I attended the American Council of the Blind (ACB) National Conference in Phoenix from July 11-14th on behalf of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. for the purpose of keeping current with assistive technology for people who are blind or sight-impaired. I talked with many vendors about a variety of amazing products including a bar code reader app for the iPhone, talking way-finding software for the PC, and a new really small, really light electronic notetaker.
However, this blog entry is about recreation! Did you know that there is an accessible way for people who are blind or visually impaired to play darts? Yes, audible darts! I would like to highlight this fully accessible talking dartboard, because along with notetakers and way-finding technologies, games and recreation can be crucial for participation in a balanced life. So, here's the scoop - it's a standard dartboard that talks. Everything you'd want to know is spoken - games, rules, points scored, and there's a talking help system. Go to audiodartmaster.com for details or to hear interviews about the product, or call 763.383.0077.
Happy playing!
- Peggy Martinez, Computer Training Program Lead Instructor, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Government Relations at the 31st Annual Deaf-Blind Retreat
Last week was all about The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.'s annual Deaf-Blind Retreat at Seabeck, WA. Interspersed with the activities, learning, and visiting that always occurs at the retreat were Government Relations activities.
On Tuesday, Mark Landreneau hosted a workshop presented by State Representative Kathy Haight, from the 35th District (where Seabeck is located), on the legislative process and working with your state representatives.
On Friday, Maura Little, Constituent Services Representative from Congressman Jay Inslee's office, toured the retreat, visiting crafts, technology and waterfront activities, and meeting many retreat participants.
Also on Friday, Lou Oma Durand, Director of Washington State's Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), visited the retreat with DSB manager Arlene Itou. Lou Oma has been involved with the Deaf-Blind community since the establishment of the Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC). She is currently facing very difficult times related to required budgetary cuts. She shared the sobering news with us that she has been directed to reduce her state-funded budget by 10%. She is not able to reduce programs that have a federal match, or programs that are part of DSB's core mission of finding employment for people who are blind. The result is a proposed elimination of funding for the Deaf-Blind Service Center. The Deaf-Blind community is still absorbing this stunning information. When DBSC and the community have developed their response strategy, our Government Relations team and the Lighthouse will be ready to support the community in their efforts to restore state funding, possibly from another source, to this unique agency and its critical work.
On Tuesday, Mark Landreneau hosted a workshop presented by State Representative Kathy Haight, from the 35th District (where Seabeck is located), on the legislative process and working with your state representatives.
On Friday, Maura Little, Constituent Services Representative from Congressman Jay Inslee's office, toured the retreat, visiting crafts, technology and waterfront activities, and meeting many retreat participants.
Also on Friday, Lou Oma Durand, Director of Washington State's Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), visited the retreat with DSB manager Arlene Itou. Lou Oma has been involved with the Deaf-Blind community since the establishment of the Deaf-Blind Service Center (DBSC). She is currently facing very difficult times related to required budgetary cuts. She shared the sobering news with us that she has been directed to reduce her state-funded budget by 10%. She is not able to reduce programs that have a federal match, or programs that are part of DSB's core mission of finding employment for people who are blind. The result is a proposed elimination of funding for the Deaf-Blind Service Center. The Deaf-Blind community is still absorbing this stunning information. When DBSC and the community have developed their response strategy, our Government Relations team and the Lighthouse will be ready to support the community in their efforts to restore state funding, possibly from another source, to this unique agency and its critical work.
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