AS WE SEE IT Lighthouse of the Big Bend Fall 2010 Newsletter In this issue: 1. DINING IN THE DARK 2. Thank You To Our Silver Sponsors 3. The Paula Bailey "Inspirational Community Member" Award Nominees 4. Mobility Tips: Negotiating Airports with Ease 5. Two Lighthouse Job Openings 6. How YOU Can Help! 7. Lighthouse Fall 2010 Classes & Events 8. Frequently Called Numbers 9. About the Lighthouse 1. DINING IN THE DARK! You are invited to Tallahassee's most unique four-course dinner-dining in pitch black darkness for a great cause on Sunday, Oct. 24 at the University Center Club. The evening includes: 4:00pm University Center Club doors open 4:30pm Reception on the UCC first floor with Honorary Hosts Mike and Representative Michelle Vasilinda, live music, basket raffle, cash bar, and training on "How to Walk, Sit & Eat in the Dark" in the 1st floor auditorium 5:30pm 4-course dinner in complete darkness on 3rd floor, served by the Leon County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team with their night vision goggles 8:00pm Keynote Speaker Christopher Thomas, raffle drawing and presentation of the Paula Bailey "Inspirational Community Member Award" by Mike Vasilinda and Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda 8:30pm Event Concludes The 6th Annual Paula Bailey Dining in the Dark benefit raises awareness and funds to help individuals with vision loss regain their independence. Please return the reservation form within this newsletter in the envelope enclosed to donate and/or buy tickets for $55, a table of eight - $600, or a table of ten - $700. You can also donate and get tickets online at <http://www.lighthousebigbend.org> www.lighthousebigbend.org - when you donate online, just make sure to put "Dining in the Dark" under the DESIGNATION field. Thank you for your support! 2. Thank You To Our Silver Sponsors! Doug & Elizabeth Bailey Glen & Sharyn Davidson Leon County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team Patti Liles Rose, Sundstrom & Bentley, LLP University Center Club 3. The Paula Bailey "Inspirational Community Member" Award Nominees The Lighthouse is thrilled to announce the 2010 Nominees! Although the award winner will be announced 10/24, all are deserving of recognition for their inspiring lives: < Barbara Riche-Barb is a successful massage therapy business owner, wonderful and loving mother of 5 children, and cares for her father who has Alzheimer's disease. She is a leader in the local Business Networking International chapter. She lives her life as a confident and successful woman and lets nothing slow her down; to know Barb is to love her. (Nominated by Kristie Teal) < Jennifer Chessher-Jennifer is the first person who DBS clients meet; her smiling face and warm welcome seem to put nervous applicants at ease. When families see Jennifer who is totally blind answering the phones, using a computer & note taker, and being productive, it shows there is hope for their blind family member to be a productive member of society. (Nominated by Beth Crain) < Kevin Davis-A natural leader, Kevin rises to the top of any organization in which he is involved. He is a DMV Systems Project Analyst, Distinguished Toastmaster, a deacon in Covenant Presbyterian Church, on his 2 children's School Advisory Committees, a Cub Scout den leader, and on the Mayor's Transit Advisory Council. He is an inspiration to those around him because he is outgoing and willing to help people. (Nominated by Laurie Davis) < Lynn Evans-Lynn is an active volunteer with the Lighthouse. He researches, compiles and updates information for the Tallahassee Area Blindness Issues newsgroup. Lynn has provided valuable input to Star Metro Nova 2010 on issues of pedestrian safety and accessibility for transit users. As an independent, involved citizen, Lynn is a positive model to the community. (Nominated by David Hand) < Norine Labitzke-Norine's smile, positive attitude, and willingness to give to others are contagious. Whether she's knitting as she leads the Lighthouse board meetings, speaking to the Legislature, teaching an FSU class, mentoring students, participating in church activities, working out at the gym, or publishing a book, Norine shows blindness in a positive light. She inspires others to keep going and to not let a disability get in the way of living life to its fullest. (Nominated by Lynda Jones, Sharyn Davidson and Evelyn Worley) < Owen McCaul-Owen has been an Assistant State Attorney for 21 years and is now Division Chief of their Intake Division. Justice, fairness and protecting his community are his priorities. He tirelessly advocates for safe and reliable public transportation and works hard to bring out the sometimes unpopular truth. He is a family man, leader in the Masons, serves on the FSDB Board, and truly an inspiration. (Nominated by Sila Miller) < Sally Benjamin-Sally commits countless time to causes for people with vision loss, always saying, "People need to know and understand." As the Coordinator of Project Insight, she provides outreach services and resources to people with recent vision loss. She is an active volunteer for the Lighthouse, the Florida Council of the Blind, American Council of the Blind and the Lions Club. (Nominated by Wayne Warner and Elizabeth Bowden) < Sharyn Davidson-Sharyn spends innumerable hours volunteering in various organizations. She has served on the Board for Community Christian School, the Lighthouse and as an active fundraiser the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Through an annual fundraiser at her home, a self-published cookbook, and the Tallahassee Vision Walk, Sharyn has raised nearly one million dollars to help fight blindness. (Nominated by Susan Whaley) < Sila Miller-Sila has demonstrated her independence by working for the Dept of Revenue for 23 years, where she is an Operations Review Specialist. Through her volunteer work with the Lighthouse, Tall. Council of the Blind, Florida Council of the Blind and FSDB Alumni she helps & inspires many visually impaired peers. Sila's ability to be a zealous advocate without being disagreeable is also very inspirational. (Nominated by Owen McCaul) < Tinetta Cooper-Tinetta is a full-time student at TCC, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and has been honored by the college as an outstanding student and a "Woman of Excellence" during Women's History Month. She was the focus of a Braille training, inspiring other instructors. She is an excellent role model and projects a positive attitude, motivating Lighthouse students, and as a member of the Lighthouse's Board. (Nominated by Jeanine Kane) < Wanda Stokley-Wanda is successful and independent in her work at DBS. She is a positive influence as the Tall. Council of the Blind Secretary, a member of the FL Independent Living Council, and she advocates for accessible transportation with the City Transit Authority. She volunteers giving presentations about visual impairment and how guide dogs assist with mobility skills. (Nominated by Sally Benjamin, Ana Saint-Fort and Beth Crain) Congratulations to all the nominees! 4. Mobility Tips: Negotiating Airports with Ease As the Fall and Winter holiday season approaches, many people make plans to visit family or enjoy a vacation. While anticipating these trips can be exciting, negotiating unfamiliar travel situations can add a level of stress for many visually impaired travelers. Air travel is one of the most challenging situations. Hopefully the following tips will help alleviate some concerns that may crop up while planning your airplane travels. When making an airline reservation, you may wish to inform the attendant if you need assistance. This can help avoid unnecessary delays in obtaining assistance upon arrival. While it is not required that any traveler disclose the nature or extent of a disability, the more information you share about what assistance you need, the more prepared the airline can be to assist you during your trip. Providing at least 48 hours notice before arrival to the airport is suggested, so that there is time to organize the needed support. Airlines can arrange for someone to meet you and guide you to check-in, baggage check and customs, someone to alert you of when your plane is boarding if you are in a 'silent airport', or someone to assist you with stowing any luggage. You can also request the safety demonstration given by the cabin crew to all passengers at the beginning of a flight in other formats, such as Braille and audio versions. Upon arrival to your gate, some visually impaired travelers prefer to request pre-boarding in order to situate luggage and locate their seat without feeling rushed by other passengers. There should be an airline attendant near the gate entrance to assist you with pre-boarding if desired. Once on board the plane, the cabin crew can provide more information about the plane, its services and location of the nearest lavatory. Additional airline travel tips: * Carry a collapsible cane. Even if you don't use one, it helps notify others that you are visually impaired. Also, FAA regulations require airlines to stow all carry-on items during air flights. To comply with this, airlines must stow rigid canes elsewhere on the plane because they represent a safety hazard in the event of an emergency. Collapsible canes can be folded and stowed on your person or in a nearby luggage compartment. * Consider using brightly colored luggage or high-contrast tape on dark colored bags to make it easier to identify on the baggage claim carousel (or for anyone assisting you.) * Use a "luggage locator" that includes a receiver unit (attached to your luggage) and a transmitter for the traveler. When the button on the transmitter in pushed, the luggage beeps as long as it is within a five-foot range of the transmitter. * Carry a signature guide for signing credit card receipts. * Carry all medications in your carry-on bag. Include a copy of the prescription for any medication that may be red-flagged (insulin needles, narcotics, etc.) * Try to bring only carry-on luggage to save time by avoiding a trip to the baggage claim terminal, and save money as most airlines charge a per bag fee for checked baggage. There are, of course, many different modes of transportation that travelers may encounter during trips and vacations, including Greyhound buses, trains, subways, rapid transit or unfamiliar city bus systems. For specific instruction on airline travel or utilizing other transportation, please contact the Lighthouse to speak with one of our Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists at (850)942-3658. 5. Two Lighthouse Job Openings The Lighthouse of the Big Bend has two job openings if you or anyone you know are interested-and please spread the word. Located in Tallahassee, services are provided in the home, community, and after school in the eleven counties of the Big Bend. Transition Specialist: Provides instruction to high school students who are blind and visually impaired in adaptive travel skills, personal and home management, communications, social services, recreation/leisure, and vocational skills. The primary goal of this position is to provide the highest quality instructional services possible to assist teens who are blind or visually impaired with "transitioning" to independence, living on their own and getting a job or attending college. Teacher of the Visually Impaired/Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist: Provides approximately 25 hours/week early intervention services, working with families of children from newborn to age 5 who are blind or visually impaired; provides approximately 15 hours/week orientation and mobility services to adults. Both positions are full time with a Bachelor degree required. TVI, COMS required for Early Intervention, preferred for Transition. Each position pays $30-35K with excellent benefits. To apply, please submit a REQUIRED cover letter & your resume by email to info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 6. How YOU Can Help! Get a loved one a gift certificate for our specialty license plate and $25 of the fees will go to the Lighthouse. To purchase a tag or a gift certificate, just visit your tag agency and ask for "A State of Vision" plate. It's a great cause and generates important awareness! Make a difference in the life of someone who has lost their vision by donating to the Lighthouse of the Big Bend. Simply send a check to Lighthouse, 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace, Tallahassee, FL 32301. And now you can donate online by credit card or paypal at <http://www.lighthousebigbend.org> 7. Lighthouse Fall 2010 Classes & Events Assistive Technology Seminar: Every 4th Thursday, 3-7pm Beginning Braille: Every Tuesday, 1:30-4pm Braille Class: Every Thursday, 10am-3pm Dog Guide Group: 3rd Thursday of each month, 5:30-7pm Independent Living Class: Wednesdays until Dec 15, 9:30am-3pm Support Group: Starting January 5, first Wednesday, 11am-1pm Toddler/Pre-school Playgroup: Sat. 10/16, 2-3:30pm Transition Group for Teens (Gadsden): 4-5:30pm Every Thursday Transition Group for Teens (Gadsden/Leon): 4-6pm Every Tuesday Transition Group (Leon): 3-4:30pm Every Tues. & 2:15-4pm Wed. Transition Group for Teens (Suwannee): 3-5pm Every Monday Transition Group for Teens (Wakulla): 3-4:30pm Every Wednesday 8. Frequently Called Numbers 211 Big Bend (24 hours) 211 Big Bend Transit 574-6064 DBS 245-0370; 1(800)672-7038 Dial-A-Ride 891-5199 Elder Care 921-5554 Insight Support Group 878-1923 Lighthouse of the Big Bend 942-3658 Magnifiers & More 671-3936 Medicaid 921-8474 Project Insight 24-hr Helpline 1-800-267-4448 Senior Center 891-4000 StarMetro 891-5200 Talking Book Library 1-800-226-6075 VA Low Vision Clinic 878-0191 ext. 2086 Yellow Cab 580-8080 9. About the Lighthouse Lighthouse of the Big Bend provides free services to individuals who are visually impaired or blind in Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor & Wakulla Counties. NEW Address: 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace Phone: 850-942-3658 Toll-free: 1-888-827-6063 Fax: 850-942-4518 Email: <https://mail.google.com/mail/h/1c8yb4v6kjkkv/?v=b&cs=wh&to=info@lighthouseb igbend.org> info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Website: <http://www.lighthousebigbend.org> http://www.lighthousebigbend.org Lighthouse Board of Directors President: Norine Labitzke Vice President: Evelyn Sewell Treasurer: Lynda Breen Secretary: Jamie Ito Members: Tinnetta Cooper Norris Coster Sharyn Davidson Caroline Mathews Sila Miller Kim Peaden Fred Sanguiliano Christopher Thomas Susan Whaley, OD Lighthouse Staff Executive Director: Barbara Ross, ext 201 Assistant Director: Evelyn Worley, ext 203 Assistive Technology: Liz Bowden, ext 214 Data Entry Specialist: Joyce Warner, ext 213 Driver: Mike Worley, ext 204 Early Intervention: Jennifer Crowder, ext 202 EI / O&M Specialist: Sharon Scherbarth, ext 220 Independent Living: Jeanine Kane, ext 215 Eva McElvy, ext 205 Toni King, ext 211 Public Awareness: Lynda Jones, ext 212 Receptionist: Gary Rogers ext 213 Transition Specialists: Amanda Kan, ext 208 Billy Badeau, ext 206 Transition / O&M Specialist: Amanda Bernath ext 216 Vocational Services: Wayne Warner, ext 210 -- Lighthouse of the Big Bend Guiding People Through Vision Loss 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850) 942-3658 www.lighthousebigbend.org Check out the TABI resource web page at http://acorange.home.comcast.net/TABI and please make suggestions for new material. if you'd like to unsubscribe you can do so through the freelists.org web interface, or by sending an email to the address tabi-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject.