The Lantern
May 2008
A publication of the Vision Loss Resource Center
of the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The Lantern is free to the community we serve: blind and visually impaired individuals and their families and friends.
Please let us know what you think! To submit feedback about this newsletter, send an email to: publications@lighthouse-sf.org.
In the Lantern:
Community Services News Desk
Outreach and Marketing News Desk
Rehabilitation Services News Desk
Vision Loss Resource Center News Desk
Access to Information Services News Desk
Marin News Desk
LightHouse Calendar
Swap Shop
PHOTO: LightHouse Board President Gil Johnson at the Josephine L.
Taylor Leadership Institute
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.
Enchanted Hills Camp Director's Report Available
The EHC 2007 Director's Report is now available.
For additional information, contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319.
Career Fair at the California School for the Blind
The California School for the Blind and the Department of Rehabilitation are co-sponsoring a Career Fair on Wednesday, May 7 for blind and visually impaired high school students. The event takes place from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm at the School, which is located at 500 Walnut Avenue in Fremont.
The morning portion of the fair features three panels of speakers: one panel of working professionals, a panel of students in college or trade schools, and a panel of service providers with transition programs. The panels will rotate to speak with three student groups for 30 minutes each. In the afternoon, students can visit with resource providers, schools, programs and vendors at tables in the CSB gymnasium.
Vi Huynh, LightHouse Youth Services Coordinator, and Tony Fletcher, LightHouse Director of Community Services, have been invited to speak and staff a table at the fair. Vi and Tony will talk about Enchanted Hills Camp and the LightHouse Youth Program. They will be available in the afternoon to answer questions and distribute camp applications and brochures.
For more information about the Career Fair, contact LaVernya Carr at 510-794-3800, ext. 262, or lcarr@csb-cde.ca.gov or Richard Rueda at 510-794-3800, ext. 330, or rarueda@dor.ca.gov.
Outreach and Marketing News Desk
The LightHouse connects people living with vision loss with the services and information that can enable them to live independently, while at the same time raising the awareness level of the general public about vision loss.
Event to Benefit Enchanted Hills Camp Adult Sessions
The Friends of Charlie Fundraiser is an annual event created to raise much-needed funds for the Adult Sessions at Enchanted Hills Camp. This year's fundraiser takes place Saturday, May 3 at Twin Peaks Tavern, 401 Castro Street (at Market), in San Francisco from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Auction items, food and beverages are all part of this festive affair. Please contact Ellen Lord at 415-694-7359 for further information.
Insights 2008 Call for Art
The 19th annual Insights art exhibition of work by blind and visually impaired artists is calling for submissions. Work by blind or legally blind artists in all mediums - with the exception of video - will be considered.
The show will run from October 2 to December 12 at the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery in City Hall. Cash prizes will be awarded.
The submission deadline is June 13. To receive an application by mail, contact Exhibition Coordinator Kim Shuck at insights@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-431-1481, ext.335. Download the Insights 2008 Artist Application.
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.
LightHouse Board President to Retire from American Foundation for the Blind
Gil Johnson, current President of the LightHouse Board of Directors, will retire in June from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) after a career of more than 40 years of working to identify and address critical national issues affecting employment and rehabilitation of people with vision loss.
"Gil Johnson is not only a good friend and inspiration to all who have worked with him, but also a true advocate for people who are blind or visually impaired," said Carl R. Augusto, AFB President and CEO. "I will miss his insights, expertise and his humor."
Johnson joined AFB in 1992 and helped the organization develop effective models to fill gaps in the training-to-work continuum, provide training to service-delivery professionals and strengthen communications among constituent groups.
He was instrumental in forming an alliance of consumers and service providers to create a Division for the Blind in the California Department of Rehabilitation to increase state placement success. He also collaborated with Motorola to create three training programs for executives, HR professionals and supervisors that were part of the highly respected Motorola University.
In 2000, Johnson received the John H. McAulay Award from the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), which was established to honor professionals who have contributed outstanding efforts and achievements leading to the placement of people with visual impairments in productive employment.
Prior to working with AFB, Johnson served as director of the Bureau of Blind Services, Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, where he directed and administered a comprehensive statewide rehabilitation program for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Previously, Johnson served in a number of directorial and counseling capacities for the LightHouse and the California Department of Rehabilitation. He was an appointed member of the California State Rehabilitation Council, is the author or co-author of more than a dozen journal articles, and regularly delivers presentations and workshops at conferences of professionals and consumers.
Service Dogs to Receive the Gift of Preserved Sight
During the week of May 12, active service dogs across America can participate in National Service Dog Eye Exam Day to receive a free examination. Launched by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO), this event utilizes the donated services of over 140 veterinary ophthalmologists and 1,300 general veterinarians. An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 canines will benefit.
To qualify, dogs must be certified by a formal training program or organization (national, regional or local). Dog owners must also pre-register at www.acvoeyeexam.org. Once registered, owners can locate and contact a participating ophthalmologist in their area to make an appointment.
In addition to the eye exam, dogs will also receive a complimentary Pet Wellness Report consisting of a lifestyle assessment, a biochemical profile and a complete blood count. Pet Health Systems is donating this service for the event.
For more information about National Service Dog Eye Exam Day, visit the ACVO web site at www.acvoeyeexam.org.
Spanish-Language Blindness Listserv Created
The National Federation of the Blind recently announced the creation of a listserv called nfbespanol-talk. This email list gives blind Spanish speakers the chance to connect and discuss blindness-related topics completely in Spanish.
To subscribe, send a message to nfbespanol-talk-request@nfbnet.org and put the word “subscribe” in the subject line. List moderator Alpidio Rolon can be reached at arguza@attglobal.net. Learn More About nfbespanol-talk.
News from the Vision Loss Resource Center
The LightHouse Vision Loss Resource Center provides information, tools and advocacy, which are crucial components in living with vision loss.
Open House for Job Seekers with Disabilities
The Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco (ILRCSF) will hold an open house for job seekers with disabilities on May 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The event will be held at 649 Mission Street, 3rd Floor, in San Francisco. For more information, call Alice Ordover at 415-543-6222.
“Sidewalks are for Pedestrians” Campaign
By F. Ross Woodall, Vision Loss Resource Center Specialist
Getting from point A to point B in San Francisco often involves facing heavy traffic of both pedestrians on sidewalks and vehicles on the streets. In recent years, more people are also using bicycles for commuting and recreational purposes. Though bicycle lanes have been added in many places to make biking safer on streets, some bicyclists are ignoring the law that makes it illegal to ride on San Francisco's public sidewalks.
Bicycling on sidewalks creates a hazard for all pedestrians, especially the elderly, sight-impaired and mobility-impaired. (An exception to the rule exists for children 12 years old and younger, who are allowed to ride their bikes on sidewalks.)
To get a clearer picture of the extent of the problem, the Senior Action Network has formed a coalition of organizations - including the LightHouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired, the San Francisco Police Department, bicycle advocates and other affected groups - to act on this dangerous meeting of vehicles and pedestrians on sidewalks.
A press conference held on April 16 kicked off the “Sidewalks are for Pedestrians” project. This project includes taking counts at various intersections and locations in the Civic Center area to find out how many cyclists are using the streets properly and how many are using sidewalks during peak traffic times. During the counting process, flyers outlining proper bicycle etiquette and laws will be distributed to bicyclists. Posters and stickers about the campaign will be placed on bicycle racks and other approved venues around the city.
Once all the data is compiled, it will be utilized to make recommendations. In the meantime, if you are struck or injured by a bicyclist on a sidewalk, please report the incident to the San Francisco Police Department by filing a formal statement documenting the event.
“Sidewalks are for Pedestrians” is more than just a slogan. This campaign is one of many steps now under way to ensure that our sidewalks are safe pathways for all shoppers, commuters and tourists. It's up to all of us to work together to make this a reality.
Have a Ball with the Giants and the A's
It's spring and that means it's time for baseball. Both the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants provide some amenities to blind and visually impaired fans that make it easier to take yourself out to the ballpark.
Each team offers free Braille game schedules. To get the Giants' schedule, contact KNBR Radio at sports@knbr.com or send a self- addressed, stamped envelope to: KNBR, Attn: Braille Schedules, 55 Hawthorne St., Suite 1100, San Francisco, CA 94105.
The Oakland A's Braille schedule is available through their ticketing office at 510-568-5600.
Game-goers who need assistance to their seats need not worry. The A's Team is a specialized service for Oakland Athletics' fans with disabilities. The A's Team can furnish a ride on a golf cart ride, wheelchair ride or walking escort to help fans to their seats. A's Team service begins 15 minutes prior to gate opening and ends a half hour after the last out. For A's Team information, call 510-638-4900, ext. 2820.
For fans on the west side of the Bay, the San Francisco Giants offer escorts to seats via wheelchair or walking guide. Ask any Giants Guest Services Member for assistance. For more information, contact Harry Siebert in the Giants Guest Services Office at 415-972-1603.
Have a great time at the ballpark. Go teams!
This Month at Adaptations: 10% Off Sale on Labeling Products
Spring in to Spring with labels that light the way.
Louis Braille would agree, organization is key; so why not prepare for Spring with labels to help you see.
Orange dots, red dots, white dots, black, put a tactile label in your hat.
Square dots or round dots can make a difference, put a magnetic label in your kitchen.
Braille-on labels or Braille-on sheets, computer keyboard labels keep it neat.
Can't tape it on, use liquid labels: orange, black, or white,
Do it before Fall or label a kite.
New Book Shares Labeling Tips and Ideas
“Label It! Braille & Audio Strategies for Identifying Items at Home & Work” is a new book available for $10 from National Braille Press. Author Judy Dixon sorts through tactics that she and her friends have used over the years. This book comes in Braille and electronic formats.
Information about Talking Thermostats
Submitted by Rose Communication Services
1. The VIP Series is the first digital thermostat with audio playback of day, time, indoor temperature, temperature setting and programming instructions so blind and visually impaired users can precisely and easily manage their indoor comfort. Learn more and hear a sample of the thermostat.
2. Voice controlled thermostat:
With the KELVIN Talking Thermometer your voice controls the temperature settings! Once you program the thermostat using the talking buttons, the advanced speech recognition technology allows you to raise and lower the temperature simply by using voice commands. The voice commands can be initiated by pressing the large tactile buttons or by clapping your hands, by knocking on a table or desk, or even just by whistling! This useful low vision aid will control the heat, fan and air conditioner to a precise and ideal comfort level.
Talking buttons mean no more eye strain: Every button talks. No more straining, squinting or guessing while trying to figure out the buttons. When a button is pressed, a clear voice will tell you exactly what that button signifies. It will announce the time, room temperature and temperature setting.
Programming buttons including “Set Day,” “Set Time,” “Raise” and “Lower” make the 5” x 5” x 1 3/8” KELVIN Talking Thermostat simple to use and understand. Learn more about the KELVIN Talking Thermostat.
Access to Information News Desk
Consumer Alert! Transition from Analog to Digital Television Looms
With just over 300 days left before most TV stations must switch from analog to digital television broadcasting, consumers should start paying attention to any choices they must make.
After February 17, 2009 all full-power television stations will broadcast only in digital. If you use rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna with your analog TV, you are going to need to take action to continue watching TV.
You have three options:
- Buy a converter box that will plug into your analog TV
- Buy a TV with a digital tuner
- Connect your analog TV to Cable, satellite or other pay TV service.
If you decide to buy a converter box, the federal government will provide you with up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of certified converter boxes. These certified TV converter boxes are available at participating retailers and are expected to cost between $40 and $70. They convert digital television signals back to analog so your analog TV will receive pictures and audio.
To request your coupons:
Toll free call 1-888-388-2009 or TTY 1-877-530-2634
Fax your request to 1-877-388-4632
Go to the government website: www.dtv2009.gov
(or in Spanish at www.dtv.gov/spanish/
publications.html)
Coupons are in limited supply, with 9 million already mailed out of the total 33 million available. We encourage you to share this information with a friend who doesn't know about this but who you know watches TV for free using rabbit ears. AAPD (www.aapd.com)has also launched a Consumer Alert website (www.aapd.com/News/tech/080407aapd.htm) with all this information and more.
So sign up, apply, and buy! Keep your old TV!
Item provided by Jenifer Simpson, Telecommunications and Technology Policy Initiative, American Association of People with Disabilities.
Music Braille
Music students who read contracted English braille and who are in their last years of high school or already in college, are invited to request applications for the National Resource Center's twelfth Summer Braille Music Institute. The program will be held July 13-19 at the Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia.
Focused around developing the ability to read braille music and to submit theory assignments in print, this intensive provides braille music practice catered to each student's needs, systematic instruction in Dancing Dots' Lime Aloud and GOODFEEL software, and theory classes which progress from basic concepts to harmonic analysis.
Applications have several steps, including submission of an audition, and recommendation forms to be completed by teachers. Final enrollment is limited to no more than eight students. Application deadline is May 8. Visit blindmusicstudent.org for further information.
The best way to request an application package is to contact David Goldstein, director of the National Resource Center for Blind Musicians, at info@blindmusicstudent.org or 203-366-3300, x229.
Marin News Desk
Descriptive Video Loan Program Offers Increased Selection
Movie night can be enjoyable and free when you rent descriptive movie videotapes at the Adaptations store in downtown Marin.
Movies that have Descriptive Video Service (DVS) are just like standard films with one exception: an extra line of audio script that describes the important visual elements of a scene. The description flows within the natural pauses of the movie's dialogue.
The process of renting DVS tapes is simple. Come to the rear of the store and pick a movie. You can only borrow one at a time, but there is no charge for the rental. Remember, these are videotapes so you'll need a VHS player to watch them.
The store recently increased its selection of movies to include titles such as “Million Dollar Baby,” “Brokeback Mountain,” “A Beautiful Mind,” “The Producers,” “Chaplin” and “Shark Tale.” To check out all the new additions, come to Adaptations at 1137 4th Street in San Rafael. Store hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
LVL Marin Graduates Gain Valuable Skills and Friendships
March 19 marked the end of this season's Living with Vision Loss class. The last class covered the topic of Dining Out - the perfect course for a fieldtrip to a restaurant.
Students practiced lessons learned in previous classes, such as traveling with a cane and using the clock method to locate items at the table. They also learned some new practical skills that day, including how to order from a menu.
However, the highlight of this class wasn't the lesson - it was the fellowship.
Conversation was humming all around the table. This was a social event to be sure. Over the last 10 weeks, in between topics such as Managing Money, Kitchen Safety and Pre-Braille lessons, these students developed friendships. And on this last day of class, some family members joined the group. It was a great opportunity for students to share with their families the work they had accomplished at the LightHouse and the friendships they had developed.
After lunch, it was a quick walk from the restaurant back to class. After certificates of completion were handed out, there was an emotional heaviness in the room. Saying goodbye was difficult. All the students lingered on, hanging onto the last few moments of the experience. As they exited the class for the last time, many of them made promises to keep in touch and others signed up for more classes.
The Living with Vision Loss class prepared these students with practical skills for living with a visual impairment. But it also taught them how to learn from each other and the value of networking with others in the vision loss community.
Understanding Vision Loss for Family and Friends
At the LightHouse of Marin, we recognize that learning to live with vision loss is a family matter. That's why the Family and Friends Vision Loss program is designed to help support the partners, caregivers and friends of people in Marin County who are visually impaired.
As a participant in the program, you will learn how to improve quality of life through practical tips and training intended to help you understand vision loss.
In-home training of family members, as well as safety evaluations and home recommendations will be provided.
Learning about Center-Based Support will empower those with vision loss to discover new ways to be self-reliant and give family members time for themselves. You'll also be able to take advantage of In-home Supportive Respite with activities like reading, shopping assistance and companionship.
For more information about this program, contact Kathy Abrahamson at the
LightHouse of Marin at 415-258-8496.
May LightHouse Calendar
Education and Recreation Program
Call 415-694-7325 for prerecorded monthly information about this program. For reservations, contact Molly Pearson at 415-694-7320 or mpearson@lighthouse-sf.org.
Town Hall Meeting
May 7, 2:00 to 3:00 pm
Bingo and Lasagna Dinner
May 9, 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Voting Demonstration
May 14, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
May 21, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Dinner Dance
May 23, 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Francis Neer Forum
May 24, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
No Classes - Semester Break
May 26 to May 30
Youth Program
For reservations and further information, contact Vi Huynh at 415-694-7357 or vhuynh@lighthouse-sf.org or Theresa Navarro at 415-694-7334 or tnavarro@lighthouse-sf.org.
Friday Teen Sports:
Bowling
May 2, 4:00 to 9:00 pm
Indoor Rock Climbing
May 16, 4:00 to 9:00 pm
Saturday Outings:
Sports Day
May 3, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Urban Gardening
May 10, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Golden Gate Park
May 17, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
End of Semester BBQ
May 24, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Swap Shop
For Sale: Dell desktop computer (approximately 4 years old, but rarely used). Set up with ZoomText, scanner, printer, large letter keyboard, trackball mouse and computer table.Asking $250. Call Erland Wolff at 415-485-0674.
To submit a Swap Shop listing, please e-mail publications@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-431-1481.
