Newsletter for the Earle Baum Center
4539 Occidental Road
Santa Rosa CA 95401
Tel: 707-523-3222 Fax: 707-636-2768
www.earlebaum.org
Spring 2008 Volume 8 Issue 1
Earle Baum Center is the Bomb!
As a high school student, Kennedy Dodd’s prospects seemed unlimited. Looking forward to his high school graduation and a college football scholarship, the Dumas, Arkansas native saw a bright future when tragedy struck.
“After losing my sight in December of 1991 to spinal-meningitis, my life was turned upside down.” Kennedy spent 2 months in a coma and an additional four months in the hospital recovering. Once back on his feet, Kennedy was determined to make up for lost time.
“I remained to keep the faith. I enrolled at the Arkansas School for the Blind for my senior year. There I was introduced to Braille, mobility, & adaptive technology to give me the necessary skills to function in society. It was a great experience and I learned a lot, but it also felt more like a whirlwind experience because I had to learn so much in a short period of time.”
Seeking better training, Kennedy moved to Texas and enrolled in Austin Community College. After two successful years, he transferred to Oral Roberts University where he made the Dean’s List. Unfortunately, his funds ran out and Kennedy went to work at Lion’s World Services in Charlotte. Knowing that his future success depended on more education, he moved to California.
“Life does not slow down because of trials & tribulations. I often thought to myself that if I only had enough time to learn more about the computer, it would give me the necessary skills to be more assertive individually as well as professionally. Little did I know that I would cross path with an excellent organization like the Earle Baum Center.”
Kennedy’s quick wit, bright and positive attitude and commitment to learning have made him a source of inspiration to his teachers, other students and our volunteers. With many weeks of technology training under his belt, Kennedy is now ready for his next move.
“The experience here is second to none. I have more confidence now than I ever had in my life. The EBC has given me the necessary hope, skills, and encouragement to take it to the next level. Now I’m looking forward to attending the Lion’s World Services for the Blind in Little Rock, Arkansas to obtain a certificate as an Adaptive Technology Instructor. Because of the training that I received here, I have been able to enroll to finish my four year degree from West Texas A&M University. After completing my program at Lion’s World Services, as well as completing my degree, I plan to get a job as an Adaptive Technology Instructor and continue my education to acquire a Licensed Professional Counselor Master’s Degree, possibly at Sonoma State University.”
“I’d like to thank all the staff, volunteers, and everyone else at the Earle Baum Center for their instruction and all the wonderful words of encouragement.”
We all wish him the best and look forward to hearing more of Kennedy’s successes and future visits to the EBC.
DOR and the VA
Is your vision loss hampering your daily activities? If you are experiencing difficulties in cooking, getting around safely, cleaning, accessing information, maintaining personal hygiene, coordinating clothing or performing other ordinary tasks, the California Department of Rehabilitation and/or the Veteran’s Administration may be able to help. You do not need to be employed or even looking for work. Older teens or adults dealing with vision loss may be eligible for these services. You may qualify for vision aids as well as access to counseling and assistance with medical treatment. Job training and placement services are also available. Contact the EBC for information.
Vision Loss and Depression
Vision Loss is often very gradual. Too frequently, a time comes when a person can no longer carry on their usual daily activities. It is not unusual to feel depressed, but if weeks go by without noticeable change, it may be time for expert advice. You don’t have to feel alone and isolated. A call to the Earle Baum Center can connect you with a vision loss professional or a volunteer who has experienced and adjusted to their own vision loss.
Vision Aids
There are estimated to be over ½ million people in the U.S. who are legally blind and at least 2 million more whose vision is seriously impaired. With such a large potential market, there are a great many devices that are marketed as “vision aids” and “vision solutions.” These generally fall into 2 categories, optical and adaptive.
Optical devices assist by providing magnification and/or improve lighting. Optical aids are generally easy for the user to evaluate by trial for effectiveness. Adaptive aids range from white canes and tactile watches to electronic note takers and complex software systems. Prices can range from a few dollars to many thousands. The value of any aid will vary from individual to individual. Be wary of sales pitches or even recommendations from peers, as a device that performs marvelously for one person may be totally useless to another, although they may share the same eye condition.
If you are contemplating such a purchase, or would like information on available vision aids, call the EBC. Although we do no sell them, many of the items are available here for examination and trial along with expert advice that can help guide you in your selection.
Tax Benefits
People who are legally blind are entitled to an additional deduction on their taxes. A statement from your doctor must be attached to your tax form to claim the deduction. The amount of the deduction will vary by individual. If you prepare your own tax return, you can get more information from the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 10 PM.
From the Center
Since opening our doors in late 1999, the Earle Baum Center has come a long way. The first program established at the EBC was the peer support group that became known as the Thursday Thinkers. It was a remarkable group that not only offered support but opportunities to learn and share with one another and push the comfort zone of many who participated in activities that felt safer by doing them as a group. For many, participating in the Thursday Thinkers was life changing.
Since then, we have expanded programs to include most, if not all of the core curricula. Under the banner of Vision Rehabilitation, these include individual training in Orientation and Mobility, activities of daily living, Braille and assistive technology along with classes for groups.
The EBC is also community center that works to be sensitive to the needs and wishes of the community and attempts to establish activities based on demand. We offer social and recreational programs, health and fitness classes and a place for independent groups and organizations to meet. The list of activities is long: social gatherings, barbecues, entertainment, advocacy groups, Technology Club, Gardening Club, EBC Drum Group, MS Support Group, Macular Degeneration Support Group, Spinal Injury Support Group, service club meetings, sports activities and on and on.
So, how do we determine the future direction of the EBC? Where do we go from here? The answers are driven by your needs and interests. We listen to suggestions and recommendations and do our best to accommodate them. We are in changing times and the community we serve is changing rapidly. Things that were important five years ago may not have the same significance today. The EBC prides itself on being dynamic and responsive, to not only keep up with the times but also to anticipate future needs. We endeavor to be at the forefront of training in the use of interactive cell phones for accessibility, GPS for orientation, offering low impact Tai Chi classes for exercise and balance both at the center and around the community, and working to assure equal opportunities to all visually impaired people nationally. We believe that the work of the EBC is not limited to the local needs but impacts and influences services far beyond the reach of our teachers. We accomplish this by both example and advocacy.
Our Holiday Party in December reminded us once again of the reasons we work so hard. It was wonderful having about 100 people share music, great food, fun, camaraderie and an amazing sense of community. It also reminded us that the push for a larger meeting space is critical. Guests were required to move from one small room to another and back again in order to partake in the festivities. Further, although we gently promoted the gathering, we kept it low key for fear of having more people attend than we can accommodate. We were at full capacity without inviting everyone we would love to see at the event. I keep looking back at the expansion plans and wonder how long it will be before we can proceed. I get excited knowing that when we have the illusive funds in hand, we will not only have a large gathering space with kitchens for all kinds of activities, but will also have a Low Vision Clinic to help those losing sight use their remaining vision productively. These plans were driven by the demand of those we serve.
Despite some predictions of doom and gloom, I look ahead to 2008 as another year that the EBC will continue to make a big difference to so many people, showing them ways to have continued independence and fulfilling lives through Vision Rehabilitation and sharing the spirit that is infectious here at the Earle Baum Center. Happy 2008.
Allan Brenner
President/CEO
Video Magnifiers
When reading or handling small objects becomes a problem, sometimes a magnifier can be a solution. Magnifiers range from simple handheld instruments to electronic devices that use a movable table and a video screen. These Video Magnifiers, also called CCTVs, may be the next step to help you read more easily.
The machine uses a camera to project an image onto a viewing screen of the reading material placed on a moveable table below. There is room on the table to place objects you want to see and you can reach in with a pen and write on paper, while looking at the screen. Many people are able to do crossword puzzles or crafts depending on their visual ability. On most models, the print or object can be magnified up to 50 times and the color and contrast adjusted to your preferences.
As these machines can be costly and not appropriate for everyone, the Earle Baum Center has four machines on loan from different companies for you to try out. If you think a Video Magnifier may help you, we suggest an appointment for a demonstration and training. If you decide to purchase one, we have brochures and sales information from most manufacturers. The EBC has a unit available for reading your mail or writing a letter for individuals who have received training. Reservations are suggested.
The EBC also maintains a loaner program for machines that have been donated after their users no longer needed them. There is currently a waiting list of several weeks. A minimum donation of $25.00 a year is suggested. If you have any questions or would like a demonstration, call the EBC.
Help With Medications
Little known but very valuable healthcare resources are the pharmaceutical industry's patient assistance programs. These programs provide prescription drugs free of charge to patients who might not otherwise be able to afford them, including low-income individuals who don't have insurance or who don't have enough insurance for prescription drugs, seniors who don't have prescription drug coverage under Medicare, people who are unemployed, and people whose employers do not offer employees a health insurance program.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) publishes the Directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs, which lists programs, the companies that offer them, the medicines available, basic eligibility requirements and contact persons. PhRMA's current directory lists 48 company-sponsored programs covering hundreds of medicines. Consumers can download a free copy of the directory or check their possible eligibility at www.pparx.org/Intro.php or by calling 1-888-477-2669.
Mobility for the Multitudes
By Scott Kies, Orientation and Mobility Instructor
Providing Orientation and Mobility services has come a long way at the Earle Baum Center in the short five years that I have been a part of the organization. Within that time, I went from the lone staff O & M instructor to one of four in-house instructors. Previously, the EBC provided O&M services by contracting with independent O&M instructors throughout the communities.
Orientation & Mobility Training teaches blind or visually impaired persons the skills they require to travel independently, safely and confidently throughout their environments. After completing the training, most individuals find they are able to resume their favorite activities. A successful student will not only be trained to navigate their home and neighborhood safely, but may be trained to use public transportation. Whether commuting to work, going to a hair appointment or shopping, these individuals are able to conduct their tasks without needing the help of friends and neighbors and relying on their goodwill to conduct the daily business of life.
Orientation and Mobility instruction is provided throughout the community: in client’s homes, work sites, assisted living facilities, on college campuses and community centers. Wherever our clients’ needs take us, we find a way to make it happen.
The Orientation and Mobility staff has been a critical and integral part of the community, helping to promote greater safety and accessibility for all throughout their communities. Our instructors have been active in Access and ADA committees, assisting communities with intersection accessibility, as well as working with various public transportation departments.
The EBC staff is currently providing O & M services to clients in six counties: Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, Marin and Solano, serving clients from high school age to some of the area’s oldest seniors. We also facilitate Low Vision Support Groups throughout the region, to provide information not just about vision loss, but also to provide locally specific information that helps promote the safety and well being of area residents.
The Orientation and Mobility department is proud to be a small part of this growing organization, assisting people to maintain and improve their independence and quality of life; helping people to find the confidence to once again say “Just do it,” and enjoy their life again.
Parking Privilege
Your vision impairment may qualify you for a handicapped parking placard from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. This placard is transferable from vehicle to vehicle and allows free parking at parking meters as well as in designated handicapped spaces. The application form is available on line at www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg195.pdf or by calling 1-800-777-0193.
Tech Talk
By Jeff Harrington, Mgr, Assistive Technology Services
With the new year, it is time to talk technology. As always, the EBC’s Tech Department has been busy keeping up with all the new hardware, software and service offerings for persons who are visually impaired or blind. Whether you are new to visual impairments or have lived with them for many years, if you are a techno nerd or novice, there are a wide range of products and services to assist.
Persons who are visually impaired or blind access information in four primary methods: through magnification & other visual enhancements, through screen reading technology where information is spoken, through tactile input where information can be read on a Braille display and through voice recognition where verbal commands are given. For those with some usable vision, we have desktop video magnifiers on display where hard copy documents/pictures can be enlarged, video reversed, color/contrast changed, lines of text isolated etc. We also demonstrate portable video magnifiers for help in viewing merchandise while shopping or reading restaurant menus, as well as providing writing assistance.
Many informational services are available free over the phone, including the phone itself through the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP). We have several CTAP Phones on display with accessible features including large print, talking & Braille buttons. Services that can be accessed include listening to shopping ads, TV listings, News Line (hundreds of newspapers are available from all over the country) as well as a variety of directory assistance functions. If you would like to take phone access a step further, web browsing & email is also possible, as well as listening to on-demand pod casts such as 60 Minutes, NPR News, ABC Radio etc.
Several mobile cell phone solutions offer varying degrees of access, from the easy to use Jitterbug with its large buttons and live operators to third party screen reading programs that allow for full access to all of the Symbian and Windows Mobile smart phone features including phone dialing, creating an address book, scheduling appointments, text messaging and email, listening to books and music etc.
For making personal voice notes, mainstream digital recorders with built-in audible cues make the units useable by visually impaired and blind persons. Two of the leading Personal Data Assistants (PDAs) are made specifically for visually impaired and blind persons and include a word processor, planner, book reader, calculator, etc. One of the units has the industry leading Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system for the blind, as well as stand alone GPS units made specifically for the blind.
For the PC user, we offer the latest versions of screen magnifiers and screen readers which provide access to virtually all software applications. The latest versions of Optical Character Reading (OCR) software programs for the blind allow hard copy documents to be scanned and then read aloud. Two available software packages require minimal knowledge and keyboarding skills. We also have a Mac-Mini system running the new Leopard operating system. This unit has built-in accessibility with its own screen reader and magnifier, eliminating the need to purchase separate third party access technology.
If you are interested in more information or training in these or other vision solutions, call our Technology Department. Even better, you can keep up to date by attending the EBC Tech Club meetings, the first Monday of each month at 9:00AM.
Independent Living Skills
By Denise Vancil, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
One of the first departments established at the Earle Baum Center is the Independent Living Skills Department. Our goal is to teach individuals who are visually impaired adaptive skills to make tasks of daily living easier and more enjoyable, while feeling a greater sense of independence. More independence equates a greater sense of confidence.
Our 12 week Introduction to Vision Loss course introduces students to services, agencies and adaptive equipment to enhance their lives. Weekly topics include hands-on experiences, guest speakers from the community, and time for questions and interaction with others who are visually impaired. The course covers paying bills, labeling foods and medications, catalogs for purchasing adaptive equipment, kitchen safety, color contrast techniques, orientation and mobility, use of a cane or dog guide, travel tips, methods for identifying currency and filing print documentation, programs for free adaptive phones, adaptive technology, grocery shopping methods, personal hygiene and information on social security and medical benefits. This class provides a great foundation to understanding that visual impairment is a challenge whose impact can be greatly reduced.
A second element of the Independent Living Skills program is individualized instruction in adaptive cooking, care of clothing, cleaning and financial management. Clients are assessed to determine their greatest needs and to develop personal goals for their training experience. Individual instruction takes place in our modular home with its full kitchen, living room, bedrooms, bathrooms and laundry. Cooking classes teach organizing of ingredients and equipment, marking microwave and oven dials for easy identification, safely pouring hot liquids, measuring techniques, and methods for cutting, mixing and identifying when food is done. Labeling and identifying colors to match clothing, and ways to separate clothing to be laundered are also covered. Marking the washing machine and dryer for easy identification promotes proper care of clothing. Adaptive cleaning methods, from wiping down tables or counters to vacuuming and mopping are presented. Clients who feel a loss of independence when they let someone else take over their financial management needs can learn methods for paying bills, folding currency for later reference, and techniques for labeling files and documents that many find a big motivation to do more for themselves.
A third part of Independent Living Skills is instruction in Braille in two of the three grades. The first grade of Braille consists of the alphabet, punctuation and numbers. Many clients learn grade I Braille to label their canned, frozen and packaged foods as well as papers, files, music CDs, medications, make up, or other personal products. There is additional training in Grade II, also known as standard Braille, which is more useful in reading recipes, magazines, newsletters, or other books and publications.
We also instruct children and teens who are visually impaired through the Sonoma County Office of Education. College age students learn adaptive independent living skills to gain experience for living on their own. However, a majority of our clients are seniors who have made their beds, done their laundry, cooked their meals, cleaned their houses, and taken care of all their financial needs during their lives as sighted individuals. Now they are coming to be retrained to do the same things but through different methods and are enjoying their lives again as independent people. Independence is a key to success and success is a key to happiness.
An Affair to Remember
This year’s annual holiday party was anything but ordinary. Carefully scheduled for a bright and sunny day, the festivities began with some delightful piano playing in Room 4 by Al U’Ren. Accompanied by singing and dancing, the nearly 100 celebrants moved into Room 3, beautifully decorated by the EBC Mind, Body and Spirit Club, for a multi-course holiday meal.
While enjoying ham, turkey, stuffing, all the trimmings and them some, our guests were brought up to date on the past year’s successes by President Allan Brenner followed by a toast to the New Year from Tech Dept. head Jeff Harrington. The many volunteers who do so much here were also named and recognized.
After the meal, and accompanied by the beat of the EBC Drummers, the group returned to Room 4 for the premiere showing of the described version of “State of Grace.” This production, filmed partly at the EBC in 2005 featuring local talent, tells the story of the changes brought to a young blind girl’s life as she faces surgery which promises to restore her sight. The film, produced by Little Hawk Films, a local professional film company, was recently accepted into the Sonoma Valley Film Festival. If our viewers are any measure, this short film is sure to garner numerous awards.
Thanks to everyone - students, volunteers, visitors, family and friends, who inspired us and made 2007 such a joy for all us here at the Earle Baum Center. And our special thanks to all who attended the 2007 holiday party and helped make this a special day to remember. We look forward to 2008 and the prospect of helping to improve and enrich the lives of so many of our friends and neighbors in Northern California.
We would like to thank our recent donors for their generosity:
Evonne Rutan
Rose Mary Bernstein
Gina and Gary Dahl
Bill and Grace Howard
Santa Rosa Cycling Club
DeVincenzi Concrete Construction
Windsor Lions Club
Sid and Gerry Lipton
Betty Levin
David & Care Morgenstern
David and Maria Karpilow
Jean Schulz
Patricia Nicodemus
Gladys Combs
Lawrence Williams
Cary Griffin & Rebecca Christiansen
Ken Coker
Joe & Kathy Riedel
Gregory Matz
Shannon & DeWitt Barker
George and Rosemarie Barlesi
George and Rosemarie Barnwell
Tamae Baugh
George and Susan Bisbee
Dorothy Brenner
Rae Brooks
Maureen Caplinger
Mark and Linda Cohen
Bill Condon
Barbara Deasy
Dick and Joanne Farah
Jacob Foster
George and Virginia Fries
Mary Friman
Howard and Elsie Goines
Donna Goodwin
Leticia Gutierrez
Janet Hargreaves
William and Joyce Hauselt
Wes and Barbara Hover
Suzanne Howell
Katherine Hoyle
John Humphrey
Arthur Jaseau
Elaine Jewell
Barbara Johnston
Judith Jones
Joseph Kosid
Phyllis Kowalski
Charles and Juanita Lagace
Thelma Lerten
Phyllis Leveen
Barbara Londerville
Stuart Manley
William Markey
Edward and Margaret McGovern
Stephen Meffert
Howard Meyer
Helen Miles
Annamarie Miles
Norma Mina
Howard & June Moes
Anita Mooney
Jessie Moorehead
Vicki Niven
Sara O'Day
Charlotte Oram
Antoinette Papapietro
Doug Penna
Geoff and Deborah Perel
Raymond Phillips
Susan Picascia
Claude & Marie Pike
Linda Poverny
Marjorie Raike
Wendy Raymond
Frances Redwine
Dale and Marjorie Richardson
Anneliese Riedel
John Roarick
Frances Roberts
Phyllis Saccani
Beverly Salmans
Vincent Salmon
Margaret Schild
Marie Schutz
Muriel Segall
Harry and Rose Sheehan
Isabelle Silvestri
Lyn Smiley-MacKenzie
Helen Smith
John & Wyona Solley
David and Marcia Sperling
James Spicer
Edwin Stephenson
Jeannette Stewart
Vernon & Patricia Stokes
Chris Swan
Gin Takahashi
Monette Taylor
Eugene Tedeschi
Naomi Tolf
Jack and Bernice Tolleson
Nancy Turner
Alan & Martha U'Ren
Betty Vess
Gladys Vice
Maxine Williams
Douglas and Helen Wright
Marie Yawman
Do you have a vehicle that you are no longer using?
If vision loss has taken your ability to drive safely, and you still own a car you no longer can use, you can turn your car into a second chance for a friend or neighbor. The car need not be in running condition. The proceeds raised by your vehicle donation to the EBC will pay for rehabilitation instruction and materials for someone suffering vision loss.
To make that donation, call the EBC now at 523-3222.
Upcoming Meetings
Body, Mind & Spirit Club 11:00-1:00
February 21—Guest Speaker
March six—Beaded Bandanas
March 20—Easter Egg Hunt
Petaluma Low Vision Support Group
February 21-10 AM—Petaluma Senior Center
Tech Club—Monday, March 3 9:00AM
Internet Search Tip
Do a search ranked by accessibility at www.labs.google.com/accessible
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired to improve and enrich their personal, social and economic lives.
Contact information: www.earlebaum.org email: ebc@earlebaum.org
Tel: (707) 523-3222 Info line: (707) 636-2769 Fax: (707) 636-2768