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
FORMER COUNCIL PRESIDENT RECEIVES
THIS YEAR'S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
COUNCIL PLANS SALUTE TO STAN NELSON
INTERACTING WITH A BLIND PERSON
By: Bruce Parkinson
White Cane Safety Day 2004 was a tremendous success throughout the state. Using the theme “Take Back the Crosswalks”, support groups and agencies serving blind and visually impaired people, planned and carried out white cane safety programs in both large urban areas and small rural communities. Programs included governmental proclamations, police assisted pedestrian safety programs, and media coverage on radio, television, and in local newspapers.
“Take Back the Crosswalks” as a theme began with the Lakeshore Visually Impaired Support Group in 2001 when Dan Cornelius and I spent time with the Manitowoc Police Department trying to cross busy streets safely. The MPD personnel were amazed that most drivers ignored the white cane and sped past. I wrote about that experience in the Courier hoping that more could be done for white cane safety; more was done. In 2002 and 2003 programs were planned and carried out in other communities as well.
This year, with the aid of the consortium of blind groups, major programs in Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Janesville, La Crosse, Wausau, Manitowoc and Two Rivers were carried out. Events took place in small communities like Antigo and Brillion as well. There were too many people involved to try to name each one, but I do want to thank the Council members and staff for their efforts. The Council sent out 1000 Braille book marks and press releases to the media throughout the state. Information was also distributed to police chiefs in Wisconsin as well.
White cane safety is something we need to pursue every day, not just one day a year. If you go out walking, take your cane and hold it out where it can be seen. Use it even if you have a sighted guide. The more canes that are used, the more drivers will be made aware of blind and visually impaired people going about their daily lives. From personal experience I can tell you that my continual cane use on the streets of Two Rivers has improved driver courtesy. Crossing streets in Two Rivers is becoming safer for cane users.
The Council wishes to thank all those who participated in this year’s “Take Back the Crosswalks.” However, don’t stop now. Begin planning for White Cane Safety Day, October 15, 2005. If you want help getting started, contact the Council. Let’s make ’05 the biggest white cane event ever!
FORMER COUNCIL PRESIDENT RECEIVES THIS YEAR'S
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
By: Virginia DeBlaey
This year’s recipient of the Louis Seidita Distinguished Service Award is no stranger to the WCB. A former Council President and long-time Madison resident, Karen Perzentka, was honored at the Council’s Annual Awards Banquet on the evening of October 29. As you will see, Karen leads a full and active life and is very deserving of this special recognition.
Karen was born in Milwaukee in 1946 and had a rather unique childhood. Because of her mother’s tragic death a few hours after her birth, Karen was raised by grandparents who treated her like any normal child even though premature birth caused her to be almost totally blind.
Karen attended grade school in Milwaukee, except for one year when she went to school in Oshkosh which is where she met her future husband, Richard, for the first time. Her high school years were spent at the Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped in Janesville. After attending college for two years in Oshkosh, Karen moved to Madison and in June of 1967 she married “that loud-mouth” seventh grader she met several years earlier. Karen worked in the state’s blind vending program until the summer of 1974 when she was pregnant with her oldest son Brent.
Less than a year after Brent’s birth, her daughter Amy was born and Karen spent the next several years as a “stay-at-home mom.” During this time, she was an active member of her community. She served as a board member and Vice President of her local parent teacher organization and was active in both Boy Scouts and Brownies. She has also served on several local committees to devise and enforce accessibility standards for people with a variety of disabilities. She served in this capacity when Madison’s Civic Center was planned and built and chaired the first Paratransit Oversight Committee. She also chaired the Madison Schools Community Recreation Advisory committee and was President of the Parkwood Hills Neighborhood Association. Until her recent move to a new home, she was also on the Board of the Wexford Ridge Neighborhood Association.
Over the years, Karen has also found time to be involved in many organizations of and for the blind. She became a member of the WCB in the 1970’s and served as President of the Alumni Association of the WSVH. She was the national secretary for the Randolph Sheppard Vendors of America as well as the national secretary of the American Council of the Blind.
Karen currently runs her own braille transcribing business and proofreads braille books for the Madison Volunteer Braillists. She has recently moved to a new home in the Attic Angels Retirement Community and is an intern in the Attic Angels Volunteer Program where she will volunteer at least 100 hours during her first year.
It was a special honor for me to present the Distinguished Service Award to Karen because we have been the best of friends since I was nine and she was eleven. When I asked her to name specific highlights from her busy, active life, she immediately remembers singing with Barry Manilow, having a drink and visit with Bob Costas and her daughter Amy’s recent wedding. Her family, friends and religious faith are what Karen values most. She is a truly deserving recipient of the Louis Seidita Distinguished Service Award.
By: Nona Graves
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind met at its office in Madison on October 29-30, 2004. Dot Coakley, Patty Slaby, Dean Winger, Becky Williams and Chris Zenchenko were unable to attend this meeting.
The first order of business was a report from M&I Trust Company. It appears that the Council’s investments have done well with the current investment strategy. Following this report, the rest of the afternoon was spent hearing from the Council’s staff.
When the meeting resumed on Saturday morning, Julie Hedlund from Market Street Partners was introduced. She presented a proposal for helping the Council with positioning and branding—a part of the long range planning process. Her proposal was later approved in a motion by Kathy Brockman which was seconded and carried.
The Council then approved the budget of $1,187,910.00 for the coming year, and heard reports from its various committees. Information about these reports will appear elsewhere in this issue of The Courier.
Finally, in New Business, Virginia DeBlaey moved that we continue the practice of having three issues of The Courier. Her motion was seconded and carried. The next Council meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2005.
By: Rhonda Staats
Members of the Council made a return visit to La Crosse during the weekend of September 17 and 18. Bruce Parkinson, Virginia DeBlaey, Rhonda Staats, Dick Pomo, and Gary Goyke represented the Council throughout the weekend. Our kick-off event was a Friday evening reception held at the Radisson Hotel. Sponsored by Dale Anderson from Mass Transit, this was a fine opportunity for La Crosse citizens to become better acquainted with the Council. Bruce Parkinson welcomed old and new friends. The purpose of this reception was to recognize several individuals and organizations which have supported and/or enhanced the Council’s mission and outreach activities.
Dick Pomo recognized The Gundersen Lutheran Foundation for its commitment to low vision services and its partnership with the Council in sponsoring the Macular Degeneration seminar which was held the next day. Rhonda Staats recognized outgoing 32nd District State Senator Mark Meyer for his continued support of the Council’s legislative agenda.
In the most important part of the program, Virginia DeBlaey recognized the exceptional contribution of Senior Rehabilitation Specialist, Kathleen Sebranek, who retired from the Bureau for the Blind after 32 years of outstanding service. She has touched the lives of hundreds of older persons experiencing significantly changing vision during her many years of outstanding professional service.
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind, in partnership with the Gundersen Lutheran Foundation and the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, sponsored a Macular Degeneration Seminar on September 18, 2004. The seminar was held at the Radisson Center in downtown La Crosse. Approximately 168 people were in attendance. Participants spent a full day with us, as the seminar ran from 9:00 AM until 3:15 PM. Student volunteers from the Occupational Therapy Assistants Program were available throughout the day to help out where needed.
Presenters included notable Gundersen Lutheran ophthalmologists: Dr. Kristie K. Shappell, Dr. Daniel B. Lang, and Dr. John L. Sterling. Topics included an exploration of the causes and effects of macular degeneration, the latest research and therapies, and nutritional information to delay the onset and effects of this age-related eye disease. Sharon Bryant described the Gundersen Lutheran Low Vision Clinic as it celebrates its twentieth anniversary.
The more personalized segments of this seminar featured the Council presentations. Dick Pomo spoke on the psychological and social aspects of coming to terms with significantly changing vision. During the last segment of the seminar, Dick moderated a panel discussion, “Coping with Vision Loss.” This segment featured panel members from the Council and the La Crosse community, along with members of the Visually Impaired Persons Support Group of La Crosse.
In addition to informative presentations, seminar participants had the opportunity to visit a variety of vendors to make inquiries about special products and services. The Council had a table showcasing popular items from the store, as well as information describing programs and services.
We valued this occasion to bring our message of independence and dignity for all people who are visually impaired or blind to western Wisconsin.
By: Sue Barker
Three distinguished college students received scholarships at our annual Awards Dinner. It was the second year in a row that each of these individuals received $1000 towards their future degrees.
Alissa Keenan is from Viroqua and is living in Fennimore as she attends Southwest Technical College there. She is working towards an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, with the goal of opening her own Day Care Center. Besides her full school load, she works to help pay for her education. Alissa and her parents were able to attend our banquet where she received her scholarship check.
Michael Hinrichs lives in Madison and now attends UW-Madison. He will be declaring his major as Social Work/Social Welfare. The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is helping him with his education in addition to grants and scholarships. When not in the classroom, he works with students in disability education through the McBurney Center, helping volunteers understand the life of a blind student. He is also guest lecturer at MATC on disability awareness and working with service dog users. He also guest lectures for county volunteer fire departments. Michael attended the banquet along with a guest and his guide dog.
Our third winner, Andy Huang, lives in Madison but comes to us from Taiwan. He is working on his PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, with a minor in Special Education. He hopes to design educational policies for students with visual impairments. Student loans are financing his education. In his spare time he is involved in the Taiwanese Student Association. A death in the family prevented Andy from attending the ceremony. A note was read to the audience in which he expressed his thanks to the Council.
COUNCIL PLANS SALUTE TO STAN NELSON
By: Gary R. Goyke
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind will host a fundraising reception in honor of Stan Nelson, a former Council President and Executive Director. This event will be held on Friday, December 3, 2004, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Rotary Gardens in Janesville, Wisconsin. This special event will be co-hosted by Mrs. Terri Satorius and Joan and Jack Malin. A $25.00 donation per person is requested. Other co-hosts include Mrs. Janis Atkins, Mrs. Kathy Hudziak, Richard and Darlene Johnson, and Chris Zenchenko.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the current programs and services of the Council. Everyone is invited to attend. There will be a program at 6:00 pm with hors d’oeuvres and beverages served. A special treat for all our guests will be the grand opening that evening of the “Winter Wonderland” Garden Show. Please send a contribution to the Council if you are unable to attend. Call our office if you need transportation. The Rock County Lions Clubs have offered assistance in driving. We hope to have a great time, honoring a great person!
By: Top Tantivivat
Season's Greetings from the sales staff at the Council store. The holidays are just around the corner and the Council store has some great gift ideas. For those who are frequent customers, we are continually adding new products to the catalog; from stocking stuffers to more significant gifts for that special someone. If you have never visited our store, we would be happy to have you stop in or give us a call so we can help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Our store hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday with Thursday night hours until 8:00 PM. You can also visit us online at www.wcblind.org/products.htm and check out our featured products listing, which is updated regularly. In the meantime, we have highlighted some products here to help get your gift list started.
Many people enjoy walking for exercise; for them we offer a talking pedometer. This talking pedometer tells you the number of steps taken, distance walked, calories burned, and the amount of time you've exercised. It even distinguishes actual walking or jogging steps from non-exercising motion. Also, there is a built-in FM radio that can be enjoyed using the headphones. A battery is included and it makes a great gift.
Do you know someone who has started having trouble watching TV or seeing the screen at the movies? They don’t have to move closer to the television with the assistance of MaxTV glasses, binoculars from Eschenbach that maximize the size of the television screen. These hands-free, head-mounted glasses provide 2.1X magnification. They can be adjusted so that each eye lens is focused separately. The glasses will focus on objects from distances of 10 feet to infinity. They are perfect for TV, sporting events, movies, theatre, bird watching, or other distance viewing activities in which a magnified image would be helpful.
With our talking atomic clock you will never be late again! Featuring a pleasant woman's voice that announces the time, the date, and the day, it is extremely accurate because it is radio-controlled by the Atomic Clock in Fort Collins, Colorado. It can also be set manually and will then maintain accurate time. It features a natural speaking format where the time is spoken as "10 minutes to 12" instead of "11:50". It measures 4 1/2 x 4 3/4 x 2 3/4 inches and the LCD screen is 1 3/4 x 3 inches. In addition, users are guided vocally through the set-up.
Winter is here. Do you want to know what the temperature is before you go outside? We offer an attractive, conveniently sized (6”x 3.5”) talking thermometer that can be used on a desktop or hung on a wall. It has a large dual display that shows both the indoor and outdoor temperatures, and announces them verbally at the push of a button. It can be set to make announcements automatically every hour on the hour, and can even be programmed to announce the temperatures at a pre-set time to act as a wake-up alarm. It will announce the temperatures in Fahrenheit or Centigrade with the flip of a switch. The item includes 2 AAA batteries.
Looking for a stocking stuffer? Calendars are the perfect, inexpensive item. We have an assortment of them from spiral-bound desktop versions to the Council’s very own large print wall calendar.
In addition to those items mentioned here, the store always carries various types of magnifiers, talking products, lamps, etc. We would be happy to help you select from these more practical gifts or from a number of helpful and fun items such as board games, playing cards, and stationary with features for those who are blind or have low vision. And remember, shipping and any necessary batteries are always included.
All orders must include your county sales tax. If you have any questions on any assistive devices, Top, Brent, and Sue will be glad to help you in the store or over the phone.
By: Nona Graves
After a two-year suspension, the Wisconsin Council of the Blind is again accepting applications for loans. In order to be eligible for a loan, you must have good credit and income which would reasonably allow you to repay the money you borrow. You must be a resident of Wisconsin and, with one exception, you must be legally blind. The exception to this requirement that you be legally blind is that parents who have a legally blind child may borrow up to $4,000.00 to purchase adaptive equipment for that child.
For legally blind persons there are four types of loans. If you want to start a business or to improve an existing business, you may borrow up to $50,000.00. If your home needs some work done you may get a home improvement loan. For this purpose you may borrow up to $10,000.00. The personal loan program allows you to borrow up to $4,000.00 to purchase a personal item. Finally, a technology loan is available. Like a personal loan it allows you to borrow up to $4,000.00, but the percent of interest is somewhat lower.
Through the use of E-mail and conference calls, the Loans Committee hopes to expedite the processing of loans applications. If you are interested in getting more information or securing an application, contact the Council office.
By: Richard Johnson
Mike Dukin, a 1974 graduate of the Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped, nominated radio station WOJB of Hayward for the Employer of the Year Award.
Mike began working for the station as a volunteer in 1982. He has remained as an employee of the station since its inception that year. The Lac Courte Oreilles-Ojibwe tribe owns the rights to WOJB and is a nonprofit organization. Although Mike was unable to attend the awards ceremony, Camille Lacapa, Station Manager, accepted the award. Unlike Mike who always wished to be working in radio, Camille was an art major who started out working with Mike as a volunteer and is now his boss!
The station has an eclectic format and is part of the Public Broadcasting Corporation. There is a variety of music played including country, rhythm and blues, rock and big band. The most popular show is the Friday Show hosted by Mike Dukin. This R&B show raised $3,000 during their fund drive. A recording played at the banquet was taken from that show. On Tuesdays Native American music is played during the day. The radio frequency is 88.9 on the FM dial and is located on the Internet at WOJB.com.
The mission of WOJB is to educate the community and its tribe about Indian culture, history, and other related items. There are eight full time employees, ten part time employees, and 35 volunteers. An example of Mike's work schedule is twelve hours on Monday and six hours Tuesday through Friday. The station has a 95 mile range of service in all directions. Camille stated that the record library of CDs is all brailled for Mike which impressed the FCC. Mike asks you to tune into WOJB soon!
By: Dick Pomo
On October 13 of this year, yours truly had a wonderful experience to share with you. Back to school was the order of the day. With white cane in hand, I visited the Elmore School in Green Bay, to talk to 250 children from kindergarten through fifth grade. Just as when I was in school too many years ago, my day started with a visit to the Principal’s Office, but this time I was not in trouble. Principal Dr. Kathryn Tillo graciously welcomed me to their school and escorted me to the gymnasium where I was to address the students. I must admit I had some question as to how and if I could keep the attention of such a wide age range of children. I talked to them about the use and purpose of the white cane. From the moment the children entered the gym and took their places on the floor, I could tell that they were not only well behaved, but displayed interest in what was being talked about.
Thanks to Principal Tillo, we demonstrated the sighted guide technique. This is simply showing how someone with sight can easily guide someone who is blind or visually impaired. The person who is blind grasps the arm just below the elbow of the sighted guide. The children seemed to enjoy watching their principal being blindfolded, but more important, we hope, learned a simple lesson. Thanks Principal Tillo. The first time one is blindfolded and experiences being guided by another person is not easy!
We also discussed how children who are blind learn to read in different ways. The students were very interested in this subject as reading is stressed every day to them. We talked about how exciting books can be and while they might take an exciting journey by reading with their eyes, boys and girls who are blind can take that same journey by using their fingers to read braille, or their ears to listen to tapes. Reading certainly is stressed to **the youngsters and I learned that Grey Ruegamer, Green Bay Packers Center, gives time and energy every week to work with students in reading. Thanks Grey, you are certainly making a difference both on and off the field.
Finally thank you to Sharon Bauknecht, third grade teacher, who first contacted me to let me know that the students and staff of Elmore School had collected money for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind. My visit to the school was not only to talk about the white cane, but also gave me the opportunity to thank the students and staff for their generous contribution to the Council.
While in Green Bay I also had the opportunity to join the Support Group for the Blind and Visually Impaired, by participating in their planned program to bring awareness of the White Cane Law to the public. With the co-operation of the police department and support from local radio, TV stations and several newspapers, the group was successful in bringing to the attention of the public the need to recognize just what the white cane law is, and what responsibilities motorists had when coming upon a person using a white cane. A special thanks to Florence Berry-Wilson, new facilitator, along with Mary Gliniecki, past facilitator, of this great support group for all your work. Other support groups around the state did their part as well and our hats are off for all of their hard work - it certainly paid off!
By: Sue Barker
Are you wondering what you might do as a social event after you have lost your vision? Would you like to get together with people like yourself who are having trouble coping with vision loss? If you are looking for an answer, a Visually Impaired Support Group might be for you.
Most counties in Wisconsin have support groups. These groups meet once a month at a Senior Center or specified site in a larger city in the county. Usually the meeting is held before or after a meal. A speaker may be invited to come and talk about any subject of interest, not just something having to do with vision. Often members have roundtable discussions to learn about each other and how to cope with their vision loss.
Parties are often held around the holidays, along with a summer picnic, and “field trips” are taken to interesting places. Many visually impaired people have found a whole new world opens up once they join a local group.
If you are interested in finding a support group near you, contact your Rehabilitation Specialist, local Senior Center, or call Sue at the Council office. The following counties have Support Groups: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Calumet, Chippewa, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Door, Douglas, Eau Claire, Florence, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Jackson, Juneau, Kenosha, La Crosse, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Milwaukee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Pepin, Portage, Price, Racine, Richland, Rock, Rusk, St. Croix, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Winnebago, and Wood.
INTERACTING WITH A BLIND PERSON
The Following Information is Being Reprinted and May be Useful to You in Your Daily Activities. Reprinted from Blindskills, Inc.
I will remember that my attitude toward blindness is vitally important in establishing healthy relationships. I will use the words, “look,” “see,” “blind,” etc. Avoidance of these words will only make a blind person self-conscious.
I will identify myself when encountering a blind person so that I do not give her the insecurity of wondering who I am. I will look directly at her when speaking. I will tell a blind person who else might be within speaking range, and I will announce when I’m leaving the presence of a blind person so she will not be embarrassed by speaking to no one.
I will offer a blind person my elbow for assistance in walking, staying about one step ahead so he can anticipate my movements. I will open a door and the blind person I’m guiding will hold it open as we pass through. I will caution a blind person about obstacles in his path, ascending or descending stairs and curbs.
I will offer assistance to a blind person in crossing streets even though she may have a cane or dog guide.
I will place the hand of a blind person on a door handle or the back or arm of a chair for his orientation.
I will allow a blind person the dignity of speaking for herself and discourage other people from talking through me, unless the blind person has a severe hearing loss. I will keep a blind person informed and aware of present circumstances.
I will assist a blind person at the dining table. Some appreciate clock face identification of food on a plate.
I will allow a blind person the courtesy of handling cash. A blind person can tell the difference in coins by touch, and identify paper money by various methods of folding.
If you are interested in buying or selling adaptive products there is a web site you may want to check out. www.ocutrade.com may have what you are looking for!
December 3
Fund Raiser Honoring Stan Nelson
Rotary Gardens, Janesville
January 15
Council Meeting
WCB Office, 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