Fore~Sight, the Summer 2009 Newsletter
of the
38th
On
May 1, 2009 at 9:00 a.m., it was my privilege to open the 38th Annual State
Convention of the Arizona Council of the Blind with a welcoming message. The conference was held at the Phoenix
International Airport Hilton Hotel for the third year. The theme of this convention was "Living
in Balance", which I said was hard for me to do.
Ron Brooks, the convention coordinator, announced the theme
and gave an overview of the convention speakers.
Kathy Levandowsky, Rehabilitation
Services Administration (RSA) Administrator, explained how the state of
Amy Murillo-Hicks, Chair of the Governor's Council on
Blindness and Visual Impairment, (GCBVI) explained that because services for
the blind and the visually impaired were buried so far under the umbrella of
the Department of Economic Security (DES), they could be forgotten. She emphasized that advocacy was very
important!, and that all the consumer groups and
service providers should work together and let the public know what is
happening. Although
GCBVI is communicating with the governor's staff, Ms. Murillo-Hicks thought it
was important to send individual messages to the governor and the state
legislators and senators.
Ray Campbell from
Mark
Ashton from Foundation for Blind Children (FBC), Frank Vance from the
Robert
Williams gave the report from the nominating committee, and Ron Brooks gave the
report from the constitution, by-laws, and resolutions committee.
Before
the awards luncheon, there was time to visit the exhibitors. Three scholarships were awarded this
year. Meet these winners and their
comments in this issue.
During
the afternoon, there were three separate workshops that participants could
choose to attend. In the first workshop,
Ray Campbell from Illinois and Gary Bretz, Program
Director of East valley Dial-a-Ride discussed paratransit and alternative
transportation that are available in different cities. In the second session, a panel consisting of
Patty Greene (SAAVI), Janet Kells, (
There was time to socialize during the pre-banquet
mixer, the banquet, and later in the presidential suite.
Early Saturday morning,
breakfast was served. The first business
meeting of the day was the Guide Dog Users of Arizona (GDUA). During the meeting, they elected new officers
and directors. (See Local Chapters)
During
the business meeting of AzCB, representatives Thomas Hicks and Mike Kannitsch of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), presented me with a beautiful pen. This was in appreciation for the support AzCB
has given to the Blinded Veterans. They
also donated some more pens for door prizes. Later there was a vote on one
amendment change, a resolution, and the positions of treasurer, and three
directors. (See Meet the Board)
After
a box luncheon, there was a post convention meeting. Ray Campbell also gave us
a preview of what to expect for the ACB National Convention, which will be held
here in downtown
All
and all, I think the convention was a success.
My criteria was a balanced time: socializing with friends, meeting new
people, visiting the exhibits, enjoying the food, and learning at least one new
and useful bit of information.
I
personally want to thank Ron Brooks, the convention coordinator, and the
members of the convention committee for putting this all together. I also want to thank the volunteers, the
speakers, the members, and the RSA staff for attending.
Governor’s Council on
Blindness and Visual Impairment
In
this time of severe economic constraints, uncertainty and chaos, the Arizona
Governor’s Council on Blindness and Visual Impairment (GCBVI) is working
diligently and deliberately to ensure that the specialized needs of Arizonans
who are blind and visually impaired are addressed effectively.
The
GCBVI is developing a two-year strategic plan that evaluates the condition of
the current blindness systems and proposes courses of action that will achieve
a preferred outcome for people who are blind.
The
GCBVI brings together the best minds and experiences in blindness to advise the
Governor, legislature and state agencies on issues affecting people who are
blind and visually impaired. There are twenty GCBVI voting members. (The
Arizona Council of the Blind has three voting positions on the GCBVI.) There
are also four non-voting members who serve on the Governor’s Council.
Non-voting members bring specific expertise to the deliberations by virtue of
the positions they hold in the delivery of services to people who are blind.
The
GCBVI is developing effective communication with stakeholders, promoting the
growth and development of the Council, and are cultivating resources that
support the highest quality service delivery for blind Arizonans.
The
Council will do extensive research and analysis of best practices models in the
delivery of services to people who are blind and make specific recommendations
on system improvements. There is also an emphasis on maximizing efficiencies of
assistive technology provision to individuals with deaf/blindness.
Full
Council meetings are conducted six times each year and are open to the public.
Any individual or group having interest in blindness related issues or
resources, is encouraged to attend either GCBVI Full Council or Subcommittee
meetings.
For
more information:
Call:
Toll
Free 800-563-1221
E-mail:
cmaciel@azdes.gov
For Residents of
Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on
Disabilities Issues Employment, Education and Training Grant Program
The
Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues (MCDI) grant program is
designed to assist
Qualified
applicants must:
· Have a documented
· Be a resident of the city of
· Be
at least a senior in high school and 18 years of age.
· Be
able to identify specific goods or services needed to meet a verifiable goal
relating to education, training or employment.
Grant
funds are disbursed twice per year, in July and in February. Applications will be due by June 1 for July
awards, and by January 1 for February awards.
Grant applications will be
judged within 30 days of the due date. Notification of grant awards will be
made within 14 days of the judges’ determination.
Disbursement of funds to
institutions and suppliers of goods and services must be made within 60 days of
award notification.
Awardee
may revoke the award if payment is not requested within 30 days following the
notification.
The
following must be submitted within the specific grant period’s application time
line:
A completed MCDI grant application.
A one page, detailed description of the stated need
and how the grant award would assist the applicant in the area(s) of education,
training and/or employment.
Documentation relating to the stated goal, such as
school brochures, employment statistics, etc.
A
detailed description of the goods or services needed to achieve the stated goal
and how it will be used to achieve the goal.
Documentation regarding the cost of goods and/or
services. Documentation should include such things as
price quotes, price lists, invoices, etc.
Documentation
of a disability as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
A
grant applications form is available for download at
http://phoenix.gov/EOD/commpg.html
For
further information, please call Diane Nydick, Equal
Opportunity Specialist, City of
Note:
Individuals
that live or work in the City of
What's New at the Local
Chapters?
Guide Dog Users of
On May 2, 2009, GDUA held their annual membership business
meeting at the Arizona Council of the Blind 38th Annual state Convention. About 20 members were in attendance. During the meeting, dog toys and water bowls
were given out as door prizes. The
following officers and directors were elected:
Officers
President: Larry Wanger
1st Vice President: Cindy Rogers
2nd Vice President: Connie Jacomini
Treasurer: Terri Hedgpeth
Secretary: Raylynn West
Directors:
Tim Connell
April Martin
Barbara McDonald
Larry Wanger sent an introductory
email to all the current members. He
listed his goals, but said that the most important first step was to reconnect
with all the members. For more
information, you can reach Larry at the following:
Work: 602-443-0710
Cell: 480-307-3229
Email: lsw999@me.com
Maricopa
The Maricopa County Club met on May 13, 2009. During their meeting, they elected four
officers. The officers are as follows:
President -Ruth Druding
Vice-President Arie
Levels-Newsom
Secretary Robert Shelly
Treasurer Sharon Carpenter
After the election, Arie
levels-Newsom thanked Betty Whedon, outgoing
president, for her years of dedicated service to the Maricopa Club. The meeting ended with planning for their
June party.
For more information, contact
Ruth Druding at 623-937-1211.
On
February 28th, several members of AzCB’s Phoenix
Chapter met at the Burton Barr Central Library with Hillary Foose,
METRO Public Information Officer. She
gave attendees an overview of train features, and explained the complex process
of making any changes to the automated announcements. Then we went to the Light Rail platform at
McDowell and Central. Hilary pointed out
the sculptures there – a lifelike-bronzed stack of books (which even have titles
printed on them), and a line of “Thinker” statuettes. She noted that there is some form of artwork
at each train stop, though not all are tactile.
Next we boarded a train and rode it to
Our April activity was bowling. We select a
social/recreational event every other month, alternating with our business
meetings (odd-numbered months). Our main
areas of focus this year are pedestrian safety (especially as regards use of
light rail), and promotion of braille.
You are welcome to join us for any of our activities. Check out our website at www.phoenixazcb.org
or call me at 602-337-8190
President,
Janet Kells, has been hard at work putting the
finishing touches on the brochure for White Cane Day. We are hoping to have copies to distribute at
the ACB National Convention in July. We
want to garner support from the Lions and other organizations that can use this
tri-fold brochure as a teaching tool to promote more awareness of White Cane
Safety Day, which is October 15th.
We are also working hard to promote a membership drive to
culminate in September. A brochure explaining what SAC is, along with
information about AZCB and ACB and in the ways in which we can be of help to those experiencing vision loss as well as to their families.
From now through September, we are also hosting a
fund-raising drive for SAC. Anyone
contributing at least $5 to our organization will have his or her name entered
in a drawing. The prize is a 2-night
stay at the Airport Hilton in
The 2009 AzCB Scholarship
Winners by Barbara McDonald
Ashley
Jo Loebe received the 2009 John Vanlandingham
Scholarship Award in the amount of $1,200.00. Ashley is 20 years old. She will
be a junior attending
Ashley
said, "I will be using a portion of the scholarship money to pay for my three
summer school classes and books that start on May 18th and June 1st. Two of the
classes I am taking are Education classes and the other one is World Religions.
The remaining part of the scholarship money will go into a savings account for
the time being until the Fall semester starts. I will
use the money in the fall for books or other school related supplies. Once
again thank you all so much and I look forward to staying in contact with all
you"
Clement
Ximines received the AzCB 2009 Scholarship Award in
the amount of $1,000.00. Clement is a 52-year-old freshman who will be
attending
He
joined the Navy after high school and traveled extensively. He lost his vision at the age of 43 due to an
accident.
“I
would like to thank the AZCB for the doors you have helped open up to me
through this Scholarship. I know by
accepting this I have made a commitment to myself and to those who have entrusted
me with it. “ Clement said, “My goal is to help others
by teaching and counseling them in how to live a full and productive life. I feel with the proper training and my own
life experiences I will be able to reach out and help others realize even with
the disabilities nature puts on us we can lead full and prosperous lives one
step at a time.”
Alvaro
Mora received the AzCB 2009 Scholarship Award in the amount of $800.00. He is
21 years old. He has been attending
Losing
his vision due to Retinal Blastoma Bilateral at the
age of three has not stopped him from pursuing his education and playing goal
ball. He is the president of the Arizona
Goal Ball Team, which has one two national tournaments.
Alvaro
said, "This scholarship is very important for me, but also very
beneficial. I think that when I was
chosen to receive the scholarship the members did a good selection. First, I had all the required information so
I am happy because it also means that I am doing well in school, and I am heading
in the right direction to reach my goals.
Second, I really need the money.
My father is on disability and he only receives his check from Social
Security so, we have little income. The
money he gets is used towards the house’s expenses. Both scholarships (this year and last year)
that I received from AzCB have been used in school for things such as,
transportation and school supplies. This
last scholarship will be used to cover the expenses that I will have at
Meet the AzCB Board of
Directors
Barbara McDonald, President
(Term 2008-2010)
Barbara first learned about the Arizona Council of the Blind
in 1996 after becoming legally blind.
With the training from Vocational Rehabilitation, she was able to
continue her teaching career. She was elected secretary in 1997 and served in
that position for ten years. In 2007,
she became the 1st Vice President and the chair of the membership committee. Barbara was elected president at the AzCB
2008 Annual Membership Convention.
Sharon Booker, 1st Vice President (Term
2009-2011)
She moved to
In 1973,
Ruth Druding,
2nd Vice-President (Term
2008-2010)
Ruth graduated from
Ruth has been a member of Arizona Council of The Blind since
the first organizational meeting and has served in several positions on the
board, including President in the middle eighties.
In the late seventies and early eighties, she was employed
with the Department of Developmental Disabilities. Ruth provided Family
Counseling in private practice until 2007.
Sharon Carpenter, Secretary
(Term 2008-2010)
Tim Connell, Treasurer (Term
2009-2011)
Tim
is grateful for the tools and resources, which were made available to him
through various blindness dedicated agencies and organizations. Those resources
made a positive difference in his life. He felt it was time for him to join the
Arizona Council of the Blind and give something back to help others advance
their lives in spite of blindness.
Tim
Connell joined the AzCB organization in May 2008 and in May 2009; he was
elected to his first term as Treasurer. He succeeds in the footsteps of his
friend, Harold G. Newsom, who rendered exemplary service as Treasurer for the
past 10 years.
Maureen Comiskey,
Director (Term 2009-2011)
Born three months early, weighing only two pounds, she lost
her vision as a result of receiving too much oxygen while in an incubator.
Maureen has been a member of American Council of the Blind
since the mid 80's. When she relocated to
She has two teenagers that keep her busy. Maureen has spent
most of her adult life in rehab teaching. She finds it rewarding to give back
to the blind and visually impaired community.
Larry Wanger,
Director (Term 2009-2011)
Larry is originally from the state of
In
October of 2004 Larry moved to
Larry has been involved with the ACB since the year 2000 and
with the AzCB since moving to
In January of 2009 Larry received his third guide dog named
Carbon from Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Larry Wanger founded DisabilityNation in 2006. DisabilityNation
is a web based audio magazine by and for people with disabilities. The show is
produced in
Hal Newsom, Director (Term
2009-2010)
Harold
G. (Hal) Newsom was born and raised in eastern
He was active in his church and did volunteer work for Christown YMCA, Sun Sounds of
Ron Brooks, Director (Term
2008-2010)
Ron
Brooks is in his early 40’s and lives in
Ron joined the AzCB in 2006 after moving to
Ron is one of the founding members of the Phoenix Chapter of
the AzCB, and he is a strong believer in local chapter formation as well as
strengthening AzCB’s appeal to younger members and to
more diverse communities.
In addition to his role with the AzCB, Ron serves as the
Chairman of the national ACB’s Transportation
Committee. Prior to moving to Arizona, Ron held various leadership roles in several
ACB state affiliates and local chapters in New Mexico, Florida and California
as well as in several special interest groups, including Guide Dog Users,
Council of Families with Visual Impairment and (along time ago) in the National
Alliance of Blind Students.
On the
professional front, Ron has worked in the public transit industry for more than
15 years, and he is considered an expert in the field of accessible transit and
paratransit. His current position is as a Business Development Manager for a publicly
traded international firm, which operates public transit services on behalf of
public agencies across
When asked about his interests, Ron responded, “My main
interests are my wife, my kids and my community. My favorite things to do (when I have free
time, which is rare) are swimming, reading and eating great food and drinking
gourmet coffee and fine wine. My life is
full and hectic, but I would not have it any other way.”
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