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
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION GRANT
YOUR WILL AND THE FUTURE OF THE COUNCIL
FROM THE PRESIDENT
By: Virginia DeBlaey
To paraphrase the lyrics from an old song, it seems a long, long time from late May, when I am writing this, to early November, when the WCB's annual Awards Banquet will be held in Madison. However, by the time you read this article, in late July or early August, plans for this year's festive evening will have already begun. In order that we may reach the most deserving recipients for our scholarships and awards, we need your help.
Each year, we award a total of seven $1,000 scholarships to college and technical school students. Last year, eligibility for these scholarships was expanded to include students in their first year of college or technical training. Scholarship applications will be available from the Council office in early August. The Scholarship Committee, chaired by Dot Coakley, will review the completed applications and choose the winners.
Two additional awards are presented during the banquet. The first is the Employer of the Year Award which is presented to a business or organization who has had a legally blind employee for at least three years. Organizations of and for the blind are not eligible to receive this award. If you would like to nominate your employer, contact Dick Pomo at the Council office.
The second award presented each year is the Louis Seidita Distinguished Service Award. This award is given to an individual who, through employment or volunteer activities, has made the world a better place for blind and visually impaired people. All scholarship and award winners are invited to attend the Awards Banquet at the Council's expense.
From time to time, a special award is presented to a legislator or other individual or organization. The Awards Committee, chaired by Becky Williams plans the evening program and chooses the award winners. If you have a nomination for any of these awards, call the Council office or write a short letter addressed to the Awards Committee at the Council office.
For nearly seventy-five years, the Business Enterprises Program has been an employment resource for many blind and visually impaired Wisconsin residents. Until now, the program has always been run by the state agency responsible for providing special services to blind people. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has been running this program for many years. However, in an effort to save money in its budget, DVR is planning to contract this program to an outside entity. Although they would like to accomplish this by October 1, the blind vendors have hired an attorney to protect their interests and to ensure that the program is left with sufficient federal and state funding. At this time, there are only five vending programs for the blind in the country that are outsourced. The Council's Advocacy Committee may take a more active role on behalf of the vending program if the vendors request our involvement.
I will conclude this article with a bried update concering the Council staff. Kathi Geni, who has been working as Gary Goyke's assistant and answering phones, left her employment with us in order to return to school. We wish her well and hope that she will continue to be a friend of the Council in the future.
I am also very sorry to report that Marshall Flax, our Low Vision Therapist, will be absent due to a serious illness for the rest of the summer. We all wish Marshall a speedy recovery and hope his health will allow him to return to us as soon as possible. You may send him an Email at marshall@wcblind.org or a card to him at the Council office.
MAY COUNCIL MEETING
By: Nona Graves
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind met at its office in Madison on May 31, 2003. All Council members except Richard Waldburger, who was recently elected by the Randolph Sheppard Vendors of Wisconsin to succeed Richard Perzentka, were present. President Virginia DeBlaey called the meeting to order and, following approval of previous meeting minutes and reading of Board of Directors minutes, she asked Dick Pomo for his Executive Director’s Report.
Dick reported that the Council’s Technology Program is doing well. Quite a number of people have already signed up for summer courses although there is room for more students. On Fridays, Betsy Gruba will be going to Oakwood Retirement Community in Madison, to give computer lessons.
The Council’s website is working well. The question of soliciting online donations was raised again. Becky Williams moved that the Council establish an account with Pay-Pal so that online donations could be received. Her motion was seconded and carried.
Rhonda Staats reported for the Legislative Committee which she chairs. At the conclusion of her report, she moved that WCB support SB122 that would allow persons who are visually impaired to use laser technology while hunting. Her motion was carried. She also moved that WCB send a letter in support of Congressman Petri’s bill that would make educational materials accessible. Finally, Rhonda moved that the Council sign on to a bill that would allow a demonstration project for Enhanced Mobility for Older Drivers. This motion also carried.
Arnold Tucker was reappointed to the Loans Committee, and it was suggested that the committee should meet to discuss the future of the program.
Gary Goyke reported that the Capacity Campaign is continuing to progress. The Sheboygan County mailing has been concluded, and a mailing to Rock County residents has been sent with results not yet in. Two golf outings are planned for the summer, and a reception is planned for Madison in December.
Bob Hueller, Chair of the Fund Development/Public Relations Committee, reviewed proposed allocations of White Cane Funds. Part of this money is used to provide free white canes to persons who are visually impaired. Some of the funds are used for Council programs, some given to organizations such as the Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children, the Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, and Volunteer Braillists in Madison and Milwaukee. Funds are also provided to thirteen Rehabilitation Specialists employed by the state of Wisconsin. A complete list of the allocations is available from the Council office.
The next Council meeting will be held on August 9, 2003. Originally this was to be a long-range planning meeting, but the planning session has been postponed until some time in 2004.
PHILANTHROPY DAY HELD
By: Bruce Parkinson
The WCB held a Philanthropy Day on Friday, April 25, 2003 in Wausau. In conjunction with this event a Seminar on Age Related Eye Diseases and Visual Impairment was held. This event was cosponsored by the Council, the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and the Marshfield Clinic Foundation. The event was held at the Wausau Elks Club, which donated the use of their facility.
The keynote speaker for the morning was Dr. Katherine McCarty who spoke on age related eye diseases. Dr. McCarty represented the Marshfield Clinic Foundation. WCB Executive Director Dick Pomo spoke about coping with vision loss and Council members continued that concept in a panel discussion.
The Council’s first Philanthropy Day was celebrated at a luncheon to recognize people and organizations who have given their time and finances to the well being of people who are blind or visually impaired. In all, the Council made five presentations, four of which were given at the luncheon.
The first award was given to the Hegge Foundation for their long-time support of the Council and its programs. Virginia DeBlaey, Council President made the presentation to a grandson of the founder of the foundation. A second award was given to North Central Technical College for their work with visually impaired and blind students from throughout the state. Stephanie Smith, Deputy Administrator of the college accepted the award. Council Vice President Bruce Parkinson and Treasurer Arnold Tucker presented an award to State Senator Robert Jauch of Poplar for his long-time support of the DVR. The fourth award was presented by Nona Graves to Dr. Judith Bennington, an ophthalmologist from Ashland, for her work with visually impaired people.
As a continuation of the seminar, Betsy Gruba, Technology Specialist, offered an informational workshop on Computer Technology for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Betsy answered many questions for those in attendance, and gave a hands-on demonstration.
A final award was presented on Saturday, April 26 in Milwaukee to Dr. Kevin Miller who was installed as an officer in the Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology for his work with the visually impaired. Senator Jauch who spoke at this ceremony made the presentation on behalf of the Council.
Joining the 54 people at the luncheon were William Barnes from the Marshfield Clinic Foundation; Tom Heine, Director of Development for CWAG; and Jean Tehan of the Wausau Area Community Foundation. The WCB would like to offer it’s sincere thanks to the Marshfield Clinic Foundation and CWAG for co-sponsoring this event. Certainly this kind of mutual cooperation is of benefit to all of the organizations.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION GRANT
By: Dick Pomo
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind recognizes the impact that computers can have on the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. As a statewide organization, the Council is excited to announce an opportunity designed to increase the participation of individuals who are visually impaired or blind in the area of computer technology.
With a grant from the Public Service Commission, WCB will reimburse 100 individuals who are legally blind up to 50% of the cost of installation of Internet service and computer configuration. In addition it will reimburse for three months of high-speed Internet access. To be eligible for this project, individuals must be first time Internet users and must not have existing Internet service.
Individuals interested in participating in this service should first contact the Wisconsin Council of the Blind for prior authorization for reimbursement. Proof of legal blindness is required. Verification may be obtained from an appropriate medical person, or other qualified individuals working in the field of blindness or vision impairment. Reimbursement will be based upon receipt of appropriate receipts and documentation. The Council reserves the right to establish a ceiling of subsidy dependent upon a variety of factors determined by the Council.
Individuals selected for this program must be residents of Wisconsin and must make their own arrangements with Internet providers. For further information contact the Council office. Please identify that you are calling to participate in the Internet Access project.
BLINDSKILLS RELEASES COOKBOOK
Blindskills, Inc., in partnership with the Washington Council of the Blind, has released a cookbook entitled Connie's Kitchen: A Compilation of Recipes and Tips from the Pages of Dialogue. The book is available in braille and large print for $20 per copy. Call 800-860-4224 to order. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
"The magic of this book is that it appeals to novice and experienced cooks alike," explained Nolan Crabb, Blindskills's Public Communications Specialist. "Those teaching people who have recently lost vision will find this book a tremendous asset in teaching independent living skills."
Carol M. McCarl, Executive Director of Blindskills, said, "The cookbook is a compilation of columns written by the late Connie Weadon, a visually impaired cook and teacher who wrote for 'Dialogue,' our quarterly magazine, for more than a decade. The recipes range from healthful main and side dishes to rich desserts. You can find recipes suited to someone who has been blind or visually impaired for a long time or someone who is just beginning to deal with vision loss. The book features conventional oven and microwave recipes.
"This isn't just another collection of recipes," she explained. "We've also included a variety of cooking tips and techniques, and the resource section includes book reviews."
Crabb said, "We are pleased to have partnered with the members of the Washington Council of the Blind, whose grant made this book possible.
Blindskills is a leading not-for-profit organization, which provides information to blind and visually impaired people via a toll-free number, (800) 860-4224. Founded in 1983, Blindskills, Inc. assists people throughout the world. Its extensive information resources are shared with blind and visually impaired people of all ages individually and through the pages of "Dialogue." "Dialogue" is published quarterly in braille, large print, computer diskette and half-speed four-track cassette. For additional information, visit http://www.blindskills.com on the Internet.
MEET THE COUNCIL
By: Rebecca Williams
Dean Winger began serving as a delegate-at-large on the Wisconsin Council of the Blind in January 2003. "I was born in Milwaukee," said Dean, "where I attended Lincoln Avenue School through sixth grade. Then my parents said I could choose between attending another school in Milwaukee which had a resource room or the Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped (WSVH). I chose WSVH. I was really excited because I loved swimming, and my first year at WSVH was the first year the new pool opened up and I began swimming competitively." Dean was a great athlete in school, participating in swimming, track, cross-country, and wrestling. He returned to Milwaukee and graduated from Whitnall High School in Hales Corners. That summer, he participated in the U.S. Association for Blind Athletes Team in the Olympics for the Disabled in Arnham, Holland.
At UW-Whitewater, Dean received his degree in business administration, specializing in management computers. He worked as a consultant for UW-Madison and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District. For the last twelve years, he has worked for the U-W Wisconsin Center of Education Research.
Dean met Dottie on a blind date arranged by Chris Zenchenko. Dottie and Dean have been married for eleven years, and have two children. Rose Marie is seven years old, and Joseph is five. Dean loves spending time with his family.
Dean continues to be interested in sporting and athletic activities. He has served on Wisconsin's Disabled Advisory Committee. Dean is currently a member of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind's Technology Committee. He brings new ideas and a fresh perspective to the organization.
Scott Hegle is the newest member of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, elected as a representative from the Alumni Association of the Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped (AAWSVH). Anyone who knows him would agree that he's an on-the-go kind of guy. Although he was born in Racine, Wisconsin, he spent his school years in Janesville, where he was a student at WSVH. He was the first pupil from WSVH to attend the nearby elementary school on a part-time basis. He also took classes at Edison Middle School. As a teen-ager, he was active in swimming, cross-country, wrestling, track, and forensics. As a Janesville Parker High School student, he participated in wrestling and track, where the competition was a lot tougher. When he graduated, he was a member of the same Olympics team as Dean Winger, traveling to Holland for the Olympic games for a three-week stay.
During his college studies at Stevens Point, where he earned his degree in psychology with a minor in communications, Scott met Deb, his future bride. Upon graduation from college and after a brief time in Milwaukee, he moved to Minnesota to be closer to Deb, who was working there as a teacher. Scott secured employment at Roger's Cable Company in Minneapolis. Because he has always had a strong interest in telecommunications, Scott persevered until he got a job with Norstan Communications in 1991. He worked for this company until last November, when he accepted employment as a regional sales manager at Freedom Scientific, a company specializing in adaptive technology for people who are blind and visually impaired.
"I'm proud to represent AAWSVH on the WCB," Scott said. "I want to do all I can to encourage the growth of AAWSVH, and I believe the Council can help me to do this. Since I've been traveling through several states as part of my new job, I have really begun to appreciate the unique strengths of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, as an organization truly governed by blind people and really serving blind and visually impaired people on a statewide basis. I've never seen an organization quite like it."
Scott and Deb live in Waukesha with Harvey, their Springer spaniel. "I am really looking forward to learning more about WCB," Scott said. He will undoubtedly be an asset to the Council.
NOTES FROM THE STORE
By: Sue Barker
Our store is open on Thursdays from 8 AM until 8 PM for your convenience.
The newest item in our store is a polo shirt with a small embroidered WCB logo on the front. The shirt is gray with black trim and available in assorted sizes. Along with our sweatshirts and T-shirts, this could be a dressier addition to your wardrobe.
A wonderful item has been newly added to our kitchen supplies. It is a clear measuring cup with dark black markings for measurements of one quarter to 2 cups. It also has an easy grip handle.
A new bar magnifier of 3.5X is 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. This can be placed on whatever material you are working with.
We also have larger number overlays to be placed on touchtone telephones. These white numbers are on a black background with sticky backings. Call Jeff or Jan for more information.
O'CONNOR FAMILY GOLF OUTING
By: Dick Pomo
Have you ever had one of those days where everything seems to go right? Well yours truly did several weeks ago at the Fourth Annual J.B. O’Connor Golf Outing. Four years ago, the O’Connor family decided to host a fundraiser in memory of their dad Jim at the Autumn Ridge Golf Course in Valders. This course is owned by Jim’s son Tom. The O’Connors selected the WCB as the beneficiary of their fundraiser. Jim O’Connor Senior lost his vision in later life and received services from the Council. In its first year the outing raised and contributed to the Council a little over $700.00. Three years later the same event raised over $10,000.00, which was also donated to the Council. This year the outing again raised over $10,000.00, which is amazing considering the economic times!
Sometimes it is difficult to capture the essence of a day in words, and this is one of those times. I had the opportunity to meet every participant, most of whom returned to play in this event. As we did last year, each player was encouraged to take a shot on a 125 yard par 3 hole, blindfolded. Most folks took the challenge, and to show that our fundraising thoughts were in the right mode, we let each person pay $5 for the opportunity. If they could beat the “blind guy”, or put the ball on the green, they could double their money. A number of folks made great shots wearing the blindfold - in fact two individuals came very close to a hole in one.
Although golf is perceived as a game for sighted people, this event demonstrates that with some sighted assistance, a blind person can also enjoy this sport.
The day was capped off with a great steak dinner followed by an auction of many wonderful things. As in the past, folks reached deep into their pockets to bid for exciting items, knowing that the proceeds will go to the Council. A special thanks to Jake Vande Zande of Randolph, who again lent his talents as auctioneer. After observing Jake for a second year, I am convinced that he could have even got Jack Benny to part with some cash. I know, some of you young folks will say who is Jack Benny; ask your folks or someone old like me.
Finally, thank you, from all of us involved with the WCB to the entire O’Connor family, for their ongoing support of the Council. If you were to talk to any of the seven O’Connor brothers, or their mom who has a full time job trying to keep them in line, each would say this is a labor of love in memory of their dad and/or husband. Thank you J.B. for reminding us that the greatest legacy a person can leave is the love of family.
THE COUNCIL AT THE CAPITOL
By: Rhonda Staats
On March 20, 2003, members of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind visited the state Capitol and department offices for our annual Legislative Day. Participating members of the Legislative Committee included: Virginia DeBlaey, Gary Goyke, Richard Johnson, Bruce Parkinson, Dick Pomo, and Rhonda and Edward Staats. Jerry Bever, Council member from Madison, and former Council member Ed Weiss also participated. We were grateful to have Bruce’s brother-in-law, Gordon Anderson, with us to act as guide and driver.
Participants distributed a legislative fact sheet, which delineated three legislative priorities. The issues are as follows: (1) Randolph-Sheppard Review Legislation designed to update current statutes concerning the vending programs. (2) Guide Dog Safety Legislation designed to update language regarding service animals to the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and protect guide dogs from loose dog attacks. (3) Electronic Information Initiative, the goal of which is to make all information available on state web sites accessible to screen readers and screen magnification software.
Our agenda included visits to the Department of Transportation, the Department of Workforce Development, and Governor Doyle’s Office. Later in the day we also visited many legislators. We met with Lisa Ellinger, Senior Policy Assistant to Governor Doyle. She was particularly interested in speaking with us about accessibility of information on state web sites. We spoke with Randy Romanski, Executive Assistant to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, and Dave Collins, Director of the Wisconsin State Patrol, about awareness and enforcement of the White Cane Safety Law and our proposed Guide Dog Safety Legislation. Our third visit was with Joanna Richard, Executive Assistant to the Secretary of the Department of Workforce Development, and Roberta Gassman, Department Secretary. We spoke about the importance of the Randolph-Sheppard vending program, and other relevant concerns of blind people. All in all, it was a very good day, and our committee felt that we had accomplished a great deal.
Within a few days of March 20, we received a message from Lisa Ellinger indicating that Governor Doyle is establishing a half-time position within the Department of Administration to review and improve state web sites. The state’s goal is to make all information accessible to people using screen readers and screen magnification software. This position was offered and accepted by Chris Zenchenko, one of our Council members!
SUPPORT GROUP NEWS
By: Sue Barker
Jackson County VIPs, a small but close-knit group, now meets at River Grove Apartments in Black River Falls, the second Thursday of the month from 10 to 11:30 AM. This group has been around since 1988 and some loyal charter members are still active.
The group is extremely attentive to speakers and resources brought before them, always participating in hearty discussions. Two group members are fiddlers who play for their Christmas Party and also in area nursing homes. Most members are also heavily engaged as volunteers in the community with groups such as Juvenile Camp Boys, AA, and Bible study.
Enjoyable trips have been taken to a cranberry marsh and Black River Forest. Outings always end with lunch at different senior meal sites within Jackson County. The local Lions Club is supportive and produced a membership brochure for doctors’ offices and other outreach locations. The Lions have also provided transportation to Lions Camp. Phoebe Sorenson may be contacted for information on this group at 608/788-7027.
The North/Eastside Senior Coalition has added a VIP Support Group in Dane County. This group meets the third Thursday of the month at Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Meetings from 10:30 to 11:30 AM are followed by lunch through the nutrition program.
About 20 members belong to this active group. Transportation is available for meetings, which usually have a speaker. Contact Jo Anne Haines, Coordinator at 608/243-5252, if you are on the east side of Madison.
YOUR WILL AND THE FUTURE OF THE COUNCIL
By: Gary R. Goyke
I’ve seen some interesting statistics lately about wills and bequests in America. Did you know……
- 70% of the people in this country who are old enough to have a will do not have a will of any kind;
- 70% of those who do have wills say that their will is not up to date, or it does not dispose of their property the way they want it to;
- 20% of all people who die each year have no surviving spouse, children or parents to leave their estate to.
Wills provide many ways for you to benefit the Wisconsin Council of the Blind. You can leave specific monetary amounts or property, or you can leave a percentage of your estate. You can create memorial gifts in honor of a friend or create a charitable trust to generate income to you and your family. The variations and possibilities of a will are almost limitless.
A will gives you a lot of options as you decide how your estate will be distributed. But, if you have no will, you have no options. Please call the Council and ask for more information about giving through your will. It’s a chance to make a significant gift to the Council and also protect your estate for your family and loved ones.
Let us know how we can help. Contact the Director of Development at gary@wcblind.org or call 1-800-783-5213.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Editor’s Note: For many years the Council Courier has provided the dates of regularly scheduled meetings of and for the blind. In the future we will no longer list these meetings. If you know of an event of interest to blind people please send it to the Council for submission.
August 9
WCB Council Meeting
Madison
September 19
"Understanding Age Related Macualr Degeneration" Seminar
Serb Hall
Milwaukee
Sponsored by the Badger
November 8
WCB Council Meeting and Awards Banquet
Madison
EMAIL EDITION
If you would like to receive our Courier Newletter please send us an e-mail
754 Williamson Street Madison, WI 53703
(608) 255-1166 Toll Free 1-800-783-5213
Sharper Vision Store (608) 237-8100
Contact the webmaster with any comments or questions
Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired ensures the privacy of our patrons
Web site. Accessibility
Copyright © 2002-2008 Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired