American
Council
of the
Blind
of
Minnesota
April 2003
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND OF MINNESOTA
P O BOX 7341
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55407
The articles and comments stated in this newsletter are not necessarily the position of the American Council of the Blind of Minnesota, but rather are the position and opinion of the article's author.
Bert Morlock, Editor
4815 28th Ave. South, #217
Minneapolis, MN. 55417
Phone: (612) 721-9970
E-Mail: morlock@visi.com
Bob Lockwood
3625 Cardinal Road
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Phone: (952) 932-7269
E-Mail: Peggy_Bob@email.msn.com
Dennis Bartlett
3338 38th Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Phone: (612) 722-8686
Shirley Bartlett
3338 38th Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Phone: (612) 722-8686
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
April Quarterly Meeting
Celebrating Democracy
More Network and Cable Contacts
News Notes
New Federal Site Seeks Suggestions For Disabilities Research
Beaumont Foundation Offers Grants For Individuals
Jazz Camp for Blind Teens
Putting People First: Interacting With People With Disabilities
"Seeing Shoes" Could Help Blind People
ACBM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Greetings all. My term as President is drawing to a close. I know for some of you it may be a bit of good news, but for me I hope I have represented the membership's wishes and performed my duties in a satisfactory manner. I have learned a lot and feel I have grown in many ways. I have done my best and was very fortunate to have extremely talented members who were willing to help with the many projects introduced by ACBM. Thanks go out to all the Board members, who throughout the past four years of my term have been committed to making ACBM the organization it is today. You have helped to make all that we have accomplished possible. I would like to also thank the membership for your support and involvement with ACBM. You are the reason we are where we are today.
I don't want to take up your time right now to talk about what I feel we have achieved during my four years as your President. You can look at past newsletter articles that detail those achievements and setbacks. One thing stands out as the most difficult challenge I have dealt with these past four years. That challenge has had to do with the dissemination of truthful and accurate information to the blind community. There has been a tendency, whether deliberate or accidental, for factual information to be misinterpreted or misunderstood and passed along through the membership as fact. Some of the misinformation that was passed through the blind community has caused fear, anger and panic. The best thing that I have learned through this is to take the information you are given, find out where it originated, review all the facts even if you have to do some creative research and make an informed decision about the information you have been given.
In closing, I want to say I have been very honored to have had the chance to serve all of you as President. I have many wonderful memories of my tenure with ACBM. I feel very good about where we are and where we are going. I feel we are moving in the right direction. I also feel the community views us as a very respected organization.
ACBM is a democratic and consumer driven organization. That is what I truly respect about ACBM. I have enjoyed being a leader for you. My final wish would be that you all continue your involvement in ACBM, keep sharing your ideas and opinions to make this organization as strong as it can be for the entire community. Keep moving forward. I am not going away. I will still be around and continue to support and help whoever we elect as the next ACBM President.
Walter Waranka, President
The Quarterly Membership meeting will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2003. The meeting will start at 1:00 PM and end at 4:00 PM. The Calling Committee will be contacting you shortly with the location and menu choices. Remember that this is our annual election meeting, so please plan on staying for the entire meeting time.
Celebrating Democracy
By Rebecca Kragnes
I am proud that ACB-M is the only nationally affiliated organization of the blind in Minnesota which holds annual elections for offices and board positions. We will do so again at this April's quarterly meeting. Since I am not running for a position, I volunteered to chair the nominating committee. Please remember that any interested member of ACB-M is invited to run for a board position. In fact, I strongly encourage anyone who wishes to be a candidate to contact me. My contact information is in the ACB-M Board of Directors section of the Memo and on the ACB-M web site: http://www.acb.org/minnesota.
If you don't wish to nominate yourself, you may ask a fellow ACB-M member to nominate you from the floor. If you plan to run, remember that you have a much better chance at a seat if you are present the day of elections.
This year, we are voting for President, Treasurer, and three director positions. As of this writing, Ken Rogers is running for President, and Bob Lockwood is running for a second term as Treasurer. Joseph Sorenson, Jane Lund, Marilynn Highland, and Michael Malver are seeking Directors' positions.
I hope that all members possible will be at our meeting to participate in elections. The individuals elected to the board are the future navigators of the organization. Please help chart the course of ACB-M by being present to cast your vote this April.
More Network and Cable Contacts
Here is contact information to make it easier to write to these folks.
ABC, Inc.
500 S. Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521-4551
http://www.abc.com/
netaudr@abc.com
CBS
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 975-4321
http://www.cbs.com/
audsvcs@cbs.com
Fox Broadcasting Company
P.O. Box 900
Beverly Hills, CA 90213-0900
http://www.fox.com/
Fox has a feedback form on the website.
NBC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
(212) 664-4444
http://www.nbc.com/
nbcshows@nbc.com
PBS (voluntarily provides described programming in excess of the former mandate covering commercial networks)
1320 Braddock Place
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-5000
http://www.pbs.org/
viewer@pbs.org
Lifetime Television
34-12 36th Street
Astoria, NY 11106
(718) 706-3600
http://www.lifetimetv.com/
Feedback form is on their web site.
Nickelodeon
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
(212) 258-8000
http://www.nick.com/
Feedback form is on their web site.
Turner Entertainment Networks (TBS and TNT)
1050 Techwood Drive, NW
Atlanta, GA 30348-5264
(404) 827-1717
http://www.tnt.tv/
E-mail for TNT only (not TBS): tnt@turner.com .
Otherwise, viewers can use the feedback form on the TBS site. http:// www.tbssuperstation.com
USA Networks (USA)
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
http://www.usanetwork.com/
Viewer feedback form on the site. There's also an e-mail having to do with movies (theatrical and USA originals): movies@usanetworks.com
I don't know if much has happened since we spoke last, cold weather, snow, seems like winter. Well, when you are reading this, spring will have sprung, and the grass should be growing. Those mad blind bowlers will have been off to the Midwest Blind Bowling Tournament in Alton, IL. This town is 40 miles north of St. Louis. We will have returned from said event, and will be getting ready for the national tournament, the American Blind Bowling Tournament in Orlando, FL. We will tell you the results in July. We can say that there two ACBM winners. Elaine Vining should win for singles and doubles. Gar Giddings should win for singles. In fact, Elaine and Gar's daughter, Annie beat Annie's mother and Gar's wife, Nancy in doubles in a competition between Elaine and Annie, and Nancy and a bowler from Pittsburgh, Kevin Fitspatrick. Those were the only winners that we know of.
Some interesting things about Alton, IL, the Underground Railroad was started there. The Lincoln Douglas debates were held there, and the largest giant was born and raised there. He was 8ft 4 inches tall and his weight was around 450 pounds. He lived from 1918 until 1940. His name was Robert Wadlow.
Rumor has it that the national ACB convention may be coming to Minnesota in 2007. Stay tuned for more.
Our prayers are with Stephanie Hall's daughter, Heather. She is suffering from a torn aorta, which is very rare. There are only five surgeons who can deal with this problem. Our prayers go to her and the family. She will have surgery in Rochester on April 25th. She will have a second surgery within three wweeks of the first surgery, if everything goes well.
New Federal Site Seeks Suggestions For Disabilities Research
By Dipka Bhambhani, GCN Staff
A new government Web site provides a forum for citizens to submit ideas for research projects the government should undertake into disabilities and rehabilitation. Visitors can go to http:// www.icdr.us, created by the Interagency Committee on Disability Research, to offer ideas on several topics, such as technology access, education, employment, community life and health care.
"This Web site allows all Americans interested in these important issues to provide input on potential areas of needed research in areas affecting Americans with disabilities," said Robert H. Pasternack, assistant secretary of Education for special education and rehabilitative services, in a statement.
The site, hosted by the Education Department, links to other sites about disabilities and the President's New Freedom Initiative, which aims to improve life for citizens with disabilities.
Steven James Tingus, the committee's chairman and director for Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, said the site will ensure that federal research efforts meet the needs of the disability community and will help agencies coordinate their research programs.
"We want to make it easier for individuals with disabilities, their family members and other stakeholders to let us know what research issues we should consider," Tingus said in a statement. "We will use this feedback to generate recommendations on R&D that will improve the lives of people with disabilities."
Congress established the committee in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Its members include the commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration; secretaries of the Education, Veterans Affairs and Transportation departments; directors of the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Mental Health; administrator of NASA; assistant secretary of Interior for Indian affairs; director of the Indian Health Service; and director of the National Science Foundation. Several other departments and agencies also participate on committee programs.
Beaumont Foundation Offers Grants For Individuals
In addition to grants for schools and community organizations, the Beaumont Foundation offers grants for individuals who need computers. Persons with disabilities and those who are homebound because of disability or illness are especially encouraged to apply for the individual grants. The Beaumont Foundation will be giving out almost $400 million in computer equipment starting in 2003. The grant applications for schools and community organizations will be available on our website beginning January 6, 2003, at http:// www.bmtfoundation.com/grants/.. The guidelines explain how we'll be giving out $20 million each in computer equipment to community organizations and to schools in about half the country.
Information on individual grants is also online but persons interested in those grants should apply by calling 1-866-505-2667. Please note that persons with disabilities and those who are homebound because of disability or illness are especially encouraged to apply for these individual grants.
Questions about the school and community grants can also be answered on that line. Our focus is on delivering equipment where it will directly benefit underserved citizens. So we do not provide computers for staff. Since we only give hardware, we make grants to established programs that have the funding, infrastructure and staffing to maintain their programs.
Part of my job is to encourage truly innovative and excellent programs for persons with disabilities. If you know of such a program that could use $20-200k of brand new, state-of-the-art hardware to help underserved communities, please drop me a line or give me a call. I am on the team working on California, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Hawaii, and Alaska, but I will also be advising on grants for disability organizations and schools that serve students with disabilities. I look forward to receiving many, many grant applications from the disability community. Please contact:
Nora Jean Hernandez, Program Officer
The Beaumont Foundation of America
http://www.bmtfoundation.com/
mailto: nhernandez@bmtfoundation.com
Applications are now being taken for the August 8-17, 2003 TRAC Creative Music and Jazz Camp, a summer residential program for blind and visually impaired teen musicians. The camp, sponsored by University of New Orleans Training, Resource & Assistive-technology Center (TRAC) will give fledgling musicians the opportunity to study, perform, write, compose and edit music using a variety of special computer technologies, plus a unique environment to learn about jazz. The camp will also provide a strong focus on leadership skills, independent living skills and an introduction to careers in music.
The camp is open to blind and visually impaired musicians, ages 12-19. Requirements include at least 2 years of musical training, basic computer literacy, a submitted performance tape and a recommendation from a music instructor. Scholarships are available to all participants and include classes, food, recreational activities and sleeping accommodations in staff-supervised residential rooms at the TRAC facility. Students must supply their own transportation to and from New Orleans. Positions are limited and students will be chosen based on skills and experience. Applications are due by May 30.
Composer and pianist Henry Butler, who is blind since birth, will serve as Camp Creative Director. Butler, who performs all over the world, has a successful recording career and has also taught workshops throughout the country including the Memphis State School for the Blind, New Orleans Public Schools, Arizona State School for Blind and Deaf, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, California State School for the Blind, Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind and many others.
The camp faculty will include well-known sighted and visually impaired musicians, a physical movement specialist, music business professionals and music technology experts. Classes and recreational activities will also be lead by members of the TRAC staff.
Since 1986, the University of New Orleans Training, Resource and Assistive-technology Center has offered high tech training, career aptitude assessments, rehabilitation services, employment skills, and small business entrepreneurship programs to persons with a wide-range of disabilities. The Center facility is an architectural-award-winning, disability-accessible building that includes computer labs, testing facilities, conference rooms and residential rooms for clients. The Center's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through training and a significant core of special services such as the music camp.
The TRAC Creative Music and Jazz Camp has been established because musicians with visual impairments need a different approach to musical learning. The camp includes a program designed to benefit participants on many levels. Their musical growth will be complemented by an equal emphasis on physical and social development. The curriculum will also include components to improve Braille and computer skills that will enhance all academic endeavors.
For information on the camp and registration forms contact Rose Angelocci, 504-280-5705, e-mail: rangeloc@uno.edu or Denise Jett, 504-280-5708, e-mail: djett1@uno.edu.
Putting People First: Interacting With People With Disabilities
From the Points of Light Foundation
When interacting with individuals with disabilities, be sure to put the person first. It is important to be conscious of people with disabilities and be prepared to interact with them as naturally as anyone else. They are your co-workers, neighbors and friends, and each has their own preferences.
Don't let fear of saying or doing something "wrong" prevent you from getting to know someone who has a disability. If you are unsure of what to say when you first meet, just say "Hello." Here are more tips:
There are many people with disabilities that are not apparent. Just because you cannot see a disability does not mean it doesn't exist. Use person-centered language, not disability-centered language.
Negative Phrase followed by Affirmative Phrase
"Seeing Shoes" Could Help Blind People
These boots are made for walking — and seeing, too. Richard Castle has developed shoes for the blind that see where they're going. The shoes contain infrared sensors that detect objects up to about a yard away. As the walker approaches a wall, for example, part of the sole starts to vibrate. The vibrations correspond to the direction and distance of the object. Castle is a recent engineering grad of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. He came up with the idea last year as part of a senior project and already holds a provisional patent for his invention. Castle says it's so simple, he's surprised nobody came up with seeing shoes for the blind before.
Walter Waranka, President
248 Johnson Parkway
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 495-0218
Becky Kragnes, Vice President
3515 Pleasant Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 827-2132
Marian Haslerud, Secretary
232 W. Franklin #205
Minneapolis, MN. 55404
Phone: (612) 870-8761
Bob Lockwood, Treasurer
3625 Cardinal Road
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Phone: (952) 932-7269
Stephanie Hall, Director
433 7th St. S. #2227
Minneapolis, MN 55415-1645
Phone: (612) 332-7837
Joe Sorenson, Director
111 Marquette Ave. S #1103
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 339-2360
Barbara Bangsund, Director
24 105th Lane NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55448
Phone: (763) 757-8951
Mike Hally, Director
530 south Saratoga St.
St. Paul, MN. 55116
Phone: (651) 690-0011
Ken Rodgers, Director
3941 12th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Phone: (612) 825-0248
 | Copyright © 2002 American Council of the blind of Minnesota wallyw@lifetrackresources.org |