Mia Carius answers the telephone and uses her
Braillenote to take messages.
The Blindfold is available in Braille and in large print upon request. To go green, and receive yours by email please send an email to
vision@blindandlowvision.org and put Blindfold in the subject line.
The Blindfold made its debut in 1982 published by its members as a monthly letter sharing news of the Center’s resources and activities. Nearly three decades later the BVIC mails out 1,674 newsletters every other month. It has been brought to our attention that it may be time for a name change of our newsletter. We’d loved to hear from our readers on what they think. Do you like the name? Would you like to see the name changed or do you want it to remain the Blindfold? Inner Visions, Spot Light, Clear View, Envision Independence, and The Eye Site are some name suggestions. We want to know your view and ideas. Give us a call at 649-3505 (after hours you can leave a message on the answering machine). Or send us an email at vision@blindandlowvision.org. We appreciate your input!
Available Now!
2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8L, 4 cyl., automatic, 61k miles, smogged, safety check & ready to go. Asking $4,950 OBO. For information or if you have a vehicle in good running order that you would like to donate, call Russ at 595-1871 or the BVIC at 649-3505.
Lenore Perez is a vibrant and talented local artist who enjoys mixed-media. She recently completed 100 paintings in 100 days for $100 each. What an accomplishment!
Half the proceeds received from the 9x12 abstract acrylic paintings go to the Blind & Visually Impaired Center. The artwork series have a collage influence and features actual photos of retinas. To purchase a painting e-mail lenoreperez1952@yahoo.com or contact her on facebook, twitter or blogspot.com. Lenore’s website is Lenore Perez Eclectic Artist . The BVIC is fortunate for Lenore’s caring and creative support.The BVIC is happy to welcome two volunteer receptionists. Both are active clients of the Center. Carolyn Craig, BVIC board member, is pleased to take your calls on Thursday, while Mia Carius is here on Monday. Board members Florence Cogan, Albertine Potter and Shirley Doolittle have been lending their talents for some time. We thank each of these personable ladies for their time and efforts helping the office run a bit smoother.
Mia Carius answers the telephone and uses her
Braillenote to take messages.
The BVIC welcomes donations of services, gift certificates and new items for Country Store & Auction. The annual fund/friend-raiser is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2009. We also invite those with creative talents to contribute crafts for the event. Treats of baked goods, candies, and jellies are also needed. Remember to save the date as Country Store & Auction always promises to be an enjoyable day.
In these times, cost is a consideration for many. The BVIC low vision clinic has recently expanded its selection of portable magnifiers to include more affordable devices. Due to their portability, hand held magnifiers can tend to be misplaced, and, they do occasionally wear out or malfunction.
We will continue to carry our existing line of magnifiers, as they include a lifetime repair warranty, and the manufacturer will send a new replacement device when contacted by the owner.
Our latest magnifiers are from Mattingly Low Vision; they include the same strengths of magnification currently available. These devices include bright LED lighting, and we will also soon begin carrying a new option with a teal colored light, which the manufacturer reports works better for some users. An optional yellow or 5mm white LED is also available, for people who find the high contrast white LEDs too bright. This line of magnifiers costs less, with a limited lifetime warranty. The hand held devices take three AAA batteries.
Hand Held Magnifier 3.5x
Hand Held Magnifier 4x
We also now have the Eye-Q, a portable video magnifier. It differs from those featured in the last newsletter in that the screen is part of the unit, rather than the device being connected to your television. Another device that is on its way is the Pebble, a portable electronic magnifier similar to the Eye-Q. Finally, we are in the process of reviewing various computer database options for streamlining the processes we use to track low vision aids, maintain diagnostic and progress notes and schedule client appointments. This will free up additional time for direct service to our members and clients, one of our primary and most important goals.
In the next newsletter, I’ll talk about lighting and glare control for near reading tasks. Have a good summer! Ken Kraska, Low Vision Services Coordinator
Study after study have shown that people with strong relationships have less mental decline and live more active, pain-free lives with fewer physical limitations than those with limited social connections. Of course, combating isolation and loneliness requires energy and resolve – and may be especially challenging if family and friends have moved away or died. But the benefits are well worth the effort. (AARP.org)
Over the past several months we have discussed the importance of maintaining social connections as we age, and have highlighted various community programs that provide opportunity for social interaction, education, support and enrichment. I would like to conclude our series on keeping our lives “peopled” by introducing you to a soon- to- be centenarian who does an impressive job of staying connected to her network of friends and remaining involved in her community.
I recently met Lucille Frazier (“Lukie,” for short) at her home in King City as part of the new client orientation and intake process. Her daughter had contacted our center, requesting services for her mother. After a lively phone conversation, I was looking forward to meeting this spirited lady. I was not disappointed. As is usually the case during initial interviews, our discussion extended well beyond the immediate vision concerns. As we spoke about her challenges as well as her passions, I grew increasingly impressed with her can do attitude and zest for life. Although she is no doubt blessed with good genes (“my mother lived to age 98”), I am convinced that her daily efforts to engage with others are a big factor in her prolonged good health and independence.
Lukie believes in the importance in having a daily routine. She described her typical day as awakening early, starting the coffee, making the bed, and then “putting myself together – just like I did during all the years I went to work.” Her day may include bridge, which she plays weekly, volunteering at Mee Memorial Hospital, attending functions at the Silver Kings and Queens senior club, or participating in activities at her church. She acknowledges the value of being with people on a regular basis. “When I start to feel a little depressed, I get myself out of the house and around people – even if it’s only going to the store for a can of soup.” Her daughter and grandchildren live out of the area, but Lukie has a wide support network of friends and neighbors right in her community.
Like many of our BVIC clients, Lukie struggles with a major vision impairment. In 1982 she was diagnosed with melanoma in her right eye. After radiation treatment, the eye was removed, replaced by prosthesis. She described the competent treatment she received from the various specialists and the confidence that the doctors inspired. “Whether it was their confidence and care or God’s help, I just wasn’t afraid.” She recounted the story of this long ordeal with humor and gratefulness.
Lukie initially balked at the notion of writing about her life. “There is nothing exceptional or special about me, but if I can help someone else, go ahead.”
Lukie is the first of many client profiles that we plan to feature in coming months. We serve a diverse, inspiring and often unique population - and look forward to sharing their stories in future issues.
The following was emailed to the BVIC
As a visually impaired individual, I have struggled with the massive amount of information available on the Internet. I have constructed a website to stockpile relevant data in one spot for the blind and visually impaired communities. The website is an amalgam of different information. There is a very useful job links page that is constantly being updated. By the way most of these positions are specifically for the blind or visually impaired. I also have an interview page in which I interview noted blind or visually impaired individuals. The resource and vendor links are also very useful tools for those seeking this information. It is my goal to make my website a useful tool for my blind and visually impaired peers. For more information go to: Visually Impaired and the Blind .
The BVIC is happy to share this great resource, however this is not a BVIC program therefore set up and maintenance of a computer is the client’s responsibility.
Texas Center for the Physically Impaired (TCPI) provides computers, free of charge (with a $100 donation) to visually impaired persons. (Note: This service is available to residents of the United States and Canada.) TCPI ships an average of 350-400 refurbished PCs per year. The donated computers are refurbished by volunteers. This work has been done for many years by John Austin. More recently, volunteers from the North Texas PC Users Group have joined in the refurbishing operation.
Who is eligible?
If you are a visually-impaired person in the United States who is serious about learning and is willing to listen to several audiocassettes to learn the basic steps for using a computer, then now is your chance.
Is there a charge?
There is a $100 charge to cover packing, shipping, and replacement parts. Otherwise, everything is free. You will receive a computer, monitor, keyboard, CD-ROM, modem, speakers, and the necessary software.
What software is included?
Your computer will come loaded with all the necessary software to get you started on an exciting adventure:
A screen reader with a voice synthesizer will read aloud the information on the computer screen. You can explore the vast quantities of information on the Internet and communicate by e-mail with millions of other computer users. PLEASE NOTE that you must first subscribe to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). All ISPs provide access to the Internet and e-mail, but their services and monthly fees vary widely, so each user must choose an ISP appropriate to his or her needs and preferences.
How do I learn to operate the computer?
TCPI provides each computer user with six audiocassette tutorials on the use of Windows XP and Window-Eyes. Here is your opportunity to obtain a computer that will enable you to do many things that you have wanted to do by yourself. Keep in mind that it will require much reading and study, but through this program you can learn to surf the Internet, get a paying job, or fulfill many other dreams that you now have.
For more information about Computers for the Blind or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact:
Robert Langford Ph.D., President
Texas Center for the Physically Impaired
11330 Quail Run
Dallas, Texas 75238
Tel: (214) 340 6328
Fax: (214) 340 0870
E-mail: boblang@airmail.net
