BayLines

Fall, 2008

Bay State Council of the Blind

57 Grandview Avenue

Watertown, MA 02472

Phone: 617-923-4519

www.acb.org/baystate/

President, Bob Hachey

22 Grant Street

Waltham, MA 02453

Phone: 781-893-6251

E-mail: bhachey@comcast.net

Editor, Marcia N. Dresser

167 Green Street

Reading, MA 01867-2739

Phone: 781-944-3586

E-mail: mn.dresser@verizon.net

Assistant Editors: Jerry Berrier, Sharon Strzalkowski, Steve Dresser, Judy Savageau

"BayLines" is published four times per year in large print, audio cassette, via e-mail, and on the Web. Please contact the editor if you wish to request a change of format. Deadlines for receiving material are February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15.

Contents

Important Announcement from ACB President Mitch Pomerantz

New England Regional Ski for Light Upcoming Events

Boston Red Sox Offer Accessible Tour of Fenway Park

News from National Braille Press

Kramer's Kilometers

Massachusetts Celebrates White Cane Safety Day

BSCB Board Of Directors

Committee Contacts

Chapter Contacts

BSCB E-mail Lists:

BSCB-L is an open and unmoderated e-mail list for discussion of topics of interest to BSCB members and friends. To subscribe, send e-mail to bscb-l-subscribe@acb.org

BSCB-ANNOUNCE is a moderated one-way e-mail list used to disseminate pertinent announcements to members and friends of the Bay State Council of the Blind. To subscribe, send an E-mail request to: jerry@birdblind.org

President’s Message
by Bob Hachey

Hello everyone,

The leaves are mostly off of the trees and the temperature is going down. I tend to divide fall into two parts. The first part of fall runs from mid-September to the end of October and is one of my favorite times of year. I love brisk walks in the cool weather, freshly picked apples, and the Red Sox in the playoffs. The second part of fall, which includes November and the first half of December, is usually colder and cloudier and not much to my liking, except for the anticipation of the holiday season. I'd like to cover three topics in this message.

I'll begin with the good news. Thanks to your advocacy efforts, Massachusetts leads the fight to pass Ed Markey's Twenty-first Century Video and Telecommunications Accessibility Act. Since this legislative session has come to an end, this bill will need to be re-filed. I just checked the website of the United States Congress today (November 15), and found the following. The bill had a total of 15 sponsors nationwide; 5 of the sponsors were representatives from Massachusetts. The Massachusetts sponsors were: Ed Markey (lead sponsor), Michael Capuano, Barney Frank, James McGovern and John Tierney. For those of you who live in their districts, please contact them and thank them for their support. Also, remind them to sign on again when the bill is re-filed early in 2009. For everyone else, please contact your representatives and senators and ask them to support this legislation; also ask your friends and family members who live in other states to advocate for this bill. If passed, this legislation would do a number of things to improve life for all of us. It would restore the FCC regulations regarding video description for television that were overturned by a 2002 court decision. It would require that all new video equipment be made accessible to the blind and the deaf. It would require that cell phones be made accessible to the blind and visually impaired. It would even require that Internet video providers make their content accessible. Given our recent election, I believe that we have a good chance to get this bill passed in the next legislative session.

Second, I'd like to comment briefly on paratransit services. One of our members recently contacted me to discuss exactly to what extent paratransit providers are required to assist passengers. Since I live in the Boston area and use the MBTA's RIDE service, I assumed that the standard was door to door service. But I learned that in Worcester, the standard seems to be curb to curb service. This member sent me a link to the actual ADA regulations pertaining to paratransit, and it looks like neither answer is correct. The correct answer here is that providers are supposed to provide service from "origin to destination." When I read the regulations, I discovered that the Federal Transit Administration did not want to specify the requirement for either door to door or curb to curb service. FTA wanted to leave this to the discretion of paratransit providers, determining that providers and passengers should work together to decide which option would work best in various situations. For example, for some individuals, door to door service should be the norm. One might think that door to door service should always be provided. But, in some situations where parking is scarce, always providing door to door service causes problems for providers. The regulations do state that providers must offer any assistance that is necessary to get the passenger from origin to destination. This means that passengers should ask for door to door service if they need it. In this area the RIDE is going above and beyond regulations to provide door to door service as a default. On the other hand, when passengers have indicated that they need door to door service, providers are required to offer door to door service. If any paratransit passengers need further assistance with this issue, please contact me. To read the actual regulations, go to http://www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/ada/civil_rights_3891.html.

I have saved the bad news for last. America's recent economic crisis has hit hard here in Massachusetts where tax revenue collection is way down. On October 15, Governor Patrick made some emergency budget cuts to reflect reduced revenue collection. Many state agencies were impacted. The Braille and Talking Book Library lost a total of $101,000 in funding. This will mean reduced outreach services and fewer additions to the collection of locally produced materials of local interest. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind lost around $1.4 million. By the time you read this article, Ferguson Industries for the Blind will have closed its doors. While laid off employees will receive generous retirement packages, it is always a tragedy in my book when blind people lose jobs. BSCB is working in conjunction with MCB and National Industries for the Blind to explore other supported and competitive employment options. We hope to create an organization that will act as a bridge from unemployment to mainstream employment.

Other MCB cuts include a 50 percent funding cut to the Talking Information Center and cuts in the medical assistance division. TIC has cut salaries, but has not had to reduce services to consumers. The medical assistance cuts will not mean any loss of medical coverage for consumers. BSCB is working closely with BTBL, MCB and TIC in order to deal with these most unfortunate budget cuts. Considering the gravity of the economic crisis, it is fortunate that these cuts will have very little impact on most blind and visually impaired consumers. Unfortunately, it is anticipated that further budget cuts will have to be made in January. I believe that we must work together during this crisis to protect services to the blind. One of the fears now is that MCB will be consolidated into one of the larger disability agencies. I urge all of you to join with me in the fight to save our commission.

One final note. January 4, 2009 is the 200^th anniversary of Louis Braille's birthday. His marvelous invention has given literacy to those of us who cannot read the printed word. There will be a celebration of this date to occur at the State House sometime in mid to late January. Further information will be posted on our email lists as well as the MCB information tape.

Enjoy the rest of BayLines, and have a nice holiday season. Though budgets may be tight, there are ways to enjoy the holidays without spending lots of money. Good friends and good will have always meant more to me than expensive gifts and parties.

Editor’s Page

by Marcia N. Dresser

Jerry Berrier has been absolutely outstanding as editor of this magazine for the last two and a half years. His workload has increased substantially, though, so he is unable to continue. I’m very happy to be taking over, but Jerry will be a very tough act to follow! Jerry will remain on the BayLines staff, and I know I can count on him for advice and assistance.

We’re all volunteers around here, and although we can dig around and find articles in the newspaper or on the Internet, we’d very much prefer to publish submissions from you. We always appreciate the items from our regular contributors; John Usinas’s faithful dog guide, Kramer, comes to mind. (Please tell us, Kramer, how did you learn to write so well, and who taught you?) We’re always looking for new talent, so why not give it a try? Simply email your articles to me or, if you don’t have access to a computer, no problem; just send them to me in braille or on tape. I’ll take care of the rest. My email address is mn.dresser@verizon.net, and you can reach me by snail mail at 167 Green Street, Reading, MA 01867-2739. I look forward to hearing from you!

In our next issue, don’t miss the synopses of the BSCB spring and fall conventions, and be sure to check out what longtime BSCB member Roz Rowley has been up to lately. In the meantime, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a very happy New Year. I hope that 2009 brings everything you wish for, and more.

Inquiry

One auction item from our spring convention last April has not been claimed. The winning bid was $40. If you have not yet received your auction item, please contact Marcia Dresser at 781-944-3586, or via email at mn.dresser@verizon.net. If you prefer, you can leave a message in the BSCB telephone mailbox at 617-923-4519.

Thanks! We want this item to get to its rightful home!

Save the Date!

The Bay State Council of the Blind spring convention will be held from Friday evening, March 27, through Sunday noon, March 29 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Natick. We’re returning to this excellent hotel with its caring, helpful staff by popular demand. Our featured guest will be ACB president Mitch Pomerantz. Please join us if you can.

Further information will be forthcoming in January. Stay tuned!

Important Announcement from ACB President Mitch Pomerantz

[The following message appeared on the ACB Leadership email list.]

Colleagues:

… This past Monday [December 8] Eric Bridges (in person) and I (by phone) met with Kareem Dale of President-Elect Obama's Transition Team for over an hour. Mr. Dale is Obama's point-person to the disability community and himself, a blind attorney from Chicago. Also in attendance were two representatives from the NFB, including President Marc Maurer, and several other Transition Team members with an interest and/or expertise in issues of concern to blind and visually-impaired persons.

We were given the opportunity to outline what we considered to be three key issues for our constituents. ACB's three issues were: 1. maintaining and strengthening categorical services including retention and growth of the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Program; 2. access to information including support for H.R. 6320 and promoting accessible technology and websites; 3. pedestrian safety with an emphasis on addressing the growing danger of quiet cars.

Interestingly, NFB's issues differed little from ours other than indicating its renewed push to reinstate the earnings protections under Social Security. Everyone was cordial even to the point of Mr. Maurer reminding the Obama people that the ACB President represented a constituency with a valid perspective that government officials should not ignore.

For his part, Mr. Dale stressed that while he was meeting with the various disability constituencies based loosely on category of disability, the incoming administration expected cooperation and collaboration between and among these groups. Parenthetically, my concern is that this means that categorical services are not favorably viewed by those with disability expertise on the Obama team, but we'll have to wait and see about that. Dale also indicated that he hoped that the organizations of and for the blind would collaborate on issues of mutual interest. Again, we'll just have to wait and see whether that message is heard by all parties involved. I pledged that we would make every effort toward enhanced cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

Finally, Mr. Dale wanted all of us to convey to our constituencies the new administration's willingness to hear what we have to say and that this meeting was our opportunity to present key issues early in the transition. He also wanted us to make sure our members knew that this meeting had taken place; hence this relatively lengthy note to our members and supporters. Take care.

Sincerely,

Mitch Pomerantz

[Mitch will discuss these initiatives and many other pertinent issues when he joins us at our spring convention.]

New England Regional Ski for Light Upcoming Events
Winter 2008-2009

New England Regional Ski for Light

P.O. Box 861

Georgetown, MA 01833

781-667-9270

www.nersfl.org

Would you like to have fun and meet new friends in a lovely country environment doing cross country skiing and/or snow shoeing? If so, come and join New England Regional Ski For Light events!

Upcoming Winter Trips

CRAFTSBURY OUTDOOR CENTER

Craftsbury Common, VT, January 9-12

Ski and snow shoe right from the lodge and enjoy great food!

Trip includes three nights lodging double occupancy with hall baths, all meals from Friday evening through Monday lunchtime, and trail passes. There will be opportunities for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Cost is $250.00. A $15.00 late registration penalty will be charged if payment is received after December 1, 2008.

AMC’S HIGHLAND CENTER/SKI AT BRETTON WOODS

Crawford, NH, March 6-8

New location for NERSFL! Free loaner snow shoes and outerwear!

Check out the vast variety of trails at Bretton Woods (and perhaps the dogsled rides)! Bretton Woods ski pass, breakfast and dinner included in the prices quoted below. Lodging is bunk rooms with hall baths or private room with private bath. Cost: $155.00 (bunk room); $240.00 (private room) if payment received by January 1^, 2009. $165.00 (bunk room); $250.00 (private room) if payment received by February 1,2009. There is only one private room which will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

NOTE: We will be holding a fun and exciting silent auction and raffle at each weekend event. Be sure to bring those unwanted holiday gifts to donate as well as any items you solicit from your favorite merchants. Don’t forget your dollars to purchase auction items and raffle tickets!

PAYMENT AND REFUND POLICY.

Please make payments by check made out to New England Regional Ski for Light and mail to:

NERSFL

P.O. Box 861

Georgetown, MA 01833.

Full payment and application for the January weekend trip must be received no later than December 1. ($15.00 late registration penalty added if received after this date.) Space is limited for this trip. Payment for the March trip is due by January 1.

If you are interested in signing up and receiving an application for one or both of the trips, or have any questions, please call ASAP 781-667-9270!! For all events early application returns will assist in planning for adequate guide and transportation matching. If for any reason you need to cancel your reservation, $25.00 of the trip cost is nonrefundable. The balance may be refundable in part minus charges incurred by NERSFL from the vendor. We will do our best to assist you to find someone to take your place, but it is ultimately your responsibility to find a replacement.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial assistance is available to participants and guides who cannot afford to pay the full cost of a trip. Up to three-quarters of the cost of a trip may be subsidized. In order to be considered, one must submit a letter with the event application by November 28th for the Craftsbury trip and by December 26th for the March trip. The letter should contain total monthly or yearly income with expenses and other related information to demonstrate need. You will be notified by telephone within one week from receipt of your application.

FORMS

You need to complete an application before participating in NERSFL activities. Health and Liability forms will be sent to you after we receive your completed application and payment. All forms must be filled out, signed, and returned before you can participate in an event.

Mail your Completed application to:

NERSFL

P.O. Box 861

Georgetown, MA 01833

PHYSICAL CONDITION AND GUIDE PREREQUISITES

Anyone in average physical condition can expect to complete these activities. If there are any questions about your ability to participate, we will be happy to discuss them with you. In questionable cases, the decision to participate will lie with the participant and his or her physician. Participants must take responsibility for their own health-related issues at events. If you are interested in attending an event as a guide, please be assured that training in guiding a visually impaired person is available at events. However, it is expected that guides have prior experience and skill with cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Everyone’s enjoyment will be enhanced by any measures taken to improve physical fitness and stamina before the event. All guides and participants must be at least eighteen years of age. More information about participating as a guide can be found on our web site, http://nersfl.org.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation to events is a shared responsibility. We will make every effort to have transportation available by carpooling. Guides are encouraged to let us know if you are willing to drive and just how many passengers you can take. All passengers are expected to contribute towards the cost of gasoline and tolls. Remember, take into consideration the high price of gas when paying your drivers!! If you are coming to an event from out of town, do not make travel plans back home on public transportation prior to 7:00 P.M. on the final day of an event. It is very difficult to guarantee a return to transportation centers prior to this time without disrupting other participants' plans.

GUIDE DOGS

Although guide dogs are welcome on most trips, there are restrictions that may impact your participation in some activities. On the last day of an event, after checkout time, you will be responsible for attending to your dog. Please consider this when deciding whether or not to bring your dog.

We look forward to seeing you!

DONATIONS

We are a tax exempt not for profit 501(c)(3) organization. Any donations to NERSFL are greatly appreciated and are tax exempt. If you would like to make a donation, please contact us.

Boston Red Sox Offer Accessible Tour of Fenway Park

to Large Group of Blind Persons

by Bob Hachey

Thursday, May 29, 2008 dawned bright and beautiful in Boston. This was no ordinary Thursday. This was the date of a special accessible tour of Boston's historic Fenway Park. The tour included members and friends of the Bay State Council of the Blind and students and staff of the Perkins School for the Blind. But the Boston Red Sox gave us a tour that was a bit different from the average tour of Fenway Park. Anyone who wishes to do so may take a tour of Fenway Park, but the Sox went above and beyond the regular tour in an effort to make the event accessible for blind and visually impaired persons.

At 11 A.M., 90 of us eagerly walked into the park. We were allowed to walk onto the field and get up close and personal with the many features of one of baseball's most historic and storied landmarks. These features included the following:

1. The Green Monster, which is a 37-foot high wall out in left field. Fenway Park features one of the smallest left fields in all of baseball. It is relatively easy for professional ball players to bang a ball off that wall for a long single or a double. But it is much more of a challenge to hit a ball over the wall for a home run. Locals would say that the wall giveth and the wall taketh away. I was surprised to learn that much of the wall was made of metal. I was expecting a brick wall. Some of the wall had padding to protect fielders as they attempt to make catches or field a ball off the wall. Visiting teams have often had their problems getting used to playing in left field at Fenway. This wall definitely gives the Boston Red Sox an extra measure of home field advantage.

2. The big tarp that gets used to cover the field during inclement weather.

3. The two foul poles that distinguish fair from foul balls. The poles are square and I was expecting them to be round. The foul pole in left field is known as Pesky's Pole because former shortstop Johnny Pesky was known for hitting home runs off of it. The pole in right field later became known as Fisk's Pole after a very memorable home run hit by catcher Carlton Fisk in game six of the 1975 World Series. Fisk's dramatic home run came in the bottom of the 12^th inning of one of the most memorable games in baseball history. I was in eighth grade at the time and was up much later than the time my parents had told me to go to bed. I remember that as the announcer yelled "Home run!”, I jumped for joy, clapping my hands and cheering. Yes, I woke up everyone in the house. Mom chided me for not being in bed. Dad asked me if the Sox won. As I reached up to touch Fisk's Pole, this memory came back to me as if it were yesterday.

4. The dugout, which is where the players sit when not on the field. As its description implies, the dugout is a few steps below ground level. There is a special bench at the top step where the manager sits, which gives him an excellent view of the action. There is a telephone in the dugout, which is used by the manager to contact the bullpen.

5. The bullpen, where relief pitchers warm up before coming into the game. When the phone rings in the bullpen, it usually means that the pitcher on the field is either tiring or pitching ineffectively.

6. The equipment of the game. Docents passed around bats, balls and helmets for us to check out. The bats were as I expected them to be, but the balls were quite different. I was expecting a smooth baseball like the ones you'd get new at a sporting goods store. But these balls had been rubbed up with a special mud called resin, so that the pitcher can get a better grip on the baseball. Running my finger along the surface of these balls gave me the impression of extremely fine sandpaper. The helmets were pretty much as I had expected them to be with one exception. One side of the helmet is different from the other in that it offers protection of the batter's ear on the side of his head facing the pitcher. That must be a comforting feeling for that batter who steps into the batter's box to face pitches that can move at speeds up to 98 miles per hour!

The docents also offered excellent descriptions of the parts of the field as well as special moments in Red Sox history.

There was one other special feature of this tour. Every participant received a goodie bag which contained a small pouch of the crushed brick used to denote fowl territory and a very special Red Sox key chain which has a nice replica of the 2007 World Series ring.

I've been a Red Sox fan since the 1967 World Series when I was six years old. I've listened to thousands of games on radio and television. I've probably attended 80 games in person. It was a wonderful experience to have the opportunity to get a better understanding for myself of the many facets of Fenway Park that get mentioned during the games. Now, when the announcer says that David Ortiz just hit a home run off of Pesky's Pole, I have a much more vivid idea of what he's talking about than I did before the tour.

I'd like to offer two special thank yous, First, to Rick Morin, treasurer of the Bay State Council of the Blind, who developed the idea for this tour and helped to organize it; and second, to Marcita Thompson and Elaine Steward of the Boston Red Sox, who went above and beyond to make this special tour possible.

For more information on tours of Fenway Park, go to www.redsox.comm, click first on Fenway Park, then on Fenway Park tours. You may or may not get access to the field and you won't receive the goodie bags described above, but you will still get to experience one of the historical sites of major league baseball. For tours of other baseball parks, go to www.mlb.com. From here, you can go to the websites of all of the major league teams.

(Note: I heard from a number of folks who regretted not being able to attend this tour. If I get enough requests, we can try to organize a second tour for next spring.)

News from National Braille Press

By Jan Doremus

National Braille Press's 81st Annual Meeting took place Tuesday, June 17th at Seyfarth Shaw LLP. The room was filled with friends and trustees of the Press eager to hear Ann Cunningham's presentation about tactile art. This was also the first time many people had met National Braille Press's new president, Brian MacDonald.

Paul McLaughlin, Board Chair for National Braille Press; State Street Corporation, philanthropic supporter; and Jan Doremus, longtime volunteer, were honored for their outstanding service to the Press with the 2008 Volunteer Award. National Braille Press also uses the Annual Meeting as a chance to thank book sponsors who have sponsored a book throughout the year. A commemorative plaque with an image of the book they sponsored was given as a thank you for helping to get more braille books into the hands of blind children.

National Braille Press would like to thank Seyfarth Shaw LLP for hosting the Annual Meeting and thank our friends and supporters for attending.

* * *

[Editor’s Note: January 4, 2009 will mark the 200^th anniversary of Louis Braille’s birth. National Braille Press has several commemorative items for sale, such as the book Louis Braille: A Touch of Genius, keychains, plaques, and free posters. For more information, and to find out about commemorative celebrations across America throughout 2009, go to www.nbp.org and follow the links. You can also call 617-266-6160 or toll-free 800-548-7323.]

Kramer's Kilometers

"Elm Street, Anywhere, USA"

by Kramer the K9

[Reader's note: Kramer is an 8.5-year-old black Lab Seeing Eye dog who tries to keep his partner, John Usinas, out of trouble while traversing the sidewalks of Massachusetts.]

Summer was finally over and we could get back on the road again and visit school kids. That would be easier said than done, as you will see.

On November 5^th, the boss and I had an appointment to visit four 4^thgrade classes at the Elm Street School in Needham, or so John thought.

My favorite MCB driver, Suzanne, arrived bright and early to get us to the school in time for my first show and tell of FY 2009. Suzanne's dashboard was sporting her Garman GPS that she got from Santa last Christmas, and she began entering the 415 Elm Street, Needham address. There was only one little problem. There did not seem to be an Elm Street in Needham, no matter how many times she tried to enter the address. In frustration, John suggested entering 415 Elm Street, "Anywhere, USA!" Need I say that did not work? John had a strange look on his face as he suggested trying the same address, only in Walpole. Suzanne tried it and said, with a little smirk in her voice, “Well, John, I guess we had better go to Walpole instead!” Suzanne somehow made up the ten minutes we had wasted, and we arrived with two minutes to spare.

After meeting our school contact, Sheila Kemple, and signing in at the office, we headed to our first class. It was at this point that John learned that the 4th graders had somehow regressed to 2nd graders. Now mind you, John had brought coloring books geared to 4th graders, about which he said, "They will grow into them!"

I was lucky enough to enter our first class just after snack time and, being a neatnik, I cleaned up all the crumbs on the floor between the door and the front of the room. John kept trying to hurry me along, but it takes time to do a good job, and there were so many crumbs!

Sheila introduced us to the class, and John began the program by explaining what he did and how he lost his sight. He then described different types of eye problems and finally started talking about me! After telling all about my training and testing before I could go home with him from the Seeing Eye, and how I had saved his life a few times, he started showing off some of his gizmos. The kids always love the Colorino and get a real kick out of it describing the colors of their clothing. One of the teachers asked John to try it on her hair, and after it described a color, she replied, "It might be that color on that part of my head!" She did not offer John the opportunity to see how many other colors there were, but I know there were more than a few.

After doing show and tell, John took questions from the kids and teachers. One boy asked how John folded his one hundred dollar bills. John said that on his salary he could only afford to carry a fifty dollar bill and it was tucked away in his wallet. He then proceeded to explain how he organized his money and mentioned that soon all bills over a dollar would have to be accessible by blind persons. The rest of the presentation went off in a similar fashion and the kids loved the braille alphabet cards and the Seeing Eye comic books.

As we were walking out, Sheila said that of all the speakers that had visited the school, she thought our presentation had the most impact on the kids and teachers. She said she hoped that we would return next year, and the boss said we would be glad to.

P.S. I know we are going to the John Elliot School in Needham to speak to 4th graders in February of next year. At least, I think it is in Needham!

Until next time, Woof woof!

Massachusetts Celebrates White Cane Safety Day

by Bob Hachey

On Wednesday, October 15, around 80 people gathered at the Great Hall in the Massachusetts State House in recognition of White Cane Safety Day. The divergent segments of the blind community were well represented, from elders to students; from the newly blinded to those of us who have been blind all of our lives; from consumers and advocacy groups to service providers. Meg Robertson, Director of Orientation and Mobility for the Massachusetts commission for the Blind, read a proclamation from Governor Patrick recognizing October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. Other presenters included representatives from Lions Clubs of Massachusetts, the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts, Perkins School for the Blind, and myself representing BSCB. It was truly inspiring to listen to the story of a newly blinded adult and how the white cane allowed him to remain independent. MCB mobility instructors demonstrated proper use of the white cane and offered blind consumers and the general public the opportunity to examine different types of canes. I am told that many legislative staffers stopped by to see what was going on.

IT was a privilege to be there, and I believe that the celebration of White Cane Safety Day will become a regular part of State House business. Next year, I would like to add a Saturday event that demonstrates how blind persons cross streets safely. This would take place outdoors and would be centrally located. I have spoken with NFB representatives, who agreed that this would be a good idea. More often than not, I believe that BSCB can work cooperatively with the NFB of Massachusetts in order to promote the interests of all blind residents of the Commonwealth.

Here is the speech I delivered on White Cane Safety Day.

“Thank you all for coming. In many ways, today is Independence Day for blind Americans. The white cane and the guide dog are symbols of that independence. I am president of the Bay State Council of the Blind, and our mission is to promote full participation of blind persons in all aspects of our society. Let us all recognize the important work of organizations such as the American Council of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Lions Clubs for all the work they have done to make White Cane Safety Day a reality.

“In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the first White Cane Safety Day proclamation, and ever since, October 15 has been recognized nationally as White Cane Safety Day. The blind person walking independently with a white cane or a guide dog has replaced the outmoded image of the blind beggar with cup in hand.

“The white cane gives us the independence to go to work each day, get our errands done, raise families and participate in community activities. Let us hold our heads high today and on every October 15 and remember those who have come before us and who have paved the way so that the future for our blind citizens gets brighter and brighter.

“Let us also realize that there is more work to be done. Today on the way into the State House, I came close to being hit by a truck at the intersection of Maine and Moody streets in Waltham. It is important to have audible pedestrian signals, but it is even more important that drivers obey the traffic laws. I read about a recent celebration like this one that took place in Winter Haven, Florida in which a participant was struck by a vehicle. In Florida, drivers who violate the White Cane Safety law must appear in court and are subject to having 3 points added to their licenses. Let us work to duplicate this law here in the Commonwealth.

“Again, let me express my appreciation for the opportunity to speak to all of you on this momentous day. Although I am primarily a guide dog user, I do use a white cane regularly. This cane I'm holding in my hand is a symbol of my independence. Let us all clap our hands loudly in recognition of White Cane Safety Day."

Top Ten List of DON'Ts

For Motorists When They See a Pedestrian

Using a White Cane or Dog Guide at Street Crossings.

(Adapted from “Top Ten List of What Motorists Shouldn’t Do When They See A Blind Person” by James Hazard & Kathy Zelaya, 1998 info@oandm.org)

10. Don’t stop your car more than five feet from the crosswalk line.

9. Don’t yell out “it’s ok to cross”.

8. Don’t get impatient when waiting for a pedestrian who is visually impaired to cross. If the pedestrian places the long cane into the street, it usually indicates he or she will begin a street crossing. If the cane traveler takes a step back and pulls back the cane from the curb, it usually indicates the person will not be crossing at that time.

7. Don’t consider a “rolling” stop as a complete stop. A stop sign means STOP!

6. Don’t turn right on red without coming to a full stop and looking for pedestrians. The Right on Red Law requires drivers to come to a complete stop prior to making a right turn.

5. Don’t fail to stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks whether or not there is a traffic signal or stop sign. Come to a full stop.

4. Don’t stop your car in the middle of the crosswalk.

3. Don’t pass another car, stopped, waiting for pedestrians crossing the street.

2. Don’t wave to pedestrians who are using a white cane or dog guide to indicate that you are waiting for them to cross. They CAN NOT see you.

1. Don’t honk!

Massachusetts White Cane Law: All motorists, when they see a pedestrian who uses a dog guide or a white cane at a street crossing, must come to a complete stop.