The Lantern
April 2008
A publication of the Vision Loss Resource Center
of the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
www.lighthouse-sf.org
The Lantern is free to the community we serve: blind and visually impaired individuals and their families and friends.
Alternative formats such as Braille, tape, disk or email are available. If you wish to receive any of these, or change the format you currently receive, please call 415-431-1481 or email lantern@lighthouse-sf.org. Download DAISY Lantern.
Please let us know what you think! To submit feedback about this newsletter, send an email to: Lantern@lighthouse-sf.org.
In the Lantern:
Community Services News Desk
Access to Information News Desk
Rehabilitation Services News Desk
Marin News Desk
Vision Loss Resource Center News Desk
LightHouse Calendar
PHOTO: Northern California Regional Braille Challenge 2008
PHOTO CAPTION:
Braille Challenge Proctor Jerry Kuns (R) administers a braille test to smiling youth participant Caitlin Hernandez (L) who is seated behind her Perkins Brailler.
Community Services News Desk
The LightHouse Community Services Department includes Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC), as well as the LightHouse Adult and Youth Recreation Programs, and the Volunteer Program.
Northern California Braille Regional Challenge 2008
The Northern California Regional Braille Challenge took place at the LightHouse in San Francisco on February 9, 2008. This unique academic competition serves to encourage blind and visually impaired children and youths to fine-tune their Braille skills, which are essential to their success in the sighted world. The LightHouse would like to thank the many volunteers who helped to make this event a supportive and fun competition for all!
During this preliminary round of competition, participants ages 5 to 18 competed in challenging categories that require them to transcribe type and read Braille using a device called a Perkins Brailler. Each category is designed to test students' Braille skills in several areas: reading speed and comprehension; spelling; chart and graph reading; proofreading; and Braille speed and accuracy.
“Braille literacy is crucial to the academic success and future employability of a blind youth,” explained Vi Huynh, LightHouse Youth Services Coordinator. “Unfortunately, only a small percentage of blind students master Braille, though we know that early Braille education leads to employment. Studies show that 90 percent of blind adults who successfully gain employment are Braille literate."
One of the mothers in attendance at the Braille Challenge stated, “Sara was feeling very uncomfortable having to learn Braille because other kids were not learning Braille in her classroom. After spending the day at the Braille Challenge, she is very excited to be learning Braille and cannot wait to sign up for next year's Challenge!”
An event like the Braille Challenge brings a segment of the community together that doesn't normally have the opportunity to interact. Families have a chance to share ideas and experiences, and walk away feeling more knowledgeable and inspired about the path they will choose for themselves or with their children.
Wine Valley Cycle for Sight
The Napa Rotary Club, along with many local business partners, is reviving the popular Wine Valley Cycle for Sight. They are pedaling forward to raise funds for the Yountville Veterans Home Pathway Home Project, an innovative transition center for returning veterans, and Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind and Visually Impaired. They will be sponsoring a 15-, 25- and 50-mile bike ride on Saturday, April 26 from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Justin Siena High School Athletic Field. A Wine & Food Festival will commence after the bike ride.
General registration for the bike ride is $50 for adults and $25 for participants under 21 years of age. To attend the Wine & Food Festival only, the cost is $30 per person and includes a commemorative wine glass and tasting.
Registration, pledge forms and more information can be found at www.cycle4sight.com, or by calling 707-257-5611.
Readers Available at the LightHouse
Is your mail piling up? Could you use a pair of eyes to assist you with getting caught up reading mail and other important documents? Now is the time to take advantage of the LightHouse's weekly Volunteer Reader Service.
Simply bring your documents to the LightHouse on any Wednesday and sign up for a half-hour slot with one of our volunteer readers. Readers will be available every Wednesday between the hours of noon and 2:00 pm.
For more information contact Keyatta Shade at 415-694-7371 or email shade@lighthouse-sf.org.
Providers Weekend at EHC
Please join the LightHouse for a weekend this spring at our beautiful camping facility, Enchanted Hills Camp. The purpose of this weekend is to bring together a diverse group of professional service providers working in the field of blindness to exchange ideas and build a network.
You will have the opportunity to stay in a lakeside cabin, the lodge or one of our fully accessible cabins next to the dining hall. All bedding will be provided, but make sure to bring a towel. We have a heated swimming pool, a lake for boating, trails for hiking and a wonderful kitchen staff to provide savory meals. The Enchanted Hills Camp staff takes great pride in providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for all who attend.
The three-day event begins Friday evening, May 16 and runs through Sunday, May 18. It is designed for everyone to discuss philosophies, trends and issues we face in providing a wide range of services for people with visual impairments. This year we will focus our attention on adaptive equipment used in schools and stress-reduction techniques for service providers. We have wonderful presenters with a diverse background including Rick Boggs, Director of Described Media Vitac; Nancy Yates, Yoga instructor and Gene Russo, dance instructor specializing in instruction for the blind and visually impaired. Cost is $100.
For further questions, please contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319. For applications contact Theresa Navarro at 415-694-7334 or download the application on our website www.lighthouse-sf.org. We look forward to seeing you at EHC!
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Access to Information Services News Desk
The LightHouse Access to Information Services (AIS) Program is your one-stop source for alternative formats. AIS produces materials in Braille, large print, audio and digital formats.
Free Web-Based Screen Reader Now Available
System Access to Go (SAToGo) is a free, state-of-the-art screen reader that has recently been made available to Windows-based computer users whenever they are connected to the Internet.
Simply go to www.SAToGo.com and the site will begin talking, giving access to the tool for as long as you use the Internet. Besides surfing websites, you can use SAToGo to read and create Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents; send and receive email; use online services like Skype; and read PDF documents and fill out PDF forms. When you disconnect from the Internet, SAToGo disappears from your computer and does not leave any hidden files or programs behind. Users also have the option to register for a code and pin number, which enables SAToGo to remember preferences and use them during subsequent sessions.
Thanks to the AIR Foundation and a grant from Serotek
Corporation, people worldwide can utilize this Web-based accessibility tool free of charge, anywhere and any time they're connected to the Internet. The AIR Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advocate, teach and deliver tools promoting accessibility to information as a fundamental human right. For more information about The Air Foundation, call 877-369-0101 or visit www.accessibilityisaright.org.
Reading Machine Seminar Available in MP3
The LightHouse recently hosted a technology seminar on Reading Machines. The MP3 audio file of this event and the documents provided by the vendors are available on our web site at www.lighthouse-sf.org.
You can also order a copy of this seminar on CD or cassette tape. To request a copy, contact the Vision Loss Resource Center at 888-400-8933 or send an email to info@lighthouse-sf.org.
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Rehabilitation Services News Desk
The LightHouse provides solutions for living with vision loss that include specialized training. The Rehabilitation Services Program includes courses in daily living skills, orientation and mobility, a low vision clinic and technology training.
This poem was submitted by Kathleen Anderson, LightHouse Orientation and Mobility Instructor. Its author is unknown.
My Chief Household Nemesis
Hopping and cursing and pounding my fist.
Another danger I haven't missed.
Tears down my face, torn skin on my leg.
I don't know what to do, but continue to beg.
It's happened before, time and again.
Once, twice, three times ten.
You'd think I'd learn,
rounding the counter and taking that turn.
Or you, so often seeing my precious blood pour,
Would remember to close that damned dishwasher door!!!
The following story was submitted by Blanche Baker for publication in the Lantern:
A Reflection
At 82, I experienced the sudden onset and rapid loss of my vision. Entry into a darker world was frightening but challenging. The LightHouse Living with Vision Loss (LVL) course was a real blessing in helping me meet this challenge. Classes provided information and guidance about home safety, useful gadgets and techniques for adapting one's living space.
There were wonderful hands-on offerings and many speaker presentations covering community resources, but most helpful were the shared experiences of classmates; opportunity was provided for social intercourse with peers and great refreshments at break time. The atmosphere at the facility has been most meaningful for me. It is welcoming and communal in all areas from reception to sales personnel, from instructors to fellow clients - even non-class members. The diploma I received at the end is as special as any degree I have earned. I have been enriched, humbled and empowered by this class and my classmates. Bravo to all and thanks.
Beginning Cooking Class
This 5-week class is designed to give participants practice in preparing simple and nutritious food, focusing on safety in the kitchen and utilizing adaptive cooking equipment and techniques.
Cooking Class #2:
Date: Thursdays,
April 17-May 15, 2008
Time: 9:00 AM -12:PM
Fee:$300.00 (Class is provided at no cost to persons 55 years and over, living in San Francisco, San Mateo or Marin counties)
Instructor: David Baioni
Location: The LightHouse, 214 Van Ness Avenue, SF
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Marin News Desk
The Lighthouse of Marin will be offering several mini workshops in April. The workshops are designed to give you more information and tips about living with a vision loss.
All workshops are limited to 10 participants, so you must sign up for the workshops and register with LightHouse of Marin Social Worker, Felicia Kramarz. All workshops will be held at 1137 4th Street from 10 a.m. to Noon.
Call 415-258-8496 for more information.
Mini-Workshops:
Maximizing Your Vision
If you are a person with low vision (having some useable vision to read the headlines on a newspaper), come learn how magnification, lighting and contrast may help. LightHouse Rehabilitation Teaching Specialist, Dawn Leeflang, will provide a hands-on with adaptive tools and offer strategies to enhance the use of your current vision.
Dates for upcoming Maximizing Your Vision workshops are Wednesday April 9, and Wednesday, April 23rd.
Labeling Techniques
Sometimes it can be more efficient and effective to label your files, computer key board, household items, electronics (like microwaves), CD's and tapes and other items either tactually or with large print. LightHouse Rehabilitation Teaching Specialist, Joyce Lopez, will provide a hands-on experience using labeling items and strategies to label whatever you need. Each participant will receive a mini labeling kit to take home and put their new skills to use.
The date for the upcoming Labeling Techniques class is Thursday, April 10th.
Kitchen Basics: Cutting and Chopping Techniques
After losing vision, feeling confident in using a knife for cutting and chopping when cooking may be a challenge. LightHouse Rehabilitation Teaching Specialist, Joyce Lopez, will provide a hands-on workshop teaching safe strategies for cutting and chopping, so that you can prepare your great dishes with confidence.
All participants should come to the class with their favorite paring and carving knife.
The date for the upcoming Kitchen Basics: Cutting and Chopping Techniques class is Thursday, April 24th.
Marin LVL Profile: Noeleke “Glenn” Klavert
The Living with Vision Loss class in Marin is full of personality. Every student brings in a special dynamic making each lesson even more enjoyable. Noeleke “Glenn” Klavert is no exception.
Glenn is a man with many layers, with a diverse background both culturally and professionally. He is currently the owner and buyer of IndoArt, Inc., a company that sells and educates others on art from the heritage of Asia and Indonesia. Recently, Glenn exhibited antiques, textiles, books, beads and other antiques at a trade show in Fort Mason. His museum-like show was unique in that you could handle many of the products. In fact, he encourages you to do so. Yet, even as Glenn is educating his visitors about the art and batik fabrics, a topic he's very passionate about, he says he's disappointed he had to miss the LVL class and was thinking about the other students while he worked.
One of the biggest resources Glenn has gained from the class are the other people in the class and the thought that “If they can do this then I can do it too,” he says.
Over the last few years Glenn has developed two different types of vision loss: Glaucoma in one eye, and a childhood injury has manifested itself many decades later as a loss of sight in the other eye.
Being without sight is still new to Glenn, but he's learning how to adapt. “I've been transformed in a lot of ways,” he says. “Having been sighted for so long and then to lose your sight is an ego blow. Being in the class I've learned I can do a lot more things than I thought I could.”
He's excited about the adaptive technology that's available to him. JAWS and a voice recorder are among his favorite new aids. He practices memory techniques, but jokes that he sometimes has “senior moments”.
It's safe to assume that we are just beginning to scratch the surface of getting to know Glenn and how he will challenge further growth in himself and the vision loss community. “I've always been a rebel rouser anyway,” he says.
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News from the Vision Loss Resource Center
The LightHouse Vision Loss Resource Center provides information, tools and advocacy, which are crucial components for living with vision loss.
Disaster Preparedness for the Disabled
By F. Ross Woodall
San Francisco has long been a leader in serving the needs of persons with disabilities. In situations of natural disaster, terrorism or disease pandemic, the Disability Disaster
Preparedness Committee (DDPC) - a subcommittee of the Mayor's Disability Council - is creating an emergency response plan that is unparalleled anywhere in the United States, and is being emulated in other major metropolitan areas. This will ensure that when the inevitable emergencies arise, seniors and persons with disabilities will be afforded aid, rescue and support.
The DDPC is comprised of members of the Mayor's Disability Council, the Mayor's Office on Disability, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco Fire Department, San Francisco Department of Public Works, American Red Cross, Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams (NERT) and other community-based organizations.
Three of the many programs that are part of the DDPC plan include the San Francisco Disaster Registry Program, AlertSF and Help Bay Area. The San Francisco Disaster Registry Program (SFDRP) allows San Franciscans the opportunity to file a confidential report of individual medical needs that may only be accessed by Emergency Medical Teams and the Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams (NERT) in the event of a disaster. This information will help specialized personnel to assist persons with disabilities during wide-scale emergencies by providing critical information, such as their location and medical history. You may sign up online or through a Case Manager at various City and County agencies and community-based organizations.
AlertSF is a registry system that allows San Francisco residents and workers to receive emergency alerts and information by wireless phone, pager, PDA or similar messaging devices. Registration is available online.
Help Bay Area is a program designed to pre-register responders who are willing to serve during emergency situations, and pre-qualify and certify them for critical response situations, based on their professional skills and abilities (e.g. doctors, nurses, forklift operators, linguists and engineers).
All of these registration systems are free and will greatly expedite serving those in need following a disaster. For more information on these programs, contact the Vision Loss Resource Center toll free at 888-400-8933 or info@lighthouse-sf.org. For information on the DDPC plan, contact the Mayor's Office on Disability at 415-554-6789 or mod@sfgov.org.
Along with emergency food, water, medications and basic supplies, registering with these programs is one integral part of an overall survival plan in the event of a disaster. Sign up TODAY!
Important Websites:
San Francisco Disaster Registry Program
www.sanfranciscoems.org/index.php?cat=no&name=drpAbout&exten=html
Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams (NERT)
www.sfgov.org/site/sfnert_index.asp?id=3143
AlertSF
www.alertsf.org
Help Bay Area
www.helpbayarea.org
American Red Cross
www.redcross.org
Input Needed Regarding New Voting Machines
It is vitally important that the voices of all of us who are blind and visually impaired are heard by our government leaders. One of the most basic yet powerful ways to accomplish this is by voting in all local, state and national elections.
In the recent January elections in San Francisco, new accessible voting machines were available for persons living with vision loss. Reports from those who used these new voting machines are varied. To assist the San Francisco Department of Elections as they assess these new machines and your experience using them to vote, we ask that you contact by telephone or email either of these City and County offices:
Mayor's Office on Disability
415-554-6789 - Voice, or
415-554-6799 - TTY
MOD@sfgov.org
San Francisco Department of Elections: Charles McNulty, Outreach Coordinator,
415-554-4340, Charles.McNulty@sfgov.org
Any comments, kudos or challenges concerning the new voting machines are most appreciated, and will help to inform use of these machines in future elections.
Things You Need to Know About the Economic Stimulus Payments
Starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households. The Internal Revenue Service has advised taxpayers that in most cases they will not have to do anything extra to get the payments. If eligible, all you have to do is file a 2007 tax return and the IRS will do the rest.
Eligible taxpayers will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for those who file a joint return). Taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number to qualify. Parents will also receive $300 for each eligible child younger than 17. Payments to higher income taxpayers will be reduced by 5 percent of the amount of adjusted gross income above $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for those filing jointly.
Millions of retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who are usually exempt from filing a tax return must do so this year to receive a payment. These individuals are eligible to receive $300 ($600 on a joint return) if they had at least $3,000 of qualifying income.
Qualifying income includes Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits, certain veterans' benefits and earned income, such as income from wages, salaries, tips and self-employment. Recipients of these types of benefits should report them on Form 1040A or Form 1040. Taxpayers who have already filed but failed to report these benefits can file an amended return by using Form 1040X. (Note: SSI income is not considered “qualifying income” for the purposes of this year's stimulus payment.)
After sending out initial payments in early May, the IRS will continue to distribute payments during the spring and summer. To accommodate those who file returns later in the year, the IRS will continue sending payments until December 31, 2008.
Payments will be direct deposited for taxpayers who select that option when filing their 2007 returns. Taxpayers who have already filed with direct deposit won't need to do anything else to receive the payment. For taxpayers who haven't filed their 2007 returns yet, direct deposit is the fastest way to get both regular refunds and stimulus payments. The IRS web site, www.irs.gov, is the best source for all updates and information.
Taxpayers should be alert for tax rebate scams, such as calls or emails claiming to be from the IRS and asking for financial information. The IRS will not call or email taxpayers about these payments, nor will it ask for financial information.
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April LightHouse Calendar
Education and Recreation Program:
For pre-recorded monthly information on the Education and Recreation Program call 415-694-7325 or email mpearson@lighthouse-sf.org. For reservations call Molly Pearson at 415-694-7320.
Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, April 2,
2:00 to 3:00 pm
Bingo and Dinner
Friday, April 11,
5:00 to 8:00 pm
Francis Neer Forum
Saturday, April 26,
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Adult Weekend and Evening Program
Contact Philip Kum at
415-694-7372, or email pkum@lighthouse-sf.org
Peer to Peer Support Group
Thursday, April 10 and April 24, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Refreshments provided and the sessions are free.
Blind Folded Yoga Class
Thursdays, April 3
April 10
April 17
April 24
All yoga classes are from 6:00 to 7:25 pm.
Music Workshop
Guitar and Piano
Saturday, April 5,
1:00 to 4:00 pm.
Korean Martial Arts
Tuesdays, April 1
April 8
April 15
April 22
April 29
All classes are from
6:00 to 7:25 pm.
Tandems Across the Bay
Sundays, April 6
April 13
April 20
April 27
All rides last from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Youth Program
Contact Vi Huynh at 415-694-7357 or vhuynh@lighthouse-sf.org, or Theresa Navarro at 415-694-7334 or tnavarro@lighthouse-sf.org for reservations and further information.
Friday Teen Sports:
Bowling
April 4, 4:00 to 9:00 pm
Karaoke Night
April 18, 4:00 to 9:00 pm
Saturday Outings:
Karaoke
April 5, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Movie Day
April 19, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Cycle for Sight in Napa
April 26, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
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ALTERNATIVE FORMATS
LightHouse documents including The Lantern come in alternative formats such as Braille, tape, disk or email and are available on our website, www.lighthouse-sf.org.
If you wish to change the format you receive please call 415-431-1481 or email lantern@lighthouse-sf.org.
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
214 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone 415-431-1481
TTY 415-431-4572
FAX 415-863-7568
Adaptations, the LightHouse Store
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phone 415-431-1481
Hours: Mon. to Fri.
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
1st and 3rd Sat. of each month
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LightHouse of Marin
1137 Fourth Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone 415-258-8496
Para Español 800-592-9053
TTY 415-258-8499
FAX 415-258-8501
Adaptations, the LightHouse Store of Marin
LightHouse of Marin
Phone 415-258-8496
Hours: Mon. to Thurs.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LightHouse of the North Coast
2830 G Street, Suite B-1
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone 707-268-5646
Para Español 800-592-9053
TTY 707-268-5655
FAX 707-268-5647
Enchanted Hills Camp
3410 Mt. Veeder Road
Napa, CA 94558
Phone 707-224-4023
FAX 707-224-5435
Adaptations Order Line:
888-400-8933
