In this issue
1. Techno Demo Back by Popular Demand! April 24-25, 2015
2. Welcome to New Staff Member, Amanda Sterly
3. Job Openings at the Lighthouse
4. Tech Tips: Editing a Document on Your Computer
5. Orientation and Mobility 101: The “New” Governor’s Square Mall
6. Etiquette for Providing Directions to a Person Who is Blind
7. Interview with an Independent Living Consumer: Sid Post
8. The Blind Bookshelf
9. NFB Tallahassee Chapter News
10. New Beginning Braille Class
11. New i-Devices Class
12. Support Group “Coping With Vision Loss” on 2nd Wednesdays, 1-3pm
13. Spring 2015 Classes
14. Thank you Eagle Scout Casey, for Making “Little Rooms!”
15. Frequently Called Numbers
16. Helpful Websites
17. About the Lighthouse of the Big Bend
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1. Techno Demo Back by Popular Demand! April 24-25, 2015
The Lighthouse of the Big Bend is sponsoring its 5th annual Techno Demo on April 24 from 2:00–6:00pm and April 25 from 9:00am –2:00pm at our office at 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace, in Tallahassee.
Our Techno Demo the previous four years received very positive feedback from those who attended, and quite a few of those attending got really good deals of used and new equipment from the sales representatives. We will again have numerous vendors showing off all the latest technology and demonstrating how it makes so many daily tasks accessible and do-able for persons who are visually impaired or blind, with the use of large print formats and/or speech and/or braille. We will also have display tables for local agencies and accessible voting machines. Besides adaptive computer programs, desk top and portable digital magnifiers, and numerous other adaptive devices, we plan to show i-devices and the different accessibility features. This event is free and open to anyone interested in learning about adaptive technology and resources for persons who are visually impaired or blind.
For more information or if you plan to attend please call or email Toni King at 850-942-3658 ext 214 or
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2. Welcome to New Staff Member, Amanda Sterly
Hello everyone, my name is Amanda Sterly, and I am new to the Lighthouse and Florida. I started as an Independent Living Specialist five months ago and I’m loving every minute of it! I am originally from Petoskey, Michigan. I did both my undergraduate and masters degree at Western Michigan University. My masters is in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy and I am a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Teacher. I did my internship at the VA Blind Rehabilitation Center in Birmingham, AL. Not only do I have the degree in the blindness and low vision field I am also legally blind myself. I have been legally blind since birth due to Retinopathy of Prematurity. I truly enjoy teaching those who have low vision or are blind the skills they need to lead a more independent life. I have a passion for adaptive technology as well.
Some of my hobbies are reading, movies, and sports. I like reading Science Fiction and Romance, and a few of my favorite authors are Janet Evanovich, Beverly Lewis, and J K Rowling. Some movies I love are Gone With the Wind, Anne of Green Gables, and the Christmas Card (I love Christmas movies). Sports activities I enjoy include biking, goal ball, hockey, and football. I also have a passion for cooking and baking, and collecting dolphins and angels. One of the things I want to accomplish in my life is learning how to quilt.
I am excited to be a part of the LBB staff and to work with my Independent Living clients.
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3. Job Openings at the Lighthouse
The Lighthouse of the Big Bend has several job openings if you or anyone you know are interested — and please spread the word. Located in Tallahassee, this agency provides services to assist individuals who are visually impaired or blind in the eleven counties of the Big Bend.
Summer Transition Specialist: This is a seven week position from mid-June through August 7th. For our Summer Transition program, this third instructor will teach 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. Bachelor’s degree required; TVI, CVRT or COMS preferred. $14 - $18 per hour.
Drivers for Summer Transition Program (3 positions): These are temporary part-time positions from June 22nd through August 6th to drive Transition students to and from the Summer Program. Drivers are needed Monday – Thursday, approximately four hours per day: 7-9am and 4-6pm. This pays $8.05/hour and applicants must be 21 or older to drive rental vans with a clean driving record.
Independent Living Specialist: This permanent, part-time position provides approximately 20 hours/week instructional services to people who are blind or visually impaired, primarily age 55 or older. Curriculum includes but is not limited to the following: independent living, personal and home management, communication, indoor orientation and mobility (pre-cane skills), social services, and recreation/leisure skills. Bachelor’s degree required; TVI, CVRT or COMS preferred. $14 - $18 per hour.
Development Director: The new permanent full-time position will conduct fundraising to further the Lighthouse’s mission to assist people with vision loss in their pursuit of independence, in accordance with the non-profit’s strategic plan. Requires demonstrated experience in fundraising/development, securing major donors, event planning, and budgeting. Salary offered is $35,000 - $45,000, depending upon experience and comes with excellent benefits.
TO APPLY: Please submit a *cover letter,* resume, and job application via email to the Executive Director, Barbara Ross at
*IMPORTANT TIP* - A cover letter is required. Please do not apply without submitting a letter or you may not be considered for the position. Consider the letter as a way to (1) show that you follow directions and (2) a way to demonstrate your excellent writing skills.
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4. Tech Tips: Editing a Document on Your Computer
Editing a document strictly using the keyboard can be a daunting task for some. Following some simple guidelines, this task can become more manageable.
Before describing how to edit a document, let’s define some important terms. The cursor is the blinking vertical line that is present in all documents. Knowing where the cursor is at all times will help you remain oriented during the editing process.
Selecting text is the process by which the user chooses what text to edit. Visually, the selected text is highlighted in black. If a screen reader is used, there is verbal feedback while the user is selecting the desired text.
Four additional terms that are important to understand are cut, copy, paste, and clipboard. Cutting text simply means that the selected text is removed from the document and placed on the clipboard. The clipboard is a special part of the computer that keeps this text until new text is added. When text is cut from the document, the text disappears from the screen just as if you were cutting something with scissors. In fact, the keyboard command to cut text is just like a pair of scissors, control X.
Copying text means that the text stays on the screen. It’s also added to the clipboard, just like text that was cut. The keyboard command for copy is very easy to remember – control C.
The final step in this process is the paste command. Pasting the cut or copied text simply means that it is inserted in the document in a different location. The keyboard command for paste is control V. One way I tell my students to remember this command is that when you use Velcro, you’re pasting an object on a surface. Think V for Velcro.
There are standard Windows keystrokes that can be used to select text. These keystrokes are listed in the table below along with the commands they perform.
Keystroke Command
Shift+ Left Arrow = Select one character to the left of the cursor
Shift+ Right Arrow = Select one character to the right of the cursor
Control + Shift + Left Arrow = Select one word to the left
Control + Shift + Right Arrow = Select one word to the right
Control + A = Select the entire document
Shift + Home = Select from cursor to beginning of line
Shift + End = Select from cursor to end of line
To ensure that the desired word or phrase is selected, note the position of the cursor. When speech is used, the cursor appears to the left of the current character or word being spoken. To lessen the confusion, pay attention to the order of words being spoken when selecting text. Also note that when control left or right arrows are used, the space after the current word is selected. This will enable you to cut, copy, or paste without having to insert spaces in the new location.
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5. Orientation and Mobility 101: The “New” Governor’s Square Mall
If you’ve recently made a trip to the Governor’s Square Mall, you may have noticed some changes. Although the major department stores are still the same (Dillard’s on the north end, Sears on the east, Macy’s on the south and JCPenney on the west), the mall has received a facelift and some familiar landmarks have disappeared. Here are some of the more notable changes and some alternative ways for maintaining orientation.
No more fountains!? In the past, the fountains of the mall had been wonderful navigational landmarks for shoppers with visual impairments. Sadly, these peacefully gurgling beacons have all been removed and replaced with seating areas.
What used to be the largest fountain on the lower level in the middle of the mall is now a sea of tables and chairs used for food court seating. Although the fountain is gone, there are still plenty of other sensory clues that can be helpful in recognizing this central atrium area. The area echoes and has a feeling of wide open space because of the two story opening. The central most area is surrounded by a circle of black shiny tiles, with gray and brown matte tiles in the middle and some cushioned sofas and chairs. The food court is nearby and offers a variety of delicious smells to guide you as well.
Slip Sliding Around – The floors in the mall have all been upgraded to fancy marble tiles. While all of the tiles are beige, there are two minor textural variations, smooth and shiny or rough and matte. On the upper level of the mall if you follow the walkways lengthwise, the tiles are a shiny (and slippery) finished marble. However, the texture changes to a matte (rougher and less slippery) finish indicating the presence of a bridge that cuts across the width of the walkway to the opposite side. Be warned, the shiny tiles also reflect much more of the light from above and could potentially cause glare issues.
New additions – Planters abound on the upper level. They are located along the railings that run north and south (between Dillard’s and Macy’s) and east and west (between Sears and JCPenney). The planters are black and contrast well with the light colored flooring. Although they may be considered obstacles to the cane user, they could potentially be helpful with orientation. For example, if entering from the upper level entrance between Macy’s and JCPenney and heading east, the Journey’s Footwear store is located directly across from the third planter. Another new addition on the upper level is wooden benches located on both sides of the Sears and JCPenney entrances. On the lower level, cushioned bench seating is available in the east wing between the center court and Sears. Additional seating on carpeted areas has replaced the fountains near Sears and JCPenney on the lower level. Large dark brown planters (approximately two and a half feet high with shoulder level plants) sit under the open undersides of the stairs at these locations and can also be used for orientation purposes.
So, don’t fret about the changes, there are plenty of new landmarks to help you maintain you’re orientation as you travel through the mall. If you’re looking for a safe, temperature controlled, weather proof place to get some shopping and exercise done this summer, check out the “new” Governor’s Square Mall!
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6. Etiquette for Providing Directions to a Person Who is Blind
The main thing to remember is that when giving directions on getting from one place to another, be very specific. Here are some examples:
• Be mindful that people who are visual tend to use gestures such as pointing or looking in the direction referred to, almost as much as they use verbal cues. Some verbal directions are not precise enough for a person who can't see or see well. For example, "It’s just down the street and around the next corner" aren’t specific enough to be helpful. Instead, try, “Go left 3 blocks, cross the street, turn right, and go one more block.”
• Refer to a specific direction—right or left as it applies to the person you're assisting. Remember: if the person is facing you, your right is his left.
• Indicate the approximate distance as well as the direction to a requested location.
• Give the approximate number of streets to be crossed to reach the destination. Even if your estimate is off by a block or two, it will give the person a sense of when to stop and ask someone else for further directions in case she or he has overshot the mark.
• Provide (if possible) information about landmarks along the way.
• A large office building, a train station, or a shopping mall are also places where you may be called on to give directions; the same considerations apply indoors as well as on the street. Here is an example: "The escalator is directly in front of you about 10 feet away. You may hear it as you approach.”
• Keep in mind that both sounds and smells can be "landmarks." In a mall, the smell of food can identify the food court or restaurant. The unmistakable smell of popcorn could be a useful landmark for someone headed in the direction of a movie theatre. The smell of brewed coffee may also be a helpful guidepost. Church bells and fountains serve as helpful clues at specific times of the day or year.
The above information was compiled from the website of the American Foundation for the Blind. For more helpful information, please check out http://www.afb.org
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7. Interview with an Independent Living Consumer: Sid Post
Q. Can you tell a little bit about yourself?
A. I am married to Jim Post and we have one son, Justin. We have lived in Tallahassee for four years now after Jim accepted a job at FSU Foundation. My hobbies are gardening, cooking, and baking. I am also taking classes at the Senior Citizen Center and the Lighthouse of the Big Bend.
Q. When and how did you become visually impaired?
A. I was diagnosed with presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis in August of 2001 after going into my doctor’s office for a checkup on my glaucoma. At that time he found blood behind my retina. I had laser surgery on my left eye that night to stop the bleeding, and became legally blind in that eye. In June of 2008 the bleeding started in my right eye. Now, every three months I go to Dr. Brooks here in Tallahassee and have Avastin injected into my right eye.
Q. What did you do when you found out you had a vision problem?
A. Quite frankly, I fell into a depression. My life as I knew it had changed forever. I was lucky enough to keep the vision in my right eye for another 7 years so I was able to drive and work, but after it started bleeding I knew that my life would change drastically. It did. I retired from my job at the University of Tennessee. I quit driving. My life became a blur literally. This time the depression was even worse.
Q. How has your life changed since you first lost vision?
A. Thanks to a referral from DBS I found out about the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse of the Big Bend has been a God sent gift for me. I have learned so many coping skills at the Lighthouse that has been both practical everyday living skills and emotional skills from other clients at the Lighthouse.
Q. Can you name the most helpful techniques that you learned?
A. The Independent Living class gave me the most strides in my life as a vision impaired person. Jeanine Kane, coming to my home and setting up various markings and techniques for me in my kitchen was quite helpful in being able to continue making meals for my husband and myself. Toni King’s class on the iPhone that I am now attending is very helpful in showing me different ways that my iPhone can work for me. This helps in communicating with people. The computer classes that I have taken at the Lighthouse have given me more knowledge on how technology can assist me. The mobility class assisted me in getting around more comfortably.
Q. Have you gained confidence as a result of the services you have received?
A. Most definitely. My life has improved a 100% over the life I was leading before the Lighthouse.
Q. Are there any comments you would like to add?
A. Thank God there is a place like the Lighthouse for visually impaired and blind people. Through their efforts our lives are so much better.
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8. The Blind Bookshelf
The following novels are recommended reads by our staff, if you are looking for a good read that is inclusive of people who are blind in the novel.
Christmas Quilt, by Patricia David, is about an Amish woman who is blind and falls in love with a former Amish man who returns, at risk of being shunned, to make the winning bid on one of her exquisite quilts.
If You Could See What I Hear: A Blind Man's Triumphant, Inspiring Life Story ,by Tom Sullivan, a singer/actor who is blind.
No End In Sight, by Rachael Scdoris, tells the story of a woman who is legally blind and runs the Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska.
Out of the Whirlpool, by Sue Martin, is about a woman who tried to take her own life and ended up blind. It tells about the struggles and challenges that she faced throughout her life.
Romancing the Duke, by Tessa Dare, is about a woman who meets and falls in love with a duke who is blind.
This Is All I Ask, by Lynn Kurland, is a historical romance novel where the hero is blind and both main characters have to overcome major trauma.
Thunder Dog, by Michael Hingson, is about a blind man and his guide dog during the tragedy of September 11th. It tells about their escape from the twin towers before they collapsed.
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9. NFB Tallahassee Chapter News
“Read Across America” Success 2/28!
The Tallahassee Chapter of the NFB (National Federation of the Blind) had a Braille “Read Across America” event at the Leroy Collins Leon County Public library on February 28. Chapter members presented Braille children’s books to about 20 children of varying ages. Youth program librarian Deborah Thomas read the Helen Keller story during her Storytime Hour, and then invited the kids to come over to our book table to get their names embossed in Braille on note cards. Tinetta Cooper showed the group how to Braille words with a slate and stylus, while Donald Christie fascinated kids and adults alike with his Perkins Brailler.
Upcoming Yard Sale 4/11
Another NFB event will take place on Saturday, April 11. A yard sale will occur in the parking lot of the Lighthouse of the Big Bend, located at 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace. We will begin at 8 a.m. and stay until 12 p.m. Items for sale will range from twenty five cents to five dollars or higher. All donations will go to the NFB General Fund. Refreshments will be available for sale, thanks to a donation from Ponchak Vending.
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10. New! Beginning Braille Class
There will be an introduction to braille on Wednesday, April 1st, from 1:00 – 4:00. Come to the intro to “sample” braille and decide if it’s for you. You can take the course and learn beginning braille, just enough to play games and use it for labeling. And if you find out you love it, you can also learn the entire contracted braille code, it’s up to you! The classes will be meeting every first and third Wednesday of the month from 1:00 – 4:00pm. For further info, please contact Jeanine Kane at: (850) 942-3658 ext. 215 or email at:
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11. New i-Devices Class
Apple has made huge strides in the accessibility arena with the addition of a screen reader called Voice Over into their iOS devices. An iPhone or iPad with Voice Over enabled will help someone be more productive in the work environment and more independent at home. Did you know that there’s an app that will enable you to use your iPhone as a meat thermometer? How about an app that can be used to collaborate with colleagues on a project? Come to the new iPhone class to learn how to use your device and all the latest and greatest apps to maintain, retain, or regain independence!
When: The first class will be held on March 23, 10am – noon, with subsequent classes to be held every second and fourth Mondays, 10am – 12pm.
Where: Lighthouse of the Big Bend
What to Bring: A fully charged device and an eagerness to learn and share
Contact: Alexis Read, CVRT with questions at
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12. Support Group “Coping With Vision Loss” on 2nd Wednesdays, 1-3pm
How do you cope with losing your vision? If you are interested in meeting other adults who are dealing with similar issues and problems as a result of vision loss, please join us for “Coping with Vision Loss” here at the Lighthouse starting Wednesday, April 8th, from 1:00 to 3:00pm. You’ll have the chance to meet and share with others your fears and hopes and stories and concerns and jokes and conquests. We will then start meeting every month on the second Wednesday of each month. For further information please call or email Jeanine Kane, (850) 942-3658 or
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13. Spring 2015 Classes
The Lighthouse now offers a plethora of classes at our facility! The following are the classes offered this Spring. If you are interested in a particular class, please contact the instructor listed at (850) 942-3658 or
Every Monday
9:00 – 11:00am AT Class: Typing & Basic Computers with Toni
1:00 – 3:00pm VR Basics including Keyboarding: Developing a plan to achieve employment, skills identification, gathering information for your résumé, exploration of work experiences with Wayne
1:00 – 3:00pm AT Class: Typing & Basic Computers with Toni
1:30 – 3:30pm AT/VR Class: Microsoft Office, Beyond the Basics with Alexis
2nd and 4th Mondays
10:00am – 12:00pm AT Class: Intro to iDevices Basics with Alexis (iPhones, iPads and iPods)
Every Tuesday
9:00 – 11:00am AT Class: Typing & Basic Computers with Toni
1:30 – 3:30pm AT Class: Typing & Basic Computers with Toni
Every Wednesday
9:00 – 11:30am VR Basics: Progress and Follow Up - Moving forward towards readiness and planning for successful employment with Eva
1:00 – 3:00pm Advanced Vocational Skills: Developing your network, your résumé, cover letters, applications, interview skills, and active job searching with Wayne
1st and 3rd Wednesday
1:00 – 4:00pm Beginning Braille Class with Jeanine
2nd Wednesday
1:00 – 3:00pm Coping with Vision Loss Support Group with Jeanine
Every Thursday
10:00am – 2:00pm Independent Living Skills Class with Jeanine
10:00am – 12:00pm VR Comprehensive Life Skills: Management Techniques for Daily Living Activities with Eva
10:45am – 12:00pm Typing and Basic Computer Instruction with Alexis
2nd and 4th Thursdays
2:00 – 4:00pm: i-Devices class with Toni
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14. Thank you Eagle Scout Casey, for Making “Little Rooms!”
As part of his Eagle Scout project, local Boy Scout Casey Lax presented four specialized play spaces to the Lighthouse of the Big Bend for use with our Early Intervention clients. The space is designed to give the child sensory feedback and encourage independent play.
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15. Frequently Called Numbers
211 Big Bend Telephone Information and Referral (24 hours) 211
Big Bend Transit 574-6064
DBS District 2 245-0370 and 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
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16. Helpful Websites
American Foundation for the Blind — http://www.afb.org/
American Printing House for the Blind — http://www.aph.org
Blind Bargains — http://www.blindbargains.com/
Family Connect — http://www.familyconnect.org/parentsitehome.asp
Florida Braille and Talking Book Library — http://webopac.klas.com/talkingbooks/florida
Hadley School for the Blind — http://www.hadley.edu/
Lighthouse of the Big Bend — http://www.lighthousebigbend.org
National Federation of the Blind — http://www.nfb.org/nfb/Resources.asp
Self-help Resources for Vision Loss — http://www.visionaware.org /
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17. About the Lighthouse of the Big Bend
The Lighthouse of the Big Bend provides free services to individuals who are visually impaired or blind throughout Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties.
Address: 3071 Highland Oaks Terrace
Phone: 850-942-3658
Toll-free: 1-888-827-6063
Fax: 850-942-4518
Email:
Website: http://www.lighthousebigbend.org
President: Fred Sanguiliano
Vice President: Jada Michael
Treasurer: Lynda Breen
Secretary: Jon Peck
Members:
Doug Bailey
Mike Barnett
Fred F Flink, OD
Evelyn Sewell
Nick Swaine
Lighthouse Staff
Executive Director: Barbara Ross
Assistant Director: Evelyn Worley
Client Information Specialist: Tinetta Cooper
Early Intervention: Jennifer Crowder, Audrey Robbins
Independent Living: Jeanine Kane, Amanda Sterly, Toni King
Office Manager: Simone Cunningham
Specialist Assistant: Mike Worley
Transition: Lauren Switzer, Stacie Davis
Vocational Services: Wayne Warner, Eva McElvy, Alexis Read
FREE SERVICES: Do you know someone in your life who might benefit from our services?
We would love to help. It’s easy! Just call (850) 942-3658 or email us at
