From the Editor's Desk

Vision Access: Spring 2014 1 Vision Access

A Magazine by, for and about People with Low Vision

Volume 21, Number 1 Spring, 2014

Published Quarterly for Members in These Formats: Large Print, 4-Track Cassette, Email, Audio CD and Data CD

Council of Citizens with Low Vision International 2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650 Arlington, VA 22201 800-733-2258 www.cclvi.org [email protected]

Views expressed in Vision Access by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or of CCLVI. All rights revert to individual contributors upon publication.

Vision Access welcomes submissions from people with low vision, from professionals such as ophthalmologists, optometrists, low vision specialists, and everyone with something Vision Access: Spring 2014 3 substantive to contribute to the ongoing discussion of low vision and all of its ramifications. Submissions are best made as attachments to email or may also be made in clear typescript. Vision Access cannot assume responsibility for lost manuscripts. Deadlines for submissions are March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. Submissions may be mailed to Mike Keithley, Editor, 191 East El Camino Real #150, Mountain View, CA 94040; 650-386-6286, [email protected].

Publications Committee:

Joyce Kleiber, Sarah Peterson, Valerie Ries- Lerman, and Mike Keithley

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CCLVI is now on Twitter at twitter.com/CCLVI_Intl and Facebook by 4 Vision Access: Spring 2014 searching for "Council of Citizens with Low Vision International." Questions? Email [email protected].

Table of Contents

Organization News

The President's Corner, By Jim Jirak...... 6

Remembering Coletta Witcomb Davis, by Bernice Kandarian...... 14

Working With Youth, Watching the Waves, and Words of Wisdom: The Lindsey Tilden Story, by Sarah Peterson...... 20

Conference

Candle 2014, submitted by Donna Pomerantz...28 Vision Access: Spring 2014 5

Quality of Life

HumanWare's new Prodigi - Profile of an Early Adopter, by Ed Wikdall...... 31

1Touch™...... 37

Science and Health

Bits from NEI...... 43

Tidbits, compiled by Mike Keithley...... 46

Request for Contributions...... 50

Officers and Board of Directors...... 51

CCLVI Membership Application...... 57

CCLVI Local Chapter Affiliates...... 61 6 Vision Access: Spring 2014

Organization News

The President's Corner, By Jim Jirak

Welcome to the spring as well as sub-zero edition of Vision temperatures, and the Access. As I begin west, more specifically this column, the the state of Oregon, is eastern half of the under a winter United States has seen weather advisory. My another foot of snow unofficial and power outages, meteorological degree the South is says the jet stream is experiencing out of kilter this unusually colder than winter season. normal temperatures, Luckily, as this edition parts of the state of circulates, spring has Texas are encased in sprung and not soon ice, the Midwest has enough. below-zero wind chill Vision Access: Spring 2014 7

First, concerning our her many parent organization, I contributions over the want to share with you years. some information regarding some recent The ACB Constitution changes to the ACB does provide Board of Publications. clarification to the ACB Effective December president and Board of first, Judy Jackson Directors in the case officially tendered her of a mid-term resignation citing resignation in an personal reasons. Judy elected position on the served on the Board Board of Publications. for 5-1/2 years with a According to "Article dedication and service IV: Officers," the that are very much following guidance is appreciated. We wish provided: Judy well in all of her "ARTICLE IV future activities and OFFICERS want to acknowledge 8 Vision Access: Spring 2014

If a vacancy should necessary, the occur between an membership shall annual conference and elect a successor to convention in any serve for the elected position on remainder of the term. either the Board of An officer, director, or Publications or the member of the Board Board of Directors, of Publications elected except in the offices of or succeeding to a President or 1st Vice position under the President, the Board of provisions of this Directors shall, by a section shall assume majority vote, elect an the duties of that individual to serve in position immediately the position until the upon election or next annual succession." conference and convention. At this Since terms for conference and members of the Board convention, if of Publications are Vision Access: Spring 2014 9 only two years, and Richard resides in elective seats are Union City, California. filled in even- Some of his ACB numbered years, an activities include: election was held by * Serving as Editor of the ACB Board of the Student Directors during a Advocate, the recent 2014 budget national student preparation magazine of the teleconference call. National Association of Blind Students As your CCLVI (now known as ACB president, I am Students) from 1999 pleased to report that to 2001 the Board * Working as an intern unanimously elected at the ACB national Richard Rueda from office during the California to fill the summer of 2000 remaining 6-plus * Serving on the Board months of the term. of the California 10 Vision Access: Spring 2014

Council of the Blind Publications. He has from 2002 through been employed since 2009 the autumn of 2011 * Participating as a with the Junior Blind member of ACB's of America, where he national scholarship serves as their new committee from Director of Transition 2006 to 2012 Services for Northern * Elected President of and Central California. the Council of Richard has a BS in Citizens with Low Vocational Vision International Rehabilitation from (CCLVI) in 2010. California State University in Los Richard has had low Angeles and has over vision since birth and 22 years of extensive brings some unique firsthand experience skill sets with respect working and to low vision people to motivating blind and the Board of visually impaired Vision Access: Spring 2014 11 persons from across interests at ACB's the United States. I Legislative Seminar. believe Richard is an Given the importance excellent person to of H.R.3749, contribute to the work Demonstration of of the Board of Coverage for Low Publications, and it is Vision Devices Act of my honor to welcome 2013, I deemed it him to leadership and necessary to appoint service in the these ladies to meet American Council of with law-makers the Blind. and/or their aids to stress the bill's Secondly, last benefits and February CCLVI saw importance. While I our second vice myself did not attend, president, Donna I have it on good Pomerantz, and Board authority that Donna member, Leslie and Leslie did a Spoone, represent our 12 Vision Access: Spring 2014 fantastic job outlining representative and our concerns. urge co-sponsorship and passage of this To briefly summarize, piece of legislation. this bill would provide {Editors note: To read for a Medicare project this bill, go to to evaluate the fiscal beta.congress.gov/bill impact of covering low /113th- vision devices as congress/house- durable medical bill/3749.} Before equipment under part concluding, a man B of the Medicare goes to see his Priest. program. Coverage of "Father, something this nature not only terrible is happening makes sense, but is and I have to talk to also good sound you about it." The policy. I would urge Priest asks, "What's everyone reading this wrong?" The man column to contact replies, "My wife is their legislative poisoning me." The Vision Access: Spring 2014 13

Priest, very surprised replies, "Take the by this, asks, "How poison." can that be?" The man then pleads, "I'm Until the summer telling you, I'm certain edition, get out and she's poisoning me. enjoy the fresh air and What should I do?" the beauty of the The Priest then offers, season. "Tell you what. Let me talk to her, I'll see [Editor's note: To what I can find out round out the and I'll let you know." legislative imperatives from the ACB A week later the Priest Legislative Seminar, I calls the man and think it's prudent to says, "I spoke to her mention the Alice on the phone for three Cogswell and Anne hours. You want my Sullivan Macy Act, advice?" The man said H.R.4040, which needs yes and the Priest the co-sponsorship of 14 Vision Access: Spring 2014 your representatives and low vision children to be considered and get a comprehensive passed. This bill would education. Access the make improvements to bill at the Individuals with beta.congress.gov/bill Disabilities Education /113th/house- Act (IDEA) to bill/4040.] guarantee that blind

Remembering Coletta Whitcomb Davi s, by Bernice Kandarian

On January 13, 2014, she succumbed to CCLVI lost one of its complications of a fall pioneer leaders with last June which the death of Coletta fractured her back. Davis of Anaheim, Her first ACB/CCLVI California. At age 81, convention was in Vision Access: Spring 2014 15

1981 in St Louis. At Hawaii was a hot that time she was issue. Coletta led her president of the Aloha affiliate in helping to council of the Blind, resolve the problem. the ACB Hawaii ACB second vice- affiliate. Over the president, Marlaina years, she served as Lieberg, remembers: president, first and second vice-president, "I, too was sad to hear treasurer and director of Coletta's passing. I of CCLVI and helped to remember her first found the California convention; I was Council of Citizens GDUI President back with Low Vision. then, and we were just starting to work on the In the early 1980s guide dog admittance when Coletta became to Hawaii issue. I active in ACB, the always found Coletta Hawaii quarantine of to be gracious, very guide dogs arriving in accommodating, and 16 Vision Access: Spring 2014 willing to work hard moved from Hawaii to and do what was California. At the ACB necessary to 1985 convention in remediate that Las Vegas, she met situation. Gilbert Davis, who became her husband "Though I have not soon thereafter. seen her in many Gilbert attended years, I will never conventions with her forget her. She as long as he lived, brought me a gift of where he was her some Hawaiian constant companion jewelry and some and helper. macadamia nuts, and while the nuts are long In 1986, Coletta, along gone, the jewelry is a with Etta Berge and treasure." Joan Black, secured the help of Durward Having lost her first McDaniel to form the husband, Coletta California Council of Vision Access: Spring 2014 17

Citizens with Low assigned at the same Vision as an affiliate of dinner table in the CCLVI. From then on, formal dining room. she was always an Through that officer in CCCLV or experience, I was able CCLVI or both. Michael to learn what a fun Byington remembers and delightful person when she was first Coletta was socially. vice-president after She will be greatly having been president. missed."

"Coletta was a friend, And a social person and my right hand she was! How can we person during my forget her at banquets short Presidency of in her long gowns and CCLVI. She and Pat her jewels! And as Beattie went on the chair of the CCB ACB cruise that Ann Scholarship and I were also on in Committee, she acted 2002, and we were as hostess for all the 18 Vision Access: Spring 2014 scholarship winners. lady. May our Lord be She very much at your side always. enjoyed mentoring the young people. And from ACB President, Kim In closing, a couple of Charlson: I was truly farewells: sad to hear of the passing of Coletta From David Keith, on Whitcomb Davis. I had Coletta as a local the pleasure of chapter leader: Coletta working with her over and I planned many the years on several meetings together. initiatives, both in Between San Diego Hawaii and California and Orange County, and with CCLVI. She we made sure that was a true advocate business and play time always and such a were taken care of. pleasure and Rest in peace sweet thoughtful person to Vision Access: Spring 2014 19 work with. She will truly be missed!

Gamble on CCLVI and Be a Winner in Las Vegas, by Charles Glaser

The CCLVI convention being conducted on will be the place to be both the front and this July for people back of the eye. These with low vision. We along with other are planning sessions are dedicated informative and to living with and interactive sessions. learning about low We want you to know vision in the future. how to get the most But wait, there is from your apple and more! Learn more than android devices. You you should know will hear about cutting about some of ACB's edge research that is most popular couples 20 Vision Access: Spring 2014 when they play the wed game at CCLVI's Newlywed or may get Game Night.

Working with Youth, Watching the Wa ves, and Words of Wisdom: The Lind sey Tilden Story, by Sarah Peterson

"My vision is a part of individuals within the who I am, but it does low vision community. not determine who I Lindsey's story am," Lindsey Tilden beautifully illustrates expresses in a for us how, with a heartfelt description of little faith, our own her own attitude optimistic towards her vision. perspectives about our Although succinct, her disabilities can also wise words completely encourage more of a grasp the voice of all Vision Access: Spring 2014 21 positive attitude from where she and her others. husband Tad (a video game tester for Sony) A California resident of two and a half years ever since her birth in now reside. San Mateo, Lindsey lived in Burlingame Lindsey energetically until age five and from communicates a then on has resided in strong passion for her San Diego. "I now three-year career absolutely love San as a speech Diego and don't think I pathologist in the could picture myself Vista Unified School living anywhere else," District. She primarily she admits. Lindsey works in elementary grew up in San Diego school but spends one with her parents and day a week at a middle two brothers, both of school. "I absolutely whom are only thirty love my job!" she minutes away from gushes. She obtained 22 Vision Access: Spring 2014 her undergraduate bilingual certificate in degree at Biola Spanish. "After a University in La Career Day in eighth Mirada, majoring in grade, I decided I communication wanted to be a school disorders and speech pathologist. minoring in Biblical Teaching is such a studies and Spanish. rewarding job. The During her four years kids are by far my there, she also was favorite part of my heavily involved in the job. It's incredible music department and getting to watch them played clarinet in the grow and make Symphonic Winds. She progress. I am also continued to San blessed in my district Diego State University and at my schools to to obtain a master's have wonderful degree in speech coworkers. Working language pathology, on a school calendar is as well as receiving a also a nice benefit!" Vision Access: Spring 2014 23

Undoubtedly, to bring me to where I Lindsey's previous am now. I can't say high school job of enough how blessed I working with a kids' am with my career." day program during the summers further When not interacting prepared her for her with the kids at current career with school, Lindsey enjoys youth. She also did her immersing herself in a fair share of variety of hobbies babysitting and such as playing the volunteer work at piano and clarinet. church through the "Music has always nursery, vacation Bible been a part of my life. school, teaching I love the expression Sunday school, etc. that is made possible "God put speech through music." Her pathology on my heart love for San Diego is early in life and largely explained by opened a lot of doors the warm weather and 24 Vision Access: Spring 2014 fondness for being by unique young woman the ocean, watching that is Lindsey Tilden. the waves. "I think it But her life story is is fun to preserve also partially shaped memories," she says by her experiences of of scrapbooking, a possessing a visual newer hobby. She also impairment, a genetic has a hunger for condition called Rod travel, "seeing new Cone Dystrophy. "I places and have a full visual experiencing different field--though my cultures." She is peripheral vision is currently planning a stronger than my trip to Japan with Tad. central--with impaired acuity," she explains. Each of these Her acuity depends on interesting tidbits a variety of factors contributes to the that include lighting, lovely, faith-filled, time of day, fatigue, or compassionate, and nystagmus. "I have Vision Access: Spring 2014 25 difficulty with depth Southern California perception, am very has challenges in light sensitive and terms of public have almost no vision transportation, "the at night. Probably the weather and biggest challenge I atmosphere have had is completely make up independent travel, for that," she claims thanks to the limited cheerfully. public transit." Lindsey describes how But Lindsey certainly she took the buses doesn't view her vision and trolley regularly in as a setback; for her grad school, but now it's anything but! she enjoys living in Having low vision North County where meant she was she walks to work and blessed to grow up rides with her sighted knowing great low husband anywhere vision teachers who else. Although introduced her to a 26 Vision Access: Spring 2014 variety of useful tools goofy, and an amazing such as braille and guide." assistive technology. They also taught her Lindsey’s first about self-advocacy. experiences with the She uses ZoomText low vision community and a CCTV. For the were in the youth last five years, Lindsey programs at Braille has enjoyed the Institute in San Diego, companionship/assist- as well as through ance of her black lab Camp Bloomfield in dog, Valencia from Malibu. Introduced to Guide Dogs for the CCLVI and ACB Blind. through CCLVI's scholarship program, "Children are in our Lindsey received the (mine and Tad's) CCLVI scholarship as a future plans, but for freshman in college now we have Valencia. and was asked to She is spunky, a little serve on the board Vision Access: Spring 2014 27 later that year. foundation for others' Lindsey praises her attitudes about my parents, claiming they vision. I think those are largely to thank would be my words of for her present wisdom: know attitude toward her yourself and what you vision. "They expected are capable of, and me to meet my full don't let anyone tell potential. My teachers you otherwise." had the same expectations. Because And it's because of of them, I learned the people like you why self-confidence to we certainly won't, know that, with a little Lindsey--thank you for help as needed, I setting such a could accomplish beautiful example! whatever God called Whether it's working me to. I think this with youth, watching belief in myself is key the Pacific Ocean in laying the waves or sharing 28 Vision Access: Spring 2014 words of wisdom, this not, that there is more amazing woman than just meets the reminds everyone, eye--literally! whether sighted or

Conferences

Candle 2014, submitted by Donna Po merantz

Candle in the Window Affected You and How presents its 2014 Do You Affect It." retreat, August 6 through 10, 2014. We'll be meeting once again at the lovely and Our topic this year is gracious Wooded Glen "Blindness and Your Retreat Center in Culture: How Has It Henryville, Indiana Vision Access: Spring 2014 29 located minutes away We limit attendance to from Louisville, 20 participants, so it Kentucky. Visit would be advisable to www.woodedglen.com make your . It's a great reservations early. A opportunity to connect non-refundable $40 with friends to enjoy deposit will reserve conversations and your spot. If payment great food, too! is received before July 1, a $15 discount is The cost of the offered. Registration conference per person closes August 1. is $525 double or triple occupancy. It Payment through includes room, all PayPal should be sent meals and ground to the email address transportation candleinthewindow1@ between Louisville and gmail.com. Payment Wooded Glen. by check may be sent to Carlos Taylor; 925 S 30 Vision Access: Spring 2014

Luick Ave; Muncie, IN [email protected], 47302; 502-721-9129; or candleinthewindow1@ Becky Barnes gmail.com. Make Davidson at checks payable to [email protected] Candle in the Window. m, 914-393-6613.

Any questions may be We hope to see you at directed to Deb Lewis this year's Candle in at the Window! Vision Access: Spring 2014 31 Quality of Life

HumanWare's New Prodigi - Profile of an Early Adopter, by Ed Wikdall, Pro duct Marketing Manager, HumanWa re

digital personal vision [Mr. Wikdall can be assistant for people reached at having low vision ed.wikdall@ conditions such as humanware.com or macular degeneration, 800-722-3393 Ext diabetic retinopathy, 221.] glaucoma, and other eye diseases. Best HumanWare recently known for their announced the products to help the Prodigi, the world's blind, HumanWare most advanced, all- designed Prodigi to be 32 Vision Access: Spring 2014 a much more England anywhere affordable and east of Ohio in both intuitive visual aid airplanes and than the traditional helicopters. For 30 CCTV-based electronic years he flew for a gas magnifier. and pipeline company, seeing America's But don't take our beautiful northeast word for it. Here's a countryside with its profile of one of changing seasons and Prodigi's first users in myriad of colors. the world on what it has done for him: He has been retired for 3 decades now, Don Gaunt earned his and at 93 years of age, commercial flying he still drives, but his license in his twenties vision for close after serving in the activity, like reading, military. Later, he flew has become quite a all around New challenge. He used to Vision Access: Spring 2014 33 get his mail where he new and unique lived near Springfield, Prodigi Duo. She Massachusetts, and ordered a 24-inch LCD send it off to his unit for him, one of daughter in the very first ones in Pennsylvania to sort the country and in the out because he had world, in fact. Now in difficulty reading it, an independent living even with a home, Don didn't like magnifying glass. She to use the older CCTV would have to send his they had at the center mail back to him after because the edges of looking at it so he the text he was trying could take care of bills to read were always and notices. fuzzy, making reading difficult and tiring. Recently, Don's However, now with daughter and mail Prodigi's unique reader, Donna, heard Diamond Edge Text TM about HumanWare's technology, that all 34 Vision Access: Spring 2014 changed and became limited. I am going to easier. He offered this the Veterans feedback: Administration soon for an eye exam, and I "I am just so happy will be taking my with the Prodigi! I've Prodigi Tablet to show shown it to other them. I love my people here, and they Prodigi." can't believe how sharp the text is to Don hasn't piloted a read with that helicopter or plane Diamond Edge. And over New England in 3 they are simply decades, but now he amazed when I put it avidly reads his 3 into speech mode and aviation magazines it talks to me. I even with his Prodigi Duo. put my iPad under it to He can also read and magnify it, because sort his mail on his the iPod’s own, too, thanks once magnification is Vision Access: Spring 2014 35 again to his daughter available. Both and Prodigi. devices use touch and tap TM technology The Prodigi Duo is a found on all consumer desktop high- electronic devices. definition electronic Unlike other magnifier that magnifiers, Prodigi incorporates a can capture an entire patented docking Letter or A4 sized station and a powerful page and lets the user portable magnifier. magnify and read This allows a user with documents without low vision to have the need for a moving both a big-screen XY table. Through desktop device and a optical character go-anywhere recognition, pages are magnifier at a far displayed in lower cost of HumanWare's ownership than any Diamond-Edge Text similar system TM format, which can 36 Vision Access: Spring 2014 be magnified up to 80 and set up wizard that times with no loss of guides the users text quality. Text can through the basic be presented to the functions and sets up user in smooth- the contrast, reading scrolling column or speed, and line modes, and even magnification levels read aloud, reducing according to their the fatigue that can be specific vision needs. caused by moving the document under a The Prodigi Duo 2-in-1 CCTV camera. Prodigi product sells for just can store documents $3,099 for a 24-inch so users can take LCD, about the same them to read or as other products reference later while without the Prodigi away from their desk. Tablet included. It Training time is sells for only $2,899 greatly reduced, owing for a 20-inch LCD. The to the built-in tutorial Prodigi Tablet can be Vision Access: Spring 2014 37 purchased separately portability, starts at a by itself for just $999. ground-breaking price The Duo and Tablet of only $1,999. models are available from HumanWare or For more information, its authorized Prodigi contact your local Dealers. Also, the new Prodigi dealer, call Prodigi Desktop, which HumanWare at 800- is shipping soon and 722-3393, or visit us has the Tablet at features built into the www.humanware.com base without the /prodigi.

1Touch™

[This is from an edited .com.] version of a flyer found on the 1Touch website at www.1touchproject 38 Vision Access: Spring 2014

Mission Statement defense technique for The mission of the dealing with assaults, 1Touch Project is to aggressive behavior provide ongoing self- and bullying. 1Touch development and explores participant's rehabilitation courses hidden assumptions specifically for the regarding their own visually impaired. disability and their personal perception of What Is the their impaired sight 1Touch™? and insecurities built upon it. The 1Touch Project is primarily a The 1Touch™ is the method of personal first comprehensive development. descriptive self- defense program designed specifically How Does It Work? for the visually 1Touch™ addresses impaired. The program the physical and is a hands-on self- psychological causes Vision Access: Spring 2014 39 of insecurity and The self-defense vulnerability through systems are fully the empowering accessible and practice of hands-on, designed for active, self-defense practicality. There is methods, self-defense no age limit, no theory, and physical strength discussions examining needed or prior what makes one martial arts insecure and why. The background necessary. 1Touch Project's core Class curriculum is values are minimizing adapted to the risk, maximizing appropriate audiences. independence and increasing life Benefits of 1Touch™ chances.

Learning these Who Will Benefit techniques has proven From 1Touch™? highly effective in the development of 40 Vision Access: Spring 2014 independence, self- members. Individuals Confidence, spatial have the opportunity orientation, mobility to request a and dexterity, tactile workshop, participate sensitivity, social in a seminar, or to interaction, become a certified communication skills, Intouch self-defense enthusiasm/self- coach. worth, and greater We are training physical and visually impaired and psychological health. fully sighted coaches who, through Training Options certification, can go on to present demos, hold

The program is introductory sessions designed to expand and workshops in their through self- communities. Through generation by empowering community members participants and for community offering them the Vision Access: Spring 2014 41 opportunity to teach not reliable for our others, we hope to purposes. Then we extend the healing, build upon a life-expanding systematic benefits of 1Touch™ to understanding of the world. effective tactics and strategies. We proceed Introductory to hands-on exercises Workshops designed to overcome the initial shock of

During an introductory common attacks and workshop we engage then build up to in a dialog about the practical techniques. many common Principles relating to misnonors about self- maintaining physical defense. We explain contact and the root of these conservation of misnomers and movement are describe why they are emphasized. Students either not effective or are then introduced to 42 Vision Access: Spring 2014 methods of effective striking. They learn when to strike, how to strike and why a purely percussive system is not well suited for our purposes. All methods follow a set of principle actions that are explained and demonstrated over the course of the training session. Classes are formed around the students, exploring their abilities and using them as a catalyst for teaching effective self-defense. Vision Access: Spring 2014 43

Endorsements Center for Rehabilitation (USA),

1Touch Project is Carroll Center for the Endorsed by Blind Blind, National Veterans United Federation of the Kingdom, Royal Blind, American National Institute of Council of the Blind, the Blind, Action For some Lighthouses for Blind People, British the Blind,; and Guide Blind Sport, European Dogs for the Blind in Conference of Adapted San Rafael CA. Physical Activity (2012), International For further Symposium of Adapted information: Email: Physical Activity [email protected] (2013), Western Blind m.

Science and Health 44 Vision Access: Spring 2014 Bits from NEI: Floaters

[Editor's note: A few gel, changes as a part details for Healthy of aging, says Dr. Vision Month in June Henry Wiley, a retinal from the National Eye surgeon at the NEI. Institute’s FAQs: Ask the Doctor, July, 2009] "The occasional fleeting floater that Why am I seeing occurs as a spot or flashes and floating strand and disappears objects in my vision? after a few seconds is not something to Floaters are visual worry about," Dr. perceptions such as Wiley says. Because of webs, threads or spots this, floaters occur that can appear when most often in adults the jelly-like fluid older than 60, but inside the eyeball, people who are very known as the vitreous nearsighted often Vision Access: Spring 2014 45 experience them at a Such symptoms can younger age, he indicate that the explains. There are vitreous gel is tugging also other types of on the light-sensitive floaters, usually seen tissue inside the eye, in the eyes of people known as the retina, who have certain which can cause the medical conditions. retina to tear or For example, floaters detach--both vision- in a person who has threatening situations. diabetes can indicate For this reason, bleeding inside the sudden and persistent eye. However, the floaters should be sudden onset of checked by an eye persistent floaters, care specialist. sometimes accompanied by If you have a retinal lightning-like flashes tear, your doctor may of light, can signal be able to treat it in something serious. the office using a 46 Vision Access: Spring 2014 laser, but a retinal conditions. "If you detachment may catch a retinal tear or require sight- detachment early, preserving surgery. you're more likely to Prompt treatment is save vision," Dr. Wiley important for both says.

Tidbits, compiled by Mike Keithley

LowVisionRants.com lowvisionrants.com. posts blogs, podcasts, Read about good CCTV and videos that will usage techniques from center on the The Cast Blog at problems of people blindpodcaster.com/b who have limited etween-two-worlds- vision providing good-cctv-usage- helpful hints and tricks techniques. to overcome them. Access Vision Access: Spring 2014 47

You can get the latest phase, and they want tech book from lots of sign-ups. You National Braille Press, can influence the look, "Get the Picture! feel, and scope of the Viewing the World service. Access with the iPhone talkingflix.com. Camera" for $15 in electronic and paper New Megamall Store: braille, Word, DAISY The Mice want to and CD formats by introduce their newest accessing store to you! www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/ Galaxy Audio is now GETPIC.html. open for your shopping pleasure! Talking Flix is a new Galaxy Audio entertainment service publications are not that aims to provide just a book being lots of audio-described read ... they are also a video content online. full theatrical This is the pre-launch dramatized 48 Vision Access: Spring 2014 production! anything else ever Experience audio heard! Access www. books like never Blindmicemegamall before, from the .com/bmm/shop/ fiction of L. Ron Directory_ Hubbard, Historical to Sub_Departments& Science Fiction, from storeid=2094662& Wild Western department= Adventure to Dramatized+Audio+ compelling stories of Books to browse over Love and War. Award 90 audio book titles at winning actors in Galaxy Audio! theatre, television, and cinema along with fantastic sound effects transform Galaxy Audio books into full- cast audio dramatic production unlike Vision Access: Spring 2014 49

TeleTender is a new us exercise our service helping people constitutional right to who are blind or sight vote. The election impaired remotely by Access Email providing services like discussion list is web browsing and operated by the email over the phone. American Council of Access the Blind for the www.teletender.org. discussion of accessible election The Election Access processes, including Email Discussion List: candidate and voter With midterm information prior to elections taking place elections, poll-worker this year, the balance training, and of power in Congress accessible voting is at stake. systems. Please visit Regardless of political affiliation, it is important that each of 50 Vision Access: Spring 2014 www.acb.org/ mailman/listinfo/ election-access and join in the discussion.

Microsoft is pleased to announce the launch of the Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship for college-bound high school students at www.microsoft.com/ en-us/ diversity/programs/ Microsoft Disability scholarship.aspx. Vision Access: Spring 2014 51 Request for Contributions

CCLVI gratefully accepts contributions from readers and members to help pay for the costs of publishing Vision Access, the costs related to our 800 line and Project Insight, and for funding the Carl E. Foley and Fred Scheigert Scholarships. Please send contributions to CCLVI Treasurer, Mike Godino, 104 Tilrose Avenue, Malverne, NY 11565-2040. Our Tax ID number is 1317540.

Officers and Board of Directors

Officers

President Jim Jirak, (1st term ends 7/14) Omaha, NE 52 Vision Access: Spring 2014

402-679-8448 (C) [email protected] 1st Vice President Dan Smith, (partial term ends 7/14) San Lorenzo, CA 510-481-7204 [email protected]

2nd Vice President Donna Pomerantz, (1st term ends 7/14) Pasadena, CA 626-844-4388 (H), 626-233-2991 (C) [email protected]

Recording Secretary Lindsey Tilden, (1st term ends 7/14) Vista, CA [email protected]

Treasurer Vision Access: Spring 2014 53

Mike Godino, (5th term ends 7/14) Malverne, NY 516-887-1336 [email protected]

Immediate Past President Richard Rueda Union City, CA 510-324-0418 (H), 510-825-4106 (C) [email protected]

Board of Directors

Michael Byington (1st term ends 7/15) Topeka, KS 785-221-7111 (C) [email protected]

Leslie Spoone (1st term ends 7/15) Orlando, FL 54 Vision Access: Spring 2014

407-929-9837 (C) [email protected] Grady Ebert (2nd term ends 7/16) Natchitoches, LA

Bianca Knight (1st term ends 7/16) Nashville, TN 704-307-1266 (C) [email protected]

Allen Casey (1st term ends 7/14) Graham, NC 336-222-0201 (H) [email protected]

Melody Banks (1st term ends 7/16) Cincinnati, OH 513-745-0367 [email protected] Vision Access: Spring 2014 55

Fred Scheigert (Partial term ends 7/14) Saratoga Springs, NY 518-306-4287 [email protected]

Charles Glaser (Partial term ends 7/15) Stone Mountain, GA 770-925-1822 [email protected]

Kathy Farina (Partial term ends 7/14) Albany, NY 518-449-1581 [email protected]

Ex-Officio

Vision Access Editor Mike Keithley 56 Vision Access: Spring 2014 [email protected]

Webmaster Annette Carter Clovis, CA [email protected] Vision Access: Spring 2014 57

Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, san Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind [email protected] | www.cclvi.org | (800) 733-2258 2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650, Arlington, VA 22201

CCLVI Membership Application (revised 9/22/2013) Name______Address______City______State _____ Zip Code ____ Country ______Main Phone ______Alternate phone ______Main E-Mail ______Alternate E-Mail ______

Preferred method of being contacted:

 Phone  email  large print postal mail

Membership Status: I am … 58 Vision Access: Spring 2014

 New member at large.  Renewing member at large.  New chapter member. (specify chapter)  CCCLV  DVCCLV  FCCLV  MCLVI  NCCLV  NYSCCLV  Renewing chapter membership. (specify chapter)  CCCLV  DVCCLV  FCCLV  MCLVI  NCCLV  NYSCCLV  Professional member of CCLVI.  Life member of CCLVI.  Life member of ACB.

Visual status: I am …

 totally blind  fully sighted  legally blind  visually impaired

Formats:

I wish to receive the CCLVI publication(s), Vision Access in:  Large print  Cassette  E-mail Vision Access: Spring 2014 59

 Audio CD  Data CD  Do not send 60 Vision Access: Spring 2014

Please send the American Council of the Blind ACB Braille Forum in:  Large Print  E-mail  Computer Disk  Cassette  Braille  Do Not Send

Payment:

$ ___ Annual At-Large Dues $15.00 * $ ___ Affiliate chapter dues * (Please visit www.cclvi.org for our 6 local chapter affiliates or see below.) $ ___ Life Membership Dues $150.00 (in full or installments) Can be paid in three (3) annual installments, plus chapter dues if applicable $ ___ Professional membership: $25.00 $ ___ Additional Donations $ ___ Total Amount

Make check or money order payable to "CCLVI" and send to CCLVI Treasurer:

Mike Godino 104 Tilrose Avenue, Malverne, NY 11565-2024 Vision Access: Spring 2014 61

Phone: 800-733-2258 CCLVI Local Chapter Affiliates

CCCLV: California Council of Citizens with Low Vision [email protected]

DVCCLV: Delaware Valley Council of Citizens with Low Vision [email protected]

FCCLV: Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision [email protected]

MCLVI: Metropolitan Council of Low Vision Individuals, Greater New York [email protected]

NCCLV: National Capital Citizens with Low Vision, Metropolitan Washington (DC) [email protected] 62 Vision Access: Spring 2014

NYSCCLV: New York State Council of Citizens with Low Vision See www.cclvi.org for [email protected] online membership application. Vision Access: Spring 2014 63