TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Our Very Own Celebrity

Committee Reports

First Steps for the Blind

Visiting Israel With a Dog Guide

The Editorial Eye

Affiliate Affairs

The MCB Rhymoceros

FROM THE LOWER LEFTHAND DRAWER

Back to the Chronicle Archives

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hello to all Chronicle readers:

It's been a busy winter but so far the weather has not been too bad here in Springfield.

On November 3, I attended a MCB board meeting in St. Louis. Much good business was accomplished. Our Executive Director resigned from the Blind Pension committee. Chip Hailey, who has been on this committee for several years, was appointed Chairman. I know he will do a good Job. Our Executive Director, Beverly Armstrong, said she would probably resign at the end of the month but was not definite. We all certainly hoped she would change her mind. We had another board meeting on December 1 at which time Beverly did submit her resignation. We have lost the best and most knowledgeable E.D. anyone could hope to have. We will start to search for a replacement after the first of the year. December was such a short month as the office was closed for the Holidays on December 21 and reopened on January 2.

After the board meeting, my brother and I spent Saturday night in St. Louis. On Sunday, we drove, that is he drove and I told him how, to St. Genevieve for the Ozark Association of the Blind Christmas dinner. St. Genevieve is about 65 miles from St. Louis and is the oldest city west of the Mississippi. The weather was nasty a cold rain and strong wind but the welcome we received made up for that. It was a small group but we had a terrific dinner at a downtown hotel. We played games and came home with several small prizes. Perhaps they will invite us back again next year.

On December 16, we were supposed to attend the St. Louis Council Christmas dinner but again old man winter interfered with snow and ice which canceled our visit.

Without an E.D., Sandi, our faithful Administrative Assistant and I talk several times a day to keep the office operating as smoothly as possible. Sandy and I wrote an advertisement for an E.D. job opening. Sandi put it in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, which cost about $475 for the print ad and to be listed on their internet job list. We had planned to do the same in Kansas City but their cost for the same ad was $5600. Therefore we did not advertise the job opening in Kansas City. We have listed the job on several internet sites and will take resumes until March 3. I hope we will receive several but only time will tell.

On January 25, I went to Diggins, Missouri, about 30 miles east of Springfield to speak and demonstrate my aids and appliances to about 35 Amish home schooled children and their parents. A blind friend here in Springfield was interested when I told him about my planned talk. He has a guide dog which he thought the kids would be interested in. Of course, when the kids met Trish, I could have stayed home and not have been missed. Sam and his dog, Trish, demonstrated guide dog techniques and were a big hit. It's always fun to speak to young children as they are the future of our country. I doubt if any of these children will forget what they learned that day.

I had planned to go to St. Louis on February 1 to work some in the office and attend the Building Committee meeting at 3 that afternoon and that night attend the R.I.T.E. meeting. Again winter canceled all of that. Here in Springfield, we only got around 5 inches of snow but St.Louis got much more. Perhaps since the Building committee and R.I.T.E. meet monthly, I can go to the March meeting. The snow we received last Wednesday and Thursday is now completely gone. The high temperature predicted for tomorrow is around 70 degrees. You know what they say about the Ozarks weather, AIf you don't like it, stay around a few minutes and it'll change. Hurry up, Spring.

Back to Index

Our Very Own Celebrity

A few years ago James Veale, a reader of the Matilda Ziegler Magazine from Illinois, contacted the editor to see if the magazine would administer an annual award which he wanted to finance by means of an endowment I believe. Readers would nominate a sighted individual who was particularly helpful either to them personally or to the blind in general. Following is the major part of a letter written by Ida Scotti from the Ozark Association of the Blind nominating a fellow OAB member, Yvonne Schnitzler, for this year's award:

It isn't often one meets a fully sighted person who knows how to help a totally blind individual without causing them to feel helpless or a burden.

Yvonne Schnitzler fits this description perfectly. Therefore, I would like to nominate her for the Ziegler Foundation's James H. Veale Humanitarian Award.

She has been my driver and guide for over thirty years. Because of her dedication to working for the needs of the blind I have been able to take part in activities promoting the causes of the blind in many areas. She generously gives of her time to take me to MCB board meetings. For many years we have participated in our State Legislative Days at the State Capital speaking with legislators to try to convince and inform them of the needs of the blind and disabled, and reminding them that people with disabilities have rights and deserve an equal place in society.

Yvonne belongs to organizations that visit people in hospitals and nursing homes encouraging them and informing them where they can get help to cope with their disabilities. She has an intuitive ability to help a person without making them feel they are being helped. She places herself in the other person's shoes. More importantly she has a way of getting people, especially the blind and disabled, to believe in themselves, thus bringing about independence.

One of my dreams was to live independently on my own. Yvonne gave me the needed confidence to move away from my family and into an apartment of my own, and taught me to do for myself.

She encouraged me, as well as others who are blind, to buy a computer and the needed software to be able to use it. She believes that being blind does not give one an excuse. She taught me to e-mail, and to do my own banking on line. It has given me so much independence, and I wish I had done it years ago. If I get stuck she is just a phone call away, always willing to come by if needed.

She has always been there to take me to the doctor, shopping, meetings or to visit a friend. She is a sensitive, caring individual. All she does she does because she wants to help, not because she feels she has to.

Her interest in promoting the welfare of the blind does not stop with me. Her life is one of service to others. She is a hard working, devoted member of the Missouri Council of the Blind and it's affiliate, the Ozark Association of the Blind.

The Ziegler Foundation's James H. Veale Humanitarian Award provides a wonderful opportunity for those of us who are blind to recognize our sighted friends for all the wonderful work they do, and Yvonne Schnitzler fills all the qualifications for this award.

Ida Scotti

(Editor's note: We are happy to inform you that Yvonne was chosen as the 2008 recipient of this award. The MCB offers congratulations, Yvonne. We're all proud of you and thankful for you!)

Back to Index

Committee Reports

Convention Update

Wow it is already a few months into 2008 and is time to make plans to attend the October State convention. This years convention will be hosted by St. Charles Council of the Blind and will be held at the Holiday Inn Select in St. Peters Missouri. The address of the hotel is 4341 Veterans Memorial Parkway; St. Peters, Missouri. Dates are the 10th through the 12tth. Room rates will be $65 plus tax. The number to call for reservations is 636 928 1500. Be sure to mention that you are with Missouri Council in order to receive these rates.

Eldon Cox
Convention Coordinator

401 Blind Task Force
Submitted by: Patti Schonlau

November 14, 2007
Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA)
2100 I-70 Drive, S.W.
Columbia, Missouri

Current BTF Membership Vacancies: The current BTF membership vacancies are: School Building Principal, Rehab Council for the Blind Representative and Parent Representative.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has received two applications--one for the School Building Principal vacancy (but it could not be accepted as it was from an assistant principal); and one for the Rehab Council for the Blind vacancy-the resume will follow at a later date.

The Vision Summit will be held April 2-3, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Select, Columbia, Missouri.

Missouri School for the Blind (MSB) will coordinate the hotel rooms. The committee has asked state agencies and exhibitors to donate raffle/door prizes; the St. Louis Society is donating $500. The National Federation of the Blind is funding all travel expenses for the Vision Summit's opening speaker, Dr. H. David Wohler's, Department of Chemistry at Truman State University. The Lighthouse for the Blind is funding all travel expenses for the second day keynote speaker, Dr. Susan Osterhaus. Missouri Council of the Blind (MCB) is funding breakfast on day two of the Vision Summit.

Current Workshops/Events within the State: The 2008 Power Up Conference and Expo is scheduled for April 21-22, at Tan-Trar-A Resort, Lake Ozark, Missouri.

BTF Meeting Dates: The BTF meeting dates for 2008 are:
February 13,
May 14,
August 13 and
November 12.

Wolfner Library Council Report
November 16, 2007
By Judith Hawley

Barb Davis, our new Public Service Manager, was introduced to the board by Dr. Richard Smith. She oversees all reader advisors and outreach activities. Barb Davis comes to us from North Dakota and stated she is enjoying her work and living in Missouri.

Margaret Conroy, State Librarian, was not able to attend our meeting. Dr. Richard Smith reported the core budget for 2008 is the same as 2007.

In May of 2008, Wolfner will receive 500 new digital talking book (dtb) machines, from NLS, with an additional 1,000 more machines received by Wolfner in the summer 2008.

Dr. Richard Smith further stated that Friends of the Library gave the library up to $50,000.00 for purchasing additional digital cartridges and related equipment for the recording of multiple copies of digital books. With these funds, he purchased two Victor Stream Readers which the staff is putting to good use.

Dr. Richard Smith gave a demonstration of the BARD System. This is the Braille and Recording Download System. He stated that at the date of the report, 8,220 digital books were recorded by NLS and ready for downloading. There are 30 to 60 digital books a day being added to this list.

A person can search on this NLS digital book list by author (alphabetical listing by the last name), subject, title and key words. There are many magazines already recorded on the dtb cartridges. The average listening time of a NLS dtb is 12 hours.

In February 2007, 100 Wolfner Library patrons were selected to test the downloading of digital books from the NLS listing of digital books. They were given a modified Victor Set to download the digital books.

In September 2007, this downloading of NLS digital books was expanded to all patrons. To download these digital books one must have a USB port on the computer and a USB Thumb Drive with a digital cartridge in it. Downloading can then be done and the cartridge played in the NLS dtb Machine or other digital players which will play the dtb cartridges.

If a patron purchases a Victor Stream Reader for this purpose, he must register on the internet and get a key from Humanware.

During lunch, the council had hands on practice with the two Victor Stream Readers purchased by the library.

Suzy Higgins reported on the Adult Winter Reading Program for 2008. The books on the reading list will be banned and challenged books. The reading program begins on January 14, 2008 and runs to April 6, 2008. Registration must be in by January 10, 2008. Those participating in this program must read a minimum of 12 books to have their name placed in the prize drawing. I refer you to The Wolfner Winter Newsletter e mailed out December 17, 2007. The top reader last winter read between 99 and 112 books. The list will have a few more books than this number for the winter 2008 program. There will be some terrific prizes for the winners, so we encourage you to join the Adult Winter Reading Program of 2008. Last year 278 adult readers participated in the winter program, reading almost 4,000 books collectively.

Deborah Stroup reports volunteer recordings of Missouri Heritage books and books by Missouri authors are going ahead quite well now that some computer problems have been solved. Such authors such as Daniel Woodrell, Janis Harrison, and Bob Purdy among others. There is a Heritage series for beginning readers which has 25 to 30 books in the series already recorded. We suggest that those interested in Missouri History or Missouri authors call their reader assistants and ask about these books.

Our next Wolfner Council meeting will be in February 2008.

Back to Index

First Steps for the Blind

First Steps for the Blind helps clients make the transition from seeing to sightless
by SU BACON
(From the Kansas City Star)

Cathy Pyper holds a mascara wand up to her eye and blinks several times, brushing her pale lashes over the wand to give them color.

She's getting ready to greet a houseful of people later tonight. Earlier she shampooed and styled her blond bob with a hot air brush.

Cathy doesn't look in the mirror. She uses her hands to tell her when her hair feels styled and when her foundation is applied evenly.

She wants to look good for her guests even though many of them, like Cathy herself, won't be able to tell what she looks like.

Tonight's guests are members of First Steps for the Blind, a nonprofit organization Cathy and her husband, Peter Pyper, started in 2002. The group's goal: is to help people make the transition from seeing to sightless. Cathy and Peter, who are both blind, want other people who are blind or visually impaired to know there's life after blindness.

"You learn to adapt in lots of ways," Peter says.

It might be in little ways such as blinking instead of stroking mascara on, or squirting toothpaste on your finger or in your mouth rather than trying to find the toothbrush. Or it might be in big ways, such as learning to use a computer or cooking or owning a home.

Challenge one: Reading: Anyone who calls First Steps for the Blind speaks directly to Cathy or Peter often through tears.

"It's an emotional and traumatic experience," Cathy says. "I remember crying on the phone to every single person I talked to trying to find help when I was going blind."

Help with reading is often what prompts the first call to First Steps.

"How much vision do you have?" Cathy will ask.

If the caller has some usable vision, Cathy mentions special lighting and different kinds of magnifiers. If the caller is blind, she'll tell them about books on tape, a telephone news service and other forms of communication.

Because there's no bureaucracy involved, assistance from First Steps can be quick and hassle free. The nonprofit often purchases the basic equipment for clients talking clock, watch, thermometer and color detector, and templates for writing checks and on envelopes for around $200.

"I've found that most people who call for assistance are very honest about whether they can afford the equipment," Cathy says. "Most cannot. We never ask for reimbursement."

The Pypers, both 53, are volunteers. They rely on fundraising activities and donations to sustain the nonprofit.

Whether over the phone or at meetings, Cathy and Peter try to make First Steps one stop shopping where individuals and their families can get all the information they need. Cathy remembers clearly the frustration she felt calling various agencies in the early days of her vision loss.

The Pypers can direct callers to local, state and federal governmentprograms, discuss adaptive equipment, explain what entertainment options are available and share their experience and advice.

Blind, not deaf: The Pypers hold the organization's monthly meetings in the dining room of their home in Kansas City, North. Clients come from all over the metropolitan area. Some ride with sighted friends or family members. Others use the Share A Fare service a transit service for blind and disabled people and some take taxis. And some simply can't make it to meetings because they can't afford to. Attendance was down, for example, at the Pypers' Fourth of July party last summer because fares were higher for the holiday.

While tears may flow over the phone, laughter prevails at the meetings.

At the July meeting, participants and guide dogs crowd into the narrow dining room to hear Reg George, a Kansas City computer consultant who has been blind since birth, discuss software.

Before the program begins, member Ed Reyes describes the scene at a recent convention for blind people when a hotel fire alarm sounded: "We were like bowling pins bumping into each other in the hallways." A hotel employee, he recalls, yelled in his ear that the noise was the fire alarm. Then the employee left.

"They think if you're blind, you're deaf," Reyes says. What he really needed, of course, was help getting out of the hotel. His statement is met with agreement and laughter.

Fortunately, there was no fire.

Proximity to the bus stop:

The Pypers bought their house shortly before they started First Steps. Not needing space for a car, they converted the garage into the dining room that later became the First Steps meeting room.

In the open, unfinished basement, Peter built three rooms. Despite being blind, he is not daunted by power tools. He has taken on carpentry projects ranging from framing rooms and hanging drywall to building and painting birdhouses that are raffled at First Steps fundraisers.

"I've had sight issues my whole life," he says. "It's helped me adapt."

The Pypers met and married in 1999 after both had been blind for nearly two years.

Peter lost his vision gradually. Weighing 2 pounds, 3 ounces at birth, he spent 66 days in an incubator in 1954. Too much oxygen led to the loss of his vision. When he was 23, his left eye was removed and replaced with a prosthesis. In the 1980s he began developing glaucoma and trouble with the retina in his right eye. Three surgeries in 1997 attempted unsuccessfully to attach the retina, and he lost all vision.

"From 20/20 to zero" in 15 months is how Cathy describes her blindness. She lost her vision to diabetes despite four invasive surgeries and eight laser surgeries.

The two got to know each other while participating in a vocational rehabilitation program. Cathy was divorced; Peter had never married. When they got married, Cathy's one bedroom apartment was too small for the three of them: Cathy, Peter and Packard, their yellow Labrador guide dog. So Cathy asked a longtime friend and Northland real estate agent, Beth McKern, to help them find a house. The couple wanted a level lot, a home with few or no steps and a sunroom, and a fenced yard for Packard. And they wanted it in a safe neighborhood.

A big consideration for blind home buyers is the distance from the house to a bus stop. To qualify for Share A Fare transportation, the Pypers needed to live within three quarters of a mile of a Metro bus stop.

When taking the couple through houses, McKern says she described the colors, the condition, the neighborhood and whether there were sidewalks or curbs, which can help orient people who are blind because a cane can detect them.

Dogs and devices:

Packard retired from guide dog duties several years ago and is now one of three pet dogs that live with the Pypers. Because dogs play an important role in the lives of many First Steps members, the Pypers celebrated the organization's fifth anniversary with a best dressed dog contest at a picnic in June. Seventeen dogs in costumes as varied as a coach, a hula dancer and a princess competed for prizes. Andrea Breier of Kansas City brought her German shepherd guide dog to the contest along with a teenage friend who is blind. Breier, 44, who has been blind all her life, works as the club coordinator for Adventure Fitness, a program of Camp Fire USA for school age children who are blind or physically impaired. Breier invited the 15 year old girl because First Steps members are good role models.

"I wanted her to meet adults who are already out working and living lives not limited by their blindness," she says.

That's exactly what Cathy and Peter envisioned when they founded First Steps: to help people prepare for and adjust to a life with no or low vision.

"There's very little that a blind person can't do," Cathy says. "We just have to work at it harder and do it differently."

Some of what helps them do everyday things in a different way is adaptive equipment. This includes goggles with a powerful magnification system for people with low vision, software that reads e mail messages out loud and a telephone caller ID system that speaks the name of the caller.

"The list of items is endless," Cathy says. "The problem is money none of the equipment is cheap."

Pumpkin burritos

Sighted friends or family members often attend First Steps meetings to learn what they can do and what to expect.

"I saw how hard my vision loss was on my children, my mother and my sister," Cathy recalls.

Before going blind, she worked as a supervisor in a bank. Not being able to see the money, she was unable to keep the job.

Suddenly her 17 year old daughter, Amy Hochstedler, had to take over car payments and help with the rent. She and Hochstedler laugh now about some of Cathy's early attempts at cooking.

"My mother once served pumpkin burritos and pink macaroni and cheese," Hochstedler says.

It was an understandable mix up: Canned pumpkin resembles refried beans. A tub of strawberry cream cheese feels like a tub of margarine. Now, Cathy and Peter use devices that read labels out loud so they know what's in a can or container on the kitchen shelves.

A talking color detector also spares embarrassment about going out in public in clothes that clash. Cathy still cringes but laughs when she remembers attending a formal event with Peter shortly after they were married. She thought she was wearing a black blouse and skirt and a red blazer, with red and black shoes. Later she discovered by touching the buttons that what she thought was her single breasted red blazer was actually a double breasted navy one. Hands become eyes for the blind.

Peter cleans the kitchen by feeling for crumbs on the countertops and dirt on the floor. He sweeps the floor first with a broom and then gets down on his hands and knees to wipe it clean with a towel and cleanser. He washes dishes by hand first and then runs them through the dishwasher.

"I don't want people finding chunks of food stuck to a fork," he says.

Remaining positive:

First Steps for the Blind "is of great value in providing a place to meet and learn from others with the same disability," says Patrick Palmer of the Whole Person, a KC service and advocacy organization for disabled people.

These days First Steps helps more than 170 clients of all ages throughout the metropolitan area. Called clients or members of the nonprofit, they pay no dues or fees. The first client, Don Thompson of Kansas City, North, is now president of First Steps' board of directors. Thompson, 63, was diagnosed with macular dystrophy, a condition that limits his range of vision. He and his wife, Carol, say they found the support they needed at First Steps and have become regular volunteers.

"When I look at Peter and Cathy," he says, "I see people that are examples of what life can be if you remain positive." ?

Different people, similar challenges:

James Herndon found his way to First Steps for the Blind in 2005, a year after he lost his vision.

"I went to bed on the Fourth of July and woke up blind on the 5th," he says.

Herndon, 46, was in Texas, where he'd spent 16 years working as a hazardous materials technician for a private firm. His diagnosis: ruptured blood vessels in his eyes. A mutual friend referred him to Cathy and Peter Pyper. Herndon moved to Kansas City and began attending First Steps meetings. The Pypers have shown him "how you can be independent without sight." He's now in the process of buying a home.

.A telephone customer service position brought Erika Wolf to Kansas City from Lincoln, Neb., in April 2005. Wolf, 35, lost her vision gradually through retinal deterioration, diagnosed in 1983 when she was 11. She has retained perception of light, the ability to detect hand motions and a little peripheral vision.

A friend in Nebraska knew of the Pypers and suggested Wolf contact them. She began attending First Steps meetings not long after she moved here. Cathy Pyper threw her a "Welcome to Kansas City" party, and she has been made to feel at home here, she says.

.A computer consultant and bass singer with the Kansas City Singers, Reg George is a familiar voice to members of First Steps.

"We always draw a crowd when Reggie is the program," Cathy Pyper says.

George, who was born blind, was named volunteer of the year in 2006 for the many hours he devoted to helping First Steps clients with their computers. George also has entertained First Steps members as part of the 16 voice a cappella choir.

"First Steps has helped a lot of people by getting them information they need," he says. "There are a lot of state and federal organizations, but there is no other overarching organization like First Steps that helps people who are losing their vision know what steps to take."

To learn more about First Steps for the Blind, visit: firststepsfortheblind.org, or call 816 455 5219.

Back to Index

Visiting Israel With a Dog Guide

Judith Hawley

First of all, I want to say if you want to be treated like royalty then fly with Continental Airlines. We couldn't have been more pleased with their service. They bent over backwards to help us in every way.

My husband Harold, dog guide Flora and I left on September 2, 2007 from the Kansas City International Airport flying to Newark, New Jersey and after a four hour layover, then on to Tel Aviv, Israel. We were on our third trip to Israel, but our first trip with a dog guide. We stayed for a month with friends living in Or Yehuda, a suburb of Tel Aviv.

The guide dog access laws are pretty much the same in Israel as in the U.S. The problem being that most of the public have never seen a dog guide, do not know what one is and do not know the access laws.

We arrived at about 4:00 p.m. on a Tuesday. We were met by a member of the Continental Airlines staff and taken to a place to relieve my golden/lab Flora. Going through customs, even with her dog food was no problem at all. Then our friends met us and our wonderful month began.

At first, Flora was excited over the new smells, sounds and sights. It did not take her long to settle down.

We found there were many stray cats and many, many dogs off leash in Israel. I did not go out alone with Flora due to the uncertainty of dogs off leash.

We had only 3 negative encounters while I was working Flora. One was when we tried to enter a large super market. The security guard (it happened to be his first day on the job), stopped us. He said I could not take the dog inside the store. (Our Israeli friends translated this for us). I was ready to whip out the Guide Dog Access Law when the head security guard appeared and gave the new guard a real dressing down. We were ushered into the store like royalty. Our friend stopped to plead the case for the new guard and we feel she saved his job for him.

Next, we were not allowed to take the dog into any Catholic church. I suspect we would have been denied in other faiths also. We knew we could not take her into a Jewish synagogue.

The third place was a very upscale grocery store in a large mall. We were shopping with friends when a store worker approached us. He informed us that the store manager wanted my dog and me immediately out of the store. I was again about to whip out the law (in Hebrew of course), when the worker told us the manager of the store Aknew@ the law, but he simply did not want a dog in his store. I took my sweet time about leaving the store.

Other than those three incidents, the people were courteous, kind and often asked questions about my dog.

We traveled on the train, on buses and in the taxi with no problems. The train in Israel is very clean and a lovely ride. Buses are large and small size and air conditioned and luxurious. We made sure we always had a Jewish taxi driver as the Arabs do not like dogs in their taxi. Announcements for train stations were given in Hebrew and in English. Most major signs along the streets and highways were in Hebrew, Arabic and English.

We traveled to Jerusalem to spend the night with an old friend of over 30 years. She had married an orthodox Jew. Her children, ages 15 and 8, had never seen a dog. They believe dogs are dirty animals. They were amazed to see how clean and well mannered my Flora was. Even the neighborhood children gathered around to gaze at Flora, having never before seen a dog.

Flora loved our afternoon at the beach and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. We loved it too. There were other dogs on the beach too.

We visited Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee where we stayed three nights and four days with our friends in a condo. There was a nice park near the condo where I took Flora daily to relieve herself and where my husband, Flora and I enjoyed sitting on a bench and people watching. Well, they watched and my husband described things to me. There were quite a few orthodox Jewish people in the neighborhood, so we made sure to keep our distance so as not to upset them with the dog. We shopped in the market and walked along the sea front. IN the night, we took a ride on a large boat on the sea. There was a full moon and all was like a fairy land. There were lots of wild cats everywhere and now and then Flora needed a tug on her pinch collar for a slight reminder that she was on duty. Many small children are not accustomed to dogs and just our walking by would often send a small child screaming to their mother. Older children seemed to love dogs.

Our most delightful of days was our visit to the Israel Guide Dog Center. It was started by Noah and Orna Braun 21 years ago in their backyard. It has been supported by mostly donations from the United States. Three years ago a lovely center was built, with offices, dining hall and kitchen facilities and student dorm. I will write a separate article about the guide dog center for the next Chronicle.

Did we enjoy our months stay in Israel? Most definitely yes, we did. Would we take a dog guide again to Israel? Most definitely yes, we would. Did we feel the general public was kindly towards the dog guide? Yes, they certainly were. Did Flora do good work in new surroundings with new smells and sounds? Yes, this experience helped me know that I can take her anywhere and she will do just fine. Do I recommend others take their dog guides to Israel? Yes, I do, but talking with someone who has already been there with a dog guide certainly is a big help.

On the trip home, just before we landed at Newark Airport, the head steward of the Continental Airlines gave Flora her wings. He told us she was the best passenger they had ever had on their airplane. Hats off to Flora! What a good girl!

Back to Index

The Editorial Eye

Guest editorial by Joe Harcz

For reasons that are hard to understand, the U.S. Treasury Department stubbornly refuses to add features that would make it easier for blind people to tell the difference between $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills.

A federal judge last November ordered the Treasury to vary U.S. bills in size or include features such as embossed dots, raised ink or foil to aid the visually impaired. But instead of getting on with it, the Treasury appealed.

Though they have added subtle background colors to the usual green, that doesn't help people with low vision. For example, try distinguishing between a $1 and a $5 bill at night at a convenience store. This is a daily, practical problem for millions of people.

So now judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit have the issue before them. Judge Judith Rogers asked the right question:

"If the entire currency system is built upon the idea that people can see the money, does that not deprive blind people access to it?"

Yet the judges seem reluctant to act, saying Congress could legislate change. But why should Congress be micromanaging bill designs? For that matter, why should the courts have to order the Treasury to do the right thing?

Attorneys for the government justify the Treasury's inaction by saying there's little evidence that people with low vision are "regularly defrauded" by cashiers and clerks. Duh. That's the point. Blind people can't tell when they've been defrauded.

Nonetheless, the Treasury is content to require those with low vision to ask for help (and trust the response). Rogers pointed out that this means they must "rely on the kindness of strangers."

That is ridiculous. In Europe, bills come in different lengths. In Japan, bills have different geometric watermark shapes. Canadian bills have raised symbols.The United States is the only country that prints all of its paper currency in one size and without any raised features.

Whatever the appeals court decides, the U.S. Treasury Department should simply get on with making changes.

Update From ACB
This morning a three judge panel from the United States Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, heard oral arguments in ACB's suit against the United States Treasury Department. Presentations were made by lawyers for both the Treasury Department and ACB in defense of the positions they had previously taken in their written briefs. The judges peppered the lawyers with questions throughout the proceeding. A brief statement was also made by an attorney representing the National Federation of the Blind, who asserted that blind people already have access to United States Currency and that the government has begun to take steps to make it more distinguishable by people with low vision. Therefore, access is not a problem, and besides, this issue is not that important to their membership.

As usual, Jeff Lovitky, arguing ACB's case, did an admirable job in setting forth our position that people who are blind do not currently have meaningful access to U.S. currency, that the decision of the District Court was appropriate, and that we need a court order that will result in the Treasury Department having to come up with a plan for addressing the accessibility issues surrounding paper currency.

At this point, we are engaged in another waiting game. Mr. Lovitky estimated that it could take as long as six months to get the decision from the Circuit Court . We will advise you as soon as we hear anything further on the subject.

Melanie Brunson, Executive Director

Back to Index

Affiliate Affairs

Over, Around and Across Missouri
Let’s Find Out What’s Happening Where

Blind of Central Mo.
Hello to everyone from Sedalia

Another year is really great,
We hope everyone has a wonderful 2008.

One of our newest members, Amanda Pulliam, passed away on Wednesday, November 14. She was only 23 years old. Even though she wasn't in our club very long we will miss her.

Some of our members rang bells for the Salvation Army on Saturday November 24, and on Saturday December 22. They are as follows: Robbie Barnier, galen Blood, Trudy Blood, Brenda Gardner, Gary Gerken, Linda Gerken, Loretta Howard, Richard Howard, Alecia Starner, Robert Starner, Josh Starner, Emma Lou Swopes and Norma Dickman who is a friend of Emma Lou's. We enjoy doing it and it's a good way to help the Salvation Army make money for their many different programs that they sponsor. I want to thank Galen for ringing the bell for me on Saturday, December 22, because I was still recuperating from 2 injuries from a fall on December 9. I stepped outside to check the weather and down I went on our porch. I twisted my right knee, and hurt the top of my right foot. I am much better now.

We have 3 new members in our club. They are as follows: Gary Sanderson, who is sighted, and has been in our club before but has moved back to Sedalia from Nebraska; Liberty Brandel, who is blind and trying to get a guide dog; and Kris Briggs who is a friend and helps Liberty. Congratulations Gary, Liberty, and Kris and welcome to our club.

Some of our members will go to Washington, D.C. in February for the Legislative Days. They are Emma Lou Swopes, Linda Gerken, Terrica Sanders and Courtlin Sanders. I'm sure they will bring back a lot of good information.

We will have our annual bowling party on Saturday, March 15 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. We will have Pizza, bread sticks, cinnamon sticks and assorted soda to drink. I'm sure it will be a great time of bowling, food, fun, and fellowship.

We hope everyone has many great months ahead.

Until next time keep your smile and a song in your heart, and if you can't be good, be good at it.

Trudy Blood, Recording secretary

Joplin Service Club of the Blind

Well, it is that time again, and another quarter has slipped by us. It has been a fairly active time for the Joplin Club.

In October, in addition to the MCB Convention, we held regular Tuesday lunches, and the monthly dinner was hosted by the St. Peter's Catholic Women, with a night of great food, fellowship and entertainment. A gentleman by the name of Jim Oberzan, a performer for 75 years played the accordion with music selections, spanning a wide range from the Big Band era to today's Golden Oldies.

In November, our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner was hosted by the Telephone Pioneers, a group that has been doing this event for many, many years. The table settings were beautiful, the food was great, and so was the entertainment that was provided by Bruce Phillips a member of the Service Club.

For those of you that have not heard, Ted Jeffers, the MCB "Nathaniel Johnson" award winner, has had to undergo triple bypass surgery, on November 1st. He came through the surgery fine, and is recouping and doing his rehab.

Robert and Nancy Harwell had their 60th Wedding Anniversary on November 27th, and had a Celebration Party, on Sunday December 2nd. I had told them that if I got married, I would be 126 years old when I celebrated mine. Congratulations Robert & Nancy!

Just 2 weeks before Christmas, brought a week without power around this area, due to a horrific Ice Storm. We had to cancel one of our Tuesday lunch meetings, and the host for the Annual Christmas Dinner had to cancel also. We did get back together the Tuesday before Christmas and had a party with Santa paying us a visit. The Club had voted to take up donations of food and money to give to the Salvation Army, and the Club would match the funds collected, so we were able to give them $566.00. We also collected funds for a family from Neosho, Mo. who has a child with Vision problems, and gave them a $500.00 Visa Card, to use for Christmas. The Old Saying of "It is better to Give than to Receive" is definitely True. Thanks, everyone!

We have started the Support Group meetings again, and Carl Powers with RSB is the facilitator and Cindy Smart has assisted him. Carl has demonstrated some devices, shown how to track your cash, ways to mark items such as clothing. He has also covered topics such as developing a support team, and learning how to accept changes in our lifestyle, and the types of residences available to us.

The Service Club would like to "Thank You" for the Compliments that you have given our Club and the Association for hosting the Annual MCB Convention, here in Joplin, Mo. It was "Our Pleasure" to host it and "Everyone" made us proud to have you here.

Lake Stockton Area Council
Greetings from Lake Stockton

Well, it seems that Missouri is holding up to its reputation of AIf you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes and it will change.@ Of course, there are other states that claim this saying as well. However, this past Monday it was 60 degrees in Springfield and in the time it took to drive north 30 miles to Bolivar the temperature dropped to 26 degrees. Then last night, Thursday, it snowed enough to close most local schools, but the snow had melted away by the next afternoon. Weather, if nothing else, is interesting!

The unpredictable weather caused havoc with the attendance of our Christmas Dinner and Program. Only 31 members and guests of the original 53 challenged the frightful weather to attend the December meeting. During the brief business meeting an application for membership was read and approved. Welcome, new member, Vickie Black of Bolivar.

One of Santa's helpers was found in the membership of Lake Stockton. He, Bill Deaton, was surprised with a box of chocolates, a gift certificate, and sandpaper tucked inside a Santa hat. Deaton has donated many woodcrafted items that have been given away at our meetings.

Louise Cockrell made a variety of homemade candies for us to enjoy. Two boxes of these delicious goodies were given away. Marie and Helen Gillham were the lucky winners.

As Linda Dawes attempted to read A'Twas the Night Before Christmas, she was interrupted several times by Gillham and Jean Dody. They were handing out gifts (a mouse with wooden spoons for Anot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse, and Comet cleanser for a reindeer under Santa's sink! Gillham and Dody continued distributing these somewhat Aappropriate presents until Aall@ (yes, they gave someone All detergent) had a gift.

Mary Gray, Robert Glidwell, Davis, and Gillham shared their Christmas thoughts through scriptures, stories, songs, and a poem. Manning Miller, guest speaker, gave the concluding remarks and prayer.

February is here already and March soon will follow. So Happy Valentine's Day followed by a St. Patrick's Day wish for you:

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers.
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours.
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

Linda Dawes, Secretary
Words cant possibly

Ozark Association of the Blind

OAB commends Queen City Council of the Blind for their efforts in supporting the Rainbow Network in Springfield. For those who do not know, the Rainbow Network is engaged in helping the School for the Blind in Nicaragua. Queen City collects used canes, slates, styluses as well as purchases new supplies for the school as these items are not available there. Nicaragua has a high percentage of blindness due to malnutrition, which the Rainbow Network is working to alleviate. Blindness due to cataracts in children is very common and there is an ongoing need for donations to cover the cost of surgeries. Contact Queen City if you are interested in helping support this worthy cause. Check out the Rainbow Network at: www.rainbownetwork.org

OAB was pleased to welcome MCB's president, Phyllis Lovett, her brother Roy Vaughn and other guests to our annual Christmas party held at the Hotel Ste. Genevieve. The food was delicious and the camaraderie joyful with fun and games.

Words cannot possibly express the surprise and elation I felt when I received a correspondence from the E. Matilda Ziegler Foundation for the Blind notifying me that I was the recipient of the James H. Veale Humanitarian Award. I am honored to have been chosen because I know there are many who are deserving of this prestigious award for their service in supporting the interests of the blind. Thank you Ida for recommending me.

Yvonne Schnitzler
Corresponding Secretary

Progressive Council of the Blind

Hello to all of you MCB members:

This has been one of the coldest winters that we have had in years, so I hope everyone has been staying as warm as possible.

Our club's annual nut sale seems as if it will be the biggest one ever. We would like to thank all of you who purchased nuts from us.

We had our Christmas Party on December 15th at the Herford House, in spite of all the snow that day we had 20 members and guests in attendance and a good time was had by all.

Since the October convention Progressive has gained six new members. We are working hard on growing our affiliate.

One of our members, Terrie Arnold, has been appointed to the Wolfner Advisory Council, and she attended her first meeting in February.

Progressive Council will be working with Allied Workers in a joint effort to plan the 2009 State convention which will be held in Independence, Missouri.

I have enjoyed being your representative for the Statewide Independent Living Council, but, as some of you know, I am no longer on that council. Most of us on the council were past our appointed terms due to the Governor not appointing new members in a timely manor. Terrie Arnold has applied for a council seat and we hope she will be appointed. I will be going to Jefferson City on February 15th to be recognized for my service on the Missouri SILC. I served just over seven years and really learned a lot and I am going to miss being at the council meetings.

Well this is all I have for now until next time.

Barbara Dewberry

St. Louis Council of the Blind

Every time we scheduled our Christmas party the weather forced us to reschedule. At the time of this writing it is scheduled for February 17. This will be our third attempt, and, hopefully, the weather will cooperate this time.

We are excited about an upcoming project: On April 20 we will be hosting a Adining in the dark@ event. Some of you may remember reading a recent Chronicle article about such dining experiences in Los Angeles, New York and in Europe. Diners are blind folded and lead into a totally dark dining room. Their food is served to them by blind servers. Such events have proven to be very successful elsewhere, so wish us luck in April.

Some of our hardest working members are the Armstrongs. Our club is very thankful to have them, and our members unanimously voted to establish an on-going monetary assistance program named the ADouble A@ Program. (Double A standing for Armstrong Assistance.) We wanted to both provide some needed help as well as honor our dedicated and hard working members.

Here's wishing you a blessed Easter season.

Jo-An Benson

Springfield Service Club

November 17, our club's annual Thanksgiving dinner occurred at a local restaurant. We invited the members of the West Plains club to be our guests as has been our custom for several years, and some of them were able to join us. Each February the hospitality is reciprocated when we visit their club.

December featured our traditional Christmas dinner and $5.00 gift exchange.

Our annual White Cane Walk is scheduled for Saturday May 17 starting at 11 and ending around 1:30. Lunch will be provided and we hope to have entertainment. All MCB members are invited to attend. Hopefully many of you can join us.

Janelle Edwards, Secretary

Southwest Missouri Friendship Council

November: The Business Meeting was held on Tuesday, November 6th in the Webb City Senior Center. Our group was briefed on the Budget and Finance Committee Report presented by MCB in St. Louis the previous weekend and those recommendations for a greater return on investments would be presented April 12th, 2008.

Chip Hailey also reported that Franklin Johnson did a marvelous job during the teleconference in regard to moving forward on the Blind Pension Lawsuit. Chip also reported on Health and Education. The group was briefed on the Social Security Cost of Living Increase for 2008 and that earnings for the blind would be the same as senior citizen earnings in the year 2012. We also talked about the MCB Legislative Days.

Chatter's, in Webb City, was selected as the location for our Thanksgiving Social Event on Tuesday of Thanksgiving week.

Because of the Thanksgiving Holiday, only a small number of members were able to attend the Thanksgiving Social. They said they had a wonderful time visiting with one another.

December: Our group assembled on Tuesday, December 4th, at 7:00p.m. in the Webb City Senior Center. We voted to change the date of our Social Event (because of the Christmas Holiday restaurant crowd) to Tuesday, December 11th . Bella Pepper's Restaurant, in Joplin, was chosen as the location. A generous donation by Universal Lubricants will pay for everyone's dinner.

We voted again this year, to bring an unwrapped toy to the event. The toys will be donated to the KOAM Toy Box. Mike and Rita Galbraith (once again) will deliver the toys to KOAM. We also decided to move our January Business Meeting to Tuesday, January 8th; because of the New Year's Holiday.

Chip Hailey and Franklin Johnson briefed all on the emergency Board Meeting held in St. Louis this past weekend. Our 1st. Vice Chair resigned from her position and Rita Galbraith accepted the position. We talked about rescinding the 2nd. Vice Chair position and will discuss the same again during our January Business Meeting. Because of the resignation, the position of Finance Chair was also affected. Jane Olson gracefully accepted the position and Jan Whitmer volunteered to help Jane on the committee. Dale Whitmer (Jan's husband) became a member welcome Dale!

Everyone assembled at Bella Pepper's Restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed good food and pleasant company. Thank you Mike for making it all happen!!! You always do a wonderful job on our social events. Your hard work is always appreciated.

January: Our group met at 7:00p.m. in the Webb City Senior Center on Tuesday, January 8th. Chip briefed all on MCB's search for a Director and the Thrift Stores situation. We were also told about MCB's E Bay account and that it would be accessible by the affiliates who were interested in donating items to MCB for sale in this manner.

We did the second reading to delete the 2nd. Chair and will do the last reading during our February Business Meeting.

We decided to hold our Social Event on January 15th. at 7:00p.m. at The Red Onion Café in Joplin and talked about the February Social being held at the Kings Palace in Joplin.

We all assembled at the Red Onion Café in Joplin, January 15th. at 7:00p.m. A fabulous dinner was enjoyed by all and everyone enjoyed visiting with one another.

In closing, I will leave you with this final thought: ADo the things that bring sunlight to your heart.--Courtney Essex

Cathie Brauner,
Public Relations

Back to Index

The MCB Rhymoceros

A Swans sing before they die.
Twere no bad thing
Should certain persons
Die before they sing!
Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Back to Index

FROM THE LOWER LEFTHAND DRAWER

Before we pull the drawer open may I please remind you once again that products and services are mentioned for their news interest solely. The MCB does not intend a solicitation or endorsement of any of the services or products. Okay, let's see what we have in here this time.

Converter Box: Beginning in mid-February Converter box:
By February of next year you will need to equip your old TV set with a converter box in order to receive any TV programs. This is not the case if you have cable TV, but if your set is more than a couple years old chances are you will need the converter. The government is offering two free coupons to each household worth $40 each that must be used within 90 days. The converter boxes probably will run around $70 each. To receive yours call (888) 388-2009. That spells DTV-2009.

If At First You Don't Succeed:
In the last issue of the Chronicle we had an article about efforts to expand the radio reading service in Missouri. Laura DeVries would like you to know that she has had problems with her internet service and, therefore, has lost a number of her e-mail messages before she ever had a chance to read them. If you tried to contact her, she urges you to please try again. Laura's e-mail address is: mslgd61@att.net.

Reading Habits of Blind Readers:

PR Newswire, New York, Thursday, December 20, 2007. Reading Habits of Blind and Physically Handicapped Defy National Trend. Book Consumption Rates Seven Times Higher for National Library Service Patrons Than Average Sighted Readers. Participants in the Talking Book program read more than the general population by a significant amount. The average NLS patron reads seven times more than most sighted readers, or approximately 35 books a year. These numbers not only highlight the braille and audio book appetites of NLS patrons, but also speak to the ease in obtaining ample reading material through the Talking Book program. "NLS patrons are extremely avid readers," says Frank Kurt Cylke, NLS director. "NLS is dedicated to fulfilling their reading needs with the highest-quality collection so they can remain engaged in literature and connected to the world around them." While NLS patrons have higher book consumption rates, their literary tastes do not differ from those of sighted readers, according to Jim Herndon, head of the NLS Collection Development Section. NLS librarians strive to build a well-rounded collection that meets readers' diverse informational and recreational needs. Further information on eligibility requirements and enrollment procedures for the program is available at (800) 392-2614.

More Free Directory Assistance:
Tell Me is offering a new free directory assistance. You have to provide the name of the city and state, or you can just give the zip code if you know it. To access this service call: (800) 225-5411.

A Helpful Note From John Weidlich:
A new 2-1-1 telephone number is now available to help Missourians find fast, free and confidential help for health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The 2-1-1 call center is being offered throughout Missouri by the United Way of Greater St. Louis. For technical reasons, all 211 service is currently limited to landline telephone services. Mobile phone users as well as those waiting for 2-1-1 in their area can call (1-800) 427-4626. The 2-1-1 call specialists can help people find health and human service assistance on everything from food and shelter to job counseling services, health resources in times of crisis as well as everyday needs. 2-1-1 offers easy access to community-based organizations and government agencies that provide services such as: Basic human needs resource: food banks, clothing, shelters, Mental and physical health resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children's health insurance programs, Employment support: financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) filing assistance, Support for older adults, people with disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, homemaker services, Support for Children, Youth and Families: quality childcare, Success by 6, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services, Volunteer/donor opportunities hand help in non-emergency situations. People also can call 2-1-1 if they want to volunteer support or donate help to agencies.

Move Over, Alkalines: In PC World tests, new Panasonic Oxyride disposable batteries delivered more than twice the performance of high-end alkalines for the same price. That's welcome news given the proliferation of high-drain battery-powered devices these days, such as digital cameras, MP3 players, and portable game consoles. AA and AAA rechargeables are still the most cost-effective way to power many such devices, but lots of people use disposables anyway, perhaps because they forget to charge the batteries they own or because they never buy rechargeables in the first place. We compared the new Oxyride AA's ($4 for four) with Duracell Ultra alkalines (also $4 for four) and with 1800-mAh Rayovac nickel metal hydride rechargeables (about $12 per four without charger). Panasonic says that its new cells last up to twice as long as alkalines, but In our tests the Oxyrides exceeded those claims and nearly matched our NiMH rechargeables. , Panasonic says it uses a patented process and a combination of new and improved electrolytes to manufacture the new AA and AAA cells. After eight years in development, they finally reached store shelves in Japan last year.

Upshot:
Oxyrides face some competition in the disposable arena from long-lived AA And AAA lithium disposable batteries, which makers say last about five times Longer than alkaline batteries. But these batteries also cost about three times as Much as alkalines. Given their relatively low price and their sizable power boost, Oxyrides should hold greater appeal for many battery buyers. There's one slight catch: At least for now, you can get the batteries only from Panasonic; the company has no plans at present to license its technology to others. However, Rayovac has a new Hybrid battery that they say combines the power of alkaline and rechargeables into one single package. They last longer than alkalines or rechargeables and sell for the same price as rechargeables. ever:ready makes a charger that is very good and retails at about $49 I think. the radio shack might have a similar item. Mixing different types of rechargeables batteries is a bad idea. Mixing different brands of standard alcaline batteries isn't so bad because the capacities are likely to be fairly standard between brands. Do not mix new and older batteries in the same device. It would be much better to fill any device from the same package, or at least the same brand of batteries. Again, do not ever mix rechargeables battery types and particularly never mix rechargeables and alcalines. A few weeks ago buy com had a Duracell charging system with several double and triple A batteries. This charger would charge the battery in 15 minutes. I believe that Wal mart has a similar system. The reason you should use the same brand, even use the same package, or at least same brand and same age batteries is because the batteries will last as long as the shortest life battery. Every brand of battery has a different lifespan. So, if you use different brands you may have one battery that has gone dead while the rest are perfectly fine. It's not unsafe or anything to use different brands, just not very efficient.

Emergency Phone Numbers:
It might be a good idea to keep a list of emergency numbers close to the phone in case you need one in a hurry. The following is one you might want to put on your list: The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Determine the following information: List of 4 items The patient's age, weight, and condition The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known) The time it was swallowed The amount swallowed, and Poison Control, or a Local Emergency Number

APH Essay Contest: In celebration of 150 years of building independence for people who are blind and visually impaired, the American Printing House for the Blind is conducting an essay contest. Blind and visually impaired* children, adults, and the professionals who serve them, are invited to tell us how APH products have made an impact on their lives. The contest is open to:
Students with a visual impairment who are enrolled in grades 3 through 12 for the 2007-2008 academic year .
Adult consumers of APH products.
Teachers of those who are visually impaired, rehabilitation counselors, and other professionals in the field of blindness.
The writers will be competing for some terrific prizes. First place winners in the adult categories and students in grades 9 through 12 will be able to choose either a Braille+ Mobile Manager or a $1,000 APH gift certificate. Students in grades 3 through 8 who place first can opt for a Manual Perkins Brailler or an APH gift certificate worth $750. The deadline for entry is April 1, 2008. The entry form, including the official topic and all guidelines for preparing and submitting an essay, is posted on the APH website at:
http://www.aph.org/essay.html.
For print or braille copies of the entry form, contact Becky Snider: Phone: 800-223-1839 or 502-895-2405, ext. 356; Fax: 502-899-2363 or email: rsnider@aph.org

Repairing CD's: In the last issue of the Chronicle we had some information about CD repair kits. Here's something further. While CD's are remarkably durable, it's nearly impossible to prevent scratches and scuffs from occurring from time to time. Don't despair repair! While commercial CD repair kits and CD refinishing machines are available, you may be able to repair the damage on your own with products you already have. Here's how.

1. Clean the disc. Even if a CD isn't actually scratched or scuffed, dust, oil, and other surface contaminants can prevent it from playing properly. Thus cleaning the disc should always be your first move. Run warm water over the damaged disc to remove dust. If there is stubborn dirt or grease on the disc, gently rub it with your finger while you are washing it, and use a gentle detergent (with the water) or rubbing alcohol (in place of water.) Anytime you rub or wipe a CD, you should do so by starting at or near the center of the disc and rubbing straight outward toward the edge to prevent further scratching. Shake the water off and let the disc air dry (do not dry it with a towel or cloth).

2. Try to play the disc. Many times a good cleaning is all that is needed. If, however, problems persist after cleaning, try to play the disc in a different CD player. Some players handle scratches better than others; computer CD drives tend to be best. 3. Burn a new disc. If you can get the CD to work in one CD player especially your computer's but not in others, try burning a new disc. The CD burning utility on your computer may be able to read the CD well enough to produce a perfect copy. You may wish to try this even if the CD doesn't play correctly on the computer. 4. If you have some vision, locate the scratch. Actually repairing the disc will be easier if you can figure out where the offending scratch is. Visually inspect the CD's playing surface for scratches or scuffs. Scratches that run perpendicular to the CD's spiral that is, those that run generally from the center to the rim may not affect playing at all, and in any case are generally less damaging than those that roughly follow the direction of the spiral. If there are several scratches, but the CD only skips in one or two places, you may be able to approximate the location of the offending scratches based on which track skips. Keep in mind that the first track of a CD begins near the center, and the direction of play proceeds outward to the edge.

Climbing a mountain is quite a task, all by itself; climbing it as a blind person gives courage a completely new meaning. Blindsight, produced by Robson Entertainment, tells the story of six blind students, all members of blind educator Sabriye Tenberken's school for the blind in Tibet. As if that weren't enough, they are led up the hill by the famed blind mountain climber, Erik Weihenmayer. Yup! The blind leading the blind. And the fascinating story begins. Tibetans consider blindness a cardinal sin, visited on a person who has defied the gods; someone upon whom God's wrath has descended, causing them to be scorned and rejected by their parents and the community. It was Ms. Tenberken's courage and determination that allowed her to step into that society and offer those children a sanctuary and a place to grow and learn. With patience, understanding and confidence boosters in place, six of her teenage students are recruited to scale the peaks of Everest in a climb of 23,000 feet to Lhakpa Ri on its north side. Naturally, each student receives hands-on training from one adult member of the team to prepare for the climb; all of it designed to enhance self-confidence, self-esteem and self-awareness. The problems, issues and difficulties of the climb are measured so that we, as viewers, can accompany the trekkers with more alacrity. You will get to know some of the youngsters quite well, and you will feel their pain, along with their glory in the challenge that they ultimately succeeded in achieving. Blindsight definitely deserves to be seen! Opening in March, 2008.For more information,visit www.blindsightthemovie.com

We're just about into April, my favorite month of the year. Hope you have a warm and wonderful spring, and we'll visit again when summer rolls around

Back to Index

MISSOURI COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
5453 Chippewa, St. Louis, MO 63109
Phone: 314-832-7172
Toll-free: 800-342-5632
Fax: 314-832-7796