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Summer 2010
Ohio Connection
American Council of the Blind Ohio
P.O. Box 307128 Gahanna, OH 43230

1-800-835-2226




All Aboard ACB Ohio — By Mary Hiland

The ACB Ohio board of directors has endorsed the Strickland Administration’s proposal for passenger rail in Ohio. Our state can take a giant step toward improving access to public transportation for Ohioans who are blind or visually impaired with completion of the 3-C passenger rail corridor.

Access to public transportation has been elusive for Ohioans with disabilities, and completion of the 3-C passenger rail project will allow Ohio to become a leader, rather than a follower, in this important area.

Although the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 has advanced the civil rights of people with disabilities greatly, access to transportation for jobs and pleasure is still a huge challenge for people who are blind and visually impaired.


ACB Ohio supports this important passenger rail system because it is a significant investment toward making our state accessible to all people. The rail service will connect Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Springfield, and Cincinnati.

The thought that in a few years a blind person will be able to board a train in Columbus and commute to Chicago is most exciting. We commend federal and state officials for making passenger rail in Ohio a high priority.


Summer Sports Retreat

Plans are set for ACB Ohio’s annual Summer Sports Retreat which will take place August 13-15, 2010 in Hockingport, Ohio. The cost is $85 per person, which does not cover transportation or horseback riding. Space is limited. A $30 deposit is required. For more information, call (800) 835-2226.




From the Director’s Chair — By Mary Hiland


On May 1, 11 of our most talented techie members presented a comprehensive seminar at The Ohio State University called All Technology All the Time, in cooperation with the OSU ADA Coordinator’s office. Participants had an opportunity to see a talking GPS in action, hear a comprehensive demonstration of the accessibility of Windows 7, discuss the various kinds of note takers and daisy players, and many other things technological.

Our turnout was small but very enthusiastic. The evaluations were positive and complimentary, and our presenters are ready to take this show on the road. Check in at www.acbohio.org for event details as they become available.

Unfortunately, the low turnout seemed to be a result of a lack of sufficient publicity, although there were articles in this publication, on our website, and on the Ohio Telephone Reader. We also included the event on several listserves, including the one generated by the Ohio State University, ACB Ohio’s Membership List, and BSVI.

We offer so many wonderful events throughout the year, and tremendous effort and time are spent to ensure that they are of the highest quality, so it is important to get the word out. If you hear of something that you think would be interesting to your friends, whether or not they are members of ACB, please pass it along. For more information on any ACB Ohio event, call (614) 221-6688 or toll-free at (800) 835-2226.

The Ohio Connection is available in so many easy-access formats, including in large print, e-mail, and on cassette. It is also available on the Ohio Telephone Reader and on our website. Be sure to at least scan each issue for important member information and don’t-miss educational opportunities and encourage others to attend.

Our board is already working on our next several events for 2010, such as the August Summer Sports Retreat, the Family Seminar and Tandem Rally in September, and, of course, our Annual Convention in November. For information on any of these exciting events, please contact the ACB Ohio office or visit our website at www.acbohio.org.



Thank You

Thank you to these recent donors to ACB Ohio. Your generosity is key to advancing the mission of our organization.

Huron City Schools
Mary Hiland
Sue Wesley
Linda Wyman




Keeping Connected — By Marc Guthrie


Since we last connected, I’ve submitted a request on behalf of ACB Ohio to the Ohio Lions Foundation seeking their continued support for our fourth annual statewide Building Blocks for a Brighter Future Family Seminar, which will be held at the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB) in September.

We are asking the Ohio Lions for a $1,500 grant, which would identify the Lions as our primary 2010 event sponsor.

Last year the Ohio Lions Foundation donated $1,000 toward making our 2009 event a huge success. Six more Ohio youngsters, along with their families, attended the 2009 seminar over the 2008 event. In total, more than 20 Ohio families with children who are blind or visually impaired benefited from the Lions’ generous support in 2009.

This powerful comment from one attending parent speaks to the importance of the Ohio Lions’ investment in our event: “I liked having [an event] where kids can come, especially siblings, so they can see that they are not the only ones with a sister or brother with a disability.”

As the parent of a young adult, who has had a disability since infancy, I can’t tell you how that parent’s comment hit home with me.

The increased request for 2010 would cover the cost of printing, lunch, art supplies, travel expenses for speakers, and five $100 stipends for teachers of visually impaired (VI) children to attend our 2010 event. Participating teachers may use the stipend to purchase special supplies. Although we have had VI teachers attend past seminars, we are confident that we will be able to attract more teacher interest if we can offer stipends to assist them in their classrooms.

The Ohio Lions Foundation deserves great accolades for its previous support for this event and for its long-standing support for VI programs in general. We cannot say enough good things about this wonderful organization.

If you know families that might benefit from the 2010 Building Blocks for a Brighter Future Family Seminar, please contact Executive Director Mary Hiland at (800) 835-2226 or via e-mail at mary.hiland@sbcglobal.net.

Until we next connect, I wish you a summer full of good health and happiness.

Marc Guthrie provides counsel to ACB Ohio on fundraising and advocacy matters. His e-mail address is marcguthrie@hotmail.com.




From the President’s Desk — By Linda Wyman


In my last column I reported on the annual ACB Legislative conference in Washington, D.C. One of the major topics of discussion involved quiet cars and pedestrian safety. Now I can report a major advocacy success!

The American Council of the Blind, The National Federation of the Blind, the National Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Association of International Automobile Manufacturers have united in support of amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Act to include language that would address the unintended dangers of hybrid and electric vehicles to pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired. We have been working for several years to have these issues included in a bill, and now the bill will be introduced and passed this year.

Of course, it will take time to implement the changes once the bill becomes law. But advocacy is all about joining together to make our voices heard. That means members of ACB Ohio joining with representatives from ACB all around the country and with other organizations to speak to our members of Congress to make a difference.

Another issue ACB is working on is The Twenty-First Century Telecommunications and Video Accessibility Act (HR 3101 and S3304). Our advocacy has made members of Congress aware that the digital devices available in the marketplace, such as cell phones and televisions, are mostly inaccessible to people who are blind and visually impaired. ACB National, together with other organizations, is working hard to bring the House and Senate versions of the bill closer together in wording. I’ll keep you posted on developments.

Do you remember that ACB sued the U.S. Treasury to make currency accessible and won? So far we have a ruling in our favor, but it is not clear what is happening and how long it will take to achieve useful progress.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has just issued a notice in the Federal Register stating, “BEP seeks to develop a solution that fully complies with the Court's order and provides people who are blind and visually impaired meaningful access to U.S. currency, while also giving appropriate consideration to the interests of domestic and international users of currency, U.S. businesses, and cash handling and cash-intensive industries.” The Treasury will have a period of public comment and ACB will offer testimony. You may participate by contacting our national office at (202) 467-5081 or online at www.acb.org.

On a state level, in April the Rehabilitation Services Commission hosted a series of “café conversations” around the state, and I attended two sessions. Consumers, agency personnel from a wide range of organizations, and RSC personnel attended. Michael Rench, RSC Administrator, presented statistics about people with disabilities in Ohio and how RSC helps us. Then attendees were asked to respond to questions posed in a conversation around their tables. We took notes, offered opinions and compiled statistics. RSC will present the compiled data, which will help the agency understand Ohioans’ service priorities.

Are you wondering what advocacy has to do with you and why you should care? The American Council of the Blind of Ohio believes in speaking up for issues that are important to people who are blind or visually impaired. You can participate by becoming more involved with our state chapter.

When we need assistance on a state or national issue, you can help by contacting your elected officials to voice your support of a particular issue. For example, many of you have advocated in your communities for audible traffic signals. Because of your efforts, many cities and towns around Ohio are safer for blind and visually impaired pedestrians. I am glad to report that additional audible signals have recently been installed right here in my own town of Worthington, after several years of nudging city council members forward.

Just remember that your voice counts!

The ACB National Conference and Convention will take place July 9-15 in Phoenix. Details are available in The Braille Forum and online at www.acb.org. The schedule looks exciting and informative. If you’re planning on attending, don’t delay in making your reservations and registering.

Again, I encourage you to become active in your local ACB chapter and with us in ACB Ohio. We will be presenting more technology seminars around the state. Come and learn what’s new in assistive technology, join ACB Ohio members for fun at the Summer Sports Retreat, and be sure to mark your calendar for the best ACB Ohio Convention ever November 5-7!




The Ohio Connection is a quarterly publication of The American Council of the Blind of Ohio. Please submit your material in print or through e-mail. The next deadline is August 22, 2010. Please include your name, address and phone number and send to: Terri Kevany, Editor, at takevany@roadrunner.com or call (216) 251-0484.

ACBO recently updated its mailing list. If someone you know has not been receiving Ohio Connection, please have them contact the office to be returned to our list.




Calling All Students! — By Joyce Rogers


ACB Ohio is kicking off its 2010 Touch of Wonder Reading program and we invite all blind or visually impaired Ohio students between the ages of 8 to 12 and 13 to 16 to take part. The first step is to read a book of your choice and fill out an application. You must read your book in Braille or large-print. Please submit your application via e-mail to jarogers@one.net no later than July 30, 2010 to enter. Anyone who receives a "Good Job" message in response to his or her submission will win a book selection from the Seedlings Catalogue.


Photo Caption: 2010 Winner Brennen Kinch with his Mom.

Once you have completed step one in the reading program, you will be sent an application to participate in the Arlene Cohen Braille Essay Contest for monetary prizes and a second book of your choice. Students, parents and teachers may obtain more information about the reading program by calling (513) 921-3186.

Joyce Rogers is co-chair of ACB Ohio’s Touch of Wonder Reading Program Committee.





ACBO Touch of Wonder Reading Program
Application Form

Student Information

Name:

Age:

School:

Teacher's name:

E-mail address:

Title and author of book you would like to own from the Seedlings Catalogue:

Questions About Book Read

Title:

Author:

Year of publication:

Number of pages:

List of main characters:

Plot (happenings that occur):

Theme (point author is making):

Part you liked best and the reason you liked it:




Award Nominations — By Nolan Crabb

There is no such thing as too much gratitude. It's more important than ever that we recognize the efforts of men and women from throughout the state who have made a positive difference in the lives of blind and visually impaired Ohioans.

In 2010, as in the past, the American Council of the Blind of Ohio will present six awards at our state convention. The dates of the convention are Friday, November 5 through Sunday, November 7, 2010. The categories for the awards are as follows:

The KEN MORLOCK AWARD is given to a person who is blind or visually impaired who has worked tirelessly and selflessly for Ohioans who are blind.

The RUTH DAVIDSON AWARD is given to a sighted person who has worked to advance the lives of persons who are blind or visually impaired.

The AMBASSADOR AWARD is given to an ACB Ohio member who has worked tirelessly for ACB Ohio and the blind community.

The MEDIA AWARD is given to a person who has written or reported about blindness or issues that concern blind or visually impaired persons. All nominations for the Media Award must be accompanied by the article, video, or other presentation which is the basis for the nomination.
The EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD is given to an Ohio employer who has hired and made accommodations for employees who are blind or visually impaired.

The COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD is presented to a municipality for its outstanding efforts to enhance the lives of blind or visually impaired residents and visitors.

Please send your nominations by September 1, 2010 via e-mail to acbo.awards@gmail.com or to the following address:

ACB Ohio Awards
P.O. Box 307128
Gahanna, Ohio 43230



Contributors . . .
Thank you to ACB Ohio members who contributed to this issue of the Ohio Connection: Nolan Crabb, Marc Guthrie, Mary Hiland, Jill Noble, Leah Noble, Dave Perry, Vicky Prahin, Joyce Rogers, and Linda Wyman.




Ohio Tech Connect
ACB Ohio’s Technology Marketplace


PAC Mate QX400 — includes charger and carrying case. Includes Microsoft Pocket Office Suite, Windows Mobile 2003 software, and wireless card. Does not include Braille display. Asking $1,000. Contact Mary Hiland at mary.hiland@sbcglobal.net or call (614) 475-5295.

Trekker V3.0 GPS Navigation System (Humanware) — Talking GPS system for people who are blind or visually impaired. Enter, browse and activate your own routes, in either motorized or pedestrian mode. Tells in which direction you are traveling, speed, longitude, latitude, points of interests nearby, next intersection and current location. Includes power cords, manual, speaker and traveling strap. Asking $800. Contact mary.hiland@sbcglobal.net or call (614) 471-1869.


To sell your items, please send all relevant details to: Terri Kevany at takevany@roadrunner.com. Be sure to include details of the adaptive equipment you want to sell, your contact information and asking price. ACB Ohio is not responsible for the quality of the products bought and sold or traded. Transactions take place only between the buyer and seller.


Don’t be the Last to Know!

Keep up to date on all the latest ACB Ohio happenings by joining our Membership Listserve. This list is a low traffic, no chit chat list. Be in the know, just by sending your e-mail address to Rob Rogers, our web master, at rrrogers@nuvox.net.

You can also be the first to get Ohio Connection news just by signing up to receive it via e-mail. Just send your e-mail address in the text of a message to mary.hiland@sbcglobal.net. Be sure to put Ohio Connection Subscription in the subject line, and include your real name.



Greater Cincinnati Chapter Makes History — By Joyce Rogers

On the weekend of April 30, Cincinnati hosted its twelfth Flying Pig Marathon. Walkers and runners from fifty states and twelve countries were at the starting line in downtown Cincinnati for a full marathon or for lesser challenges. This year's event was unusual in that members of the American Council of the Blind of Ohio, Greater Cincinnati Chapter (ACBOGCC), participated for the first time.

The Flying Pig is a very diverse event in that walkers and runners of various abilities are welcome. On Saturday morning, four ACBOGCC members, assisted by two guides, walked the 10K, and a fifth member, assisted by another guide, walked the 5K. They raised funds for the chapter while having a glorious time walking from downtown Cincinnati across the Taylor Southgate Bridge into Newport and Covington, Kentucky, and back to Cincinnati across the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge to cross the finish line.

We walked through pouring rain for most of the race; but neither rain nor storm nor naysayers could deter our unstoppable ACB Ohio spirit.

More than 125 non-profit organizations participate in and benefit from the Flying Pig each year. The indomitable and indefatigable Dave Perry, board member of the Kentucky affiliate of the U. S. Association of Blind Athletes and ACBOGCC member, organized the effort for our local chapter of ACB Ohio.


Photo Caption: ACBOGCC Member Dave Perry organized the effort for the Cincinnati chapter.

ACBOGCC participants were Melody Banks (Silverton), Mary Ann Donelan (Fort Thomas), Dave Perry (St. Bernard) and Joyce and Rob Rogers (Covedale). Their guides were Phyllis Hoke and Greg Wilmhoff, both of whom assist with TUKANDU, a tandem cycling group that includes bicyclists who are blind, and Greg Rogers, son of Joyce and Rob.

The walkers thoroughly enjoyed the race and are looking forward to next year.



Board Meeting Highlights — By Mary Hiland


The Board of Directors of ACB Ohio met at the Vision and Vocational Services in Columbus on April 24. The meeting was productive as usual and I wanted to share some highlights of that meeting with you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your input regarding any of the work of our board.

• The meeting began with a two-hour board development seminar with strategic planning consultant William McCulley. There was lively dialogue and many great suggestions for the future direction of ACB Ohio. Because of the tremendous input, a motion was passed to have a follow-up strategic planning committee brainstorming session.

• The board also shared numerous ideas for fund-raising activities, including having a big prize raffle such as last year’s car raffle, and selling 50/50 raffle tickets prior to the convention (remember the winner does not need to be present).

• President Linda Wyman asked for ideas to improve chapter representation around the state at board meetings. Some of our more techno-savvy members suggested video conferencing through Skype. Nolan Crabb moved that we look into streaming the July board meeting live if feasible.

• Jackie Horn asked for vendor suggestions for the annual convention. Letters of invitation will be sent soon.

• A motion was passed to give stipends to all veterans for the convention.

• Suggestions were offered on how to shorten the business meeting at the state convention, including shortening reports, having speakers at microphones ready to speak, and condensing the minutes.

• George Barnes moved that we create a transportation committee.

• Rob Rogers raised the question of order of selection at RSC. (See page 11 for clarification of this policy.)

• The Summer Sports Retreat will be held August 13, 14 and 15. The registration fee is $85. There is no fee for sighted guides.

• The process for awarding matching grants to chapters was discussed.

• The Library Committee recommended pushing the Library for the Blind to establish consumer advisory committees. They will meet with the new librarian in June.

• The Coalition Committee has gathered a list of nearly 60 organizations as potential coalition members. Linda Wyman suggested the 3C Rail System as a potential topic on which to join efforts.



Order of Selection Answers


ACB Ohio President Linda Wyman and Executive Director Mary Hiland recently met with Dan Conners, director of BSVI, and Michael Rench, Administrator of RSC. The main item on the agenda was to clarify the "order of selection" for RSC that has been a source of confusion and concern among our blind constituents.

It had been reported to ACB Ohio’s board that Mr. Rench was heard to say that people with multiple disabilities would be served before people with just one disability such as blindness. This is a complete misunderstanding of what has been in effect since 1991, according to Mr. Rench, and is just now being questioned by consumers.

Mr. Rench and Mr. Conners then carefully explained that the policy is based on the number of functions that are affected, not the number of disabilities. People who are blind are automatically put in the most significantly disabled category because blindness affects so many functions in their lives.

If you have questions about the order of selection policy, please call Dan Conners at BSVI at (614) 438-1260.



Why Join ACB Ohio?


Note from Executive Director Mary Hiland: When encouraging membership in ACB Ohio, we can easily list the extensive activities and educational opportunities, the extraordinary support systems, and the advocacy efforts of this organization, but here is another reason, offered by one of our newer board members, Dave Perry.

"I really enjoy participating in ACB Ohio as a chapter member and board member! Participating in this organization is very important because people who are blind really need to blend in with the sighted world, and ACB Ohio does a great job supporting this effort.

“I enjoy working as a team player and I believe with all of my heart that people who are blind deserve the same quality of life as everyone else."

-- Dave Perry, Greater Cincinnati Chapter.

Check out ACB Ohio’s website at www.acbohio.org for many more reasons to join and for a membership application.



2010 ACB Ohio Datebook


ACB Ohio Board Meeting
Columbus, Ohio
July 24, 2010

ACB Ohio Summer Sports Retreat
Hocking Hills, Ohio
August 13-15, 2010

Takes Two to Tandem
Loveland, Ohio
September 18, 2010


ACB Ohio State Convention
Worthington, Ohio
November 5-7, 2010

For more information on any upcoming ACB Ohio events, call (800) 835-2226 or logon to www.acbohio.org.

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