GemState MilestonesA Publication of the
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF IDAHO
Summer 2008
GemState Milestones
A Publication of the
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF IDAHO
Summer 2008
Dana Ard, Editor
301 Bruce Ave.
Boise, ID 83712
e-mail: danalynard@msn.com
208-345-3906
Elsie Lamp, President
300 Willard Avenue
Pocatello, ID 83201
e-mail: elsielamp@yahoo.com
208-233-5833
Send requests for new subscriptions to: National Federation of the Blind of Idaho (NFBI), 1301 S. Capitol Blvd., Suite C, Boise, ID 83706, 208-343-1377. Available in large print, email, Braille, Newsline or on our website: www.nfbidaho.org. Please let us know of address changes.
A Message From the Presidency
By Elsie Lamp
WOW! What a great convention. Our attendance at this year’s convention was considerably higher than it has been in many years. The Snake River Valley Chapter and Eastern Idaho were great hosts. It was a team effort, thanks to all. Everyone worked well together for outstanding door prizes, sponsors, and our silent auction. The silent auction netted us at least three times what we have made before. This year for the first time we sought and received many corporate sponsorships. All of our chapters reported growth from 25 percent to 66 percent. Ninety-eight people attended the banquet to hear our National President, Dr Marc Maurer speak. Plans are already moving forward for our next state convention March 26—29, 2008 at the Owyhee Plaza Hotel (208) 343-4611, 1109 Main Street, Boise, ID 83702. So be sure to mark your calendars now.
We have a group attending our 2008 Convention in Dallas. The Idaho Lamplighters will be participating as a team in this years March for Independence—A Walk for Opportunity. Many of our federation family that we leave at home will be virtual marchers to help raise much-needed funds for our organization.
Our transportation legislation was scuttled early in deliberation. A constitutional amendment affecting transportation was proposed. Both bills failed in the legislature. This subject will have to be addressed and will come back next year in legislation.
A Summit was proposed to determine the future of the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind. It was announced that this three-day summit would take place from July 30 – Aug 1 in Boise. You need to prepare for this Summit by reading the material beforehand. You must participate for all three days and RSVP in order to attend. More information can be acquired from the Idaho State Board of Education at (www.ti-services.net/Idsummit.html) or (www.boardofed.idaho.gov) and follow the links. You can also call Aylee Schaefer at 208-332-1596. The deadline to RSVP is July 15, 2008. Everyone who has any interest in the future education of blind children is urged to participate. You can contact a member of the NFBI presidency to get the information that you will need to prepare for the Summit.
We currently have thirty members of the House of Representatives listed as cosponsors on the Quiet Cars Legislation, HR 5734. Congressmen Towns and Stearns have sent a letter to Congressman John Dingell, Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, asking for hearings on this bill. We are urged to call our Idaho members of Congress and ask them to join as a cosponsor of HR 5734. You can contact them by calling the capitol switchboard at (202) 225-3121.
I reported about our affiliate and Idaho Convention at the Utah State Convention in May 2008. I reported that Idaho is on the move thanks to everyone in our federation family.
Scholarship Essay
By Gus Tropea
On the last week of March, the NFB held their Idaho Convention at the Shiloh Inn in Idaho Falls. At the convention there were many organized activities, but the activity I was most looking forward to was the awarding of the scholarships. The NFBI offered two scholarships this year. One scholarship was for fifteen hundred dollars, and the other was for one thousand dollars. These scholarships were to be awarded on the last evening of the convention at the banquet.
As I sat at the banquet waiting for the announcement of the winner of the scholarships, which was to come later on, I couldn't help but think of my odds for winning the larger of the two scholarships. I knew I was to get something, because there were two finalists and two scholarships. The question was now, who is going to get what? When the announcement was made, I heard my name called for the scholarship worth fifteen hundred dollars. To me this was a big relief. This meant all to me to know that I did have some support in the pursuit of my goal to get a higher education. The receiving of this scholarship has motivated me to pursue my goal even more so.
Upon leaving the convention I didn't only leave with fifteen hundred dollars, but I also left with a great perception of how the NFB works and operates. So in closing I would like to thank the NFBI, and everyone else who made it possible for me to receive the scholarship.
Convention Experience
By Bradley Rudley
I was excited to have the honor of attending this year’s federation convention in Idaho Falls and receiving a scholarship. The whole experience was extremely eye-opening for me as I had yet to attend a convention, and I feel that it really helped in expanding my abilities as a partially blind student. The best part of the convention for me was the people. It was amazing to meet so many people so zealous about meeting the needs of blind persons, and I felt that their spirits helped in lifting mine to fighting for legislation tailored to our needs. The whole experience was wonderful, I want to thank the federation for helping me grow and expand in my goals and abilities and look forward to participating in future meetings and activities in the federation. I’d also like to thank the fantastic people I met at the convention for the new skills, abilities, and ideas they all taught me. I look forward to seeing you all soon in Dallas.
Seeing it Clearly
By Joann Marley
Two months ago, I received notification about scholarships offered by the National Federation of the Blind to visually impaired and blind students. I sent in an application hoping to win a scholarship to help me fulfill my dream to receive a degree in journalism. During the application process, I was interviewed by Elsie Lamp, president of the NFB Idaho State Affiliate. I didn't win a scholarship but I was invited to speak to the general assembly at the State Convention in Idaho Falls at the end of March. I am honored and privileged to have been given the opportunity to tell my story.
Four years ago, with no warning, my sight disappeared suddenly in the blink of two eyes and I have not seen light since. However, I do not view myself as blind. It is those around me who are blind because they fail to see my full potential. I consider my blindness a gift because I received it on my birthday. It is a gift that challenges me daily to see things as they really are without the distractions of everyday living.
You may ask, “How can you draw without sight?” and I can only answer you by saying, “Just as I did before except I do it now as a free expression from my heart and soul without visual interpretation.” I am freed from the bonds and limits of self-criticism. My blindness has taken nothing from my work. In fact, it has added a whole new dimension of honesty, abstractness and wonder to it. Through my art work, I am able to reach others struggling with disabilities who are lost in the misconception that they are less than whole because of the loss of one or more of their senses.
My belief is that we are still whole people with the ability to set goals and reach our full potential. We are ambassadors quietly witnessing to others that we are in fact only limited by our lack of imagination and belief in ourselves not the lack of eyesight. Blindness is not the factor that keeps a person from drawing. Many people with eyesight cannot draw. Blindness is not a disability but a challenge to seek new ways to meet our personal goals. It can be an opportunity to use our artwork and other accomplishments to lift and inspire others in a positive way rather than display them as wall decorations.
My name is Joann Marley. I am an artist. I am not blind. I am simply a woman with insight living in the absence of light. Please email me with comments at imanartist@earthlink.net.
Senior Division Report
By Vel Slotten
Hi to everyone from the NFBI Senior Division. Well here it is May and 90 degree weather. Summertime is almost here, yard work and all the things that go with it.
Cycle for Independence is over and it was a great turnout. Reflecting back to our April NFBI Senior Division monthly meeting, we all talked about the wonderful time we had at State Convention and we want to thank Elsie Lamp for a wonderful job and giving us such a great State Convention this year. Members said how much they enjoyed the demonstrations and exhibits. Don Nepple talked about how much he liked the self-defense class. Mike Gibson gave a great demonstration on the Victor Stream. Also Carl Smith gave an exciting demonstration on the KnfbREADER. We all had a lively time playing Jeopardy, hosted by Larry Dickerson and Susan Bradley. We are looking forward to playing Jeopardy again next year.
We would like to welcome new members to the NFBI Senior Division: Mary Ellen Halverson, and Patrick Taylor from Boise, Sheri Palmer from Blackfoot, David and Wanda Jolly from Shelley, Jake and Grace Jacobson and Joan Downing from Pocatello.
We are looking forward to seeing and talking with all of you. Hopefully I will have my computer and email working before too long. God Bless You.
Parents’ Division Report
By Debbie Stengel
The Parent's Division held a meeting on Saturday of the convention. It was an honor to have in attendance our National leader, Dr. Marc Maurer and his wife Patricia Maurer. His comments were appreciated and wise. Also in attendance were Elsie and Rox Lamp. Elsie shared her ideas and had helpful advice. The Parent's Division invited Mr. Mike Adams of Ammon, Idaho to speak at the meeting as well. He is a former Idaho Governor's Press Secretary and a business owner in communications. Some of his suggestions were to "ask no favors", "get acquainted with the JFAC Committee", and "let legislators know of your 'just' cause". He felt that having legislators meet and get to know the parents and their blind or visually impaired children will add interest and create more action. The division leaders appreciated his taking the time to come and share his insights. Having both parents and teachers in attendance was also beneficial. The Parents Division would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who took the time to attend the meeting.
A favorite event at this year's State Convention for the children (young and old!) was the Sensory Safari. Nothing can compare to the sensory experience of these beautiful creatures. Jerry Bullock and his staff were on hand to answer questions about the exhibit and kept the kids involved. Their efforts were so appreciated!
Members Sarah Sims and Brandon Lane of Boise plan to attend the upcoming National Convention in Dallas. The Parents Division looks forward to hearing from them when they return. They will have many new ideas to help the children of Idaho.
Working Together to Remain on Top of the Waves
By Britt Raubenheimer
Do you wonder how the natural world works? Are your kids always asking questions like: “Why does it rain and snow? Why is the grass wet in the morning? What causes hurricanes, and tornadoes, and earthquakes?” Well, that was me as a kid, and it’s still me today. I’m an ocean physicist who studies waves breaking in shallow water, rip currents, beach erosion, and pollution transport along the shore. When I go to the beach, I feel the sand erode under my feet, and wonder what is causing it to move. I get tumbled in the waves, and wonder what makes the waves stronger or weaker or farther apart from day to day. I depended on my sight to help me deploy and maintain instruments in the water to answer questions like these, so I was terrified when I started losing my vision.
I woke up one morning five years ago with most of the vision gone in my right eye. Initially, the doctors thought I had optic neuritis (often an early sign of multiple sclerosis), but they later changed their minds when I rapidly began losing the peripheral vision in my left eye. Soon they confirmed that my optic nerves were atrophying for unknown reasons. Today my acuity is about 20/200, but I have only 1 to 2 degrees of central vision. I can see colors, and can read large fonts on the computer (slowly), but the lack of peripheral vision makes it difficult for me to get around.
The past five years have involved lots of learning. The Idaho Commission for the Blind trained me to use a cane, and taught me basic Braille, but also, and maybe more importantly, gave me the confidence that I could continue my life despite my eyesight. I’ve learned to use VisioVoice speech software on my Mac computers to analyze data, write grant proposals, and read email. I’ve gotten a guide dog from The Seeing Eye, who has made it fun to travel to meetings and field studies. I’ve learned about technology and tools that make my work easier. I’m always striving to learn new ways to make my daily life and work easier, and to facilitate my fieldwork. With the help of family, friends, and colleagues, and with constant efforts to learn new techniques, I have continued to be a successful oceanographer.
Recently, my team has collected measurements of water levels and waves near San Diego to show that the focusing of wave energy onshore of a submarine canyon, which acts like a prism focusing light or a funnel focusing liquid, causes changes in water levels that may cause rip currents. We’ve sampled sediments to show that pathogens can live in the beach, and can become exposed following erosion, posing a new hazard to beachgoers. We’ve made observations of waves offshore of Louisiana to investigate how muddy seafloors cause waves to lose energy, a mechanism that may have provided protection to areas of the coast during Hurricanes Rita and Katrina and to Bangladesh during the Indonesian tsunami. I’ve gone to Korea to explore the tidal flats, and we’ll soon be starting a new study of flows on the tidal flats north of Seattle.
My successes have been attributable to teamwork and networking. Blind colleagues have shared ideas and information about new technology and tools that may be useful. Family and friends have provided transportation and support. And my science team has worked with me to find the tasks that I can do, and to take over tasks with which I need assistance. Each team member contributes their strengths, and covers for others’ weaknesses. Over the past few years, I have continued to use the computer to analyze data, to read, and to write scientific papers. I still plan our field studies, and manage my team. I’ve been told that I give great presentations with visual material, because I explain each figure as if the audience couldn’t see it, making it easy for everyone to follow, including the people sitting in the back of the room. I can SCUBA dive to deploy sensors in murky, muddy water better than anyone else in my team, because I have more experience working without seeing. However, someone else is now responsible for measuring the instrument locations and frame dimensions. Another team member will drive the boat and help me navigate to the instruments. My husband, who is also a colleague, often sits next to me at presentations, and whispers explanations of the figures on the screen. My very organized research technician continues to do all the packing and unpacking of equipment. The engineers continue to design and build the instruments and frames that we use. All of us work together to dig ditches to bury sensors, and to form human chains to shuffle frames and lead weights from one location to another. We also work together to find solutions for the myriad problems that arise. Despite the most thorough preparation, fieldwork rarely proceeds exactly as planned.
Scientific research requires creativity to determine the important processes to investigate, to formulate methods to collect the data needed to address questions, and to develop the techniques needed to prove or disprove hypotheses. Likewise, losing vision requires creativity to find new solutions and methods to perform ordinary and extraordinary tasks. I believe this need for creativity in both aspects of my life makes me better at both. For this reason, I believe people with impediments often can become the best scientists. And with today’s computers and technology, science is a great career for someone with vision loss. If you talk with a prospective employer or colleague, don’t hide your vision loss. Instead, explain how your history of creativity will make you a strong member of the group.
If you’re interested in a career in science, or in any field, I recommend that you form a team. Someone already in the field or someone with vision loss can become a mentor who can help make contacts and help promote you as a prospective employee or student. Friends, fellow students, and colleagues can help suggest tools, techniques, and solutions for issues that arise. Your team will enjoy and be rewarded by your successes. For example, last summer a colleague and I helped a legally blind student, Gina, obtain permission to go out on a research cruise. The ship captain did not have the experience to understand that she could navigate around the ship despite the working cranes and constantly moving equipment. Gina’s research advisor did not have the knowledge to explain to the captain how she would participate, and why her help was needed with the research. Gina herself had never been on a research ship, and wasn’t sure what she would be able to do. But, as a team, we worked together to have her join the science crew, and she had a wonderful experience. She’s now a graduate student studying geophysics and she’s looking forward to deploying instruments on another science cruise in June. Everyone on the team is proud of her.
Whether or not you’ve lost your vision, a team of family, friends, colleagues, and mentors can improve your career and your happiness. I could not have remained successful, and continued to pursue my passion for ocean physics research, if I hadn’t had the help of my oceanographic team, my friends, my family, my husband, and my counselors from the Idaho Commission. Thank you all.
Cycle for Independence
Celebrating Ten Years of Success
By Ramona Walhof and Dana Ard
May 17, 2008, was a perfect day for the tenth annual Cycle for Independence bike ride sponsored by the Treasure Valley Chapter. Warm in the morning and hot in the afternoon, but bright and so sunny none of the 460 riders could complain about the weather. We are still finishing our final calculations, but our gross income will be around $16,000 with expenses of around $5,000. We have good reason to believe that both income and costs will continue to increase. Of course, there is no guarantee. Bad weather is only one of the things that would cause us trouble, but we are optimists.
Each rider pays a fee to participate in a "supported ride." We provide snacks and beverages at water stops, lunch after the ride, and free bike socks to those who pre register. Other rides provide t-shirts, so we chose something else, and riders are happy! We had more than 50 volunteers from half a dozen organizations besides the NFB, including Delta Gamma Sorority; Voice of Idaho Ham Radio Operators; the Nordic ski Patrol, which offered first aid; and two Lions Clubs, Boise Capitol (my club which helped with lunch) and Boise Vista which lent us and put up the large tent.
We also got local businesses to sponsor the ride and donate some of the food. We solicited businesses for prizes and small items and coupons for "loot" bags. Our Senior Division stuffed the bags, and at least 25 members of the NFBI helped before and during the ride. Blind people rode on the back of at least seven tandems. There were all kinds of bikes on all the routes. Our best advertising is perhaps by email, but we purchased an ad in the bike issue of the Idaho Statesman, and put brochures in more than 20 bike shops around the area. We also placed brochures in other sports businesses. There is no way to give adequate recognition and appreciation to everyone who helped: volunteers, riders, donors, and others.
This event has not only become a highly successful fundraiser, but also gives us the opportunity to educate the public about blindness.
For more information, email Ramona Walhof at rwnfbi@qwest.net or call 208-338-1595. And you are all invited to come and help with or ride in the Cycle for Independence next year! We will announce the date on our website very soon www.tvcblindidaho.org or www.nfbidaho.org.
BRIGHT IDEAS
The Power of the Team
By Dana Ard
This time of year, I am very mindful of the importance and power of teams in my life. I am also aware of how difficult some aspects of life can be without the team. Britt Raubenheimer talks about how her team allows her to continue working despite her blindness. Ramona Walhof talked of the team of members, participants, and volunteers from many organizations who made the Cycle for Independence such a grand success.
As many readers know, I have been a member of Boise Choristers for 13 years. We recently completed our spring concert. For me this experience epitomizes teamwork. Anyone who has ever sung in a group knows that you must work as a team to make the group sound unified. Boise Choristers adds choreography as another dimension to some of our songs. For several years, I was intimidated by having to learn the moves. I was concerned that I wouldn’t do them well enough and that my attempts might even be distracting to the audience and ruin the effect of the music. Several years ago, Carol, one of the members, offered to work with me individually on the moves. Now, after our choreographer has decided what we are doing, Carol and I meet at her home for our first practice. She explains all the moves and often gives physical guidance in how to perform them. She does a practice tape that I take home and work on. We usually have at least two practices before the actual performance. Even when we are practicing in regular rehearsal, Carol or another member will often give me feedback or correct a move that I have learned wrong. This year, I forgot the final move for the end of one of our songs, until the woman standing next to me nudged my elbow and I remembered what to do. Other Choristers are part of my team as well. Our accompanist, Gail, records the first alto part so that I can learn it. I buy tapes and have my tape duplicated for any other altos who would like a copy. I get a ride with one of our members and we have become good friends often enjoying non-chorister activities. During the concert, I walk on stage with the member who stands next to me. Although I could walk on using my cane or guide dog, I find this method increases my confidence, and I am less worried about getting on and off stage gracefully. I am the section leader for the first altos, and often need to call my section to give information. For the past several years, I have arranged the location for our party following the final performance.
Working as a member of a team is important to everyone, but can be especially important to us as blind people. In the next issue, I will discuss how the concept of team building can heal us solve some of the troublesome problems that we come up against as blind people. I invite other readers to contact me with examples of the teams in your life.
Mini Gems
By Ramona Walhof
Snake River Valley Chapter: Members did a wonderful job hosting the 2008 NFBI Convention in Idaho Falls. Every member contributed in his or her own way. Attendance was terrific; press coverage was great; prizes were exciting; and the auction had lots of wonderful items! We all owe this group a huge thank you for all the work they did. If I try to name all of them, I will make mistakes, but President Vickie Bateman and her family led the group, and all are to be congratulated. Since convention, this chapter has recruited one new member, and another person is interested.
Treasure Valley Chapter: 19 members of this chapter traveled to Idaho Falls for the 2008 NFBI Convention the last weekend in March. This took some coordination, but the trip was well worthwhile.
More than 25 members participated in the Cycle for Independence May 17, 2008. Both of these events took a great deal of planning and work. You have read about them elsewhere in the Milestones, so you already know that. Members have also been busy working on legislation, the education of blind children, attending various meetings on public transit and more.
There will be an ice cream social at the Newhouse’s in June and a picnic in July to which families with blind children and young adults are invited. Nine members will attend our National Convention in Dallas.
Senior Division: In March this group met at Noel and Shelley Newhouse's home for lunch and discussion. In April we met at Jan and Harry Gawith’s for lunch and socializing.
Eleven members met for pizza and stuffed goody bags for the Cycle for Independence at Ramona Walhof'’s house in May. In June the Senior Division will meet for lunch again at the Newhouse’s. The food has been excellent, and the group has enjoyed these gatherings.
Panhandle Chapter: This chapter has two new members, Greg and Marcy Davis. They did research and found out measurements so that a bowling rail could be made for the Post Falls Bowling Alley, and more blind people can bowl there. The group gathered for a social playing games and cards at Delaine and Wade Wardell's home in April. President, Russell Smith, was able to attend the State Convention in Idaho Falls. Blind people are enjoying the SPOKESMAN REVIEW on NFB Newsline and are eager to let more blind people know about this service. This chapter has a nice nucleus of members and is looking forward
to more growth.
Elmore County Chapter: Fern Graham attended the NFBI Convention in Idaho Falls and brought back a KnfbREADER. It didn't take her long to begin reading mail and other printed items with it. A potluck picnic is planned for the summer.
Gateway Chapter: This chapter helped to gather prizes and auction items for the Convention. At least 10 members attended and were very busy. They are planning a summer picnic, and three members will attend the NFB Convention in Dallas. President, Larry Dickerson, along with State President, Elsie Lamp traveled to Boise where they were put to work at the Cycle for Independence. This growing chapter stays busy at home in addition to all the traveling they do.
New Board Appointment for ICBVI: Kent Ireton was appointed by Governor Butch Otter to serve a three year term on the Board of the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Around 20 years ago, Mr. Ireton worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the agency, and now he is employed with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. We are looking forward to working with him.
Student Division Election: Students met at the State Convention and elected the following leaders: Lora Ireland, President; Gus Tropea, Vice President; Brad Rudley, Secretary-Treasurer. They are planning a business meeting and social on June 13, 2008 at the bandshell in Julia Davis Park.
Scholarship Winners: At this year's Convention the Carolyn McNair Memorial Scholarship was presented to Gus Tropea, a high school senior at Emmett High whose family lives in Sweet. Gus is planning to enroll as a freshman at Boise State University in the fall. The Weyerhaeuser Foundation Scholarship was presented to Brad Rudley of Meridian. Brad will be a sophomore at Boise State University in the fall. Congratulations to these two outstanding young men!
THE END