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
NEW APARTMENT BUILDING AT BADGER ASSOCIATION
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SEE TO TEE IT
By: Virginia DeBlaey
Although we all use a calendar to measure the passing of days, weeks and months, it seems that for each of us, a specific event signals the end of one season and the beginning of another. For me, when the State Fair ends in the middle of August, it means that summer is winding down and autumn is just ahead. This year, Council members and several additional volunteers spent many hours at the Council's booth writing names and messages in braille, answering questions about vision loss and promoting the Council's programs. This outreach effort would not be possible without the individuals who volunteer their time to man the booth. As Council President, I thank each of you who volunteered to act as a spokesman for the Council.
As summer turns to fall, the WCB has several events scheduled in which some of you may be participants. On September 25, a seminar on Macular Degeneration is being held at the Alliant Center in Madison. This seminar is co-sponsored with the WCB by the University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology. We expect approximately 900 participants to join us for a day filled with information concerning treatment and coping skills for this leading cause of vision loss.
On October 25, the Council will be holding a day-long seminar in La Crosse. This seminar is entitled ACCESS TO INDEPENDENCE and is presented by Council members and staff. Small group sessions covering a number of topics related to living and working as a blind person will be scheduled. If you live in the La Crosse area and have not received an invitation to attend this seminar by the beginning of October, contact the Council office. There is no charge for the seminar and lunch will be provided.
The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for November 9, in Milwaukee, at which time the budget for 2003 will be approved. The annual Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday evening.
During the month of October, you will receive a ballot of candidates who are running for positions as delegates-at-large to the Council. This election is held every three years and gives you an opportunity to choose eight members of the WCB who do not represent a specific group or organization of the blind. The election results are announced at our November meeting and elected delegates assume their responsibilities at the following January meeting.
For specific information about any of these events, contact the Council office.
By: Kathy Brockman
The most recent Council meeting was held on Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21, 2002, at the Council Office.
Betsy Gruba was introduced; she was recently hired to provide computer technology training. Betsy wrote the curriculum for six different courses. There are 59 classes serving 254 students scheduled from now to the end of the year.
A Technology Committee was established to oversee putting information on the web site and to review other issues relating to technology in the Council’s programs. Chris Zenchenko, Kathy Hudziak, Dick Pomo, Betsy Gruba, Rhonda Staats and Richard Perzentka volunteered to serve on this ad hoc committee.
Nona Graves reported on the Legislative Seminar at the ACB Convention in Houston which was held in early July. She provided an update of several bills pending in Congress. One bill would make textbooks available in electronic format so they could be made accessible in a timely manner. The bill for low vision device coverage under Medicare is pending in committee.
A number of committee reports followed. Rhonda Staats, Chair of the Legislative Committee, reported the Legislative Day was held on May 16. About 30 people made 100 contacts with legislators. The State’s Budget Repair Bill was passed, and services affecting blind and visually impaired people were not cut at this time. The Committee is supporting efforts for accessible voting machines.
Richard Johnson, Chair of the Education Subcommittee, reviewed the responses to several questions asked of Tony Evert. The instructors at Wisconsin. Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired are encouraged to get appropriate training in working with blind and visually impaired students. Some of the difficulties in recruiting qualified teachers and providing supportive services were discussed.
Richard Perzentka, Chair of the Loans Committee, advised the committee met by conference call recently. There are not as many loan requests as in previous years but the program is still accepting applications.
The Capacity Campaign report was given. The nine program shares that are part of the campaign were redefined and approved by the Committee. After the document was read, a number of minor changes were made by Council members. Several fund-raising events, presentations and grant proposals were discussed. The name was changed from a Capital Campaign to the Capacity Campaign by a formal motion.
Bob Hueller, Chair of the Fund Development/Public Relations Committee, advised this is the last year the State Fair booth will be in the current location; the rent will double to $1,800 in 2003 when it is moved to the new Exposition Center. The Fair work schedule was reviewed; changes and additions were made as needed.
White Cane allocations were reviewed and approved. There will be $10,000 allocated to upgrade the Council’s computer system. Some of the donations are used to cover program expenses for the Council’s White Cane Fund, Rehabilitation Teaching and Low Vision Programs. A total of $67,000 in white cane allocations was made this year; a copy is available in the Council Office.
It has been five years since the Council’s last strategic plan was developed. Planning three to five years ahead is common for non-profit organizations. This will be discussed at the January 24 and 25, 2003 meeting in Madison after the delegates-at-large election.
The next Council meeting will be Saturday, November 9 and 10 in Milwaukee at the Radisson Hotel. This is when the annual Award and Scholarship Banquet takes place. Come and join us for the meeting if you can; guests are welcome to attend.
During the months of October, November and December, the WCB “store” will be open the first Saturday of the month from 8:30am to 12:30pm. This will be just in time for all your Christmas shopping!
Mark the dates of October 5, November 2, and December 7 on your calendar. Whether you are looking for a gift, or find it easier to stop in for your personal vision needs, we will be here to help you.
Also, if you come across assistive devices that you think may help other people, please let Jeff know about them. We may consider carrying a new item along with our other stock.
By: Sue Barker
Just a reminder that we are accepting scholarship applications until the beginning of October. Seven $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to those students who meet specific qualifications. Contact Sue at 1-800-783-5213 for more information.
NEW APARTMENT BUILDING AT BADGER ASSOCIATION
By: Becky Williams and Nona Graves
People driving past the Badger Home in the last year have wondered “What is that new building going up?” The simple answer is that it is an apartment building for blind and visually impaired persons, but that is not a very complete explanation.
When the current Badger Home was built, many people were willing to live in one room and have meals and special services available to them. In recent years, however, rooms have been empty because of attrition and because residents wanted more living space. There are still people who want special services the Badger Association provides, but they want to have their own apartment. With this in mind, the Badger Board and staff began planning for an apartment building to fill this need. The architect held a number of focus groups to determine the features that future tenants might want. The result is the nearly-completed Hawley Ridge Apartments.
There are 58 apartments in this building—30 one-bedroom units and 28 with two bedrooms, some of which have two complete bathrooms. Two of the apartments are designed for persons using wheelchairs. There will be a secure, locked lobby. There will also be a lounge with kitchenette, a dining room, and even a special place for bathing and grooming dog guides. There is a courtyard that can only be entered from the apartment building or from the current Badger home. Each apartment will have a stove, refrigerator with icemaker, a microwave and a dishwasher. Coin operated washers and dryers will be located on each floor. There is an unusually large amount of closet space in each apartment, and there will also be locker space in the lower level. Since many of the tenants will have some vision, attention was paid to lighting and color contrast. There are railings in the hall which blind people might find helpful in finding their way and will also be useful for people who may have a balance problem.
We asked Sally Timple, Residential Services Director, what special services would be available for tenants in the new apartments. She said that meals will be available for purchase at reasonable cost. During the week, there will be a continental breakfast, a simple lunch and a full dinner in the evening. For residents who don’t want to do any cooking, boxed meals that just need to be heated in the microwave will be available. Housekeeping services will also be available for purchase. There will be an onsite manager to help solve any problems which might arise.
What is happening with current residents of the Badger home? The Board of Directors decided that at least one wing of the current building will be left open in case there are residents who cannot manage the change to apartment living. Sally told us, however, that although many of the residents were fearful of making the change when the planning began, now they seem to be looking forward to the move. Some of them, she said, have already packed up most of their belongings even though the move will not take place until late September.
An open house for Hawley Ridge Apartments is planned for October 5, 2002. By that time it is hoped that many of the tenants will be moved in and enjoying their brand new, spacious apartments.
By: Rhonda Staats
The WCB Legislative Committee continues to work with the Wisconsin Legislature to advocate for issues important to blind people. On May 16, 2002, approximately 30 Council members and friends made personal contacts with 100 legislative offices during our Legislative Day. We thanked legislators for supporting our issues, dropped off informational packets about Council programs and services in our 50th anniversary year. We urged them to contact the Council if they have questions or concerns regarding issues, programs, or services for Wisconsin citizens who are blind or experience low vision.
In July, Gary Goyke sent out a mailing to all 450 candidates running for office in Wisconsin conveying the message that the Council stands ready to assist all candidates should they encounter questions about issues important to blind people. The mailing also contained a Council brochure, braille bookmark, and resource guide. The Council has done similar mailings during previous election cycles, and believes that this is an important way to contact people in public office.
Budget Repair Bill. The Budget Repair Bill to correct the billion-dollar deficit was passed by both houses and signed by the governor in mid-summer. As the bill stands, the Departments of Health and Family Services, Workforce Development, Public Instruction, and Transportation have emerged relatively untouched. This means that the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCBVI), the Wisconsin Regional Library Service, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), rehabilitation-teaching services for seniors with low vision, and transportation initiatives have dodged the bullet until the current fiscal year ends on June 30, 2003. However, with an even larger deficit projected for the next biennium, the Legislative Committee will need to be vigilant and actively participate in discussion regarding next year’s budget to minimize the impact on programs and services important to blind people. Planning and negotiations for the next budget will begin in October, to be ready for passage by the 2003-04 legislature.
At the invitation of the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Wisconsin, the Council is collaborating in the drafting and promotion of an update to the legislation governing the Business Enterprise Program. Our goal is to make improvements that will allow individuals in the program to establish businesses in locations under conditions that provide them with economic security.
On the national level, the Council has adopted a resolution in support of the Instructional Media Accessibility Act (IMAA), HR 4582 sponsored by Representative Tom Petri, and its companion Senate Bill, SB 2246 sponsored by Senator Christopher Dodd. This bill requires publishers to make available textbooks and other instructional materials in a format readily convertible to braille or other formats. This will allow students who are blind or visually impaired to have their textbooks at the same time as their sighted peers. The IMAA covers instructional materials for students in grades K-12.
The WCB Legislative Committee reminds everyone to vote in the November election. All 100 State Assembly persons, half of the State Senate, and other state officers, including the governor, will be up for election. Our committee plans to work with all those elected in November to continue advocating for legislation to benefit and/or empower Wisconsin citizens who are blind or visually impaired. You may be sure that issues like transportation, education and rehabilitation will be at the top of our list.
By: Kathy Lange-Novak
The Council needs people who are willing to reach out in their communities to find potential donors to our three-year, $3 million Capacity Campaign. It’s really simple, and our development staff will help you!
All it takes is a few minutes to think about who the leaders in your community are. For example, who are business leaders or owners, political leaders, community leaders, leaders of organizations such as the Lions Club, teachers, doctors and lawyers in your town? Just make a list and forward it to Gary R. Goyke at the Council offices.
As you know, WCB began a three-year effort to raise money to expand our programs and services in: 1. Assistive Devices; 2. Adjustment Skills; 3. Technology; 4. Braille Education & Preservation; 5. Resources and Historical Archives; 6. Information & Referral Services; 7. Volunteering; 8. Education, Advocacy and Outreach; and 9. Public Affairs and Philanthropy.
Here is a list of the program areas which will be emphasized.
- Assistive Devices
The Assistive Devices Program is often the first contact people have with the Wisconsin Council of the Blind. Many people find it difficult to come to the “store that serves the blind,” but very often it becomes a life-changing experience. Although our walk-in “store” is an important resource, our assistive devices0 program does not simply establish a process that creates the sale of items to people who have vision problems. It creates an opportunity for people to learn to do old things in new ways so they can maintain their independence and sense of self-worth.
- Adjustment Skills
Loss of vision often means that a person needs to learn to do ordinary tasks of daily living in new and different ways. Persons who lose sight often feel that they can no longer cook, clean, pay bills and perform other functions sighted people take for granted. The Wisconsin Council of the Blind offers one-on-one rehabilitation classes as well as training in independent travel skills (orientation and mobility training). As Wisconsin’s population ages, the need for these services will increase. Program shares in this area will enable the Council to maintain and expand services for people who experience vision loss.
- Access Technology
Access technology creates a wonderland of possibilities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Hardware and software programs exist which allow them to hear what is displayed on a computer screen or to have it shown in large print or on a braille display. Along with their sighted peers, they can work with databases, produce documents independently, or write computer programs because of this access technology. However, the adaptive software and hardware are expensive and it is often difficult to get adequate training in its use. When the Wisconsin Council of the Blind meets its technology goals, it will be the primary resource for state residents who need advice about what is available to purchase, how well it works, and who is available to teach needed skills. In addition, the Council will work to provide advice to anyone wishing to make technology products more accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired.
- Wisconsin Braille Education & Preservation Project
Speech access technology has opened the door to greater independence for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. Because of increased reliance on recorded or computer-generated speech, the use of braille has diminished alarmingly over the last thirty years. This makes it difficult for people who are unable to read printed materials to experience the joy that comes with interpreting what they read with total independence. This is why proud Braille-using members of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, as well as those who understand the flexibility of braille, wish to focus on preserving the use of this reading medium. Through public education, advocacy for braille users, and research into braille access technology, the Council hopes to increase braille use and awareness of its value.
- Wisconsin Council of the Blind Resource Center & Historical Archives
Referral and education are essential aspects of the programs of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind. In order to carry out these functions, the Council maintains a library of historical documents and specialized, blindness-related up-to-date books, tapes, and videos. Funds are needed to improve the collection that has already been assembled to ensure that it remains varied and current.
- Volunteers in Action
People who are blind or visually impaired perform hundreds of tasks every day. However, reading mail, shopping, making home repairs, and traveling when public transportation is not practical can be frustrating for some, and virtually impossible for others. In these instances, a trained volunteer is the perfect solution. With proper instruction he or she can provide people who are blind or visually impaired with competent, confidential, reliable service. One of the goals of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind is to set up a volunteer program in Madison and later create satellite volunteer offices around the state. The plan is to acquire a coordinator to implement the initial Volunteers in Action program and begin making the matches between volunteers and recipients. This program share is particularly exciting because a contributor has a chance to become not only financially involved, but personally active as a volunteer.
- Advocacy and Outreach
The Council advocates on behalf of individuals who are blind or visually impaired if they believe their rights have been violated or they have faced discrimination. The Council works very hard to ensure equal access and equal opportunity to all. Since its beginning, the Council has educated the public regarding the capabilities of people who are blind or visually impaired and the challenges they face. The Council maintains a speakers bureau and participates in informational exhibits such as the State Fair. It holds informational seminars for employers, health professionals and families coping with blindness or visual impairment.
- Public Affairs and Philanthropy
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind was originally formed as a committee to advocate in the legislature for the rights of blind or visually impaired people. Public affairs is still an important activity of the Council. Education and job training, transportation and other equal access issues are very important in maintaining independence for blind people. Gifts in this program area will help facilitate the Council’s philanthropic efforts. Historically, the Council has provided financial support for organizations of blind people and has contributed to eye research, blindness education and leisure, and subsidized adaptive equipment.
- Information and Referral
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind is committed to providing honest, up-to-date answers to questions through its information and referral program. There is an art to giving accurate answers to the questions of others. Sometimes it means asking a few questions yourself. In order to ensure success in this program area, adequate training must be given to an information and referral specialist, as well as access to tools needed to conduct research. The goal of this program is to provide consumers with needed information or referral to an appropriate source.
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We appreciate your interest and help with this important campaign.
By: Sue Barker
The Merrill Visually Impaired Persons Support Group of Lincoln County meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at noon after an 11 am lunch. Every other month spotlights a mental health professional with assorted speakers on the remaining dates; 15-20 people get together at the Merrill Senior Center, 1004 East 1st Street.
A separate music appreciation group meets in Merrill on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The leader of this group says music is geared to people who have lost vision but have fine-tuned their hearing skills. Classes consist of listening to recorded music, along with the history of the composer, etc.
Donna Winker facilitates these groups and can be contacted at 715-536-0311.
Juniper Court Support Group meets at 3209 South Lake Drive in St. Francis. This group is for residents of Juniper Court and Canticle Court only. There are 6-12 members who meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 2 pm. Speakers and round table discussions fill their meeting time.
Myron Smith, Rehabilitation Associate from Milwaukee, works closely with this group in boosting their self esteem and confidence. He also makes it easier for members to talk about their vision loss when they had trouble doing it before.
If you are a resident of either court, contact Joan Yelangin at 414-744-9959.
Another support group in the Milwaukee area is Library Square. The Library Square Retirement Community holds meetings the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm with attendance between 10 and 35 members. Carol Kelley facilitates the group with Pat Schapiro, parish nurse, arranging speakers. Every other month finds a nutritionist, foot doctor, or diabetic specialist giving information to the group.
According to Carol, there is never a dull meeting. They are held at Library Square Retirement Community, 1820 South 75th Street, West Allis. You can contact her at 414-774-4411 for more information. Meetings are open to all.
A new support group in the Fond du Lac area has been in existence for roughly 6 months. Lakeview Estates, at 517 Luco Road, is the site of meetings on Mondays once a month. Residents, along with anyone with a vision problem, make up the 20-30 people attending.
This active group visited the Council offices in June and had nothing but good words to say about our new facility. David Ballmann also gave a presentation in August which was enjoyed by everyone.
Kay Zinecker is the facilitator of this group and will take your calls at 920-926-1100.
By: Bruce Parkinson
Our Support Group, the Lakeshore Visually Impaired, plays a wonderful game each time we meet called Brother Can You Spare a Dime. I really don't know the origin of the game or the title, but I know how it is played. I think this is fun and I believe that your group would enjoy it, too.
To begin with you will need a roll of double raffle tickets. One part goes in the "hat" and the other is kept by the participant. Rolls of these tickets can be purchased at office supply stores or at Wal-Mart for about $5.00. During the meeting, one of the sighted members goes around and sells the tickets, three chances for a quarter. The proceeds from the sale can be used to defray the cost of coffee and snacks. After the business meeting is completed, coffee and snacks are served.
While the group is enjoying some social time, one of the sighted members conducts the drawing. All the prizes are at the head table, and if your number is called, you go up and select a prize. Here's the catch: if you win a prize, you are required to bring a prize to the next meeting. If you are a very lucky person, you may have to bring two. In that way the game is self-sustaining.
The prizes are limited to about $2 in value if purchased. However, prizes can consist of homemade food items, craft items, or knick-knacks of some sort. In our group, any time there is a loaf of homemade bread on the table, it is the first to go. Homemade cookies, jams and jellies, bars or candy are also favorites. In the spring, shoe boxes of fresh rhubarb go quickly. One of the members brings craft items that his wife makes. These items are always delightful and chosen quickly. I have some lovely little figurines in my office that I have won.
We have one of our blind members draw the tickets and one of the sighted associate members calls out the numbers. Prizes are given on a first come, first served basis. We find that six to eight items are enough for one meeting. Often people who have won will return the next month with a prize wrapped in giftwrap, tissue paper, comics, etc., and that makes the game even more fun because a winner can choose a "mystery" gift. Mysteries are always more exciting.
To initiate Brother Can You Spare a Dime in your club, you would have to buy a roll of double tickets and figure out how to get the first set of prizes.
From that point on, the winners bring prizes back to the next meeting and the game perpetuates itself. If someone forgets one month they usually bring something the next. Sometimes someone just has something they want to share and they bring it along as an extra prize. So, make those cookies, bake that bread, knit those dish cloths, wrap that knick-knack and enjoy giving and winning. Brother Can You Spare a Dime is lots of fun, so try it!
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SEE IT TO TEE IT
By: Dick Pomo
These words make up the slogan for the National Blind Golf Association. On June 28 of this year, this phrase took on a different meaning for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and for me. Thanks to the generosity of the O’Connor family, the Council was the recipient of funds raised from a great golf outing.
For the third year in a row, the James O’Connor family held a golf outing in memory of their dad Jim, who never let the loss of sight affect his zest for life or his love of family. Though Jim is no longer with us, his legacy is self-evident through the way his life partner and wife Therese, along with their seven sons, live. Service to others comes naturally to each family member and their view of success is not simply based on who they are, but more importantly on what they can give to others.
I find it difficult to share the events of that day adequately, but let me try to give you a picture of what happens when folks combine generosity with the fun of being with others.
The Autumn Ridge Golf Course is owned by Tom O’Connor and located in Valders, Wisconsin. It is a wonderful, peaceful setting. The day I played, the quiet sounds of nature were only interrupted by my sobbing and occasional words of endearment to the golf course.
One of the events that proved to be fun, successful and maybe a little educational, was blind golf. Golfers had to pay $5.00 each to play against Yours Truly. The catch was that the golfer needed to put on a blindfold. When the O’Connors and I first talked about this it seemed like a good idea, but I can tell you, as the time drew near, I began to get nervous. What was I doing trying to pass myself off as a golfer? To make a long story somewhat shorter, we had a fantastic time! We teed up the ball on a 125 yard par three hole. It was unbelievable: almost all of the golfers tried to hit the ball blindfolded. The object was to beat the blind guy, but believe me, we modified this rule as needed. Some of those blindfolded even got the ball on the green. This truly helped us convey the message that it is possible for blind folks to play golf with just a little help. How did I do? If you want to know that, then you might have to come next year. However, I will tell you that while warming up, Tom O’Connor watched me swing and said that I reminded him of Nicklaus. Of course this gave me confidence and not wanting to gloat too much, I said I really didn’t think I could be **compared to Jack Nicklaus. Tom just smiled and said, “Oh I meant Saint Nicholas.”
After a great day of golf, the fun had just begun. Fellowship and a delicious prime rib dinner were yet to come. Following the dinner an auction which took place, under the capable direction of auctioneer Jake Vande Zande, proved to be a wonderful success. Things ranging from a signed Packer helmet to signed basketballs and a football, as well as golfing packages, were among the items auctioned off. Everything was donated and the generosity of folks bidding conveyed their desire to support the Council.
How much did this event raise for the Council? Hold your hats! The total was just over $10,000.
Thank you to the O’Connors and to all of you who participated. Having spent the day with such wonderful folks was one of the highlights of my experience as Director of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind. It is because of people like you that we are able to serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired throughout our state.
By: Betsy Gruba
In this article we will discuss what is going on at the Council’s new Technology Center and go over current versions of assistive technology that are available.
Classes at the Council
In May of 2002 the first computer classes were offered at the Council. Classes have continued throughout the summer and will continue through the end of the year. Classes run 2 days a week, 2 hours a day, for 2 weeks. Some of the classes offered include Introduction to Computers, JAWS and Window-Eyes. Classes in using the Internet, e-mail, and courses in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are also available. For those who are typing challenged we also offer a class in keyboarding skills. For more information or to sign up for a class please call Betsy at the Council office.
October 1, 2002 will see our new web site launched. Changes will include a staff page with pictures and a brief biography of each person. Also, we will have a featured product page on our “store” that will list some of its many different products. An archive of the Council Courier will also be available so that you can read past issues.
The Latest in Software
As always, the software market is making changes faster than we can blink. This is holding true for assistive technology as well. Here is where we stand as of today with the different versions:
JAWS by Freedom Scientific
The current version of JAWS is 4.02. The Beta version of JAWS 4.5 is available for download now. The full version will be available late in the fall of 2002. Some of the new features in 4.5 will include single keystroke navigation for the Internet. For example, when you are in a web page you can simply press the letter N to go to the next link. Other features include the ability to change the spelling rate and more support for MSN messenger.
The price for JAWS for Windows XP is $895.00 for the standard or home edition and $1,015.00 for the standard edition with the SMA.
What is an SMA? An SMA or Standard Maintenance Agreement is a service that can be purchased giving you free upgrades to the program. Generally, this is not a time-based service. It is based on the number of upgrades that are put out. For example if you have JAWS 4.0 you can upgrade for free to 4.5. Most software providers of assistive technology offer such a service.
What is a Beta Version? Beta version is a software program that manufacturers release for people to try out. Basically, those who try the program for free are expected to tell the company what is right or wrong with the program. The software manufacturers then take that information and make changes to the program before they release it for purchase to the general public. Be careful if you decide to do this. There are no guarantees to what will happen to your computer
OpenBook by Freedom Scientific
The current version of OpenBook is 6. The new version includes scanning support for Fine Engine 6, Caere and Recognita. The Caere support is particularly useful with the OmniPage program issued for scanning documents. Another great feature is the ability to have the continuous reading with the automatic page advance feature. A low vision feature that will allow the user to customize the font size and color is also available. New braille display features are included as well as updated use with Adobe Acrobat Reader. The price for OpenBook is $995.00.
For more information on JAWS or OpenBook please visit the Freedom Scientific web site at www.freedomscientific.com.
Window-Eyes
The current version of Window-Eyes by GW-Micro is 4.2. The standard version of Window-Eyes will work with Windows 95, 98 and ME. The professional version will work with Windows 2000 and Windows XP as well as Windows 95, 98, and ME.
Window-Eyes has support for over 50 speech synthesizers and 40 Braille Displays. It also has greater support for PDF documents or the Adobe Acrobat Reader files and enhanced support for Internet Explorer 6.
Prices for Window-Eyes are $595.00 for the standard version and $795.00 for the professional version.
For more information on Window-Eyes visit the GW-Micro web site at www.gwmicro.com.
Kurzweil 1000
The current version of Kurzweil 1000 is 6. Coming in August of 2002 will be version 7. Some of the big advantages of the Kurzweil program are the easy to use keypad on today’s standard keyboards. It also has a standard menu interface that is similar to the popular application such as Word. For example, the keyboard commands to access the File menu in Microsoft Word and Kurzweil 1000 are the same. While Kurzweil 1000 does not offer an SMA, it does offer free upgrades for 1 year.
Pricing for the Kurzweil 1000 is $995.00. For more information on Kurzweil 1000 please visit their web site at www.kurzweiledu.com.
Coming in the next issue of the Courier: Accessible cell phones with voice prompts and Talking Palm Pilots.
If you have a suggestion for an article for future Tech Talks please e-mail Betsy at betsy@wcblind.org.
Would you like to receive the Courier via e-mail? 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 the Council office.
By: Chris Zenchenko
Once upon a summertime, there were no reruns. The airwaves were full of your favorite shows for most of the year and only a few programs dared take a break. Today, the television networks and cable channels use the summer as a time to play last season's shows yet again before they go into syndication. They also use the time for test marketing new shows.
This, in its own way, was similar to radio of the mid to late 1940s. One major difference is the length of the off-season. Most popular programs of yesterday ran a full season of 39 or 40 weeks. That didn't leave much time for the summer replacements. So the radio networks took two approaches to the problem.
Many of the most popular shows, such as Fibber McGee and Molly, were replaced by musical programs featuring bands or band leaders from the regular season. The other choice was to try out a new program. Escape got started this way and Phillip Marlowe was originally a summer replacement. There was a third and all too familiar way of filling the summer weeks: the rerun, but with a twist. Suspense used the summer to run a special set of "most requested programs". These were not actual reruns, but performed again. Collectors who have nearly complete runs of shows will note small differences in the programs, such as minor parts being played by different people.
Another thing, just when was the summer season? Looking at many famous shows you might notice broadcasts through early July and the new season would start in October. Just the other day, I was looking at The Life of Riley show. I had one that was dated 10-06-1950. Listening to the opening of the program, the announcer noted that we last looked in on the Rileys about three months earlier. Certainly, it was the first show of the 1950-51 season, and starting on the 6th of October.
Perhaps proving, or wanting to prove he is from the old school, fans of A Prairie Home Companion will notice that shows run up through early July, and a fall season starting in late September or early October seems to be normal. PHC is not quite a graduate from the old school however, because they take several mini-breaks during the year. They don't total 39 shows. They are closer to 26. That's more like television than radio. They also do reruns. During the opening to PHC, Garrison usually says "coming to you live from...". His reruns are doctored to remove any reference to being live.
Today television moves shows around from day to day and time to time without much consideration for a program's regular audience. Radio was a bit more careful. The classics such as Jack Benny and Fibber McGee stayed on their night and in their usual time slot for most of the program's life. Summer did allow for some testing of new time slots and nights, but most of the big shows were predictable.
Finally, in the late 1940s tape and competition began to change the networks' ideas about reruns and when a show should be aired. It was no longer necessary to bring in people to do a show. You could just play the tape or transcription disk. They still did not fill summers with reruns of the biggest and best of the shows. Instead, they used the popular time slot to try out something new. The last of these tests came in 1957. The Jack Benny show had been in reruns since the spring of 1955.
CBS made one last try at a live show by giving the slot to Stan Freberg for 15 shows starting on 7-14-1957. Yes, Stan's show was a summer replacement--the last of its kind. After 15 weeks, his show was gone and the Benny reruns never came back. Fifteen or more years before, things were a bit different for the summer startups.
A few successful shows that had their start in the late spring or early summer come to mind. They include The Whistler, 5-16-1942, Suspense, 6-17-1942, and the Jack Benny 5-02-1932. Those three alone should prove that summertime was not a waste when it came to tuning in to listen to the magic box in the corner of your living room.
Next time around, a bit about some famous spin-offs. Stay tuned.
September 25
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