runners-up won Pacers headbands, wristbands, or a small Pacers bear. Winners were: Josiah Perigo, Jodi Jones, Rachel Bussell, Tim Weaver, Erin Hanley, Mason Moton, Brittany Hoover, Samantha Weisenbach, Garrett Hamilton, and Chris Meyer.
A drawing for two grand prizes was also held. Second-grader Arial Bernard won Boomer, the Pacers Mascott. Sixth-grader Acacia Singer won a Pacers backpack.
A special thanks to those parents and teachers who contributed to the success of this program by encouraging your children to read. We appreciate your support.
Though we may be delighted with the success of 2003, we must keep in mind that 2004 is just around the corner. Plans are already underway for our next summer program.
Two New Online Resources On Medicaid
Medicaid serves more than 7 million people with disabilities in the United States and is the primary public source of funding for health and long-term services and supports for people with disabilities of all ages. Therefore, many will find the following two online sources of particular value.
1. The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) has launched a new website that gives basic to advanced information on Medicaid at http://www.aucd.org/aucd_medicaid.htm.
2. The Arc of the United States has developed a website that provides a 2-page fact sheet on Medicaid programs offered by each of 50 U.S. states and D.C. at http://www.thearc.org/medicaid/.
Self-Advocacy Training for Seniors
Self-Advocacy for Seniors. Currently more than 6.5 million Americans aged 55 or older are experiencing age-related vision loss. When older people lose their vision, they often also lose self-confidence and self-esteem. One of their most important needs in this situation is the ability to speak up for themselves, to express their needs or to question people such as physicians, government workers, or even their own adult children, whom they perceive as authority figures and are afraid of upsetting.
To teach these skills, AFB Press has published Self-Advocacy Training for Older Individuals Who Are Visually Impaired. Thisthree-part kit contains a no-nonsense guide for group leaders, an easy-to-use manual for older group participants, and a helpful booklet for family members. All three manuals are packaged in a three-ring binder, along with cassette and ASCII disk versions. They present a nonthreatening, nontechnical approach that teaches people to take care of themselves and builds self-confidence. Self-Advocacy Skills Training (ISBN 0-89128-868-6) costs $59.95. To order, phone 800-232-3044, visit www.afb.org and click on the Bookstore, or send e-mail to afborder@abdintl.com.
Free Online Course for Parents
Before entering college or university, every child should have a solid understanding of Windows, word processing, screen reading and access to the Internet.
ATI is pleased to be able to offer a free training course to parents of blind and visually-impaired middle school and high school aged children.
If your children are lacking in the areas described above, please consider applying for enrollment in this course. Not only will you gain an understanding of how your child accesses the world of technology but it will also provide you valuable knowledge that will allow you to guide your child's education in the future.
This training course is absolutely free of charge and will meet every two weeks for a two-hour training session. The class will meet in a live, voice-conference room on the ATI server. This course will meet every other Saturday from 12:30 - 2:30 PM (Pacific) from November 1, 2003 through April 24, 2004.
While there will be a syllabus that we will attempt to follow, this course will be more free-flowing than other structured classes as specific issues encountered by parents and students can be addressed as a sense of community forms. It is our goal to provide not just instruction but to also help parents overcome any obstacles they may encounter when working to facilitate their child's education.
Activate this link to view the course syllabus:
www.accesstechnologyinstitute.com/catalog/syllabi/parents.html
Included with this course will be:
Two hours of live voice-conference training, every two weeks.
Three free textbooks courtesy of ATI (An Immersion into Windows, An Immersion into Microsoft Word, An immersion into the Internet
Subscription to a mailing list for parents of blind and visually-impaired students
Ongoing support and services upon successful completion of the course
If you would like to participate in this free training course, please send an introductory email with
- your name
- mailing address
- email address
- names and ages of children for whom you are enrolling
- Any previous experience you may have with acquiring training for your children.
Send this email to parents@accesstechnologyinstitute.com You will be contacted to arrange an online pre-enrollment interview which will determine your ultimate enrollment in the course.
Space is limited so please contact ATI as soon as possible with your intentions to join this training course.
For more information, please visit: www.accesstechnologyinstitute.com/catalog/courses/parents.html or contact:
Cathy Anne Murtha, Online Access Technology Trainer
Access Technology Institute
cathy@accesstechnologyinstitute.com
916-922-3794
Sclera Lens Helps Those With Damaged Corneas
The Boston Sclera Lens, an innovative device developed several years ago by Dr. Perry Rosenthal, has been successful in restoring sight to individuals with damaged corneas. He fits approximately 200 people each year and has a 90% success rate.
Unlike a normal contact lens, which sits right on the cornea, this much bigger lens only touches the sturdy white of the eye known as the sclera. Each individual lens is custom made to precisely fit each damaged eye. Initially, the lens is extremely difficult to put into the eye but with practice the process becomes easier.
This lens is said to be the only contact lens device that creates a bandage of fluid over the cornea that protects it from exposure and even blinking. In short, it is providing the miracle of sight to the blind.
Unfortunately, it costs approximately $7,500 to make the lens. Although they are approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration), health insurance companies will not provide monetary coverage for the lens. Dr. Rosenthalis not discouraged but is volunteering his expertise and time to open clinics around the country to help thousands of people with corneal damage. He believes that sight should not be a gift. It is a birthright.
Community Spirit: Focus of Indiana Conference for People with Disabilities
The 2003 Indiana Conference for People with Disabilities will challenge participants to catch the community spirit. On December 2-3, 2003 policy-makers, business owners, artists, advocates and people with disabilities will gather at the Westin hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
The Conference will feature workshops on topics such as political strategies, housing, self-employment, the Help America Vote Act, faith-based initiatives, inclusive education, positive behavioral support, creating inclusive communities, and more.
Attendees will view exhibits, register for door prizes, test accessible voting machines and attend a 1950s-themed reception.
Tuesdays keynote speaker is Marca Bristo, president and CEO of Access Living and former chairperson of the National Council on Disability. Tuesdays luncheon will feature Alana Yvonne Wallace, founder and artistic director of Dance Detour, Chicago's first professional mixed-abilities dance company.
Rachel Simon, professor and author of "Riding the Bus With My Sister: A True Life Journey," will speak during Wednesdays luncheon about her sister who has a intellectual disability and their relationship.
Leading disability rights attorney Steve Gold, J.D., and policy analyst Mary Kay Rizzolo will present a dual plenary session on housing and the State of the State of People with Developmental Disabilities.
The registration deadline is Nov. 17. Registration is discounted for non-professional people with disabilities and families. People on SSDI, SSI, or TANF can apply for scholarship assistance. Anyone who receives the Councils On Target Newsletter will soon automatically receive a registration form. Others can download the form from the Councils website at: www.in.gov/gpcpd/ or contact the Council office for a print copy at 317-232-7770 or GPCPD@gpcpd.org. or download conference information and a registration form from their website.
Facts About Expired or Damaged Medications
Expired Medications:
Do not save medications past the intended prescribed therapy.
Damaged or Unusable Medications
State and Local Health Departments: www.apha.org/public_health/state.htm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) www.epa.gov/epahome/whereyoulive.htm#regiontext
Flower Power or Chicken Feed for Your Eyes
Professor Steve Leeson, who teaches poultry nutrition at the University of Guelph in southern Ontario, Canada, is introducing increased amounts of lutein, a pigment found naturally in marigold, to chicken feed in the hopes of increasing its content in eggs that will eventually ward off vision ailments in humans. He said the pigment which is found in lower levels in corn, gives egg yolk its bright color but can also help prevent eye disorders such as cataracts and macular degeneration. (Lutein is part of the pigment being used in chicken feed to control the color of the yolk.) While still in the testing period, it is thought that between four and five milligrams per egg should work well in comparison to today's average daily intake of lutein, which is half a milligram. Lutein is believed to help filter out blue light, a major contributor to macular degeneration, or may act as an anti-oxidant to keep fats in the eye from going rancid, which can cause cells to die.
This type of research is not new to Professor Leeson who helped create Omega-3 eggs which hit grocery shelves in 1996 and were heralded as healthier than other brands as they contained heart-healthy compounds resulting from flaxseed placed in the feed given to chickens.
After reading a few articles on lutein and eye development and pursuing personal discussions with his optometrist, he conceived the idea of enhancing eggs even further.
Between 50 and 60 chickens at the Arkell research station are involved in the project, which is still in the preliminary stages. Researchers are still trying to determine the transfer rate of the lutein from the time it goes into the feed and comes out in the egg and how much to feed the chickens. Researchers are carefully monitoring the welfare of the animals. To date, however, there have been no adverse effects to the chickens from increasing the lutein but the egg yolks with the added lutein turn out to be a richer, darker color, which is more orange than yellow.
If the test proves to be successful, consumers can expect to pay slightly more for these eggs than for traditional brands as pure lutein, often harvested from large marigold fields in Peru, is expensive at about $10 per gram.
New Discussion List for Diabetics
To provide an opportunity for those with diabetes or family members to interact with others, Steve Heesen of Bellevue, Washington will moderate a new e-mail list established by the American Council of the Blind. Mr. Heesen, diagnosed with diabetes in 2001, currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Washington Council of the Blind and is also a member of the United Blind of Seattle. He works at the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind as a Computer Instructor and in braille production. He is also president of the Once Upon A Time Toastmasters club at the Lighthouse. He is a 1996 graduate of the Wisconsin School for the Blind.
Those wishing to share concerns of diabetes are invited to join the list by sending a blank e-mail post to:
acb-diabetics-subscribe@acb.org
You will be requested to return a validation message and you will then become a list member.
BANA Launches BANA-Announce List
The Braille Authority of North America invites those persons interested in the activities of BANA to subscribe to BANA-Announce, a one-way list to facilitate the dissemination of official BANA information - summaries of meetings and other BANA activities, new publications, clarification on inquiries to the BANA technical committees, announcements about code changes, and general information to promote braille, its use and production.
To join this listserv, send a blank email message to
bana-announce-subscribe@brailleauthority.org
If more information is required, contact: Mary Archer, Tel: 651-642-0852, E-MAIL: marcher@ssb.state.mn.us.
Newly Elected ACBI Board of Directors
OFFICERS
President: Gerry Koors -
317-251-2562 -
gerrykoors@aol.com
Vice-President: John Huffman - 317-228-0496 - j.huffman@verizon.net
Secretary: Edie Huffman -
317-228-0496 - johnediehuffman@hotmail.com
Treasurer: Don Koors - 317-251-2562 - donkoors@aol.com
Immediate Past President: Dolly Sowder - 812-279-1669 - sowder@kiva.net
DIRECTORS
Maurice Brockman -
812-334-8141
brockman@bloomington.in.us
Jeff Busch - 812-336-1447 - jebusch@indiana.edu
Anne Elliott - aelliott@ameritech.net
Rebecca Hodson - sightless17@hotmail.com
Earlene Hughes - 765-477-1662 - earlene.hughes7@verizon.net
Sue L'Esperance - 260-248-9692 - angel519@maplenet.net
Don Osburn - 317-780-8649
Josephine Price - 317-259-9778
Julie Wetzel - 812-825-7761 - Julie.Wetzel@ssa.gov
CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES
Circle City: - John Huffman (See Above)
Lakota: - Sue L'Esperance (See Above)
North Central: Sandy Lingofelter - 574-848-4010 - sanken3@juno.com
South Central: Ada Bailey - 812-834-6419
Persons interested in becoming a member of this forward-looking and democratic organization need only to send their check for $7, along with the following information:
Name__________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: _________________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________________________
E-Mail Address: ________________________________________
Occupation: ___________________________________________
Newsletter Format Preference:
____ Large Print,
____ Audiocassette
____ Computer Disk
____ E-Mail
Mail To:
Donald Koors, Treasurer
5885 North Central
Indianapolis, IN 46220-2509
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