THE MISSOURI CHRONICLE
September, 2001
OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Back to the Chronicle Archives
Blame it on the oppressive heate've been having, my week at camp or just general laziness, but putting together this issue of the Chronicle has been more of a struggle than usual. First, i was afraid I didn't have enough good material, then, I ended up with way too much. Then, I had problems with the Braille Lite--again. But things finally came together and I hope you will like the September issue.
I'm going to mention again that I would really prefer that you not send your affiliate reports in hand-written form. Donna is my reader and it is really hard for her to read hand writing. We had one report this time that was difficult to read and one that she couldn't make out at all. We sent it to the office and Patti was able to get it to me, but it does cause extra work when we have to do that. Typing is fine but hand writing can cause us problems. There are some affiliates that we seldom or never hear from. I hope you will consider sending us information about what your affiliate is doing at least every once in a while.
On May 26, Donna's father, Frank Warren died rather suddenly at Barnes Hospital. He had been fighting a number of health problems, but he seemed to be doing much better until he fell and was found to have bleeding into his brain. Donna wanted me to tell you how grateful she was for all of the cards and kind words of sympathy she received from MCB members. These are the times when friends are so important and you helped her deal with her loss. Thank you so much.
In this issue: an article about the Dvs controversy, a look at how couples communicate or fail to when one is sighted and one is blind, and a slightly different perspective on Erik Weihenmayer's Mount Everest feat--plus affiliate reports, the lower Left-Hand Drawer and a dog dictionary. Enjoy.
Dear MCB members and friends,
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.
Helen Keller
Since we last visited, I have made several affiliate visits. I think that I can now honestly say that this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being your MCB president. In fact, I think I like it best of all. It gives Linda and I the opportunity to meet some of our folks that we would probably not be able to meet otherwise. You have heard me say it before and you will now hear me say it again, there is not a finer group of people anywhere than in MCB. In May, Linda and I traveled the short distance to Springfield for the Springfield Service Club of the Blind's Annual White Cane Walk. There were several affiliates in attendance, and everyone seemed to have truly enjoyed themselves. I know of no other place that I would rather have been than in Springfield for this very important occasion. I must commend the Springfield Service Club for putting together such an outstanding event. I am certain that it will put together an exciting convention for all of us as well.
Later that month, Linda and I traveled to Kansas City to meet with all of the good folks of Allied Workers, Pony Express, and the Progressive council. One of the things that Kansas City is well-known for is its barbecue, and I must tell you we all enjoyed our barbecue and did so in Kansas City style. Of course it did not help my diet one little bit eating all of that barbecue, along with a hefty dessert afterwards Before I leave this part of my message, I would like to take the opportunity to extend a special thank you to Clint and Rachel Campbell for allowing Linda and I to spend a lovely evening with them in their home.
Then in June, Linda and I traveled the long distance across the state to the River City Worker's annual picnic. Again, several affiliates were represented, and I can honestly say that I do not know of any place where I have received a warmer welcome. In fact, I now consider all of the River City Worker's to be my second family. I wonder whether they know that they have adopted me.
In July, Linda and I traveled an even longer distance to Des Moines, Iowa, for the ACB National Convention. As in years past, Missouri once again had the largest number of delegates attending the convention. You will be able to catch all of the exciting moments in the upcoming issues of the Braille Forum.
This now brings me to the last week in July where Linda and I spent a fun filled week at summer camp. In fact, during the time of this writing, I am in my air conditioned cabin enjoying the simple relaxation of some good old southern gospel music. I had already lost all of my nickels in playing pass the trash and no one seemed to have taken pity on this poor old blind boy. O well, had I won all of those nickels, I would probably have lost my blind pension and social security. In all seriousness, I must tell you that I thoroughly enjoy going to camp because it is a place where I do not have to think about anything but just have a grand old time with all of my MCB friends. My dear friends and neighbors, camp is one of the few places where I can just cut up and laugh and have the time of my life. It is also a place where my wife and I can eat and sleep all that we want and not have to worry about any of the cleanup, even though we actually are not that messy and do not get that much sleep. But I must also say that you do not want to believe all of the stories that may be circulating about me while I was at camp. I must hold fast to my sweet innocence. Now one last thing that I would like to say before leaving this section of my message is that I think we need to consider cloning Don and Bev Shockley so that should they ever decide to retire as summer camp chair, we would be able to continue to receive the same warm and friendly welcome that we all have come to enjoy. On second thought, perhaps it would not be a good idea to have two Don Shockleys in MCB. Woe, now that is an ugly thought. But again in all seriousness, Don and Bev, I know you have heard it many times before, but we all truly love and appreciate you for all of the hard work you have always put into summer camp to make it such a wonderful success.
In the coming days ahead, Linda and I will be going to lake Stockton for its 15th annual picnic and auction. We are very much looking forward to this particular affiliate visit. I just hope that I can remember to take enough money with me for I am certain that there will be plenty of things there for me to buy. I wonder whether they will accept my expired Master card.
We are also very much looking forward to attending the Delta Area of the Blind picnic in September. It will be another long drive for us but we will have to be sure to stop by and say hello to Bill and Linda Burris along the way. Perhaps I will be able to squeeze a free dinner out of Bill. Hint, hint.
Well, it is that time in the evening when the sun is slowly setting over the western horizon so I reckon I had better scoot for now. It seems as though I have been on the trail for several weeks and need to get rid of the dust off of my Stetson hat and Tony Lama boots. My spurs have lost their shine and my leather vest and chaps are completely worn out. I have hung up my guns and holster in the barn but I still need to go back out to unsaddle my horse and brush him down. My throat is completely parched and I feel as though I am deader than a Texas tall weed. So cowpokes it is time to put this poor old lonesome cowboy to bed. I will see you all at our state convention in October.
Sincerely, Chip Hailey MCB president
From the Executive Director's desk By Sheri Keller
Well, this is certainly one of the busiest times of the year for us in the office. This year is proving to be no different. I was pleased once more to have the opportunity to attend the American Council of the Blind convention. This convention ranked very close to the top as one of my most favorite ones, which I have attended. I found Senator Harkins speech to be quite inspiring. As those of you who listened to ACB radio know, the elections were very lively. This year for the first time I was also able to attend the ACB board meeting after the convention. It was an interesting experience for me and a very pleasant one to be able to be in the audience.
While I usually keep my articles, which appear in the Chronicle on the business side of things, I would like to break with tradition this time and make this article a little more personal. Those of you in United Workers For the Blind had the same pleasant experience as I did about four years ago in having the privilege of meeting Sister Mary Venard from Estonia. I am happy to report that she was able to spend some time in St. Louis again this year. Michael and I were able to go to dinner with her last week and I am pleased to report that she is doing very well. She has been able to make good use of some of the contacts which several of you were able to give her. In fact some of the contacts continue to be on-going help to her and the children that are blind that she is working with. Sister Mary said that one of the challenges for parents in their country is the decision that parents must make regarding whether to send their children to a residential school are to try to send them to a local school. This next school year there will be a six-year-old boy who is blind beginning school with her. She again expressed her gratitude to all of you for your help. Sister now knows Grade One Braille and is almost finished with Grade Two Braille. She was able to discuss with me the various alphabetic word signs and also discussed part word and whole word contractions. Not so bad for a lady who reports that she is now 78 years old and she says that she still has a lot to do.
Education and Welfare Report By Lucille Fierce
This will be the last report that I will be writing for the Chronicle as Chairperson of this committee, as my term in office will expire as of our convention. I hope you will give thought to this important position because more than the Blind Pension goes into the job. Constant monitoring of the many issues brought before the legislature, which either can have an effect on us or may concern other adults who are having visual problems, or the Education of blind children.
We are an organization of over 700 members and to the best of my knowledge it appears that we have less than 100 members who are registered voters. Because of the confusion all over the country, efforts are being made to help blind and disabled people to exercise their right as citizens to be able to vote. In the meantime, with the help of the Wolfner Library we can get the ballot in Braille or in Large Print. I believe the registration date is in early October before our convention. Let's get registered to vote.
I have been very disappointed with the members assigned by you to be your representative as I have asked for feedback on almost everything we have done such as our legislative days and for questions about our trip to Washington. I have never received any response from anyone on the committee or from the Affiliates which sent them. Our trip to Des Moines was a very pleasant one and because of the remarks that I made in the above paragraph I will tell you a little about it, as other people will be making their comments. The hotel was attached to the skywalk and in order to get to the convention hall we walked up and down ramps, twice and turned through the walkway and it seemed to be at least a half-mile each way. As has been in the past Paul Edwards opened each session and then turned the microphone over to another executive member of the council. This practice allows the audience to get to know them and to observe them under various conditions. This has been his way during his term to introduce other potential officers. It is my belief that one of the executive board members lost the opportunity to become the next president because of his handling of the program. Some of us in Missouri have had the opportunity to meet the new President, Chris Gray as he was at last year's convention in Missouri and has been very active with the Braille Revival League.
Other things discussed at the ACB convention were the same as those we have talked about at our MCB convention. As I said previously, we did do a lot of walking in Des Moines and they provided us with many volunteers. The Savory hotel was the one where a group of us stayed and the staff was wonderful, the best I have ever encountered. I want to give a great thanks to Bessie Reece who served as a guide for four blind people on the long walk to and from the convention center, starting at breakfast until we went to bed. Verneiah also helped when she could but she developed some health problems, which limited her. We thank you too. We would have had a very difficult time without our personal guides.
MCB. Odyssey IS READY TO BLAST OFF
BY Phyllis Lovett, Donna and Leo Giger, convention chairpersons
Have you made your reservation for the MCB. annual convention? The hotel is filling up so make your reservation now. Be sure to tell the hotel operator that you are with the MCB. The dates are October 11 through 14. The convention will be at the Day's Inn, 3050 North Kentwood, Springfield. The phone number is 417 833-3108. Their toll free number has not been available. I know I am repeating myself, but this information is important. The banquet tickets are $18.00, convention registration is $5.00, the hotel rates are $45.00 per night for 1 to 4 persons (plus tax). The MCB board meeting is Thursday afternoon, October 11. The craft room will be open on Thursday from 1 to 8 pddm., Friday from 9 to 1 and 4:30 to 6:30, and Saturday until 12 p.m. The exhibits will be open on Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 P.M.., Friday from 9 A.M.-1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. We will have several talking computers with both Window Eyes and Jaws, CCTV's, and low vision displays. Be sure to stop by. The hotel will serve a free continental breakfast each day on the terrace around the indoor pool. On Friday night, we will have a hospitality dinner sponsored by the MCB. at 6:30 p.m. At 8 p.m. there will be an auction in the convention meeting rooms. We have many items so bring money. It will be fun and you might find something you just can't live without. The proceeds from this auction will go to the Springfield Service Club to help pay part of the expenses.
The Day's Inn is located just off I 44 on Glenstone exit. There is a waffle house across the parking lot and a Super 8 Motel next door for overflow. The hotel offers free shuttle from the bus station or the airport. Be sure to tell the hotel operator when you make your reservation. We are planning a memorable and fun time so please come to help the Springfield Service Club celebrate our 70th anniversary. If you have any questions, call Sheri at the MCB. office, 1 800 342-5632 or Phyllis at 417 883-7408.
ACB Convention Report
by Bill Burris
Some forty members of the Missouri Council of the Blind attended the 40th annual convention of the American Council of the Blind in Des Moines Iowa during the first week of July. About 1,100 ACB members and their families attended the convention. It was one of the lowest attended conventions that I can remember since I have been in MCB. The hotels were exceptionally nice. The only problem was that you had to walk two to three and a half blocks along a skyway to get to the convention center. It probably didn't hurt any of us but it was probably the most walking that many of had done in a long time. The skywalks were nice during the extremely hot weather and I can see how nice they would be in the winter months in Iowa. Not only were the hotels connected with the skyway, but several offices and businesses were located along either side of the walkway to the convention center. UWB members might want to question one of their gentlemen conventioneers who on Saturday morning was not really dressed properly on his way to the Center. But I'll leave that up to you to find out who it was and what went on the last day of the Convention.
Like all conventions, the days were long and the nights were very short. But it seemed to be one of the best conventions I have ever attended. The food in the area was excellent. The Iowa Beef Steak House and Judge Roy Bean's seemed to be the favorite hang-out of many of the people from Missouri. In fact, our President tried to eat half the beef in Iowa while he was there.
Many of you were able to listen to the convention on the Internet and you know what went on, which resolutions passed and which ones failed so I won't go into great detail about that. I will let you know that new officers were elected for the ACB. Chris Gray i California is now our new President.
The convention started on Sunday night, July first at 7:00 P.M. That first session finished around 10:30. We had all hoped to get out early on the following Saturday, but due to the many resolutions that had to be passed, it was almost 2:00 by the time we left the convention center, got our luggage packed and headed for home. We thought we would have one more time to dine at the Iowa Steak House before we left but it was closed. That was one of the problem with the skywalk. Everything closed down by 5:30 in the afternoon during the convention. So you had to find restaurants elsewhere for dinner.
It's getting more and more expensive to make the ACB Conventions. Our room rate was quite reasonable in Des Moines. However, next year, in Houston Texas, the rates are going to be $65 a night plus about 14 percent tax. in 2003, we're going to be in Pittsburgh, where the rooms will be $85 per night plus 17 percent tax. The following year, 2004, will be in Birmingham Alabama, and the rate will be $75 a night with 14 percent tax.
On Thursday afternoon, the Missouri Council had a caucus at 2:00 which lasted until after 4:00. We didn't have a breakfast as we normally do because of time and the expense. At the caucus we discussed whether or not to vote the unit rule. It was adopted and that is how our votes were cast for those running for office. Some have questioned voting by the unit rule but it is the only way we can do it and still gain the respect of other states that need our votes from time to time. If we have a candidate running for the Board as we did last year, we can court the vote of other states that have a lot of voting power and they do the same for us if they are trying to elect a candidate. They ask us as a body to vote for their candidate. Missouri carries a lot of power in the ACB and, if we continue to vote the unit rule, we will retain that power for other states know they can count on Missouri's 25 votes, which is the most any affiliate can have. Many times affiliates will split their vote right down the middle even when they have one of their own running for an office, which defeats the entire purpose when one side kills the vote of the other.
One of the things that MCB does require if you receive funds from the organization is that we require you to be at all of the general sessions every morning. The majority of the group abided by this rule and we appreciate this. Please keep in mind in the future that if you receive money to attend the convention, it is imperative that you be at every session. Keep that in mind when as ask for financial help next year.
Some of our people took the tours that were provided by ACB and many good times were had. One of the most amazing things that I saw was our President downing a 24-ounce steak and then eating half of his wife's. That was a sight to behold. If you asked him if he would like to go back to the Iowa Steak House, I'm sure the answer would be a resounding yes!
ACB Board Report By Jerry Annunzio
Each year at the ACB convention there are two board meetings. One the Saturday morning before the convention general sessions start Sunday evening and seven days later on the next Saturday afternoon just after the general sessions end that morning. The pre-convention meeting, with the previously elected members, most often deals with issues of an on going nature such as committee reports, actions taken from last years resolutions and up coming convention business. The post-convention board meeting welcomes the newly elected members, appoints and elects new committees, then develops the action plan for the year based on all the information known at that time. We were pleased to welcome the following newly elected ACB officers: President Chris Gray from California, First Vice President Steve Speicher from our neighboring state Nebraska, Second Vice President M.J. Schmitt our long time friend and neighbor from Illinois, Secretary Donna Seliger our neighbor to the north from Iowa, Treasurer Ardis Bazyn currently from California. There was one year left on M.Jdd's Director's position and Brian Charlson was elected to that position. At this year's meetings we decided on the 2003 convention site. Both Memphis Tennessee and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania bid for that year. Many of us were interested in going to Memphis but the majority wanted Pittsburgh. So to date the future convention sites are as follows: 2002 Houston, 2003 Pittsburgh, 2004 Birmingham. Memphis could come back with a convention bid for 2005. Financially ACB is still looking good for the year only because of the generosity of several ACB affiliates and individuals who gave some rather large amounts of money to the national treasury. We must continue to develop funding sources beyond that which we have now and not just by raising our dues. One idea being explored by the board and researched by the Washington DC office is product endorsements. ACB has had a history of shying away from endorsing products in an effort to remain free of conflicts of interests. Nevertheless, there are probably endorsements that can be made without creating obstructions to advocacy while contributing revenue to the organization to fund our goals.
Another idea is to apply for governmental grants. Here we have seen how that other group has exploited this idea to the tune of several millions of dollars. There are several ideas being considered and I am sure you will hear more about these and other ideas in future board reports. Until next time remember: "Together We Will Win."
Membership Report
by Leroy Welch
My wife and I attended the Membership meeting at the ACB convention in Des moines, Iowa. It was a wonderful experience. The meeting was held on Friday, July 6, in the convention complex. Debbie Grubb is the Chairperson for the ACB membership committee. The people who spoke brought out new ideas. One thought was that not everyone is an advocate, but everyone can do something in your clubs. Invite friends to come to meetings or conventions to become interested in learning about ideas. Another good point is to recognize the talents of others no matter how small the talent is, and give people praise for good things they accomplish.
She also spoke on advocacy. Encourage people to go to descriptive video movies, go to plays, and go to amusement parks as a tour. This gives you a way to mix up the type of events you have. Try to get some volunteers to help you at times, but don't use them all the time. Include new people in planning different things. Have a support group and be a mentor. Educate people as to what is out there for them to do or to be in.
Toward the last of the meeting, different people from the audience told what their affiliates do. Communication is not a one-way street. If you don't have positive communication then you are in trouble. Also it's wise to have a large amount of net. Don't be afraid of failing on things you do, just do your best. The best way to learn is to teach, throw out the net and pull them in. Consider feelings, and consider abilities and compromise because the people are valuable.
Ardis Bazyn spoke on social activities. She said to have Christmas parties, picnics, sporting events, fund raisers, barbecues, pizza parties and invite outsiders. Give all affiliate officers a list of people to contact and encourage people to become interested in your affiliate.
Ed Bradley, from Texas spoke on networking. He said you might have a local chapter from 25 to 100 people. If you picture it out, you might have 100 but only a few want to stay. Also, put people to work and do something that people want to do, something they like. If you contact two people, then those will contact two more and so on, that is a way you can grow. He also stated to consider the abilities of people and transportation needs.
I have some notes that we took down at the meeting but I want our affiliates in the MCB to look at these different ideas we heard and try them out. Keep working on the referrals, and let's all bind together and work for a bigger and better MCB. See you at the convention.
At this year's state convention, we will be holding elections for Treasurer, Public Relations Chairman and the three directors who are elected to serve on the Board. The three current directors are eligible to run again for director, if they choose to do so. Celita has served her two terms as Treasurer and, therefore, cannot run again for that office. Our current Pr Chairman, Bill Burris, has decided not to seek another term in that office and, instead, to run for Treasurer. As of this writing, no one has officially declared an intention to run for the office of PR Director. Below you will find Bill Burris' letter, seeking your support for the office of Treasurer and letters from two members running for Director. Of course, nominations can and probably will be made on the convention floor for these offices. So let the campaign begin!
Dear MCB Members:
For the past nine years that we have been members of MCB, you have been very kind to both Linda and me. I have sought different positions during that time and you have responded well. For the past two years I have served as the Public Relations Chairman and had planned to ask you to support me for another two years in that office. However, I have now decided not to seek a second term in this position. I am now asking you to place your confidence in me as your next treasurer.
The election will be in October during the state convention in Springfield, Missouri. If you feel I am the one to serve in this capacity please vote for me at that time.
Thank you again for your support in the past and we will see you in October.
Sincerely,
Bill Burris
Dennis Miller 1103 N. Luther St. Kirksville, MO 63501 (660) 627-4857 every-mail: dennismillercableone.net
Dear MCB:
I am writing to announce my candidacy for director on the MCB board. As you may recall, I was elected to fill an unexpired term last year. I hope that you will give me the opportunity to continue to serve MCB by electing me to a full term as director in October.
I am currently employed as a consumer support provider with the Missouri Assistive Technology Project. As most of you know, I am also the moderator of the MCB listserv. I am also the chair of the Wolfner Advisory Council as well as holding a position on the board of Friends of Wolfner Library. Over the past year, I have also had the pleasure of being MCB'S representative on the 401 Task Force, which is a committee which deals with the concerns of blind and visually impaired children in Missouri. I have also been actively involved in the legislative efforts of MCB and look forward to continuing my involvement in this area. I am always honored when asked to represent MCB and look forward to any opportunity to spread the word about MCB and its programs.
I feel very strongly that being elected to hold office in MCB is something that should never be taken lightly. I believe that my record over the past several years shows my willingness to serve and to do what is asked of me to aid MCB in any way that I can. I can assure you that if you place your trust in me by voting for me for director, I will serve MCB to the best of my ability.
I look forward to seeing everyone in Springfield in October. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you!
Sincerely, Dennis Miller
Dennis Miller
My name is Hank Pearce, and I would like to throw my hat into the ring for one of the board of directors positions.
I have been an active member of the MCB for the last five years. I have served on the adaptive technology grants committee, the current president of the adaptive technology special interest affiliate, the strategic plan committee, and served on the board as an affiliate
representative for Progressive Council of the Blind.
I am currently serving on the TWWIA coalition to obtain statistical
information for medicaid. I also served as the president's representative to work with the Missouri Training and Employee council.
Those are just a few of the things I have done within the organization. However, I would like to believe that I am a person who
would represent the organization with fresh ideas. I am also not afraid to stand up for what I believe, or, more importantly, what the people desire or believe. Those of you that know me know that I am not afraid to disagree. I also like to think that I am a good listener, and a critical thinker.
I would appreciate your vote in October. I am looking forward to serving this organization as your board representative.
Respectfully and Cordially,
Hank Pearce
JIM HENDERSON MEMBER OF The YEAR AWARD WINNER
The St. Louis Council of the Blind would like to express our thanks to the six affiliates who nominated one of their members to receive this year's Jim Henderson Member Of the Year Award. Jim exemplified the ideal affiliate member. He rarely ever missed a meeting, and was always willing to take on any task that might help make his affiliate stronger or better. In order to honor Jim's memory, we annually present this award, consisting of a commemorative plaque and a check for $100.00, to a dedicated member of one of our MCB Affiliates who has demonstrated much devotion and hard work for his or her affiliate.
Every person who was nominated is deserving of this Award, and each should count it as an honor indeed that the other members of their affiliate have chosen to recognize their dedication. We in the St. Louis Council are proud of all these nominees: Beryl Masters from the AWB in Kansas City; Lucille Fierce from the UWB in St. Louis; Teddi Emmons from the River City Workers in Cape Girardeau; Marie Thompson from the Delta Area
Blind; John Conners from the County Line Council in Butler, MO; and this year's winner, Leo Giger from the Springfield Service Club.
Congratulations!
Jo-An Benson, President
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So have you read those Bylaws yet?
By now you should have received a copy of the proposed revision of the MCB Bylaws, either in braille, large print or on tape. This revision of the Bylaws came about as a result of a motion passed at last year's convention that a committee combine our current Constitution and Bylaws into one document to be called Mcb Bylaws. The committee, consisting of John Weidlich, Dennis Miller, Marti Watson, Bill Burris and Chip Hailey, took a, long hard look at our current Constitution and Bylaws and, with the help of our Parliamentarian, Virginia Berberick, wrote the Bylaws Revision which you have now received. We decided that we would send the proposed Bylaws to every member, not just to the Affiliate Presidents. That way you could all study it independently and, we hope, understand it. No, you don't need to memorize it. So if you didn't get a copy of the Revised Bylaws or you didn't get it in the form that you would prefer, please contact Sheri or Patti at the office and they will get a copy to you. But what if I don't like something in these Bylaws? Can they be changed? Absolutely. These Bylaws have not yet been adopted. They will be read and discussed in detail at the Convention. We hope you will like the Bylaws the committee has written. But if there's something in there you don't agree with, you will have a chance to propose amendments to these Bylaws when they are presented at the convention. You can make amendments, which will be discussed and voted on. When the bylaws have been read and discussed, and the proposed amendments have been considered, we will vote on whether to accept the Bylaws revision with any amendments that have been adopted along the way. If the final version of the Bylaws is approved, these will be the Bylaws that will govern the operation of MCB. Of course, they can be amended again at any future convention. So, please read these Bylaws carefully and be prepared to discuss them at the Convention in Springfield.
Money Groups challenge descriptive services for blind Narrator tells visual action
By Paul Davidson USA TODAY WASHINGTON -- Kathy Blackburn, who is blind, expected the climax of the West Wing's season finale to reward her season of faithful viewing. Instead, the White House drama left her frustrated. In the final scene, a reporter asks President Bartlet if he'll run again, resolving a storyline building for weeks. The answer, though, was not spoken: Bartlet simply stuffs his hands in his pockets and smiles. That gesture, an earlier scene revealed, meant, ''Yes.'' ''I knew something had to have happened,'' says Blackburn, 51, of Austin, Texas. ''It was quite annoying. This was the finale.'' Such problems prompted the Federal Communications Commission last year to require broadcasters to offer the nation's 8 million to 12 million visually impaired people the equivalent of closed-captioning for the deaf. Called descriptive video service (DVS), it allows a user to turn on a second audio track in which a narrator describes visual action. TV's made since 1993 have the capability, also sometimes used for Spanish language dubbing. The feature also was expected to be used by sighted people doing other things, similarly to how people use closed captioning in a bar or gym. But recently, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and the National Cable and Telecommunications Association challenged the order in court. The groups say the FCC exceeded its authority, and by compelling speech, violated the First Amendment. They also say the order would cost too much and delay production.
With the case before a U.S. Court of Appeals here that has been loath to shackle businesses, video description's opponents "have a better than average shot" of overturning the order, says George Reed-Dellinger of Washington Analysis. "It's outrageous," says Jeff Chester of the Center for Media Education. Noting that the government gave broadcasters $70 billion worth of spectrum for digital TV, he says, "The disability community is asking for something minor in return." Yet, the standoff is not simple. It pits two associations for the blind against each other and forces FCC Chairman Michael Powell to defend a position he opposed as commissioner. And it raises such questions as: Should an artist have to change his or her message? Should government mandate a service that, while enhancing quality of life, is not essential? Video description of a few movies and TV shows began around 1990, on the premise that much of the meaning is in visual cues that the blind miss. "It equalizes the playing field," says Charles Crawford of the American Council of the Blind. "You can enjoy TV like anyone else rather than trying to guess what you saw." Some libraries offer described videos; some movie theaters provide headsets.
WGBH, a public TV station in Boston, pioneered descriptive video service and now supplies it to 169 PBS stations for programs such as Masterpiece Theatre. The only commercial DVS is on cable's Turner Classic Movies, which has described about 200 titles, including The Wizard of Oz. Crawford has urged major networks to voluntarily offer DVS for years. Their refusal helped spur the FCC'S action. Under the measure, network affiliates in major markets would have to offer 4 hours a week of prime time or children's shows by June 2002. Cable and satellite operators would have a similar requirement for top networks. Live news, sports and talk shows are exempt. And rapid-fire dialogue discourages DVS use for situation comedies. WGBH produces video description for about $4,400 per program hour, a pittance, Crawford says. WGBH estimates that it would cost local stations $5,000 to $25,000 to be able to handle the extra audio channel. In an FCC filing, the NAB estimates upgrade costs for at least one network to be as high as $1.6 million. WGBH''s Larry Golderberger contends it could be much lower and notes that some networks already have equipment in place to provide Spanish-language service. The MPAA, meanwhile, told the FCC that DVS, "would push programs' release dates back substantially."
Another concern is government meddling. "You would be establishing a precedent that the FCC could establish a programming requirement when it thought it was a good idea," says Robert Corn-Revere, an attorney representing all three plaintiffs. While lack of access to phones can be life threatening and limit full participation in society, requiring video description is "analogous to a mandate that radio transcripts be made available to the hearing impaired," the NAB says. The National Federation of the Blind agrees. "Society needs to focus on things that really help us move ahead, such as jobs and Braille for blind kids, not that satisfy our needs for entertainment," says the NFB'S Curtis Chong. But Kathy Blackburn's husband, Audley, also blind, disagrees: "Why should I be a second-class citizen in any part of this culture, whether it's entertainment or jobs?"
The TV industry's core legal argument is that Congress, in the Telecommunications Act, ordered the FCC only to issue a report on DVS. By contrast, it told the agency to order closed-captioning. In dissenting on the DVS vote, Powell, then a commissioner, echoed that view. Former FCC chairman William Kennard, who championed the new rules, counters: "It's pretty clear the FCC has the authority to require DVS under its broad" authority to promote the public interest. Hollywood's arguments also cite the First Amendment. The mandate, Corn-Revere says, requires "whole new scripts." He adds, "You can't force people to utter words." Indeed, putting the visual into words forces creators to "utter a message, however worthy, which they do not wish to convey," the MPAA says. "There are an infinite number of descriptions, choice of timing, voice inflection. There's no universal way to capture precisely" the artist's message, says MPAA'S Rich Taylor. Counters Audley Blackburn: "I suggest they're compromising their artwork now by not making information available to all the audience."
Coping With Sight Loss: How Couples Communicate Or Fail To
From The Editor: Here is an article from Sharing Solutions, the newsletter published by the Lighthouse in New York. It is on a subject that I have always found interesting but which is rarely written about or discussed: issues in marriages or relationships where one partner is blind and the other is sighted. For this article, couples were asked to talk about some of the problems they had encountered in their relationships and, as you will see, some very provocative issues were raised. I would welcome any comments any of you would have on this topic.
In our last issue, we asked you to tell us about communication issues between you and your spouses and partners. Couples acknowledged that openly discussing frustrations related to vision loss is not always easy. You described various types of situations that occur, how you handle them or what stands in the way.
While partners with vision loss get upset when furniture is rearranged or when items are put in new places without their knowledge, sighted partners also find that remembering to communicate every change is a new adjustment. The simple act of setting a vase of flowers on the table without mentioning it can cause an unexpected mishap! Determining how much help to offer is another concern. One spouse shared her frustration: "My husband seems to help when I don't need it, and then he disappears when I do need assistance." Many agree that it's difficult to explain what they can and cannot see: "If you're still able to do many things, it's confusing for others to understand your limitations." Some sighted partners reluctantly admit feeling annoyed when they have to drop what they're doing to meet their partners' requests, and, at the same time, feel guilty about their reactions. Another partner shared a different concern: "My husband is reluctant to ask for help, but I see he needs it. I try to help him and pretend I'm not helping him."
Identifying Communication Barriers What prevents couples from communicating freely with one another? Partners outlined the following concerns:
Difficulty expressing anger and frustration out of fear of hurting a partner's feelings: Spouses often keep frustrations to themselves because they don't want to make their mates feel bad. One partner who is visually impaired shared her struggle: "I was uncomfortable, but I accepted unwanted assistance because I was trying to be polite." A sighted spouse says, "You don't want to hurt them. Even though it bothers you, you don't want to say anything." Finding a way to share frustrations without offending each other is a continuing challenge.
Hesitancy to say anything that the partner will take as criticism: One sighted spouse gets frustrated because her husband doesn't put things back where they belong. She hesitates to bring it up because he gets upset and refuses assistance, making her feel guilty as a result. Similarly, a husband with vision loss says that he hates to remind his family to put things away. He says, "I don't want to keep stressing my disability, so when I trip over a pair of shoes, I sometimes don't say anything." Couples strive to deal with these situations without a confrontation.
Discomfort with putting one's own needs first: As one sighted partner poignantly said, "No matter what your problems are, you put it on a scale--and the blindness always seems to be more important." Many sighted spouses feel guilty about saying "no" or taking time for themselves. On the other hand, people with vision loss struggle with how much they can ask of their partners. One spouse with impaired vision stopped attending some of his social groups because "I would never ask my wife to take me anywhere on days when she's visiting her mother."
Sharing Suggestions: Couples offer the following ideas:
Talking helps. One couple sets aside time each week to discuss what has bothered each of them. Listening is often harder than you think. One woman emphasized, "Try not to interrupt and hear each other out!" Others suggest describing what you need or how you feel using the word "I" rather than saying, "you did this" or "you didn't do that." The result: a more positive and less confrontational exchange. Laugh together. Actively look for humor in life and share it with one another--it goes a long way in frustrating situations. One woman with impaired vision shared her husband's misunderstanding of her use of a protective upper-body mobility technique. He said, "I wish you'd stop picking up your hand like you're going to hit me." After she explained her behavior, they were able to share a laugh.
child Give and take is a two-way street. It's important for both partners to give support and assistance to one another. In an effort to be helpful, a sighted partner may undertake a task so it's completed faster. Yet the person with vision loss also needs to contribute to the household--and to the relationship. Some make it a point to give their partners space, so that each can see friends or participate in a particular activity as an individual.
A positive approach to communication may also require preparation--thinking about how you feel and what you need. And according to one partner, it's worth it: "There's always a price for keeping things in. You know if your partner has had it--you somehow get the message--so there's communication without actually communicating. Sometimes, it's better just to say it and get it out in the open."
Tips for Using Hand-Held Magnifiers (Reprinted from "Vistas" Spring 2001)
Most low vision individuals have different magnifiers for different tasks - one magnifier for the newspaper, one for menus, etc. To use these magnifiers to maximum advantage with minimum frustration, the following tips should help improve efficiency.
Hand-Held Magnifiers:
To increase your field of view and increase the number of words you can see at one time, hold the magnifier very close to your eye. This is especially important for magnifiers that are 4x and higher.
Bring your reading material closer to your eye to again increase your field of view.
Move the paper, not the magnifier, as you read. Moving the magnifier will slow your reading speed and increase distortion and frustration.
Make sure the magnifier and your reading material are held at the same angle to prevent distortion. If your magnifier is straight up and down, your paper needs to be straight up and down. If your paper is at a 45 degree angle, your magnifier must also be at a 45 degree angle.
Stand Magnifiers:
Stand magnifiers are meant to lay right on the paper. Don't pick them up and use them like hand-held magnifiers.
To maximize your field of view, you must bring the magnifier very close to your eye. To get the magnifier near to your eye, bend over and put your eye right at the top of the magnifier. To prevent back strain, use a lap desk or reading stand.
Slide the magnifier across the page without lifting it up as you read.
Lighting:
No matter what style of magnifier you are using, be sure to have good task lighting that focuses on what you are trying to read.
Adjust the light so you don't experience glare or the light's reflection in the magnifier.
A Blind Man On Everest Isn't An Inspiration To all
By KATHI WOLFE
From The Editor::!: As I'm sure most of you know by now, Eric Weihenmayer became the first blind man to reach the top of Mount Everest. Eric and his team of ten climbers reached the summit of Everest on May 25th. My decision to include this article, written by freelance writer Kathi Wolfe, is in no way an attempt to condemn or belittle Eric's feat. Eric's climb was a remarkable achievement and we can all be proud of what he accomplished. I found the account in the Braille Monitor to be very exciting reading. I admire his courage and determination to do something that most people, blind or sighted, would have said was impossible for him to do. However, I felt this was a thoughtful and well-written article, which raised important issues about the stereotypes and misperceptions about disabled people which we all must face. I hope you find it interesting, too.
"You must be so excited! It's great what blind people can do!" said the woman standing next to me at Starbucks a couple of weeks ago. I groaned inwardly as I folded my white cane and sat down with my coffee. Erik Weihenmayer had just become the first blind man to climb Mount Everest, putting him on the "Today" show and the cover of Time magazine. The sighted folks were inspired again, and I knew what was coming. "So," she continued, "when are you going to climb Mount Everest?" If this encounter had been unique, I would have laughed and shrugged off the woman's misplaced admiration and silly question. But anyone who's disabled can tell you the experience is all too common. One of us bursts onto the cultural radar screen as a superhero, and all of us are expected to perform amazing feats.
It's hard to say which stereotype is more annoying: the disabled as helpless victims or as superheroes. It's certainly no fun to be an object of pity. At least half a dozen times in the past few years, well-meaning but annoying people have thrown coins next to my plate as I ate at a restaurant. But it's just as bad to be held up as some kind of motivational guru. I wish I had a nickel for every time someone's said I must be so much more "insightful" than a sighted person. Like most people, disabled and non-disabled alike, I'm neither victim nor star. I work as a freelance writer, shop, take care of family responsibilities and visit friends. But you wouldn't recognize me from the stereotypes in the media. On one side are the ubiquitous telethons, as well as movies from "Wait Until Dark," in which a blind Audrey Hepburn is terrorized, to "Jennifer 8," where a blind Uma Thurman is stalked. On the other are the icons that some of us who are disabled have come to derisively call "supercrips." And they set quite a standard. People have always assumed I should be able to sing--and possibly play the piano--like Ray Charles, even though I'm tone-deaf.
When I was growing up, my grandmother told me that if I couldn't find a husband, I could "become another Helen Keller." Get serious. Keller, deaf and blind from the age of 18 months, was a writer, a feminist, a 1904 Radcliffe College graduate, and an outspoken opponent of racism as well as an outstanding advocate for the blind. Would you have the intelligence and stamina to do all that? Why would you think I would? Sorry to disillusion you.
Supercrips are everywhere in the media. The person with no use of her arms who paints masterpieces with her feet, the guy with Tourette's syndrome who becomes a radio announcer, Stephen Hawking explaining the universe from his wheelchair. And, of course, that blind mountain climber. But realistic stories about people like me are rarely depicted. As Joseph Shapiro wrote in "No Pity: People With Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement," remarkable achievement doesn't reflect the "reality of most disabled people, who struggle constantly with smaller challenges, such as finding a bus with a wheelchair lift to go downtown, or fighting beliefs that people with disabilities cannot work, be educated or enjoy life as well as anyone else."
My disabled women's support group meets monthly. One woman just bought her first condo ("handicapped-accessible") and is deep into mortgage rates and maintenance fees. A paraplegic describes balancing her career with being a wife and the mother of an 8-year-old. A baby boomer whose speech and gait are impaired is getting her daughter ready for college while ironing out her tense relationship with her own mom. Those are the everyday challenges we must surmount. They're not Everests. They're just tougher than they might be if we weren't disabled. The supercrip stereotype exacerbates our already difficult challenges. If we hear enough such stories, we may feel defeated by the comparison. And trying to live up to the image can be just as damaging. Don't get me wrong. I like to read news reports on disabled people, at least when they're about issues--health insurance, discrimination, education--that concern us. Just keep us in context. Occasionally, show us not as main characters but as background characters--like a news story about a transportation delay or a festival that includes, but doesn't necessarily feature, the folks with white canes and wheelchairs stuck on the subway or sitting in the audience. On TV and in movies, give us some roles as regular characters, like Marlee Matlin's deaf political consultant on "The West Wing." And I'd like to see stories about the people who really are heroes to those of us with disabilities. Like those who found a sudden demand for their previously unwanted services during World War II: While able-bodied men were away fighting, disabled people worked in factories and offices and served as volunteers.
I'm never going to climb Everest. I'm a lover of creature comforts who freaks if the ACCORDING breaks down for 15 minutes. And, as I told that woman at Starbucks, I'm terrified of heights. I know she was trying to be nice. But next time she wants to strike up a conversation, maybe she could try something she'd say to an able-bodied person. Like, "The O's are tanking again." Or "Just what's in a Frappuccino, anyway?" I'd even settle for "Hot enough for you?" Kathi Wolfe lives and works in the Washington suburb of Falls Church, Va.
Many MCB members were saddened to learn that Liesa Wasson died on July 15. Liesa was born on January 16, 1958. She graduated from Sikeston High School in 1976 and went to work as an it-ray technician for the Fergusson Medical Group, where she worked for two years. She was then diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, which left her blind and caused her serious health problems for the remainder of her life. But it did not stop her from living her life to the full. In 1982, she went to the Pilot Dog School, where she obtained Cindy, the first of three guide dogs. Liesa and Cindy went to numerous schools, clubs and civic groups, educating people about her illness, blindness and guide dogs. In 1982, she founded the Delta Area Association of the Blind, which became an affiliate of MCB. Liesa was active in many organizations, including MCB, the United Way, The Sikeston Interagency Council and the Region IX Council for Developmental Disabilities. She was also a member of the Wolfner Library Advisory Board. In 1990, she received the Nathaniel Johnson Award given by MCB. She received many other awards and honors from civic organizations. She was a four time recipient of the Outstanding Young Woman of America Award and a winner of a Jefferson Award For Outstanding Public Service. She won a Miller High Life Hometown Hero Award and she was named Volunteer of the Year by the Region Ix Council in 1997.. These are just a few of the distinctions that Liesa earned for her community service work. But when her friends and loved ones remember Liesa, I'm sure they will not remember how many awards she won or how many boards she served on. They will remember her courage, her fighting spirit, and her determination not to let her serious illness defeat her. They will remember a warm and loving person, always willing to help others. They will also remember fun and good times at Delta Area meetings and activities. Liesa also wrote many poems and prayers. Here is a prayer Liesa wrote that was reprinted in her funeral program:
Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain but for the heart to conquer it. Let me not look for allies in my life's battlefields but to my own strength. Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved but hope for the patience to win my freedom. Grant me that I may not be a coward, feeling Your mercy in my success alone, but let me find the grasp of Your hand in my failure.
Affiliate Affairs
Where we find out what's happening in your part of MCB
Blind of Central Mo
The summer months are moving right along,
The air conditioners are really going strong.
Hello to everyone from Sedalia,
We had our picnic on Thursday, July 5th. I'm mentioning this because I put the date that we had discussed and voted on but we got the shelter house for the 5th rather than the 12th. A lot of us rode the little train and even some kids that were out there but not in our group rode the train. Around 35 people attended the picnic. It was a great time of fun, food, and fellowship.
The election of officers will be in September and I will keep you all posted on that.
I hope everyone has many good months ahead. Keep smiling and keep a song in your heart. If you can't be good, be good at it.
Trudy Howard
Blind of Central Mo
Recording Secretary
Delta Area Blind
Hello once again from the Delta Area Blind, located in Sikeston, Mo. We are working on several small projects, one being our picnic on September 22 at the Rotary Park in Sikeston beginning at 2:00. We would like to invite any one who can come. If you plan to come to our picnic call Marie Thompson at (573) 379-5007.
Some of us are making plans to come to the MCB Convention in Springfield in October.
Like some many other MCB members, I was at the Power Up Conference and had the privilege of seeing Teddi receive that beautiful award. It was very touching. Congratulations, Teddi, to you and your family.
Mickie Ormsby got a new Guide Dog, a beautiful black Lab.
We hope all of you had a good summer. See you at the MCB Convention in October. Try to stay cool.
Yours Truly
Marie Thompson, Delta Area Blind President
Joplin Service Club
well I hope everyone is staying out of the heat and is keeping cool!! During the month of May we had our usual business meeting and our support group with good attendance. Our group also took a day trip to Lampy Missouri to Dogwood Canyon, which we all enjoyed immensely. This is a very interesting place for all those who can get there. It is a beautiful nature park, which sprawls across the Missouri-Arkansas border, just south of Branson Missouri. The landscape, which has been untouched by settlers, is beautiful. There are waterfalls to see, and trout fishing, horseback riding, nature trails to walk, bike trails, and the tram tour which we took. Then we also got to see the wildlife area of the rugged canyon, where there are bison, elk and longhorns. We were brought right up to some of these animals and learned about their habits and heritage as well. Dogwood Canyon also offers meals and has a super gift shop as well. Our Tour guide we had was wonderful. Thank you, Jack: And also a special thank you to Carl Powers and his driver Ginger for inviting us to go.
May birthday wishes go out to Carolyn Youngblood, Bruce Philips, James Moore, Anna May Higginbothham, Georgetta Patterson, Dorothy Shug and John Straine.
June was a fairly quiet month, but some of us went to camp in Cuba Missouri. This was my first time there and I certainly want to go back next year. There was so much to do, and I never saw so much food in all my life. I highly recommend the camp to everyone that is able to go next year. We also had our "Day of Caring" June 21st. Unfortunately, due to the rainy weather that day we had to hold our picnic indoors, but that did not put a damper on the fun activities that were planned for the day.
June birthday wishes go out to Valva York and Georgia Blizzard.
July has been a fairly quiet month for us, attendance has been down slightly due to the extreme hot weather we have been having. We are planning a trip for September to the Cherokee Queen Paddlewheel Riverboat. We also had our Thursday night dinner which was hosted by The First Presbyterian Church, and they put on a wonderful meal for us and we had entertainment that was provided for us by Gene Strausser and Danny Bell. And also we will all be hearing Danny Bell on the radio, for he has signed with Nashville for a record deal!! And a Big thank you to Mildred LONG for inviting them that evening!
July Birthday wishes go out to Juanita Shilling.
On a sad note, Bill Warren the President of our association passed away June 20th. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family in their time of need. Also, CARL Powers father passed away. Carl is a very dear friend of our Association. One of our members Carolyn Youngblood lost her father. And finally we all wish Lynda Purdy a speedy recovery from her knee surgery and another setback that put her back in the hospital. Lynda we all wish you the best and hope to see your smiling face back at the center.
I would also like to include a poem that was written and published by our dear Letha Dangerfield COOPERATION
Dear Lord, when you created man,
And fitted him into Yr plan,
You kept the world within Your care
But made its running his affair.
You thought this good--and You must know--
I do not question it, and so,
Amazed and humble, I
can see That I need You--and You need me!
You need my feet to walk for You,
My hands to do what You would do;
You need my mind to think and dream
And work out Your extreme theme.
It is so great and I so small
I scarce can comprehend at all
The value of such little bits,
And how each tiny action fits,
But hands and feet and mind and hearts
Are necessary on my part--
So great the task, so much to do--
You need me--and how I need YOU!
Lake Stockton Area Council of the Blind
Greetings from Lake Stockton.
President Dody and her committee are busy preparing for our 15th birthday. Sounds like it will be a fun celebration.
The Club has chosen the Slate for the upcoming election. We cannot publish the names as the election is the first Thursday in August.
We hope to see you at our birthday party.
Submitted by:
Vonetta Frazier
Missouri Guide Dog Users Report
It is time for the Guide Dog Users report since the convention is right around the corner.
The Guide Dog Users breakfast this year will be on Friday, October 12 from 7:30-8:30 in the Crystall Room of the Days Inn Hotel in Springfield. The cost is $8.95 per person. It will be the Ozark Sunrise Breakfast, which consists of scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, and juice and coffee. Fresh fruit will also be available at no extra charge for those who want it. Our speaker for the Guide Dog Users breakfast will be Donna Jacobs, who will talk about Service Dogs. Donna has a dog who can detect when she is going to have a seizure. I think you will enjoy her. Please let me know no later than October first if you plan to attend the breakfast. You may call or write Marie Thompson, 932 Highway 162 East, Portageville Mo 63873 or you can call me at (573) 379-5007.
The guide dog relief area will be across the parking lot from the hotel.
We are having a 50-50 drawing at the convention. The winner will be the person who guesses closest to the number of bones in our jar. Tickets will be one dollar each or six for five dollars. Bring your money and help Guide Dog Users. We would also welcome new members.
If you have any questions about our group, please contact me at any time. And please let me know if you are attending our breakfast.
Yours Truly
Marie Thompson, Guide Dog Users President
River City Workers for the Blind
Greetings from Rcwb,
On May 10, we elected our new officers. They are: Charles Werner, President; Mary Ellen Emmons, Vice President; Elaine Sherrell, Secretary; Bill Godwin, Treasurer; and Sharon Davis, Member at large.
I am proud to announce that we have two new members, Jo Ann Ervin and Jessie Henderson. We have voted to encourage and support a new adopted family. Our annual picnic, held June 16th, at Cape County Park was a success again this year with nearly forty people attending.
We were proud to have Chip and Linda Hailey as our guests as well as guests from other affiliates.
Future plans include a garage sale in October, a candy sale in November and our annual Thanksgiving dinner. We're looking forward to seeing all of you at the MCB convention in Springfield this October.
Submitted by Don Wiseman and Charles Werner
Southeast Missouri United Blind Club
Hello from Poplar Bluff,
We haven't had a letter in the Chronicle since the December issue, so I think it's time we got one in. We have three new members in our club since our last report, Bernice Dawes, Mary Miller, and Kristie Orchard. Bernice will be our newest blind member and Mary and Kristie are our newest sighted members. Welcome girls.
Delavina Ferren, Beulah Ziegler, Melissa Day and her little daughter Amber attended the ACB convention in Des Moines, Iowa. They report having a lot of interesting things being done to help blind people.
Ralph Nelson and some of his family, Ralph Jr., Diane and Paul and Janie Bremer just got back from a vacation in Wyoming where they went to Yellowstone Park and got to see the Old faithful Geyser go off and then to south Dakota where they saw Mount Rushmore.
Hope you all are enjoying your summer. Until next time,
Eunice Ezell
Southwest Missouri Friendship Council of the Blind
by Helen Highley
Harold and Alice Poiry, Harold and Lois Griffith and I went to summer camp in June and boy, what a wonderful time we had. The night of the talent show I danced two dances with our driver, Ted and I sang Amazing Grace with Leroy Welch. He is a wonderful singer. I also have pictures of me sitting in the river. Lee and Nancy always make everybody feel welcome.
When we got back we had a special dinner on June 19th. That's the night we give out awards. I had made a motion to make Kathleen Everett a life time member in our club and the club agreed to it. I was pleased to be able to give Kathleen the award. I talked about all the times we have been together, sharing a room at convention and going to summer camp together and the times we spent shopping and visiting in her home. Everywhere Kathleen Everett ever went, I was right there with her, even when she was in the hospital and in a nursing home. An award was also given to Charles Olson. It was a beautiful, beautiful night.
Chip and Linda Hailey went to Des Moines for the National convention.
On July 3rd, we had our pizza dinner. Not too many were there, but the people who were there, including Don and Betty Haas and their daughter, made it really wonderful.
We had three birthdays in July. Mike Galbraith, our secretary, Tom Duvall and I. I will be 70 years old on the 14th.
Lisa Jackson had surgery and she is still recovering. Kathleen Everett had eye surgery and she is doing fine. She hopes to be able to go to the convention. Our prayers are going out to Lynda Purdy. We hope she is home and feeling better.
The Southwest Missouri Friendship Council of the Blind is a truly wonderful organization and I just love it to death. I love all of you and thank you.
Springfield Service Club
We had two members attend the ACB convention and nine members attend summer camp in july. Our fund raiser selling I But fruits and nuts is going very well.
We've been reading the draft copy of the bylaws and we are looking forward to the convention. We hope we have a good turn-out for the convention in Springfield.
Saturday, August 4th, we are planning to attend the annual dinner and auction held by Lake Stockton in Bolivar. We always look forward to this event.
We want to congratulate Leo Giger for receiving the Jim Henderson Award from the St. Louis Council. We are very proud of you, Leo.
I have really enjoyed turning in the Chronicle report for the Springfield Service Club. This will be my last report. Hope you have a good time at the Convention. God bless all of you.
Marilyn Tuso
United Workers for the Blind
Greetings from UWB,
We had our election of officers in June and there are some people on the Board who are serving for the first time. Our new officers are: President, John Weidlich; First Vice President, Patty Schonlau; Second Vice President, Rick Belcher; Secretary, Jack Lenk; Treasurer, Charles Smith; Corresponding Secretary, Robyn Wallen; and members at large, Mark Detjen and Bob Jaco. This will be the first time that Rick Robyn and Mark have served on our Board. It is always good to have new people involved on the Board.
We have one new member. She is Joanne Hall, who is the daughter of Fred Keller and sister Mike Keller and to Kitty Demsky. She is related to several other members as well. Joanne works at the Service Club and is a very dynamic person.
We were pleased to have a very special guest speaker at our July meeting. Dennis Miller (the MCB Board member, not the football announcer) visited our meeting and spoke to us about a number of things he is involved in including The Missouri Assistive Technology Project. He also talked about hosting a show on ACB Radio and about the MCB every-mail list, which he moderates.
We had members attending both sessions of summer camp and several will be attending the weekend session. In July, Bob Jaco distinguished himself by winning the camp beauty contest, replacing Don Shockley as Queen of Cobblestone. He beat out several other beauty contestants, including Chip Hailey and the Chronicle Editor. I distinguished myself by falling over backward while sitting in a chair in the Meramec River. The only thing that was hurt was my dignity, of which I now have none. You'll have to ask Leo Giger how he bluffed me at Pass the Trash. He just loves to tell that story. Of course, if I had stayed on that seven, the laugh would have been on him, since he was staying on a six. Oh, well, it's only nickles. I hope more of you will consider attending Cobblestone in the future. I think it's one of the best programs MCB offers.
We were all surprised to learn that Roger and Jean Dinwiddie are leaving their Maplewood home and moving to St. Charles, Missouri, where they have purchased a mobile home. Roger was the manager of the apartment building that UWB owns in Maplewood and was Chairman of the Building Committee. So there is now a vacancy in our building, which we hope we will fill soon.
Ina Taylor, another resident of our building, is recovering from surgery. Several other members have also done hospital time for various ailments, but seem to be doing ok now.
On September 20, some of our members will be attending a dinner at the Chase Park Plaza to mark the 90th anniversary of the St. Louis Society for the Blind. It will be a very grand celebration, and many awards will be given. I'll write more about the Society in the Lower Left-Hand Drawer.
See you at convention.
John Weidlich
From The Lower Left-Hand Drawer
Here we go into the drawer again with a whole new batch of information I hope you will find useful informative and entertaining. We have lots of web sites for those of you who like to surf the net, some interesting new medical developments, new publications and, just for fun, some really bad predictions by some experts. So let's get started.
If you like word puzzles as I do, you might enjoy this new book from National Braille Press. It's the Puzzle Master Presents 200 Mind-Bending Challenges, by Will Shortz. Will is the man who gives weekly puzzles on National Public Radio. This book presents 200 puzzles that test your knowledge of English. There are quizzes that ask you to identify words from clues, puzzles that encourage you to create new words by rearranging letters of other words, games that involve delightful puns and more. The book is available in Braille for $12 from National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston Ma 02115. You can order this and any of their other publications by calling 800 548-7323 or you can every-mail them at orders`nbp.org4 This book is also available on cassette from Wolfner Library. I always say I do not endorse anything I mention here, but I must say that I found this book to be a delight.
I'm going to mention a lot of Web sites in this column, so perhaps this would be a good place to let you know that the Missouri Assistive Technology Project (MATP) is now accepting applications for the new TAP-I program. According to the press release from MATP, the Telecommunications Access Program for the Internet provides the adaptive equipment and software needed by people with disabilities for basic access to the Internet. Screen readers, enlarging software, adapted keyboards and voice recognition systems are examples of the type of equipment available through the new program. Equipment and training is given free to Missouri residents who meet the requirements. To apply, for the program you must be a Missouri resident with an income of under $60,000. You need to have a computer running Windows 95 or higher and an Internet service provider. The program will not purchase computers, scanners, embossers or any other adaptive equipment that is not necessary for basic home internet access. For an application, call MATP at (800) 647-8557. The coordinator of the program is Roselie Backer-Thompson. You can call her at (816) 350-5282. Dennis Miller can also give you more information about the TAP-I program.
Here are two new religious magazines. The Signal Tower, available in large print and cassette from World Ministries For the Blind contains bible studies, opinion articles and recipes. Contact Alma Pharr, 694 Northchester Lane, Lafayette Indiana 47909. Another new magazine is The Higher Way, a bimonthly Christian evangelical magazine published in Braille. It contains sermons, feature articles and personal accounts of God's power to change lives. It is available from the Apostolic Faith Church, 6615 Southeast 52nd Avenue, Portland OR 97206. It is free.
A very popular item these days seems to be the George Foreman Grill, which many people find handy for grilling hamburgers and many other things. If you buy one, you will find that it comes with a cookbook, in print, of course. Helping Hands for the Blind has produced the cookbook for the George Foreman grill in braille, which you can purchase for $30. The address for Helping Hands for the Blind is 20734C Devonshire Street, Chatsworth CA 91311. The phone number is (888) 386-3442.
It seems that the older you get, the more medicines you take, right? So how do you keep track of those medicines when you can't read the labels? Taking the wrong medicine could cause some very bad complications, so we've all devised our own methods of handling our medicines independently or with the help of family members. Back in December, I told you about the Aloud Labeling System from the Asko Corporation, a device which allows a pharmacist to record prescription information on a label which you ca attach to a medicine bottle so you can identify it when you need to. It's cheap and easy to use, as long as the pharmacy is willing to record the information on the label. Now the Millennium Compliance Corporation is marketing a device called the Talking RX. It's a device containing a computer chip that can be attached to the bottom of a prescription bottle. Press the button on the device and you will hear a pre-recorded message containing the information on the label, such as directions for taking the medicine and the side effects. Each Talking Rx costs $19.95. You can reuse the device when you refill your prescription, but I presume you would need a separate Talking RX device for each medication you take. There are some things about this that i don't quite understand, like how the information gets recorded on the computer chip, but if you want more information you can contact the Millennium Compliance Corporation at Po Box 649, Southington CT 06489, Phone: (860) 426-0542. The web site is www.talkingrx.com4 Just to complicate things a little more, Envision America is about to release a device called Scriptalk, still another device that will allow blind people to read prescription labels. The device, expected to cost around $200, uses a microchip label, recorded by your pharmacy. For more information on this one, you can call (800) 890-1180. Time will tell which if any of these devices will succeed.
Here are two web sites that will give you information about prescription or over the counter medications. One is www.drugstore.com and the other is www.medadvice.com4 Just enter the name of the medication in the search box to get information about how to take the medicine and its potential side effects.
If you need medicine that you can't afford to buy, you might try this web site: www.needymeds.com4 It lists 189 pharmaceutical companies that have established programs to assist people people who cannot afford the medicines they need. Each company has its own forms and procedures to follow.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information is available free on-line at www.merckhomeedition.com4 Although the site contains videos, animation and photos, there is a link on this site which will take you to a text only version of the manual.
I haven't seen any follow-up on this, but I read several months ago that Bausch and Lomb is about to release a home tonometry device, a device that will allow you to take your own eye pressure at home between visits to the eye doctor. If it works, this could be a real help to people with glaucoma, enabling them to keep track of their eye pressure on a daily basis, rather than having to wait until the next doctor visit to find out whether the eye pressure is too high. Traditionally, doctors measure intraocular pressure by putting a drop of anesthetic on the eye and then using a device that comes in contact with your eyeball to take the pressure reading, a method not practical for home use. The new device, developed by a Toronto, Canada researcher, is called the Proview Eye Pressure Monitor. It measures pressure through your eyelid and does not come in contact with your eye or require anesthetic. I do not know what the price will be, when it will be available or whether it will be usable by people with limited vision.
Still another new device on the horizon may make it possible for you to get eye exams without having to go through that difficult and annoying process of having your eyes dilated. The Panoramic 200 Non-Mydriatic Ophthalmoscope, manufactured by Optos North America, uses a wide-field imaging system to make a single high-resolution, full-color digital image of the entire retina without dilation, contact with the cornea or stressful or potentially harmful high levels of illumination. The people-200 Optomap exam allows the doctor to see your retina, optic nerve and blood vessels, making it useful for diagnosing such conditions as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration or retinal detachment. Studies of the device have reportedly yielded very positive results. For more information about the Optomap Exam, you can call (800) 854-3039 or visit the company's Web site www.optos.com4
The folks at the Social Security Administration have put the answers to 576 frequently asked questions about Social Security on their web site. Why 576? Don't ask me, I just report this stuff. Any way, you can check it out at www.ssa.gov and go to the frequently asked questions link.
Sometime in October, the US Labor Department is planning to launch a new Web site for people with disabilities. Called Disability Direct, it will provide information about Federal, state and local agencies that provide services to the disabled. Users will be able to enter their zip code and the category of service they need and the site will direct them to services provided by agencies in their community. It will focus mainly on transportation, housing and employment. The Web site will be www.disability.direct.gov4
If you have something you want to sell or that you're hoping to buy check out this web site: www.hookedonthe.net/classifieds/4 You can post listings of things you want to sell or browse the listings, looking for something to buy.
Perhaps some of you in the past used a device called the Voxcom. It was a labeling device using small cards with magnetic strips on which you could record a brief message to identify household items. Well, that device was discontinued, but the Voxcom II is now available. I don't know how it compares to the old model, but it is available for $99.95 from Maxi Aids, and probably other mail order companies as well. It comes with fifty cards for recording. The number for Maxi Aids is (800) 522-6294.
Aurora Ministries for the Blind offers the Bible free on cassette to anyone is legally blind. The address is Box 621, Bradenton FL 34206. Phone: (941) 848-3031.
The Primer is a new electronic magnifier that works with any standard TV to provide magnification of print material much higher than is possible with hand-held magnifiers. It can be used with any kind of print material, including newspapers, telephone books, and labels on packages. It can also magnify photographs. It costs $295 and is sold by Innoventions, 5921 South Middlefield Road, Suite 102, Littleton, CO 80123. The phone number is (800) 854-6554. This is the same company that sells the Magnicam magnifier.
Louis Scrivani sells two exercise tapes especially designed for the blind. Weightless Workouts explains warm-up and stretching techniques and contains several exercise routines. The other tape, Chair-a-size has exercises that can be done while sitting in a chair. To order, call (888) 936-0001.
Enable Link is described as an on-line community for blind people, their families, friends and colleagues. The Web site contains original articles by blind contributors, as well as updates of world, national and health news from various sources. You can also use the site to shop for products. Visit www.enablel9nk.com and follow the links.
Tack Tile Braille Systems has created the Braille Teaser, a puzzle consisting of moveable squares and sliding tiles that can be arranged to form braille numbers, letters and words. It sells for $35. The address for Tack Tile Braille Systems is Box 435, Plaistow NH 03865.
The St. Louis Society for the Blind is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a dinner and dance in the Starlight Room at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel on September 20. A special award will be presented to internationally known ophthalmologist Jerry Shields from Philadelphia. Local individuals and corporations will also be honored for their contributions to the disabled community. The St. Louis Society has a long and rich history of providing services to the blind of the St. Louis area. Programs have included free tickets to the Muni Opera, the St. Louis Symphony and Cardinal baseball games; support groups, craft classes, low vision evaluations, computer training, Braille teaching, and referrals. The Society also stocks low vision aids and talking products that blind people can look at and buy. Congratulations to the St. Louis Society for the Blind, its Executive Director, David Ekkin and its hardworking staff.
I think I mentioned in an earlier column that Vision Community Services of Watertown Massachusetts was providing the Harvard Business Review on cassette. The company also sells cookbooks, computer books and fiction for $5 per tape. They will also record material for you for a fee. Contact Vision Community Services, 23A Elm Street, Watertown MA 02472. Phone: (617) 972-9117.
The MAX Port Viewing System is a magnification system that displays images on a pair of glasses rather than on a monitor. The unit is light weight and operates on a rechargeable battery. It can magnify any surface, including books, cans and display panels. It is sold by Enhanced Vision Systems, 2130 Main Street, Suite 250, Huntington Beach CA 92648. The phone number is (800) 440-9576. The price for the system is $1,495.
The Small Business and Self Employment Service operates a free hotline that provides information about self employment and small business ownership opportunities for people with disabilities. The hotline number is (800) 526-8234. It is a service of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
Ergo Braille is a new note taker with speech. It can store up to 2,000 files and also comes with a calculator. It sells for $995. It is being distributed by Dots On Enterprises of Pensacola Florida. For more information, call (248) 588-7370, extension 11.
The 2002 catalog from Ann Morris Enterprises is now available. It's free on four-track cassette, large print and computer disk; the braille edition is $10. To order, call (800) 454-3175.
www.assistivemedia.org is a Web site containing recorded versions of magazine articles for use by blind people. Magazines include The New Yorker and the Atlantic Monthly.
The American Foundation for the Blind has presented this year's Alexander Scourby Narrator of the Year awards. The winners were Erik Sandvold who recorded the Harry Potter books, for fiction, and Bill Wallace for non-fiction. Robert Sams was recognized for his reading of American history.
The Louis Braille Center, 320 Dayton Street, Number 125, Edmonds WA 98020, has produced several books in Braille of poetry by some of the classic American and British poets, including Emily Dickinson, John Keats, Robert Frost, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. They also have Shakespeare's complete sonnets and several anthologies. They range in price from $10 to $15, although the longer anthologies may cost more. The phone number is (425) 876-4042.
For those who would prefer to listen to poetry rather than read it, the Audio Poetry Web site, www.poetrypoetry.com offers recordings of poets reading their own works.
The 2001 NCAA College Football schedule is now available in Braille. It lists the schedules for more than 130 college teams, last year's Bowl results and more. It costs $10 and can be ordered by writing Allen Gillis, 392 Schaeffel Road, Cullman ALSO 35055. You can call Allen at (256) 734-4047.
Recordings for Recovery lends music tapes to people with disabilities or people in hospitals and nursing homes. The music is intended to be used for therapy, exercise, recreation or just personal enjoyment. Just about any type of music can be borrowed. A catalog listing 900 recordings is available in print or on cassette. There is a $10 membership fee. The address is Recordings for Recovery, 5103 Eastman Place, Suite 101, Midland Mi 48640-6723. Phone: (800) 798-1192.
Know About Low Vision is a publication from the National Eye Institute. To order call (877) 569-8474.
If You Are Blind or Have Low Vision, How Can We Help is a free publication from the Social Security Administration available in braille, large print or cassette. Call (800) 772-1213 and ask for Publication 05-10052.
Journalist Laurie Lee has written a new book that I really hope will be put in Braille or on tape. It's called Bad Predictions: 2000 Years of the Best Minds Making the Worst Forecasts. Here are a few examples: In 1893, a journalist predicted that laws will be simplified, there would be fewer lawyers and they would lower their fees. Yeah, right!) In 1939, a New York Times reporter, after seeing the prototype of a television wrote: "the problem with television is that people must sit and keep their eyes glued on a screen; the average family hasn't time for it." In 1954, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles said: "the Japanese don't make anything people in the US would want." And Arthur Summerfield, the US Postmaster General in 1959 predicted that "your mail will be delivered within hours from New York to Australia by guided missiles. We stand on the threshold of rocket mail."
That's the end of my column for this issue. I predict that we'll have another Lower Left-Hand Drawer for you in December. I hope that one comes true.
DOG DICTIONARY
LEASH: A strap which attaches to your collar, enabling you to lead your person where you want himsther to go.
DOG BED: any soft, clean surface, such as the white bedspread in the guest room or the newly upholstered couch in the living room.
DROOL: Is what you do when your persons have food and you don't. To do this properly you must sit as close as you can and look sad and let the drool fall to the floor, or better yet, on their laps.
SNIFF: A social custom to use when you greet other dogs. Place your nose as close as you can to the other dog's rear end and inhale deeply, repeat several times, or until your person makes you stop.
GARBAGE CAN: A container which your neighbors put out once a week to test your ingenuity. You must stand on your hind legs and try to push the lid off with your nose. If you do it right you are rewarded with margarine wrappers to shred, beef bones to consume and moldy crusts of bread.
BICYCLES: Two-wheeled exercise machines, invented for dogs to control body fat. To get maximum aerobic benefit, you must hide behind a bush and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside for a few yards; the person then swerves and falls into the bushes, and you prance away.
DEAFNESS: This is a malady which affects dogs when their persons want them in and they want to stay out. Symptoms include staring blankly at the person, then running in the opposite direction, or lying down.
THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting, rolling your eyes wildly, and following at their heels.
WASTEBASKET: This is a dog toy filled with paper, envelopes, and old candy wrapper. When you get bored, turn over the basket and strew the papers all over the house until your person comes home
SOFAS: Are to dogs like napkins are to people. After eating it is polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your whiskers clean.
BATH: This is a process by which the humans drench the floor, walls and themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently.
LEAN: Every good dog's response to the command "sit!", especially if your person is dressed for an evening out. Incredibly effective before black-tie events.
BUMP: The best way to get your human's attention when they are drinking a fresh cup of coffee or tea.
GOOSE BUMP: A maneuver to use as a last resort when the Regular Bump doesn't get the attention you require, especially effective when combined with the Sniff. See above.
LOVE: Is a feeling of intense affection, given freely and without restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail. If you're lucky, a human will love you in return.
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
On May 26, Donna's father, Frank Warren, passed away. Our President, Chip Hailey, very kindly sent Donna this poem to comfort her in her loss. We liked it so much that I brailled it out and read it at Frank's funeral. Since then, we have shared it with others and they have found it a comfort to them. I would like to include it here in memory of Donna's father, Edna Freeman mother and MCB member Liesa Wasson. The author of the poem is unknown.
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry The way you did today, While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, As much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, And took me by the hand, And said my place was ready, In heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind All those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for, So much left yet to do, It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, Just even for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you And maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized, That this could never be, For emptiness and memories, Would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne, He said, "This is eternity, And all I've promised you." Today your life on earth is past, But here life starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last, And since each day's the same way There's no longing for the past. You have been so faithful, So trusting and so true. Though there were times You did some things You knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven And now at last you're free. So won't you come and take my hand And share my life with me? So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart, For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.
MISSOURI COUNCIL OF the BLIND 8206-A Gravois St. Louis, MO 63123 Phone: (314) 832-7172 Toll-free (800) 342-5632, Fax: (314) 832-7796 Every-mail: moblindmindspring.com Executive Director: Sheri Keller Secretary: Patti Ashby
OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
President: Chip Hailey: 2940 West 17th Street; Joplin, MO 64801 (417) 781-6728 toll-free (800) 644-9667 every-mail: chailey4ipa.net
First Vice President: Bill Benson: 612 Francis Place, St. Louis, MO 63105 (314) 863-6353
Second Vice President: Jack Lenk: 6347 Mardel, St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 351-2814
Secretary: Marti Watson, 822 West Scott, Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 865-0410
Treasurer: Celita White, 856 Liggett, St. Louis, MO 63126 (314) 822-2925
Director: Don Shockley: 3337 Macklind, St. Louis, MO 63139 (314) 352-4233 every-mail: dshockley1mindspring.com
Director: John Weidlich, 5736 Bancroft, St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 752-3031 every-mail: weidlichswbell.net
Director: Dennis Miller, 1103 N. Luther, Kirksville MO 63501 (660) 627-4857 every-mail: dennismillercableone.net
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Adaptive Technology Grants: Gregg Hollins, 7512 East 52nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64129 (816) 333-1474
Budget And Finance: Celita White: 856 Liggett, St. Louis, MO 63126 (314) 822-2925
Chronicle Editor: John Weidlich, 5736 Bancroft, St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 752-3031 every-mail: weidlichswbell.net
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Resolutions: Bill Benson, 612 Francis Place, St. Louis, MO 63105 (314) 863-6353
Scholarship: Phyllis Lovett: 3925 south Jefferson, Number 45, Springfield, MO 65807 (417) 883-7408
Special Services: Phyllis Zirkle: 11695 SW Rogers Road, Stewartsville, MO 64490 (816) 667-5884
Summer Camp: Beverly Shockley, 3337 Macklind, St. Louis MO 63139 (314) 352-4233 every-mail: dshockleyblea@mindspringddcom
Youth Services: Linda Gerken, PO Box 95, Hughesville, MO 65334 (660) 826-1690
AFFILIATE PRESIDENTS
Action Council of the Blind: Russell Ewell, 7110 Oreon, St. Louis, MO, 63121 (314) 261-3629
Agape Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Moore, 310 South Grand, Apartment 209, Still Louis, MO 63109. Phone (314) 533-3740.
Allied Workers for the Blind: Gregg Hollins, 7512 East 52nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64129 (816) 333-1474
Blind of Central Missouri: Emma Lou Swopes, 502 Main, Hughesville, MO 65334 (660) 826-2175
County Line Council of the Blind: Allan Anthony, 801 ation Lyne, Raymore, MO 64083 (816) 331-7929
Delta Area Blind: Marie Thompson, 932 Highway 162, Portageville, MO 63873 Phone: 573 379-5007
Innervision, Inc.: Daryel Banks, 9532 Weyburn Drive, St. Louis MO 63136 (314) 869-7091
Joplin Service Club of the Blind: Lyman "Jim" Kauffman, 1410 Ryan Road, Joplin, MO 64801 (417) 782-9890
Lake Stockton Area Council of the Blind: Eujean Dody, 2251 West College, Bolivar, MO 65613 (417) 777-7225
Northeast Missouri Council of the Blind: Dennis Miller, 1103 N. Luther, Kirksville, MO 63501 (660) 627-4857 every-mail: dennismillercableone.net
Ozark Association of the Blind: Melvin Brown, 1707 Old St. Mary's Road, Perryville, MO 63775 (573) 547-2729
Pony Express Association of the Blind, Phyllis Zirkle, 11695 SW Rogers Road, Stewartsville, MO 64490 (816) 667-5884
Progressive Council of the Blind: Clint Campbell, 408 East 64th Terrace, Kansas City MO 64131 (816) 363-5773 every-mail: clintecunicem.net
Queen City Council of the Blind: Rosario Mazzella, 3234 S. Dayton, Springfield, MO 65807 (417) 883-3484
RITE for the Blind: Maryan Harrison, 3948 Potomac, St. Louis MO 63116 Phone: (314) 664-6558
River City Workers of the Blind: Charles (Don) Werner, 802 Penny, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 (573) 334-7422
St. Charles Council of the Blind: Lynne Smith, 388 Staghorn, Wright City, MO 63390 (636) 745-8253
St. Louis Council of the Blind, Jo-An Benson, 612 Francis Place, St. Louis, MO 63105 (314) 863-6353
South Central Missouri Ozark Association of the Blind: Bill Burris, 1202 Chateau Drive, West Plains, MO 65775 (417) 256-3954 every-mail: burriswpcs.net
Southeast Missouri United Blind Club, Delavina Ferren, 1400 S. 14th Street, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 (573) 785-9046
Southwest Missouri Friendship Council of the Blind: Chip Hailey: 2940 West 17th Street; Joplin, MO 64801 (417) 781-6728 toll-free (800) 644-9667 every-mail: chailey4ipa.net
Springfield Service Club of the Blind: Phyllis Lovett, 3925 South Jefferson, Number 45, Springfield MO 65807 (417) 883-7408
Tower Club of the Blind: Marie Kelley, 2628 Hope, Maplewood, MO 63143 (314) 646-8272
United Workers for the Blind: John Weidlich, 5736 Bancroft, St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 752-3031
SPECIAL INTEREST AFFILIATES
Adaptive Technology (AT): Hank Pearce, 4914 Smart Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64124 (816) 231-4914 every-mail: peertech@mciworldddcom
Braille Revival League of Missouri: Maryan Harrison, 3948 Potomac, St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 664-6558
Library Users of Missouri: Leo Giger, 827 North Nettleton Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 866-5778
Missouri Guide Dog Users: Marie Thompson, 932 Highway 162 East, Portageville, MO 63873 (573) 379-5007
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Missouri: Jack Lenk, 6347 Mardel, St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 351-2814