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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW DOES MEDICARE PART D AFFECT ME?
HISTORY OF WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY
THINKING OF OTHERS CAN HELP TO HEAL
DICK POMO RECALLS THE PAST AND LOOKS
FORWARD TO THE FUTURE
CELEBRATING SUCCESS IN GREEN BAY
By: Chris Zenchenko
As we head into the Holidays and a new year for the Council, it is only normal for people to stop and consider what 2005 has brought. It has been a busy 2005, and we are not slowing down even a little bit in the final months of the year. You will read about many of the great things that have been accomplished and the fine students, employers and legislator honored at our annual Awards Banquet.
A few special notes need to be made concerning additional honors and the changes coming soon at the Council. First, the November 2005 meeting will be the last meeting at which Dick Pomo will serve as Executive Director. He is retiring to enjoy the good life. As director, his voice has been strong on behalf of the blind and visually impaired of our state and he has promised to help out in the future. Don't be surprised if you see him next year strolling the golf course, meeting folks and promoting the Council's good name and works.
Speaking of names, the November meeting begins a new chapter in our history as we officially recognize the place low vision holds in our services for the population of the state. From now on that recognition will be part of our name. We will become, The Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
The year, however, doesn't end with our November meeting. We have a celebration of Dick's career planned for early December, along with a holiday reception at the Council office in Madison. Work will continue on hiring a new director and exploration of partnerships to expand and enhance some of our programs and services.
January will be upon us shortly, and with the new year will come the seating of some new Council members. In the next issue of the Courier, you will be informed of the election results and introduced to our newest members. For now we will be saying goodbye and sending out a heartfelt thanks to two current Council members who have chosen to step down. Becky Williams of Milwaukee has been a long-time member, and her writing and editing here in the Courier will be missed. Also Patty Slaby from River Falls will not be back in 2006. Patty brought new energy and helped keep the statewide nature of the Council and its clients in focus. The election may bring additional changes, but to these two members again: I, the Council, and the blind and visually impaired of Wisconsin thank you for your service and dedication.
Finally, a personal note from me. This year has seen many changes and there will be more to come. Throughout these interesting and challenging times, the fine staff at the Council office has continued to serve the people for which the organization exists. Classes get taught, phones get answered, loans are made, the store offers the latest in adaptive products, and all these and other activities support the people we exist to serve. We cannot do it without our staff and I thank them for their fine work. Now it's on to the holidays, the family time, good food, good friends and the seasonal cheer.
Many of you have expressed the desire to receive a copy of this newsletter electronically, rather than the print version. We are pleased to be able to address your wishes. Increasing the number of Couriers that can be sent electronically will also lessen the expenditure for mailing hard copies. We will continue to send a print, tape, or braille copy to anyone that still desires such versions.
We would ask that those of you who wish to receive only the electronic copy notify our office. If we do not hear from you your continued choice will be honored. Your response may be sent via e-mail to sue@wcblind.org. The Courier will be automatically sent to you as a word attachment, or e-mail message depending upon your request.
By: Bruce Parkinson
There was a wonderfully strong effort to “Take Back the Crosswalks” in the state of Wisconsin during October this year and most especially on or about October 15. There were many programs, too many to list. I’ll try to highlight some things that were done to promote white cane safety in Wisconsin.
In many cities proclamations were issued by mayors or city councils and they were read aloud on local access television and received by members of a local support group. Since many people watch council meetings as they are broadcast live, this is an excellent way to get white cane safety day in front of the general public.
There were “Take Back the Crosswalks” activities planned in a number of communities. Folks from support groups went out on the street with local police officers and media and crossed streets with their white canes. I know from a personal experience that these activities work. My wife and I were in Green Bay attending a social event and wearing our “Take Back the Crosswalks” shirts. A woman came up to us and said “I saw you on the 5 o’clock news.” She actually saw the Green Bay Support Group in their “Crosswalks” shirts.
Media events included radio interviews, public service announcements and participation on a half hour talk and call in program. Other kinds of activities included a display prepared and presented at a public library. A group of students from the school in Janesville used their canes and public transportation to go on a bowling outing. They felt they were certainly noticed.
On October 13th, a press conference was held in the Council office. Mr. Larry Corsi, Chief Pedestrian Safety Officer for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and all three Madison television stations attended. Cane travelers and dog users were able to demonstrate their skills for the media. Mr. Corsi outlined things he would do to get more information about cane and dog guide users to the motoring public.
This is just a brief overview of some of the activities which happened in our state during the month of October. These activities are not hard to do but they do take some planning and thought. Certainly, time is a factor in getting them completed. “Take Back the Crosswalks” has grown as a statewide program. How soon do you think that “Take Back the Crosswalks” will become an annual program across the nation?
HOW DOES MEDICARE PART D AFFECT ME?
By: Aimee McCutcheon of the Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy
Disability Drug Benefit Helpline
There is a new prescription drug benefit under Medicare, often called “Medicare Part D.” Medicare Part D is complicated and affects different people in different ways. This article will introduce you to this new benefit and let you know where to get help.
What is Medicare Part D?
Medicare Part D is a new benefit that only covers prescription drugs. Medicare Part D is made up of several private prescription drug plans. The plans each have a different list of drugs they cover, called a formulary and a list of pharmacies you can go to get your drugs, called a pharmacy directory. Medicare Part D will not change other Medicare benefits. If something was covered under Medicare Part A or B before, it should continue to be covered under those parts of Medicare.
Who does this affect?
Anyone that has Medicare is eligible for the new benefit. If you want the benefit generally you must choose a prescription drug plan and enroll with that plan.
People that have Medicare and Medicaid (they use a Medicare card and a Forward card) generally must participate in the new benefit because their prescription drug coverage under Medicaid is ending December 31st of this year. January 1st most of your prescriptions will be covered under Medicare Part D instead of under your Forward card. You still need your Forward card for all your other benefits like doctor’s visits, and even for some of your prescriptions after January 1st.
How much does Medicare Part D Cost?
It depends on which plan you choose and what kind of benefits you have.
If you have Medicare and Medicaid, you will only pay co-payments of $0 - $5 for each of your prescriptions. You will have no deductible and no coverage gap. If you choose a low cost plan, you will have no monthly premium. There are 14 low cost plans available in Wisconsin.
If you only have Medicare, your costs will depend on which plan you choose. All plans have a monthly premium and some plans have deductibles. Co-payments will depend on which prescriptions you need and which plan you choose. All plans have catastrophic coverage of your medications once you spend $3,600 out of your pocket on prescriptions in 2006.
If you have low income, you can apply for extra help to pay for your prescription drug plan (the limits are higher than most other benefit programs). Call your local Social Security office for more information.
What if I have other private insurance that covers my medications?
You may not want to enroll in Medicare Part D right now. You should contact your current drug plan and find out: 1) Will your drug coverage continue in 2006? 2) If your drug coverage continues, how will it work with Medicare Part D? Is it as good as or better than Medicare Part D so that you can avoid a penalty if you want Medicare Part D later? Can you enroll in Part D and keep your private insurance?
How do I choose a plan?
The best place to compare plans is over the internet at www.medicare.gov. If you do not have internet access, your local library usually has free internet access, or your community might have places you can go for help choosing a Medicare plan over the internet.
At www.medicare.gov, you can search for plans that cover the prescriptions you need and the pharmacy you want to use. You can also learn about how much the plans cost.
Is there free help available?
Yes. If you are age 60 or older, you can see your county benefits specialist or call the prescription drug helpline at 1(866)456-8211. If you are under age 60, you can call the disability drug benefit helpline at 1(800)926-4862.
HISTORY OF WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY
By: Adam Pobursky
The white cane is not just a tool that can be used to achieve independence;
it is also a symbol of the blind citizens in our society. To honor the many
achievements of blind and visually impaired Americans, and to recognize the white cane's significance in advancing independence, we observe October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day." Today, the white cane works both as a tool for the blind as well as a symbol, but this has not always been the case.
Throughout history, the cane, staff, and stick have existed as traveling aids for the blind and visually impaired. Dating back to biblical times records show that a shepherd's staff was used as a tool for solitary travel. The blind used such tools to alert them to obstacles in their path. For centuries, the "cane" was used merely as a tool for travel and it was not until the twentieth century that the cane, as we know it today, was promoted for use by the blind as a symbol to alert others to the fact that an individual was blind.
This new role for the white cane had its origins in the decades between the
two World Wars, beginning in Europe and then spreading to North America. James Biggs of Bristol claimed to have invented the white cane in 1921. After an accident claimed his sight, the artist had to readjust to his environment. Feeling threatened by increased motor vehicle traffic around his home, Biggs decided to paint his walking stick white to make himself more visible to motorists.
It was not until ten years later however, that the white cane established its
presence in society. In February 1931, Guilly d'Herbemont launched a scheme for a national white stick movement for blind people in France. The campaign was reported in British newspapers leading to a similar scheme being sponsored by Rotary Clubs throughout the United Kingdom. In May 1931 the BBC suggested in its radio broadcasts that blind individuals might be provided with a white stick, which would become universally recognized as a symbol indicating that somebody was blind or visually impaired. In North America the introduction of the white cane has been attributed to the Lions Clubs International. In 1930, a Lions Club member watched as a blind man attempted to make his way across a busy street using a black cane. With the realization that the black cane was barely visible to motorists, the Lions Club decided to paint the cane white to increase its visibility to oncoming motorists. In 1931, the Lions Club International began a national program promoting the use of white canes for persons who are blind. Throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s, blind persons had walked with their canes held diagonally in a fixed position, and the role of the white cane took on a symbolic role as an identifier. But when the blind veterans of World War II returned to America, the form and the use of the white cane was further altered in an attempt to help return veterans to participatory lifestyles at home.
Doctor Richard Hoover developed the "long cane" or "Hoover" method of cane travel. These white canes are designed to be used as mobility devices and returned the cane to its original role as a tool for mobility, but maintained the symbolic role as an identifier of blind independence. During this period, the white cane began to make its way into government policy as a symbol for the blind. The first special White Cane Ordinance was passed in December 1930 in Peoria, Illinois. It granted blind pedestrians protections and the right-of-way while carrying a white cane. In 1935, Michigan began promoting the white cane as a visible symbol for the blind. On February 25, 1936, an ordinance was passed for the City of Detroit recognizing the white cane. To promote the new ordinance, a demonstration was held at City Hall where the blind and visually impaired were presented with white canes. The following year, Donald Schuur wrote the provision of a bill and had it proposed in the State Legislature. The proposal gave the carrier of the White Cane protection while traveling on the streets of Michigan. Governor Frank Murphy signed the bill into law in March 1937. During the early 1960's, several state organizations and rehabilitation agencies serving the blind and visually impaired citizens of the United States urged Congress to proclaim October 15 of each year to be White Cane Safety Day in all fifty states.
This event marked a climatic moment in the long campaign of the organized blind movement to gain state as well as national recognition for the white cane. On October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the Congress, HR 753, was signed into law authorizing the President of the United States to proclaim October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day". The resolution read "Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives that the President is hereby authorized to issue annually a proclamation designating October 15 as White Cane Safety Day and calling upon the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and activities." Within hours of passage of the congressional resolution, President Lyndon B. Johnson went down in history as the first to proclaim October 15, as White Cane Safety Day. The Presidential proclamation emphasized the significance of the use of the white cane as both a tool and as a visible symbol.
In the first White Cane Proclamation President Johnson commended blind people for the growing spirit of independence and the increased determination to be self-reliant and dignified. He said in part: "A white cane in our society has become one of the symbols of a blind person's ability to come and go on his own. Its use has promoted courtesy and opportunity for mobility of the blind on our streets and highways."
During most years since 1964, the President has proclaimed October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. On October 15, 2000, President Bill Clinton again reminded us of the history of the white cane as a tool, and its purpose as a symbol of blindness. With proper training, people using the white cane can enjoy greater mobility and safety by determining the location of curbs, steps, uneven pavement, and other physical obstacles in their path. The white cane has given them the freedom to travel independently to their schools and workplaces and to participate more fully in the life of their communities. It reminds us that the only barriers against people with disabilities are discriminatory attitudes and practices that our society has too often placed in their way.
As we observe White Cane Safety Day, 2005, let us recall the history of the white cane, its emergence as a tool and a symbol through history; a staff of independence. Let us also recall the events that have permitted us to celebrate October 15 as White Cane Safety Day.
THINKING OF OTHERS CAN HELP TO HEAL
By: Becky Williams
Although it's probably true that taking care of 10 brothers and sisters younger than herself was more required work than volunteer work, it was most likely Kathy Brockman's first experience in caring for others. This year, Kathy won the Louis Seidita Distinguished Service award for her volunteer efforts on behalf of people who are blind or visually impaired.
As a grade school student, Kathy spent time with friends who were blind and visually impaired in the old "sight saving" classes of Milwaukee. "I loved going to Lions Camp," she said, "because I met really good friends there." Perhaps that was her first real volunteer work, giving friends a hand traveling the grounds of the camp.
After graduation from Pulaski High School, Kathy obtained employment at the Social Security Administration, where she worked for thirty years, receiving several awards, including a Commissioner's Citation. She was the first in her office to be given this award, and traveled to Baltimore to accept it.
As an adult, Kathy soon became very involved with volunteer work for organizations of and for the blind. She has held offices in Blind Bowling Associations at all levels. In the early 1980's, Kathy ran for election to the Board of Directors of the Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired. "I was glad to win," she said, "but a little nervous when they elected me secretary right off the bat." By then, everyone knew about Kathy's superior organizational skills and attention to detail, so it's easy to understand why the Board wanted her for that position. Kathy's volunteer work for the Badger Association has been practically nonstop. She serves as Membership Coordinator and has been alternating between President and Secretary for at least the past ten years.
Kathy has served on the Board of Directors of the Midwest Association for the Blind, acting as—you guessed it—its secretary. This is Kathy's seventh term on the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, where she has represented the Badger Association on the Council's Board of Directors. In the past, she has offered superior volunteer work as secretary and Personnel Committee Chair. When the Council worked on revisions to its constitution and bylaws, Kathy was there, making sure every word was recorded correctly.
When asked what is most difficult about volunteering, Kathy reported that negative comments from those one is trying to help are hard to hear. "It's hard to hear people being really critical, but I try to keep an open mind when it's constructive criticism," she said. When asked which volunteer work she's most proud of, she said, "I think I'm most proud of being president of the Badger Association because I have met so many wonderful people, both in the Association itself and out in the community."
What is particularly remarkable about Kathy is her dedication to volunteerism. It continued even when she was coping with cancer. Did the volunteer work actually help her recover more rapidly? Perhaps. "Thinking of others kept me from worrying too much about myself," she said. Of course, we know others will win the Louis Seidita Award, and they will deserve it. However, they'll all have to go a long way to match the dedicated volunteer service Kathy has given to people who are blind or visually impaired. Congratulations, Kathy! Your efforts are truly appreciated.
DICK POMO RECALLS THE PAST AND LOOKS
FORWARD TO THE FUTURE
By: Virginia DeBlaey
In less than a month, Dick Pomo will retire from his position as Executive Director of the WCB. We recently spent an hour talking about his experiences, memories and future plans. Although we weren’t together in the same room, it felt as though we were because we used the Council’s new Talking Communities online conference room.
“I came to Wisconsin in 1967 to work at Milwaukee County Department of Social Services in the area of child welfare.” “I spent the next seventeen years in a number of counseling and supervisory positions. Then I tried to earn a living as a private consultant for a few years before going to work for the state of Wisconsin. I worked for the DNR and for seven years before coming to the Council I was the Affirmative Action Officer for the state.”
I asked Dick how he learned about the WCB and why he ultimately decided to apply for the position of Executive Director. “I knew about the Council from my contacts with the Badger Association in Milwaukee. But, it wasn’t until the middle ’70’s when I was traveling between Milwaukee and Madison that I became familiar with the Council’s white cane and assistive devices programs.”
“When this job became available, I had been living in Madison for about eleven years, and I got to know Jack Malin and learn about the Council’s mission by attending some of the workshops and seminars. I still had some vision and, whenever I needed a magnifying glass or a new white cane, I walked over to the Council office. Though I spent most of my working life in the area of cross disabilities, my first love has always been working with people who were experiencing a vision loss. So when I learned the job was available, I felt it would be the perfect way to end my working career—doing the things I liked best.”
I asked Dick what surprised him after he became our Executive Director. “I was surprised by the number and amounts of bequests the Council receives from individual estates for our services and programs. Our bequest income is still a large portion of our contributions used to fund our programs.”
Dick recalls a few memories he considers highlights of his eight years with the WCB. “I will always remember the experience of purchasing a new building which cost more than a million dollars. Seeing how the Council has grown from its beginnings more than fifty years ago, when George Card ran it from a bedroom in his house to what we are today, will always inspire me. Of course that memory also brings to mind how the counter in the store was placed where it is now. I was showing a group of Council members around the building when I walked under the stairs in the store and hit my head. It literally ‘struck’ me that would be a perfect place for the counter which would keep any blind person, including me, from walking under the stairs.
“I’m also very proud of our improvements to the store. We took suggestions from staff, customers and Council members and remodeled the store so that a person with some vision can read the signs and find products, and a totally blind person can also go through the store and find products without being afraid to touch them.”
“Finally, I will always remember the Council seminars and feeling the warmth from an audience as we spoke about problems we all face. I’ll remember the wonderful feeling of working as a team of Council members and staff and knowing that we truly helped someone; not with magic but with common sense to lead a fuller life. I am proudest of my ability to make someone laugh and see the humor in living and coping with a vision loss.”
Dick has been married to his wife Sharon for eleven years and they have a blended family of four grown children. He is the grandfather of three. He loves to eat out with friends, travel and play golf. He equates his philosophy of life and his work at the Council to his golf game. “We don’t need to change the rules of the game, we just need some accommodation or a little assistance.”
When asked what he would like to see in the Council’s future he hopes we will be able to serve more people throughout the state by taking our programs to them. He would like to see our staff grow to meet this need and he is pleased with our recent decision to change our name to include blind and visually impaired.
After retirement, Dick hopes to continue to be available as a motivational speaker and work to ensure that our environment and society remains accessible to people with disabilities. I know all of our readers join us to wish Dick a long, happy and fulfilling retirement.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS IN GREEN BAY
By: Becky Williams
After two days of serious business meetings, members and friends of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind were pleased to relax at the Quality Inn & Suites in Green Bay at the Council's Annual Awards Banquet. Before dinner, members chatted with scholarship winners and award recipients, setting the tone for a festive evening.
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind was pleased to endorse its Legislative Committee's recommendation to give the 2005 Legislator of the Year Award to Representative Terese Berceau. Originally from Green Bay, this hard working Democrat representing the people of Madison in the 76th Assembly District recognized the priceless value of dog guides and the need to protect dog guide teams from being injured by loose dogs. That is why she has sponsored Assembly Bill 353, which establishes strong penalties for loose dog attacks. The Council was proud to recognize Ms. Berceau for her contribution to the safety of people who are blind or visually impaired and their dog guides.
Everyone loves an auction, but most of us have no idea how much work is involved in putting it together. Ultimately, particularly if an auction is "live" rather than silent, we blame the auctioneer if the event doesn't raise the anticipated funds. Because Jake VandeZande was handling the bids at the O’Connor Golf Outing auction, everyone knew the event was in good hands. This auctioneer extraordinaire helped to raise over $50,000 for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind. That is why he was the first recipient of the ROSE Award—Recognition of Superior Effort.
It's always satisfying for us to hear news from our scholarship winners, and we were very glad they could all be with us this year. Read more about their successes in a future Courier.
Kathy Brockman was this year's Louis Seidita Award winner. Although we don't usually give this tribute to a person who is currently on the Council, Kathy's volunteerism is so exemplary that the Awards Committee recommended she be recognized for it. Read more about Kathy elsewhere in this issue.
As usual, we came away from this year's banquet feeling inspired by the hard work of students, as well as those who work to improve the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. We're already looking forward to honoring next year's winners. If you have questions about the awards or scholarships given by the Council, or if you would like to nominate someone for a particular award, please call the Council Office.
Having trouble finding the right gift for that certain someone? The WCB store has over 1,000 items for you to choose from! Many things have been around for a while but there are a few new things this year also. You can shop with us by simply placing a phone call to order at this time of year (or any other). We do need payment before we can send your order out.
Here are several brand new items with a short description: talking dice are used by pressing a button on a small 2”x 4” box. The raised dots also light up as you roll those lucky numbers. A talking digital thermometer can be used to test meat, bath water, or other temperature needs. This model has an extra long probe for easy use. A small magnifying mirror that can be placed on your vanity or other mirror with suction cups magnifies 10 times. We also carry extra large pill containers for daily use, and large lettered keyboards for the computer that can replace the one you are now struggling with.
Other items that are useful everyday are sunglasses in various shades, a talking pedometer, talking scale with non-slip surface and diabetic aids. Clear measuring cups, either 1 cup or 2 cup, with black bold measurements, white measuring spoons with large, bold numbers, multi-purpose serrated knife with adjustable handle, and a double sided spatula are handy kitchen items. You can also mark appliances with permanent or temporary dots.
We have a selection of tape recorders, both portable and table top models. Bold lined paper, in 9/16” or 11/16” sizes work well with bold tip black pens. Large print address books and check registers are helpful. Check writing guides and signature guides come in both black and white.
Many people find they cannot get by without their big print calendar. We have a few choices for you too. Our WCB calendar is 19”x 13” and can hang on a wall or be placed on your desk. The SD calendar is twice as large and folds in half with a spiral binding. Both calendars have room to write your appointments. We have an 8”x 11” desk calendar with coil binding and a daily tear off calendar 6”x 5”. Braille calendars are also available.
Large print wall clocks come with black or white background, as do talking watches which are also available with silver or gold bands. Our atomic clock and new “L” shaped talking clocks are popular. We have an assortment of big button phones and other household aids like the talking indoor/outdoor thermometer and simplified or large print remote controls.
If you are a game player or want to be, our big print playing cards come in 5 choices. Monopoly and Scrabble both come in large print and braille versions, and checkers, chess, backgammon, Chinese checkers, dominoes and dice are available in bigger print, some with magnetic boards.
Don’t forget about batteries, white canes and cane tips. Call Ann, Top, Brent, or Sue at 800-783-5213 or 608-255-1166 for your order.
By: Sue Barker
A new group has been started in Evansville (Rock County) which has 10 members. This enthusiastic bunch has been meeting for 6 months at the Prime Timers Senior Center on Fair Street, and calls itself the Evansville VIP Support Group. They are currently looking for a facilitator.
The first few meetings had speakers coming in, including myself, showing assistive devices and other things available to make life easier and keep members independent.
Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Contact Kristin Fountaine at 608-243-5729 for more information.
After being active for several years, two groups have recently disbanded, due to lack of attendance. The Tri-County Vision Seekers, which met in Brillion under the direction of Evangeline Krueger, included members from Calumet, Outagamie, Brown and Manitowoc Counties. Monroe County Low Vision Group, with Laverne Springer as facilitator, had no growth and could not find a new person to take the lead.
Another new group has started in Sheboygan, calling themselves the “Low Vision Club.” Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of the month starting at 1 p.m, in the Sheboygan Senior Center on Sixth Street. Grace Miller is the facilitator and says 15 people have turned out for meetings and they are very excited. Topics from speakers have included health care, insurance, and assistive devices. One meeting revolved around a White Elephant Sale which members really enjoyed. Grace says members decide what they want their meetings to be about.
If you live in or near Sheboygan contact Grace at 920-452-6777.
By: Betsy Gruba
Okay, so what do you give the Techno-Geek in your life for Christmas?
Below are some great ideas that can put a spark under someone’s tree this holiday season.
iPod’s
This little music device is probably the hottest selling item for both sighted and non-sighted users. With the ability to hold anywhere from 1,000 to 30,000 songs and audio books the iPod family is taking the market by storm. They are accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. They are PC based so you don’t need to use an Apple to use one of these. I use mine not only for songs but to listen to books from Audible.com and iTunes.
Price Range: $149.00-$399.00
Music Gift Cards
As a stocking stuffer these credit card sized gifts are great. You can get them from Audible and iTunes and other music providing web services in denominations from $15.00-$100.00. They can be redeemed for books and music over the internet - a great companion to the iPod mentioned above. You can purchase these gift cards from the specific web sites such as apple.com and audible.com.
Price Range: $15.00-$100.00
Nero Burning ROM software
The Nero family of products offers many different software packages to help that special person create their own CD’s. The program lets you back up files, create compilations and much more. I can remember as a kid taking a song from this album and that album and putting it on tape to create a “Betsy’s Favorites” tape. Today you can do the same thing with CD’s. The software package is fairly screen reader accessible. If you would like instructions on using it, let me know and I can send them to you. Purchase from www.nero.com.
Price Range: $79.95-$99.95
Anti-Virus Software
‘Tis the season to get a virus. Just as you would get a flu shot, help to keep your PC safe from all those nasty viruses that are floating around. Both Norton and McAfee offer a wide variety of products to help keep your computer safe from harm. They range from just anti-virus to anti-spy ware and spam killing. Products can be purchased separately or in suites. Don’t get left out in the cold this holiday season. You can purchase these software packages from www.symantec.com or www.mcafee.com. Price Range: $29.95-$79.95
DocuEdge Scanning System
The DocuEdge Scanning System is a very small scanner which can scan up to 100 pages into its memory for later transfer to a computer. The $249 or $449 package comes with transfer software and cables and OmniPage optical character recognition software. This was the hottest, coolest thing at the ACB convention that I saw. It is about the size of a windshield wiper blade, but only about half as long. It can be purchased from Assistive Technology Center www.atechcenter.net or 916-381-5011. Price Range: $249.00-$449.00
If you have any questions on these items, please feel free to give the WCB’s technology department a call.
December 2
Holiday Reception and Fund Raiser Council Offices - Madison
The first and thrid Saturdays of December are the Christmas meetings, parties for the Badger Association and Midwest Association resp
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