Florida Federation Focus The Magazine of the national Federation of the Blind of Florida
Volume 10, #1
Spring 2008
Published in ink, print, on-line, and on cassette by
The National Federation of the Blind of Florida
Kathy Davis, President
121 Deer Lake Circle
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
(386) 677-6886
1-888-282-5972
president@nfbflorida.org
http://www.nfbflorida.org
Articles for the Focus, letters to the editor, and subscription information may also be sent to
Marion Gwizdala, Editor
(800) 558-8261
focus@nfbflorida.org
Proof Reading by Lynda Lassiter
Graphics by Sabrina Deaton
Recorded version by Florida Division of Blind Services, Bureau of Braille & Talking Books
MEMORIES OF CHAD BUCKINS
By Kathy Davis, President
National Federation of the Blind of Florida
Chad Buckins was truly an amazing man in so many aspects. He excelled both academically and personally at Daytona Beach College. He was active in the NFB on the local, state and national levels. I not only came to know Chad well as his college counselor but as president of the Greater Daytona Beach Chapter and President of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida. In addition, Chad and I were friends. He often called just to chat or to drop by my office to discuss a new idea relating to his future. His career goal was to eventually attend law school and become an attorney.
He was an exemplary student with a cumulative grade point average of 3.67. After graduating from DBC, Chad began attending the University of Central Florida, majoring in Criminal Justice. He also worked for the Volusia County Coroner’s Office, where he received glowing evaluations. Chad and his guide dog, Charlie, were seen all over the Greater Daytona Beach Area heading to one place or another. Blindness did not in any way hamper his ability to travel to a given location. I particularly recall Chad and Charlie getting dropped off at the Daytona Beach Speedway so he could purchase tickets for a big race. Being the charmer he was to virtually anyone he met, Chad left the Speedway with free tickets in hand in a location that was the envy of all race fans.
Other faculty members have gone out of their way to tell me how much they admired and respected Chad Buckins as a hard-working student who went the extra mile to land an A grade in every one of his classes. Moreover, Chad’s instructors commented about his respectful and clever personality. His statistics teacher once shared with me that Chad was without question one of the brightest students she has ever taught. She was always amazed at how quickly he grasped course concepts, excelling on his examinations while still finding time to work part-time and assist his fellow students in understanding the course material at hand.
Whatever undertaking Chad assumed, I was confident that he would do his utmost to make certain the job was done to perfection. Whether writing a term paper for an English class, managing to get through algebra courses without the benefit of an accessible graphing calculator, participating in an NFB event or carrying out a myriad of other responsibilities, Chad took pride in rising to challenges. His caliber of academic excellence was astounding. Although Chad lost his home during the 2004 hurricanes, he still managed to make the best of the situation and went on to land a 3.9 GPA that semester.
Chad was a first generation college student who grew up in South Georgia, seldom knowing if there would be food on the table on any given day. He became a diabetic at age three and subsequently began to experience vision loss and renal failure. Chad was placed on kidney dialysis when he was 27 years of age. This was the toughest challenge he had to face up until then and was so overwhelmed with this endless procedure that he got to the point that he was ready to give up. Remarkably, though, after Chad refused further dialysis, he was contacted by Shands Medical Center with the astounding news that a perfect donor kidney and pancreas awaited him. Chad embraced the forthcoming surgery, as he knew that if it was successful, his life would take a drastic change for the better. His prayers came true! No longer did he have to follow a strict diet, take insulin shots, or lie around the house too tired to do anything except await the next dialysis treatment.
After much soul-searching about his future, Chad decided to obtain orientation and mobility skills and to get a guide dog. He then entered the Florida Orientation and Adjustment Center where he thrived in learning the skills of blindness. Chad never went through the mourning process that often accompanies blindness. Instead, the fact that Chad couldn’t see never got in the way of his vision. He believed vision is in one’s heart and mind and is not about whether or not his eyes were in good working order.
I was blessed to watch Chad blossom with self-confidence, academic success, and a joy in his heart to be of assistance to others. He seldom complained but, instead, “strived to think creatively” to come up with ways to work around the problems he faced.
Chad had a strong desire to grow and learn and live the philosophy of the Federation. He seldom missed a meeting of the Greater Daytona Beach Chapter of the NFBF. He held the legislative position on the chapter board of directors and earned a state scholarship from the affiliate. He participated in both the Washington, D.C., Rally and the Washington Seminar. He also attended two national conventions and never missed a state convention until his declining health prevented him from being present.
in 2005 and 2006, Chad and other Chapter members traveled to Tallahassee with me to join up with other members of the affiliate to meet with state lawmakers on critical issues that affect blind Floridians. Chad was well prepared to discuss the issues at hand and it was obvious that our senators and representatives were impressed with the quiet confidence and knowledge exuded by Chad. As for Chad personally, he was beyond pleased to have an education of what happens when the Federation goes to work in an effort to correct trends that adversely affect the blind.
It was heartbreaking for me when Chad told me that he would not survive without another kidney and pancreas transplant. He traveled to Shands Medical Center over and over, trying desperately to get back on the transplant list. Unfortunately, he contracted one respiratory infection after another and his insulin levels were out of control. His body became weaker and weaker, but that determined spirit of his wasn’t going to give up easily. Finally, after months and months of going in and out of the hospital, Chad had to relocate to Georgia to live with family members. He fought the valiant fight to hang on to this life, still hoping that he would be in line for another transplant. He just could not regain the necessary degree of strength to qualify for the surgery. So many of us prayed for Chad, sent him cards, and called him regularly. On October 19, 2007, God called Chad home. We continue to miss him terribly, but we are comforted by the knowledge that his suffering is over and that his spirit now resides in a place where there will be no more diabetes, no more blindness and absolutely no more earthly struggles. God bless you, Chad! We’ll see you on the other side!
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
Greetings, Focus Readers,
The members of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida have been busy in recent months. We held a very successful state convention in Tampa over the Memorial Day Weekend, and then many of us went to Atlanta to attend our national convention. Both events were well-attended and most informative.
At the state convention in Tampa, elections of certain officers and board members took place. I am pleased to welcome Ms. Sabrina Deaton to the state board of directors. Sabrina is taking Gloria Hicks’ board position, since Gloria was elected to fill the position of NFBF Treasurer. Gloria has her own accounting business and is doing a superb job filling some big shoes of Dr. Tom Hartig, who suddenly passed away in February of 2007. Sabrina Deaton is the Coordinator of NEWSLINE here in Florida and is the Vice President of the Greater Daytona Beach Chapter. She has an impressive background in public relations, which is a real plus for the NFBF. Sabrina also heads up the PR Committee and makes certain we get appropriate media coverage.
We are now busy with plans for “Meet the Blind” activities that various chapters will conduct throughout the month of October. This is an annual occurrence that entails an all-out public relations campaign to educate sighted people about the capabilities of blind people. We also engage in various busy street crossings to promote the White Cane Law – legislation that gives blind pedestrians the right-of-way while crossing the street when they carry a white cane or use a guide dog. Various public officials present proclamations commemorating Blindness Awareness Month, and they also participate in many of our chapter initiatives.
I know you will enjoy reading the many informative articles in this issue of the Focus. Thank you for your interest and support as we strive to plant new chapters around the state, engage in numerous legislative initiatives, advocate for improved educational and informational access, and step forward whenever necessary to negate discrimination against the blind.
Kathy Davis
2008 STATE CONVENTION
by Joe Minichiello
Editor’s Note: Joe Minichiello is the President of the Greater Jacksonville Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, host of the 2008 NFBF State Convention, and serves on the Affiliate’s Board of Directors.
The Greater Jacksonville Chapter is very excited about hosting the 2008 state convention over the Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26. The largest gathering of the blind in the State of Florida will be held at
Embassy Suites Jacksonville - Baymeadows
9300 Baymeadow Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Our excellent room rate of $89 per night plus tax includes a suite, a complimentary breakfast buffet, and a two-hour manager's Happy Hour reception. The hotel provides free shuttle transportation within a seven-mile radius, but you won't need to go that far to find what you need. There is quite a variety of places you can eat within five minutes of the hotel. There is also a Winn-Dixie and a Publix close by, so you can fill your room’s refrigerators and cook your food in its microwave, both included at no additional charge! Every room also has a full-sized sleeper sofa.
Does all of this sound good so far? You can begin making reservations now by calling the Embassy Suites toll-free 24-hour reservation line at (800) 362-2779. Be sure you tell them you want the special rate for the National Federation of the Blind Convention. (You must be registered for the convention to get this special rate.)
The theme of this year’s convention will be “Sports and Recreation for the Blind.” In order to welcome all our guests from across the state of Florida and elsewhere, we are going to “kick off” the state convention with the “NFB Team Spirit” pep rally. Come dressed in your favorite team or sporting apparel, and be prepared to make lots of noise and cheer your favorite team -- and our team, the National Federation of the Blind of Florida.
We are committed to making your convention experience an enjoyable, exciting, and inspirational experience. We will provide more information by email to the chapter presidents and the Florida Listserv as we move closer to the convention date. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 904-608-0105 or email me at
jbmini@comcast.net
We look forward to seeing you in May.
Making a Difference:
The Blind Travel to Tallahassee to meet with Legislators
By Marion Gwizdala
From March 19 21, members of the national Federation of the Blind of Florida made their annual pilgrimage to Tallahassee! This year, nearly forty Federationists from around Florida converged upon the Capitol to urge Senators and Representatives to create legislation that will give the blind an equal footing in society. Here are the measures we discussed with our Florida legislators.
Talking Points for 2008 Tallahassee Seminar:
Web Site Accessibility
* Current proposed legislation only requires that accessible electronic information and information technology acquired on or after July 1, 2006 meet 508 standards. This language should be changed to require all electronic information and information technology to become 508 compliant retroactively to ensure that it is all accessible.
* When procuring a product, each agency shall procure products, which comply with the provisions in this part when such products are available in the commercial marketplace.
* When outsourcing for web development, each agency shall ensure that the site complies with the provisions in this part when such products are available in the commercial marketplace.
* An entity should be established to develop web standards for agency personnel to use that incorporates standards and examples of implementing both accessibility issues (508) and other state requirements. Note: before the 508 Florida law was passed, there were such rules for state agency sites that included accessibility audits using Hisoft 508 testing. Without standards, web developers are left on their own to decide what is and is not useful for persons with disabilities.
* All state classifications that develop web applications or web sites should comply with these standards. (Other states are doing this.)
* All contracting agencies for the state must ensure full access for all users. The state contracting process must clearly indicate that the private agency must comply with ADA. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the World Wide Consortium have established how ADA software and Internet requirements can be met. The State Technology Office has web standards that establish how web sites can be accessible. Adding a simple statement in contracts that private agencies contracting with the state will adhere to Section 508 standards (less rigid than World Wide Consortium) would make it clear that Florida expects compliance with ADA, including penalties for not meeting these requirements.
House Bill 89 & Senate Bill 154 Regarding Pedestrian Safety
The National Federation of the Blind of Florida is asking that the following provisions be added to the above bills:
* Raise the fines for violation of the White Cane Law (316.1301 f.s.) to be the same as the Maximum fine for illegally parking in a Handicapped Parking space ($250.00);
* Retain the additional fine of $250 in the cases of such violations that result in property damage or personal injury, as well as retaining the assessment of three points on the driver’s moving Violation Report (MVR) for 3 years;
* Place 65 per cent of these funds from such fines, into an existing Trust Fund with the Florida State Division of Blind Services for Grants and Donations with the balance being distributed under the provisions of s 318.21 to be used by non-profit organizations that represent the Blind, Elderly and Disabled to fund grants from this Trust Fund to increase both General and specific awareness of the White Cane Laws and Guide Dog Access Laws to both Law enforcement agencies and the General Public;
* It should be mandatory that copies of the Florida White Cane Law be placed in all Florida reference books commonly used by law enforcement officers, including the Statute books carried in all law enforcement vehicles, as well as to implement an statewide awareness program to inform and educate all law enforcement officers and drivers as to the White Cane and Guide Dog Laws and the importance of their enforcement;
* The White Cane Law should also be considered violated, and a fine assessed to drivers who stop or block crosswalks and curb cuts or fail to come to a complete stop when making a Right turn on Red where a child, elderly, blind, or disabled person is crossing or attempting to cross a street or driveway;
* Require that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (fdhsmv) begin keeping statistics on how many minor children, persons over 65, and blind or disabled persons are struck by vehicles in the State of Florida and require that all levels of local, county and state law enforcement agencies begin collecting such data and distributing it to the FDHSMV yearly for tracking purposes. Also track and collect the types and makes of vehicles in this information, such as identifying the vehicle as a bus, truck, car, van, SUV or Hybrid electric vehicle.
Note: New hybrid electric vehicles, because they are so quiet, pose a new threat to the elderly and the Blind who cannot hear their approach and cannot see them or are unable to judge how fast the vehicle is approaching in time to make a decision to avoid them. Currently, 69.7 percent of all Blind people are over the age of 65. This number will rise to 74% in the next ten to twelve years as “baby boomers” come into retirement age.
* Require at least two questions about the White Cane Laws be placed in the upper one third of questions in every State of Florida Driver’s License written exam for both new drivers and those renewing their licenses.
Regarding the Formation of the Florida commission for the Blind
The following initiative has no legislative sponsorship:
* We, the members of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida wish it to be widely known that it is absolutely essential to the well-being of the blind of Florida that services to the blind be administered and provided by an agency specializing in services to our unique population. The Florida Division of Blind Services has performed well at this task, and should remain a discrete entity in the future.
* The National Federation of the Blind of Florida favors the creation of a Commission for the Blind that would be charged with providing the same broad range of services to the blind of Florida as are now provided by the Division of Blind Services;
* The Division of Blind Services currently functions well under the Department of Education. However, if the Division is to be moved from its present home in the Education Department, the only reasonable placement of the agency would be as a separate Commission for the Blind:
* should such a Commission for the Blind be created, it should be comprised of at least six members or two-thirds of the commissioners who are persons who are blind or visually impaired or the parents of blind or visually impaired children;
* Guidelines should establish the selection of Commissioners to ensure that all nationally known blind consumer groups be fully represented. In other words, at least one member of the Commission would be a qualified representative of each the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, the Blinded Veterans Association – Florida regional Group, the Florida Council of the Blind, etc.
(Resolution 2005-4, concerning the formation of a Florida Commission for the Blind is reprinted below.).
National Federation of the Blind
Of Florida
RESOLUTION 2005-04
Concerning an Independent Florida Commission for the Blind
WHEREAS, the blind of Florida have the right to rehabilitation services that address our unique needs; and
WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind of Florida resolved in 2001 to support the formation of a State Commission for the Blind, an independent
consumer-controlled organization made up of 9 Commissioners, as such a
Commission would respond to blind consumers; and
WHEREAS, the State legislature has not moved to create such a Commission but has moved the Division of Blind Services from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor and back to the Department of Education again; and
WHEREAS, the State legislature has not acted to create such a Commission but has explored privatizing the Division of the Blind; and
WHEREAS, the State legislature has not moved to create such a Commission but is working to dismantle the Division of the Blind by proposing to incorporate blind services into an agency to serve all disabilities; and
WHEREAS, it has become obvious that the legislature of the State of Florida does not have a clear idea of the unique needs of the blind or how to best serve our needs and has failed to ask us, the State's largest disability organization, The National Federation of the Blind of Florida, what we want and need: Now, Therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Florida assembled in Convention this 30th day of May, 2005, in the city of Boca Raton, that we strongly oppose, object to and condemn all efforts to transfer the Division of Blind services to a department of Disabilities; and
BE It Further Resolved that we, the organized blind of Florida, loudly and clearly restate our enthusiastic, unshakable resolve that the Florida State Legislature place all blind services under a single, independent Commission reporting directly to the Governor and Legislature.
Local athlete qualifies for world championships
Reprinted with permission from the North Fort Myers Neighbor
By ANDREA GALABINSKI,
nfmneighbor@breezenewspapers.com
North Fort Myers resident Kris Scheppe recently conquered a milestone. He qualified for the International Blind Sports Federation World powerlifting championships
to be held in Miami in July. Scheppe is legally blind, with a loss of his peripheral vision, but that doesn’t curb his quick smile, community service and love of sports. The qualifying event was held in Colorado Springs.
“I took home a first,” he said.
The event was held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado, with the entire team bringing home seven firsts, one second and one third place award. Scheppe has been competing as a powerlifter since 1998, and holds three gold medals from past IBSA Worlds. He also holds a collegiate state record from
his days at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), when he was a member of the 2004-2006 Weightlifting club. While lifting for FGCU Scheppe broke records, taking third at the Collegiate Nationals and second at the North American Championship in 2005.
“I started lifting back in 1998 at a wrestling competition,” he said. “Then I was recruited for powerlifting and tried it out.”
A 2006 graduate from FGCU in environmental studies, he was an active member of the college. He was director of environmental affairs for FGCU student government and founded their sailing club. He loves sailing, and even lives on a boat in a local marina.
Tom Ducato is the owner of the local Body Works — The Fitness Place on Hancock Bridge Parkway and helps Scheppe train.
“I’ve known Kris from the FGCU powerlifting team where I fulfilled the role of assistant coach and was part of the team,” he said. Of Scheppe qualifying for the prestigious world title he said, “I expected it. For his body weight, I consider Kris one of the top-ranked powerlifters in the area.”
“I’m really excited about the competition,” Scheppe said. “This will be my fourth worlds. I went in 1999 to Canada, 2002 to the Czech Republic and to Quebec in 2003.”
To make Scheppe’s dream of a great trip to the competition, he is hoping for community support to help fund his trip to Miami. The athletes need help with hotels, meals and other expenses for the tournament. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help him make his goal, make checks payable to USABA and send them to Kris Scheppe
3446 Marinatown Lane
North Fort Myers Florida 33903.
For more information, contact him at 920-737-5735 or email to
kris@shepppe.us
NFBF President Earns High honor
By Marion Gwizdala
President Kathy Davis is a leader in the blindness movement. Her leadership style is marked not only in the eloquence of her words but by the force of her actions. She not only talks the talk, she walks the walk. When she asks the membership to do something, she is right there with us in the thick of things. She exemplifies the title of the history of our Movement: “Walking Alone; Marching Together”.
At the 2007 National Convention, Kathy earned a distinguished award for her commitment to advancing our Movement. In presenting the award, here is what Kevan Worley had to say.
From Kevan Worley from the podium at the first general session following the conclusion of the March for Independence:
Extraordinary! Outstanding! Congratulations! We are on the march.
Each year, we award the Imaginator of the Year to a colleague using great imagination and drive; someone using all of the tools to promote the NFB and gain a large number of individual investors in the fund. For the campaign just concluded so successfully, our Imaginator of the Year goes to Kathy Davis. Kathy used multiple strategies. She had 39 contributors and was eighth in total contributions with $4,330. She also worked hard to inspire others to reach out, raising awareness and money for the cause.
The following is Reprinted with permission from Envision Summer 2007 newsletter, a publication of Tomoka Christian Church, www.tomokachristian.com.
WOMAN MAKES STRIDES FOR BLIND
Recently, more than 1,000 blind citizens from across the nation flooded the streets of downtown Atlanta--complete with white canes and guide dogs--participating in a 5K National Federation of the Blind March for Independence.
Among them was a member of the 'Tomoka family, Kathy Davis, who serves as president of Florida's affiliate of the Federation and heads up Daytona Beach's chapter, as well. But Kathy didn't just participate in the march, led by civil rights leader Andrew Young and Congressman John Lewis. The Ormond Beach resident raised so much in sponsorship dollars that she earned a medallion for being the eighth highest fundraiser, having garnered $4,300.
The excitement didn't stop there. Kathy then proceeded to win the Imaginator of the Year Award at the 2007 National Federation of the Blind Convention, held on the heels of the march. The Imaginator award is given to someone the Federation believes is a forward thinker.
But Kathy gives the credit to God.
"All I want to do is have Jesus use me for His glory," she emphasized.
Kathy said the whole experience in Atlanta was completely overwhelming. "I am not easily surprised, but this time I was truly flabbergasted," Kathy said.
"I was called to the podium and presented with a gorgeous crystal plaque," she recounted. In her speech, she talked of the "endless love and support" she received from family, church and special friends.
Funds from the march will aid the programs of the Federation. But participating in the march, with guide dog Davey and two members of her family, was more than simply a fundraising move for Kathy. It was a labor of love that provided a chance to raise awareness about blindness, the NFE, and the causes of blind people.
Kathy, a licensed mental health counselor a t Daytona Beach Community College, founded the Center for the Visually Impaired, providing independent living skills training to blind and vision-impaired seniors. She also started the Florida branch of the National Association of Parents of Blind Children through an NFB grant she helped write.
"We are changing what it means to be blind," Kathy explained.
Losing vision at a young age was a blow, but Kathy's biggest loss was the death a few years ago of her husband, Tom, from Lou Gehrig's disease. "He was the love of my life," she said.
Before his sickness, she and Tom were baptized together at Tomoka. As Tom's disease progressed, she was forced to become his caregiver.
"I remember wondering, 'How in the world am I going to manipulate a wheelchair?’" Kathy said. "But we played that out until the end."
Years have passed and Kathy has kept moving. "I've had to learn to live on my own. I'm involved in Win-Some Widows at Tomoka and am blessed with wonderful friends," she said.
She has deep appreciation for Tomoka and the many people who have helped her over the years.
"There isn't another church like Tomoka," she said. The love and guidance she's received from the church has bolstered her faith in God.
"Every step I take, I feel Jesus is by my side," Kathy said. "He is my guiding force. Every time in my life when I didn't know what to do, it never failed that God opened a door and made the choice crystal clear."
“Meet the blind Month” Comes Early to Jacksonville
by Gina Minichiello
What started out as a fundraiser turned into an interesting and unique opportunity for the Greater Jacksonville Chapter. On Sunday, August 12th, in partnership with Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, our chapter participated in their church service and held a pancake breakfast.
Our members fully participated in the service as greeters and ushers. Andy Rood, a long-time Federationist, read the Scriptures. Joe Minichiello and I were given the opportunity to talk about blindness and the NFB. Immediately following the service, our members showed great teamwork as we quickly started cooking and serving breakfast. Braille alphabet cards were given out with people's names Brailled on them. NFB & Newsline pamphlets were also available.
This was more than just a fundraiser. Our members were very touched by this experience, and the church had a record attendance that day. People really wanted to hear what we had to say. It was a good feeling to be able to give something back. If we changed just one person’s attitude or someone learned more about blindness, then this venture was worth all of our efforts. I am so proud of our chapter for a job well done. We were warmly received by the congregation, and we look forward to continuing to build a relationship with Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.
Looking ahead, September brings our plan to participate in the vision walk that helps raise money for Independent Living for the Adult Blind, our local rehabilitation center. In October we will once again have a White Cane Safety Day continuous street crossing in one of the busiest intersections in Jacksonville. We hope to be joined, for the fourth year, by the Jacksonville Council of the Blind. No matter how big or small the event--even a one-on-one conversation--we can make every month Meet the Blind Month.
YOUTH SLAM WAS A GRAND SLAM
by Kris Scheppe
From Saturday, July 28th, to Saturday, August 4th, I participated as a mentor for Youth Slam 2007 in Baltimore, Maryland. This was the largest gathering of blind youth ever, and it was a great success!
Sunday was spent at the National Center for the Blind as a training day for the mentors. That evening we went to Johns-Hopkins University, where the week-long activities took place. The 200 youth arrived on Monday. Mentors waited nervously for their mentees to arrive. Opening ceremonies were held that night, along with a chance to get to know others on the same floor. I was on floor six, “Six Rocks,” which was led by Matt Maurer (President Maurer's brother).
The youth were split up into different tracks that included rockets, weather balloons, astronomy, media, windmills, engineers, and inventors. My group was in the windmills track and built a propeller for a windmill. Each of the five groups in windmills built their own propeller. At the end of the week the propellers were tested in the JHU wind tunnel. On the last day in our track section each group made a presentation sharing their design process and the results of the wind tunnel testing of their design.
Besides the major track sessions, there were other sessions on a variety of topics, including computer technology, the blind and the law, shark dissection, astronomy, and “Pact to the Future.” I especially found “Pact to the Future” very interesting. Everyone made a picture in clay that was transferred to a plaster tile to form a mosaic. Each and everyone at youth slam made a part of the mosaic that will hang in the Jernigan Institute for years to come. On my tile I put a sailboat sitting at anchor with the sun behind it and entitled it “Sailing into the Light.”
On Wednesday afternoon everyone headed over to the National Center, where we had lunch, exhibits and speakers. There were also tours of the center and a chance to visit the independence market. It was great to see Members' Hall filled with youth.
Not only did we work hard; we played hard! Each night of the week there was some sort of entertainment. On Tuesday there were several things to choose from, including Monte Carlo night, a movie, karaoke, and the lounge to chill. Wednesday was recreation night with weightlifting, rock climbing, goal ball, basketball, dance, yoga, and swimming. Thursday night was the talent show, and it was an entertaining evening.
The slam ended on Friday with a Youth March for Independence that went from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to the National Center for the Blind. This was followed by closing ceremonies in Members' Hall, a celebration that included a banquet-style dinner.
This was a great week for me! I was able to be a mentor to our blind youth, watching them have fun while learning. I also enjoyed getting to know other Federationists who have similar interests in science and technology as I do. It was also my first time in Baltimore and to our National Center for the Blind. The week was a huge success, and I am looking forward to Youth Slam 2008!
A FABULOUS FUNDRAISER FOR FABS
The Florida Association of Blind Students (FABS), a strong and proud division of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida, announces a fabulous chance to own one of the most exciting technological advances for the blind since the invention of audio recording: HumanWare’s Victor Reader Stream. As the newest member of the family of Victor Reader digital Talking Book players, the Stream offers the same powerful and simple-to-use user interface made popular by the Victor Reader Classic+ and Wave players used by thousands worldwide. Stream users will find the well-known four-arrow navigation keys of the Classic+ and Wave, allowing book navigation by chapter and section without the need to memorize complex key combinations. The Stream’s telephone-style keypad provides advanced book navigation functions such as entering bookmarks or jumping directly to a specified page or heading. The Stream also has the popular Key Describer feature of other Victor Readers, allowing you to press a key at any time to announce its function.
The Stream is an ideal option to the future NLS player because it does everything the NLS player will do but in a pocket-size package. Not only can you play and navigate the NLS books on cartridges; you also have access to the NLS download books. The Stream has a USB port to connect to your computer so you can download books from your PC to the Stream’s SD flash memory card.
In addition to the ability to read NLS books, Stream also plays recorded DAISY 2.02 books from other DAISY producers, including Recordings for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D). Every day more and more books and content are becoming available in non-recorded, electronic text formats. Stream also has built-in computer text-to-speech to listen to the text portion of full text/full audio books or the text-only books such as those from Bookshare. The built-in speech also provides access to text files transferred from your computer. Indeed, the Stream combines the best features of the NLS player together with the award-winning Victor Reader CD and software players to make Stream the most powerful NISO and DAISY player in the HumanWare family. As an advanced player for recorded audio, e-text NISO and DAISY, as well as plain computer text, Stream is truly the complete solution in the palm of your hand for all your work, school, or leisure reading needs.
What about MP3 books and music? As an MP3 player, not only will Stream play your books and music, using the built-in text-to-speech; it will also announce the book, album, and track names. Rounding out its versatile book-reading capabilities, Stream will support the popular commercial recorded books from Audible.
Weighing in at only six ounces and measuring 4.5-by-2.75 inches, this little player does it all. Consider a player that is not much bigger than a deck of playing cards that will have the ability to play NLS-downloaded books and book cartridges as well as RFB&D books, Bookshare books, MP3 books, Audible books, computer e-text, and MP3 music files.
Finally, the Victor Reader Stream includes voice recording capability for students and professionals who may want to record audio notes, meetings, or lectures.
Recording is possible using a built-in microphone or external microphone connection. For listening versatility the Stream will allow the user to vary the playback speed and listen through headphones or a small built-in speaker.
The Victor Reader Stream sells for $329. Tickets for the FABS Victor Reader Stream raffle are only $5 each or six for $25. Tickets may be purchased on-line using Pay pal by going to
http://www.paypal.com
After signing in, click on send money and enter FABS treasurer’s email in the to field and follow the prompts. FABS treasurer’s email is:
megan_florez@hotmail.com
You may also purchase tickets from any FABS member or by sending a check or money order to
Florida Association of Blind Students
c/o Alicia Betancourt, President
P.O. Box 662260
Orlando, FL 32816
For more information, you may call (386) 589-1439.
MySTICK
With MyStick, blind and visually impaired computer users can access almost any PC that has a free USB port available. MyStick is a mobile screen reader. It starts automatically from a U3 USB flash drive without installing anything. It is that easy! MyStick will run on any PC, even on PCs of which you do not have Administrator rights, such as in an internet café, in a library, or the PC of your sighted colleague; however, the PC should allow for connecting to a removable storage medium that occupies two freely available disc drives.
The U3 stick on which the MyStick software is stored looks like a regular USB stick, but it is a removable storage medium that is addressed like a CD-ROM drive AND an external disc drive. The MyStick software is started from a part of the U3-stick that acts like a CD-ROM drive. The other part, which acts like an external disc drive, can be used to actually store your own files and/or other applications. Both drives on the MyStick can be addressed through the PC or laptop.
MyStick can also bring help to your own PC if your installed screen reader on the computer has stopped functioning. In many of those cases MyStick will still be able to run!
MyStick uses the speech synthesizer Eloquence. MyStick with screen magnification and/or RealSpeak/RealSpeak Solo speech synthesizer is also available.
For more information about MyStick, you may contact
Florida Reading and Vision Technology, Inc.
P.O. Box 519
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33302
Phone: 1-800-981-5119
Fax: (954) 462-4647
sales@floridareading.com
You can check out the User Manual for MyStick, which is available for download in either text format or in mp3. For the MyStick Manual in text format, by going to
http://www.floridareading.com/mystick.shtml
You can also check out Frequently Asked Questions for the MyStick by going to
http://www.audiodata.de/mystick/en/faq.html
BLIND WAR SURVIVOR ENDEAVORS TO EMPOWER OTHERS
THROUGH CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY
Sead Becrik (pronounced SAY-od BEK-rik) was a 14-year-old student playing soccer at his school in Srebrenica, Bosnia, when the Bosnian Civil War’s ceasefire was broken in 1993. Serbian tanks opened fire on his school playground, killing 62 and wounding 150. The story of the massacre, including images of Sead lying near death, his skull crushed into forty-three pieces as the result of shrapnel, was broadcast around the world on CNN. A California couple saw the report and decided to fly Sead to the United States for surgery that would save his life, though not his eyesight. Sead is now twenty-nine years old and living in Largo, Florida.
As a blinded war survivor, Sead Bekwic’s new start in America was highly challenging; however, his love for life and desire to rise above obstacles has led him to live life to the fullest. Inner strength helped him to master the English language and to become proficient in all Braille applications, as well as with other applications and technology for the blind. In addition, he worked with the American Red Cross on various projects and earned a degree in International Relations and Global Affairs from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Sead’s personal achievements have been very rewarding to him. He recently worked with the visually impaired in adaptive technology and came to the conclusion that there is a serious void in meeting the needs of the 40,000 visually impaired and blind in the Tampa Bay area. He feels he can make a difference and envisions himself reaching for a path of even higher ambitions by using his knowledge, skills, and adaptive technology to empower the blind.
As a blind individual himself, Sead understands the important role of technology in enhancing the lives of the visually impaired. The blind are not deficient; they just do things differently. By learning how to utilize adaptive technology for the blind, Sead as well as other members of the Tampa Bay community will greatly increase their chances of becoming successfully employed and living more fulfilling personal lives.
Sead has turn his dreams into reality by starting his own company, Visual Cortex Concepts, located in an area of Largo easily accessible to Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. Visual Cortex Concepts’ objective is to provide adaptive technology-based solutions, needs assessments, and quality accessible equipment for the blind and visually impaired in a unique, innovative educational environment. The site is designed for retail and classroom space in order to provide consumers with the opportunity for hands-on experience with products and services, allowing the individual the time they need to learn at their own pace while becoming completely familiar with the technology.
On July 31, WTVT Channel 10, Tampa Bay’s CBS affiliate, aired a story about Sead Becrik and Visual Cortex Concepts. A transcript of this story can be viewed by going to
http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=60254
For more information about Visual Cortex Concepts, visit
http://www.visualcortexconcepts.com
or call (727) 524-4581.
NEWSLINE BECOMES MORE USER-FRIENDLY
by Sabrina Deaton
Editor’s Note: Sabrina Deaton is the NFB-Newsline® Coordinator for Florida. She also serves on the Affiliate’s Board of Directors and is the Vice President of the Greater Daytona Chapter.
NFB-Newsline® just got less tedious and intimidating for first-time users. The staff at the National Center has been working hard to make the program more user-friendly. Their latest efforts have eliminated the need to enter the six-digit identification code and four-digit security code.
This is possible through a redesign of the computer program that delivers NFB-Newsline®. Now, when a new subscriber is registered for the service, the telephone number that is entered in the system is linked to the person’s account numbers. Then, when subscribers call either their NEWSLINE local access or toll-free number, the system recognizes their phone number and logs them into the system. This process works for up to two numbers, so a cell or work number can be added to the system for easy access from either. In addition, any other number from which a subscriber accesses NFB-Newsline® is recognized for sixty days.
Even better news is that it is not limited to new or first-time users. This new and exciting feature works for all subscribers, even the most seasoned NEWSLINE user, streamlining the log-in process. Whichever telephone numbers are entered for you in the system will automatically be logged in when you call to access NEWSLINE, making it extremely important to keep your contact information in the system current.
If you need to update your phone numbers or any other information, feel free to call the Help Desk at 1-800-603-8578.
VOICE OF THE NATION’S BLIND
RE-LAUNCHES WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Readers may have noticed that the Voice of the Nation's Blind blog has been a bit quiet lately. We have been working on important technical improvements to the blog. Now, blog readers can subscribe to an RSS feed from Voice of the Nation's Blind. If you are not familiar with RSS technology, it is a means through which you can easily check for the latest updates to VNB without having to revisit the Web page or re-read previous material. You simply "subscribe" to the RSS feed, and you can quickly check for the newest items posted to the blog. Unlike subscribing to an e-mail newsletter, you will not need to provide us with your e-mail address or any other personal information in order to get information about updates to the blog. For more information about RSS, you can read the Wikipedia entry about it at
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=RSS&oldid=149566838>
If you are using JAWS for Windows 8.0 or higher and Internet Explorer 7.0, you can subscribe to the Voice of the Nation's Blind RSS feed simply by pressing “Alt-j” while you are visiting the VNB page. If you have Internet Explorer 7.0 but not JAWS for Windows 8.0, you can simply click the link that reads "RSS" on this page and then click the Subscribe button on the page that appears. You can also add this URL to any RSS reader or aggregator you use:
http://www.nfb.org/NewsRSS.asp?QueryType=1&ChannelTitle=NFB%20Voice%20of%20the%20Nation's%20Blind&ChannelDesc=VNB%20Blog%20Feed&MaxStories=10&Topics=Blog.
If you subscribe to the System Access Mobile Network, the "My Newspaper" feature can accept the RSS feed, and the help documentation that comes with your System Access Mobile subscription explains how to add the feed to your newspaper. If you do not currently use any of the solutions listed above, a simple, accessible RSS reader is available at
www.webbie.org.uk
http://www.nfb.org/nfb/href_cetemp=>
If you need further help with this great new feature, please
e-mail us at cdanielsen@nfb.org and we will answer any questions you have. Also, please let us know what you think of the blog and our RSS feed.
Copyright Notice:
The copyrighted information in this magazine is used in accordance with, and subject to sections 107 through 118 of the copyright act (
title 17, U.S. Code).