The UCB Flier

A publication of The Utah Council of the Blind
SEPTEMBER 2008

For the latest news updates

call: The Utah Connection at 299-0670 or 1-800-273-4569 (You may also leave your message at the end of the announcement.)

In This Issue

President's Message
September Activity
October Activity
2009 Happenings Books, Buy Now
CREATE
Utah Health Policy Project
Breast Cancer Project
Blind Actors Being Sought
Disrespect in Movie "Tropic Thunder"
Cell Phone Alert
On Line Training
Fun Recipes
Fundraiser

President’s Message

I hope everyone had a fun, safe and enjoyable summer. Fall is almost here. I feel 2008 has gone so fast! We have some fun activities planned this fall that everyone will enjoy! Look for the details inside this newsletter. Please feel welcome to invite others you know who are blind and visually impaired to attend activities with you. This is a way for them to become acquainted with our organization. You do not need to be a member to participate in our activities.
The Board has approved chairs for most committees. Our organization is run completely by volunteers. I understand that people have lives and families; however, what time you can give means something to us. We need chairs for a few more committees and a lot more people to volunteer to help. By assisting with or planning a single activity, doing something you are interested or talented in, assisting with nominations, advocating during the legislative session, advocating for transportation or creating new projects for members to participate in, planning functions for our youth, etc. This is a wonderful way to meet new people and share your interests and talents, and a way to become involved with the leadership of the organization. . The UCB also needs new leaders who can contribute new ideas to our Board. Please think seriously about these issues and let us know how much time you can commit and how you feel you can help.
Until next time,
Cindi Vega (President)

Here is a

list of committees and the name of the ChairPerson

in charge of each committee:
Executive Committee, chaired by Cindi Vega.
Activities Committee, chaired by Kira Larkin.
Membership Committee, chaired by Tammie Hansen.
Budget and Finance Committee, chaired by Vicki Flake.
Bylaws and Rules Committee, chaired by Vicki Flake.
Convention Committee (2010), chaired by Michael Lisle Smith.
Resolutions, chaired by Sandy England.
Awards, chaired by Tammie Hansen.
Scholarships, chaired by Tara Briggs.
Nominations, we still need a chair for this committee.
Fund Raising, Chaired by Sandy England, co-chaired by Belva Frandsen.
Publications and Communications Committee, chaired by Linda Collins.
Transportation and Projects Committee, chaired by Grace Goff, co-chaired by Leslie Gertsch.
Legislative Committee, Cordie Weed.
Youth Committee, Tara Briggs, Brawney Jensen, and TerriLynne Pomeroy

September Activity

Many have expressed a desire to attend the This is The Place Heritage Park, 2601 East Sunnyside Avenue, (across from Hogle Zoo). Arrangements have been made for Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 9:45 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. We’ll meet in front of the visitor's center where there are a number of blocks which can be used for seating. Those participating will need to pay $6.00 each. Reservations will be accepted by sending your $6.00 to UCB, c/o Leslie Gertsch, 1301 W 500 S, Woods Cross, UT 84087.
Reservations will be necessary if you want lunch.
The park is set up to allow people the experience of what it was like to live at the time the pioneers crossed the plains and settled in the Salt Lake Valley. You’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at some typical pioneer activities. Some related to work and others related to play. A train ride will take us around the park after the activities and we’ll finish the fun with a traditional modern lunch. If you have a problem with transportation, call TerriLynne at 299-8522.
For anyone wanting a guide, there are a few available. Please indicate your need when you send your money.

October Activity

What a great idea, come join us for Table Tennis for the Blind on Saturday, October 11th. Learn to play table tennis on a table which has been adapted for people with visual impairments. Other games will be available for a change of pace. The plan is to include lunch with the $5.00 charge for the day. The activities will begin at 10:AM and go until 1:PM. This will be held at DSBVI located at 250 North and 1950 West, Suite B, in Salt Lake City. If this sounds like your kind of day send your $5.00 to UCB, c/o Leslie Gertsch at 1301 West 500 South, Woods Cross, Ut 84087. It’s important that your money be received in advance so lunches can be ordered for those planning on attending. If you have a need for transportation call TerriLynne at 299-8522 so arrangements can be made.

2009 Happenings Books, Buy Now

Once again the UCB will have Happenings books for $20 each. . They will be available at the UCB office when you pick up your cab coupons or you can have them mailed for an additional $4. Remember these books are great because they offer discounted services and vacation specials along with dining opportunities for buy-one-get-one free. Just eat out twice and you’ve paid for the book and helped the UCB at the same time. Get your friends to buy one too and then you can double date. Order yours by calling the Utah Connection, visit the office on Wednesday or call (801) 292-1156. Remember, Buy a book and all money comes back to support all the efforts of the UCB in providing you with the services you enjoy. You can’t beat such a great investment!

CReATE (Citizens Reutilizing Assistive Technology Equipment)

Thursday, September 18, 2008 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at the Judy Ann Buffmire Building, 1595 W. 500 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84104. Individuals will have opportunity to purchase, at a low cost, refurbished equipment such as, Electronic Aids for Daily Living, Augmentative Communication Devices, Adaptive Computer Products, Modified Vans and Wheelchairs, Refurbished Mobility Equipment, Walkers & Motorized / Manual Wheelchairs, who might not receive them otherwise. The program is teaming up with the Utah Center for Assistive Technology and the Computer Center for Citizens with Disabilities for a multi-agency open house. This Open House is for anyone with any interest. There will be a UCAT Funding Specialist & a representative from the Disability Law Center available for questions.

Utah Health Policy Project

Hello Friends in the Wasatch Front, Southern Utah, Blanding area, Bear River, and Other Utah Communities:
During the 2008 Session, the Legislature began an important dialogue about health care reform in our state. To continue this work the Legislature created the Health System Reform Task Force to develop and consider proposals to reform our health care system. Now the Task Force is actively gathering community feedback and specific recommendations for reform.
United Way of Salt Lake and the Utah Health Policy Project invite you to take part in a very important community workgroup meeting. So far the community workgroup meetings have been limited to the Wasatch Front. Thanks to the Association for Utah Community Health, (the state’s primary care association), this session will feature satellite conferencing in 5 sites around the state! At this meeting participants will consider a draft proposal for reform that has been developed by a subcommittee. Each workgroup has been asked to generate a robust proposal for reform. The community workgroup is getting closer to a finished proposal. During September and October the workgroups will come together in an effort to compare and possibly combine the different proposals. We hope you can participate in this exciting opportunity to learn more about our state's health care reform efforts and to voice your feedback. These reforms are about all of us. Now is the time to bring YOUR voice and preferences for reform into the debate.
Comments should be made or emailed to Stacey at Utah Health Policy Project
stacey@healthpolicyproject.org If you have any questions you can also call (801) 736-7773 for Mary Anne or (801) 433-2299 for Elizabeth.
Please note: if there is NOT a location near you, (we realize this is true for many of you), and you would like to participate in a future satellite meeting, please send an email to: stacey@healthpolicyproject.org and in the subject please write: NEXT MEETING in _____ (your town or city. We will make every effort to organize a future meeting in a location closer to you. Thanks! Utah Health Policy Project and United Way of Salt Lake, Judi Hilman, Executive Director, phone: (801) 433-2299.

Breast Cancer Project

If you’ve ever had to deal with Breast Cancer, you’ve probably become aware of the fact that material for investigating your options is not available in any media except that of pamphlets in small print, or the physician giving you the initial information. Under the circumstance of learning you’re dealing with such a serious situation, it’s hard to think of all the questions you’d like to ask on the spot. As a blind individual, it is very difficult to research anything medically. When I visited with individuals facing this concern while back in Kentucky at the ACB Convention, I learned that there is a group of individuals interested in composing information in the formats necessary for the visually impaired to be able to review options and support each other in their journey. If you or someone you know has an interest in such a project or support please give Linda Collins a call, 801-296-1400. She is a member of this group and looking for feedback from women in Utah and their concerns for information.

Blind Actors being Sought

Casting directors in Hollywood claim they have great difficulty finding actors who are blind or visually impaired when roles call for such characters. In my service on the National Committee of Performers with Disabilities at SAG/AFTRA/Equity, I do my best to serve the interests of blind actors, who seem to make up the smallest fraction of the disability groups represented. With help from colleagues in the entertainment industry, I intend to create and operate a data resource to assist casting directors in finding blind actors when they are so enlightened as to offer those actors a chance to audition. Certainly, though auditions for blind roles are rare, the majority will occur in the Los Angeles area with the next most likely location as New York. Occasionally, there will be auditions in other states as well.
I am requesting that anybody who is interested, or anybody who might have some experience to send me a direct email indicating that you wish to be included for consideration for casting calls for film, television, or stage.
Right now, I am assisting a casting director in searching for a visually impaired woman to play a college roommate in an upcoming tv program. Auditions will begin next week, August 25. I will post here again when the do-it-yourself enrollment form is available on the coming data resource website. For now, please contact me directly if you are interested.
Please answer the following questions:
gender:
Age appearance (meaning which age ranges you could play):
experience, if any:
City/State where you live:
Name:
Email:
Phone number:
Thank you for participating.
FYI, there will be a major publicity campaign launched in October by the talent guilds with support from writers and directors as well. The focus will be to raise awareness of the great need and the societal benefit of much greater exposure for people with disabilities in the media. Years of diligent effort and advocacy on the part of my peers on the national committee may just finally begin to pay off. I look forward to hearing from you.
Rick Boggs rick@rickboggs.com

Disrespect in movie “Tropic Thunder”

Fellow Disability Community Members, (and please pass this on!)
You may or may not have heard that the movie to be released this week, "Tropic Thunder" starring Ben Stiller is very disrespectful of people with intellectual disabilities. I have attached a wonderful opinion column written for the Washington Post yesterday by Tim Shiver from Special Olympics. I have talked with JD Donnelly from Utah's Special Olympics and he told me about the website created where people can go and take the pledge not to use the r word. (www.r-word.org) This is a vehicle that can appeal to kids and can also teach them about why this is an important pledge, too. I encourage you to use this inappropriate film as an opportunity to teach our whole community, and especially children and teens, about people first language and about the hurtful use of the r word. I think that people need to be reminded about how powerful negative language is, people with intellectual disabilities want the r word considered a word that may not be used any more. Using it and making fun of people is not funny. Vote with your pocketbook - don't go to this movie and encourage your circle of influence to do that also. Money talks.....
Claire

Cell Phone Alert

Crooks are getting very good a getting your important information. The following story, whether true or not, does give us a bit to "think about".
A lady has changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile telephone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her mobile telephone, credit card, purse, etc., was stolen. She called her husband, from a pay telephone telling him what had happened. Her husband said, 'I have just received your text asking about our pin number and I have replied a little while ago.' When they rushed down to the bank, the staff told them all the money was already withdrawn.
(OK... maybe they could have called the bank instead of going to the bank, but the point is .....thieves can clear your accounts quickly) The thief had actually used the stolen mobile telephone to text her husband in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within a few minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.
Moral of the lesson:
1) Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list.
2) Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Mom, Dad, etc.,
3) And very importantly, when sensitive information is being asked for through texts, CONFIRM by calling back.
4) Also, when you are being text by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you do not reach them, be very careful about going places to meet 'family and friends' who text you.
PLEASE PASS THIS ON. I never thought about THAT! As of right now I no longer have 'home ' named on my mobile telephone.

On Line Training

Assistive Technology Center LLC, September 2008 On-Line Training Schedule and Special Events!
Following is a list of online training sessions to be conducted by ATC. If you have never visited our online-classroom or purchased one of our training CD’s, you may want to review the following information.
All on-line group sessions are provided at a minimal charge of $50 per person.
Registration is required for participation and payment can be made by either Visa or Master Card.
After you register, you will receive a detailed e-mail with web site and password details.
Our contact information is noted below. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Friday, September 19 2008, one to three PM Pacific Time.
MobilEyes Basic/Professional: This instructional seminar will be conducted on the MobilEyes unit. This will, in effect, be an audio video manual. Come and learn how to use this exciting new adaptive device. We will cover all aspects of MobilEyes from Organizer, notes recorder and media player, to more advanced functions of click and read, magnification, barcode identification, and performing updates.


Tuesday, September 23 2008, one to three PM Pacific Time. Podcasts: Podcasts are hot, but many people have questions:
What is a podcast? How can I find them? How to listen on your computer, and how to listen with Mobile Devices. Discussion of accessible devices and what you should look for. Join us online for this fun and educational event.

Tuesday, September 30 2008, one to three PM Pacific Time.
Jaws Intermediate Training: This seminar is for users familiar with basic features of the Jaws screen reader. We will cover using Jaws with Outlook, Excel, and Power Point. Additionally, we will discuss setting intermediate and advanced verbosity settings and custom verbosity settings. If you want to know how to use Jaws better, this is one you won't want to miss.

Please register in advance in order to save your space in the on-line classroom. Call 888-723-5011 Ext. 3.
NOTE: ATC will be visiting the following locations in September! If you would like contact information in order to attend some of the demonstrations, please just e-mail me for details. connie@atechcenter.net Assistive Technology Center LLC
5330 Power Inn rd. Suite F
Sacramento, CA. 95820
Phone: 916-381-5011
Toll Free: 888-723-5011
www.atechcenter.net

Fun Recipes

Chocolate chip crunch cookies
1 cup butter 2 sticks melted
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs beaten with a fork
2-1/2 cups flour
2 cups crushed corn flakes, (crush with hands)
1-2 cups chocolate chips
Melt butter. Add sugar and stir. Add baking soda, salt, vanilla and eggs and mix well. Stir in flour. Add corn flakes and chocolate chips and mix well. Form into walnut-sized balls. Place on greased cookie sheet, 12 to a standard sheet. Press each ball down with a floured or greased fork in a Chris cross manner as with peanut butter Cookies. Bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely. Cooling them on the rack is important because it makes them crisp.

Ginger crisps
Chill dough for 1 hour overnight.
3/4 cup butter, melted, (1 1/2 sticks)
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg or 2 medium eggs, beaten with fork
1/4 cup molasses, (spray measuring cup with nonstick spray for easier measuring)
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground ginger
2-1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Combine melted butter with sugar. Cool mixture, then add egg, baking soda, molasses, salt, and ginger. Stir well. Add flour and mix well. Chill dough at least 1 hour, or over night which is better.
Form chilled dough in to walnut-sized balls. roll balls in granulated sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet, 12 to a standard sheet. Flatten balls with a spatula. Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 375 degrees.
Cool on cookie sheet for no more than 1 minute. Remove to wire rack to finish cooling.

Recipe for making Brown sugar
For every 3 cups of granulated sugar, stir in 1/8 cup molasses. Stir until mixed.

Fundraiser

WOW! This is a great offer. What a great Idea for Christmas gifts. Can you imagine the packages you can put together for family and friends. Now would be the time to start planning ahead and getting your supply on hand. This would be a great item to have for those you forget to pick up a little something for and they show up with something for you.
As you know the UCB is making efforts to raise funds to support the much needed services we offer those who are blind and visually impaired. This year we are offering America's finest bean soup mixes from Purely American Foods, a specialty foods manufacturer from Athens, Ohio. Since 1988 they have been handcrafting their all natural bean soup mixes, each designed to celebrate famous American themes. With their help, we have created three American Sampler 6 packs for you to consider purchasing to help us continue our worthwhile cause. These 6 packs are a great way to stock your pantry or as an outstanding gift for someone who loves to cook healthy, delicious regional American food.

Sampler #1 American Hot Rod Supercharged Chili
Brown County Corn Chowder
Bourbon Street Black Bean Soup Mix
Northwest Lumberjack Split Pea Soup Mix
French Market 18 Bean Soup Mix
Marin County Carrot Cake

Sampler #2
Ozark Outlaw Snakebite Chili
Chisholm Trail Chuckwagon Stew
US Senate Bean Soup Mix
Harvest on The Palouse Lentil and Split Pea Soup Mix
Northern Lakes Wild Rice Casserole
Shenandoah Valley Apple and Spice Cake

Sampler #3 (6 - salt free mixes)
French Market 18 Bean Soup Mix
Mama Marino's Minestrone Soup Mix
Northwest Lumberjack Split Pea Soup Mix
Bourbon Street Black Bean Soup Mix
Mississippi Queen Steamboat Stew Mix
Oregon Trail Pioneer Stew Mix

Each mix serves about 8 to 10 people, comes with an easy to follow recipe, and a history about the theme that it celebrates. Each set of 6 mixes is $40.00. Shipping directly to your home is included!
Please fill out the order form below and return it with your check to the UCB at 1301 W 500 S, Woods Cross, UT 84087-2224. We will forward the orders and shipment will be made directly to your home. The UCB will Braille or large print recipes for those that need them and get them out so you'll have them when your order arrives.

Name_______________________________________________
Address____________________________________________
City____________________State________Zip___________________ Phone______________________________________________
Sampler #1, How many________ Total $_______________
Sampler #2, How many________ Total
Sampler #3, How many________ Total
Grand Total $_________________
Ship to address if different from that above

Recipes and instructions come with your order. If you'd like the UCB to furnish Braille ____________ or Large Print _______________, please check.

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