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.
For info 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.
Thank you to all for your volunteerism and for the financial support that you have given the BVIC this past year. Many have been affected by the financial challenges of our economy and we are particularly grateful to those who continue to give what they can. Each and every donation or act of service is not taken lightly. With a heartfelt sincerity, we are privileged and honored to have this and many other types of support. Thank you.
Give a gift that helps others….Make a tax-deductible donation to the BVIC in honor of that hard to buy for person. Simply send a donation to the BVIC and we will send a card to the person you would like to honor stating that a donation has been made in their honor. Please remember to include the name and address of the person to be honored.
Santa's Top Ten Gifts For People With Vision Loss
Each Tuesday BVIC members come together for fellowship sharing lunch, ceramics, stories, and the new Sensory Garden Project. Kalisa Moore may have been known as the Queen of Cannery Row, but to the BVIC’s Tuesday Group, she was family. On numerous occasions, Kalisa shared with BVIC staff how much the group meant to her. She looked forward to the weekly fellowship with her friends who she also considered family.
Kalisa loved sharing her lively, often funny tales of days on the Row and also giving tips on belly dancing. Her BVIC friends were saddened by her passing, but pleased to reminisce about Kalisa and her kindness. “She was always encouraging.”
Kalisa donning her gardengloves for the Sensory
Garden Project with her Tuesday friends
On one occasion, Kalisa mentioned how she loved tie dyed clothing and the following week, one of the group proudly brought her a bright and colorful tie dyed shirt which she enjoyed wearing. “That bright and colorful shirt fit her personality.” Another said, “She was always a very up person who never felt sorry for herself”.
Another friend remembered, “I was playing piano one day and turned to hear a lovely soprano voice accompanying me and was delighted to see it was Kalisa”.
Helpful Hints When Using Your CCTV
Many readers of this newsletter use desktop reading machines, known as CCTV’s. In our last issue you read about Lighting, Positioning, and Reading. This time we’ll find out about Writing and Viewing Pictures and Objects using a CCTV.
Writing Using A CCTV
Most right-handed writers write upwards and to the right. Here are two suggestions on how to stay on the lines when writing: For short writing tasks (e.g. signatures) angle the page so that the lines slant up to the right on the screen. You may need to experiment with the paper angle for best results and you may need to change the alignment if you are left-handed.
For extended writing tasks position your body to the left of the center of the screen and adjust the page so that the lines run straight across the screen (You may use the rear edge of the x/y table to align material. Using this technique also helps you write straight across blank paper (e.g. when addressing envelopes)
Objects & Pictures
Things to Remember
If you are interested in trying a CCTV, please give us a call and I will be happy to demonstrate them to you. We have the latest devices as well as refurbished units available.
This holiday season I am especially grateful to those whom have shared their stories and experiences about blindness, low vision and life, and for the support and collaboration that helps keep it all in perspective.
Beating the “Holiday Blues”
Although the holiday season is supposed to be a time of celebration and sharing joy, oftentimes people – especially those who are older – find that they feel increasingly sad, disappointed or stressed. Financial restraints, unrealistic expectations, dealing with health challenges, and reminders of past losses can all be contributing factors.
Here are some tips from the National Mental Health Association on coping with holiday stress and preventing the “holiday blues:”
Give yourself permission to make the choices you need, and to define for yourself the things that are important and meaningful for you, so you can truly relax and enjoy this season.
A great way to earn your angel wings is to help someone in need. On occasion we have a client who is in need of an aid or device that could really be helpful, but is unable to pay for it. Items can range from a $12.00 large print calendar or talking watch to a more expensive magnification system. A person who is in their early fifties recently lost all useable vision. A software program called the Guide would enable this person to use a computer. The Guide costs $795.00. It magnifies text and images, has a clear voice and is easy to use even for a new computer user. If you are able to help by purchasing an item or by giving a donation toward the purchase of an item please give Jeanne a call at 649-3505. Donations are tax-deductible.
“The national image of our area is one of wealth and beauty - yet poverty and food insecurity exist in the Salad Bowl of the World.” (Monterey County Food Bank)
BVIC is joining the Food Bank’s annual holiday food drive this year by asking for donations of non-perishable food items. We will have a collection barrel in our lobby, and items can be dropped off 8:30 – 1:30, Monday – Friday.
The Food Bank is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to lead community efforts in the awareness and elimination of hunger in Monterey County”. The Emergency Food Assistance Program is the largest supplemental food program that the Food Bank operates. On average, the Food Bank serves 7,000 - 8,000 families a month through this program. A typical bag may contain peanut butter, canned tuna or canned meat, canned fruits and vegetables and fruit, cereal, dry milk, pasta, and a bag of rice. Unfortunately, the bags have included fewer items in recent months since the economy has slowed and donations are down. To help avert a crisis this holiday season, the Food Bank is holding a drive from November 2nd to December 31st.Let’s join in this worthwhile effort and fill our barrel to overflowing!
During the month of October, host Jim Vossen has been showcasing clients and staff of the BVIC on his Tuesday morning radio show. It has been a great opportunity for the BVIC to share with the public what services are available and to hear from clients who have utilized those services. Tune into KNRY 1240 AM on the dial or check out his streaming audio at http://www.knry.com/StreamingMain.htm
The BVIC will be closed November 26th & 27th for Thanksgiving.
The office will be closed from December 21, 2009 and will reopen on January 4, 2010.
Please note that some staff members may be working by appointment only.
The Tuesday Members’ Holiday Luncheon and Celebration will be held
December 15, 2009 from noon until 2:00 p.m. To ensure we have enough food for all, please call the BVIC at 649-3505 if you plan on attending. Kindly respond by December 9th.
On behalf of the staff of the BVIC, Cheri Padin, Business Director, & Jeannie Cordero, Program Director wish all the Happiest of Holidays and Good Health & Prosperity for the New Year!