AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND OF MARYLAND

Newsletter of the American Council of the Blind of Maryland

                         Spring 2005 Edition

 

The President of ACB of Maryland is Al Pietrolungo. His address is 4334 Slater Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21236. Phone is 410 529-9475 and email is ajpietrolungo@verizon.net

 

The Vice-President is Juanita Hartsfield. Her phone is 410 672-7191 and email is jbhartsfield234@earthlink.net

 

The Secretary is Patrick Sheehan. His phone is 301 598-2131 and email is psheehan53@comcast.net

 

The Treasurer is Howard Beares. His address is 727 Joppa Farm Road, Joppa, MD 21085. His phone is 410 538-4147.

 

President's Report by Al Pietrolungo

Since we have reduced the number of newsletters we publish, it becomes more difficult to decide how much information to put into this report. Many of you were able to attend the state convention, so you were updated about developments through early November, 2004. For that reason, I will begin my update by covering events since the convention. If anyone wants additional information about events before the convention,  please call and I will answer any questions you have.

At the convention, we adopted a resolution calling on the leadership to support the creation of the Office for Blindness and Vision Services, OBVS, within the Division of Rehabilitation Services. I do not believe this resolution called on us to abandon our traditional support for a separate rehabilitation program for the blind. Rather, it recognized that in our present legislative climate, a separate office for the blind within DORS was the best we could get, and we should give this new office an opportunity to prove the new administrative structure could improve outcomes for blind and visually impaired clients.

At the time we adopted this resolution, we had some indication the National Federation of the Blind would not be satisfied with the creation of the OBVS. Indeed, in early December, the NFB asked for a meeting to discuss their plans. By the time this meeting took place, we knew the board of directors of Blind Industries and Services had voted not to be part of any public rehabilitation program. We were advised by the NFB before our convention that a conversion of BISM to a public agency was part of their plan. After the vote by the BISM board, I attended the December meeting with the NFB without having a clear educated guess about what they planned to do. In the meeting, Mr. Gashall made their plans clear. The NFB would move forward with legislation to create a separate rehabilitation agency for the blind, but their bill would move that program from the Department of Education to the fledgling Department of Disabilities. I advised the NFB representatives this was not the year to introduce such legislation, and we believed the legislation would be defeated. Mr. Gashall made it clear he was not interested in our opinion about what the NFB should do. Rather he was there to tell us they would introduce this bill, and we should tag along with them,,,,. I found his specific comments  rather insulting.

So, the NFB moved forward with getting this legislation introduced. We took the position we would support the bill with amendments which turned this legislation into an agency as close as possible to the spirit of the 2004 convention resolution without abandoning our traditional support for a separate agency for the blind. I want to thank those board members who attended the board meeting where we discussed this issue for more than an hour. 

Even after the bill was defeated in the Maryland Senate committee, the NFB did not pull the bill from the house committees holding hearings on the bill. So, this separate agency for the blind was soundly defeated in the house committee as well.

Now, our attention is turning toward the effort to evaluate whether the new OBVS can actually produce better outcomes for blind and visually impaired clients. There is a conflict here as well. Maryland State law gives the Department of Disability a role in evaluating programs providing services to the disabled. The Federal Rehabilitation Act specifically requires the certified rehabilitation agency, DORS, be responsible for evaluating the program through the rehabilitation council. So, the Department of Disability has  created a group to come up with a method for evaluating certain aspects of this new office. Also, the rehabilitation council has developed a subcommittee charged with a broader responsibility to review the performance of the new office. Let's see how well the two departments in state government mesh their efforts. Of course, we are playing a role in both groups, and Penny Reeder has been appointed to chair the advisory committee set up by the rehab. council. We will be updating you on this effort at chapter meetings and at the state convention.

On March 15, we update the national office regarding our membership. Our state membership increased by about three per cent from last year to this year. So, we stopped the downward trend in membership which began two years ago. I want to take a moment to thank Jane and Pat Sheehan for their valuable assistance in this effort. They volunteered to take on the task of mailing more than 300 letters to those individuals who receive the Braille Forum. This effort accomplished two noticeable responses. First, a few members did send in their membership dues without being prompted by their chapters or by me for that small number of at large members. Second, other individuals decided either to join local chapters or send in at large membership contributions. So, the effort by Jane and Pat played a pivotal part in reversing the downward trend in our membership, and I thank them for that major effort. A few members did leave the organization for various reasons, but I think for the most part, they left us on good terms and we hope they will consider rejoining in the future.

Membership growth has been one longterm project for our affiliate. Another longterm project has been the installation of accessible pedestrian signals. I once suggested the Maryland State Highway Administration was placing road blocks in our path to progress on this issue. We have not removed these road blocks as yet, but we did receive an interesting email from the engineer in charge of the APS program within state highways. He indicated the number of requests for the installation of APSS has grown to about 80 on state highways. In the past four years,MSHA has only installed fifteen of these requested APSS. The email announced their intention to complete the installation of the remainder of the requested APSS within a little more than two years. If that happens as planned, then the pace of APS installations will increase from about four or five per year to more than 30 per year. Again, we should have more details to provide to you at the state convention.

Speaking of the state convention, I hope you are making plans to come. We will be holding the convention in Baltimore during the first weekend in November. Those who attended the convention will agree with me when I say this hotel property is a really great location. We will be distributing information about the convention in a few weeks, but please keep your schedule clear for that first weekend in November, so you can plan on joining us.

In July, many of us will gather in Las Vegas for the ACB national convention. At this moment, it appears Chris Gray may be unopposed in his effort to be elected to a third term as president. I cannot say his re-election pleases me, but many other important decisions will be decided at the Las Vegas convention. This one will be much larger than our gathering in Birmingham, so we hope to see many of you in Las Vegas.

We were very active during the last session of the Maryland General Assembly. Our effort to get a service animal protection bill adopted was not successful. I know several members worked hard on that effort, and between now and the state convention, we want to learn as much as we can about why that bill was defeated in the house committee.

Bob Kerr speaks about our involvement in legislation regarding a varifiable paper trail in the election process. However, thanks to his hard work, we also submitted written testimony in support of legislation which would have increased the state income tax deduction for blind citizens and a bill requiring colleges and universities to make sure any new technology is accessible to blind and visually impaired people.   

As I write this report, there are six months remaining in my last term as president. All of you will not be at the convention, so let me take a moment to thank you for this opportunity to serve. We will have a bit more to say about that subject at the convention. I have not talked to the other officers about whether they will serve another term in their current positions. We will form a nominating committee during the Summer. I appoint the chair of that committee, and each chapter can add one member. So, our nominating committee will have a cross section of the organization. They will provide us with a recommended slate of candidates, and others can be nominated from the floor. When we distribute information about the convention, we will be sure to tell you who the chair of the nominating committee is, so you can contact that person if you are interested in running for state president, vice-president, secretary or treasurer.

 I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming chapter meeting or at the state convention. Please have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Al Pietrolungo, President

 

...................................

Report from the Maryland Area Guide Dog Users, Inc. by Gary Norman, President

 

An evolving organization continues to progress forward.  In this

previous year, the Maryland Area Guide Dog Users, Inc. (MAGDUI) has been

at work on myriad projects.

 

In Spring 2005, MAGDUI will finalize the application for status as a

non-profit.  Members passed by-laws in Winter 2005.  The new board of

our organization will consist of seven voting members.  Among the other

committees for the new board will be a strategic planning committee who

will be charged with the task to create a five and ten year growth plan

for MAGDUI.  Once the IRS provides to MAGDUI, an advance ruling, which

will allow MAGDUI to act as a non-profit during an initial five year

provisional period, we will form a fund-raising committee.  In this

regard, I am planning to seek forth a colleague at work who has

extensive grant writing experience to either serve on the board or to

serve on a fund-raising committee.

 

In fall 2004, our efforts prevailed and resulted in the establishment

of a pilot ambulance service for guide dogs in Baltimore County.  In

fall 2004, a representative of MAGDUI met with the advisory panel of

taxicab companies, which are regulated generally under the auspices of

the Public Service Commission.  The taxi companies favorably received

the proposal of enhanced training to those who seek taxicab licenses.

In Winter 2005, MAGDUI compiled and mailed an informational package to

the PSC for distribution to taxicab drivers.  We hope to furnish

in-person training.  We require volunteers who are guide dog users.

 

In winter 2005, MAGDUI submitted a letter of proposal to the Civil

Justice Foundation in order to conduct a public media campaign about

guide dogs.  In Winter 2005, MAGDUI worked with ACB of Maryland, Senator

Katherine Klausmeier and Delegate Nancy King to introduce assistance dog

legislation.  While the legislation did not successfully progress

forward in the legislative process, MAGDUI sincerely thanks all who

strived on behalf of guide dogs and our newly forming non-profit to pass

these bills.  To continue to enhance awareness in Annapolis about guide

dogs, MAGDUI will consider rallying guide dogs in Annapolis in October,

which is "disability month".  Likewise, it may also be efficacious

to host a legislative reception to further introduce our young

non-profit to the members of the Maryland General Assembly.  We will

require volunteers.  I am confident that ACB of Maryland will also be

strong partners in this regard.

 

We have been at work with ACB of Maryland on a pedestrian statute

enforcement project.  Thus far, MAGDUI has submitted a proposed fact

sheet for the publication of the police.  There has been discussions

about the need for in-service training.  Members of MAGDUI have spoken

to community groups about guide dogs.  In this regard, we thank Jane

Sheehan, Vanessa Lowery,, Ruth and Steve Hairsine for their service to our

young non-profit.  We remain only as active as your participation.

 

..................................................

 

Visually impaired struggle with smart machines

 

(Editor's note: This article appeared on the CNN Website, and we publish it here courtesy of CNN and the Associated Press.)

 

(AP) -- Jay Leventhal, who is blind, still fumbles with the tiny controls on his iPod but has given up on the kiosk in his New York office building that

lists all the tenants.

 

For Leventhal, even laundry has become a task requiring the help of a sighted person. The washers he uses now takes smart cards instead of quarters, issuing

instructions on a digital screen that he can't read.

 

As technology has evolved, it's become lighter, smaller and more portable. For most people, that makes it more convenient. For millions of blind and vision-impaired

people, it's anything but.

 

"The biggest barrier for blind people is access to information, and more and more information is being made available through different machines that aren't

designed for people who can't see," says Leventhal, editor in chief of AccessWorld: Technology and People with Visual Impairments.

 

Blind people need a way to communicate with the machines that surround them, he says, from automated tellers to ticketing machines at train stations and

airports.

 

Leventhal and other experts on assistive technology say there's no reason that can't happen. The technology exists in voice chips, image processors, cell

phones, cameras and personal digital assistants.

 

Someone just needs to put it all together.

 

That's the principle behind the Levar Burton Vision Enhancement Technology Center, a fledgling venture in Morgantown, West Virginia, that will pair the

resources of West Virginia University and Georgia Tech with private-sector partners like Motorola Corp.

 

Levar Burton, who played blind Lt. Geordi La Forge in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," is lending his name and star power to fund-raising efforts for the

center.

 

Though he's not blind, he wore a visor on the set that impaired his vision by 75 percent for nearly 12 hours a day.

 

The center and its partners will use off-the-shelf technologies like lasers, magnifiers and global positioning systems to develop, test and market products

to help people see better. The American Foundation for the Blind, which runs a technology evaluation center in Huntington, West Virginia, will advise the

scientists.

 

Of the 18 million Americans with diabetes, for example, about 5 million are visually impaired.

 

But when Mark Uslan, director of the Huntington facility and his lab volunteers tested 30 brands of blood glucose monitors, they found only one that was

usable -- but it was 10 times larger and 10 times more expensive than the other models tested.

 

Mainstream companies need to consider the vision-impaired when designing products, Leventhal says.

 

"There's no reason for someone to have to make an MP3 player that's accessible to blind people when several companies are already making MP3 players," he

says.

 

Though many assistive devices are commercially available for the blind and vision-impaired, each has limitations and nearly all are expensive, produced

in small batches by specialized companies. Even a software program that makes a computer talk is nearly $1,000 -- as much as the computer itself.

 

And with few health insurers willing to pay, sales are too small to justify significant corporate investment.

 

"That's why we've had to take this avenue," says Dr. Richard "Scott" Hearing, director of the Low Vision Clinic at Jupiter Eye Center in Florida and an

adjunct faculty member at WVU. "If there were a lot of money to be made in this, someone would have already done it. ... It's not the cost of the technology

that's expensive; it's the cost of adapting it for vision impairment."

 

A few companies are working on assistive technology, but one of the largest and oldest, Telesensory Corp. of Sunnyvale, California, went bankrupt and closed

last month.

 

Jody Ianuzzi, program coordinator at a blindness training center in Florida, says cost is critical. Some people will find state programs to pay for devices,

and others have employers who will buy them as a reasonable workplace accommodation. But for retirees and the under- or unemployed, she says, "one device

could break the bank."

 

Hal Reisiger, president of Enhanced Vision Systems of Huntington Beach, California, says that's why his firm will partner with the Levar Burton Center;

new products must be practical for the manufacturer, too.

 

"We could make flying saucers," he says, "but if people can't afford it, it's not an effective mode of transportation."

 

Hearing and others aim to keep costs low by designing not only assistive devices but also mainstream products with military and recreational applications.

 

Burton's Star Trek character is the inspiration for one of the most advanced devices on the market today, a set of goggles called JORDY, or Joint Optical

Reflective Display.

 

It functions like two high-definition television sets, with controls over color, contrast and magnification.

 

But the JORDY is heavy, offers a limited field of view and lacks image stabilization, so it can cause motion sickness. And it costs about $3,000.

 

Paul Mogan, a legally blind electronic engineer at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, says JORDY is best suited to stationary tasks like reading. He

wants to help create the next incarnation, special sunglasses linked to a wireless computer that can fit on a belt or in a pocket.

 

With a voice chip, GPS and image processors, the visor could serve as a sort of on-board navigation system for the blind, calling out hazards, announcing

nearby shops, even reading signs that say what's on sale.

 

NASA has a compatible goal: The space agency wants a wearable wireless computer that would help technicians work independently outside a spacecraft.

 

"NASA has this initiative to go to the moon and Mars, and you're not going to be able to take a ton of crew, so you're going to have to be very efficient

in what you're going to do," Mogan says. "All people have to be able to have access to a lot of information."

................................................

 

Treasurer's Report by Howard Beares

Balance as of 9-30-04; $3,079.93.

Income:

2004 convention fees: $2,298;

auction: $1,105;

wine tasting: $90;

dues: $660;

donation: $30;

redeposited check: $75;

Total Income: $4,258.

 

Expenses:

check 522, Duck tour, $428;

check 523, Apple John, $100;

check 524, Treemont Hotel, $869.62;

check 525, MSB (for braille), $50;

check 526, Al Pietrolungo, (Leg. Comm.), $121.40;

check 527, Al Pietrolungo, (Gvt. Aff.), $33.53;

check 528, Al Pietrolungo, (Gvt. Aff.), $100.35;

check 529, R. Kerr, (Leg. Comm.), $23.43;

check 530, Treemont Hotel, (deposit), $500;

check 531, Al Pietrolungo, (trans.), $106;

check 532, ACB Leg. Sem.), $70;

check 533, R. Kerr, (Leg. Comm.), $103.65;

check 534, ACB national dues, $695;

Total Expenses: $3,200.96.

Balance as of 3-31-05, $4,136.95.

 

.............................................

SMCB  April 2005 Report:

 

This is the report of the Southern Maryland Council of the Blind as submitted by Bob Kerr:

 

Since my last report, the SMCB has continued its work to improve rehabilitation outcomes for blind and visually impaired people in our region.  As a result

of our efforts, the Division of Rehabilitation Services was finally convinced of the need to establish an Office of Blindness and Vision Services.  Although

our success was in part due to our legislative activities, local advocacy also played an important role.  During 2004, I had the opportunity to work with

several SMCB members as they sought services from DORS.  What we have learned through advocacy is the importance of working together.

 

In November 2004, it was my pleasure to serve as the SMCB delegate to the annual American Council of the Blind of Maryland Convention.  In addition, I was

asked to chair the resolutions committee, which considered several issues of importance to our membership.  After much discussion, convention delegates

approved a resolution supporting the establishment of the Office for Blindness and Vision Services within DORS.  Before the convention was adjourned, I

was again asked to chair the ACBM Legislative Committee and promote our agenda in Annapolis.  If you have yet to attend an ACBM Convention, I strongly

recommend that you attend the 2005 convention in Baltimore on November 4, 5 and 6.

 

As a matter of policy, both the SMCB and our state affiliate support the establishment of a separate agency for providing blindness rehabilitation services.

 So, when the National Federation of the Blind introduced legislation in the Maryland General Assembly that would have established a separate rehabilitation

agency within the newly created Department of Disabilities, ACBM supported their bill.  However, our support was not without reservations.  It was our

position that a separate agency was best located within the Department of Education and not the “fledgling” Department of Disabilities.  In addition, given

the actions of certain organizations both in Maryland and other states, we believed that the bill required a prohibition on restrictive policies in respect

to the use of guide dogs by those receiving services.  In the end, committees in both the Senate and House rejected the NFB’s bill and tacitly approved

the Office for Blindness and Vision Services.

 

Together with the ACB of Maryland, the SMCB sought passage by the Maryland General Assembly of two important pieces of legislation.  The first of these

bills would have imposed criminal penalties for those who deliberately injure service animals while the second bill would have required that an accessible

voter verifiable paper audit trail be adopted for use by the State Board of Elections.

 

Although it is difficult to believe that people would deliberately injure guide dogs, service animals are often injured by other dogs, that are not leached,

and whose owners have caused them to be vicious through abuse.  For those of us who are guide dog users the need for legislation was obvious.  During hearings

on this legislation, ACBM members Vanessa Lowry and Gary Norman offered expert testimony while many of our members contacted their representatives to urge

their support.  Despite our best efforts, our guide dog protection bill was voted down in committee in the House and later withdrawn in the Senate.  It

seems that some legislators continue to view service animals as mere property rather than the devoted travel partners we know them to be.

 

It has been the position of both the SMCB and our state affiliate that blind and visually impaired voters be afforded the right to vote independently by

secret ballot.  For this reason, ACBM championed Maryland’s acquisition of an accessible direct recording election system.  But now a large segment of

Maryland’s electorate question the integrity of the election system, as it is not independently verifiable.  Those of us who have voted by paper ballot

with the assistance of a sighted person have learned to accept some doubt as to the accuracy of our vote.  Ironically, the very machines that afford us

an independent secret ballot now cause sighted voters to doubt the accuracy of their votes.

 

True Vote MD and other groups representing Maryland voters called for the adoption of a voter verifiable paper audit trail to be used in conjunction with

the direct recording election system.  As a voter verifiable paper audit trail would enhance voter confidence in the integrity of the system, we supported

its adoption provided it was made accessible to voters who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise disabled.

 

Legislation addressing election system verification was introduced in the General Assembly and our organization was among those offering testimony.  Working

with Carl Schmitt and Gary Norman from ACBM and True Vote MD’s Shelley Fudge, we were able to craft an accessibility policy that addressed our concerns.

 Working closely with True Vote MD, allowed us the opportunity to influence this important legislation.  Together with representatives from True Vote MD,

Common Cause, and Democracy for America, I attended a March 2nd meeting with the Speaker of the House of Delegates, Michael Busch.  Speaker Busch assured

us that the General Assembly was aware of our concerns and would take action by sessions end.

 

What emerged from the General Assembly was a bill requiring the State Board of Elections to study the feasibility of independent verification systems including

a voter verifiable paper audit trail.  In addition, the bill advises the State Board of Elections to seek assistance from community groups such as ACBM,

in conducting its study.  Regardless of the study’s findings, our organization will continue to demand our right to an election process that is fully accessible.

 

On April 1st, I was contacted by the House Judiciary Committee’s General Counsel, Michelle Persaud.  She was calling on behalf of Congressman John Conyers

(D-MI) who is sponsoring an election reform bill in the House.   What the Committee was interested in learning was our position in respect to accessibility

and the voter verifiable paper audit trail.   The Committee’s inquiry may well be indicative of our success in framing this issue, but only time will tell.

 

Indeed, it has been a busy year for the Southern Maryland Council of the Blind.    What the past year has taught us is the importance of educating ourselves

on the issues as we attempt to educate a sighted public.

...................................

Hope's Recipes and Tips by Hope Pietrolungo

 

Hello everybody. This is the spring edition of the newsletter, but hot summer weather is coming. So, I have included a few salads in this edition.

 

Fresh Corn Salad

tb5, olive oil;

c8 of fresh corn kernels, (10 to 12 ears of fresh corn);

tsp1-1/2 salt;

c1 small diced red onion;

c1/4 thinly sliced scallions, white and green parts, (about two scallions);

tb2 cider vinegar;

c1 julienned basil leaves.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add tb3 olive oil. When oil is hot, add corn, salt and pepper and cook for five minutes until just cooked and no longer starchy. Remove from heat and stir in onion, scallions, cider vinegar and remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Allow salad to cool. Stir in basil before serving. Makes 10 to 12 servings. Serve cold or at room temperature.

 

Minestrone Salad, Serves four.

tsp1 coarse salt, plus more for seasoning;

oz8 gemelli or other pasta such as penne or rotini;

tb4 extra-virgin olive oil;

1 small onion, diced;

2 cloves garlic, minced;

1 carrot, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice;

1 zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch dice;

oz4 green beans cut into 1 inch pieces;

c1-1/4 kernel corn, cut from 1 ear of corn or use frozen corn;

freshly ground pepper;

tb2 balsamic vinegar;

1 oz15 can cannellini beans, rinse and drained;

lb1 assorted tomatoes, roughly chopped;

Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add tsp1 salt. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water and drain.

Heat tb2 of olive oil in large skillet. Add onions and garlic and until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add carrots and cook until it softens, about 4 minutes. Add zucchini, green beans and corn. Cook until vegetables are tender, occasionally stirring, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a medium bowl to cool Stir in remaining tb2 of olive oilvinegar, cannellini beans, tomatoes and reserved pasta. Serve cold or at room temperature.

 

White bean Salad

c2 of Navy or Great Northern beans, cooked;

c1/2 thinly sliced carrots

c1/2 chopped purple onion;

1 medium tomato, chopped;

2tb chopped parsley;

c1/2 Italian olive oil;

2 cloves garlic, crushed;

tsp1/2 salt;

tsp2 dried basil leaves;

tb2 red wine vinegar;

tsp1/4 pepper;

salad greens;

Combine first six ingredients. Then combine olive oil, garlic, salt, basil, vinegar and pepper. Pour dressing ingredients over bean mixture. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Serve over salad greens. Serves six.

 

Here is the entree.

Make it from a mix: Courtesy of Our Special Magazine.

Garlic mashed potatoes and beef bake

lb1 ground beef;

1 can, 10 and 3/4 ounces  Campbell's mushroom with garlic soup, (cream of mushroom soup);

tb1 Worcestershire sauce;

1  16 ounce bag frozen vegetables, combination broccoli, cauliflower carrot mix, thawed;

c2 water;

tb3 margarine;

c3/4 milk;

c2 Idaho potatoes, (original);

Cook beef until brown, drain. Mix beef, 1/2 can of soup, worcestershire sauce and thawed vegetables into a 2 quart baking dish. Mix water, margarine and soup into the saucepan. Stir in milk. Add potatoes slowly to warmed ingredients in saucepan. Spoon potatoes over vegetable mixture in baking dish. Bake casserole in 400 degree  for 20 minutes.  

 

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