The UCB is a member of Community Shares
I would like to thank the members who donate to us, whether it is some door prizes, help with scholarships, a few extra dollars added to your membership . etc. Your support is valued and appreciated!
I attended the Community Shares retreat along with Belva Frandsen and Michael Lisle Smith. Community Shares/Utah is a group of non-profit organizations such as UCB, Rescue Dogs, Shriners Hospital; to name a few. Community Shares USA works with state Community Shares affiliates. Community Shares is similar to United Way in the fact that they organize workplace giving campaigns, where employees can designate an amount to come out of their paycheck to go either to Community Shares or to one of the listed non-profit groups. If an organization is specified, 100% of the funding goes to that organization. If the funds are NOT specified, funding is distributed according to how many hours' organizations volunteer to spread the word about their organization and Community Shares.
It was emphasized how important networking is . letting neighbors, friends, co-workers, know about UCB, for example and Community Shares. We were also informed about the upcoming Community Shares Golf Tournament. If you know anyone who likes to golf, or would like to form a league for the tournament, let us know!
The majority of the meeting was spent educating us about the new federal requirements non-profit organizations need to send to the IRS. Thanks to our treasurer, Vicki Flake, and our executive director, Leslie Gertsch, this horrendous paperwork gets done!
I also attended the American Council of the Blind affiliate presidents meeting and legislative seminar in Arlington, Virginia. We heard ideas of how we could get businesses to sponsor activities for affiliates. ACB is also very concerned about making sure we are represented on Vocational Rehabilitation and Division of Services for the Blind's Rehabilitation Councils, to make sure our views are heard. ACB would like your name and contact information If you are appointed to one of the councils. ACB has a white paper presentation on what should be included in the state plans of agencies serving the blind and visually impaired. If you would like this paper, visit http://www.acb.org/resources/whitepaper-rehabtraining.html or contact me, and I can get the paper for you. ACB would also like to know of individuals who would like to represent affiliates on a video accessibility project. If you would like to participate, please let me know so I can pass it on.
Regarding the legislative meeting, below are two legislative imperatives ACB would like us to support. I did not speak to our national legislators while I was there. My hope was to get a group of us here in our affiliate to talk to our national leaders in their local offices. We would love to have your participation. Let me or one of the Board members know if you would like to help us with this project.
I also heard from speakers informing us of the amended ADA act, Randolph Shepherd Program (Cafeterias/Vending stands in State/Federal Buildings run by blind and visually impaired persons), Javits Wagner O'Day Act (Sheltered Employment for the Blind), and issues regarding paratransit.
I know this has been a long article. OOH! Have I overwhelmed you with information overload yet? Thanks for reading. Please do not be afraid to volunteer, there's always a first-time, WE'LL HELP YOU! One thing I've learned over the years from talking to legislators and socializing and interacting with ACB board members is that these people in high places are PEOPLE too. They've had to start from the beginning, had to be courageous and take that first, most difficult step. Or, think of a small seed that blossoms into a flower from the experiences you have learned throughout your life. The board and committees would love to hear from you! Thanks for your time and support.
Cindi Vega,
President.
This year, there are three people on the Nominations Committee. The names and contact information for these individuals are as follows:
Eileen Wood 801-596-2087.
Linda Holladay 801-363-9854, and
TerriLynne Pomeroy 801-299-8522.
Lifsey was an associate with Exit Realty Wasatch, and couldn't see her client's bright-eyed expression as they toured the home together. But she felt her enthusiasm in a distinctly hands-on way. "People's bodies usually tell me what they think about a place more quickly than their words," Lifsey said.
As the two proceeded toward a sun-dappled kitchen with vaulted ceilings, Lifsey maintained her gentle grip on the crook of Corry's elbow. "At the other house, you felt real tense and rigid," said Lifsey, who lost her sight as a newborn in a hospital accident. "Now I can tell you're relaxed and excited because of all the pointing and gesturing you're doing."
While blindness might sound like a deal-breaker for pursuing a career in such a visual field as real estate, Lifsey has refused to let her disability prevent her from reaching her professional goals.
Lifsey was first captivated by real estate at age seven when she joined in her family's Monopoly games. "I loved accumulating houses on the board," she said. "I always wanted to beat everyone."
But she tucked away those ambitions for the next few decades. She became a medical transcriptionist after high school and pursued a number of other vocations including TV voiceover work and massage therapy. "But I always liked sales," she said.
The increased availability of screen-reading computer software in the 1990s put the possibility of obtaining a real estate license within Lifsey's reach. But it wasn't until a hand was extended in 2004 that she felt confident enough to go after her dream. "I was in the process of buying a home, when I told my agent that I wished I could get into real estate. She convinced me I'd be able to do it," Lifsey said.
The next year Lifsey enrolled in real estate school, where administrators made accommodations so she could learn more easily, including transferring content from real estate books onto CDs as PDF files. Lifsey was able to download the files and listen to them on her computer.
She passed her state licensing test-which she took orally-on the first try. Lifsey joined a bustling Keller Williams branch soon after, but within a year she realized she'd be better suited to a smaller office closer to home. She closed her first sale in early 2007 for a couple who were first-time buyers, having shown them at least 30 properties before they found the right place. In her first phone conversation with the buyers, she delivered the line that continues to be an effective icebreaker with clients: "Would you like me to drive or would you rather drive?" Before they can answer, she interjects: "I have to tell you, I'm totally blind."
Using humor to help others relax is a key to Lifsey's success with clients, in addition to her knack for asking insightful questions and listening closely. The strategy helps buyers envision whether a home is right for them and helps Lifsey remember the main features of every room.
For example, Lifsey will ask buyers whether their sofa will look right in the family room or whether the ceilings are high enough for an oversized Christmas tree. She often repeats buyers' comments into a handheld recorder. And she's also apt to use every-day phrases that belie her disability, like "Let's go see this place" or "Check this room out." She notes matter-of-factly, "I live in a sighted world and have to fit in as much as possible."
When buyer Corry first phoned Lifsey about a listing, the prospect had no idea she was contacting a blind agent. But the connection seemed serendipitous: Corry's husband, Brad, had become disabled after failed back surgery and now required a wheelchair. Learning of Lifsey's accomplishments, despite blindness, convinced Corry that Lifsey would be in tune with their needs.
"I don't like real estate agents who push their opinions on you. I like to make up my own mind. And Linda's great at taking care of all the things I know nothing about," said Corry.
Corey Hadley, the broker-owner at Exit, said he didn't hesitate to bring Lifsey on board two years ago, though he admits he wasn't quite sure what to expect. "I've been surprised about how much she can do," he said. "She completes paperwork better than most of the other agents. She never forgets a signature and hardly ever has a typo."
The tough economy has required Lifsey to keep up her massage therapy business, but she still devotes about 30 hours per week to real estate. She doesn't let herself become downbeat about the slow Utah market, where the average time on market has tripled over the past year to about 90 days. "You have to keep going, no matter what the challenges are. You've got to work through them," she said.
As they finished touring the rambler, which sat close to the 10th hole green, Corry was hopeful she'd found the right home. The $239,000 asking price for the four-bedroom home seemed reasonable to all parties, and the sellers were willing to complete the partially finished basement for no extra cost. But Corry still had a few lingering questions for Lifsey: "Since there aren't homeowner association fees, can you check on who pays for damage caused by golf balls?" "I'm on it," said Lifsey cheerily. "I'll do whatever you need from me."
This activity will run from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. For those wanting to build their own planter box, we're working to make this option available from 9 to 10 a.m. We'll be making small versions of these gardens on that day. This gardening is easier than your typical backyard garden because there are no weeds or bugs associated with it. In addition, the production rate is much more prolific.
The cost for a 1 by 2 foot garden, which will be trucked to your home after the activity, should be less than $20. We'll also be making smaller windowsill versions for people who don't have the option of putting their garden outdoors. In order to give us time to purchase materials and construct the planters for those who don't want to do this part of the project themselves, please call TerriLynne Pomeroy before April 10th. We need to discuss such issues as building your own box or having someone else build it for you, what kind of vegetables you wish to grow, so that we can have the right varieties ready for you to plant, or to discuss which window you might be putting an inside garden in, so that we can decide which types of veggies you can grow indoors.
TerriLynne can be reached at 801-299-8522.
VITA preparers will also determine whether filers may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This credit benefits low income working individuals who could receive a credit of up to $4,800. The EITC is a refundable credit, meaning any amount of the credit remaining after offsetting taxes is payable to the individual as a refund. The amount of this refund could potentially increase the effective wage of qualifying workers by up to $2/hr. However, up to 40,000 Utah households fail to file for the EITC because they are unaware, they aren't required to file taxes because of low earnings, or they face education or language barriers. It is estimated that eligible Utahns leave upwards of $65 million annually in unclaimed Federal EITC money, meaning less money in our economy and less money in the hands of families who would benefit greatly from a boost in income.
In the Department of Human Services we have the opportunity of working with many individuals who would benefit greatly from both the VITA program and the EITC. This information is primarily to inform and benefit the employees of this Department, but as the nature of our Department is to serve others, please pass the information along to those you are in contact with who would also be of benefit.
For more information on whether you qualify for VITA and the EITC, call 2-1-1. They can answer your questions, provide you with information on what documents you'll need to bring to a VITA site, locate the nearest VITA site, direct you to a walk in VITA site or schedule your appointment. They can also help if you would like to be a VITA volunteer.
In recent years, automobile manufacturers around the world have responded to public concern for our environment by producing increasing numbers of vehicles that are meant to be environmentally friendly. This has led to an increased number of vehicles on the road which not only utilize alternative fuels to power their engines, but also run much more quietly than older automobiles did. Though many aspects of this trend are laudatory, efforts by the auto industry to make the environment less noisy have placed pedestrians who use that noise to evaluate the safety or danger of the area in which they are traveling at serious risk. Anecdotal reports of pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired indicate that these environmentally friendly vehicles are extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to hear.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION The American Council of the Blind urges Congress to pass H.R. 734, The Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 as introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Cliff Stearns (R-FL).
The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to:
1. Conduct a study beginning within 90 days of passage of this legislation and to complete it within two years of its commencement, at which time, the
Department of Transportation shall report the study's findings to Congress.
2. Within 90 days after the conclusion of the study, the secretary is then directed to establish a standard that will take into account the results of the study, and will set forth the minimum information that must be provided by motor vehicles required for blind and other pedestrians to travel safely and independently in urban, rural, and residential environments.
3. The bill provides that the standard shall apply to all "new motor vehicles."
For further information, contact Eric Bridges, American Council of the Blind, 2200 Wilson Blvd., Suite 650, Arlington, VA 22201; phone (202) 467-5081; e-mail
ebridges@acb.org
Video Description Television plays a critical role in our society as a vital source of news, information, local and community affairs, education, and entertainment. Video description is where a narrator describes visual elements of a program during the natural pauses that occur in dialogue to let a person who cannot see the screen know what is happening. The nation has a compelling public interest in furthering the safety, security and well-being of people who are blind and visually impaired by ensuring, to the fullest extent made possible by technology, equal access to the television medium.
Accessible Interfaces Today, there exist many levels of on-screen menus and complicated program guides for operating various video programming devices (DVD players, televisions, cable boxes, TiVo, etc.). Unfortunately, access to these interfaces is poor to non-existent for individuals with visual impairments. Such complicated navigational tools and remotes are new barriers to old delivery mechanisms.
Please share with members of both the House and Senate the language outlined above and how these changes will impact your life. Please urge them to be a sponsor or co-sponsor of this legislation. If a member of Congress is interested in sponsoring this legislation, please advise the ACB national office of their interest so that staff can make a follow-up contact.
Who will receive a one-time economic stimulus payment from Social Security? Nearly 55 million Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will receive a one-time payment of $250 each. To receive a payment, the beneficiary's address of record must be in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
When can I expect to receive my one-time economic stimulus payment? We plan to pay all eligible Social Security and SSI beneficiaries by late May 2009, so you should expect to receive your payment no later than the first week of June 2009. The one-time payment will be a separate payment, which will not be included in your regular monthly benefit payment.
How will I receive my one-time economic stimulus payment? We will deliver your payment in the same way we currently deliver your Social Security or SSI benefit. If we deliver your monthly benefit by check, we will deliver your one-time payment by check. If you receive a monthly direct deposit or Direct Express debit card payment, that is how you will receive your one-time payment.
Are individuals entitled to more than one one-time economic stimulus payment? No, individuals may receive only one $250 payment regardless of how many types of benefits they receive. An individual receiving Social Security and SSI or an individual receiving Social Security and Veterans or Railroad Retirement benefits, will be entitled to only one payment.
Are beneficiaries from other federal programs eligible for this one-time economic stimulus payment? Yes, individuals receiving benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement Board may be eligible for these one-time payments.
How does email2phone.net work? A user account is created with email2phone.net and an email address similar to yourname@email2phone.net is assigned. Emails may be sent directly to this address. Users may also set the preference in their regular email service (AOL, Yahoo, Gmail, etc.) to forward emails to yourname@email2phone.net. Emails that are received by email2phone.net are then converted into high-quality voice messages and delivered to the specified phone number. The receiver of the email2phone.net voice message has the option to reply to the sender. The user may also choose to dial in to their email2phone.net account and select the messages they want to listen to as high-quality voice messages. An optional feature of email2phone.net, used instead of forwarding emails from email service accounts, provides the user with direct dial in access to unopened emails in their email service accounts. (visit the email2phone.net web site at: www.email2phone.net for a complete description of email2phone.net features).
How can prospective users try email2phone.net service and how much does it cost? Prospective users can sign-up for a Free 30-Day Trial by visiting our web site at: www.email2phone.net Users may sign up for a regular paid account by visiting our web site or by calling email2phone customer service.
Email2phone.net package prices begin at $10/Mo. Our ability to deliver a useful, cost effective and reliable product to the blind and visually impaired depends upon the feedback we receive from our current blind and visually impaired users and organizations such as yours. We would appreciate your comments and feedback regarding email2phone.net.
Contact information:
Email2phone website:www.email2phone.net
Email Address:
sales@corp.email2phone.net
Customer Support: 888-364-5101.
FAX: 888-794-3554.
The festivities will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last until 12:00 p.m. at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 250 N. 1950 W., Salt Lake City.
Reservations are required so there will be enough food for everyone. To reserve, call Connie at 801-266-2184 or Leslie at 801-292-1156. In case of bad weather, the hunt will be moved inside.
If you're interested in signing up, a $25.00 deposit per person is required. This deposit is fully refundable until final payment is due on October 20, 2009. The next payment of $250.00 per person is due on August 11, 2009. This is also refundable until the October 20th date. You can contact Steve at Around the World Travel with any questions at 801-292-9494 or toll free 888-292-9493.
Cell Phones
Ink Jet Printer Cartridges
Laptop Computers
Apple iPods
Digital Cameras
Digital Video Cameras
If you have any of these items you no longer need and wish to donate, please call the Utah Connection or (801) 292-1156, and we'll tell you how your donation can help the UCB.
An Evening of Adventure 03-28-09 one available
A Hero's Life 04-11-09 standby only
Rach 2 with Jon Kimura Parker 04-18-09 one available
Keith Concludes Mahler 04-25-09 standby only
Tchaik's Big 5 05-09-09 standby only
Keith's Finale 05-30-09 standby only
If you have an interest in participating, please call Linda Collins at 801-296-1400 or email: symphony2009@live.com Confirmation of use is made the week of the concert. Standbys will be informed in that week.
Monthly meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at the Deaf/Blind School in Ogden at 1:00 p.m. There are no meetings in July and August. For answers to any questions or for membership information please call Sandy Gibson at 801-732-8900.
Social classes are held on a monthly basis, and Connie Joy can be contacted for questions you might have about those at 801-621-2849. These are held at 6:30 p.m., and materials are furnished free of charge.
March 20th the group will go to a rodeo at the Golden Spike Arena. The cost of this event is $8.00 in advance or $10.00 at the door. At 5:30 p.m. a private tour will be given to those attending with the group, and at 7:30 p.m. the rodeo will begin.
March 26th, Safety making a salad class, 6:30 p.m.
April 9th, Easter Craft, 6:30 p.m.
April 11th, General Meeting, 1:00 p.m.
April 23rd, Resources available on the computer, 6:30 p.m.
April 25th, Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point.
May 7th, Home Repairs, 6:30 p.m.
May 9th, General Meeting, 1:00 p.m.
May 21st, Indoor Gardening, 6:30 p.m.
May 23rd, Trip to shoreline railroad in Farmington, $3.50.
June 11th, Spring Craft, 6:30 p.m.
June 13th, General Meeting, 1:00 p.m.
June 24th, Crystal Springs swim and picnic.
June 25th, What's available in the freezer section, 6:30 p.m.