Spring 2011

The Spring issue of  the MSCB News is now available

To read this issue in the PDF  CLICK HERE

President's Message
Dear MSCB Members and Friends,

I think it is safe to say that spring has finally sprung.  Flowers will begin to bloom, and the weather is becoming warmer.  MSCB and ACB activities are also beginning to heat up.

Our membership committee has been actively seeking new members and working at organizing new local
chapters.  Thanks in a large part to these committee members, we submitted information for 75 members to the ACB national office at the March 15 deadline.  This will give us three votes at the ACB national conference and convention in Reno, NV.

On April 11, MSCB once again hosted the seniors from the West Virginia School for the Blind at Mario’s
restaurant in Romney.  A great time of eating, socializing, and sharing information about ACB and MSCB with these young people was had by all.

Our local chapters continue to meet regularly, conduct fund-raisers, and provide advocacy and service to individuals in need in their communities.  On April 16, the Potomac Valley Chapter held its second annual bowl-a-thon.  (See article later in this issue.) Our convention committee is hard at work making plans for our 2011 student seminar and state  conference and convention in  Bridgeport.  If you have ideas for  convention speakers, exhibitors, or other activities, contact Glen Pinkard, convention committee chair.  Our  convention theme for this year is "The Vision is Always Changing".  Be sure to read the convention article later in this issue.

I am looking forward to attending the 2011 ACB national conference and convention in Reno, NV, July 8-16.  ACB will be celebrating its golden anniversary in the silver state.  If you are planning to attend the national conference and convention, begin making your plans now.  The convention hotel is the John Ascuaga Nugget Hotel Resort Casino.  Make reservations by calling (800) 648-1177, mention American Council of the Blind, code gblind in order to receive convention room rates. 

Along with tour to local attractions, workshops, informative speakers, and the ever-popular exhibits, various events will be held to help raise money to support ACB's efforts to improve the lives for blind and visually impaired individuals.  One such event is the annual auction.  If you have any ideas of items for MSCB to contribute, please let me know.  Another fund-raising event, for which I have already registered, occurring during the convention is a walk/run.  (See article later in this issue.)
In closing, I want to thank the members of all our committees for their hard work and dedication to MSCB.  I also want to encourage each of you to participate in MSCB activities whenever possible.  Serving on committees, participating in monthly conference calls, attending our state conference and convention, just to name a few.

Spring into action for MSCB and ACB.
Sincerely,
Donna Brown, MSCB President
President's Message


North Central West Virginia Beckons MSCB by Ninetta Garner


Members and friends of MSCB gather together early every fall to hold the annual state convention.  This year the convention will return to the North Central WV area.  The theme selected is: "The Vision is Always Changing".
 
The Convention
Committee is hard at work planning an informative and action filled weekend of interesting activities; something for everyone.  Some program topics being considered are understanding and
using audio description; an update on low vision evaluations and aids; self defense for the visually impaired; and techniques and gadgets to make every day living more enjoyable.  Agency information and reports, as well as a student seminar, exhibits, the business meeting, banquet and auction are also being planned.  An invitation has been extended to a representative of the American Council of the Blind.  Acceptance
confirmation is expected soon.
 
Convention dates:  September 16-18,  beginning Friday  afternoon. 
 Location: Bridgeport Best Western (formerly Holiday Inn).
 Hotel room rates: A group rate of $72 plus tax per room per night with one to four adults per room will be held for reservations until September 2nd.  The hotel has a few accessible rooms.
 
To make reservations call: (304) 842-5411.  Be sure to mention the Mountain State Council of the Blind special rates.
Take time now to mark September 16-18 on your calendar and plan to spend a great convention weekend in  Bridgeport.  Watch for the summer issue of the  Rhododendron for more specific information,including an anticipated Friday evening fun activity!


Bunny Wisdom

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket.
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
Good things come in small, sugar coated packages.
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
Keep your paws off other people's jelly beans.
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.
There's no such thing as too much candy.


TRI-COUNTY CHAPTER MOUNTAIN STATE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND 2011 CESARINA CAPRIOTTI WYSONG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Who is eligible?  Any blind or visually impaired student who is a  permanent resident of the West Virginia counties of Jefferson,  Berkeley, or Morgan and is attending college or trade school  full-time (part-time if a hardship condition exists) during the  academic school year 2011/2012.

Why these three counties?  The Tri-County Chapter of Mountain  State Council of the Blind, American Council of the Blind  affiliate, awards the Cesarina Capriotti Wysong Memorial  Scholarship.  The late Mrs.Wysong was a member there.

How much is the scholarship award?  $500.  A commemorative plaque will also be presented.

When will the award be presented?  During the Tri-County  Chapter’s annual picnic held in Martinsburg, WV tentatively  scheduled for Thursday, August 11, 2011.  The winner must be  present to qualify for the scholarship and must agree to sign a
form granting TCMSCB permission for publicity.

How will the winner be selected?  The TCMSCB Scholarship  Committee will evaluate applicants based on the information  submitted by the students, including grades, activities,  recommendations, etc.

When will the winner be notified?  On or before August 1, 2011. For an application check the MSCB website or contact Kathy
Gerhardt at 304-754-6885 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .



Beep Baseball
By Donna Brown

With the coming of spring also comes the crack of the bat, the sounds of "Take Me out to the Ball Game" resonating across America, and the smell of ball park hotdogs.  This article describes the sport of Beep Baseball, which does not receive much publicity.

What is Beep Baseball?

Beep Baseball is an adapted version of the national pastime.  The game is modified with the use of a ball and bases that beep.  The ball emits a rapid beep where the bases sound a buzz so they can be distinguished from each other.

Each team has six players, who are always blind folded so that the playing field remains level.  Each team also has its own pitcher and catcher.  The object is to maximize the opportunities of putting the ball in play.

Once the ball is hit by the batter who also is blind-folded, the batters goal is to reach either of the two bases before the ball is fielded by the opposing team.  The bases are 100 feet from home plate down the first and third base lines.  If the batter reaches the base without being put-out, then their team is awarded a run, but if the ball is fielded by the opposing team then the batter is out.  Their are six innings in a game and three outs per inning.  Each batter is given four strikes and one pass ball.

About the NBBA

The National Beep Baseball Association is a registered 501(C) 3 organization providing the opportunity of beep baseball World wide.  Since its inception in 1976, beep baseball has been played locally, nationally and
internationally in countries such as Italy, France, Japan, China etc.  As of the 2011 season, The NBBA has currently nineteen teams registered from the United States and China.

The 2011 Beep Baseball World Series is being held in Indianapolis  Indiana during the week of July 31 through August 7.





Potomac Valley Fundraiser

  The second annual blindfold bowling activity was held on April 16, 2011 at Potomac Lanes in Moorefield, WV.  The turnout was down slightly from the first one but everyone who attended had a great time.  Donations and pledge sheets were collected and will be used to further the work of the Potomac Valley Chapter.
Along with most of our chapter members, there were 5 students from the West Virginia School for the Blind and several members of the community.  Several volunteers came to lend a hand and share in the fun. There were two games bowled, one with gutter guards in place to prevent balls from going in the gutters and the other without the guards.  It was a great time of fun and a chance for the community and the visually impaired to interact with one another. We are looking forward to next year's event and we invite anyone who can to come bowl with us.




Striding for the Gold in the Silver State
By Donna Brown

You can help ACB celebrate its golden anniversary by participating in the third annual walk/run.  The on-site event will take place on Sunday, July 10, at the Marina, in Reno-Sparks, NV.  Even if you are unable to attend the ACB national conference and convention, you can still participate in this fun and fund-raising event in one of two ways.  One way is to sign up as a virtual walker for which you can walk in your own community.  The other way is to contribute a pledge to support a specific walk/run participant and the affiliate they are representing.  The entry fee for participants is just $25.00.  You can use one of two methods to register as a participant or to contribute a pledge.  One is to register/make a pledge online at www.acbwalk.com where you can either complete the online form and pay using a credit card/paypal, or can download an entry form/pledge form and attached to a check which should be made out to ACB Walk and mailed to American Council of the Blind 6300 Shingle Creek PKWY Suite 195 Brooklyn Center MN 55430.

If you prefer not to use a computer, you may contact either Rebecca Bridges at (703) 527-1175 or Donna Brown at (304) 822-4679 to assist you by phone.  If you get their voicemail, your calls will be returned as soon as possible.  If you choose to pay for your entry fee or make a pledge to the walk/run by check, it is imperative that a completed form be attached to your check.

For every one hundred dollars raised by an individual or team, their name will be entered into a drawing for exciting prizes.  Another way to get your name entered in a special drawing is to get a total of fifty or more pledges in honor of ACB's golden anniversary.  Trophies will be given to the individual/team and the affiliate that brings in the most money.  Please indicate whether you are entering as an individual or as a team so we will know in which category to track your progress.  All participants will receive a commemorative tote bag.  Medals will be awarded as follows: bronze for pledges totaling $100 to $250; silver for $251 to $500; and gold for $500 or more.  Trophies will be presented to all individuals/teams raising $1,000 or more.
In order for pledges to be counted toward awards and drawings, a final deadline of June 30 has been established.
All money must be received in the ACB Minneapolis office by this date.
Sign up now and get an early start on collecting those much needed contributions.  Each person who signs up as a participant will receive a valuable packet of helpful information.  Every penny of your $25 entry fee goes to ACB.
Thank you so much for your support!




ACB Affiliate Presidents Meeting
By Donna Brown

This article contains some of the highlights from the 2011 ACB Affiliate Presidents meeting took place at the Holiday Inn National Airport in Arlington, on February 26-27.  The meeting began with remarks by ACB President Mitch Pomerantz followed by introduction of participants.  Next, Dan Dillon, chair of the ACB Walk committee, informed us of the details for this year's ACB walk/run to be held in Reno/Sparks, NV during the ACB national conference and convention.  Ray Campbell, a member of the MMS committee, then spoke about the benefits of the Monthly Monetary Support (MMS) program for both ACB and affiliates.  He challenged us that we as leaders need to lead by example and join the MMS program if we hadn't already.  This portion of the meeting closed with a presentation by Marsha Farrow, ACB board member.  She informed us of the plans for a leadership conference to be held at the 2012 ACB national conference and convention in Louisville.
The Saturday afternoon session began with a presentation from members of the Board of Publications (BOP).  They discussed that due to advances in technology, some changes in formats of the Braille Forum will need to occur.  Christopher Gray, ACB immediate past President, then updated participants on the progress to implement the ACB online database.
The Saturday afternoon session concluded with a presentation by some highly energetic members of the National Alliance of Blind Students NABS.  They encouraged us to focus on bringing in student/younger members into our affiliates.

Sunday morning with a panel discussion of ACB's response to advance notices of proposed rulemaking for the ADA.  The topics for which comments were made included equipment, audio description, and web accessibility.  The final speaker of the meeting was Jenine Stanley, a member of the BOP, who shared with us the many skills needed to be more effective leaders.



Legislative Seminar Highlights  By Donna Brown

The 2011 ACB Legislative Seminar was held February 27 through March 1 at the Holiday Inn National Airport in Arlington, VA.  Following opening remarks by ACB President Mitch Pomerantz, extremely valuable ADA Training was conducted by Jeanine Worden, Deputy Chief, Civil Rights Division, U.S.  Department of Justice.  Donald Kahl, Executive Director, Equal Rights Center discussed ACB's Collaboration with the Equal Rights Center of Washington DC.  Melanie Brunson, Executive Director, ACB closed Sunday's sessions with an update of ACB's Legal Advocacy Efforts.

The first session on Monday was an informative interactive presentation on The How To's in Having an Effective Meeting with Your Member of Congress conducted by Emily Khoury, Legislative Director, Office of U.S.  Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY).  Mark Richert, Director, Public Policy, American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) addressed one of ACB legislative imperatives--Accessible Prescription Drug Labeling; emphasizing the Need for Medicare to Cover Low Vision Devices.  The next session entitled The Detrimental Impact That IRS Regulations Have Had on Charities Through Their Vehicle Donation Programs addressed a second ACB imperative.  Steven Schwadron, Member, Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies was the presenter.

During the luncheon, attendees was treated to remarks from Karen Peltz Strauss, Deputy Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  This was followed by an update of the Air Carrier Access Act and What it Means for Blind Travelers presented by Blane Workie, Deputy Assistant General Counsel, Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, U.S.  Department of Transportation (DOT).  Aaron Bishop, Executive Director, National Council on Disability (NCD) shared the Future of the National Council on Disability and Its Issues for 2011.  The final speaker was Dan Sippl, President, Randolph-Sheppard Venders of America (RSVA).  He updated seminar participants on Randolph-Sheppard Issues.

On Tuesday, ACB members traveled to Capitol Hill to discuss the legislative imperatives with their senators and representatives.



Awards Committee Report by Sharon Fridley


The Awards Committee, comprised of Donna Brown, Debbie Cain, Joann McGuire, Conrad Bennett, Chris Cook and Sharon Fridley, met via conference call on Monday, April 18.  Our first priority is to raise money for the Anna Marie Hunt Scholarship Fund, which currently contains only $175.  If you have been to college lately, you know that amount hardly covers the cost of a textbook today. 
 
Anna Marie Hunt was a teacher for more than 30 years, so we know that the establishment of a scholarship in her memory will honor her legacy as an educator. 
Consequently, all of the members of the Awards Committee agreed to make a contribution to the Hunt Scholarship Fund.  We encourage all who are able to do so to follow our example. 
 
You may make a contribution in one of two ways:  Use the link on the MSCB website;. or, write a check in any amount to MSCB.  In the memo field, designate Hunt Scholarship Fund.  Submit your check to Treasurer, Kathy Gerhardt. 
Our committee will recommend other means by which to raise money for this important project.  However, in tribute to the memory of our late friend, let's all pitch in to support the Scholarship Fund.



The MMS "Two-for-One" Program

Would you like to be able to help your state affiliate or an affiliate of your choice, and at the same time, assist the ACB at the national level too? Well, now you can by participating in the "Two-for-One," Monthly Monetary Support (MMS) Program.
The MMS or Monthly Monetary Support Program is a way for each of us to financially support our organization to whatever amount we can afford on a regular, monthly bases.  An amount we designate and completely control is automatically deducted from our bank, credit card or debit card account each month by the ACB and is used to fund the many critical needs of our organization.
You completely control the amount that you give and from which account it is taken.  It begins when you indicate you want it to start and ends when you let ACB headquarters know you want it to end.            
When you take part in the MMS Program, the funds are deducted from the account you designate, on a regular, monthly bases.  You can designate to have all of the funds go to the national organization or you can, alternatively, designate an amount up to 50% of the net amount of your deduction to be given to an affiliate of your choice.  You have the choice of helping both the national organization and an
affiliate of your choice at the same time.  You can help two levels of our
organization with one monthly deduction, thus, two-for-one!
The affiliate you choose can be any of the state affiliates or any other ACB affiliate you wish.

All amounts are greatly appreciated, no matter how small or large! The ACB f
inancial office in Minneapolis, Minnesota will withdraw the amount you indicate each month from your credit card, or your bank account.  All contributions are kept completely confidential.  This is an excellent way in which we can all provide s
upport for our organization.  To participate in this program, just go to the ACB website and click on the Monthly Monetary Support link to complete the form.  If you have any questions or need additional assistance, call the ACB office at 1-800- 866-3242.  Thank you for your participation in the MMS program.



ADA National Network launches Disability Rights Web Course

This is a free, self-paced web course available 24/7 that provides an overview of disability rights laws. The course takes approximately 2 hours and includes real life scenarios, quizzes and a final exam. Upon completion of this course, you will have a general understanding of the major federal disability rights laws (the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Air Carrier Access Act). Additionally, you will be able to assess what laws apply in different discrimination scenarios, and have resources for help and information about disability rights laws.
Intended Audience
* People with disabilities* Advocates for people with disabilities* Rehabilitation counselors
* Social service providers* Anyone with an interest in disability rights laws

Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, you will:

* Have a general understanding of the major federal disability laws* Be able to assess what laws apply in different discrimination scenarios
* Be aware of resources for help and information about disability rights laws
Learn more at: http://www.humancentereddesign.org/neada/disabilityrights/Welcome.html
Thanks to Mid-Atlantic ADA Center




Accessible Prescription Label Program Now Free For Blind
Americans, IL

En-Vision America, Inc.  has announced a new program to aid the blind and
visually impaired in obtaining accessible prescriptions.
Under their Pharmacy Freedom Program, eligible individuals may obtain a free ScripTalk Station patient reader that will allow them to access their prescription
label information.
Participating pharmacies attach a small RFID label to each prescription, containing all printed information.  This provides a safe, private and independent way for the blind and visually impaired to manage their medication regimen, as well as helping pharmacies to comply with ADA regulations in serving their patients. Interested individuals may contact En-Vision America to get their free reader and provide pharmacy details.  Pharmacies concerned with meeting the needs of their special needs patients may also contact the company for more information about the program.
ScripTalk Station is a cutting-edge technological solution for prescription medication information access.  It has been adopted by the Veteran's Administration for use in their facilities across the country.  ScripTalk utilizes RFID
(radio-frequency identification) and TTS (text-to-speech) technologies to allow those that cannot read their prescription labels a way to access the information.  It is the only product on the market to provide full label information in a manner that meets ADA , FDCA and HIPAA regulations.




Greetings from Potomac Valley
By Glen Pinkard

The snow is finally gone and spring is here.  In the past few months we have HAD SOME exciting things happen at Potomac Valley Chapter.  The first one being that a new member has joined us.  His name is Carlos McCormick and he is a young new asset to our chapter.
In the January and February meetings the chapter discussed the MSCB convention in September at Bridgeport, WV at the Bridgeport Best Western and also our transportation for the chapter members.  Another important success of Potomac Valley Chapter is with the help of a friend of Frank McGhee, PVC was able to build 3 bowling guide rails out of PVC pipe.
The most interesting thing happened in our March meeting. We were privileged to have Cindy Walker and Gabby
Newcomer from The Bank of Romney come and talk to us about identity theft.  There are as many as 10 million people a year who are affected by identity theft. That is equal to about 27,397. It is estimated on average those people will spend 40 – 50 hours repairing the
damage that was done by someone else. Some tips the speaker gave us were to get a free copy of your credit report each year from all three of the credit bureaus.  Mrs. Walker says that checking these is considered a soft hit on your credit and will not affect your credit score. If you see something on your report, that is not yours, you can dispute it. If you need further information about that, contact your financial institution.  Some other tips are to shred anything that has your name, address, social security number, or any other confidential information.  If your bank offers on line banking and bill pay and if you are computer savvy, this may be an option to use, eliminating statements for others to find. The third tip is to join a credit monitoring company such as Life Lock or Protect my ID. Or you can join a program through your bank. Many banks now offer a less expensive program that will send you an email anytime your social security number is run. At The Bank of Romney, for example,  a person does not have to be a customer to have this particular program. All you would need is a credit or debit card and an email address that is checked regularly. 
And finally, we had our second annual bowl-a-thon which was a success.  We are looking forward to our May meeting on the 7th at 12:30 p, m at Denny’s in Keyser.
Have a great spring from Potomac Valley Chapter.



Vandalia Chapter Update By Debbie Cain

In an effort to accommodate the needs of current members our monthly meeting location, date and time has changed. The meeting will be held in the VIP Room at Panera Bread at 11:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. 




Regal  News

A leading motion picture exhibitor owning and operating the largest theatre circuit in the United States, announced plans to equip all digital cinema locations with personal captioning and descriptive video technologies.

For years Regal has actively worked with various technology companies and film distributors to create opportunities to increase theatre access for deaf, hard of hearing and blind moviegoers.  The advent of digital cinema technology offers new opportunities to increase access at all digitally equipped theatres and Regal expects to have practically all of its theatres converted to digital cinema by the end of 2012.  In conjunction with its digital cinema rollout, Regal has developed a strategy to also rollout these adaptive technologies for widespread consumer use over the next 12 to 18
months.  In addition, Regal has partnered with Captionfish which is the internet's leading captioned movies search engine that finds open captioned, Rear WindowR captioned, foreign/subtitled and descriptively-narrated movies showing at theatres across the United States.




2011 Summer Activities for Children with Disabilities

Camp Gizmo
Held at the WV School for the Deaf and Blind in Romney for children birth to eight who use assistive technology devices and their families.  Teams help children actively participate in all activities and find out which forms of assistive technology work for the child.  For more information call 304-558-5388.

Camp Kno-Coma
Summer Camp for Children with Diabetes.  Ages 7-16.  Held at Cedar Lakes.  For more information call 304-293-1205.

Celebrate Independence (Camp Independence)
Held in Wheeling, WV for youth ages 12 to 17 years who are visually impaired.  The camp focuses on life skills that promote independence.  Activities include computing and outdoor nature workshop.  $25.00 per camper.  For more information call Seeing Hand 304-232-4810 Monday through Friday from 8:00-4:00.

Children's Vision Rehabilitation Project Summer Institute
The Summer Institute provides direct instruction on specific skills like Braille, independent living, assistive technology, orientation and mobility and self help skills.  The institute
addresses specific skills the children do not get during the school year. 
Additionally, Summer Institute provides an opportunity for students, parents and teachers from different
counties to network and establish support systems.  CVRP offers two summer institutes per year hroughout West Virginia for children ages 6-13 years of age.  For more information call 304-598-6970.


Disability Action Center
Summer Day Camp.  July 25-29, 10-2:00.  All ages welcomed.  Some meals will be provided.  There will be two field trips taken.
The cost for members is $2 per day $ 5 per day for non members.
For more information call 304-366-3213.

International Sports Jamboree
Held at North Bend State Park for teens between 12-20 who have mobility and/or visual disabilities and do not qualify for the Special Olympics.  The event is sponsored by the Verizon West
Virginia Pioneers.  For more information call 304-623-3148 or
e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Mountain Milestones, Teen Adventures Summer Day Camp & Miracle League Baseball - Stepping Stones
Held in Morgantown.  Mountain
Milestones is  for ages 5-14.  Teen
Adventures is for 15 and up.  The camp is six weeks long.
Activities include swimming, bowling, golfing, kayaking, outdoor
recreation and arts and crafts for children of all abilities.
Miracle League Baseball ages 8-up .  3 leagues for all ability levels.  T- ball, minor league, and major league for more advanced athletes.  For more information call 304-983-7837.


Special Olympics Summer Games
Held in Charleston.  Ages 8 and up.  For more information call
800-926-1616.


WV School for the Deaf and Blind Summer Enrichment Programs
For children who are deaf, blind, have auditory and/or visual
impairments in grades 4-12.  For more information call
304-822-4800.



MSCB 2011 Calendar
Below are some dates of upcoming events that might be interesting to some of you.

PLEASE!!!  NOTE NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR MSCB CONFERENCE CALLS!!!!!

MSCB monthly conference call.
Phone: (507) 726-4200
Pass Code: 186679#
Conference Commands:

Press *3 -- Exit Conference
Press *4 -- Help Menu
Press *6 -- Mute Individual Line

Monday, June 13: 9:00 pm.  MSCB monthly conference call.
Friday, July 8 - Saturday, July 16: ACB 50th Anniversary Convention Reno, Nevada.
Monday, July 11: 9:00 pm.  MSCB monthly conference call.
Monday, August 8: 9:00 pm.  MSCB monthly conference call.
Monday, September 12: 9:00 pm.  MSCB monthly conference call.
Friday, September 16-18: MSCB State Convention, Best Western Bridgeport
Monday, October 10: 9:00 pm.  MSCB monthly conference call.
Monday, November 14: 9:00 pm.  MSCB monthly conference call.
Monday, December 12: 9:00 pm.  MSCB monthly conference call.