[tabi] Summer 2010 Lighthouse Newsletter: AS WE SEE IT
- From: Lighthouse of the Big Bend <lighthousebigbend@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: tabi <tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:20:43 -0400
Summer 2010 Lighthouse Newsletter: AS WE SEE IT
In this Issue:
1. GRAND OPENING! Tuesday, 7/27, 5-8pm: 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace
2. Announcing the Multi-Sense-Ational ART Contest Entries
3. Mobility Tips: Long vs. Support Cane—What’s right for you?
4. Intro to Braille for People with Vision Loss, 9/1
5. Intro to Braille for SIGHTED Family & Friends, 10/6
6. 6th Annual Paula Bailey Dining in the Dark Benefit
7. September 17 & 18 TECHNO DEMO: Tools to Expand Your Possibilities
8. Top 8 Myths About Blindness
9. Lighthouse Summer 2010 Classes & Events
10. How YOU Can Help!
11. About the Lighthouse
1. GRAND OPENING! Tuesday, 7/27, 5-8pm: 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace
You are invited to celebrate the Grand Opening of our new building on
the Lighthouse’s 27th Anniversary—July 27, 2010, from 5pm to 8pm! The
new facility is located at 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace, just off
Capital Circle SE, between Park Avenue and Apalachee Parkway, on the
other side of the road from Sam’s Club & Sonny’s.
Come meet friends, enjoy music, laughter, and…
· DELICIOUS FOOD donated by the Lighthouse Board, Marinated
Mushroom & the Capital City Women’s Club;
· COOL DRINKS donated by Tri-Eagle Sales & Lighthouse Staff;
· TACTILE ART from various artists, clients and staff (see
page 2) and FLOWERS donated by A Touch of Class Florist;
· TOURS of the facility & early intervention playground;
· BOUNCE HOUSE donated by How To Have Fun Rentals;
· 6pm RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY & AWARDS with Representative
Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda presiding and JCZ Photography donating
photographs of the event;
· DINING IN THE DARK TICKETS go on sale if you want to ensure
your seat at the October 24th event!
Thank you to the many donors and funders that have made this move to a
new & improved home possible… we could not provide services to so many
without the support of the community. Each and every one of you help
make us who we are—whether it is by spreading the word about the
Lighthouse, donating your time, donating items we could not otherwise
afford, or providing funding. This celebration is our way of saying
thank you, so we hope you come and enjoy the festivities!
(P.S. Several folks have asked if there is any help we need… so for
those of you who would like to pitch in, we’d love assistance from
8-9pm, putting all the outdoor tents, tables, chairs, etc back inside
the Lighthouse – thanks in advance, fabulous volunteers!)
2. Announcing the Multi-Sense-Ational ART Contest Entries
We are thrilled with your responses to the art contest! The
Lighthouse held this contest to encourage accessible art that can be
"seen" through touch, and enjoyed visually and tactually. The winners
will be announced at the Grand Opening on 7/27 at 6pm, having been
selected by a panel of three blind and two sighted judges.
Thank you to these amazing artists! Their entries include:
· “African American Singer” Fabric with silk screen by Phyllis
Bosco completed in 1991 (for display)
· “Beach Party” Multi-media on canvas by Janet Ray completed
in June 2010 ($150)
· “Break Time” Cutout wood and acrylic paint by Charles and Jo
Stripling completed in July 2010 (donated—$1,150)
· “Delicate Beauty” Rustic wood creation with scroll saw by
Reggie Thornton completed in July 2010 ($88)
· “Dread Head” Rope sculpture - twine, yarn, jute, garden
hose, tree branch & clay by Jill Ashley completed March 2010 ($600)
· “Floral Reef” Original Folk Art with vintage fabrics from
the 1870’s, pearl cuff-link, vintage buttons, and Braille label by
Drew Watson, completed July 2010 ($1,150)
· “Mrs. Maintenance” Rope sculpture with yarn, jute, garden
hose, and Freon tanks by Jill Ashley completed July 2010 ($150)
· “Outside My Window” Multi-media with photos by Suzanne Rita
Byrnes completed in July 2010 (donated—$150)
· “When the Wind Blows” Kiln-formed glass by Cheryl Sattler
completed in 2010 ($800)
There are also several pieces of amazing tactile artwork that have
been donated or brought in for display that were not in the contest.
So even if you can’t come to the Grand Opening, you are invited to
drop by for a tour and to experience the art anytime.
3. Mobility Tips: Long vs. Support Cane—What’s right for you?
The main functions of all white canes are identification, feedback,
and protection. The white color on the length of the cane, with the
red section at the bottom, indicates that the person using it is
visually impaired. When touching the ground, the cane also offers its
user some tactile and auditory information. For example, touching a
metal manhole cover feels hard and makes a distinctive “clank.”
Touching grass gives a softer feeling and sound. (It may even sound
“crunchy” in the winter when rain storms are few and far between!) The
cane provides protection as well. It can alert its user to drop-offs
or prevent run-ins with objects in your way.
When choosing which type of white cane to use, some considerations
include physical challenges, level of vision, and personal preference.
A support cane is usually recommended for a traveler who has balance
or endurance issues and needs lean on something for stability or to
rest. The support cane has a wide diameter, and is sturdy with a
rubber tip that prevents it from slipping. It has a T-handle or curved
grip that the palm of the hand rests on. It measures about mid hip
level and is held vertically to the traveler’s side. The cane is
generally moved ahead in stride with the traveler.
The long cane on the other hand is thinner and lighter weight. This
accommodates the need to move the cane easily from side to side. The
straight grip is held in front of the body and the tip extends two to
three feet ahead of the traveler. Its tip is hard and slides or taps
along surfaces. If the long cane is leaned on heavily and quickly to
catch one’s balance, it may bend or break, and the tip will most
likely slide out from underneath the traveler.
One’s level of vision is also a consideration when choosing a cane. If
the traveler has sufficient low vision to determine what’s ahead in
enough time to react safely to it, the use of a support cane alone may
work. If the traveler has very little vision or no vision at all, use
of a support cane only can be a slow and tedious process. The traveler
would need to stop every step or two to sweep the cane across and
ahead of the body to check for obstacles.
Travelers with very little or no vision who need to rely on the
support cane for balance, adding the long cane, the use of a sighted
guide or a dog guide may be beneficial. Using the two canes in tandem
may initially seem cumbersome, especially when dealing with stairs or
doors. With a bit of practice, however, most people develop a routine
and a steady rhythm.
Support cane, long cane, or both? The choice is yours! If you need
help making the decision or would like to take a “test drive” please
contact any of the Lighthouse’s Certified O&M Specialists at 942-3658
or eworley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx .
4. Intro to Braille for People with Vision Loss, 9/1
Wednesday, September 1 from 1 – 3:30pm: Have you ever wondered what it
might be like to be a braille user but have been scared to try it? If
you used to read print you can learn to read braille! Even if you only
learn the very basics, braille can be an excellent tool to have and is
useful in so many ways. This exciting session will introduce you to
braille, explain the concepts of the braille code, and provide you
with several options for learning braille. RSVP to Jeanine at (850)
942-3658 ext. 215 or jkane@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx .
5. Intro to Braille for SIGHTED Family & Friends, 10/6
Wednesday, October 6 from 11:30am – 1pm: Do you have a family member
or friend who is a braille user? Have you ever wanted to make a
braille card or personal note for them? Or be able to read a braille
card or letter that they sent? Bring your lunch and join this exciting
session which will introduce you to braille, explain the concepts of
the braille code, and provide you with resources available to learn
how to read and write braille with sight. RSVP to Jeanine at (850)
942-3658 ext. 215 or jkane@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx .
6. 6th Annual Paula Bailey Dining in the Dark Benefit
This year’s unique four-course dinner in pitch black darkness is
scheduled for Sunday, October 24 at the University Center Club and
will include:
4pm University Center Club doors open
4 - 5:30pm 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
auditorium
5:30-8pm 4-course dinner in complete darkness on 3rd floor, served by
the Leon County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team with their night vision
goggles
8-8:30pm Keynote Speaker Christopher Thomas, raffle drawing and
presentation of the Paula Bailey “Inspirational Community Member
Award”
This benefit raises awareness and funds to help individuals with
vision loss regain their independence. Please return the 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 online at http://www.lighthousebigbend.org. Thank you for
your support!
7. September 17 & 18 TECHNO DEMO: Tools to Expand Your Possibilities
You are invited to attend the first ever Technology Demonstration at
the Lighthouse on Friday, Sept 17 and Saturday, Sept. 18, from 10am
until 4pm both days. Representatives from a variety of companies will
be present to offer technology equipment and aids to assist people
with vision loss, including magnification and speech devices and
tools. The vendors will display and demonstrate the latest technology
available for those who are visually impaired and blind. If you are
interested in attending, please RSVP to Elizabeth at (850) 942-3658
ext. 214 or ebowden@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx .
8. Top 8 Myths About Blindness
8. If you are blind you have “Super-Power” senses. (Truth: Without
vision, you learn to notice & focus on your other senses more.)
7. You must talk loudly to a person with a visual impairment. (Truth:
Not unless the person also can not hear!)
8. People who can’t see can feel your face to tell what you look like.
(Truth: Most faces feel the same.)
6. All blind people read Braille. (Truth: Many people who are blind
since childhood may, but most adults who become blind do not.)
5. Everyone who is visually impaired sees blackness. (Truth: There are
many degrees of blindness, most people can still see a little, and the
10 to 15% who see nothing may see white or flashes.)
4. Strong enough glasses will help anyone who is visually impaired.
(Truth: Glasses don’t help the retina, optic nerve, or brain.)
3. The Lighthouse staff use sign language to work with the blind.
(Truth: Just speaking is effective unless the person is blind &
deaf.)
2. To travel independently, a blind person needs a guide dog. (Truth:
Very few use guide dogs (1%), many more use white canes (10%), and
most do not need a cane or dog to travel independently.
1. Blind people will always recognize your voice. (Truth: Some people
have distinctive voices, but most sound the same—it is helpful to
identify yourself when you approach someone who is blind.)
9. Lighthouse Summer 2010 Classes & Events
Assistive Technology Seminar: Every 4th Thursday, 3-7pm
Braille Class: Every Wednesday, 10am-3pm
Dog Guide Group: 3rd Thursday of each month, 5:30-7pm
GRAND OPENING! Tuesday, July 27, 5-8pm
Independent Living Class: Intro on August 24 10am-1pm, Class starting
Sept 7 every Tuesday until Nov 30, 9:30am-3pm
Intro to Braille for People with Vision Loss: Wed, 9/1, 1-3:30pm
Intro to Braille for Sighted Family & Friends: 10/6, 11:30am-1pm
Summer Transition Program: June 14 to August 4, M-Th, 9am-4pm
Support Group: First Thursday of each month, 11am-1pm
Techno Demo: Fri, 9/17 & Sat, 9/18, 10am-4pm
Toddler/Pre-school Playgroup: Sat. 7/17, 8/7, 9/18, 10/16, 2-3:30pm
10. How YOU Can Help!
Get your loved one a gift certificate for our specialty license plate
and $25 of the fees will go directly 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, a beautiful lighthouse
tag and generates important awareness for our agency & services.
11. 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: info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Website: 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
Cindy Snowden, ext 209
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
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