Tom Sullivan Skiing
Receive the Blindfold by email instead of “snail mail”. Just email vision@blindandlowvision.org and put Blindfold in the subject line.
The Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. This is an open meeting where the new Board of Directors will be elected. Only paid members are able to vote. Reports will be given by the BVIC Instructors, Director, and Treasurer. There will be a time for comments and all are welcome to attend.
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then show your support and send in your membership donation. Our membership drive helps us provide direct services for people within our own community. Give what you can and show others you care. We appreciate your support.
Moonset, our exceptional and amazing Low Vision Services Coordinator will be leaving the BVIC by the winter’s end. We are happy that
Moonset & her husband John are relocating to Taiwan to be closer to her family, but we will miss her immensely. The BVIC will always be grateful to Moonset for all she has done for the Center. Look for more information about Moonset and her valuable accomplishments in our next Blindfold.
Low Vision Services Coordinator –
Immediate opening. Qualifications:
Masters degree with background / experience working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired; comprehensive knowledge of low vision optical aids and assistive technology. FTE 37.5 hours per week. For more detailed information contact Jeannie by email at vision@blindandlowvision.org or leave a message for her at the BVIC.
TRAVEL TRAILER-self-contained, sleeps 6, roof air, good shape, asking $ 3,475 or best offer. For information or if you have a vehicle that you would like to donate call Russ at 595-1871 or the BVIC at 649-3505
CSA was a great time for many. We were so pleased to see many of our old friends. Thank you to all who volunteered and contributed your efforts to help make CSA a success. We offer a very special thank you to our Tuesday members who made beautiful wind chimes and crafts for CSA. Monterey Bay Floors was the grand prize winner of the propane BBQ donated by Built In Distributors. We are grateful for the generous checks awarded by longtime supporters, Russ Hatch representing Old Capitol Lions and Don Gasperson representing Monterey Host Lions.
Imagine being a blind 10 year old in 1819. Then imagine that same 10 year old developing a system of reading and communication for the blind that has been the accepted standard since. That was the genius of Louis Braille. We are celebrating the 200th birthday of Louis Braille with a performance by Tom Sullivan, best selling author, actor, singer, entertainer, and inspirational speaker. Blind since birth, Tom feels that "any negative can be turned into a positive", and has proved it by becoming accomplished at skiing, baseball, golf, and other activities. His new book, "Together", co-authored with Betty White, is a great inspirational novel. This celebration will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, with lunch at 11:30 a.m. and his performance at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 a person.
We have been fortunate to have many generous sponsors. To date, Allergan Eye Care has sponsored Tom Sullivan's appearance. Pebble Beach Company has donated the St. Andrews Room at Spanish Bay for the event. Perry Flicker is a Titanium Sponsor at the $10,000 level and above. Built-in Distributors is a Platinum Sponsor at the $5,000 level. Gold Sponsor $2,500 - Yellow Brick Road. Silver Sponsors $1,000 - Mill Construction, Monterey Host Lions. Bronze Sponsors $500 - Monterey Insurance Agencies, MCSI Water Systems Management, Tantimura & Antle, Glenn Hudgens, M.D., Eric Del Piero, M.D., Carolyn Craig, Scudder Roofing, Monterey Bay Eye Care, Old Capitol Lions.
Sponsorships are still available. For information on the benefits of the sponsorship packages, please call Carolyn Craig at (831) 373-0150. All proceeds benefit the Blind & Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County.
Tickets are available at Monterey Insurance Agencies, 401 Fremont Street, Monterey or
online at www.ticketguys.com .
Tom Sullivan Skiing
VISTA Update
Rocco, an inquisitive 6 year old, was awarded our VISTA grant in December. He has severe vision loss and uses a cane. For his extreme glare sensitivity he wears a pair of red-orange filters when any type of light is present so he can utilize his vision. His parents say that he has a keen interest in exploring visual information.
Following his low vision evaluation, Dr. Wodecki determined that Rocco reads better when texts are presented in yellow and black or red and white contrast. A video magnifier that provides custom color contrast was recommended. Also Rocco should be taught to use distance low vision devices like monocular or telescopes. Rocco, like all other young students, will begin to learn computers soon. The software ZoomText, screen magnifier and reader, would enable a computer to provide adequate magnification and the appropriate color contrast for him.
To assist Rocco in successfully using and developing his visual abilities, the BVIC is purchasing a PC computer with 19” LCD
screen. It will be equipped with the ZoomText software and a large print keyboard. Furthermore, a donated Smartview video magnifier will also be provided. The AT will give Rocco the tools to learn to read and write letters.
Please continue to donate to the VISTA grant. Your support is needed to help visually impaired students like Rocco.
Reaching Out to Help Taiwanese Develop Their First Low Vision Services Center
The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has approved a $200,000 grant for Taiwan to establish its first low vision service center. This October, members of Taiwan’s estimated 680,000 visually impaired population began receiving services at the first low vision services center in Southeast Asia. The Blind & Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County (BVIC) played an instrumental role in the exciting process. Taiwan is the native country of its Low Vision Services Coordinator, Moonset Yu, PhD., whose involvement was pivotal in the center’s development.
While visiting her parents in her homeland these past few years, Moonset also shared her expertise on vision rehabilitation by conducting workshops and presentations on the vision services that the United State provides, as well as the types of assistive devices that are available at the BVIC. During her trips, Moonset observed that the Taiwanese government only provided funds to help people with vocational goals and with severe vision loss. Unfortunately, most of its agencies for the blind and visually impaired relied heavily on these government funds. They did not have the means to help people with milder vision loss and those not seeking employment.
She realized that a low vision center like the BVIC could only be established with a substantial private grant. Moonset recalled the story of how local Monterey Lions Clubs helped
found the BVIC nearly 38 years ago. This led her to ask Russ Hatch, one of the Lions involved in the creation of the BVIC, for more details. She eagerly interviewed Russ, gaining important information and translated the session into Chinese. This interview served as the impetus to encourage Taiwanese Lions Clubs to pursue a similar goal.
Moonset then wrote a proposal on behalf of the Taiwanese Lions Clubs and secured the initial grant from the LCIF. The new center is founded within a non-profit organization named Taiwan Foundation for the Blind (TFB). In June, Dr. Wodecki and Cheri Padin of the BVIC lent their assistance for the project, selecting, purchasing, and shipping low vision aids and devices to help equip the center. Recently, Victoria Carns, BVIC Board Member, traveled with Moonset to visit the center and volunteer for 3 days.
The BVIC will continue to offer their Taiwanese counterpart its support. Moonset states it was an honor to take part in this important endeavor for the field of Visually Impaired Rehabilitation in Taiwan. The BVIC is proud of Moonset’s commitment and involvement in establishing the low vision service center.
Cathy Moore's Story
Cathy Moore called the Blind & Visually Impaired Center (BVIC) when her loss of vision prevented her from using the computer. In June of 2006, Dr. Moonset Yu began visiting Cathy at her home for services. She enlisted other BVIC staff members to participate in a team approach by providing orientation & mobility services, daily living skills, and assistive technology. Cathy has since regained control of her own life. Here is her story.
Cathy’s visual changes began in 2006 when she realized it was becoming increasingly difficult to see to read. She eventually was diagnosed with optic neuritis caused by Multiple Sclerosis. She had just returned to work after a six-year break from an active career as a PE teacher and gym coach. She spent those years with her beautiful daughter who was beginning high school.
Confronting the vision problems was overwhelming to her and her family. She said the vision loss seemed to deprive her of everything. The support of her loving family was all she had. With so many losses and even more challenges, she spiraled into a severe depression. Without the familiarity of sight her world grew smaller. Something as natural as leaving home became an insurmountable task. She remained at home doing nothing and had no idea of what she could do.
At her first visit to the BVIC’s Assistive Technology Lab, she experimented with many devices designed for people with vision loss. It brought the realization that her life would somehow become normal again; teary-eyed, she embraced Moonset. Services from the BVIC gave her hope.
The positive effects of the services progressed in the months that followed. She acquired assistive devices and learned to use them proficiently. As Cathy started to actively participate in her life she regained her confidence. Exploring the outdoors again was enjoyable. She even took a trip to their vacation condo in Italy, something she had avoided for three years.
Through the use of several assistive devices, Cathy has resumed her normal life. She uses a Video Magnifier which can enlarge text and objects up to 45 times, to see print materials and to work on her hobby collection. A BookReader scanner connected to her computer scans and reads books aloud to her. Her guitar sheet music was easier to read once she scanned it then enlarged it on her computer screen. ZoomText, an assistive software program, allows her to email, research, blog, and manage photos. Her computer skills are even better than before she lost her sight. Cathy also enjoys cooking by using special utensils that are designed for safety.
Her life is full and she is busy planning another goal. When her daughter, a college freshman, acclimates to university life, she too will return to school. Her adeptness with computer skills and assistive technology has given her the confidence to pursue a degree to become a history teacher.
Cathy’s courage and hard work has inspired all of the BVIC staff who have worked with her. The following comments by her husband, James, were heartfelt encouragement received by the BVIC staff.
“The support, training and services your organization has provided to my wife and family is beyond any of our expectations that we had prior to becoming involved with The Blind & Visually Impaired of Monterey County. Your staff has been courteous, helpful, friendly and very knowledgeable in the difficulties connected with vision impairment and learning how to adjust our lives to meet our new needs. We cannot fully express in words our sincere appreciation to the organization and staff that has helped us throughout the last two years. A special thank to Moonset Yu—Low Vision & Technology, Robin Whiteley—Independent
Living, and Rena Weaver—Orientation & Mobility.”.
Tips for Negotiating Public Restrooms
When you can’t see well or at all, doing a very personal task independently in a public venue carries some challenges. To accomplish it may require forethought, resourcefulness and some orientation techniques. In our daily lives most of us have to spend some time away from home doing errands, shopping, or even going out with friends to a restaurant. I am aware that some visually impaired people restrict themselves from going to public places just because the prospect of using an unfamiliar bathroom is daunting. There are concerns about finding your way around, cleanliness of the restroom and privacy issues. Most of these worries can be overcome using common sense, planning, and a few orientation and mobility techniques.
If there is no one to accompany you into the restroom for information about its layout, etc., just get directions to the restroom door. Then, check the door for the international round symbol for women, triangle for men, to make sure you have the correct restroom. Be aware as you trail the restroom walls to find the sinks or stall doors, that paper towel dispensers, soap containers, or hand dryers may be protruding from the wall at face or shoulder height. Use upper hand and forearm or just walk slowly so that anything you bump into is a nuisance instead of a hazard. Waist high trashcans may also line the walls.
Restroom sounds are helpful. Running water or hand dryer sounds indicate which side has the sinks, and flushing toilets indicate which side has the bathroom stalls. As you come out of a stall, the sinks are usually straight ahead.
If it sounds like the restroom is crowded, ask if there is a line. If so, ask someone to tell you when it is your turn and a stall has opened up. Ask if the stall is to your right or left, nearby or a good ten or twenty steps away.
Once you enter the stall, there are a few things to check before closing the door. Do you have toilet paper or is the receptacle empty? Are the paper seat covers still available? If not, you may want to change stalls immediately. Once you know your stall is well supplied, make sure your door latches firmly. Otherwise, a new person coming into the bathroom that sees your door slightly ajar may assume your stall is free. Avoid that embarrassment! Before sitting, flush your toilet seat once just incase the person before you forgot to flush. Then wipe the seat off with toilet paper or a tissue you have with you so that you can sit on a dry seat. You may prefer to use a paper seat cover. They tear easily, so handle the seat cover carefully as you take it out of the container. If it rips, you won’t be able to keep it on the seat before you sit down. When you are finished, check your back waistband to make sure the seat cover didn’t get caught in the waistband of your skirt or pants. That has happened to me before, and I was unaware that I was wearing the seat cover in back until someone was good enough to tell me. The paper is so thin you may not feel it in your waistband until you check with your hand.
As you approach the sinks, be aware that some sinks have only a faucet, no handle. You just hold or move your hands under the faucet, and a motion detector starts the water running. It is usually timed, so you may have to do it a few times to get the soap off. Soap dispensers are usually in the center above the sink, or between the sinks if there is a row of sinks.
coming out below the dispenser. You can just tear off a piece. If there are no more paper towels and no hand dryers, use a tissue from you handbag or paper from one of the empty stalls.
Be careful approaching the door to leave the restroom. There is usually sound coming from outside the restroom as people exit or enter. This sound can give you the general direction to head towards the door. When you get near the door extend your cane or use upper forearm technique to create a horizontal bar in front of your face. If you don’t have time to step back if someone pushes the door towards you, at least the door will hit your arm instead of your face. A good reason for anyone to open a swinging door slowly!
If you would like some Orientation and Mobility instruction on getting around in an unfamiliar environment, call BVIC at 649-3505. O&M instruction promotes learning general skills for many environments, but sometimes all we need is some specific instruction on a task that is important to us. Please call us!
Robin Whiteley is returning to Florida and will be missed.
Call Jeannie for info.