The American Council of the Blind
of Indiana (ACBI)

 

NEWS IN & OUTSIDE iNDIANA

 

Invitation to Legislative Meeting April 1, 2004

State Senator Gary "Doc" Dillon will be the guest speaker at the Lakota Chapter meeting on April 1, 2004 at 10:00 AM at the Whitley County Senior Center, 603 W. Van Buren Street, Columbia City, IN 46725. While he indicated he was not aware of current legislation affecting disability issues, he has expressed a willingness to listen to attendees concerns.

Sue L'Esperance, Lakota Chapter President, extends a cordial invitation to all ACBI members and friends interested in legislation to attend the meeting. The Lakota members would love to have a good turnout for this meeting!

In the event you cannot attend but you have some specific state issues which you would like addressed, please send them to:

Sue L'Esperance, Lakota Chapter President
113 Park Terrace Boulevard
Columbia City, IN 46725
260-248-9692
angel519@maplenet.net

 

Victor Reader Vibe: First Mainstream DAISY Player in the World

At the CSUN Conference on Technology and Persons with Disabilities in March 2003, VisuAide lived up to its corporate slogan "Driving the Digital Talking Book Revolution" by announcing Victor Reader Vibe, the latest Digital Talking Book Player in its growing product line of DAISY playback devices. Victor Reader Vibe is one of the smallest and most affordable DAISY player in the industry but offers full navigation and advanced features found in the most powerful DAISY players at a fraction of the price.

The Victor Reader Vibe is a portable CD player designed for students and professionals that is well suited for both the visually impaired and print disabled. Users can navigate faster and more efficiently through reference works and complex textbooks. In addition to basic navigation features, it lets the user skip straight to a specific page, insert bookmarks to return to a specific section or mark important passages. Its compact size and rechargeable batteries makes it easy to take and use anywhere.

The Victor Reader Vibe can play regular Audio and MP3 CDs. The player includes earphones, a power adapter, a carrying case and rechargeable batteries that can be recharged directly in the unit. Its tactile markings and controls are grouped in easy recognizable zones make it exceptionally accessible.

Price: $219 USD; $329 CND. These prices are for North America only.

Contact: VisuAide. E-Mail: info@visuaide.com. Web: www.visuaide.com.

Telex Scholar Talking Book Player

Telex Communications has introduced a new digital talking book player designed to give blind and dyslexic users greater access to published material. The Scholar Talking Book Player is a small DAISY CD Player that will accept and automatically select standard CDs and MP3 CDs. Its primary controls are easily identified by their larger size and tactile rubber construction. Secondary controls are smaller and feature a chrome finish. The player will provide instant access to specific page numbers and chapters in the DAISY structure, and includes a full numeric keypad with bookmarking features. An LCD screen displays disc details for "at a glance" teacher monitoring.

Some additional features include:

Price: $249.

Contact: Telex Communications. V: 800.828.6107 Ext. 7498 or 952.887.7498. Web: www.telex.com/duplication/products.nsf/allpages/0313DC795FA04C8E86256BC2006F1EA6

Macular Degeneration Support Group of Indiana Meeting Notice

The next meeting of the Macular Degeneration Support Group will be on Saturday, May 10, 2003 at 10:00 am in the Cooling Auditorium of St. Vincent Hospital, 2001 W 86th St. Inquire at the information desk in the lobby if you need assistance in finding the auditorium.

Frustrations, fear, depression, anxiety and stress all accompany macular degeneration to different degrees in each of us. We are privileged to have two women who work in the field of the visually impaired and those who are blind. They will speak on varying aspects of the problems we face.

For additional information and/or to make reservations call: Jerry Epstein (317) 251-5132 or

Tom Blackman (317) 571-9151

The doors open at 9:15 am. You're welcome to come early, have coffee and donuts and visit with friends.

Telesensory Names Baxter New Sales Representative in Indiana & Northern Kentucky

Telesensory Corporation now has a full time sales representative covering all of Indiana and northern Kentucky.

Marcus Baxter has years of experience working with assistive technology, including technology for the blind, low vision, physical and developmental disabilities. He believes strongly in customer service and follow-through to assure complete customer satisfaction. He promises to put the customer first and will do all he can to foster independence in both themselves and the technology that will assist them in maintaining a meaningful lifestyle. He is also very qualified as a resource for people in Indiana and Kentucky who have any questions or are interested in low vision products Telesensory has to offer.

You can reach Marcus in a number of ways:

Tel: 317.272.0555 (Indianapolis area)
Toll Free: 800.489.0005
Fax: 317.272.0548
E-Mail: mbaxter@telesensory.com

ACB of Indiana welcomes Marcus and looks forward to meeting him at its upcoming annual meeting to be held in Goshen, Indiana September 12 and 13, 2003 at the Ramada Inn & Conference Center.

WB-View Version 1.0: First Braille E-Book Reading Program for PC

WB-View, NLS's new Web-Braille viewer, a software program designed specifically to read electronic braille books on the PC, is now available. For several years, people have enjoyed electronic books using software that simulates reading traditional books. Until now, however, readers of electronic braille books have had to use ASCII text programs, such as notepad, that are not suitable for braille formatting. WB-View, designed specifically for use with braille, will increase the facility and flexibility of reading electronic braille books. The program affords many benefits to readers. It allows the user to flip through the pages of a book by braille page, which is oftentimes shorter than a print page. Additional features of the WB-View program include:

Not restricted only to braille files, WB-View also provides a similar reading experience with plain text files. WB-View's development was funded by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to facilitate access to its own electronic braille book collection, known as Web-Braille. WB-View is designed to work with all popular screen readers and refreshable braille displays. WB-View sells for $69.

Contact: Computers & Assistive Technologies, Inc. Tel: 772. 546.8950 or 772.546.2473 Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Eastern time. E-Mail: sales@computerassistivetech.com.

Rev. Maurice Brockman Named 2002 Older Hoosier of the Year

For those of us who know the outstanding contributions Maurice Brockman has made for many years to the lives of thousands with whom he has come in contact, it was not surprising to learn that the Area 10 Council on Aging of Monroe and Owen Counties, Inc. (Indiana) has selected him as their 2002 Older Hoosier of the Year

When presenting the award, it was noted that "Brock" had not only devoted his professional life first to his church and parishioners as its pastor, but he has also been one of the community's and the State's longest advocates for people with disabilities. After retiring, Brock became a driver for the Area 10's Rural Transit and was always particularly helpful to those passengers with disabilities.

One particular area of interest has been his concern for those with visual impairment. He started involving himself with the concerns of those who were blind following his marriage to the late Doris Clevenger Brockman, who was blind from birth. He began working with the American Council of the Blind of Indiana (ACBI) and has served well in a number of major roles for many decades, including the establishment of a new ACBI Chapter in the Bloomington, Indiana area.

Brock has a very deep understanding of the needs of those who are visually impaired. When the Area 10 Agency on Aging decided to consider supporting a group for older adults with low vision, Brock volunteered to lead this group and helped to outline a successful format to make this group experience useful to each attendee. Now in its fourth year, the Area 10 Low Vision Support Group has developed into an exceptionally useful gathering for those with vision loss. Not only does it provide opportunities for those with low vision to talk together about their experiences and how to successfully cope with low vision, but it also provides a place where information is shared about the availability of the most current technology and future research that will be useful to those experiencing visual impairments. Programming includes regular guest speakers, discussions that emphasize specific concerns of participants, and sometimes plain fun times where the group can just socialize and enjoy refreshments. As a volunteer driver, Brock provides transportation for many of the group. It is, therefore, certainly understandable why the group participants look forward to each scheduled event.

A spokesman for the Area 10 Council on Aging commented, "It is only when you see this group in action that you realize how important such an opportunity is for those facing the challenge of blindness. His contribution to this group, in addition to his generosity to others, and his positive influence in the community and entire State of Indiana eminently qualify him to receive the 2002 Older Hoosier of the Year Award.

Editor's Note:
ACB of Indiana extends heartfelt congratulations to our colleague and friend who for many years has given of himself to ensure opportunities for humanity.

 

Join the New USA Goalball Discussion List

Interested in Goalball in the USA? Then why not join the new USA Goalball Discussion List!

This list is a discussion list for Goalball players, coaches, referees, and all those interested in learning more about Goalball in the USA.

It is a meeting ground for Goalball players in the USA to come and discuss all aspects of the sport. It is also a learning center for those wanting to find out more about U.S. Goalball, and Goalball in general.

Join the list and meet some of the Goalball players who play around the country, both on a local level and all the way up to some of our U.S. Paralympic Team champions! Come on in and talk with us, and learn with us.

To Join the USA Goalball Discussion List, send an e-mail to

USA-Goalball-subscribe@topica.com

Visit their Website at :

http://www.topica.com/lists/USA-Goalball/

ACBI Remembers Dr. Henry "Hank" Hofstetter, A Gentle Giant
Sept. 10, 1914 to May 10, 2002

by Patricia (Pat) Price - (From The Braille Forum - July 2002)

Few members of the American Council of the Blind of Indiana realized the true significance and international impact its longtime member and 26-year treasurer, Dr. Henry W. Hofstetter, had upon the field of optometry. To ACBI "Hank" was a gentle man whose presence was always felt but was never intrusive. He demonstrated a rich sense of humor in life around him, always had positive things to say about people, was remarkably disciplined, organized, and totally committed to the duties of his office as treasurer, even while outside the United States on three sabbatical leaves for the Indiana University School of Optometry

Dr. Hank Hofstetter, as he was known worldwide, began his teaching career in a one-room school 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 (now Southern California 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, Dr. 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 five editions of the co-edited Dictionary of Visual Science and Related Clinical Terms, total over 450, the majority based on direct research. Dr. Hofstetter served as president of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, the Optometric Historical Society and served on numerous national and international committees until his death. He was awarded five honorary doctorates and given several major citations. In 1974, he was named Rudy Professor Emeritus of Optometry at Indiana University.

He was known worldwide as a result of his interest in international optometry and his focus on optometric practice and education throughout much of the world. In 1991 he was recognized as the International Optometrist of the Year by the International Optometric and Optical League for his "profound influence upon the visual welfare of mankind." In 1999 at an International symposium held in his honor at Indiana University, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the World Council of Optometry.

With all these accomplishments, Dr. Hofstetter himself considered his most significant achievement to have been his influence on optometric curriculum, where he introduced much of his own personal philosophy into courses, including cultural and broad-based scientific background rather than a purely clinical approach.

Yes, Hank was truly a gentle giant. All of us are better for having had the unique opportunity to call him our colleague and friend. While his physical presence is no longer with us, the legacy he left behind will live forever in our hearts and minds.

 

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Fact Sheet on Descriptive Video

The following document has been prepared by the American Council of the Blind to assist users and potential users of video description, to know what the service is, what the Federal Communications Commission requires of those responsible for providing it, and what you can do to insure it is available to you. ACB quotes from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule and order establishing the requirements for video description, but this document is not a publication of the FCC and represents only the understanding and opinions of the American Council of the Blind with respect to the following content.

Q. What is video description?

A. The insertion of audio narrated descriptions of a television program's key visual elements into natural pauses between the program's dialogue.

 

Q. Who is responsible to include video description in their programs?

A. All the 4 major commercial television networks; ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Public television (PBS) has been providing described video for a number of years. Also covered are the top 5 cable stations that are networks but not in the "classic sense, i.e., rather than broadcasting over the airways, they deliver television signals via cable or satellite. these cable networks include Lifetime, TBS, TNT, Nickelodeon and USA network.

Q. Who has to carry the descriptive video programs?

 

A. Every regular TV station that is affiliated with one of the commercial networks and is located in one of the top 25 TV markets in the U.S. must carry the descriptive video that comes with the programs originating on the network. Also the cable and satellite systems that have at least 50,000 subscribers must carry the video description if it is contained in any program they are transmitting through the cable or satellite.

 

Q. How much programming must be described and how are programs selected?

A. Each of the above covered entities must present 50 hours of described programming per calendar quarter. It is up to the providers of programming to decide which programs will be described, although they must choose between prime time or childrens programming, and the resulting schedule for each entity is expected to be a mix of the two.

Q. Are there any exemptions to the rule?

A. Yes. If a program already has a program related secondary audio channel running, the video description does not take precedence. This was done to allow for continued use of the SAP channel for foreign language translations of programming since there are presentations where Spanish is run on the SAP. This restriction is viewed as minimum since there are not many uses of the SAP for foreign language translations, and eventually digital television will eliminate any conflicts between the need for Spanish-language translation and the need for described video, since there are expected to be up to 16 subchannels that will be able to accommodate many purposes.

Exemptions can also be granted where the covered entities can show that video description would impose an undue burden or is not technically achievable. The 18- month lead time before the rule took effect was designed to accommodate the need for covered entities to get ready for compliance and the limitation concerning exactly which entities would be subject to the rule was designed to insure that those covered could easily afford to comply.

Q. When did the rule take effect?

A. April 1, 2002.

Q. What about emergency information scrolled at the bottom of the screen?

A. Scrolling text of an emergency nature must be indicated by tones when presented. This requirement was incorporated in the rule for many reasons including the ability of local stations to technically provide description of the text while a program is running, the expectation of the FCC that local stations would break in when an emergency was severe enough to warrant that, and the already existing obligation of stations to allow governmental interruption of programming when a serious emergency requires it.

In the event that a local station interrupts programming, they must make any visual information accessible to visually impaired audience members by for example defining the area flashing in red. ACB suggests that if viewers hear a tone during a program, they call local authorities, listen to radio or take other actions to find out if there is an emergency that could pose danger. We make that suggestion with the caveat that we also expect that the local stations will break in and provide spoken information, should the emergency be so severe as to warrant it and we leave it up to each viewer to decide what to do. ACB does support the development of solutions to make scrolling text accessible and will incorporate this concern in our ongoing advocacy efforts.

Q. My television is a stereo TV and is capable of getting the secondary audio channel, but it has one of those on-screen menus and I can't access it to turn on the SAP for description. What can I do?

A. This is a difficult issue. If you have a remote control that either has a SAP selection button on it, or your TV can respond to a universal remote you can buy that can be used to select SAP, then you can try those solutions. Other solutions include seeing if your cable box or satellite receiver has a SAP selection button, or if your VCR has one. If all else fails, then check with Radio Shack or another electronics company to see about where you might be able to purchase a piece of equipment you might hook up to a stereo. In the not too distant future, television stations will be broadcasting digital signals and the new televisions or converters will incorporate SAP selection capabilities.

Q. What should I do if I don't get video description even though I know it is supposed to be on a program?

A. Now our discussion gets more interesting.

First we need to understand two issues. One is that communications are not always as good as they should be in the television industry. In fact, we have heard that other rules implemented by the FCC often took awhile to get implemented at the TV station and network levels because the lawyers and the governmental folks knew about them, but did not communicate with the field. So if a spokesperson for your station or network acts as if he or she never heard of the rule, then that very well may be the case. Second, there is an issue of the technology required to pass along the secondary audio programming through a cable or satellite system. Even though a cable system or satellite provider may have descriptive video running on a SAP channel for one or two stations, they need to have a SAP adaptor for each of the channels that would be sending out the program with description. In this case, you may believe that they should pass through the SAP channel for say ABC, since you have already heard description on another channel such as PBS. If they tell you that they need to order equipment or have that equipment on order already, then they may well be telling you the truth. All this even though covered entities had 18 months to get ready.

If you are advised by the cable system, satellite TV, or regular TV station that they either did not know or just found out about their obligation, then you may want to ask them how long it will take for them to get the equipment and install it?

Depending upon their answer, or in the worst case where they might say they do not believe they are obligated or just flat out say they are not going to do it; you will need to file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission. We suggest you do this through ACB so we can track the complaints and see where there are the most problems, but you are certainly free to go straight to the FCC with the complaint.

Q. How do I file a complaint and what information do I need to have?

A. ACB again suggests that you file a complaint through us, but the FCC will also take complaints directly in whatever way you reasonably communicate. This means, by letter, by fax, by email, by braille, or other reasonable means of communications. Here is what they say and what they need.

(1) A complainant may file a complaint concerning an alleged violation of the video description requirements of this section by transmitting it to the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) at the Commission by any reasonable means, such as letter, facsimile transmission, telephone (voice/TRS/TTY), Internet e-mail, audio-cassette recording, and Braille, or some other method that would best accommodate the complainant's disability.

Complaints should be addressed to: Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Consumer Inquiries & Complaints Division, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554. A complaint must include

(i) The name and address of the complainant;

(ii) The name and address of the broadcast station against whom the complaint is alleged and its call letters and network affiliation, or the name and address of the MVPD against whom the complaint is alleged and the name of the network that provides the programming that is the subject of the complaint;

(iii) A statement of facts sufficient to show that the video programming distributor has violated or is violating the Commission's rules, and, if applicable, the date and time of the alleged violation;

(iv) The specific relief or satisfaction sought by the complainant; and

(v) The complainant's preferred format or method of response to the complaint (such as letter, facsimile transmission, telephone (voice/TRS/TTY), Internet e-mail, or some other method that would best accommodate the complainant's disability).

(2) The Commission will promptly forward complaints satisfying the requirements to the video programming distributor involved.

The video programming distributor must respond to the complaint within a specified time, generally within 30 days. The Commission may authorize Commission staff to either shorten or lengthen the time required for responding to complaints in particular cases.

(3) The Commission will review all relevant information provided by the complainant and the video programming distributor and will request additional information from either or both parties when needed for a full resolution of the complaint.

(i) The Commission may rely on certifications from programming suppliers, including programming producers, programming owners, networks, syndicators and other distributors, to demonstrate compliance. The Commission will not hold the video programming distributor responsible for situations where a program source falsely certifies that programming that it delivered to the video programming distributor meets our video description requirements if the video programming distributor is unaware that the certification is false. Appropriate action may be taken with respect to deliberate falsifications.

(ii) If the Commission finds that a video programming distributor has violated the video description requirements of this section, it may impose penalties, including a requirement that the video programming distributor deliver video programming containing video description in excess of its requirements.

(f) Private rights of action are prohibited. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any private right of action to enforce any requirement of this section. The Commission shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to any complaint under this section.

Q. What did all of that mean?

A. If you have gotten in touch with the station or cable or satellite provider about having tried to get a described program and they either refused to do it or don't seem to be diligently trying to carry the described programming, then send ACB or the FCC a letter or email explaining what you were trying to watch, when it was on without video description, what answers you got when you tried to resolve the problem and with whom you spoke or corresponded and their contact information along with yours. You also need to tell the FCC what you consider would be an appropriate remedy for the situation. ACB will forward the complaint or the FCC will take it directly from you.

The FCC may require more information from either you or the folks against whom you filed the complaint. they can order the provider to comply with the rule and they can also order them to supply more video description as a way of making up for the lack of access.

Q. Where can I get more information?

A. From the Federal Communications Commission. Visit their website at http://www.fcc.gov. Call them at these numbers Voice: 1-888-225-5322 (CALL-FCC); TTY: 1.888.835.5322 (TELL-

FCC); FAX: 202.418.0232. E-mail the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) at ccinfo@fcc.gov.

Q. I don't have cable or satellite and my local stations are not in the top 25 TV markets. Can I get any descriptive video?

A. There is no obligation on the part of your local channels to carry described programming. However, if your local broadcasters already have the equipment to pass the described video along to you, then, whether or not they are in the top 25 markets, and whether or not they have in excess of 50,000 subscribers, the rule requires them to deliver the described video service to you.

If this is not the case, however, don't dispair. The top 25 markets may change and your locality may become one of them at some point. You may also try talking with your local stations to see about their getting the equipment to pass along the video description they receive. Otherwise, you may wish to invest in cable or satellite to get at least the cable channels and any other channels that would be carrying described programming.

Eventually, digital television will take over and ACB is working both to increase and improve the amount of programming available and to address the remaining issues regarding scrolling text on screens.

Q. I love video description and my local radio reading service! Now I find that video description is being put on the SAP channel and that gets rid of the radio reading service. What can I do?

A. This is a thorny question since this unintended consequence comes as a surprise to all of us. While digital television and it's many audio subchannels will eventually offer the long term solution, either shared SAP access, local community access channels on cable, or other options still to be developed will need to solve the short term issue. ACB is committed to the continued health and viability of radio reading services as well as that of descriptive video and we are working to help in finding a solution to this problem.

It is ironic that the two instances where we know this to be happening involve the public broadcasting stations and from a legal perspective there is no real change from the past. PBS is not required under the FCC rule to carry video description. This means that the leader in described television programming which has been able to carry a mix of DVS and radio reading in these known incidents must grapple with what is a temporary but clearly difficult dilemma; support video description expansion for which it is known to be the leader, or support radio reading for which it has become at least in the identified problem areas a relied upon resource? The answer should be the product of negotiation with all impacted persons rather than any unilateral decision which should be made in the context of these two competing benefits.

Q. Will there be more programming with video description than is currently offered?

A. ACB believes that video description will become a natural part of programming over time. Once the initial kinks are worked out of the system and the television industry builds description into it's ongoing planning and budgeting cycles; ACB believes our access to television will be as reliable as is that of all other viewers.

 

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