WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED, INC.
Incorporated under laws of Wisconsin in November 1952, the Council is directed by 19 volunteer delegates: ten are appointed by four organizations representing people who are blind; nine delegates at large elected by blind people throughout the state.
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 bequest grants, private gifts from individuals and corporations, and the White Cane Fund campaign. No government funding is received.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SENATOR KIM PLACHE - WCB'S LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
FROM THE PRESIDENT
By: Virginia DeBlaey
As we at the WCB come to the end of another challenging and productive year, we pause to look back at our accomplishments, and ahead to the challenges the coming year will bring. Our newest computer training program is six months old and has served 108 students in 28 different classes. Our recent daylong seminar on macular degeneration was attended by nearly a thousand individuals. Our seminar in La Crosse was attended by more than 75 people, many of whom were learning about the Council and its programs for the first time. A total of $64,000 from the annual White Cane Drive was distributed to more than twenty programs serving blind people throughout Wisconsin.
Our country's unstable economy presented the Council with one of the biggest challenges in its history. Like many other non-profit organizations, we found ourselves facing the hard task of making budget cuts as we planned for next year's costs to run our programs. Each year, representatives from M&I Bank Corporation make a report to Council members concerning our investments. A few statistics will help you to understand what we faced as we constructed next year's budget. As of September 30, the total value of the stock market was down by 28%. However, because of our conservative investment strategy, the value of the George Card Fund only shows a 10% loss for the year. In order for this fund to continue supporting our expanding programs and services, it needs to increase in value each year. At our meeting in November, Council members had the hard task of approving a budget for next year that will show a 25% decrease in spending. Although these cuts are significant, I am pleased to report that no staff members will lose their jobs and most of our programs and services to individuals will continue. The Executive Director's article will discuss the impact of these budget cuts in more detail. As readers of The Council Courier however, you will notice a budget cut since there will only be three issues produced next year.
Another highlight of our November meeting was the announcement of the results of the delegates-at-large election. Six current Council members were re-elected to three-year terms and two new members, Patty Slaby of River Falls and Jerry Bever of Madison, were elected to their first three-year term on the Council. Although this form of choosing delegates-at-large has been in place for the past 50 years and has worked well in the past, we were disappointed in the poor response to the election process this year. A total of 10,500 ballots were sent and only 694 were returned. During the next three years, Council members will discuss this problem and examine other alternatives for choosing delegates-at-large in the future.
Three current Council members will be leaving the Council at the end of the year. Kate Coerper from Madison and Ed Weiss from Waukesha have served for several years as delegates-at-large. Pat Jansen from Black Creek chose not to run for another three-year term as a delegate from the Midwest Association for the Blind. Their efforts on behalf of the Council are deeply appreciated and we hope to see them as guests at many of our future meetings and functions.
As the third year of my Council Presidency draws to a close, I can say that its challenges and opportunities are still a rewarding and fulfilling experience for me. Although this year has presented Adrian and me with some medical challenges and personal losses, my work for the Council has been a balm to my spirit. I hope that the approaching holiday season will bring you peace, joy and the strength to face a new year of challenges and opportunities.
COUNCIL MEETS
By: Kathy Brockman
The Council meeting was held Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10, at the Radisson Hotel in Milwaukee.
The first order of business was the announcement of the election results.
There were 4,964 votes received. Delegates elected for a three-year term effective in January are: Rebecca Williams, Richard Johnson, Rhonda Staats, Arnold Tucker, Patty Slaby, Nona Graves, Jerry Bever and Robert Hueller.
Rhonda Staats, chair of the Legislative Committee, gave her report. A Randolph-Sheppard review bill will be introduced in 2003 to update benefits for BEP vendors. The committee will also assist the Badger Association Dog Guide Users with a bill to ensure that dog guide users have full rights. The committee continues to support the Instructional Materials Accessibility Act. White Cane literature will be provided for new drivers through the Dept. of Transportation. These initiatives were supported by Council members.
Bob Hueller, chair of the Fund Development/Public Relations Committee, proposed discontinuing the state fair in 2003 as recommended by the committee. This was approved by the Council, but smaller seminars may be held if grants are received to cover expenses. The costs for this project have risen significantly in recent years.
An update on public relations activities was given. The annual report is being prepared and will reflect more variety, information and feature the Council’s 50th anniversary. The White Cane Awareness Day observance grew to nine communities participating this year. A summary of the awards recipients was given by the Awards and Scholarship Committee chairpersons.
A representative from the M & I Investment Management Corp. distributed annual reports on the Council’s endowment valued at $5,070,991. The fund performance was given for the last three years along with stock market comparisons. The investments in various parts of the market were reviewed and questions were answered.
As with most organizations, discussion of next year’s budget took a considerable amount of time. A number of decisions were made to balance the budget. The Council voted to use a higher percentage of bequests received during the year to meet operating expenses. The Loans program will be suspended for two years. Interest has declined in recent years because there are more options now available for blind people. Loan repayments will continue to be processed. The total approved budgeted 2003 income is $1,259,146 and expenses are $1,252,364.
Dick Pomo gave his Executive Director’s report that included updates on the computer technology program and stated the store will be open on Saturday mornings for a trial basis.
Virginia DeBlaey then gave her President’s report. She reviewed a number of initiatives to consider in 2003. It has been five years since the Council’s last strategic plan was developed so this will be pursued. Virginia thanked everyone for their hard work and support. With the time commitment and work needed on the Capacity Campaign, the consensus was a Legislative Day should not be pursued next year.
Outgoing Council members Ed Weiss, Pat Jansen and Kate Coerper thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve. The next Council meeting will be on Saturday, January 25, 2003 in Madison. Come and join us for the meeting if you can; guests are welcome to attend.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
By: Dick Pomo
On behalf of my staff and myself I would like to extend season’s greetings to each of you and your families. The staff and members of the Council have had the pleasure of seeing a new program initiated, while at the same time struggling with some decisions brought about by the difficult economic climate.
In May of this year, Betsy Gruba joined our staff as Technology Director. As many of you know, a grant from the Madison Community Foundation made it possible for us to begin a series of introductory computer courses for individuals over 55 and residing in Dane County. At the same time we provided training to other individuals. We look forward to the growth of this program.
We are also excited to announce that the Council has received a grant from the Public Service Commission that will allow us to work with new computer users who are legally blind and familiar with the use of screen readers or print enlargement software. This grant provides us with the ability to assist these individuals by providing some supplemental financial assistance. This includes initial hook-up costs with an Internet provider and half the cost of the first three months of service. Please contact Betsy Gruba or Dick Pomo for further information on this project.
On the other side of the coin, we have had to examine some of our programs to make certain modifications to remain within budgetary constraints. We are pleased that all of our programs of direct service will continue. However, several auxiliary services needed to be suspended at this time.
The Council has found it necessary to suspend its Loan Program for a period of two years. This will not affect individuals who currently have loans with the Council, but effective immediately, no new loans will be granted. While on the surface this seems to be a drastic step, in reality, it is not as bad as it seems. Over the past few years, loan requests of the Council have decreased. We believe it reflects the fact that individuals who are blind or visually impaired are now able to access loans from lending institutions. When the Loans Program began, individuals who were blind did not enjoy the same consideration when applying for a loan as their sighted peers. Fortunately, things have changed.
For many years the Council has had a booth at the State Fair in West Allis. This booth has become very expensive and next year the cost of the booth will double. While we have enjoyed many benefits from the exposure the booth has provided to the Council, with the current economic situation, it is best to suspend the booth for a period of time.
Like many non-profit organizations, the Council has struggled with many difficult decisions. While certain modifications had to be made, we will continue to serve our constituency. As we remember our past, we can not forget all of those wonderful individuals who have contributed to the Council in a variety of ways. To those who have honored us with bequests or through other contributions, we offer our sincere thanks.
WE HONOR SUCCESS
By: Rebecca Williams
One of the most positive annual events of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind is its Awards Banquet held in November. It is at this time we are able to observe people of all ages enjoying the success their hard work has made possible. Take Donald Neerland, for example. He has worked tirelessly as a long-time member of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, even serving as its treasurer. A careful, thoughtful man, he succeeded well in the Business Enterprises Program. Though he is now retired, Donald has volunteered many hours of his time at the Council Office. For these important reasons, Donald was chosen to receive a Louis Seidita Distinguished Service Award. “Donald is one of those people who think carefully before he speaks,” said Nona Graves, who presented him with the award. “He’s a quiet guy, but when he does speak, people tend to listen.” Congratulations to Donald and his wife Donna. Donald’s success is easy to admire.
The WCB chose to give two Louis Seidita Awards this year. Bill Bertram, born in Two Rivers and now living in Milwaukee, was the second recipient. He has served Wisconsin’s blind and visually impaired citizens on the Board of Directors of the Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, where he was also its president. Because of his knowledge as a social worker, he was able to facilitate support groups; his leadership skills helped him suggest compromises. Bill also served on the Wisconsin Council of the Blind.
“I have enjoyed watching the success of the Council,” Bill said. “It’s a long way from Few Street to Williamson Street, and the growth of the Council has been really amazing. I think its success is mainly because of the variety of talents brought together by the people who have served on the Council over the years.” Bill is also retired and still serves his fellow citizens as Chair of the Wesley Park Manor Community Council. He also remains active in his church.
The Louis Seidita Distinguished Service Awards are given to individuals who work in the best interests of Wisconsin residents who are blind or visually impaired. Certainly, the dedication of Donald Neerland and Bill Bertram entitle them to this recognition. “Someone said there is no greater award than that given by one’s peers,” said Bill, and we are proud to honor both of these men in this way.
Jerry Erdman has another story of success. For a number of years, he has been employed as an engineer by Valley Grinding Service and Supply, Inc., in Little Chute. The company which makes precision cutting tools for the paper industry, is this year’s choice for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind’s Employer of the Year Award. “The people there always helped me when I needed it,” said Jerry. “I’m glad I’ve had such a great place to work.” Company president Jack VanVreede was pleased to receive the award. “We believe our employees are our greatest asset,” he commented, “and Jerry is certainly no exception. The president added that he was glad to be a part of this celebration.
Our congratulations and our thanks go out to Valley Grinding for helping us, through Jerry, to prove that blind people are capable of doing an excellent job working in a variety of industries. Perhaps, as Jack and Jerry spread the word about receipt of this recognition, other companies will be inspired to take advantage of the greater success blind and visually impaired workers may help them to achieve.
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS AWARDED
By: Bruce Parkinson
At the same dinner held at the Radisson West Hotel in Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Council of the Blind awarded 8 scholarships to residents of the state.
The first recipient was JoAnn Gustavason who is the Library Director in Neillsville. She is working on the Internet for her Master’s Degree from the UW-Milwaukee. She carries a 3.58 GPA and is also very active in her community. This is the second year that JoAnn has won a scholarship.
The second recipient was Stacey Fuehrer from Auburndale. She is a sophomore at UW-La Crosse, a Psychology major who hopes to go into counseling. She plays in the University’s symphonic band. Stacey is also President of Students Advocating Potential Ability.
A third scholarship was awarded to Rhonda Baranowski from Wausau. She is a Computer Program major at North Central Technical College in Wausau. She belongs to A. J. P. T. Club and Sigma Alpha Lambda Society, carrying a GPA of 3.78. She also speaks to groups about how assistive technology helps her in her studies.
The fourth scholarship was presented to Sarah Heesen who is working toward a degree in Church Ministry Counseling. One of her outside activities is the Madrigal Choir. Sarah is a graduate of WSVH and is attending Maranatha College in Watertown where she carries a GPA of 3.14.
Michael Henrich of Madison was awarded the fifth scholarship. Mike is attending Madison Area Technical College and majoring in Liberal Arts with the goal of becoming a social worker. Mike enjoys community outreach education and mentors at-risk students. He carries a GPA of 3.75.
Mary Mesman received the sixth scholarship presented. Mary is from Madison and also attends Madison Area Technical College, where she is a student in the Web Design Program. She is the first legally blind person who will receive a degree in this area. She enjoys being in a camera club and uses her digital pictures on her web page. She carries a GPA of 3.88.
Another Madison resident, Sharon Watson, received the seventh scholarship. Sharon is a June graduate of the University of California-Riverside where she had a 4.0 GPA. She is currently in a Masters of Social Work program at the UW-Madison. Sharon also works with at risk girls and domestic violence intervention services. Her goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the disabled.
The final scholarship was presented to Michael Bost of Milwaukee. Michael attends Milwaukee Area Technical College where he is studying music. He is carrying a 3.63 GPA. Michael is also a veteran who served in Desert Storm. Mike says he wants to become the next Stevie Wonder.
Each scholarship winner was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Members of the Scholarship Committee include Dot Coakley, chair, Kate Coerper, Kathy Hudziak, Chris Zenchenko and Sue Barker. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for a scholarship for next year, please contact Sue at the Council for details.
SANTA SUGGESTIONS
By: Karen Heesen
It will be here before you know it--Christmas. If you are like me, you will want to get the shopping done with the least mess and fuss. Yet, you still want to be sure that each person on your list receives a gift that is meaningful, useful, or fun. Here are some suggestions Tom and I came up with from the Council's store.
We now have a new talking watch in either man’s or woman’s styles. It features a Twist-o-Flex band, analog display, female voice with alarm, and is available in either gold or silver. One of the woman’s models is silver with a blue ring around a white face. This model features silver dots instead of numbers. These watches are available for $33.00.
We also have a different talking clock which sells for $11.50. It too features an alarm and a female voice to announce the time. An analog display makes this model appropriate for both low vision and blind users.
A spice carousel, which is white in color and priced at $34.95, has been quite a popular item for our store. It holds twelve different spices and features a "no fuss, no mess" design. There is a door at the bottom of each spice container which, when opened, allows 1/4 teaspoon of that spice to be dispensed. Each time a knob on the top of the spice is turned, another 1/4 teaspoon is measured.
As a bind or visually impaired adult, would you like to play games with your children or grandchildren? The Council has large print and braille versions of Scrabble, playing cards, UNO, Rook, Checkers, and Monopoly, just to name a few. Although these games are a bit more pricey than those you can buy at a discount store, the extra money spent is worth the memories and fun \they will allow you to have together.
A neat teaching device is the wooden puzzle that the store recently began to stock. This puzzle of the United States is multicolored and is labeled in braille. A print sheet accompanies it with all of the states and their capitals. Order one at $31, and refresh your mind about which state is where, while helping a young student understand the layout of our land.
Finally, don't be afraid to give Jeff or Tom a call at the Council's store. They have lots of good ideas, knowledge of what people do and do not like about certain products, and can tell you where to purchase items that you may have heard about that the Council does not have in its inventory.
SENATOR KIM PLACHE - WCB'S LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
By: Rhonda Staats
Each year, WCB presents a special award to a member of the Wisconsin Legislature who has provided invaluable assistance and/or support in achieving one of our legislative goals. This year’s honoree was Senator Kim Plache, Democrat of Racine, representing the 21st Senate district. Senator Plache was honored at our Awards Banquet on November 9. She received this honor for her invaluable assistance in restoring funding to preserve the Wisconsin Regional Library Service, as we know it. Each of us who receives talking books and magazines through the mail can be grateful for Senator Plache’s support of this important service which requires continued funding from the state.
Senator Kimberly Marie Plache was born and raised in Racine, and has been a life-long resident of that city. She graduated from Racine Horlick High School, and is an alumna of UW-Parkside, where she received a degree in psychology. Ms. Plache was first elected to the State Assembly, where she served until June 1996. That same year Representative Plache was elected to the State Senate in a special election, and was re-elected in 1998.
Senator Plache’s assignments include the Joint Committee on Finance, from which she spearheaded the action restoring state funding to the Wisconsin Regional Library Service. She also serves on the Senate Committee on Privacy, Electronic Commerce, and Financial Institutions, and the Special Committee on State Strategies for Economic Development. She also Co-Chaired the Legislative Council Guardian-at-Litum Study Committee.
Legislative Accomplishments. Senator Plache voted for SeniorCare to provide affordable prescription drug assistance for persons over 65. She also fought for essential funding for BadgerCare to provide health care coverage for the working poor and their children, and has worked on establishing a health care pilot project to provide coverage for working poor who cannot afford insurance and do not receive assistance. Senator Plache led the fight to secure additional funding to expand the highly acclaimed P-5 program, serving economically disadvantaged students from urban areas in grades pre-school through grade 5. Senator Plache has been active in support of legislation promoting economic development, improving opportunities for job training to supply Wisconsin businesses with capable employees, and working to restrict the flight of living wage jobs from our state. She has also been instrumental in efforts to keep at-risk youth from joining gangs, and secure funding to bring valuable crime-fighting technology to assist local law enforcement agencies. To provide individuals with a means of non-lethal self-protection, Senator Plache authored the Pepper Spray Law. People may now legally use pepper spray in self-defense.
As you can see, Senator Kim Plache has established her State Senate career in support of programs and legislation that directly benefit Wisconsin citizens in their everyday lives. The Wisconsin Council of the Blind has recognized Senator Plache for her work in support of the Wisconsin Regional Library Service, one of our most valuable resources. Senator Plache was honored with a plaque honoring her as our 2002 Legislator of the Year at our Awards Banquet in Milwaukee on November 9. This writer is confident that many people who are blind or visually impaired, and who use the library on a regular basis, share our desire to honor Senator Plache for her work to save our library.
Senator Kim Plache did not win re-election on November 5, and will not be returning to the Wisconsin Senate in January.
SUPPORT GROUP NEWS
By: Sue Barker
Myron Smith heads the South Milwaukee Support Group meetings at the Grobschmidt Senior Center, 2424 15th Avenue. Since meetings were not very well attended, a table is set up on the 4th Wednesday of the month with literature and questions answered. About 6 people usually visit and are helped with their visual impairment.
On the 4th Tuesday of each month Myron visits the West Allis Senior Center, 7001 West National Avenue, with his literature and answers to questions. Both these locations are meal sites and get good exposure. You may contact Myron at 414-282-8142 for more information.
In Buffalo County the Mondovi Support Group meets at the Roger Martin Community Center, 120 South Franklin Street. Meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of the month from 10:30 to 12 noon with a meal following, except in January and February.
Most meetings feature a speaker; a favorite is a local optometrist who visits every year. There are always lots of questions from those who attend meetings. In December, members reminisce over a holiday meal about their childhood Christmases. Contact Vince Karasch at 715-985-3534 if you are in Buffalo, Trempealeau or North Jackson County and looking for a support group.
The Low Vision Support Group for Door County meets in Sturgeon Bay at the Door County Senior Resource Center, 832 North 14th Avenue. Meetings are held the last Monday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Ten members attend this group under the direction of Joni Wheeler. The new mayor and the editor from the local newspaper are two of the recent speakers for this active group. Potlucks and picnics in the park are popular events along with a Christmas party. Joni may be contacted at 920-743-7184. She has had training in Florida in mobility, communication and kitchen skills and passes on what she learned to group members. Previous to that she was an Occupational Therapist.
A group was started in the Forestville-Algoma area, but due to poor participation all meetings are now held in Sturgeon Bay.
THE GREATEST GIFT
By: Virginia DeBlaey
One of the newest features of the annual Awards Banquet, which I hope will soon become an annual tradition, is to honor a recent contributor to our Legacy Circle. This year we were pleased to honor Adeline N. Brunke on the evening of November 9, the day of her birth. She was born in Princeton, a small town in Green Lake County, in 1916. Before moving to Madison in the mid 1950's, she worked in Washington D.C. for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Her first job in Madison was as Secretary to the principal of Madison East High School. She married her husband, Melvin, on August 30, 1957. In 1958 she became the Secretary to Madison's Mayor Ivan Nestingen and worked for several successive mayors until she retired. Throughout her marriage, she also served as Corporate Secretary in her husband's business, Brunke Glass and Window Company. In 1968, she became a Certified Professional Secretary and in 1969 was chosen as Madison's Secretary of the Year. After her retirement, she volunteered for several groups and ran a hospital gift shop. However, a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis limited her activities.
Adeline visited the Council early last summer and Gary Goyke, our Fund Development Director, especially remembers her smile. She told him she became interested in our programs because she had several friends with low vision. Adeline died on September 6 of this year at Middleton Village Nursing Home, leaving the Council 17% of her estate or approximately $285,000. Adeline Brunke is a true friend of the WCB and though the amount of her gift is significant, what makes it great is that it will help individuals with low vision for many years to come.
Joining the Council's Legacy Circle is easy. Just call the office and tell Gary Goyke you plan to remember the Council in your will or estate plan, and you, too, can give the Council The Greatest Gift.
Editor's Note: Since it began just two years ago, the Legacy Circle gifts total 1.1 million dollars.
STAY TUNED
By: Chris Zenchenko
Once in a writer's guide, I noticed that the author said the number of possible story lines was quite limited. It would also appear by the television line-up this fall that the same is true when applied to programming. Well, spinning off shows from already successful shows is not exactly a revolution in attracting viewers. If it works, then duplicate it. If you have a good character then spread him or her around.
Just in case you think this idea is new let me tell you about “Fibber McGee and Molly,” just to name one well remembered radio show of the past. In the last weeks of 1940, “Fibber McGee and Molly,” aired two classic shows. They both featured one of the show’s best known and loved characters, Gildersleeve. Already complete with his trademark laugh and a handful of classic lines, such as, "You're a hard man, McGee", he found his way into the show as Fibber's neighbor. In the first of the two shows, Gildersleeve leaves a package with McGee. McGee opens it to find a record player. McGee promptly breaks it and spends most of the show frantically trying to buy a replacement. In the end he does, but not without a lot of complaining about the thoughtlessness of his neighbor who left the package in the first place. The wind-up was that the machine Fibber tried so hard to replace was, in fact, supposed to be Fibber's Christmas gift from Gildersleeve.
The next show broadcast one week later, on December 31, 1940, found the two friends, with feathers smoothed, once again buddies. They have a problem with a gold pocket watch belonging to Gildersleeve. Fibber is sure he can fix it. After several pieces fly out and land all over the floor, the two of them decide they need to fix the watch where the parts cannot be lost. The solution was to climb into the bathtub. Fibber is no watch repairman, and the resulting frantic work to fix a watch as pieces fall out with every twist of the screwdriver, and with Gildersleeve alternately laughing and complaining0, made for great entertainment.
Johnson Wax agreed to audition a new show starring Gildersleeve, and it aired on May 16, 1941. From there, the show took a summer break while the ideas were sold and on August 31, 1941, “The Great Gildersleeve” started. The show was first sponsored by the Kraft Food Company, and lasted nearly fifteen years on the radio.
Fibber was not done providing fun and laughs through his regular cast of characters. About two years later, Fibber and Molly had a crazy maid named Beulah. She also came with her own set of silly lines, and she too got her own show. The “Beulah Show” ran on and off for about eight years.
Old familiar voices and character types certainly played a part in the similarity between the 1945 “Rogues Gallery” and the later, successful “Richard Diamond, Private Detective” show. Dick Powell played a wise- cracking detective, who was always ready with a funny line and his head always ready for a knockout blow.
From the “Jack Benny Show,” Phil Harris, and later Dennis Day became popular enough to earn their own shows. It gave Jack the chance to gripe and complain about “his cast members and their two shows.” It also gave him an excuse to keep the wages low. After all, Phil and Dennis had two shows and probably didn't need the money anyway.
These days, shows spin off movies. Well, the reverse could also be true, and in radio days movies spun off radio programs. It’s hard to forget the crazy and wonderful ghost-haunted character of Cosmo Topper! Irma, from “My Friend Irma” got her start on the big screen, as did Mazie. Hopalong Cassidy and Sam Spade also moved onto the dial with great shows. It is fun to watch one of the classic films, such as the “Maltese Falcon” and then listen to several more adventures as featured on “The Adventures of Sam Spade.”
Speaking of movies, the next time around, perhaps I'll take a look at some of the great drama-based shows. Stay Tuned!
TECH TALK
By: Betsy Gruba
In this version of Tech Talk we will discuss what is going on at the Council’s new technology center and what’s new with Palm Pilots as well as other emerging technology.
Happy Holidays
Well, where has the time gone? Here we are in the middle of the holiday season already. I would like to wish each and every one of you a wonderful and joyous holiday season.
Upcoming Classes
We are currently putting together the spring class schedule for computer training. Classes will start January 20, 2003. Some of the new classes that will be offered are Microsoft Outlook for both JAWS and Window-Eyes, an Introduction to Windows class, and Outlook Express for both JAWS and Window-Eyes, just to name a few. Registration for classes begins December 9, 2002. If you would like a class schedule please call or e-mail Betsy at the Council. Class schedules will be available in braille, tape, large print and regular print.
WCB’s Web Site
We are working very hard on the Council’s new web site. A Technology Committee was formed at the July meeting to help discuss content and accessibility. Members on the committee are Richard Perzentka, Kathleen Hudziak, Rhonda Staats, and Chris Zenchenko, along with Dick Pomo and Betsy Gruba, who will act as web master. If you have any suggestions or ideas for the web site, please e-mail Betsy at betsy@wcblind.org. We hope to have a final web site in place by mid-January.
Accessible Palm Pilots
Palm Pilots are all the rage these days - not just with business professionals. A Palm Pilot is a hand held computer, about the size of a three by five index card and less than one-eighth inch thick. It has a two and three-fourths inch square display screen on it and weighs less than six ounces. The Palm also interfaces with your desktop or laptop computer making data entry very easy.
Palm Pilots allow you to take your information with you including your address book, e-mail, documents and even pictures. It has the capability of being a note taker. You may purchase a keyboard as an accessory. It also has a calculator and expense tracking feature, and the ability to send and receive e-mail.
The problem with Palm Pilots has always been the fact that they operate on a touch screen basis, meaning you have to see what you are pointing to on the screen. This is not a good thing for those with a vision problem. With the introduction of keyboards, it did become a little more accessible but still not great.
Currently being tested is voice output software that will allow the user to hear what is happening on the screen. This, along with other accessible features, will make Palm Pilots a wonderful addition to the world of assistive technology.
The price for Palm Pilots varies from $199.00 to $500.00 for the better ones. Keyboards run about $100.00 and the software will run about $70.00. We will be monitoring this closely and when there is more information I will post it out on our web site. In the meantime visit www.palm.com/about/corporate/pap/index.html.
Pac Mate
Speaking of information on the go, in October Freedom Scientific and Microsoft unveiled a new device called the Pac Mate.
The Pac Mate is 10 to 12 inches long and weights one and one-half to two and one-half pounds depending on the model. The device comes in a typewriter keyboard or a Perkins Brailler keyboard version.
The Pac Mate runs Windows CE operating system and can interface with a desktop or laptop computer. It has JAWS and includes a GPS feature to it.
The unit runs around $2,600 and will be on the market by the end of the year. For more information visit www.freedomscientific.com
Coming in the next issue of The Courier: Using Dragon Naturally Speaking with a screen-reader and taking the mystery out of GPS. If you have a suggestion for an article for the next Tech Talk please e-mail Betsy at betsy@wcblind.org.
The Courier can be sent to you via e-mail for access through your screen reader or screen magnification program. Please e-mail Sue at sue@wcblind.org if you would like to receive it in this format.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 4
Badger Association Meeting
Primary Elections
Milwaukee
January 25
WCB Council Meeting
Council Offices, Madison
February 1
Badger Association Meeting
Milwaukee
March 1
Badger Association Meeting
Milwaukee
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