[acb-hsp] ACB-HSP conference call summary for June 5, 2011

[Marleen O'Neill]

The call began at 8:30 pm. EDT., 5:30 pm. PDT.  Deanna Austin presented on 
Bioptic driving.  She stated that Bioptic driving is the process of driving 
with special glasses that contain a prescription lens like a regular pair of 
glasses, plus a telescope at the top.   Bioptic driving is not recognized in 
all states and, where it is recognized, the laws governing its use vary 
widely.  Deanna's presentation was based on her experiences in the state of 
Indiana.  The process of becoming licensed as a Bioptic driver is a long and 
somewhat arduous one, which took Deanna about nine months to complete from 
August of 1995 to May of 1996 when she got her license.  She had to pass 
numerous tests to become licensed, including visual and psychological tests. 
She had to perform various eye exercises so she could become proficient in 
using the Bioptic glasses.  Even after receiving her license in May of 1996, 
she must still pass a vision exam every two years.  This means that the 
possibility exists that she could lose her license at some point in the 
future.  Others must pass the vision exam every year.  However, Deanna's 
doctors feel that the stability of her vision makes a two year period 
sufficient. During the process, Deanna could only drive from sunrise to 
sunset for a period of time, and she then had to be certified for nighttime 
driving.  While she can now drive at night, she restricts herself to daytime 
driving, and driving in familiar areas. She stated that she is not legally 
blind, since her vision is 20/80 based on the fact that she can read 3 lines 
of the eye chart. Legal blindness is 2200. In summary, Deanna has stated 
that she has placed restrictions on her driving.  She knows that drivers 
must make about 200 decisions per minute, and the ability to drive also puts 
a great deal of responsibility on the driver.  This is why driving is not a 
rite, but a privelege.
Those who could not attend the call missed a very informative and exciting 
presentation.

There will be no conference calls in July and August due to the ACB 
convention, and an officers' board meeting, respectively.  Membership 
conference calls will resume in September.

Respectfully Submitted,
Marleen O'Neill
Secretary
ACB-HSP
American Council of the Blind
Human service Professionals