A Magazine By, for and About People with Low Vision

Vision Access: Fall 2013 1

Vision Access

A Magazine by, for and about People with Low Vision

Volume 20, Number 3 Fall, 2013

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 substantive to contribute to the ongoing discussion of low vision and all of its Vision Access: Fall 2013 3 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:

Matt Kickbush, Joyce Kleiber, Sarah Peterson, Valerie Ries-Lerman, Annette Carter, and Mike Keithley

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CCLVI is now on Twitter at twitter.com/CCLVI_Intl and Facebook by searching for "Council of Citizens with Low Vision International." Questions? Email [email protected]. 4 Vision Access: Fall 2013

Table of Contents

From the Editor's Desk by Mike Keithley.....6

The President's Corner...... 6

Introducing the 2013 CCLVI Fred Scheigert Scholarship Winners...... 11

Mardi Gras ACB Style...... 18

Blind Dragon Boat Team Prepares to Race in the National Harbor Regatta...... 23

Sunglasses and Filters...... 32

Free Audio Podcasts for the Blind and Dyslexic...... 35

Device from Israeli Start-Up Gives the Visually Impaired a Way to Read...... 39

New Initiative...... 48 Vision Access: Fall 2013 5

Tidbits...... 49

Request for Contributions...... 53

CCLVI Membership Application...... 54

Officers and Board of Directors...... 58 6 Vision Access: Fall 2013

From the Editor's Dragon Boat team Desk by Mike were a number of NCCLV members Keithley participate. And there's more if I can Well, King was playing get King to help me around my desk with uncover it all. "Ah several of his friends shucks, never trust a and knocked it over. It human!" Happy was outdoors at the reading! time, and he says no one saw it. Organization

Likely story, but I did News discover that no one was wearing sun The President's glasses or filters, Corner which is a topic in the by Jim Jirak Quality of Life section. We'll also read about the Out of Sight Vision Access: Fall 2013 7

Welcome to the fall success. Likewise, a edition of Vision special and hardy Access. As I begin my thank you to CCLVI's second and what convention committee, promises to be final Kathy Casey as chair, year as president, we with members Jane are just one week and Kardas, Ken Stewart, two days removed and Richard Rueda, for from the ACB the tireless work and Conference and effort they contributed Convention that took in making the place in Columbus. programming unique Congratulations to and informative to ACB of Ohio, this those that attended year's host affiliate CCLVI sessions. If you and its host have ideas for next committee, for a year's program in Las remarkable job putting Vegas, please either together a week that call us at 800-733- many conventioneers 2258 or email found to be a rousing [email protected]. Lastly, 8 Vision Access: Fall 2013

I need to acknowledge those officers and the services of our directors that were delegate to the ACB elected at the annual Conference and membership meeting. Convention. Thank you Following the to Lindsey Tilden for unfortunate representing our resignation of Lucinda interests in a positive, Talkington as First professional and Vice President, Dan dignified manner. As Smith of San Lorenzo, she has expressed an California will be interest in not completing the two assuming the role of years remaining in her delegate in Las Vegas, term. Charles Glaser of dare I say next year's Stone Mountain, delegate to the Georgia will be convention has some completing the two big shoes to fill? years Dan had remaining in his Before I continue, I Director position. want to congratulate Given the resignation Vision Access: Fall 2013 9 of Reba Landry last to thank him for his fall, Kathy Farina of service and dedication Albany New York will to the organization be completing the during his tenure. remaining year left in Reba's Board position. In the last issue, it Elected to a full three was reported that our year term on the new publication, Board were Grady "Insights into Low Ebert of Natchitoches, Vision" would be Louisiana and Melody unveiled in Columbus Banks of Cincinnati, and that a chance Ohio. Welcome aboard raffle on a 22 inch and congratulations to Merlin CCTV donated all that were elected. by Enhanced Vision And as Brian Petraits would be conducted. I chose not to seek re- am pleased to say that election to the Board the book, three years given the press of in the making, seemed other matters, I, on popular, orders are behalf of CCLVI, wish coming in and $580 10 Vision Access: Fall 2013 was raised in the peered over the fence, raffle. Congratulations interested in what the to Lynn Powers of cheeky-faced Indianapolis, Indiana youngster was doing. on purchasing the He politely asked, winning ticket. We "What are you up to sincerely hope you there, Amber?" "My enjoy your new Merlin. goldfish died," replied If you are a CCLVI Amber tearfully member and have not without looking up, yet received your "And I've just buried book, or know of him." The neighbor someone wanting to was concerned, purchase one, call our "That's an awfully big office at 800-733-2258 hole for a goldfish, to place your order. isn't it?" Amber patted down the last heap of In Conclusion: Little earth then replied, Amber was in the "That's because he's garden filling in a hole inside your cat." when her neighbor Vision Access: Fall 2013 11

Until the next issue, get out and enjoy the cool fall crispness.

Introducing the One of the more 2013 CCLVI Fred exciting activities that Scheigert occurs each year Scholarship during the ACB Winners convention is the presentation of by Mike Gravitt, CCLVI scholarships to Scholarship Committee enthusiastic and hard Chair working students. [photo: Mike Gravitt, Thanks to the CCLVI Scholarship generosity of CCLVI Chair with Connor Bost Board member Fred and Bianca Knight, Scheigert, three low 2013 scholarship vision students are recipients] 12 Vision Access: Fall 2013 presented with Appalachian State scholarships each University In Boone, year. They are unique NC. Connor's home is in that one does not in Faith, NC, and he have to be legally just graduated from blind to qualify. Rowan County Early However they are College. Connor was required to use low able to attend the ACB vision equipment in convention for the their daily lives. Each entire week, and it year, there are three was a real pleasure to winners: one entering work with him as he is college freshman, one a true gentleman. In undergraduate his application, Connor student, and one post- writes: graduate. "My ultimate goal is to This year's freshman earn a Masters of winner is Connor Bost, Sciences in Nursing who is beginning his degree. My true major in nursing at passion in life is Vision Access: Fall 2013 13 service. I want to use Tiffany hails from my life to help others. Taylor, MI, and is a I have always had a repeat winner of the patient caring attitude Fred Scheigert towards others, which scholarship. She won I believe will help me as an entering in my future career as freshman in 2010, and a nurse. I will use the attended the ACB knowledge and skills convention in Phoenix. that I learn to help Unfortunately, this serve those in need year she could not be everyday." in Columbus due to an internship, and could The undergraduate not get time off to winner is Tiffany attend. In her Swoish, who is application, Tiffany beginning her senior writes: year as a Criminal Justice major at Siena "By studying criminal Heights University in justice for two and a Adrian, Michigan. half years, I have 14 Vision Access: Fall 2013 developed an interest in criminal behavior in intelligence and using analysis, and I am criminological theory currently looking at to predict future graduate schools criminal activity." which offer programs that will prepare me The post-graduate for a career in winner is Bianca homeland security. Knight, who attends Because extensive Belmont University research is required in and hails from most of my criminal Nashville, Tennessee. justice courses, I Her goal is to become consider critical an attorney, with a thinking and report focus in disability law. writing to be two of Bianca is a repeat my strongest skills. winner, having won Through my research, last year in 2012. I have become Since attending the especially interested 2012 ACB convention, in analyzing patterns Bianca has involved Vision Access: Fall 2013 15 herself in both CCLVI fate of 95% loss of and ACB, serving on central vision with the CCLVI board, and barely functional is active in her local peripheral, I decided and state ACB to pursue my dream chapters. Thankfully, and focus on disability Bianca was able to law to help others accept her scholarship with the frustrations I in person in Columbus, now face." and was gladly sharing her time and talents Connor and Bianca with CCLVI. In her were made welcome application, Bianca by members of CCLVI writes: as well as the ACB Scholarship "Since childhood, I Committee. I want to have wanted to be a thank Michael Garrett, lawyer. Losing my chair of the ACB sight at age 28 was Scholarship devastating. When I Committee, for finally accepted my allowing the CCLVI 16 Vision Access: Fall 2013 scholarship winners to great mentor, and I be part of ACB's appreciate her trust in scholarship activities. me to take the baton. Because of ACB's open She did a stellar job arms, Connor and chairing this Bianca participated in committee, and I have the ACB dinner and learned a lot by reception functions for working with her. scholarship winners, and accept their Also, behind every scholarships during committee chair is an the ACB general even better set of session alongside committee members. other ACB winners. Without the hard work and dedication of the I wish to also thank following individuals, Cathy Schmitt- my first year chairing Whitaker, who chaired this committee would the CCLVI Scholarship have been much more Committee prior to difficult. My sincere me. She served as a thanks and gratitude Vision Access: Fall 2013 17 go to Allen Casey scholarship process go (NC), John McMahon smoothly. Finally, my (ME), Fred Scheigert sincere and heart-felt (NY), Leslie Spoone thanks go to Fred (FL), Janis Stanger Scheigert for his very (UT), and Lindsey kind generosity, and Tilden (CA). making a difference and positively I also wish to thank affecting the lives of Jim Jirak (CCLVI our scholarship President) and Mike recipients. Godino (CCLVI Treasurer) for all of Now it is time for our their support. I also committee to regroup owe a huge thanks to and organize for 2014. CCLVI webmaster One of our goals for Annette Carter for all next year is to move of her time and closer to a fully attention to detail, electronic process. I which was essential to wish to welcome two making the new members: Sarita 18 Vision Access: Fall 2013

Kimble (PA) and Kathy The most famous place Farina (NY). Stay to celebrate Mardi tuned for more details Gras in the United in the coming months. States is in the city of If you have any New Orleans. But it is questions, comments, not the only place to or suggestions, please go for a carnival feel free to e-mail me atmosphere. Mardi at Gras tradition is [email protected]. strongest in America where French and/or Catholic communities Conferences and settled. The popularity of the New Orleans' Tours Mardi Gras party atmosphere has also Mardi Gras ACB meant that many big Style cities and communities By Jim Jirak throughout the U.S. now celebrate Mardi Gras as a way of Vision Access: Fall 2013 19 getting through the It is the backdrop of last cold days of St. Louis' Gateway winter and looking Arch that saw the forward to spring. culmination of the collaborative efforts of While Mobile, AL has several Midwestern the oldest Mardi Gras, states to launch a St. Louis claims to successful leadership have the biggest Mardi training in August, Gras event outside of 2011. Dubbed the New Orleans. Soulard ABC's of ACB is St. Louis' best Leadership, each known Mardi Gras agenda item worked party. But there are a around this theme and number of other balls provided a cohesive and parades that take and meaningful place all over St. Louis conference when it's Mardi Gras experience. time. Building on the momentum of this 20 Vision Access: Fall 2013 conference and the reservations are now successful national available and can be Leadership Training made online at held at the 2012 ACB https://resweb.passk Conference and ey.com/go/MidwestLe Convention in adership or by calling Louisville, KY, , (888) 421-1442. The several individuals conference dates are from the states of February 28-March 2 Illinois, Iowa, and the group rate is Michigan, Minnesota, $99 plus 16.741% Nebraska and taxes. Oklahoma have gotten together to discuss This time, we are having another reaching beyond the Midwest conference Midwest to invite Marti Gras weekend in affiliates and persons 2014. The host hotel is who can possibly the Hyatt Regency St. benefit. Please begin Louis at the Arch, 315 thinking about who Chestnut St. Room can benefit most from Vision Access: Fall 2013 21 a program such as effective meeting, this. Guidelines for protocol and etiquette, consideration include, membership but are not limited to recruitment and having a scholarship retention, legislative winner who has advocacy fund raising expressed genuine and public relations. interest in and follow- We will conclude with through with projects. a Saturday evening Perhaps you, or Board banquet. members, are new and need to share the A singularly effective experiences of others. means of increasing affiliate membership, The festivities begin training tomorrow's Friday, February 28 leaders, improving the with an ice breaker. ability of current Some of the topics leaders, and creating a being discussed vibrant, active and Saturday, March 1 empowered state include running an affiliate is in the 22 Vision Access: Fall 2013 holding of leadership When you mention training seminars such Mardi Gras in St. Louis, as is being planned. many Missourian's think of Soulard, home If you have further to one of the largest questions, would like Mardi Gras to help in the plenary celebrations outside of process, or need more New Orleans. The information about the Soulard festivities last conference in general, for weeks, ending on please contact the Fat Tuesday. And committee at while the Midwest [email protected] Leadership m or Jim Jirak by Conference's calling the ACB of festivities won't last Nebraska Omaha indefinitely, it is hoped chapter's Share A Fare the knowledge, line at (402) 827- wisdom and benefits 9814. gained help to create "tomorrow's leaders today." Vision Access: Fall 2013 23

paddlers-potomac- Quality of Life river] [photo: Ginny Finch takes part in a practice Blind Dragon Boat for Out of Sight Team Prepares to Dragons on August 3 Race in the in Washington. (Matt National Harbor McClain)] Regatta by St. John Barned- Smith

[From the Metro section of the

Washington Post, Winifred "Winkie" Day August 23, 2013, leans against the long articles.washingtonpo steering paddle of a st.com/2013-08- 40-foot dragon boat, 23/local/41439366_1 preparing to prod her _boat-racing- 24 Vision Access: Fall 2013 team, the Out of Sight she carries, and the Dragons, into action. blades bite into the water. In a quick "Attention!" Day calls series of strokes, the out one recent day on boat surges forward. the Potomac River in "Bury your blade! Get Southwest. Maybelle your hand wet!" Kagy Kagy, sitting near the yells. dragon boat's prow, waits for the final It is the last practice signal as Day's for the Out of Sight command ripples Dragons before they down a line of race at Saturday's paddlers. They lean National Harbor forward, their paddles Dragon Boat Regatta. horizontal to the The local team is one water. And then, "Go!" of 35 from around the country to compete in In front, Kagy starts the regatta. In dragon pounding a steady boat racing, teams are tattoo onto the drum composed of 20 Vision Access: Fall 2013 25 paddlers, a drummer regattas across the and a sweep, or country, enthusiasts steersman. What say. distinguishes the Out of Sight Dragons is "There's tremendous that its members are interest and all blind or visually excitement about the impaired. sport from small town America to large urban The origins of the cities," said Siv sport trace back Somchanhmavong, millennia, historians president of the say. Now dragon boat Eastern Region Dragon racing has spread Boat Association, across the globe and which oversees many become one of the dragon boat teams, fastest-growing sports clubs and races on the in the United States, East Coast. In the past drawing dozens of year, he estimates teams to a rapidly that the association expanding calendar of has grown by 10 to 15 26 Vision Access: Fall 2013 percent and from boat," she said. The overseeing 12 sport also appeals to festivals to 15. people of all ages, she said -- with divisions Ginny Perrin, for kids as young as president of the United 12 up to seniors. "You States Dragon Boat don't see people aging Federation, said there out," she said. "You are about 6,000 see them taking their serious paddlers skills and continuing around the country, at an older division." and many more paddlers who compete "In D.C., from 12 to but aren't ongoing about 20 novices show paddlers. They start by up at the Gangplank joining corporate or Marina on Water charity teams, such as Street in Southwest to those for survivors of give the D.C. Dragon breast cancer. "Then Boat Club's free they start to want to Saturday morning put more time in the practices a try," said Vision Access: Fall 2013 27

Jeffrey Kuhn, the in Southern Maryland. club's president. The Kagy's son, who was National Harbor the director of the D.C. Regatta is two years Dragon Boat Festival old but has signed up at the time, first the maximum 35 suggested she start a teams for this year's team for blind and competition, according visually impaired to Kuhn, one of the paddlers, she said. regatta's organizers. Kagy said she soon realized that unlike Out of Sight Dragons many team sports, will be one of them. dragon boat racing The inspiration for the might be one that team came four years visually impaired ago, according to athletes could founder Kagy. She had compete in, needing been working at Lions little more than a spot Camp Merrick, a camp to sit and the ability to for deaf, blind and paddle to the beat of a diabetic people located drum. 28 Vision Access: Fall 2013

Miller, 80, on the other The team is made up hand, is among the of a spectrum of team's oldest paddlers, according to paddlers. team member Sarah Presley. "There are For Out of Sight's people who can see paddlers, the sport has pretty well, and people provided the thrill of who are totally blind," athletic competition said Presley, who has but also something "a little bit of vision" more. It gives but lost most of her paddlers a "can-do eyesight to congenital attitude," increased cataracts and physical stamina and glaucoma. There is an increased will to also a wide range of advocate for ages. At 37, Regina themselves, Crisafulli Crisafulli [who is an said. NCCLV member] is one of the youngest Out of Kagy assembled a Sight Dragons. Oral group of potential Vision Access: Fall 2013 29 paddlers with the help ourselves and the of Miller, then head of public that blind the D.C. Council of the people are really Blind, and members of capable of doing the D.C. Dragon Boat something and being Festival, who brought on a team," said Kagy, personal flotation remembering the devices, paddles and a other paddlers drum to do a tutorial cheering for them in a conference room. after they finished Soon after, they had a their race. "We really practice on the water. felt like rock stars. ... On that day, we broke "How will they become some stereotypes and a team?" she showed the blind and remembers visually impaired can wondering. But after participate in a team just three practices on sport," she said. the water, the team competed in its first "It was a little chaotic regatta. "We showed to get everyone in 30 Vision Access: Fall 2013 sync," said Sarah Somchanhmavong of Presley, 46, of her the Eastern Region initial practices with Dragon Boat the team, which Association. "One receives significant component of training support from the D.C. is to paddle with your Dragon Boat Club. eyes closed, so "It's definitely a good paddlers will wear sport for the visually bandannas to focus on impaired," said hearing and timing," Presley, one of the Somchanhmavong team's paddlers. said. "When the drum beats, you know the On Saturday, Kagy paddle goes into the said, the team will be water." using 13 blind paddlers and seven That concept is one sighted ones, hoping that sighted paddlers to finish its 500-meter use as well, according races in less than four to [Amy] minutes. "We're Vision Access: Fall 2013 31 competing with accurately evaluate ourselves this time. our performance in We still have much competing against older people on the paddlers experiencing team," she said. "We the same vision issues cannot expect to be we have," Miller said. like a young competitive team." Back on the Potomac, the boat cruises by a Other members on the weeping willow, and team are wondering Day calls for a series how they will stack up of practice sprints just against Blind before the hour-long Ambition, another session winds down. team of blind paddlers The team is tired but traveling from digs in for a couple of Portland, Ore. "I'm final 500s. Day, the looking forward to coach, calls a start, competing against and the boat lurches them, because I think forward, momentarily we can more unbalancing her. She 32 Vision Access: Fall 2013 wobbles, eyes Sunglasses and widening, then rights Filters herself, before by Mike Keithley steering the boat through the sprint. This is a short "They all about summary of the July, knocked me off the 2013 Let's Talk Low boat," she said. Vision conference with Dr. Bill. It featured a [editor's note: Barbara discussion of Milleville, NCCLV sunglasses and filters president writes that with an interview with several chapter Dr. Bruce Rosenthau, members are involved OD, FAAO, Chief of with the Out of Sight Low Vision Programs Dragon Boat team, at Lighthouse either through fund- International. raising or direct participation.] It seems that many low vision people will Vision Access: Fall 2013 33 need more than one the development of all-purpose pair of cataracts, and glasses to carry on in sunglasses can do everyday living, and that. But it was changes will often be pointed out that just required as vision wearing sunglasses is changes. So put rarely sufficient for patience in the mix! low vision people as the darkening of the We had an in-depth environment usually description of why causes visual contrast sunglasses and filters to be lost, and we're are important, both to essentially blind. keep eyes healthy and Filters of different improve quality of life. colors, including It is very clear that yellow, amber, brown, people working and even red can help outdoors need to people with low vision protect their eyes from to see under various retinal burning from lighting conditions. It ultraviolet light and does appear that 34 Vision Access: Fall 2013

Polaroid sunglasses removing blue light is are more effective important, especially than garden variety under florescent glasses as these lighting. And since polarize light, thus many eye diseases reducing glare, and inhibit the perception are extremely helpful of some wavelengths, in reducing reflected it is often desirable to glare from the remove them to windshields of cars or improve visual light reflecting from contrast and reduce water. light sensitivity. There are also "transition" Filters help here. They lenses that help cope are lenses that remove with changing lighting. bands of light- In addition, we can wavelength that cause have bi and tri-focal glare, reduce visual lenses to cope with contrast and are changing conditions harmful to the retina. and life tasks. In many cases, Vision Access: Fall 2013 35

It was strongly In closing, buying advised that when you glasses was featured need glasses, deal in the July Consumer exclusively with Reports, which is on optometrists and BARD. It covers both Ophthalmologist frames and lenses, familiar with low and we'd probably vision problems and want to ignore the effects. It not only lens section and get keeps eyes as healthy some cheap, cool as they can be, but frames. But we really probably costs less in need to know what the end with less we're doing. frustration. Free Audio Dr. Rosenthau's email Podcasts for the address is Blind and Dyslexic brosenthau@lighthous Edited Press Release e.org. 36 Vision Access: Fall 2013

Millions of people are seminars that discuss not able to read the latest in printed information treatments for people due to dyslexia, with low vision, macular degeneration, discussions on the diabetic retinopathy, best in computer and glaucoma, retinitis assistive technology pigmentosa and other for people with vision eye disorders. impairment, and AIRSLA.org is a non- programs from profit organization organizations that provides free including Foundation audio recordings of Fighting Blindness, today's most popular Braille Institute, magazines, including National Federation of Reader's Digest, the Blind, and the People, Sports Council of Citizens Illustrated, Scientific with Low Vision American, and Oprah. International. Since it AIRSLA.org also has was established in recordings of research 2007, AIRSLA has Vision Access: Fall 2013 37 grown and has people to learn to cope listeners from across with vision loss and to the world. learn how to use the latest in technology. AIRSLA consists of "People who have not volunteers from across been able to read the country. magazines for years Professional voice- can now go to their over artists read and computer, Smart record articles from phone, iPad, or other current magazines, digital media player while audio engineers and listen to over travel to conferences 10,000 podcasts at no and seminars to charge. Some of the record lectures most popular podcasts presented by are recordings that researchers and talk about the latest in scientist. Doctors and cell phones, video therapists volunteer magnifiers and other their time to record high technologies for programs that help people with low vision. 38 Vision Access: Fall 2013

"The popularity of cell access printed phones such as the information may go to Apple iPhone has www.airsla.org and resulted in the listen to podcasts for development of our free. The web page AIRSLA application for requires that you the iPhone, where register with a user users can easily name and password to download their become a free favorite podcasts and member. It is easy to listen anywhere they access and is designed go," said Joe Jurca, for people with vision chief engineer at loss. If you have any AIRSLA. "We will soon questions about release an application AIRSLA or would like program for users of to volunteer or make the Android Smart suggestions of phones." materials you would like recorded, please Anyone who is visually contact AIRSLA at impaired or unable to www.airsla.org. Vision Access: Fall 2013 39

read.html? pagewanted=all] Science and [photo: Liat Negrin, an employee at Health OrCam, wears a device made by the company Device from that consists of a Israeli Start-Up camera and a small Gives the Visually computer.] Impaired a Way to Read By John Markoff

[From the New York Times, June 3, 2013 http://www.nytimes.c Liat Negrin, an Israeli om/2013/06/04/scie who has been visually nce/israeli-start-up- impaired since gives-visually- childhood, walked into impaired-a-way-to- a grocery store here 40 Vision Access: Fall 2013 recently, picked up a easily and move can of vegetables and freely. easily read its label using a simple and Until now reading aids unobtrusive camera for the visually attached to her impaired and the blind glasses. have been Ms. Negrin, who has cumbersome devices coloboma, a birth that recognize text in defect that perforates restricted a structure of the eye environments, or, and afflicts about 1 in more recently, have 10,000 people, is an been software employee at OrCam, applications on an Israeli start-up that smartphones that has developed a have limited camera-based system capabilities. In intended to give the contrast, the OrCam visually impaired the device is a small ability to both "read" camera worn in the style of Google Glass, Vision Access: Fall 2013 41 connected by a thin well as bus numbers, cable to a portable and objects as diverse computer designed to as landmarks, traffic fit in the wearer's lights and the faces of pocket. The system friends. It currently clips on to the recognizes English- wearer's glasses with language text and a small magnet and beginning this week uses a bone- will be sold through conduction speaker to the company's web offer clear speech as it site [www.orcam.com] reads aloud the words for $2,500, about the or object pointed to by cost of a midrange the user. hearing aid. It is the only product, so far, of The system is the privately held designed to both company, which is recognize and speak part of the high-tech "text in the wild," a boom in Israel. term used to describe newspaper articles as 42 Vision Access: Fall 2013

The device is quite from Google Glass, different from other which also offers the technology that has wearer a camera but is been developed to designed for people give some vision to with normal vision and people who are blind, has limited visual like the artificial retina recognition and local system called Argus computing power. II, made by Second Sight Medical OrCam was founded Products. That system, several years ago by which was approved Amnon Shashua, a by the Food and Drug well-known researcher Administration in who is a computer February, allows visual science professor at signals to bypass a Hebrew University damaged retina and be here. It is based on transmitted to the computer vision brain. The OrCam algorithms that he has device is also pioneered with drastically different another faculty Vision Access: Fall 2013 43 member, Shai Shalev- Shwartz, and one of The advance is the his former graduate result of both rapidly students, Yonatan improving computing Wexler. processing power that can now be carried "What is remarkable is comfortably in a that the device learns wearer's pocket and from the user to the computer vision recognize a new algorithm developed product," said Tomaso by the scientists. On a Poggio, a computer broader technology scientist at M.I.T. who level, the OrCam is a computer vision system is expert and with whom representative of a Dr. Shashua studied as wide range of rapid a graduate student. improvements being "This is more complex made in the field of than it appears, and, artificial intelligence, as an expert, I find it in particular with really impressive." vision systems for 44 Vision Access: Fall 2013 manufacturing as well iPhones and Android as fields like smartphones. autonomous motor Moreover, natural vehicles. (Dr. Shashua language processing is previously founded making it possible for Mobileye, a computer systems to corporation that "read" documents, supplies camera which is having a technology to the significant impact in automobile industry the legal field, among that can recognize others. There are now objects like at least six competing pedestrians and approaches in the field bicyclists and can keep of computer vision. a car in a lane on a For example, freeway.) researchers at Google and elsewhere have Speech recognition is begun using what are now routinely used by known as "deep tens of millions of learning" techniques people on both that attempt to mimic Vision Access: Fall 2013 45 biological vision number of objects it systems. However, needs to recognize they require vast grows, the system computing resources minimizes the amount for accurate of additional computer recognition. power required. "The challenges are huge," In contrast, the OrCam said Dr. Wexler, a co- technique, which was author of the paper described in a and vice president of technical paper in research and 2011 by the Hebrew development at University OrCam. "People who researchers, offers a have low vision will reasonable trade-off continue to have low between recognition vision, but we want to accuracy and speed. harness computer The technique, known science to help them." as Shareboost, is distinguished by the Additionally the fact that as the OrCam system is 46 Vision Access: Fall 2013 designed to have a the camera's field of minimal control view. system, or user interface. To recognize One of the key an object or text, the challenges, Dr. wearer simply points Shashua said, was at it with his or her allowing quick optical finger, and the device character recognition then interprets the in a variety of lighting scene. The system conditions as well as recognizes a pre- on flexible surfaces. stored set of objects "The professional and allows the user to optical character add to its library - for readers today will example, text on a work very well when label or billboard, or a the image is good, but stop light or street we have additional sign - by simply challenges - we must waving his or her read text on flexible hand, or the object, in surfaces like a hand- Vision Access: Fall 2013 47 held newspaper," he and birth defects, said. according to the 2011 National Health Survey Although the system is by the U.S. National usable by the blind, Center for Health OrCam is initially Statistics. OrCam said planning to sell the that worldwide there device to people in the were 342 million United States who are adults with significant visually impaired, visual impairment, and which means that that 52 million of them their vision cannot be had middle-class adequately corrected incomes. with glasses. In the United States, 21.2 For more info or to million people over the watch or listen to a age of 18 have some video demonstration: kind of visual laughingsquid.com/or impairment, including cam-a-google-glass- age-related like-aid-for-the- conditions, diseases visually-impaired/ 48 Vision Access: Fall 2013

glaucoma and other New Initiative eye conditions often associated with aging.

The International The initiative aims to Academy of Low Vision answer questions that Specialists is pleased those with low vision to announce the and their loved ones launch of a stand- and caregivers, may alone website, have by addressing its www.lowvisioneyedoc causes and warning tors.com, dedicated to signs as well as vision- educating consumers enhancing devices and about low vision and medical solutions. its solutions. The site was created to serve The website design is as an online resource fully functional for low for people with vision vision users. It offers impairment due to an easy-to-navigate macular degeneration, layout and diabetic retinopathy, incorporates several specialty functions, Vision Access: Fall 2013 49 including font size and website, contact Dr. contrast buttons, a Richard Shuldiner, doctor locator called Founder, International "Find a Low Vision Academy of Low Vision Specialist," and a Low Specialists at Vision Resource feed. Doctor@lowvisioncare. com or visit In addition to the www.lowvisioneyedoc website launch, tors.com or consumer outreach www.ialvs.com. efforts promoting it to key aging publications Tidbits such as Mature Living, compiled by Mike Lions Club Magazine, Keithley Good Old Days, and

Living Well are Here is a blog for underway. To learn those looking to use more about The an Android phone with International Academy large print (or why of Low Vision you might consider Specialists' low vision 50 Vision Access: Fall 2013

Android as a large developed by print user): Transition qchristensen.wordpres Technologies S.A. that s.com/ performs color recognition, light AI Squared has just detection, launched a ZoomText magnification, Certification Program. scanning, and There are two tiers of generating bar and QR certification: codes. Access Essentials and applevis.com/apps/io Professional. more s/utilities/seeingassis information is tant-home-lite. available at www.aisquared.com/n IBUG, the iOS Blind ews/more/ Users Group, offers zoomtext_certification weekly training, a _program_launched. conference, calls, podcasts, and other SeeingAssistant-Home events. Access LITE is a free iOS App www.ibugtoday.com/. Vision Access: Fall 2013 51

There is a new and funders and program where fellowships for future Microsoft technicians disability leaders. repair sick computers. More information is Call 800 936-5900. available at respectabilityusa.org. A new national non- profit organization The Access Board is called RespectAbility looking for input on has just launched with making exercise the mission of equipment more reshaping attitudes of accessible to people American society and with visual empowering people impairments. Access it with disabilities so at that they can more www.surveygizmo.co fully participate in and m/s3/1328259/Exerci contribute to society. se-Machine-Survey. The organization has announced trainings Accessibility.tv is the for disability leaders only Internet TV 52 Vision Access: Fall 2013 station dedicated to Library of Medicine, accessibility and both part of the assistive technology National Institutes of products. This website Health. Maintaining is not selling anything your vision as you get but shares videos older is vital to health divided into two and well-being. Even if categories: Vendor you enjoy good vision and product. The now, it's important to service is operated by practice good eye care volunteers; and if you to make sure your are interested in vision is as good as it helping us, please call can be as you age. To Pat Fisher at 866-539- learn about ways to 4357. keep your eyes healthy, visit the new NIHSeniorHealth.gov "Healthy Eyes" topic is a senior-friendly on website from the nihseniorhealth.gov. National Institute on Aging and the National Vision Access: Fall 2013 53

Request for and Project Insight, Contributions and for funding the Carl E. Foley and Fred Scheigert CCLVI gratefully Scholarships. Please accepts contributions send contributions to from readers and CCLVI Treasurer, Mike members to help pay Godino, 104 Tilrose for the costs of Avenue, Malverne, NY publishing Vision 11565-2040. Our Tax Access, the costs ID number is related to our 800 line 1317540. 54 Vision Access: Fall 2013

Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, an 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 …

 New member at large. Vision Access: Fall 2013 55

 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  Audio CD  Data CD  Do not send 56 Vision Access: Fall 2013

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 Phone: 800-733-2258 Vision Access: Fall 2013 57

* 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]

NYSCCLV: New York State Council of Citizens with Low Vision See www.cclvi.org for [email protected] online membership application. 58 Vision Access: Fall 2013

Officers and Board 2nd Vice President of Directors Donna Pomerantz, (1st term ends 7/14)

Officers Pasadena, CA 626-844-4388 (H),

President 626-233-2991 (C) Jim Jirak, (1st term [email protected] ends 7/14) Omaha, NE Recording Secretary 402-679-8448 (C) Lindsey Tilden, (1st [email protected] term ends 7/14) Vista, CA

1st Vice President [email protected] Dan Smith, (partial term ends 7/14) Treasurer San Lorenzo, CA Mike Godino, (5th 510-481-7204 term ends 7/14) [email protected] Malverne, NY 516-887-1336 [email protected] Vision Access: Fall 2013 59

Immediate Past 407-929-9837 (C) President [email protected] Richard Rueda Union City, CA Grady Ebert (2nd term 510-324-0418 (H), ends 7/16) 510-825-4106 (C) Natchitoches, LA immediatepastpreside [email protected] Bianca Knight (1st term ends 7/16) Board of Directors Nashville, TN 704-307-1266 (C) Michael Byington (1st [email protected] term ends 7/15)

Topeka, KS Allen Casey (1st term 785-221-7111 (C) ends 7/14) michael.byington@cclvi Graham, NC .org 336-222-0201 (H) [email protected] Leslie Spoone (1st term ends 7/15) Orlando, FL 60 Vision Access: Fall 2013

Melody Banks (1st Kathy Farina (Partial term ends 7/16) term ends 7/14) Cincinnati, OH Albany, NY 513-745-0367 518-449-1581 [email protected] [email protected]

Fred Scheigert (Partial Ex-Officio term ends 7/14)

Saratoga Springs, NY Vision Access Editor 518-306-4287 Mike Keithley [email protected] [email protected]

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