Vehicles Available Now!
For Clients, Their Caregivers, Others
June 21 at the BVIC
9:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Exhibitors. People are welcome to drop in for the exhibits throughout the day.
Please RSVP to the BVIC for the following:
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.: Dr. Richard Kim, M.D., will speak about Glaucoma. A Harvard graduate, Dr. Kim received his medical degree from the University of California at San Francisco. He completed his residency at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and spent a year at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami with some of the world’s pre-eminent glaucoma specialists. Dr. Kim practices at Vantage Eye Center.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Speaker to be announced. The topic will be Cataracts.
12:00- 12:30 p.m.: Lunch break
12:30: Hands-on activities for Caregivers
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.: “Adjusting to Vision Loss”, Dr. Diana Case, Clinical Psychologist, will speak. Dr. Case has experienced low vision and co-facilitated the BVIC’s Low Vision Support Group for nearly ten years with Janet Wilson. Dr. Case’s practice is located in Monterey.
VISTA UPDATE
Eleven year old Mariano Chavez is our March VISTA grant recipient. His visual impairment was caused by congenital cataracts. He attends a special classroom for students who need additional attention. Mariano’s VI teacher and family accompanied him to our Marjorie R. McNeely Low Vision Clinic where Dr. Wodecki prescribed optical aids and other AT devices to help Mariano at home as well as at school.
During the visit, Mariano demonstrated excellent computer skills even though his family does not have a computer. Using the ZoomText screen magnifier and reader, he independently found websites that offered educational games, clicking and listening with excitement and joy. His teacher said that more educational software and keyboarding lessons will be provided at home once he has his own computer.
Our VISTA grant will award Mariano a computer with ZoomText Screen Magnifier and Reader and a donated CCTV so he will be able to study and do homework independently. Mariano also received a 3.5x LED handheld magnifier and a 6x18 monocular. (please support our VISTA Program with a donation and help other students).
Kale and Spinach Rated Highest in Eye Health
(information from http://www.mdsupport.org/library/antiox.html)
A new scale called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, ORAC, was used to analyze the antioxidant value of commonly eaten vegetables and fruits by Tufts University in Boston. Kale and spinach contains most ORAC units. Antioxidants are special compounds that protect against oxidation, or cellular damage caused by free radicals, and they have been shown to be effective in helping to prevent retinal diseases such as macular degeneration. Familiar antioxidants include lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin C and beta carotene. It may be important to remember that, while antioxidant vitamin supplements are popular, it may be the combination of the nutrients in the foods that have the greatest effect.
Top-scoring fruits and vegetables ORAC units per 100 grams (about 3½ ounces)
Vegetables |
Fruits |
Kale 11770 |
Prunes 5570 |
Spinach 11260 |
Raisins 2830 |
Brussels sprout 1980 |
Blueberries 2400 |
Alfalfa sprouts 1930 |
Blackberries 2036 |
Broccoli Flowers 1890 |
Strawberries 1540 |
Beets 1840 |
Raspberries 1220 |
Red bell pepper 1710 |
Plums 949 |
Onion 1450 |
Oranges 750 |
Corn 1400 |
Red grapes 739 |
Eggplant 1390 |
Cherries 670 |
New Assistive Technology: Guide-Handsfree Software
The company that produces GUIDE, a software program that enables many of our clients to effectively use a computer is now offering a Guide-Handsfree version. Everything in Guide-Handsfree can be controlled with just your voice. If a menu displays, just say the name of the required menu option or the menu option number, and Guide will select that menu option for you. If typing a letter, email, or piece of text - your talk will be turned into text. If you make a mistake or the computer does not recognize what you said, then with a single voice command, you can delete the last sentence or words and try again.
Contact Moonset to learn more about this program.
Living With Low Vision - Cane or No Cane?
There are many individuals who are legally blind or severely visually impaired who still have some working vision. Often this usable vision helps them see contrast, large obstacles, and recognize general landmarks. People with this kind of low vision often walk independently without using a white cane. They may not need a tool to warn them of obstacles or steps, at least not in familiar areas during the day. To the general public people with low vision often do not appear to have a vision loss.
Many people who have been living with low vision do not see a real need to carry a white cane. Some do not want to stand out or be given any special treatment. Others do not feel they have a right to carry a white cane because they still have some vision.
The fact is, after having received some instruction, anyone with low vision can benefit from carrying a white cane for several reasons. The most crucial reason is that it may enhance safety at street crossings. Even people who can see to follow the sidewalk might not be able to see cars of certain colors, or in certain kinds of lighting. The distance at which a visually impaired person can see moving cars may be a problem for his or her safety. Furthermore, drivers do not know if a pedestrian is visually impaired unless that person is holding a white cane or using a dog-guide.
The realities of today are that most drivers do more than drive in their cars. Most drivers listen to the radio or CD player, adjust the settings, talk on cell phones, and do myriads of other things while they are driving. At intersections drivers often rely on the fact that pedestrians can see vehicles. California stops with drivers barely stopping at stop signs, quick left-hand turns to move out of the way of other oncoming drivers, and right turns on red are all potential dangers to pedestrians. If at least drivers are alerted to the presence of visually impaired pedestrians, the drivers have the immediate reminder to drive more carefully through the intersection. Since the white cane is a well-known symbol of blindness, many drivers will be more cautious when they see the cane.
Visually impaired and blind pedestrians rely heavily on traffic sounds to analyze when and where to cross a street safely. Now there are increasing numbers of quiet electric cars, or hybrids, on the road. If you have low vision and are not aware of an oncoming quiet electric car, it is important that the driver is warned that you may not see him.
Through orientation and mobility instruction a visually impaired individual can learn to accurately analyze and interpret traffic sounds at intersections to independently decide when it is safe to cross. A low vision mobility student can learn to use a cane to detect steps, curbs, and obstacles he might miss otherwise. An O&M instructor can teach techniques which will enable the visually impaired pedestrian to alert drivers of one’s intention to cross, determine when not to cross, walk in a straight line staying in the crosswalk, and cross at the right time even when one cannot see the light. With orientation and mobility instruction one can learn how to become a defensive walker, similarly to the way people learn to be alert, defensive drivers.
For those who see the benefits of using a white cane at intersections, but really don’t have any use for the cane otherwise, there is a handy tool. The folding cane is a tool that can be folded and carried under the arm, in a bag, or on a belt loop until the cane is needed again.
For the pedestrian who has the legitimate concern of letting the public know he or she is visually impaired because of living in a high crime area, there are still ways to become more visible to drivers. One way is to wear reflective stripes on clothing and shoes the way cyclists and joggers do. Another suggestion is to wear bright yellow or orange, or white, clothing that drivers are more likely to notice. A third suggestion is to purchase vests like those construction workers wear. These have reflective stripes and can fit over outer clothing such as coats and jackets. The reflective stripes and vests can be found in some hardware or sporting goods stores. The message here is: If you have low vision or are blind, make yourself visible to drivers!
Hearing impairment in combination with low vision, hybrid cars, drivers who are not alert, and drivers who do not know there is a visually impaired pedestrian in the intersection, are all reasons for the person with low vision to consider learning to use a white cane at least for street crossings. Other benefits may be that finding information and assistance is easier. Finding the right bus, entrance to a building, or the person you are meeting for a business lunch, may be less of a challenge if you are willing to let others know you may need some information or assistance.
The feedback we have received from low vision students who decided to get some orientation and mobility training is that life became a little less stressful when he or she began using the white cane on a regular basis. Some of the tensions and uncertainties of not seeing well were relieved by being open about having a vision loss and sometimes needing information. Some people felt better at street crossings. Some people felt less afraid of falling. Some talked about the relief of not frequently having to explain why they needed information since the cane said it for them. Instead, for example, the public understood why a person was asking for information that was clearly written on a sign nearby. Another person said it was easier to maneuver through a crowded sidewalk because people would step aside and make room for her to pass.
We at BVIC encourage people with low vision to get O&M instruction. An assessment with instruction can give you an idea of what kinds of things you may be able to accomplish to increase your safety as well as to obtain more freedom.
Meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of the month. Join us at the BVIC, 3:30 to 4:30.
May 7, 2008 Topic: How People with Various Eye Conditions See.
June 4, 2008 Topic: Different Types of Services & Where to Obtain Them.
With great sadness, I announce that I, Patrick Soule, will be leaving as the social worker for the Blind & Visually Impaired Center. And it seems I just started saying hello!
It is such a gift to work with such a staff and clients. This has truly been a wonderful experience in getting to briefly meet many amazing people.
My mind is brimming with stories and fragments of memories. Beyond vision and blindness, I remember the richness of caring people. Each person involved with this center is a unique treasure.
Sometimes it was your quick smile or a hug. I remember having long talks with some of you. I reflect on hearing your genuine frustrations; the confusions and pains.
I felt the spaces between your words, so much unsaid just days before you died.
We went on a few walks, finding our way together. I recall your thankfulness for my simple assistance. You wanted to pay me. I only accepted your piano composition, played by touch. It still fills me with emotion and gratitude.
I share a poem from Daniel Ladinsky that helps describe this center and it’s magic.
Even
After
All this time
The sun never says to the earth,
“You owe Me.”
Look
What happens
With a love like that,
It lights the Whole Sky.
Thanks for your untold contributions – Patrick Soule
A Note from Jeannie….
The BVIC had the blessings of a wonderful, insightful, and caring Social Worker in Patrick Soule. We are grateful for the short time he spent with us and appreciate his shared commitment in helping others. We all wish Patrick the very best, he will be a light to all the lives he touches.My name is Albertine (Agudo) Potter. I was born and raised in Pacific Grove. I attended school in this area and graduated from Pacific Grove High School. My name Albertine Agudo gave me the honor of being the first girl to receive her diploma at Monterey Peninsula College’s first graduating class in 1949. My husband, Cecil, retired from the army and we traveled to many different army bases throughout the states and Germany with our big family (7 girls and 6 boys). Cecil also retired from the Carmel Police Department. I worked at the Naval Postgraduate School for about 15 years.
Having 13 children I did a lot of volunteer work at the P.G. Schools and the Pony Baseball League which I enjoyed very much. My 14th child is Chiquita, my little Chihuahua. I am now working as a volunteer at the Blind and Visually Impaired Center as the Clinic’s reception
ist on Mondays and Thursdays. Jeannie, our Program Director, just happens to be my niece and my sister Aurelie Garcia volunteers on Tuesdays.
I really did not know that such a center existed until my Ophthalmologist referred me to this clinic. I ’m very fortunate to work with such caring and helpful people. Many people first come to the Clinic reluctantly, uncertain and overwhelmed by their vision loss. When the people leave this clinic they always leave with a smile on their face – it is such a good feeling to see.
This is my second term serving on the BVIC Board of Directors and it is a privilege to be a part of this organization.
Position: Social Worker / Case manager
Hours:20 hours per week
Compensation: $20.00 per hour; $ .40 per mile travel reimbursement
Qualifications:
The BVIC was invited to participate in a tango pilot project by the Shall We Dance studio in Pacific Grove. The idea was to give blind and visually impaired folks a new way to socialize, enjoy beautiful music, and get some exercise as well. Ingrid Tower, owner of Shall We Dance, donated her beautiful studio, excellent instructors and volunteers to assist in this six-part series. It was designed for visually and physically challenged persons. There are 3 sessions left in this “free” program and we would like to invite those folks who would like to try it out. Sonja Jackson, secretary of the BVIC Board of Directors, is coordinating the sessions. At the end of the six-session course, we hope that people in the community will want to help fund this worthwhile project as an ongoing part of the community. Sighted folks may come with those who need assistance and join in. Our next tango session is Saturday, May 10, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. If you are interested in participating, please contact Sonja at 373-5738.
Saturday, November 1, 2008, save the date.
Dr. Feel Good, Steve Kane, reminds people to call him at 375-6677. A small group had a fantastic time at Arlo Gunthrie’s concert at the Sunset Center!!
As costs for printing and mailing the Blindfold continue to rise, there is a simple way to help the BVIC and the Environment. Get your copy of the Blindfold by email instead of “snail mail”. Just email vision@blindandlowvision.org and put Blindfold in the subject line. You can also visit our web site at www.blindandlowvision.org and click Newsletters.