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We were all very saddened at the passing of Rosemary Heisinger. Rosemary served as a Board of Director for a number of years and was a caring and active member. We extend our condolences to her husband, Jim, and her family. Rosemary will be greatly missed
The Marjorie R. McNeely Low Vision Clinic of the BVIC presents the first of a series:
January 20, 2007, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM at the BVIC, 225 Laurel Ave., PG.
Dr. Ming Lu, M.D. of Vantage Eye Center will speak on Exciting Breakthroughs in Treating Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy.
Dr. Andrew Wodecki, O.D., of the BVIC’s Marjorie R. McNeely Low Vision Clinic topic is “Doctor, Can You Make Me Stronger Glasses?”, Low Vision Prescriptions.
Dr. Lu, a graduate of Harvard Medical School completed his retinal fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Wodecki completed his doctorate at the Berkeley School of Optometry. He is Chief of Optometry at the Presidio of Monterey, US Army Health Clinic.
Exhibitors from Access Ingenuity, A & B Low Vision, & ReadAgain will demo the latest in technology. A representative from the California Telephone Program will have a display on Adapted Telephones. Exhibits will include:
The talking books that we are so familiar with now come in different formats, on compact discs or even without a cassette tape. Computer technology has brought these changes to audio books. An audio book can be played on a tiny portable device called an MP3 player like the popular iPod that many use to play music. Imagine no more hassle changing tapes or discs. The small credit card size unit can be worn around the neck or in a pocket. However, not all of the MP3 players and iPod’s are accessible to people with more severe vision loss. Their screen and text sizes are often too small for a person with low vision to read.
The Milestone 311 is another example of a portable all-purpose voice recorder and MP3 player. Its speech feedback lets visually impaired individuals search books or music without needing to see the screen. The National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped that provides talking books services will adopt a new world standard format called DAISY format in the near future. DAISY players are accessible to the blind. The following article was written by a BVIC member:
By Fred McDonald, a BVIC member
I used to get books on tape & CD’s from the library. I find my Apple iPod Shuffle a much better way to get audio books. I subscribe for about $23 a month to audible.com, receiving two books a month and an hour daily from the Wall Street Journal. I download books and the Wall Street Journal on iTunes software on my computer. The Shuffle plugs into the USB port where it’s charged and downloaded. iTunes is downloaded for free and is also used to download music. This may sound complicated but is really simple. The audible.com books are extensive and current. Extra books can be downloaded at a bargain price. I have as many as 10 books downloaded and also music on my Shuffle. I usually hang my Shuffle from a cord around my neck and find it easier than carrying a book. The new Shuffle is even smaller and clips on a belt. Its user interface is less convenient than the larger and more expensive iPods; however, the size & cost advantage make the Shuffle a better choice for me.
Some of you may remember Dr. Feel Good, aka Citizen Kane, former radio host of KAZU’s Rock N Roll or Joyful Noise radio programs. Dr. Feel Good is back as volunteer, Steve Kane. He is chairman of the new Let’s Have Some Fun Committee. Often many of us find that our changing vision keeps us from going out as much as we’d like and sometimes needing rides from family and friends. If you like to have some fun: see a play, attend a concert, a lecture, or an entertainment event, contact Steve. He’ll see if he can get tickets donated for you and your driver. Or, if you are a producer, promoter or someone who would like to sponsor tickets for your venue, Steve would like to hear from you.
Call Steve Kane at (831) 375-6677.
Call Russ Hatch at (831) 659-5360 for info regarding donating or purchasing a donated vehicle.
Tuesday classes - 11:00 a.m. to noon
Tuesday & Friday - 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Lessons are one hour - so reserve your time. Give it a try It might open a whole new world. Call Robin for more info or if you plan on participating.
Here are some tips to maintain independence and make the bathroom as safe as possible
Minimum qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent, valid driver’s license, own vehicle & insurance, ability to lift equipment (eg. CCTV, about 40 lbs.), detail oriented, great people skills. Salary: $12.00 per hour/20 hours per week, some flexibility, full day on Mondays.
Contact: Jeannie Cordero at (831) 649-3505 or email vision@blindandlowvision.org.
Black & White Aladdin CCTV. About 3 years old. Asking $1,000.
February 13, 2007 at 1:00 PM in the BVIC’s Multi-Purpose Building. All are encouraged to attend. The slate of Board Members will be posted at the BVIC in January.
Beginning in 2007 MST service will run 7 days a week to the bus stop in front of the BVIC building. Service will run several times daily. For details call MST at 1-888-678-2871.
January 1 – New Year’s Day
January 15 – Martin Luther King Day
February 19 – President’s Day
225
Laurel Avenue Pacific Grove, CA 93950