Carolyn Craig, Event Chair was presented flowers by Sylvia Gardner, BVIC President.
Photo courtesy of Cath Tendler-Valencia
The Blindfold is available in Braille and in large print upon request. To go green, and receive yours by email please send an email to
vision@blindandlowvision.org and put Blindfold in the subject line.
It is wonderful to announce our new Board of Directors Florence Cogan, Carolyn Craig, Tony Dering, Shirley Doolittle, Gail Garcia, Sylvia Gardner, Russ Hatch, Sonja Jackson, Steve Kane, David Lloyd, Albertine Potter, and Barbara Van Noord. We look forward to a productive year serving our clients. We extend our appreciation to Victoria Carns and Lee Gardner for their years of service as Board Members. Lee is happily retired. We are very fortunate that Victoria will continue her volunteerism as an important part of our Tuesday Fellowship Program. The new officers will be announced in our next Blindfold issue.
Country Store & Auction is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2009.
And what an event it was! On Sunday, February 22nd, over 170 friends and clients of the Blind & Visually Impaired Center celebrated the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille’s birth with a gala luncheon at the Inn at Spanish Bay. The crowd filled the St. Andrew’s Room and was treated to a spectacular performance by Tom Sullivan, entertainer, author and motivational speaker. Tom inspired and moved us with his music and amazing voice. His challenge to us; turn every disadvantage in our lives to an advantage and to be the best that we can be in all we do. The entire room hung on every word, responding with laughter, tears and applause. His music was exciting and filled with encouragement. The presentation included personal stories, video clips and music.
Carolyn Craig, Event Chair was presented flowers by Sylvia Gardner, BVIC President.
Photo courtesy of Cath Tendler-Valencia
We were fortunate to have as emcee Adrienne Laurent, Director of News and Public Affairs at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. The program began with a welcome and recognition of the accomplishments of Louis Braille by event chair, Carolyn Craig. Board President Sylvia Gardner introduced the BVIC’s Board and staff. A delicious lunch was enjoyed by all, followed by Russ Hatch and Dr. Moonset Yu recognizing winners of a Braille contest for members of VISTA, the Visually Impaired Students Technology Assistance Program, The contest was sponsored by MCSI. First prize went to Mia Carius, who developed a curriculum to teach Braille to a sighted person. Luis and Manuel Castillo both received Honorable Mention for their personal letters to Tom Sullivan. Also in attendance was another VISTA student, Jane Brunson and Megan Borella, an 11-yearold who was the 2008 National winner of the Braille Challenge in the 5th Grade division. Tom Sullivan then entertained us with his inspirational and stirring presentation.
The event was followed by “Backstage with Tom” a special time for our event sponsors whose generosity made the success of the day possible. Thank you, Tom Sullivan, Allergan, Pebble Beach Company, the Committee, Board Members and all who attended. The BVIC is especially grateful to Carolyn Craig whose passion for Braille fueled the reality of An Event to Set Your Sights On. We thank Carolyn for her unwavering efforts and resourcefulness in producing such an exceptional affair. Jeff Craig and Michelle Noseworthy’s hard work behind the scenes also were essential to the success as well as Kimbley Craig and Tracy Hopper of K Craig Media and Laura Schmeiss. We also thank Mr. and Mrs. Ed Magner for that special touch of Louis Braille Pins for each attendee.
Tom and Mia
Photo courtesy of Cath Tendler-Valencia
For information or if you have a vehicle in good running order that you would like to donate, call Russ at 595-1871 or the BVIC at 649-3505.
Our Membership Drive starts at the beginning of the year, but the memberships are accepted throughout the year. If you haven’t sent in your donation, it’s not too late. Thanks for showing your support of the BVIC.
In August of 2002 a retired couple approached Jeannie to offer their services as volunteers. The BVIC’s Low Vision Specialist had just resigned. It was serendipity that Moonset Yu was soon to become the BVIC’s Low Vision Services Coordinator. First, Moonset and her husband, John Smith, would impress the staff with their willingness and expertise to help clients. Little did we know how many positive changes would occur for the BVIC when Yueh Hsia Yu, PhD. joined the Center.
Moonset is the beautiful translation of Yueh Hsia’s lyrical given name. Moonset was born in Tai Pei. She is truly a lifelong learner and teacher with a reverence and enthusiasm for education. She earned her BS in Biology Education at the National Taiwan Normal University and her Masters in Special Education/Visually Handicapped at Boston College. Boston College is also where she received her Doctorate of Philosophy, Education Research, Measure & Evaluation. Moonset’s doctoral project included a mathematic assessment for severely disabled students with visual losses. She was a respected member of Perkin’s faculty from 1993 to 2001. She recently taught an online Music Braille course for UMass.
Moonset and Mocha
Moonset has the ability to bring out the best in others. She is a fervent worker who makes multi-tasking look like a choreographed dance. This work ethic cannot help but overflow to those around her. Before we knew it, the BVIC was on board for a much needed renovation. She spearheaded the huge project and the end result was a professional facility respected by the medical community and welcoming to our clients.
With Moonset’s nudging, we all know that AT stands for Assistive Technology and due to her efforts our AT lab possesses the most current equipment and software. We have held three AT & Vision Care Days and now have many wonderful relationships with eye doctors and vendors. Numerous children are thriving academically at school as well as at home because of Moonset and Dr. Wodecki’s support of the VISTA Program.
The wife of one of Moonset’s clients who learned to use the computer and email echoes the sentiments of many of her clients. “Moonset is an exquisite person. We appreciate her attitude, her expertise, courage and cheerfulness. “
I thought I’d share some fun things about Moonset. When asked what kind of piano do you play, she quipped, “classical of course, is there any other”? She is an organic gardener who harvests the sweetest tomatoes and most beautiful vegetables. Moonset also enjoys making birdhouses and is an excellent cook who serves a professional looking plate. She loves animals and even has pet chickens.
Moonset has been a wonderful colleague, mentor, and teacher to many. Most of all, she has been a dear friend. Moonset and John, thank you for your support of the BVIC. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many. We wish you both well.Telescopic Canes
Before folding canes, there were some blind individuals who preferred to use telescopic canes rather than the rigid long cane. Like today’s folding canes, they were easier to put away when not in use than the old rigid long canes. However, in my experience, they were flimsy and unreliable. They were unsafe for someone who really needed a cane for obstacle or step detection. Those who used the telescopic canes often just carried them for identification but used a sighted guide. Since I found those old telescopic canes to be unsafe, I did not stock them.
I re-considered the value of telescopic canes when a visually impaired man with severe back problems contacted me. He wanted to continue to use a long cane for surface detection, but he found that most folding canes he tried were too heavy for the wear and tear on his body. I investigated the possibilities for more lightweight canes. I came across a new telescopic graphite cane put out by the company called Ambutech. With the lightest in weight cane tip, the short and long length telescopic canes were far lighter than any other canes I’ve come across.
The question was, were they sturdy enough to withstand abrupt contact with unexpected obstacles? I put the cane to the “Rena-test” and determined that when they were properly locked, they would not collapse with abrupt contact.
We have two telescopic canes for demonstration. One stretches to up to 50 inches, and the other up to 59 inches. The telescoped length of the shorter one is 26 inches, and the telescoped length of the longer one is 31 inches. The canes are easy to adjust and lock at the desired length, but they are expensive at about fifty dollars each. If anyone would like to compare these canes to his or her own cane, please contact Rena at 649-3505 for an appointment to try these out.
Over the past few months we have discussed the importance of keeping our lives “peopled” as we age, and, in a previous newsletter, highlighted the Creative Living Program of the Salinas Adult School.
This month the focus is on a program that comes right to your door. It is the Senior Peer Counseling Program sponsored by the Alliance on Aging.
Issues often faced by seniors
Many older persons suffer from social isolation not only because they may live alone, but because they have lost many of the significant connections they once had with friends and co-workers. Often, they feel that they don’t want to “burden” their busy children or other family members with their problems. Chronic illness is common and the negative societal attitudes about aging contribute to a loss of “self” and feelings of powerlessness. Despite the fact that we are an aging population, statistics show that only a small percentage of seniors seek out mental health services. Among the most common barriers to care are: lack of transportation, poor health, lack of finances, and social stigma/embarrassment. To address these needs and concerns, the senior peer counseling movement was launched 15+ years ago throughout the country, and has been a win - win program for both volunteers and clients ever since. We are extremely fortunate to have just such a program here in Monterey County, headed up by Sheryl Zika, PhD, director of wellness and mental health services for the Alliance on Aging.
Who are the peer counselors?
The peer counselor/volunteers are active, healthy, compassionate men and women 40 years of age or older who want to give back to their community and be of help to seniors. They may have lost a spouse themselves or experienced other challenges associated with aging. Volunteers listen with empathy; provide emotional support and companionship as well as practical assistance. They are trained and supervised by mental health professionals Sheryl Zika, PhD. and Robin Keeler, LCSW. Peer counselors are active on the peninsula and Salinas, and are slowly branching out to South County. In the past year the program has also trained bi-cultural, bi-lingual counselors to meet the growing needs of our diverse population.
Who can receive services?
Peer counseling is available to anyone who is over the age of 55, a resident of Monterey County and is motivated to participate in individual counseling. The program does not provide crisis intervention, counseling for major mental illness or addictions or treatment for dementia.
How does the counseling work?
All services are confidential and free of charge. Counselors schedule appointments in client’s homes and usually meet with them weekly for one hour. Peer counselors may also go to retirement communities or community senior programs. The volunteer counselors become the trusting confidant and one-to-one connection that may be missing in the lives of so many older adults.
How do seniors participate?
To receive the services of a peer counselor or to learn more about becoming a volunteer counselor, call the Alliance on Aging at 646-1458 or visit their website Alliance on Aging . The next training session for volunteers is scheduled for the end of March and will take place in Marina. The 30-hour training program spans a 12 week period. Director Zika reports that several of the counselors are in their 70’s and 80’s, with the oldest being 92. So it is never too late to learn, grow, and be of service to others.
Tips for Using Braille and Talking Book Library Machines and Services
When you first unpack your machine, KEEP THE BOX. It will make it very easy to re-pack and return to BTBL if your machine needs repair or you need to return it for any other reason. The card on the box with your address has the return address for machines on the other side. It also has a “Free Matter” stamp that will enable you to return the machine through the post office free of charge.
Keep the toll free number for BTBL handy. You will be assigned a reader assistant and can call on weekdays to be connected to that person. He or she can answer most of your questions and assist you with ordering specific titles or changing the number of books sent out to you at one time. The number is 1-800-952-5666. Be prepared to leave your name and phone number with area code if your reader assistant is busy. They are very good about returning calls.
When you receive your first machine, call BVIC. We will be glad to send out an instructor to review with you how to use the machine, order talking books, and so forth.
If you have used the service for a while but will be moving to another place within California, you do not have to return your machine. Just notify your reader assistant of your move date and new address, and that you will be taking your machine with you. If you are moving out of state, your reader assistant can tell you what to do.
A BVIC staff member can help you apply for this free service that is provided from our taxes through the Library of Congress. The Braille and Talking Book Library is a complete library of fiction and non-fiction books. BTBL also has some magazines on tape. All tapes and materials are mailed free of charge, there is no cost to you. The service is not only for the visually impaired, but also for those with reading disabilities or other physical disabilities that make it impossible to hold a book. If you miss reading for pleasure, even if you can do some spot reading with a magnifier, you may want to give us a call to apply. Call us at
649-3505 so we can sign you up!
Meet Steve Kane
I’ve been legally blind since the age of eight. I grew up in New York City and came to CA in 1970. I’ve lived in Pacific Grove since 1986 and discovered the BVIC in the 1990’s. I’ve benefited in several ways from my involvement, one of which is when the Center got me a reading machine. I used to have to go to the PG Library to use their special machine, but, now, with my donated reading machine, I can do all my reading at home.
My work life has included more than 20 years in local radio (KSAT, KRML, and KAZU) as salesman and disc jockey. You may remember Dr. Feel Good’s Rock & Roll Hospital or Citizen Kane’s Joyful Noise. I am an actor with Play it by Ear Productions in PG. We’ve performed old-time radio shows at senior facilities and the Works Café & Bookstore in PG. Prior to being named to the BVIC Board of Directors, I formed Dr. Feel Good’s Let’s Have Some Fun where I encouraged any member of the BVIC to contact me (375-6677) about entertainment they are interested in attending (plays, concerts, special events) and I will attempt to get donated tickets. My passions are baseball and music.
Immediate Opening
For an application please contact Jeannie at 649-3505 or by email at vision@blindandlowvision.org.
Hours: 37 ½ hours per week, FTE
Salary: $42,000 to $50,000; plus medical, dental & vision insurance; three month probationary period; paid time off. $ .48 per mile travel reimbursement
Holidays: Ten paid holidays per year
Paid time off: The BVIC offers an opportunity to participate in a simple IRA after a six-month waiting period to join the plan
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in rehabilitation teaching for visually impaired or BA in Special Education with minimum one year experience working with the visually impaired. Valid CA driver’s license, own transportation.
Responsible to: Business Director and Program Director
Responsibilities:
Public Relations
Networking
Inter-office