VOLUME 24 NUMBER 2
The Council Courier
AUGUST 2011
VOLUME 24, NUMBER 2
WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
& VISUALLY IMPAIRED, INC.
Contact information
800-783-5213 (Outside Madison)
608-255-1166 (Madison area)
608-237-8100 Direct Line, Sharper Vision Store
FAX: 608-255-3301
www.wcblind.org
Incorporated under laws of Wisconsin in November 1952, the Council is directed by
nineteen volunteer delegates: eleven are appointed by five organizations
representing people who are blind; eight delegates-at-large are appointed by the
Council.
The Council is a strong voice for blind citizens of Wisconsin. Its mission is to
promote the dignity and independence of people in Wisconsin who are blind and
visually impaired by providing services, advocating legislation and educating the
general public. The Council is funded through proceeds of endowments established
through bequests, grants, private gifts from individuals and corporations, and the
White Cane Fund campaign.
Council Courier
Becky Williams, Editor
Kathi Koegle, Managing Editor
Nona Graves, Copy Editor (braille)
Kathy Brockman, Proofreader (print)
Karen Perzentka, Proofreader (braille)
Glen Schroeder, CD Duplicator
Judith Rasmussen, Braille Transcriber
Newsletter Committee
Nona Graves
Bruce Parkinson
Rhonda Staats
Chris Zenchenko
Editor’s Note: Are you receiving multiple copies of the Courier
unnecessarily? If so, please feel free to let us know. Call Ray at
608-237-8104, and we’ll make sure you get only one copy of the Courier.
If your media preference has changed, and you wish to receive future
issues of the Courier in a different format, please use the form on the back
of this newsletter or call Ray.
Do you have a friend, family member, or neighbor who would like to be on
our mailing list? Please have them contact us by phone, e-mail, or through
the mail. We’re happy to help!
We welcome story ideas you’d like us to consider for future issues. Call
Kathi at 608-237-8111 or send an e-mail to: kathi@wcblind.org to share
your suggestions.
A Message from the President
By Chris Zenchenko
As you read this in August 2011, we have just passed through a
stormy spring and early summer. “Stormy” has many meanings, but
probably foremost in our minds are the storms of nature and in the
Wisconsin legislature.
One of the Council’s main tasks is to advocate on behalf of citizens of
Wisconsin who are blind or visually impaired. More than 60 years ago, the
founders of our organization realized there are some issues that are critical
to what would become our mission. Throughout our history, access to
transportation and educational materials have topped the list of concerns.
The ability to get to work, to have textbooks for college, to stay informed by
reading local newspapers, and to maintain a climate that outlaws
discrimination at work, school and in the voting booth are rights worth
fighting for. Access to our State Capitol building was limited, and our voice
was sometimes lost in the general noise, but as you will read elsewhere in
the Courier, we did experience some success.
As a reflection of just how serious the situation is, the Council will hold, not
one, but two Legislative Day events this year. Never forget that even if we
as the Council open the door, it is for everyone who cares about our issues
to walk in and voice their support for these matters.
• If you want and need to ride public transportation to work, to medical
appointments, to visit friends and family, or just to feel you are a part
of the world in which you live, help us deliver that message.
• If you need to read books and information on current events for
school, work or just for pleasure, help us defend and improve access
to printed and electronic material.
• If you are concerned about your safety crossing the street, help us
promote the White Cane law.
Our name says Council “of the Blind and Visually Impaired,” not “for the
Blind and Visually Impaired,” and that small difference is everything. The
word “of ” means you are a part of the process. It means you need to stand
up for what matters to you and the people you care about. It means we,
the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, want and need
you to get involved and connected.
You can stay involved in many ways, including applying for member-atlarge
seats available this fall. To do so, please contact our Executive
Director, Loretta Himmelsbach.
On a final note, I want to recognize the tremendous contribution Gary
Traynor has made during his tenure on the Council. Gary joined us as a
delegate-at-large, and within a short time, he was able to bring the Blinded
Veterans Association of Wisconsin (BVAWI) back to a seat on the Council.
Gary’s successor is Frank Krokos, and we welcome him as our new BVAWI
representative.
The interest and enthusiasm Gary brought to us and the BVAWI has made
a real difference. I hope he will stay connected and return to a position on
the Council sometime in the future. Fresh ideas and Gary’s kind of
enthusiasm are necessary to keep the Council vibrant and relevant. I
encourage and challenge the younger generation to become part of our
organization and our mission.
From the Executive Director
By Loretta A. Himmelsbach
Summer is winding down in Madison, and we’re facing a glorious autumn.
Nights will be chilly. Days will be warm, and the scent of coolness fills the
air. Autumn is one of my favorite times of year.
While nature is changing from summer to fall, we at the Council are also
changing and planning. As you know, we’re celebrating our 60th
anniversary in 2012. Thank you to those who submitted suggestions for
how we might celebrate!
Many of you have been affiliated with the Council for many years and
support our ongoing efforts. I would guess that many of you have also
collected or kept historic items from the Council that were special to you. If
the latter is the case, we would welcome the opportunity to see what you
have and possibly use it in celebration of our 60th! Please contact us. We
might use your item as a display at an event or photograph it for our
archives. We might even produce a small booklet that celebrates our many
years of existence! Do you like to write stories? Share with us your
memories of working with or volunteering for the Council!
One of my hobbies is genealogy. I find it intriguing to turn over a new tidbit
of information only to find many more underneath that layer. The same
may hold true with important artifacts or memories from the Council. One
item might spark interest and connection in another person’s memory.
Soon, we have a collection of items, whether they are newsletters,
newspaper articles, photos, plaques, award certificates, mementos, and/or
your own personal story.
Here are a few questions to start you thinking: What and when was your
first contact with the Council? Why? How involved were you with the
Council? Did you start volunteering here? Did you know any of the
founding fathers? Are you related to any of them? Did you shop at the
Sharper Vision Store? Were you new in town and someone referred you to
us? Have you joined us in advocating for people who are blind or visually
impaired? How have you been involved? We hope to have many pieces of
our history come together to benefit and enhance our celebrations! Are you
interested in helping us plan our 60th anniversary? If so, please volunteer
with us now, as we begin to brainstorm and develop our thoughts, events
and activities.
Thank you for sharing your story, no matter what the format! Mail your
suggestions to the Council at 754 Williamson Street, Madison, Wisconsin,
53703; call 608-255-1166; or send an e-mail to: info@wcblind.org.
The Council at the Capitol
By Rhonda Staats
Legislative advocacy is a key component of the Council’s mission. Each
year, our Legislative Committee is charged with identifying and advocating
for two or three legislative priorities. In 2011, the focus is maintaining
current levels of funding and service for the Wisconsin Talking Book and
Braille Library and protecting Wisconsin’s public transportation services to
the greatest extent possible.
On Tuesday, May 24, Council members and friends gathered at the State
Capitol for our annual Legislative Day event. In addition to Council
members, we had representation from: the American Council of the
Blind of Wisconsin, Audio and Braille Literacy Enhancement, the Badger
Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, the National Federation of
the Blind of Wisconsin, the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Wisconsin, and
the Wisconsin Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind
and Visually Impaired.
The day began with a how-to session on contacting, working with, and
remaining connected to our legislators. After this training, we participated
in a press conference that detailed the direct consequences of the
proposed decrease in funding for public transportation services. Council
President Chris Zenchenko’s compelling and articulate testimony at the
Capitol was aired on Wisconsin Public Radio. He spoke about the critical
importance of public transportation for people who are blind or visually
impaired, as we conduct routine errands and business and travel to and
from our jobs every day.
During the event, key state government legislators and representatives
visited us. Secretary of State Douglas La Follette spoke about his office
which includes funding for public libraries. Dan Wenzel, Director of the
Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Janesville, updated
us on issues concerning the education of blind students in Wisconsin.
Representative Donna Seidel and a representative from the office of
Senator Bob Wirch made plans with us to reintroduce the Wisconsin Media
Access Bill later in the fall, following the passage of the Fiscal Year
2012/2013 budget. Passage of this bill would make post-secondary books
and instructional materials accessible to print-disabled college students.
Council members and friends delivered packets to all 133 legislative
offices. The packets contained a description of the Council’s work, a
member directory, and a fact sheet that describes our legislative priorities.
Legislative Day provided us with an opportunity to build relationships
among legislators and key state government personnel as well as to serve
as a voice for Wisconsin residents who are blind or visually impaired.
Because this is such a crucial year for our legislative issues, we plan to
hold a second Legislative Day event that will be in the fall. Please check
our website for the date and additional details.
In Search of New Council Members
By Nona Graves
Are you interested in advocating for legislation that would enhance the lives
of people who are visually impaired? Would you enjoy educating the public
about living with a visual impairment or helping persons who are losing
vision learn how to cope with that change? How about supporting the
Council’s fundraising efforts so that we can continue to provide programs
and services for Wisconsin residents who are blind or visually impaired? If
any of these ideas appeal to you, please consider becoming an at-large
Board member of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Terms are for three years.
To qualify, there are certain requirements you must meet. You must be a
Wisconsin resident with visual acuity of 20/70 or less in the better eye with
best correction or have a field restriction of 20 degrees or less. You must
be able to travel to Madison for quarterly meetings, and you may need to
travel for committee meetings, seminars, and special events. Since much
of the material you receive for meetings will be sent by e-mail, you must
have access to some type of e-mail account.
If you would like to make a visible difference in the lives of individuals
who are blind or visually impaired by becoming a Board member, please
contact the Council office (608-255-1166; info@wcblind.org) for an
application. Appointments will be made in mid-November, and terms begin
in January 2012.
Everyone Sees Differently
By Nona Graves and Becky Williams
To help Girl Scouts understand how individuals who are blind and visually
impaired manage daily living activities, the Council designed the “Everyone
Sees Differently” program. To date, we have offered this presentation to
Girl Scouts in Madison, Baraboo, Beloit, and Milwaukee.
During the two-hour program, each group of girls visits five stations. At one
station, they learn how blind people read and write Braille. At another, they
see how visually impaired persons use computers, watch described videos
and listen to audio books. In the next area, they learn about labeling food
and identifying money. The fourth station allows the girls to understand
how individuals with vision loss participate in sports. At the last station,
participants observe a blind person working with his or her dog guide. Girl
Scouts tried on vision simulator goggles during some of the five activities,
and they gained a better understanding of what it’s like to have vision
conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinitis
pigmentosa.
At the conclusion of the Milwaukee event, one Girl Scout leader said, “I
brought a troop of Brownies to this event, and I was worried that they were
too young to understand what they saw, but I have never seen the girls so
quiet or interested!” A troop leader from Beloit applauded the program by
writing, “BRAVO for putting on an outstanding program in Beloit! My girls
are still talking about it, and they would love to participate again. Thank
you so much for having such excellent role models for the girls. They
made connections with each of them.”
Nona and I were privileged to participate in the May 14 event held in
Milwaukee. We agreed that our comfort level for making a presentation
increased with each repetition. “The girls all seemed really interested,”
Nona commented. “I’ll bet we helped them think about ideas they had
never considered before.” This comment from a participant seems to
reinforce Nona’s observation, “I really learned a lot about what it’s like in
the day of a blind person.”
All who helped with the event were really impressed with the
enthusiasm our guests showed. It was very gratifying to witness their
curiosity. “They asked great questions!” said Sandy Tisdale, Braille
Station leader.
Nona and I also valued the exceptional assistance we received from
members of Delta Gamma Sorority at UW-Madison. It didn’t take them long
to understand what we needed and how they could help. In almost no time,
we felt as though we were practiced teams who had been working together
for months.
Nona and I were very impressed with the Council staff’s preparation and
attention to detail. Volunteers received very thorough instructions and all
the materials we would need to carry out clearly-defined expectations.
Consequently, it was extremely easy to be a station leader.
Everyone’s efforts on behalf of the Girl Scouts seemed to have paid off. Of
the 63 Milwaukee-area participant evaluations, 50 rated the program
“awesome.“ Plans are underway to offer this program in Fennimore,
Wisconsin, on October 15, which we celebrate as National White Cane
Safety and Awareness Day.
Dear Friend of the Council,
Since 1952, the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired
has been helping people like Sandi. Sandi lost her vision in 2004 from
complications due to anesthesia during surgery. “I looked my daughter-inlaw
in the eyes as they wheeled me into surgery, and that was the last time
I physically saw her.”
Sandi is one of the growing number of people who thought they
would never need the services of the Council. She did not expect to
become blind. In America, 4.6 million people over the age of 40 are
visually impaired or blind. The fastest growing segment of people
experiencing age-related vision loss is Baby Boomers. As they turn 65 at
the rate of 10,000 people per day, the need for services to those who have
changing vision will increase dramatically.
With help from the Council, Sandi received a white cane, orientation
and mobility training, and she learned about products and aids from the
Sharper Vision Store that helped her stay independent and safe in her
home. She received vision rehabilitation services from our Vision Services
Department. Additionally, she was matched with a dog guide, Freedom.
The Council was founded 60 years ago to advocate for those who are
blind or experiencing vision loss. When Sandi lost her sight, she was
referred to the Council for services which she says “have had a profound
impact on my life.” Sandi is just one example of how our work will be
increasingly more challenging and needed in the future. In 2010, the
Council served more than 11,400 people – an increase of 50% from the
previous year!
We need your help because it is estimated that every seven
minutes, someone in America will become blind or visually impaired. This
growing demand will only increase as people experience age-related vision
loss. While most of our services are free to clients, they do cost the
Council to provide them. We never want cost to be an obstacle for people
who receive our valuable services.
We want to continue to provide this much-needed work! We want to
be there to serve the many other “Sandi’s” who contact us this year. We
need your continued support to ensure that help is there for those who turn
to us.
Please give today to the 2011 Annual White Cane Fund!
$35 will buy one white cane. $75 will pay for one low vision
evaluation. $100 will pay for one home visit by a vision specialist. $500
will pay for optical aids for those unable to afford them. $1000 will pay to
convert a year of our newsletter into Braille or an audio version. $1500 will
support an annual scholarship for a blind or visually impaired student.
When asked what folks might be surprised to learn about the Council,
Sandi reflected, “I am amazed by the overwhelming amount of knowledge
and the broad spectrum of expertise the staff offers to help you deal with
your disability and move forward. They give you support and help build
self-esteem. They understand. They offer an unbelievable number of
resources to the visually impaired citizens of our community.”
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is a private,
not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. Your donation to the 2011 White Cane
Fund is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. For more ways to
support our work, please call 1-800-783-5213. You can make an online
donation at www.wcblind.org/whitecane.
On behalf of Sandi and the thousands of others we serve each year,
thank you so much for your generosity and continued confidence in our
work.
Sincerely,
Loretta A. Himmelsbach
Executive Director
On the Road with Vision Rehabilitation
By Jean Kalscheur
“Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor!” William Cowper’s
quote describes my feeling toward work as a vision rehabilitation teacher.
I meet many people, all of whom are unique. When blindness or low vision
hinder participation in life’s activities, I work with individuals to find
alternative methods, make modifications, or incorporate adaptive products
that make doing things possible. Here’s an example of a recent busy day.
My first visit was in Dane County with a man, visually impaired since birth,
who is returning to college. My purpose was to investigate the best
technology to support this endeavor. We determined the adequacy of his
current hardware and software, made adjustments using accessibility
options, explored MP3 files associated with a large-print text, and
discussed computer positioning for physical and sensory limitations. On
another visit, we will explore voice recognition and digital recorders.
Next, I drove to Iowa County to see a woman with glaucoma. A recent low
vision evaluation recommended a new magnifier, which she found very
useful for spot reading. Since her vision is decreasing, I marked the stove,
oven and microwave to provide her with tactile cues.
Several streets over was my next stop with a woman who has severe
macular degeneration. I loaned her a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV),
helped determine the settings for her “good” eye, and showed her how to
use it most effectively. We discussed the cognitive load that reading
requires now and the frustration that can result. A filter assessment
identified the sun glasses that would give her the best contrast while
keeping her sensitive eyes comfortable when in the sun.
Back on the road, I made my way to rural Grant County. Hand and
machine sewing was the topic of conversation with a woman who was
diagnosed recently with macular degeneration. She wanted to make
clothing repairs as she had done for many years. We tried needle
threaders as well as easy-to-thread needles for hand and machine sewing.
After eliminating options and finding good placement for a task light and
magnification, threading needles is so much easier and quicker now.
The common theme that tied these four individuals to vision rehabilitation
services was their desire to participate in personally meaningful activities:
going to school, preparing meals, enjoying time outside when on a trip, and
mending clothing.
Computer accessibility, voice recognition software, magnifiers, tactile dots,
sun glasses, sewing machines, and sewing needles were the “stuff” or tools
of my day. Making them work well required active listening, problem
solving, give-and-take interaction, individualized instruction, and the use of
available resources.
So, this is what a day on the road is like for me as a vision rehabilitation
teacher. I enjoy the opportunity to meet and help people with changing
vision find tools and techniques for better living. Please tell others about
this service. To learn more, call the Council at 608-255-1166 or send an
e-mail to: Jean@wcblind.org.
What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older. It is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. We need central vision to see objects clearly and to perform common daily tasks such as reading and driving.
AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD occurs in two forms: wet and dry. It causes no pain.
Where is the macula?
The macula is located in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina instantly converts light, or an image, into electrical impulses. The retina then sends these impulses, or nerve signals, to the brain.
What is wet AMD?
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid raise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. Damage to the macula occurs rapidly.
With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly. Wet AMD is also known as advanced AMD. It does not have stages like dry AMD.
An early symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear wavy. If you notice this condition or other changes to your vision, contact your eye care professional at once for a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
What is dry AMD?
Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. As dry AMD gets worse, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye.
The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly-blurred vision. You may have difficulty recognizing faces, and you may need more light for reading and other tasks. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected.
If you have vision loss from dry AMD in one eye only, you may not notice any changes in your overall vision. With the other eye seeing clearly, you still can drive, read, and see fine details. You may notice changes in your vision only if AMD affects both eyes. If blurriness occurs in your vision, see an eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Ninety percent of all people with AMD have this type. Scientists are still not sure what causes dry AMD.
One of the most common early signs of dry AMD is drusen.
What are drusen?
Drusen are yellow deposits under the retina. They often are found in people over age 60. Your eye care professional can detect drusen during a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Drusen alone do not usually cause vision loss. In fact, scientists are unclear about the connection between drusen and AMD. They do know that an increase in the size or number of drusen raises a person’s risk of developing either advanced dry AMD or wet AMD. These changes can cause serious vision loss.
Reducing the risk of AMD
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are “nature’s sunglasses.” These are yellow plant pigments found in fruits, vegetables and eggs. They protect and enhance our vision, and research has shown that people with diets rich in these experience fewer cases of AMD. Good sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin include yellow fruits and vegetables, as well as dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli.
High levels of vitamin D in the blood are associated with lower rates of early AMD. In the summer, you can obtain this by getting 15 to 30 minutes daily exposure to the sun on your face and hands. Physical activity is also associated with less AMD. One to one and a half hours of daily light activity (like housework or walking) or one hour a day of moderate activity (such as brisk walking) could cut the risk of AMD in half.
Information about age-related macular degeneration was adapted from the National Eye Institute: www.NEI.NIH.gov. Details about vitamins and nutrition were provided by Dr. Julie Mares, UW-Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. She is a popular speaker at “Progress in Sight,” our macular degeneration symposium.
Council News and Notes
By Kathi Koegle
Spring Gallery Night draws record attendance
Art lovers of all ages didn’t let the Williamson Street detour deter them from
attending the Council’s largest artists’ opening reception ever on Friday
evening, May 6.
We welcomed nearly 110 guests who were eager to see “Creative
Expressions from Inner Vision,” a special new exhibit funded by the Dane
County Cultural Affairs Commission, with support from the Pleasant T.
Rowland Foundation and the Alliant Energy Foundation.
The collection included mixed media works by adult artists Janis Nussbaum
Senungetuk, Judith Rasmussen and Mary Mesman. Featured Madison
student artists were Caitlin Dotson, Elena Santin and Emma Stivik. All
artists are blind or visually impaired.
During the Gallery Talk, artists described the challenges and
misperceptions they had to overcome in order to pursue their passion for
art. They spoke about some of the creative techniques and tools they use
to compensate for vision loss.
Mad City Bloomsday
The first-ever “Bloomsday” fundraiser for the Council took place on
Wednesday, June 15, at the Brink Lounge in Madison.
Since the 1950s, fans of Ulysses have celebrated Joyce’s novel on
“Bloomsday” with readings, music, food, and drink. Ulysses is one day in
the life of Leopold Bloom of Dublin, hence the name “Bloomsday.” Joyce’s
1922 novel is loosely based on the Greek poet Homer’s epic The Odyssey.
Homer was known as the “Blind Bard.” Joyce experienced vision issues
most of his adult life, and he underwent numerous surgeries to try to
correct his sight. By the time of his death, he was virtually blind in one eye,
with 10% vision in the other.
Celebrating great literature and the invaluable work of the Council on behalf
of those who are blind or visually impaired seemed a perfect fit for this
“Bloomsday” event in Madison. Local dignitaries, celebrities and Council
members performed staged readings from Ulysses. Some lucky guests
received items donated for a drawing, and everyone enjoyed lively Irish
music and delicious food to make it a memorable evening. We hope to
make this an annual event.
Scholarship application reminder
October 1, 2011 is the deadline to submit an application for a Council
Scholarship. Nine – $1,500 scholarships for full-time students in college
and vocational/community school programs will be awarded at an awards
and scholarship luncheon on Saturday, November 19, in Madison. The
application kit is available on the home page of our website,
www.wcblind.org, or by calling 608-255-1166.
Spring cleaning yields summer savings
Sharper Vision Store staff have been doing some serious “spring cleaning,”
and they discovered that we are overstocked with many items. Following
a common trend, they are “downsizing” their inventory. You can take
advantage of major savings on many items such as sun glasses (could
there be a better time to save on these?) and a variety of magnifiers for
reading, crafts, and other daily activities. There are more treasures
listed on our clearance page, so check it out soon. Visit the store
website, http://shop.wcblind.org, often because each week features
additional markdowns.
Facebook!
The Council has entered the social media arena with a presence on
Facebook. There, you’ll find Council updates, event details, articles of
interest, and photos. Click the “Like” button at the top of the page if you
would like to let us know that you check our Facebook page and appreciate
our presence there, or if you “like” a specific posting. If there is anything
you’d like to see added, please contact Barbara Weiss, 608-237-8115, or
send an e-mail to: BWeiss@wcblind.org.
“Let George Do It”
By Bruce Parkinson
“Let George Do It” is an old time radio show that aired in the 1950’s.
It starred Bob Bailey as George Valentine, a man who could be hired to
solve other people’s problems. George could handle just about anything
that came his way.
Let’s assume that one can hire George to plan activities for this year’s
White Cane Safety Day on Saturday, October 15. What kind of activities
might he plan?
George would snap to it and contact local radio and/or TV media. If he
waited until October, he would woefully discover that their schedules were
already full. He would seize the opportunity to appear on a talk program
during which he could discuss white cane safety.
George might also contact the local police department and ask the
community relations officer if the department would help plan and execute
an on-street event for the week of October 15. Sometimes, police
departments have funds available to assist with such a project.
Our go-to guy would contact the local Lions Club, if the police department
can’t help with an on-street program. George knows that the Lions might
be willing to help develop a program that demonstrates folks traveling and
crossing streets with white canes. For safety purposes, he would include
sighted guides like police officers or Lions Club members in their vests.
Knowing well the benefits of reaching out to the broader community,
George would explore the possibility of creating a poster campaign. He
thinks about an art class contest in local schools that would provide posters
for shop and store windows. Daily school announcements might include
information about White Cane Safety Day. Everyone—especially those new
young drivers—need to practice safe driving skills.
Planning ahead, George might offer to speak at local club and association
meetings during October. Being a good writer, George would craft a letter
to the editor of the local newspaper to remind folks of White Cane safety
and the importance of pedestrian safety. If there is a local low vision
support group, he would plan a White Cane Safety event for them, and he’d
make sure the town newspaper knew about this.
Be like George and get started with your White Cane Safety Day promotion
today! Don’t limit yourself to the few ideas suggested here, but rather, sit
down with your low vision group and brainstorm ways you can bring the
white cane safety message to your community.
Speaking of Sustainability:
The Word on Recycling CDs
By Kathi Koegle
The Council has received several inquiries about whether Courier CDs
are recyclable.
First, the bad news. CD’s and DVD’s are made from various lacquers and
aluminum and sometimes gold. By far, most of their weight is from
polycarbonate plastic which is made from crude oil. Landfill is not a good
option because these things will be around for hundreds of years to come.
They don’t break down readily, and over time, they can release
Bisphenol A, which has been in the news a lot recently, due to health
implications. Burning CD’s and DVD’s releases toxic fumes.
Now, for the good news. Various organizations have sprung up that will
recycle the materials in CD and DVD media. Usually, the service itself is
free. You pay only for the postage. It doesn’t matter what condition the CD
or DVD is in—even broken ones are accepted. If you want to get rid of old
CD’s that contain sensitive information on them, simply cut them up with a
pair of sturdy shears first.
Place your CD’s or DVD’s in a suitable shipping package. It is important
that you do not include any packing materials and that you separate CD’s
and DVD’s from cases. Large quantities of non-separated materials will be
refused. Ship to: back Thru the Future, 150 Main Street, Ogdensburg, NJ
07439. Write “FREE CD/DVD RECYCLING” on the outside of your
shipping package.
You can e-mail questions to RECYCLE@BackThruTheFuture.com or call
973-823-9752 and ask for Free CD Recycling.
Calendar of upcoming events
Sept. 8 & 9 “Keeping Seniors Connected”
Grant-related program
L.E. Phillips Senior Center, Eau Claire, WI
September 9 Appreciation Luncheon
(Formerly known as Philanthropy Day)
Ramada Convention Center, Eau Claire, WI
September 14 Legislative Day at the Capitol
October 1 Application deadline for Council scholarships
October 15 Annual White Cane Safety & Awareness Day
October 15 “Everyone Sees Differently”
Program for Girl Scouts
Southwest Tech, Fennimore, WI
November 5 “Everyone Sees Differently”
Program for Girl Scouts
Eau Claire, WI
Nov. 18-19 Fourth quarter Council meetings
November 19 Annual Awards and Scholarships Luncheon
Madison
Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired
White Cane Policy
Any Wisconsin citizen who is blind or visually impaired may be eligible for
one free white cane every 24 months. If you are a first-time cane user and
not listed in our database, you are eligible to receive an additional back-up
cane within the first two years of receiving your first one at half the retail
cost. Available canes include the Ambutech adjustable support cane,
Ambutech folding mobility cane and Ambutech folding ID cane.
You may be eligible if your vision is less than 20/70. According to
Wisconsin State statute 47.01 and the United States Code, 42 USC 1382
c(a)(2), legal blindness is defined as central visual acuity not greater than
20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses or a visual field that
subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees.
We welcome donations to help cover the cost and continue to offer the
white cane program for others in need. Call 1-800-783-5213 or
608-255-1166 to learn more.
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Talking medicine bottles!
At the Medicine Shoppe in McFarland, Wisconsin
*Script Talk (talking prescription bottles)
*Free delivery to Madison and surrounding suburbs
*All insurance accepted
*Savings club if you don’t have insurance
*Hours—Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat: 8 a.m. to Noon
*Phone: 608-838-5700
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This newsletter is also available on CD, in Braille or by e-mail. If you would
prefer to receive the Courier in one of these formats, please complete the
form below and return it to the Council offices.
If you have already sent us this form, please do not send it again.
Name _____________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
City ___________________________State __________ ZIP ________________
County ____________________________________________________________
E-mail address _____________________________________________________
Wisconsin Council of the Blind FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND
& Visually Impaired, Inc. AND PHYS. HANDICAPPED
754 Williamson Street POSTAL MANUAL PART 138
Madison, WI 53703-3546
