Hawaii Association of the Blind
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We are the State affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.
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News & Announcements

On This Page
 

* HAB 45th Annual Convention
* Federal Support for the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program
* Ho'opono Video
* Ho’opono Job Club
* Social Security 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2012
* Letters to HAB

 

HAB 45th Annual Convention


The hawaii Association of the Blind successfully celebrated its 45th Annual Convention on Saturday, 11th March 2012 at the
Pagoda Hotel.The event was attended by numerous personalities - people in the community who are concerned with issues about
the blind. These include teachers of visually impaired students, government officials from Education Department, DVR,
Ho'Opono and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, other guests and of course the blind individuals. Our
keynote speaker was Eric Bridges. He is the Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs for the American Council of the
Blind. Robert Humphreys was also one of the speakers who expounded on the Presidential Memorandum issued on 20 January 2012
in which President Obama explicitly voiced Federal support for the Randolph Sheppard Vending Program for the Blind. Joe
Cordova spoke on behalf of Vocational Rehab, Lea Grupen for Ho'Opono Serices for the Blind and Sue Sugimura for the
Library. Christian Yates updated the convention participants regarding matters related to blind students and the
Department of Education.

The banquet dinner audience was addressed by Governor Neil Abercrombie who stayed to break bread with HAB. As in the past,
monetary donations were handed to VI teachers from the different Hawaiian islands. Likewise, cash donation was also
provided to Ho'Opono to help out the Student Summer Apprenticeship Program. Blind Vendors Ohana who operates the newstands
at the Honolulu International Airport matched HAB's donation to Ho'Opono. The banquet guests also listened to Eric Bridges
as he narrated how he as a blind student was able to overcome numerous challenges and hurdles of blindness and succeed in life and now advocate for by working as ACB's Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs.

We were able to capture the moment in audio for you to catch a glimpse of the Convention and the banquet. Click on the
links below to have a listen:

1. Joe Cordova (DVR)

2. Sue Sugimura (LBPH)
3. Eric Bridges (ACB)
4. Robert Humphreys (RSVA)
5. Lea Grupen (Ho'Opono)
6. Christian Yates (DOE)
7. HAB Election
8. Resolution
9. Banquet - Governor Neil Abercrombie
10. Banquet - Eric Bridges
 

Federal Support for the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release January 20, 2012

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

SUBJECT: Federal Support for the Randolph-Sheppard Vending
Facility Program



Thousands of Americans who are blind have embraced the entrepreneurial spirit that helps define our Nation as a land of
opportunity. Through the Federal Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program administered by the Department of Education,
talented and creative individuals who are blind have acquired
the management training and business skills necessary to realize the American dream -- a lifetime of economic opportunity,
independence, and self-sufficiency for themselves and their families.

000For 75 years, blind business managers have successfully operated food services and commercial ventures at Federal,
State, and private buildings and locations nationwide. We honor and celebrate this program's historic achievements. We also
trust that the Randolph-Sheppard Program will continue to be a leading model for providing high-quality entrepreneurial
opportunities for blind individuals. From a simple snack shop, to tourist services at the Hoover Dam, to full food-services
operations at military installations, blind entrepreneurs have provided exceptional customer service to Federal and State
employees,

the Armed Forces, and the general public. With proven ability, they have challenged preconceived notions about disability.

The Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. 107 et seq.) created the Vending Facility Program requiring qualified blind
individuals be given a priority to operate vending facilities on Federal properties. This program is responsible today for
providing entrepreneurial opportunities for over 2,500 individuals who are blind. In turn, these business managers have
hired thousands of workers, many of whom are individuals with disabilities. Every American, including persons with
disabilities, deserves the opportunity to succeed without limits, earn equal pay for equal jobs, and aspire to full-time,
career-oriented employment.

Continued support and cooperation are needed from executive departments, agencies, and offices (agencies) to extend the
Randolph-Sheppard priority to qualified blind managers through the State licensing agencies that implement the program.
Therefore, I direct all agencies that have property management responsibilities to ensure that agency officials, when
pursuing the establishment and operation of vending facilities (including cafeterias and military dining facilities) as
defined in
20 U.S.C. 107e, issue permits and contracts in compliance with the Randolph-Sheppard Program and consistent with existing
regulations and law. I further direct the Secretary of Education, through the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services
Administration, to submit a report to the President on agencies' implementation of the Randolph-Sheppard Program not later
than 1 year from the date of this memorandum.

This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at
law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees,
or agents, or any other person.

The Secretary of Education is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register


Barack Obama
 

Ho'opono Video

Ho'opono - Serving Hawaii's Blind & Visually Impaired

Ho'opono is a state service for Hawaii's blind and visually impaired to receive training and support to better handle any
challenges that come with their visual impairments. From learning to read Braille, moving around through proper mobility
and orientation, use of accessible technology such as talking computers and getting a job.

Ho'opono produced a video of a few of their blind clients whom they have assisted. Click on the link below to watch what
these grateful individuals have to say.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg3uGyZX4tA&context=C3cbac6fADOEgsToPDskJSc5epMdMvSeCnY3zXY8hA

You can reach Ho'opono through the following:

1901 Bachelot Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: (808) 586-5275
Fax: (808) 586-5288
Web:

"Blindness is NOT a Barrier to Success!"
 

Ho’opono Job Club

What is a Job Club?
Job Club is an intensive job search program intended for Ho’opono consumers actively looking for full-time or part-time employment consistent with the consumer’s Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) goal.

In this program job seekers spend part of every meeting:
o Obtaining job leads
o Contacting employers
o Practicing interviewing skills
o Going on interviews
o Helping each other

You will learn and practice up-to-date job-finding skills from trained vocational rehabilitation specialists, employment specialists, rehabilitation teachers, and a diverse group of guest speakers and experts, all available to assist in making sure members do not face the overwhelming task of finding a job alone.

What will the Job Club provide a member?
o Job search (locally & nationally)
o Using professional social networking mediums to self-market and promote oneself
o Resume writing/honing
o Assistance with interviewing skills
o Completing job applications
o A workspace where you can write letters, develop/edit resumes, & make phone calls
o Accessible computers, photocopier, & a fax machine
o An employment team who help until you find a job
o Continued assistance if you should lose your job
o An environment that is fun but a working atmosphere where everyone can share experiences and knowledge freely with other blind and visually impaired people

What is required to become a Job Club member?

The assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) will discuss the purpose, requirements, and expectations of Ho’opono’s Job Club. Members must abide by and meet the required requirements and expectations itemized below.

#1: Members must be job ready. Although the definition of job readiness is different to many people, job readiness may be better defined by addressing the unique situation of each consumer. Therefore, the job club team (made of ES, assigned VRS, RTs) will work together to determine if each consumer is job ready and make appropriate recommendations if necessary. The list below is not intended to be an exhaustive checklist to determine job readiness, but can be used as a tool to better assist the potential member of appropriateness for the job club.

The consumer has addressed:
o His or her medical, legal, and independent living concerns
o Transportation to get to and from the interview and the job
o Acquired the skills or training that they can apply toward their potential job
o The basic skills to fill out a job application in writing and/or online
o A working resume or has the basic information to create a resume
o Interview clothing/grooming ready
o Work visas
o Substance abuse

#2: Members must have the genuine attitude, behavior, and willingness to actively participate in the Job Club and all its activities in order to prepare for, obtain, secure, maintain, or regain employment.

#3: Members must agree to keep all shared information confidential.

#4: Members must make a promise to each member that they are working together for the success of each other and the success of the whole group.

How does a consumer become an active Job Club member?

Their assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) must refer the consumer.


Lea Grupen, M.Ed.
Branch Administrator
Ho`opono Services for the Blind
1901 Bachelot Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: (808) 586-5275
Fax: (808) 586-5288
 

Social Security 3.6% Benefit Increase for 2012

Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2012
Cost-of-Living Adjustment is First Since 2009
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 60 million Americans will increase 3.6 percent in 2012, the Social Security Administration announced today.
 

The 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that nearly 55 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2012. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2011.
Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $110,100 from $106,800. Of the estimated 161 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2012, about 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.
Information about Medicare changes for 2012, when announced, will be available at http://www.Medicare.gov . For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.
The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, please visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/cola .

# # #
A fact sheet showing the effect of the various automatic adjustments can be read by visiting:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/factsheets/colafacts2012.htm

SSA Press Office 440 Altmeyer Building 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235
410-965-8904 FAX 410-966-9973
 

i

Home Delivery For HAB members who have no time or unable to do their grocery shopping, you may dial (808) 590-2048 and look for George or Jackye Peacock - owners of AKAMAI grocery shopping & delivery service, who would be more than glad to be your personal shopper. Just give them a list of the items you need, the store where you want them bought and they will shop for you and deliver them right on your doorstep for a minimal delivery fee! Happy shopping!

	Letters to HAB
	It gives us great joy and a real sense of accomplishment reading letters from those whose lives were touched by HAB. December 16, 2008 Mahalo Warren and HAB for your generous donation to the Santa experience. Your donation paid for lunch and goodie bags for over 20 visually impaired students from Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island. May you all have a fantastic Christmas too! Aloha, Christian Yates, HCDB December 24, 2008 Dear Warren and Members of the HAB: On behalf of the Huui o Na Makamaka (Friends of the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped), a very belated THANK YOU for the generous donation of $130.89 to help pay for the hot dogs at the “Out-of-Sigh Concert” held at the Waianae Public Library on August 16, 2008. Our objective was to promote the services of LBPH on the west side and we believe that we accomplished this. The concert with the blind performers, the exhibits and the delicious hot dogs, all helped make a very successful program! We are very grateful for the support of the Hawaii Association of the Blind throughout the years…. your continued generosity and commitment to helping LBPH provide quality services are very much appreciated. Happy Holidays and best wishes to all of you in the new year! Sincerely, Deanna Espinas, Chairperson January 8, 2009 Dear Mr. Toyama, Thank you for letting me come on the field trip. I had a lot of fun. My favorite part was the scavenger hunt. My mom said that the ornament in the 1st place prize was beautiful. I also liked the train ride and seeing santa. Love, Laurel Cummings, Holomua Elementary, Leeward District P.S. The food was magnificent. January 8, 2009 Dear Mr. Toyama, I had fun doing the scavenger hunt at the mall and riding the train and the monorail, and eating pizza there and meeting santa. Thank you for coming. I’m glad you made it. I hope we will see you again. Love forever from: Catherine, Holomua Elementary, Leeward District January 8, 2009 Dear Mr. Toyama and Members of HAB, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your help in coordinating the DeafBlind Santa Day at Pearlridge Shopping Center. Even though the weather was gloomy outside, the atmosphere inside the mall was bright and cheerful. The students enjoyed seeing Santa, participating in a scavenger hunt, riding the monorail, riding the Toy Land Express train, eating pizza and cookies, and taking home the wonderful goodie bags. I would also like to thank you for the generous check that you send to Leeward District every year. We have been using the money for training materials for inservices with elementary classes, as well as to allow students to practice buying items on O&M lessons. These opportunities provide our students with valuable life experiences that they will remember for many years to come. I appreciate all you have done to make these things possible for our students. Sincerely, Hope Yasuhara, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Leeward District Office Annex February 3, 2009 Dear Warren and Members of the HAB, Louis Braille’s 200th birthday bash at the library was fun and a great way to celebrate him and his contribution to blind people worldwide. There was a display of Braille items. Trivia questions about Louis Braille were asked and then a short background of his life and work was given. The standing-room-only crowd included students, their teachers and parents, and adults. We played the “What’s that smell”, “What’s This” and bingo games with prizes. The HUI O VIP loaned us their Braille and large print bingo boards, which we appreciated. Everyone sang happy birthday and helped blow out the candles and then ate cupcakes. They seemed happy with the balloons and goody bag of treats to take home. Thank you so much for your donation that helped to make this activity so successful. Enclosed are a few pictures of the event. May you all have a happy and prosperous new year! Sincerely, Fusako Miyashiro, Branch Manager, LBPH February 26, 2009 Dear HAB, As the annual HAB conference approaches, we’d like to take a moment to tell you how we on the Big Island have used your generous grant over the past year. Thank you so much for your support. We have continued to use a portion of the money to repair eyeglasses. Many of our students simply can’t afford to get their glasses repaired when they break. Insurance coverage, for those that have it, is woefully limited. Your grant has also enabled us to continue to provide our students with meaningful daily living skills and Orientation and Mobility lessons. In November, we had a Big Island Peer interaction group trip. We took the kids to the Kona branch of Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii. It was the first time that several of the students had ever been on horseback. One or two of them had never even touched a horse before! They packed a picnic lunch of musubi, banana bread and juice. They prepared the lunch themselves, using ingredients purchased with your grant money. In December, some of our students were able to join their peers on Oahu for peer interaction group trip to Pearlridge, where they were able to put their Orientation and Mobility skills to real life use. This year, we are planning a year end trip to Maui at the end of April. Carol and Margy are planning two days of fun and educational activities. The time we the kids spend with their visually impaired friends is sadly limited. This trip will be a highlight of the year for many of them! We are very grateful for your continued support. Thank you. Signed: Liz Martin (Kona); Maryanne Genova (Hilo); Leatrice Ono (Hilo); and Ian Perry (Waimea) February 27, 2009 Dear Waren and HAB, We went to LBPH for Lois Braille’s birthday and then to Rainbow Drive Inn for lunch! It was fun !! Jessica Chandler February 27, 2009 Dear HAB, Thanks for lunch. It was delicious! Love, Emma - end of letters Read previous letters.