AS EYE SEE IT

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Greetings from SDAB Co-Presidents By Keith Bundy

Chelle and I are excited about the change in seasons and the chance to get outside after a long winter season. We hope that each of you has a wonderful spring and summer. In late February, I had the privilege of attending the ACB Presidents’ Meeting and Legislative Seminar, both of which were held this year in Washington, DC. The Presidents’ meeting gave me the opportunity to network with several Presidents of State Affiliates, and I attended several excellent presentations pertaining to current issues such as accessible paper currency. The Legislative Seminar was a time for discussion of several issues of importance to Americans who are blind or visually impaired. Three issues in the forefront of the 2007 Legislative agenda are: enhancements to the Randolph-Sheppard and Javits-Wagner-O’Day Acts, access to telecommunication systems, and retaining private and independent access to the entire voting process. Other important issues discussed included accessible paper currency, changes in Social Security, minimum wage, and restoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act. On February 27, I had the privilege of meeting with representatives of each of our legislators to discuss these issues as well as the Introduction to Computers class for users of JAWS for Windows being taught on June 18-29, 2007 at Dakota State University in Madison. I must say that each person I talked with was open to what I had to say and seemed very interested in continued dialog regarding the needs of the blind and visually impaired of South Dakota. I even got to meet Senator John Thune and Representative Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin! If any of you would like more information about the legislative issues discussed, feel free to visit www.acb.org/washington/imperatives-2007.html or contact me. Thanks to SDAB for helping to send me to these exciting and informative meetings.

2007 Governor’s Awards

The Board of Vocational Rehabilitation is pleased to announce the Governor’s Awards which recognize individuals and employers for their contributions to the rehabilitation and employment of people with disabilities. The awards were given out in Pierre at a luncheon co-sponsored by the Boards of Vocational Rehabilitation, Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Department of Human Services.

This year’s recipients are: Outstanding Employee with a Disability Marty Grimme ‑ Yankton

Outstanding Citizen a Disability Travis Leroy Arneson ‑ Sioux Falls

Outstanding Public Personnel Julaine Arient‑Rollman ‑ Rapid City

Outstanding Private Employer (Small) Pizza Hut ‑ Belle Fourche

Outstanding Private Employer (Large) County Fair Food Store ‑ Watertown

Outstanding Public Employer (local, county, state or federal governmental entity) Department of Public Safety ‑ City of Mitchell

Distinguished Service Patrick Czerny – Piedmont

Updates from the Center By Dawn Backer

The South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind announces Transition Week 2007. Dates for this event are July 22-July 27, 2007 and will be held at the SD Rehabilitation Center for the Blind in Sioux Falls. Students will be staying at the Sullivan Faith Living Center on the campus of the University of Sioux Falls. There will be a variety of activities to promote vocational learning and independent living. Evenings will be filled with fun events. This is a great way to introduce students to what they will be experiencing in their near future. For more information or to enroll, contact your SBVI Counselor, Dawn Backer at the Rehabilitation Center (1-800-658-5441 or 605-367-5260) or Sue Birrenkott at SDSBVI (1-888-275-3814).

Public Meeting

The agency wants to hear from you regarding your thoughts on services for South Dakota citizens with vision loss. Meetings are open to all interested parties including current and past recipients of services, employers, service providers and family members.

Friday, April 20, 2007 Pierre – Governor’s Inn, 700 West Sioux Avenue: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Central Time) – Hosted by the National Federation of the Blind of SD. Please call 773-4644 to make arrangements for transportation to and from the meeting.

A meeting was also held at the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind on April 12, 2007; hosted by SD Association of the Blind. If you are unable to attend either meeting and would still like to comment, you may do so by sending written comments to: Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired East Hwy 34 - Hillsview Plaza, %500 E Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501 or call 605-773-4644 or 1-800-265-9684

New Website

The Department of Human Services is launching a new web site. With the new site, SBVI and the other divisions will have new addresses. Update your browser with the following addresses: Department of Human Services: http://dhs.sd.gov/ SBVI: http://dhs.sd.gov/sbvi/ DRS: http://dhs.sd.gov/drs/

The site is a "work in progress". So feel free to make recommendations regarding the information or other information that would be helpful.

Closed Circuit Television Program From the Vision Newsletter

Over the years, the Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) has received donations from individuals in memory of loved ones. Thanks to the generosity of these individuals, the Division implemented the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Lease/Loan Program in April of 2004. This program makes CCTVs available to individuals who cannot otherwise afford them because of limited financial resources. They are also available on a monthly lease basis for those who do not meet financial need criteria. 150 CCTV units have been made available for lease or loan by consumers of the SBVI Older Blind Program. Go to the SBVI web site to view a list of those who have donated and in whose memory the donations have been made to make this program possible.

SBVI Update By Eric Weiss

The Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired is proud to announce the most recent addition to their staff. Bridget Dowling is our new vocational rehabilitation counselor in the Pierre office since February 9; before that she worked with the Department of Social Services and received her undergraduate degree from South Dakota State University. Bridget is excited about her new challenge and has recently begun providing services to her consumers while at the same time continuing her training. Welcome, Bridget!

"Look Good . . . Feel Better" By Virginia Miller

Help SDAB with its "no-bake" bake sale. Instead of stuffing yourselves with hundreds of calories from the baked goods we would have purchased at a SDAB bake sale by making a donation to the SDAB to help support our organization. It's easy! We are also asking all those who would have donated baked goods to send us your recipes so we can publish them in the As Eye See It. For more information contact Virginia Miller at 605-428-3651 or to send your donations and/or recipes, to SDAB at 805 Dakota Ave., Dell Rapids SD 57022.

Blind Blunder

One day when the wonderful cook, Virginia Miller was baking pies for a bake sale she decided to try something new. So Instead of making the crusts from scratch she purchased the ready-made pie crusts for her wonderful pies. After she had delivered two pies to the sale, she and her family sat down after supper to enjoy the other pie but when she started to cut into the pie. A strange feeling occurred as she started to cut into the soft crust; she noticed something unusual and hard at the button of the pie. Yes, you guessed it; she forgot remove the paper off the top of the crust. But after digging around under the filling she was able to pull the paper out and later made sure the purchasers at the bake sale new of the blunder. Thanks for sharing Virginia!

Scholarship Opportunity

The South Dakota Association of the Blind (SDAB) is a nonprofit organization of consumers whose goal it is to improve the quality of life and equality of opportunity of independence for South Dakota citizens who have visual impairments. Originally formed by a group of alumni of the South Dakota School for the Blind, SDAB has been in existence in this state since 1928. SDAB is one of over 70 affiliates of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), one of the leading national organizations of people who are blind and visually impaired. In the early 1990s SDAB set up a scholarship in the name of Delbert K. Aman who was one of SDAB’s outstanding leaders and a founding member of the ACB. For several years the Aman Scholarship was handled through the national organization. Last year the SDAB Board of Directors decided to set up a scholarship committee and promote the award through our own state affiliate. The Delbert K. Aman Scholarship will be awarded each year at SDAB’s Annual Convention usually held in the fall. The award is for $500 and will be used by the recipient toward his or her educational goals. Each applicant must show proof of legal blindness, submit transcripts from previous college year or senior year in high school, present at least one letter of reference and give a short written autobiography. Scholarship applications must be received at the SDAB PO Box by July 15. The SDAB Scholarship Committee will then review applications and choose a winner. The winner of the Delbert K. Aman Memorial Scholarship will have his or her way paid to our state convention and will be encouraged to become an active member of the Association. Requirements for the Delbert K. Aman Scholarship are as follows:

1. The applicant must be a resident of South Dakota who plans to attend a state university, private college or technical school.

2. The applicant is required to submit a transcript from the previous year of high school or college.

3. The applicant is asked to submit a two-page essay which outlines the student's educational goals and objectives.

4. The applicant is asked to provide the name of one reference who can be contacted by the committee.

5. The applicant must submit proof of registration from each semester in order to receive the money allotted for that timeframe. If the student drops out of school before the second semester, the remainder of the scholarship money will not be distributed to the student.

6. The applicant must submit proof of legal blindness by a letter or note from a rehab counselor, the disability services coordinator at his/her school or an eye care provider.

7. The student is required to attend the SD Association of the Blind Convention which is usually held in the fall of the year. The hotel and convention registration fees will be provided to the student by the Association.

Please send applications to: South Dakota Association of the Blind, PO Box 1622, Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1622. If you have questions, please contact Chelle Hart at (605) 321-7482 or Dawn Brush at (605) 380-1588.

Disabled and Unemployed

Americans with disabilities are far more likely to be unemployed or underemployed than Americans without disabilities. The law says employers are supposed to make accommodations to help disabled workers manage in the workplace. But despite legal protections, disabled workers have higher unemployment rates and lower incomes than workers who are not disabled. Are you skilled, educated, and able to work but unable to get hired? Do you think you have you been discriminated against on the job as a result of your disability? ABC News wants to hear from you. Tell them your story, and let them know if you are willing to be contacted by an ABC News producer. Be sure to include information regarding how you can be reached by phone during the day. Tell your story at the ABC News Web site: http://tinyurl.com/2ubagv

Mark Your Calendars

Focus On Success III will be held at the Ramkota Hotel, Sx Falls SD on Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2008.

Summer Reading Program By Mary Sjerven

The 2007 Governors Summer Reading Program, sponsored by the South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library and supported by the South Dakota Lion's Foundation, will run from June 11 through July 20, 2007. "Get a Clue @ Your Library" is the theme of this year's program. The program is open to all registered students of the Braille and Talking Book Library between the ages of 7 to15. The readers are divided into age divisions: 7 to 9 years, 10 to 12 years, and 13 to 15 year olds. The readers can either read recorded or Braille books for the program. Participants are required to submit written or oral book reports. They may receive assistance in writing the report. The student submitting the most book reports will be the winner in their age division. Incentives are mailed throughout the program. The more book reports returned the more prizes they receive. Each age division has a winner in the recorded format and in the Braille format. Plaques will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in the recorded and Braille division with the first place winners receiving their plaques at an awards program in August. The awards program is attended by the winner's and their family and includes a luncheon and special program. A registration form for the program may be obtained from the Braille and Talking Book Library. We encourage students to participate as this gives them the opportunity to do recreational reading during the summer. Students are encouraged to choose their books. The program may be incorporated into summer school that requires reading novels. For more information contact Mary Sjerven, Reader Advisor, Braille and Talking Book Library 1-800-423-6665 or mary.sjerven@state.sd.us.

Annual Membership Business Meeting

Keith Bundy called the conference call to order meeting, on Jan. 8, 2007. Participants included: Keith Bundy, Chelle Hart, Linda Biffert, Virginia Miller, Lerae Olesen, Steve Hart, Deb VerSteeg, Ed Pinkman, Mary Sjerven, Jack Hogarth, Sharleen Meyers, Dawn Brush, and Brenda Fish.

Topics included: Siouxland Association of the Blind becoming a SDAB chapter. Chelle explained the group’s efforts to raise money for a Ski for Light bus. While raising money, with SDAB’s name, it was discovered they were not an official chapter. Steve shared a letter from Jim Madsen asking for recognition as an official chapter. Lerae shared the article from the bylaws pertaining to local chapters. Motion was made by Linda seconded by Jack that the Board recognize and approve the Sioux Falls group chapter status. Chelle read a letter from the board dated January 8 approving the local chapter status outlining the following criteria:

1. Adhere to bylaws of SDAB.

2. Discuss projects using SDAB’s name with the SDAB board of directors.

3. Educate members about SDAB and ACB.

4. Periodically present information on the chapter and its activities in As Eye See It.

The motion carried to approve the ratification of the group as a local chapter with the stipulations set forth in the letter.

Workday/Board Meeting: will be held on February 17 at the Hart’s. The ACB President’s Weekend is in Washington, DC on February 24. Keith will attend.

Computer for Gadgetry: Brenda Fish discussed updating the computer with QuickBooks and also the possibility of purchasing a different computer for $400. Also presented was the idea of purchasing QuickBooks for nonprofit organizations. The program is thought to be about $100. Discussion was held on whether to purchase a new computer or a used one. A motion was made and seconded that the Gadgetry Committee along with Steve and Keith be authorized to determine whether they buy the new or used computer, motion carried.

Virginia talked about the craft fair. No date has been set, maybe held in November at the Sx Falls VFW.

SBVI board is thinking of sponsoring a table at the Disability Day at the Legislature, February 14. If someone doesn’t attend in person, Keith will have information/newsletters available. Respectfully Submitted: Lerae Olesen Secretary

Keychain Fundraiser The Association is still selling talking thermometer keychains for $10 each. If you would like to purchase one or are interested in selling some, contact Brenda Fish at the Gadgetry Program.

News and Notes

Happy Early Birthday to Jack Hogarth on a milestone birthday on May 15. Jack will be taking a trip to New York (the city will never be the same). It will be a great reward after the wonderful winter Denver has experienced.

Thoughts and Prayers

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the following families and friends on the passing of some very special people.

On the mend: Our thoughts go out to Jim Madsen after his recent transplant surgery. Good news is, he is doing well.

Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to June Campbell, Jackie’s mother from Rapid City with her battle with cancer.

Phyllis Ann Johnson of Aberdeen passed away on Jan. 22, 2007 at the age of 75. Many will remember her as a member of the Telephone Pioneers Club, who spent a great deal of time at the SDSBVI.

Kori Kappel of Mitchell passed away on March 10, 2007 at the age of 50. Many will remember her as a dorm staff at the SDSBVI and from her Lioness activities.

Get your COAT!

Today, a new coalition of disability organizations was launched to advocate for legislative and regulatory safeguards that will ensure full access by people with disabilities to evolving high speed broadband wireless and other Internet protocol (IP) technologies. The Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology, or "COAT," consists of over 45 national, regional, and community-based organizations dedicated to making sure that as our nation migrates from legacy public switched-based telecommunications to more versatile and innovative IP-based and other communication technologies, people with disabilities will not be left behind. Emerging digital and Internet-based technologies can provide people with disabilities with new opportunities for greater independence, integration, and privacy, but only if these are designed to be accessible. The guiding principle of this Coalition will be to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of daily living through accessible, affordable, and usable communication technologies as these continue to evolve. To this end, and in order to achieve equal access in the 21st century, COAT has identified the following initial broad objectives:

* Extend current disability protections under Sections 255 and 710 of the Communications Act to IP technologies with improved accountability and enforcement measures, to ensure more accessibility, usability, and interoperability for all persons with disabilities, including the aging.

* Expand the scope of devices that must transmit and display closed captions under the Decoder Circuitry Act from the present requirement of television sets with screens that are 13 inches or larger to video devices of all sizes, including recording and playback devices, that are designed to receive or display digital and Internet programming.

* Apply existing captioning obligations under Section 713 of the Communications Act to IPTV and other types of multi-channel video programming services that are commercially distributed over the Internet.

* Restore the video description rules originally promulgated by the FCC in 2000 (overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit) and ensure that this access continues in the transition to digital television programming.

* Extend existing relay service obligations under Section 225 of the Communications Act to VoIP providers (i.e., extend the obligation to contribute to the interstate relay fund that supports these services), including obligations for greater outreach to consumers.

* Require accessible interfaces on video programming and playback devices, such as televisions, VCRs, and DVD players.

* Ensure that people with disabilities have equivalent access to emergency information through identification of barriers and implementation of solutions in current and new technologies, including solutions for achieving access by people with disabilities to 911 emergency PSAPs through the receipt of text and video.

* Ensure universal service fund availability for persons with disabilities (e.g., Lifeline/Link-up programs) to increase the number of people with disabilities as broadband users. Information available at: www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/ 2006/ discrimination.htm

Making Contacts

Keith Bundy was a busy guy in February with his trips to New Orleans for a Dakota State University conference and to Washington DC for the South Dakota Association to the Blind. He was able to meet with Representative Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin, Senator Tim Johnson’s Staff, and Senator John Thune. He met with each to discuss DSU and the computer class he teaches in the summer and needs of the blind. He made it back in time for the blizzard.

Targets Court battle By Jon Brodkin Network World, 01/05/07

Retailer Target's refusal to make its Website more accessible to the blind has fueled a high-profile court battle that is causing many companies to quietly upgrade their Websites in the hopes of avoiding negative publicity and legal liability. The case will unfold over the next several months, but a federal judge has already dismissed Target's claim that Americans with Disabilities Act prohibitions against discrimination do not apply to commercial Websites. This ruling, and other advocacy efforts on behalf of the blind, has caused a number of "major retailers" to upgrade their sites to make them compatible with software the blind use to access the Internet, says Paul Rosenfeld, senior vice president of federal accessibility solutions at the SSB BART Group in San Francisco, a consulting firm founded by technologists with disabilities.Targeting a class action lawsuit filed by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) accused Target.com of lacking alt-text for many graphics, preventing blind customers from browsing products and looking for Target locations. Moreover, Target.com requires that all transactions be performed with a mouse, the NFB said, a barrier that prevents blind people from purchasing products online. While a blind person can use a keyboard, just as a sighted person can type without looking at the keys, a blind person cannot use a mouse because it requires the ability to see the mouse cursor on the screen. Accessible web design allows the blind to navigate sites using just Tab, Shift-Tab, and Enter. The Target lawsuit is unique because most companies, when told by blind people that their Websites are inaccessible, are willing to make the necessary upgrades, says John Pare, spokesman for the National Federation of the Blind. They may not make the change instantly, but companies at least begin the process of fixing the problems. Legal action is a last resort for the NFB, he says. "We really work to resolve it locally," he says. "The only company, certainly in the last several years, that has said just plain “no” is Target.” Target's refusal surprised the NFB, because the retailer is losing out on money blind people are willing to spend, and the lawsuit may damage the company's public image. “We're just completely shocked,” Pare says. When contacted by Network World, Target reiterated a statement the company originally issued in October, which reads as follows: “Target.com is committed to providing an online experience that is accessible to all of our guests. Despite the lawsuit brought forward by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), we have always and will continue to implement new technologies to our Website. We are in the process of making online enhancements that will benefit all of our guests, including those with disabilities. In court, Target argued that its Website is not a “place of public accommodation” the way a brick-and-mortar store is, and that the site is therefore not governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A US District Court judge in California rejected the argument, saying that restricting the ADA's discrimination provisions to physical locations “would contradict the plain language of the statute.” More than three years ago, New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer argued that the ADA requires commercial Websites to be accessible, while investigating Priceline.com and Ramada.com. The companies agreed to pay fines totaling $77,500 and implement a variety of upgrades to help the blind navigate their Websites. Despite that agreement, the Target court ruling was the first to directly state that the ADA applies to private Websites, advocates for the blind say. The court has not yet addressed the practical question of how to define accessibility, Pare says. A court date is scheduled to determine whether the suit can go forward as a class action. “This is not going to happen quickly,” Pare says. “To fight it is only being a stick in his mud. The tide is moving, you might as well go along with it.” State and federal government Websites already required being accessible to the blind due to the ADA and other laws, says Judy Brewer, director of the Web Accessibility Initiative at W3C in Cambridge, the World Wide Web Consortium, and an international standards organization. Although the legal requirements for private companies are not as clear, many commercial Websites have already made the switch to accessibility. Amazon.com and Wal-Mart have Websites that are in good shape, Pare says. Organizations can apply to the NFB for a certification demonstrating that their site complies with accessibility guidelines. Ten have obtained the certification, including Merck, Legal Sea Foods, HP, General Electric, Wells Fargo and the Social Security Administration. Merck became certified in April 2005, before the Target lawsuit. An external contract to upgrade the site cost about $35,000, and Merck devoted at least two employees to the project, says Larry Tattoli, associate director of Merck.com. The process “wasn't that difficult,” he says. A bigger challenge has been maintaining accessibility as the Website grows and changes, Tattoli says. Whenever a new image is added, a Web site developer has to add alt-text that can be read to a blind person. On a positive note, Merck officials found that making the site accessible to the blind did not alter the visual presentation, as they had feared. "It was this feeling that the text would have to be huge, or you couldn't have any images on it, it would be text-only pages. It's not true,” Tattoli says. "The pages I could show you before it was accessible and after it was accessible are exactly the same.” The cost of making a Website accessible usually equals 5% to 10% of the cost of Web maintenance, says Preety Kumar, CEO of Deque Systems, a Reston, Va., company that helps website designers automate the task of complying with accessibility standards. “A very small percentage” of companies have made their sites accessible, she says. “They're overwhelmed, that's what I'm sensing,” Kumar says. “There are companies that are responding to the Target lawsuit, and they're paying attention because they realize the risks of noncompliance are not insignificant.”

Bills Recognizable To Blind By Matt Apuzzo, the Associated Press

By keeping all U.S. currency the same size and texture, the government has denied blind people meaningful access to money, a federal judge said Tuesday. U.S. District Judge James Robertson said the Treasury Department has violated the law, and he ordered the government to come up with ways for the blind to tell bills apart. He said he wouldn't tell officials how to fix the problem, but he ordered them to begin working on it within 10 days. The American Council of the Blind has proposed several options; including printing bills of differing sizes, adding embossed dots or foil to the paper or using raised ink. "Of the more than 180 countries that issue paper currency, only the United States prints bills that are identical in size and color in all their denominations," Robertson wrote. "More than 100 of the other issuers vary their bills in size according to denomination, and every other issuer includes at least some features that help the visually impaired."

Government attorneys argued that forcing the Treasury Department to change the size of the bills or add texture would make it harder to prevent counterfeiting. Robertson was not swayed. "The fact that each of these features is currently used in other currencies suggests that, at least on the face of things, such accommodations are reasonable," he wrote. He said the government was violating the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in government programs. The opinion came after a four-year legal fight. “It's a landmark decision” said Jeffrey A. Lovitky, attorney for plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Membership

We realize how IMPORTANT our supporters are, and would like to recognize the following that have graciously contributed to our organization since the last newsletter was published.

Regular Members: Jane Ann Leonard, Ted Kneebone, Val Koch, Lonald Gellhaus, Dr. Marva Gellhaus, Solveig Overskei, Suzanne Giovannettone, Lenora Roseland, MJ Schmitt, Dean Gross, Frank Strong, Lynn Hanson, Regina Conrath, Duane Hartmann, Charles Hodge, Helen Hartmann, Donna Puetz, Dean Flewwellin, George and Joyce Jones, Robert Kirby, Leo Marttila, Dean North, Wilbert Vanden Bos, Doug Puetz, Riki Nitz, Amy Scepaniak, Julia Kleinschmit, LeRoy Vanden Bos

Associated Members: $10 - $24Doug Block, Kevin Brown, OD, Lori Kelsey, Stan/Pauline Arnold, Opportunities for Independent Living, Linda Kirnan, Ralph Jensen, James Trimble, OD, Bert Corwin, OD, Wendell Hanson, John Conroy, OD, Martin Pfotenhauer, Tiffany Brink, OD,

Sustaining Members: $25 - $99 Faulkton Lions Club, Dr. Thomas White, Aberdeen Lioness Club, Henry Carlson Jr., Ophthalmology Associates, Shelly Pfaff, SDCCD, Wallace Kittelson, Patricia Bogaard OD, Freeman Lions Club, Menno State Bank, Judson J Bergen, OD, Royce Grimsrud, OD

Memorial for John Noble Gary Wald/OIL