THE OBSERVER
WINTER 2009
Vol. 60, No. 1
Bernice, John and Jocelyn DeHaas Editors
Montana Association For The Blind
PO Box 465
Helena, MT 59624
(406) 442-9411
affiliate of
The National Federation of the Blind
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The mission of the Montana Association for the Blind is to promote the social and
economic self-sufficiency of blind and low vision Montanans through the
facilitation of quality education, learning, training and employment services and
opportunities, and to foster a positive understanding of blindness.
Our vision is of a Montana in which blindness is perceived and understood to be
an ordinary and respectable part of life, and in which the skills and tools of
blindness are readily available to all who may benefit from them. We envision an
environment in which blind and low vision Montanans have ample and equal
opportunities to learn, to achieve, and to contribute in our homes, communities,
state and nation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
President’s Message
Montana Association for the Blind
National Federation of the Blind
Summer Orientation Program
Camp Eureka!
Scholarship
Convention 2009
Continued Learning Opportunities
Chapter Reports
“That’s all, Folks”
Page Number
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5
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The Montana Association for the Blind is a member of Montana Shares and
receives all of the money designated for MAB as well as a portion of the
undesignated monies. The Montana Shares is now receiving items to be raffled
off; ticket sales will begin soon. Not only does the MAB receive money because
of its membership, but also has an advantage of networking with the
organization. Montana Shares alerted its members to the grant opportunity that
led to a sizeable amount of money that will enable SOP to operate in 2009.
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OBSERVER
Winter 2009
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Spring is finally on the way, despite March cold and snow. Song birds have
returned, and bulbs are sprouting in the garden. I have at least three crocuses
blooming close to the south wall of the house.
That means work for the 2009 Summer Orientation Program is well under
way and, since it's a legislative year, things are hopping in Helena at the Capitol.
At this stage, we are trying to get stimulus funding for Newsline and the
Montana Radio Reading Service, other funding hopes having faded with the
reduced state revenues resulting from the economic crisis. At this writing,
nothing is certain, but our supporters in the House are very hopeful. That's
encouraging as Newsline funding has run out while Radio Reading Service is
seeing its revenues drying up in this tough climate. Generally, it's a good time to
contact your Representatives and Senators in Helena to advocate for stimulus
funding for these accessible newspaper services. Contact me at 406-546-8546 to
see where we are by the time you read this Observer.
We've also had to respond in this session to a number of threats to our
continued access to private, independent voting with the AutoMARK machines.
The last of these remaining is SB 394, which in the form passed by the Senate
would eliminate AutoMARKs and violate federal voting laws. The bill calls for
mail-only balloting, but makes no provisions for changing other state laws,
leaving accessible voting for the blind out in the cold. The bill is scheduled for
hearing in the House on Friday, March 20th, and we will try to cut it off there.
On the national level, the Louis Braille Commemorative Coin is scheduled
for release on March 26th. The commemorative coin is being struck in honor of
Louis Braille’s 200th birth year, and was promoted by the NFB. All three members
of Montana’s Congressional delegation voted for the coin in 2006. Funding from
this coin will be used to launch a nation-wide Braille literacy and awareness
campaign to combat the deplorably low literacy rate among blind children.
Currently, only 10 percent of blind children learn Braille, a statistic that would not
be tolerated among sighted children. Ten dollars from the sale of each coin will
go to this effort, but only after the Mint recovers the entire cost of the coin. Four
hundred thousand are being minted.
The coin will feature the first tactilely readable Braille on a US coin ever,
and will sell for $31.95 for an uncirculated coin, and $37.95 for proofed versions.
These are collector's items (not spending money), and will only increase in value,
so they'll be an excellent investment in today's uncertain investment climate.
They can be purchased online from the US Mint, whose web site can be reached
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by a link at: www.braille.org or at www.usmint.gov after the release date.
Finally, and in many ways most importantly, I want to offer my sincere
thanks to John and Bernice DeHaas for their dedication and hard work over the
past four years as editors of the MAB Observer. John and Bernice will retire from
their joint editorship with this issue. The Observer is a crucial communication
tool for the MAB and its members, and John and Bernice have done a
tremendous job with it. Please join me in offering them our deep and humble
gratitude for their immeasurable contribution to the MAB!
MONTANA ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
As many of you know, the MAB has felt the pinch of the economic
downturn. Last fall the Board of Directors adopted a bare-bones budget and had
to cut many worthwhile programs. Since then there have been several follow-up
teleconferences of the Board. Even our flagship program, the Summer
Orientation Program, was endangered. However, thanks to Montana Shares, the
MAB was alerted to a one-time grant opportunity through the Montana Attorney
General’s Office. It had to be health-related as the funds came from a settlement
with companies that had overcharged for certain items. Jim Marks wrote a very
successful grant proposal and the MAB received $50,000 which allowed it to
finish paying Carroll College for the remainder of 2008 charges and enough for a
good start on the 2009 expenses. Remember though, that more money is
needed, both for SOP and for other activities we want to support. Please
continue your plans for fund-raisers.
The MAB/SOP had a display at the convention of ophthalmologists in
March, and from all reports it was very successful, thanks to the efforts of Kay
Stevens, Vickie and Jerry Greaney (they “manned the table”), Donna and Ken
McCulloch, and Beth Wicks who put together an SOP brochure. It was a great
outreach effort that informed many of the professionals in the state. Hopefully
they will be aware of MAB and will refer their patients who might benefit from it.
2009 is the year the Montana Legislature meets. As usual, the MAB has
been involved. Testimony and messages from members helped defeat a bill that
would require a Montana driver’s license as identification to be able to vote – the
state issued picture ID would not be accepted. Currently the MAB is trying to
obtain money for Newsline and Radio Reading Service from the Stimulus Fund to
be received by the state. Another bill MAB is working to defeat is SB 394. This
bill would allow counties to go to mail balloting – no more AutoMark that allows
people to mark their ballots privately.
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NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
The national convention of the NFB will take place in Detroit, Michigan July
rd
3 to July 8th. As a part of the activities the annual March for Independence will
occur on July 6th.
March 26th is the date the Louis Braille commemorative will be released.
Details for ordering are given above. It is described as follows “The 2009 Louis
Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar features a portrait of Louis Braille on the
obverse (heads) side. The reverse (tails) side design depicts a child reading a
Braille book. The word INDEPENDENCE is displayed on a bookshelf behind the
child and the word Braille, abbreviated BRL in the Braille code, is featured in the
upper left.”
2009 marks the bicentennial birthdays of several other famous people:
Abraham Lincoln, Charles Darwin and Felix Mendelssohn. The Mint strikes only
two commemorative silver dollars each year; the other one for 2009 is Abraham
Lincoln.
SUMMER ORIENTATION PROGRAM
Well, Friends, here it is March and we are now taking applications for staff
and students. The students will arrive on June 14th and will return home on July
10th. We have a few new ideas but until I run it by the committee, I don’t want to
spoil the surprise. If any of you have any ideas that will spark the interest of the
students, please let me or one of the committee know. We always welcome new
ideas and suggestion to make our program better.
So let's get the word out to anyone you know that might need our program.
Get them an application from MAB office (406-442-9411), Blind and Low Vision
Service in your district, your MAB chapter president or one of the committee
members. Any of them will be able to get you the papers you need. We would
like to see the students’ applications in before the end of April. If you have any
questions give me a call.
People with Albertson’s cards are found all over the state. If you link your
Albertson’s card with our organization the MAB will receive 4% of your shopping
dollars. You may call 1-877-932-3949 or go to their web site,
www.albertsonscp.com and give your saving card number and the MAB ID #
49000107363. If you don’t have a card you can get one at any Albertson’s store.
Thank you for your support.
Kay Stevens 1-406-453-0452
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CAMP EUREKA!
I am sorry to tell you that the Camp Eureka! program will be suspended this
year due to insufficient funds. I simply was not able to secure the core funding
needed for the program. I will use this year to reassess the program in light of
the possibilities for future funding. The kids, their families and camp volunteers
are disappointed but also recognize the difficult times non-profit organizations are
facing this year.
Beth Underwood, Camp Eureka! Director
SCHOLARSHIP
The Emil A. Honka Scholarship applications are now available through
Montana colleges and universities, Blind and Low Vision Services, your Chapter
presidents and representatives and from Roberta Lemieux, 407 Orr Street, Miles
City, MT 59301 (406-234-2446).
All qualified students are urged to apply. To qualify you must be legally
blind, have a GPA of 2.5 or greater, submit an updated transcript, submit three
letters of reference (not from family members) and submit an eye doctor’s written
report.
This year the scholarship offered is $500. The application is due to the
committee members by May 15, 2009. Please submit your application or pass
this information on to a student who is interested. Good luck to all students who
apply.
Roberta Lemieux
2009 CONVENTION
The dates are October 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The place is Fairmont Hot Springs.
We don’t have any details as yet, but host Chapters Anaconda and Butte are
promising fun and education and well as the business of conducting MAB
business. “Be there or be square.”
MONTANA’S GEORGE KERSCHER
Montana's Kerscher Gets First Bolotin Award
George Kerscher, who has worked on new digital formats for access to
books and magazines by the blind for more than two decades, received one of
the first-ever Jacob Bolotin Awards at the 2008 National Federation of the Blind
convention last July in Dallas.
“I’m deeply honored and humbled to be given this award,” said Kerscher.
“Indeed, access to information is a fundamental human right. I said that at the
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United Nations in Bangkok in 2002.”
The awards were established by Bolotin’s family, and the NFB was asked
to create and distribute annual awards to those who have made significant
achievements as blind people, or contributions benefitting the blind. Bolotin’s
family wanted more than just a plaque to be given though, endowing the award
handsomely. Over $100,000 was given out in its first year. Kerscher received
$30,000 - the largest award for 2008.
George, a longtime Missoula resident, has both benefitted the blind and
accomplished great things as a blind person. After a career as teacher and
coach at various Bitterroot Valley high schools, he began graduate work in
Missoula, where he pioneered computerized textbooks at the University of
Montana in the 1980s, and later went to work for Recording for the Blind and
Dyslexic (RFB & D). He has been on loan to the international DAISY Consortium
for a dozen years or more, currently serving as its Secretary General.
The DAISY file format is the basis for accessible digital books distributed to
the blind and others with print disabilities by RFB & D, Bookshare.org and the
new digital formats being distributed by the NATIONAL Library Service for the
Blind. This is the format that is replacing books on tape. RFB & D ceased
offering cassette books in 2007. NLS is moving toward digital formats as well,
expecting that its 4-track cassettes and players will be worn out in the next
couple of years.
Kerscher's role in developing this new format has been pivotal. He's been
at the center of planning and coordinating a world-wide change and traveling well
over a million miles around the globe. In 2007 U of M awarded him an honorary
doctorate for his work on behalf of people who are blind or have other print
disabilities.
Jacob Bolotin was a blind physician - the first known blind doctor in the
United States - in the early part of the last century. If that isn't remarkable
enough, he was a frequent lecturer at the University of Chicago Medical School
in the area that became his particular specialty - the respiratory system. Despite
his considerable renown prior to his untimely death, Bolotin was nearly forgotten
by all but family members. In 2007, a surviving niece asked the NFB to publish a
biography she and her husband authored and to give an annual award in his
memory.
Dan Burke
[Editor’s note: My claim to fame is that George and I were roommates in a
Planned Independent Living Program conducted in Missoula by Low Vision
Services. At every opportunity he hitchhiked home to Hamilton where he was
then living. He has been an inspiration to us all.]
John DeHaas
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CALENDAR SALES
As 2009 begins, we are in the process of finishing the 2009 MAB Calendar
sales effort. My sincere thanks go to all the chapters that participated in this
annual fundraising effort for the MAB. Your hard work and the time spent selling
calendars show that you truly believe in and support the goals of the MAB.
Early reports from the chapters are that the calendars have sold well
around the state and again we have made a net profit in the sales of these
informational calendars. Individual sales figures for each chapter will be
presented at a later date when all chapters have reported their sales and
submitted their receipts. We estimate over 2300 calendars are in the hands of
the public and people now know where to get information on services and
support for their family members experiencing vision difficulties.
We have also distributed 150 calendars and informational inserts
supporting Newsline and Montana Radio Reading Service to all elected members
of the 2009 Session of the Legislature, to inform the elected members of state
government that the blind and low vision residents of Montana can and do
receive help and support from the Montana Association for the Blind.
Jerry Hutch, Calendar Chairman
CONTINUED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Thanks to Ken McCulloch, a “Functional Braille” class was conducted in
early March to introduce local members to using Braille when they use the
elevators, find their hotel rooms and mark clothing and other items. On July 25th
a computer class led by Doug Robinson of BLVS and coordinated through the
Bozeman campus of the Great Falls School of Technology will be held. The
software program to be used is GUIDE, simpler to learn and more intuitive than
JAWS. The estimated cost is about $20.00. People from throughout the state are
invited to attend. To learn more contact Ken and Donna McCulloch
([email protected], or call 406 556-7103)
CHAPTER NEWS
CAPITAL CITY CHAPTER
The Capital City Chapter has moved their meeting to The Waterford, on
Saddle Drive, a retirement apartment complex in Helena. This was voted on by
the membership and the move was a good one. Several of our members are
residents of The Waterford and they invite their neighbors to our meeting. We
continue to meet on the 4th Monday of each month at 2:30 PM.
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In November, we had our annual election for officers for the upcoming year
2009. The results are as follows: President: Jerry Hutch; Vice-President: Vicky
Greaney; Secretary: Mary James; Treasurer: Connie Hutch.
We also discussed our plans for our Christmas Party. We were planning to
celebrate Christmas at our December 15th meeting, a week earlier than our usual
meeting date. At the last minute we had to cancel our plans, as the weather did
not cooperate with these plans. The weather turned brutal and we were confined
to our homes and nobody really wanted to venture out in the cold.
December and January have not been happy months for our Chapter. We
have lost 3 members during this time. In December, Orris Anderson (husband of
Audrey) left this world. On January 24th, June Hill departed and Ann Wojcik
departed us on January 27th. Also in October, we lost Robert Taylor. We have
lost 4 members of the Capital City Chapter since the last Convention. May Their
Memory Be Eternal.
In January, we did one thing that was planned for the December’s meeting.
There was a gentleman in Helena with a vision problem that had passed away
and his son contacted the Chapter to say that he had some low vision aides and
would like to give them to our Chapter for our members to use. We are grateful
for this donation. Also, our representative to the Transportation Advisory
Committee (TAC) for the City of Helena gave us a report on the plans of the
Committee for the transit system of Helena.
At the February meeting, the Chapter plans a social event and gathering for
our members and residents of The Waterford who are interested in our activities.
This is to take the place of our Christmas gathering that we did not have in 2008.
In March, we plan to have a guest speaker and talk to our members about
attending the Summer Orientation Program this summer at Carroll College.
We hope that the New Year is good to everyone.
Jerry Hutch, Chapter President
SILVER BOW CHAPTER
We had a Thanksgiving lunch and a Christmas lunch but that is all. People
were out of town in January, but we will have something in February. I do not
have anything to report except that we have been working on the upcoming
convention this coming fall.
Vicki King
LELIA PROCTOR MEMORIAL CHAPTER
The Lelia Proctor Memorial Chapter of the MAB held their election of
officers for the 2009 year. The new President is Georgie Park; co-Vice
Presidents Aggie Gustufson and Vince Stephan; Treasurer Fay Pember; and
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Recording Secretary Fran Nicholas were elected. Congratulations all. Have a
good year!
Looking back over the past year, our chapter has had many good and
helpful speakers. At each meeting we have had an average of 16 members,
family and friends in attendance.
Our Chapter gathered at the Northridge Lutheran Church on December
th
12 , for the annual Christmas party. It was attended by 26 members and guests.
All were served a luncheon of fried chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad
and a dinner roll. The lunch was topped off by cake and ice cream. Everyone
had a wonderful time, and many enjoyed winning a door prize. Each of the
volunteer drivers was given a Christmas centerpiece to let them know that they
are truly appreciated and without them there would be many who would not be
able to attend our monthly meetings.
The January meeting was cancelled due to the weather and/or sickness.
We look forward to the February meeting and hope that all those who where ill
will be recovered.
The Lelia Proctor Memorial Chapter wishes all Chapters and their members
a very Happy New Year!
Fran Nicholas, Recording Secretary
WHITE CANE CHAPTER
Over past years the White Cane Chapter has planted four trees at the Frog
Ponds and two each in Kiwanis Park and Veterans’ Park. Also donated was a
cement bench in memory of “Bob and Doris Brassey” at the Frog Ponds, together
with two of the trees listed above. There is also a cement bench in memory of
“Bob Brassey,” along with the other two trees. They are located on the hill
overlooking the Frog Ponds and the Walking Trails in the Lewistown area.
Last November Danielle Bowen came from Helena and did a “walk
through” about the new crossing buttons/lights with Ed Durbin so he would know
how they work. He then shared the information with the rest of the Chapter.
More recently the highway department turned up the volume on the locating
buttons for crosswalks on 1st Avenue & Main Street and on 1st Ave. and
Boulevard.
Kay Stevens is now the District Representative. Patrick Yerman was
delegated to contact the MAB to see if they can give some ideas about getting
new members for the Chapter. Any suggestions from anyone reading this may
be sent to Lewistown White Cane Chapter, PO Box 3673, Lewistown, MT 59457.
They would be welcome.
Mary Lou Yerman
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BOZEMAN CHAPTER
This has been a busy winter for the Bozeman Chapter of the MAB. In
November the Bozeman Chapter met for its regular meeting. We made plans to
change our meeting days to Wednesdays; they will be held on the fourth
Wednesday of the month. Lee Hazlebaker, the director of the Streamline –
Galavan bus system gave an informative talk about public transportation in
Bozeman. After the meeting several of us met to make Christmas tree
decorations, making canes from beads and small decorative boxes from Holiday
greeting cards to be used as tree decorations. On November 18 a number of
members gathered to decorate a Christmas tree which was sold at a fundraiser
for Liberty Place in White Hall, a residential center for people with brain injuries,
some of whom are sight-impaired. The theme of the tree was “MAB, Giving the
Gift of Independence.”
On December 18th our chapter gathered at the Senior Citizen Center for a
holiday luncheon hosted by the Bozeman Lions Club. Donny Elliott provided
holiday music. We all enjoyed a wonderful lunch and time of visiting.
In December the Bozeman Chapter received word from the Waite
Foundation that it had received $3500. The board had decided to use those
funds to purchase low vision equipment that could be used to demonstrate the
latest technology to the public. Vendors who had attended the state convention
were contacted and three of them bid on or agreed to loan equipment needed to
set up a demonstration, including magnifiers, visual aids and a Pebble digital
magnifier. Ken McCulloch, Jenny Martin and Karen Benediktson are working on
making the arrangements to have the equipment displayed at the office of a local
ophthalmologist. The equipment will be on semi-permanent display and will be
available to be taken by the group to health fairs and other community events as
determined by the Chapter.
The January 23rd meeting was held at the Senior Citizens Center. Plans
were made for the Chapter’s 40th anniversary celebration. A presentation was
given by Beth Wicks on bills before the state legislature that related to blindness
and disabilities. This winter has seen members of our chapter making
appearances on various radio programs presented in Bozeman. On February
14th Beth and Donna were guests on KMMS’s Saturday Soap Box where they
discussed the Chapter’s upcoming anniversary celebration and topics pertaining
to low vision. On February 26th Ken and Donna appeared on the local public
radio stations Health Matters Program. They gave an informative presentation on
Braille the programs of the MAB and other services available for the visually
impaired. To listen to the program you may go to www.ypradio.org and search
the archives.
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The Bozeman Chapter celebrated its 40th Anniversary on February 18th at
the Bozeman Public Library. The event was attended by chapter members,
library staff, the mayor and members of the community. The chapter presented
gifts to the community in the form of print and Braille books that were given to the
Children’s Librarian and a tactile map which is being prepared by students in the
School of Architecture at Montana State University. Bernice DeHaas gave a brief
history of the chapter and the librarian gave a presentation on services provided
by the library. The low vision aides that will be available through our Chapter
were also demonstrated. There were information tables about the various MAB
programs, a table of low tech aides, and a Braille booth.
Ken and Donna presented a program to preschoolers at the Bozeman
Public Library’s story hour on February 20th. Ken demonstrated Braille by
providing each child and their parents a Braille name tags. Braille and print books
were used to read stories. The books they read were the titles presented to the
Children’s library by the chapter.
Beth Wicks
“THAT’S ALL, FOLKS”
With regret, John and I are resigning as Observer editors. We have
enjoyed four years of working on it (we’d thought it would be one or two years
until someone else would do it), but health issues are making it more difficult.
Our daughter, Jocelyn, is stepping in to put the finishing touches on this issue.
[Note from John: Bernice just had her left knee replaced on March 23rd.] We still
strongly believe in the value of the Observer as a web that ties the members
together. We are spread across the state and need to keep in touch as we
realize we’re all working toward the same goal of independence. If any of you
are interested in taking on the editorship let Dan Burke know; he is looking for
someone. John and I would be more than happy to make suggestions, tell about
short cuts we use, etc. Our thanks go to all who have contributed to Chapter
News and other reports. You are the ones who made it happen.
Bernice W. DeHaas