Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011

1 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 Vision Access

A Magazine by, for and about People with Low Vision

Volume 18, Number 4 Winter, 2011

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

Council of Citizens with Low Vision International 2200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 650 Arlington, VA 22201 1 800 733 2258 www.cclvi.org [email protected] 2 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011

Views expressed in Vision Access are those of the individual contributors and 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 ramifications. Submissions are best made as attachments to email. Submissions 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 Joyce 3 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 Kleiber, Editor, 6 Hillside Rd., Wayne, PA 19087, [email protected]

Publications Committee

Bernice Kandarian Matt Kickbush Joyce Kleiber Sarah Peterson Valerie Ries-Lerman Mike Vogl

Contents From the Editor…………………………….………...... 5 Organization News President’s Message, By Richard Rueda……….7 Best Practices Guidelines for Use with Large Print, By Richard Rueda…………………… 10 Requests from Convention Planning Committee, by Lisa Drzewucki………………..12 4 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 Chapters Report on Advocacy……….. 13 Let’s Talk Low Vision Teleconference Schedule……………………………………………...16 What Readers Want to Know By Valerie Ries-Lerman……………………………..17 Science and Health Preventing Infections During Eye Injections Reported by Betty Pannell……………………….18

Make a Plan To Manage Diabetes and

Prevent Complications…………………………..19

People Running Cross Country Despite Stargardt’s Disease, Summarized by Michael Vogl……..20 Quality of Life Beep Ball, College Prep, and Scott MacIntyre: A Glimpse of the Summer Camps That Changed My Life, By Sarah Peterson………...24 Vision Impaired Need More Accessible 5 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 Materials……………………………………………….38 Connecting with an Appropriate Mental Health Professional When You Have Low Vision, By Joyce Kleiber…………………………………….40 Request for Contributions……………………………………..46 Resources……………………………………………………………46 CCLVI 2012 Application…………………………………………47 CCLVI Officers and Board Members………………..…..….49 CCLVI Chapters……………………………..…………………….51

From the Editor

Were you surprised attempting to phase in when you opened the the recommendations of large print version of CCLVI’s Large Print Vision Access? In this Committee. This edition, we are committee, headed by 6 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 Tom Lealos, worked Practices Guidelines for diligently for two years Use with Large Print,” to develop a document and then go to entitled “Best Practice www.CCLVI.org to read Guidelines for Use with the document prepared Large Print.” by our Large Print Committee. Let us So in addition to the know what you think 18 pt. bold Verdana font about these changes. which we introduced in Call us at 800-733- the Fall, 2011 edition, 2258 or email to the we have increased the editor, space between lines [email protected] from single to 1.5 space. . Please put “Vision Then we’ve added a line Access” in the subject between paragraphs. line of your email message. In this magazine read Richard Rueda’s Thanks to everyone article entitled “Best who contributed 7 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 articles and ideas to Access. Happy New this issue of Vision Year! JMK, 12/9/2011.

Organization News President’s Message, By Richard Rueda

As 2011 collides into face of our 2012, we pause and organization. Namely give thanks to another this summer many of year of health and our current board good cheer. members will either term out and or move CCLVI continues to onward to pursue new provide its members adventures in their with opportunities to lives. Others who assist the organization have chaired our in moving forward. In committees will also 2012 we will see quite be stepping down from a few changes to the leadership posts to 8 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 spend more time with organization. And family, work and quite honestly my personal projects that reply is “It’s what you they selflessly make of it.” And if postponed to serve enough people pitch in CCLVI. and remain focused

and determined, a lot This is where you of great work can be our members come in. done. The challenge CCLVI, like many comes with not only affiliates in ACB and finding the right local state councils person for the right and chapters is eager job, but also to be the best it can prioritizing what the with limited but committee and meaningful resources. organization as a Often people ask me whole can truly what it’s like to be in a accomplish and then leadership role and do it with pride. The help move along an 9 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 last thing here is for other interested each volunteer to only individuals to take accept a small amount what I am posting of volunteer jobs in here to heart. any given Challenge yourselves organization. The in 2012 to become challenge is to find the engaged in CCLVI. courage to say "no" Take the torch and when you are feeling carry with pride our that you are at the values and beliefs that tipping point and to people with low vision find others in your can and should be circle, who share active participants in likeminded values and the worldwide can and are willing to community. pitch in. I am President of With that, I want to this organization strongly urge our through mid-July. I members, readers and want you to know that 10 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 together we can do where your passion great things. Please can be matched with call upon me to help CCLVI's offerings. My you see what you can phone number is do. I hope to hear 510.825.4106. Or from all of you who email to read this and consult richardrueda@sbcglob with you to determine al.net.

Best Practice Guidelines for Use with Large Print By Richard Rueda Editor’s Note: Richard For nearly two years Rueda, CCLVI now the Council of President, addressed Citizens with Low the following Vision International comments to ACB (CCLVI) Large Print leaders, friends and Committee has been colleagues. 11 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 working on best vision to review and practice guidelines for share this well use with large print thought out document document creation and with others. This distribution. By now document features some of you may have researched received a copy of information on some these guidelines in the useful ways in which mail or had reviewed the low vision them during our community can best conference in Reno benefit. this past July. The document is Recently we put meant to be opened these guidelines up on and printed and read CCLVI's web page and (if appropriate) to see invite you and your how this project truly colleagues and other was meant to be professionals working adapted. in the field of low 12 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 The URL to find the http://cclvi.org/resou Word and PDF rces.html and document is: www.cclvi.org

Requests from Convention Planning Committee By Lisa Drzewucki I know it probably planning and we have seems like this year's two questions for you convention just ended, all: but it's already time to 1. Several people start thinking about expressed an interest next year. The current in joining the committee. I will be committee, which is reaching out to them, comprised of myself, but would love to hear Richard Rueda, and from anyone else who Kathy Casey, met by might like to get phone to begin 13 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 involved. . us know, and feel free

to give us constructive 2. What would you like feedback about last to see, in terms of year. Email me at programming and [email protected] events, at next year’s m. convention? Please let

Chapters Report on Advocacy

Metropolitan Council of community leaders, elected Low Vision Individuals officials and advocates "Looking Good Looking Close" discussed the future of all modes of local transportation In November, the Metro including walking, paratransit Chapter was invited by the and public transit. Manhattan Borough President's Office to Chapter President Ken participate in "Transportation Stewart was a member of one 2030." At this one-day of the presenting panels. This conference about 450 14 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 panel included the City Manhattan intersection is Department of certainly a giant feather in Transportation's point man on PASS's cap. the recent celebrated redesign of one midtown Manhattan Lighting Advocacy at Work intersection which received within NCCLV accessible pedestrian signals and detectable warning strips National Capital Citizens at all four corners and on with Low Vision members and median strips too! friends have noticed a major decline recently in the lighting

The Metro Chapter in Metrorail stations in the continues to be an active Washington, DC metro area. In member of the coalition of response, we have formed a blind, vision impaired, and Lighting Committee. The seniors’ groups comprising members of this committee are "PASS", Pedestrians for very passionate about this Accessible and Safe Streets. topic! We’ve been busy That now very accessible advocating for our need to 15 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 traverse safely and efficiently --Possible solutions throughout the rail system. --Provided testimonials by Metrorail users with low vision We were invited to present our case at the Washington WMATA was impressed with Metropolitan Area Transit our detailed reports and Authority (WMATA) Bus/Rail willingness to establish a Subcommittee of the partnership with them Accessibility Advisory regarding issues related to low Committee meeting on vision. This will be our November 14, 2011. (Now, strategy going forward. Our isn’t that a mouthful?) During committee is excited and this meeting, we identified: hopeful that we can create sustainable change. We’ve --Stations with major lighting already seen some issues that impact customers improvement in the lighting! with low vision We’ve been invited back to the --Lighting issues next Subcommittee meeting on --Consequences of poor lighting December 12th where these for customers with low vision 16 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 issues will be discussed with lighting personnel at WMATA. What are YOU passionate about? Get involved. Don’t This advocacy work has also wait for someone else to fix attracted people to NCCLV. The your problem. Lighting Committee To learn more about NCCLV, encourages the chapters, CCLVI contact Barbara Milleville, and all readers of Vision Access President, at [email protected] to advocate! or 703-645-8716.

Let’s Talk Low Vision Teleconference Schedule Join us for the January 17, 2012 following The I Phone 4s with Siri: teleconferences with Dr. Is this the most Bill Takeshita by calling accessible cell phone for 218-339-2699, ID# the visually impaired? 764516 at 5:30pm Pacific time, 8:30pm February 21, 2012 Eastern time. 17 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 The best advice for April17, 2012 dating with low vision What’s new in video March20, 2012 magnifiers? What are telescopic glasses and who will benefit? What Reader's Want To Know By Valerie Ries-Lerman

Question: What do workup. She talked to you do when someone is me as if I wasn't an offering assistance, but adult on equal footing is patronizing? This with her. happens far too often. I Does your visual was at a doctor's office. disability sometimes get A nurse was taking me misinterpreted as a lack back to the waiting room of maturity or a lack of for the pre-appointment intelligence? Are you 18 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 sometimes "talked down Are there any ideas out to?" How do you deal there for a quick with this in an effective comeback that's friendly manner? but to the point? Please email your response or I'm afraid my comments to: feather's get ruffled and sacramentovalerie@yaho I don't handle these o.com. situations very well.

Science and Health Preventing Infections During Eye Injections Reported by Betty Pannell

In a study reported by minutes of talking over an Reuters Health August imaginary patient, 11, 2011, researchers unmasked volunteers found that in just a few representing doctors 19 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 spewed out bacteria anything conclusively," which could potentially said study author Dr. land on eyes or injection Colin McCannel, from the needles and cause Jules Stein Eye Institute infection. Some of these at the University of infections are caused by a California, Los Angeles, type of bacterium, "my advice to patients Streptococcus, that's would be, until the common in the mouth. injection is complete ... minimize conversation or Although the new talking finding "doesn't prove with the physician."

Make a Plan to Manage Diabetes and Prevent Complications

Many people with setting goals for their diabetes can avoid long- health and taking steps term problems by 20 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 to manage their diabetes and Small Steps diabetes. Big Rewards, Your GAME PLAN to Prevent Type 2 Visit the “Make a Plan” Diabetes to prevent or section of the National delay diabetes and its Diabetes Education complications. Order Program (NDEP) these free resources and Diabetes HealthSense others by visiting the webpage. In addition, NDEP website at check out the NDEP 4 www.YourDiabetesInfo. Steps to Control Your org or calling 1-888-693- Diabetes For Life to learn NDEP (1-888-693-6337), more about managing TTY: 1-866-569-1162.

People Running Cross Country Despite Stargardt’s Disease Summarized by Michael Vogl 21 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 Editor’s Note: This time or place or article is a summary of anything, I just run a report from because I love it, and TODAY.com by Lisa A. I’m glad I can share Flam, a TODAY.com my love of running contributor. with Chloe now,” says http://today.msnbc.m Sami, a junior at sn.com/id/45034031/ Lexington High School ns/today- who’s on the junior today_health/ varsity cross country team. Sami Stoner is Sami won a waiver running proof that from the state high adversity doesn’t have school athletic to keep you from the association that allows finish line. A legally her to compete with a blind 16-year-old dog. The golden runner, Sami is retriever, who guides traversing cross- Sami through the country courses with crowded hallways at her new guide dog, school, also takes her Chloe, and is believed safely through the to be the first high running trails. “She school athlete in her watches out and picks home state of Ohio to the clearest path for compete with an me,” Sami says animal. cheerfully. “The ways

she moves, I can feel “I don’t run for 22 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 it in her harness, so to fall flat on your she has little ways to face,” Sami says. signal which way to go “She’s given me a lot and what to do.” more confidence in my Sami and Chloe are running.” usually passing other competitors by the “It’s an amazing, first mile on the 5- scary thing to see her kilometer (3.1-mile) take off and all you course. Sami is can do is pray that ineligible to score, and everybody comes back she must avoid finish- safely. This is my line chutes if they’re baby,” says Sami's deemed too narrow. dad, Keith. “She’s not necessarily up there Running with just collecting a medal at some peripheral vision end is scary, Sami says. of the race, but in our But Chloe is highly heart she does win focused, and helps them all.” Sami feel secure enough to improve her Sami began running personal record to cross-country in 29:53. eighth grade, and by the end of that school “There is still a year, her vision little element of being deteriorated and she terrified you’re going became legally blind 23 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 with untreatable dream. Stargardt's disease. “I just hope people In high school, she learn that just because first teamed up with a you have a disability friend, Hannah or some kind of Ticoras, who ran disadvantage that it’s alongside her as a not the end of the guide. “All I wanted world,” says Sami, to do was run, and who has a 4.0 grade running with Hannah point average this gave me that year. “You can still do opportunity,” says stuff, you just have to Sami. When Hannah find a way of doing it.” graduated, Sami had the opportunity to get a guide dog to help her carry on her

Quality of Life Beep Ball, College Prep, and Scott MacIntyre: A Glimpse of the 24 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 Summer Camps That Changed My Life, By Sarah Peterson

Loneliness and low self and, once self-esteem are discovered, embrace it seemingly two of the wholeheartedly. I also most common feelings think this battle might experienced during the be more difficult for turbulence of those confronting a adolescence, when the unique situation, yearning for acceptance specifically an is perhaps the most impairment of some fervent. I think most kind. The sting of such would agree that the a predicament is tender teenage years probably the worst are often accompanied during a period defined by the individual’s by the fight to be desire to know that he “normal.” or she is not alone in the struggle to find one’s 25 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 As the only visually assume that I would impaired student in my never meet anyone who small Kansas understood. But community, I certainly beginning at age twelve, did not successfully I received one master the art of opportunity after “blending in.” another to learn that I Throughout my was mistaken. Three childhood, I consistently very special, very encountered bantering unique camps I about my glasses with eventually attended their substantially thick equipped me with the lenses and stares as my confidence to face my orientation and mobility disability head-on and instructor gave me perceive it as something white cane training on beautiful, as well as the school grounds. pride to share my story with others. The For quite some time, I experiences I enjoyed at sincerely began to 26 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 these camps and the everything around her. lifelong friendships I I had always listened discovered there were enviously as other genuine blessings that children spoke of enabled me to not staying in cabins, simply survive the most spending entire summer difficult period of my days at the lake, development, but also to enjoying nightly flourish. campfires munching on s’mores, and simply My very first camp discovering all the joys adventure occurred nature has to offer, when I was twelve greatly saddened that I years old. I had never possessed no similar attended a summer exciting experiences to camp before, likely since share. One day during the great outdoors is not the sixth grade, a close always a comforting friend described a environment for a child summer camp her eye who cannot see 27 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 doctor had told her Made possible by the about, a camp Envision Rehabilitation exclusively for youth Center, Via Christi with low vision. I had Hospital, and women of no clue such a Wichita State wonderful thing existed! University’s chapter of Heather’s Camp, Delta Gamma Fraternity established in 2001 and (an organization of based out of Rock which Heather had been Springs near Junction an active member), City, Kansas, was Heather’s Camp created to honor the provides a safe, fun memory of Heather place where children Muller, a woman with visual impairments passionate about can enjoy the full helping children with summer camp special needs who had experience. After been tragically killed in speaking with my a homicide years earlier. parents, we filled out 28 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 the paperwork, and on my role from camper an early August status to counselor. I morning, I embarked on now look forward to a three-day adventure returning each summer filled with canoeing, I am able to assist as a archery, arts and crafts, counselor, or serve in beep ball, hiking, whatever helpful horseback riding, capacity I can so that a campfires, swimming, child’s dream can come dancing, and making true. friends, surrounded by Heather’s Camp, in its some of the most effort to bring together precious individuals I now nearly seventy or had ever met. Those eighty Kansas youth three days marked the with visual impairments, beginning of an eight- has taught me that I am year involvement with certainly not the only Heather’s Camp, which one who possesses the eventually transformed burdens of these 29 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 circumstances. Eight opportunity to obtain years later, I possess such knowledge arose more confidence in with a suggestion from nature and anticipate my teacher of the many more years to visually impaired. She come with the many informed me about a friendships that Kansas State School for developed during those the Blind outreach sultry summer days. program called VIEWS, which stands for Of course, while no Visually Impaired one should grow too old Experience Work for things such as Success. VIEWS campfire songs and provided small groups of romps in the outdoors, I Kansas teens with low was in need of some vision an entire week of additional skills that fun and learning, would prepare me for a equipping them with summer job and confidence and skills eventually college. My 30 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 needed to return to know each other and summer jobs the Kansas teambuilding activities, State School for the we spent the night in Blind set up for each of comfortable cabins and them back in their embarked on our hometowns. The adventure of spending activities also offered a an entire week on the taste of college life, campus of Emporia encouraging the State University. students to consider Staying in the dorms post-secondary plans. and dining in the cafeteria, we attended In July, I joined a several engaging small group of teens workshops that taught with visual impairments us about college, the at a low and high ropes workplace, and how to course at a campground advocate for ourselves near Lawrence, Kansas. in each. One even After spending an prepared us for the afternoon of getting to 31 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 mock interview that Memorial Library, a eventually culminated milestone for which the the week. Other VIEWS program helped activities included an to prepare me. I spent orientation and mobility the remainder of the scavenger hunt in the summer totally in my mall, a day trip to a element, completely vision rehabilitation surrounded by books center in Topeka, and and assisting patrons multiple game nights obtain as much as with plenty of time to possible with what our become better library has to offer. acquainted with my After a day or two in fellow campers. orientation with my VIEWS outreach During the following coordinator, I possessed weeks of summer after the full confidence my return home, I needed for my summer worked daily at my job. The VIEWS hometown’s Jordaan 32 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 program, which and purchased my own unfortunately has laptop computer, my terminated due to lack teacher for the visually of funding, offered me impaired reminded me an opportunity to return that I needed to the following summer as enhance my technology a mentor for their other skills for college. With campers. To this day, I this in mind, she consistently utilize the informed me of skills with which VIEWS Envision’s Assistive has equipped me and I Technology Camp for continue to keep in teens with low vision touch with the that occurred every charming, courageous summer. After briefly individuals that I considering her befriended there. suggestion, I planned to attend yet another camp As I awaited my and a week full of rapidly approaching wonderful memory high school graduation 33 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 making. Envision’s AT mentors, people familiar Camp was jam-packed with this technology full of exciting, fun who could assist us things to do and learn. whenever we needed We spent four hours help. Throughout the each afternoon at either week, we learned all the Wichita State about System Access University or Envision and how to memorize computer labs learning the many keyboard about the laptop commands, sharpened computers each of us our Internet skills, and received and how to explored programs such utilize System Access, a as PowerPoint and keyboard shortcut Excel. We spent the program with voice majority of the time created especially for enriching our word individuals with low processing skills by vision. All campers composing individual were paired with resumes, job 34 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 applications, and cover various businesses letters. At the end of around Wichita and the week, each camper chatting with their composed a portfolio employees. Evenings that included each of were filled with fun these items and activities such as participated in a mock bowling, board games, interview, which helped and general us to know what to socialization. Favorite expect when applying memories of the for a real job. Following campers always our efforts, we were all included the inspiring treated to a professional discussions we enjoyed business luncheon at with various individuals, the Petroleum Club whether it was a accompanied by the CEO successful employee of Envision. Outside of with low vision at a the lab, we spent our bank, the coordinator of mornings touring WSU’s student disability 35 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 services, or a phone I am now fully conference with 2009 beginning to realize how American Idol finalist very blessed I am, Scott MacIntyre. Like having received the Heather’s Camp and opportunity to attend VIEWS, I was blessed camps, one after with being requested to another, for visually return as a mentor the impaired youth. I following summer. sincerely feel that each Entering college, I was a response to the credited much of my cry in my heart and an success and confidence answer to my prayers. to AT Camp and all the The camaraderie I skills it provided me encountered at each with, not to mention the equipped me with the many inspiring confidence and strength individuals who made an to both persevere and impact on my life. thrive as a low-sighted individual in a highly 36 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 seeing world. Once I people I know. I now conquered the first (and realize that my task is to most difficult) task of encourage people to all, simply being open openly discuss their about my vision and vision and actively seek accepting the risk to ask the rewarding situations questions, my loneliness it can create. While I quickly diminished as I seemingly stumbled received more and more across my camps, I opportunities to gather know that sometimes with people only the best of understanding of my opportunities must be situation. I also walked consistently searched away with pride, a joyful for with perseverance. heart-swelling sensation Counseling and when I recall that my mentoring were also low vision associates me milestones to which I with some of the most did not even dream beautiful, courageous 37 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 these camps would lead big ideas, as crazy or as me. unrealistic as they may seem, especially if they Because I accepted can lead to changing these offers, I realized lives. Despite the tough that a large part of my economic situation, we calling is to advocate for must also work to raise individuals with low awareness to our state vision, especially youth, and federal whenever possible. governments of the dire Unfortunately, as I have need for funding for learned the hard way, these programs. I hate camps like Heather’s to think of the hundreds Camp, VIEWS, and of teens who could not Assistive Technology have been helped by Camp are only made VIEWS simply because possible through of a lack of money. creativity, effort, and While the camps funding. I plead with all provided me with people to never dismiss 38 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 necessary skills and reminding me that I am lifelong friendships, never alone in my trials they have also enabled and always have a me to embrace myself reason to rejoice. and my circumstances,

__._,_.___ Vision Impaired Need More Accessible Materials

Editor’s Note: This material accessibility for information was students with reported in the disabilities. It calls for Pennsylvania Council of establishment of a the Blind Listserv. process to create uniform accessibility A new U.S. Department industry guidelines and of Education report emphasizes the dated 12/9/2011 importance of addresses course compliance with civil- 39 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 rights laws for solutions, technology, institutions of higher institution capacity education. building, and demonstration projects.

The 175-page report, from the Advisory “Commission members Commission on agree that a potentially Accessible Instructional viable accessible digital Materials in marketplace is emerging Postsecondary Education in some areas, but there for Students with is not agreement that Disabilities, took more this progress is than a year to write and occurring within all was mandated by the components of the Higher Education instructional materials Opportunity Act of 2008. enterprise,” the report It offers numerous said. “While textbook findings and calls to publishers and a number action in the areas of of e-text vendors are legal and policy, market moving to incorporate 40 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 accessibility into their instructional practice are products, some less proactive.” developers of web Here is a direct link to applications, social download the report media and productivity http://dl.dropbox.com/u software used to support /5975417/aim- postsecondary report.doc

Connecting with an Appropriate Mental Health Professional When You Have Low Vision By Joyce Kleiber 41 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 Editor’s Note: This a complex process for article was inspired by anyone; but there is and based on a even more to consider presentation by Jessie when we have low Rayl, MA, LPC, ASPS. vision. Jessie spoke at the Initially we will want American Psychology to ensure that our Association’s meeting therapist is covered by on Women with our insurance or has a Disabilities in October sliding fee scale or can 2011. accept our payments. Then we will want to As we go through life, know whether our we may benefit from therapist has sufficient professional training to address our counseling. Finding a needs, whether these mental health be individual, family, or professional with whom marriage/couples we want to work can be counseling, sexual 42 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 abuse, trauma, and disabilities in general others. Is our therapist and with people who culturally competent in have low vision compliance with his or specifically. They may her regulating be functioning with mandates from archaic beliefs about professional codes? what we have Then we will want to experienced and what consider “How do I, a we are capable of person with low vision, accomplishing. We may connect with my well be their educators therapist?” in this regard. Our low Beyond what they vision may evoke learned in their feelings of vulnerability educational settings, in our therapist. We therapists may have may have to explain to had little or no our therapist what it is experience in working like to have low vision. with people with We can help our 43 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 therapist to understand Some mental health our world. concerns may result Then we may simply directly from having need to be assertive low vision. Having low and state what we vision can have believe is the problem. emotional challenges Here are some and counseling can help examples: “I’m to address these. We depressed,” “I’m may be depressed or anxious and worry all anxious because of our the time,” “I am having low vision. Loss issues difficulties with my related to our disability family who try to hold should be explored. me back,” “My husband These losses may and I have include loss of vision, communication changes in our problems,” “I am perception of what we having difficulties with can do, the need to socializing/dating.” modify our life, changes 44 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 in responses of our and be assisted through family and friends, and the grief process. many others. Our Family counseling hopes and aspirations may be helpful because may need to be members of our modified; income and families often go security may be through an adjustment threatened; our phase as well and may position in the family be experiencing stress and social structure because a member of may be altered, and their family has a feelings of helplessness disability. and weakness may In a therapy session replace a former sense we may not be able to of strength and make eye contact or competence. It is read the facial essential that we be expressions of our permitted to experience therapists. It may be and grieve these losses important to tell our 45 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 therapists that we have be included in the this limitation. Good dynamics of the therapists will session. compensate for this by There can be other using words to convey reasons apart from our feeling and other low vision for feeling responses. Our depressed, anxious or difficulty in reading for having relationship emotions portrayed by problems. These, too, facial expressions may deserve professional pose problems in family attention. counseling session Connecting with a where many people professional is much may be communicating like any other nonverbally. But astute connection with people therapists will describe —some people relate the nonverbal well to one another, communication that some simply do not. occurs so that we will When a connection is 46 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 not made, it may be no expectations. If no fault of ours or of the resolution is reached, therapist. When this then perhaps a referral happens, we can talk to another professional openly with our will be necessary. therapist about this. When the problem is Perhaps this problem discussed and resolved, can be resolved by we can focus on our addressing transference healing which is the or countertransference purpose of seeking issues, communication mental health problems, and treatment differences in . 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 47 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 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.

Resources

Convention Planning sacramentovalerie@yah Committee oo.com [email protected]

Dept. of Education Report http://dl.dropbox.co m/u/5975417/aim- report.doc

Managing Diabetes www.yourDiabetesI nfo.org 888-693-6337

Readers Want to Know 48 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, An Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind 2012 Membership Application Name______Address______City______State _____ Zip Code ___ Country ______Phone ______E-Mail ______Membership Status: I am: ___ New member. ____ Life member of CCLVI. ___ Renewing my membership. ___ Life member of ACB. ------Visual Status: I am a: ___ person with low/no vision. ___ fully sighted person. ------I wish to receive the CCLVI publication, Vision Access in: ___ Large print ___ Cassette ___ E-mail ___ Audio CD _____Data CD _____Do not send ------Please send the American Council of the Blind Braille Forum in: ___ Large Print ___ Cassette ___ Computer Disk ___ E-mail ___Braille ___ Do Not Send 49 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 ------Dues Structure (Payable in up to three annual installments): _____ Individual $15.00 _____ Organization or Agency $25.00 _____ Life Member $150.00 ------Payment Due: $______Annual Dues $______Life Membership Dues (full or installment) $______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 Ph: 800-733-2258 www.cclvi.org

For Office Use Only: Date Paid:_____ Date of Dep_____ Check #_____, $_____Cash 50 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 Council of Citizens with Low Vision International 2200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 650 Arlington, VA 22201 (800) 733-2258 http://www.cclvi.org

Officers and Directors 2009-2010President Richard Rueda, Union City, CA 510-324-0418 h 510-825-4106 c President Porter’s Corners, NY Richard Rueda, Union City, CA Secretary 510-324-0418 h Kathy Casey, 510-825-4106 c Albany, NY [email protected] Mike Godino, 1st Vice President Malverne, NY Lisa Drzewucki, Past President Freeport, NY 11520 John A. Horst. 2nd Vice President Elizabethtown PA Fred Scheigert,

Board of Directors 51 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 Allan Casey Editor: Graham, NC Vision Access Joyce Kleiber Coletta Davis, Wayne, PA Anaheim, CA jmkleiber@hotmail .com Grady Ebert, Natchitoches, LA Webmaster To be filled. Reba Landry Pittsburgh, PA

Tom Lealos, Powell, WY

John McMahon, Readfield, ME

Brian Petraits, Indianapolis, IN

Donna Pomerantz, Pasadena, CA

Lindsey Tilden, San Diego, CA

CCLVI Chapter Contacts 52 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 California Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCCLV) Bernice Kandarian, President 650 969-3155 [email protected]

Delaware Valley Council of Citizens with Low Vision (DVCCLV) Joyce Kleiber 610 688-8398 [email protected]

Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision (FCCLV) Barbara Grill 941 966-7056 [email protected]

Metropolitan Council of Low Vision Individuals (MCLVI) Ken Stewart, President 845 986-2955 [email protected]

National Capital Citizens with Low Vision (NCCLV) Barbara Milleville, President 703 645-8716 53 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011 [email protected]

New York State Council of Citizens with Low Vision (NYSCCLV) Kathy Casey, President 518 462-9487 [email protected] 54 Vision Access, Vol. 18, No. 4 Winter, 2011