American
Council
of the
Blind
of
Minnesota
October 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
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
October Quarterly Meeting
August Picnic A Huge Success
Possible Future Transportation
ACBM Launches New Information Line
Annual Alternative Convention Report
Send a Braille Letter
More Accessibility Features In Panasonic 2003 Cordless Telephone Line
Avis Access For Travelers With Disabilities
Poem - The Silence of the Spaces
Xcel Energy Marking Program
ACB-M Board of Directors
I don't know about you, but it is hard for me to believe it has only been 6 months since you elected me to this office! So much has happened and in such a relatively short time it hardly seems like only 6 months!
Keeping with the motto I re-introduced in the last Quarterly from our brochure and web site, "Looking toward the future. Remembering the lessons of the past, " I find myself in a state of mindfulness now and a little bit reflective of just exactly what were the lessons learned from our very recent past?
It has only been 2 short months since a little innocent blind child, 7 years of age, Breanna Joy Nelson, came to Minnesota to attend a summer camp from her home in Michigan. Although she died here, her memory will live on forever.
Without ever meeting her and even without knowing her, she touched each and every one of us deeply. She, in that way little children so often do, taught us much about ourselves and she taught us much about our organization, The American Council of the Blind of Minnesota!
Little Breanna Joy Nelson, through her tragic death, forced us to take a look at the most basic and fundamental question, "What does ACBM stand for?" and perhaps even more importantly, "why do I belong to ACBM?"
If you asked each and every ACBM member, to answer the question" What does ACBM stand for?" there would undoubtedly be a multitude of different answers. There would be equally a multitude of different reasons "why" we each belong to ACBM as well.
Sure, there might very well be some similar responses to each question but it should come as no surprise that the responses would range along a very wide continuum. It is this underlying fact alone, which makes ACBM the rich and rewarding experience that membership means to each and every one of us!
As members of ACBM, we have no "Doctor," as our National leader, to tell us what we must believe, or to tell us who can affiliate as sub-groups and who cannot! We have no one person who can remain as President until they die or resign. We have no one person who tells us what and or why we must believe or belong. We have no leader who would ever use shame to bully us into keeping quiet about something we don't agree with! We have no leader or structure who would ever demand we call our blindness anything but what it is, something that limits us in some way or another at one time or another!
We choose to belong to ACBM, which is an organization, which first believes each and every one of us is capable of stretching and reaching to attain our own highest level of pride and independence. ACBM embraces diversity and independent thinking and in the spirit of being both teachers and students to each other, urges each of us to share our thoughts among ourselves to work and learn from each other and to allow consensus to be our guiding rule. ACBM is an organization that values individualism and works to make our lives, and the lives of other blind citizens to be better. ACBM is an organization which takes its direction from its members, not the other way around, and in some form it would be this very fact about ACBM that links us together via this common thread we choose to have between all of us. Another strong common thread between all of us as members of ACBM, one which little Breanna allowed us to understand about ourselves, is the fact that we strongly believe that it is only in acknowledging our limitations, blindness certainly being one of them, that we are able to learn to mitigate its limitation and overcome its effect on our lives. Breanna further showed us that when someone pushes a PHILOSOPHY that in essence has at its core belief, the desire to be so "NORMAL" as to not allow ones blindness to be acknowledged. It obliterates any ability to be realistic! And when we witness that philosophy result in harm, or even worse yet, death, we cannot keep quiet! We cannot remain speech-less! We cannot remain action-less! We are drawn together, almost as if being pulled together by a mysterious element, we become guided and moved to action. Collectively and singly we are guided to vow to never, never allow this to happen again, ever!
Yes, little Breanna, we may have never met, never talked, never touched. But you certainly touched us! You taught us volumes about ourselves, about who we are and what we stand for! You taught us that by coming together we can give comfort and strength to each other, and it is through that process we allow ourselves to affirm just exactly who we are and what we stand for!
As we look towards the future Breanna, we shall do so, in your honor. We will keep the lessons you taught us, about ourselves and about what we stand for forever etched in our memory! You have been a great teacher. We thank you and wish you a restful and light-filled Peace.
Ken Rodgers, President
There will not be a quarterly membership meeting in October. Our next quarterly membership meeting will be held on the fourth Saturday of January 2004.
The annual picnic held in August was again a huge success. All who attended had time to enjoy the food, enjoy the excellent weather, enjoy the auction, and enjoy the companionship of all who attended. The auction was the highlight of the day and raised over $1500 dollars to support ACBM activities. Thanks to all who helped to make this a fun event!
Possible Future Transportation
By Mike Vining
The car runs on rails, like lite rail systems. The car will fit up to two adults and two children. When a person goes to the station, they get in the car, punch up their destination, and the car takes them to their station near their destination. No other stops, as buses or trains do. The trains run 24- 7, all the time. No drivers are necessary, no cars running only at certain times, thus, cheaper to operate.
The only problem is the computer set up for punching in your destination, but Charley Crawford can straighten that out.
So, maybe some day, we could just go and take a PRT/personal rapid transit vehicle to work, school, or elsewhere. Or is that too far in the future?
ACBM Launches New Information Line
In our ever changing times, and since many of our members have no access to the Internet and E-Mail, ACBM is about to begin its new telephone information line. By the time you read this announcement our line will be up and running. You can call 24 hours a day to get the latest up to date information about news of importance to our members. the number is: 651-642-5003
Information will change weekly and contain various options to choose from. Why not dial in and get the latest news!
Please bear with us as we work to perfect the best information service we can have!
Annual Alternative Convention Report
By Mike Vining
First: Have you ever seen three baseball games in 8 days? We managed to do that. First, we saw the Twins play Milwaukee on Sunday, June 23rd at the Metrodome. Second, we saw the Saints play the Lincoln NE team in minor league/Northern league action on July 3rd, at Midway Stadium, with friends, and finally, Mike got to see the Pittsburgh Pirates play and beat the Houston Astros at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Sunday, July 6th with the convention group. In the other games, the home teams won, as well.
Now back to the convention report. Mike took the city tour on Saturday, which showed us a lot of the sites of Pittsburgh. There is so much history there, from the settling of the area In the 1800s, to the steel mills, to how the city has rebounded from the collapse of the steel industry. This was caused by the laziness of the steel workers, the companies not taking seriously the cheaper steel from overseas, and continuingly raising prices of steel here. In the evenings, Elaine and Mike went for dinner at some unusual places. One of these, The Permonte Brothers featured a menu item, which contained a pastrami sandwich, fries, coleslaw, and tomato. The interesting thing about this item was that it was all between the two slices of bread. All sandwiches there were served this way, a Pittsburgh tradition. Mike found out what is meant by a six-pack to go. For the most part, you buy beer in what is called beer distributors, which are all around the metro area. However, if you go to the bar restaurants, downtown, you can buy a six-pack to go. It helps out us tourists.
One of our bowling friends girlfriend was a speaker at the sports fanatics' luncheon. Her name was Maggie Ostrowski. We had heard so much about her, and finally got to meet her. She plays goalball. In fact, she is the oldest goal ball player around. She is going to try to get on the 2004 Special Olympics team. She was on the 2000 and 1996 teams.
We went to the top of the mountain; that is Mount Washington. You can take a tram car from a spot near downtown and ride it up to the top of the mount. From there, you can see the skyline of Pittsburgh. It is impressive.
Senator John Heinz Historic Museum was interesting to see how Pittsburgh folks lived in the past. Plus, we learned about Heinz catsup, and the formation of the company that produces these popular products. Where all three rivers meet, it's called the Point. It has been developed and people can sit by the rivers, some people are fishing, concerts are held there, and it is a nice place to walk around. On the last Saturday, we were there; Vince Gill appeared in a free concert that evening. We came home that night, so, could not see him perform. On both Friday, the fourth of July, Saturday the fifth, and Saturday, the 12th, fire works were displayed.
Air travel was interesting. With the security concerns, checked luggage is now checked. A plastic ring is placed on the locked suitcases, and can only be cut off with box cutters. So, travelers have to get the hotel to cut the plastic rings off. Remember, we tourists cannot bring box cutters with us. One more job for the busy hotel staff to deal with.
Some firsts in Pittsburgh: the first nickelodeon in 1905, KDKA was the first commercial radio station, and the first public/educational TV station.
Many NFL players came from the area. especially quarterbacks, Johnny Unitus, Joe Nameth, Joe Montana, and Dan Moreno. This makes western PA the cradle of quarterbacks.
It was fun to go there. Mike would not mind living there. The people are friendly, and it seems easy to get around downtown.
Compose Letters Online with HotBraille. Check out the new Web site that allows you to compose letters online that are then turned into Braille and mailed out. The service can be found at www.hotbraille.com. There is no charge for the service, including postage. There is also a resource page and active forums that can be good starting points for job-search ideas.
More Accessibility Features In Panasonic 2003 Cordless Telephone Line
LAS VEGAS (January 8, 2003) — Panasonic is proud to announce the expansion of accessibility features throughout its 2003 cordless telephone line. The company was recently honored by the Consumer Electronics Association's Innovations Award program for its model KX-TG2258S digital cordless telephone in the new Accessibility category. The phone includes several innovative features that assist people who are hearing impaired, visually impaired or blind. Panasonic's commitment to accessibility for consumers with disabilities is a natural extension of its business philosophy, created by the founder of its parent company, Konosuke Matsushita. He believed that a company is indebted to the society in which it operates, and is therefore responsible for giving back to the community; and that the benefits of technology should be readily available and abundant for all to enjoy. "To achieve this goal, Panasonic has been devoting research and development resources addressing accessibility to ensure that its products use all readily achievable means to make them ever more accessible to, and usable by, people with varying ability levels," said Eugene Seagriff, Product Accessibility Manager for Panasonic. The Innovations Award winning model KX-TG2258S and other Panasonic 2003 digital cordless phone models feature Talking Caller ID. Used in conjunction with the Caller ID service that may be available through the local telephone company, this feature enables users to hear who is calling before they even pick up the phone. True text-to-speech software converts the incoming Caller ID data into sound, enabling the phone to actually speak the name of the party calling. The audible announcement is heard through a speakerphone on the handset as well as on the base unit, so users can hear who is calling anywhere they take the phone. There's no need for consumers to refer to the LCD, which also displays the caller's name and number, if they have difficulty reading the screen or if they have their hands full. "Previously, this feature was available only on top-of-the-line cordless phones, " said Frank Lasorsa, Group Merchandising Manager for Panasonic's Communications/Home Office Products Division. "This year, it is featured in products starting at a suggested retail price of $79.95." To make telephone conversations easier to hear and understand, Panasonic's exclusive Voice Enhancer Technology analyzes the incoming speech signal and recreates most of the upper and lower frequency bands that are typically lost over normal telephone transmission. The recreation of more of the whole spectrum of the human voice improves audibility and voice quality. This feature is found in many Panasonic cordless phone models in the new 2003 line. "In addition to the long range and excellent clarity offered by our cordless phones, we are very happy to announce that our 2003 line includes more innovative accessibility features in more models," said Lasorsa. Other innovative features that are found throughout Panasonic's line are:
We are very excited to make these kinds of features more affordable to anyone." Panasonic continually strives to explore and utilize new technologies in order to bring freedom and independence to consumers with disabilities. Information about Panasonic accessibility programs and products is available at www.panasonic.com/accessibility. Consumers may contact Panasonic by e-mail at consumerproducts@panasonic.com, by phone at 800-211-7262 or by TTY at 877-833-8855.
Avis Access For Travelers With Disabilities
Parsippany, NJ Sep 18, 2003
Avis Rent A Car System, Inc. has announced the nation's first comprehensive accessibility program for travelers with disabilities. Dubbed "Avis Access," the initiative was unfurled today at the annual World Congress on Disabilities in Orlando, FL. This broad outreach is targeted to 54 million Americans with mobility, hearing or visual impairments, their families, and the many international travelers with disabilities who visit the United States and Canada. "One in five Americans is considered to have a disability of one form or another," says Michael Caron, vice president of product development for Avis Rent A Car. "We're very proud to take the lead in the car rental industry by addressing the needs of this underserved segment of our population. We want the rental experience for all travelers to be as easy, safe and stress-free as possible." Caron adds, "With Avis Access, we are adding a new dimension for travelers with disabilities so that they too can be assured that
their special needs will be met even before they take to the road."Specifically, Avis Access is providing a dedicated 24-hour toll-free number, 1-888-TRY-HARDER (879-4273) for customers with special travel needs, along with TTY/TDD access for those with a hearing impairment. Other specific service offerings for drivers and passengers with disabilities include the following complimentary service options:
"The Avis Access Program is a beacon in the tourism, hospitality and rental car sectors for all companies to learn from and follow," comments Eric Lipp, executive director of the Chicago-based non-profit Open Doors Organization. Open Doors was founded in 2000 on the principle that all businesses need to make themselves accessible to people with disabilities.
"When I travel, I have found minimal car rental consistency from airport to airport. Differences abound in counter locations, services, availability of trained personnel and in the products I need for business or personal trips," says Lipp. "All this uncertainty adds to the stress of a trip long before I even leave home," he said. "I commend Avis for addressing car rental issues on a company-wide level. It is reassuring to know that my transportation and special equipment needs will be met by one company, with one phone call, in all regions of the country."
Avis Access is a component of Avis' long-standing Avis Cares(r) program. The new services will be introduced in the top 100 markets, in flights of 20 cities at a time, by year-end. All the products for Avis Access were developed in conjunction with Diversity Partners, a company that relies on people with disabilities to design and produce goods and services.
To reserve a vehicle equipped with Avis Access optional equipment, customers should call 1-888-TRY-HARDER (879-4273). For more information visit www.avis.com or www.cendant.com/media. http://www.avis.com/AvisWeb/JSP/global/en/aboutavis/press_room/2003-027.jsp
Poem - The Silence of the Spaces
By Tara Innmon (2003 ACBM Scholarship Winner)
The spaces in the early time
Between the crib bars
Between the hospital stays
I remember sometimes filled with green lawns,
The tall leafy trees of Loring Park.
Sometimes filled with blank, white, like the snow outside,
Cold drafts of pain in our old apartment.
Between the bars, in my dream,
I see my father sitting on the steps,
Concentrating on the trains;
I want him to notice the space between the ties
The time between the roaring trains
The time of quiet.
Remember this, Daddy,
When your baby girl cries relentlessly in the night,
Home from eye surgery.
Remember this when you get up screaming, trembling -
Shake her to make her quiet.
And Mommy rescues her
Holding her tight as crib bars
She keeps her in away from you,
When Mommy tells this story I try not to listen.
Down Great Northern Railroad tracks
Next to our yard,
Did I imagine I could see further down than was possible?
I thought I would leave this home
Like the hobos going north and south
Stepping on the ties or the spaces?
Not as I left,
A passenger in a car never sure what I saw
Paying no attention to the tracks;
Daddy's warnings or Mommy's sad silence,
Not remembering crib bars.
I didn't leave like one man did,
Crashing metal, screeching train brakes,
And Daddy running to the darkness;
Coming back pale, shaking,
"You kids stay here."
When I looked in his eyes
I saw a man's decapitated body
In the ditch between the tracks and our yard.
"Daddy," I say as he opens the door
to this brick building surrounded by tracks,
"Look both ways before you cross."
Xcel Energy will assist you by marking your kitchen appliances such as ovens, ranges, microwave ovens, etc. This service is free of charge to Xcel customers. For more information, call Xcel Energy at 612-330-6259.
Ken Rodgers, President
3941 12th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Phone: (612) 825-0248
E-mail: kgr@isd.net
Becky Kragnes, Vice-President
3515 Pleasant Avenue South #4
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 827-2132
E-mail: rebeccak@tcq.net
Marian Haslerud, Secretary
232 W. Franklin #205
Minneapolis, MN. 55404
Phone: (612) 870-8761
E-mail: marian.haslerud@ssa.gov
Bob Lockwood, Treasurer
3625 Cardinal Rd
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Phone: (952) 932-7269
E-mail: peggy_bob@msn.com
Linda Oliva, Director
4001 BlazedaleAvenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Phone: (612) 827-1033
E-mail: Linda.Oliva@allina.com
Mike Hally, Director
530 South Saratoga Street
St. Paul, MN 55116
Phone: (651) 690-0011
E-mail: mike_hally@hotmail.com
Jane Lund, Director
8848 Nicollet Avenue South #206
Bloomington, MN 55420-2850
Phone: (952) 888-4397
E-mail: jane.v.lund@healthpartners.com
Marilynn Highland, Director
3532 Bryant Avenue South #316
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 824-9492
E-mail: mari@mninter.net
Joseph Sorenson, Director
111 Marquette Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 339-2360
E-mail: jsorenson3@mn.rr.com
 | Copyright © 2002 American Council of the blind of Minnesota kgr@isd.net |