Legislative Hotlines, current issues for blind persons:
CALIFORNIA CONNECTION:
800-221-6359, after 5 PM and weekends
WASHINGTON CONNECTION:
800-424-8666, 3-9 PM and weekends
DISCLAIMER: This publication contains announcements from the Silicon Valley Council of the Blind and is also a forum for opinions relating to blindness issues. Signed articles reflect the views, and research, of their authors.
STATUS: SVCB is a 501(c)3 non-profit, tax-exempt organization under the California Council of the Blind.
Monthly meetings are held at the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center (Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired San Jose). Meetings run 9:30 AM to 1 PM the third Saturday of the month and are open to all.
First, apologies to anyone who tried to attend our meeting virtually and heard the Inclusive Diversity of California program instead. I should have caught this Zoom conflict ahead of time but inexplicably failed to do so.
As I write this, the weather is quite stormy with high winds and heavy rains. I know we need the rain but at this point I’m craving sunshine.
Pre-convention activities have kept me busy the last couple weeks. I was the Zoom host for the American Printing House (APH) Career Connect program and for the California Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCCLV) business meeting. I serve on the Technical Operations Group (TOG) which is responsible for updating the CCB.NET website. I worked with another TOG member to add the candidate statements webpage to the CCB website. Another one of my assignments is to make the pre-convention Zoom meeting recordings available for editing.
Remember our April meeting is virtual over Zoom. It is not an in-person meeting. We will discuss the CCB annual convention plus a transportation update from Debee Armstrong. I look forward to speaking with you then.
Despite the stormy weather, it's spring! And that means the 2023 CCB convention. Rob and Alice Turner are there, along with John and Susan Glass. We'll hear who else went at our April meeting, which will be on Zoom. See the Event Calendar for details.
I'm saddened to announce the passing of long-time members John Vandervort (Carol Silveria's brother), and James Brown (Lorraine Brown's husband). You can contact Carol Silveria regarding John, and Lorraine Brown for Jim. RIP to John and Jim!
Let's welcome new member Cornell Wade from San Jose, hey!
At our March meeting program, Debee Armstrong told us about the accessibility features of the many libraries in Santa Clara County.
In the business section, we learned that our picnic site has been secured. We also found out that SVCB, as a CCB chapter, cannot acquire a 501(c)3 status under the CCB bylaws. We can still fund raise as long as people understand that they cannot declare donations on their federal and state taxes. With that said, look for raffles and other activities as we think it all through.
Let's wish happy April birthdays to Anna Bolino, John McNulty, and Dawn Wilcox. We still hear from "Dawn from the north" on our social hours. Check the Event Calendar and join us every Wednesday at 4 PM!
We'll be distributing the spring membership list with this newsletter. We have half the members we had years ago, but SVCB is still the largest chapter in CCB.
It is with sadness that I share Dr. Bill Takeshita's passing. He had a love for connecting with people and passion for sharing resources with all. Dr. Bill's contributions to the low vision community have touched, and will continue to benefit, individuals and families for years to come.
You are welcome to read and share your memories of Dr. Bill at the web page below.
Remembering Dr. Bill Takeshita
The world of Pediatric Low Vision lost a pioneer, advocate, mentor, teacher, and beloved friend and colleague, Dr. Bill Takeshita, on Friday March 3, 2023. Dr. Bill's commitment and passion for helping children and teens with low vision is unparalleled. Families and professionals sought Dr. Bill's expertise and wisdom that he shared along with his compassion and message of hope, inspiring us all to help children learn to use their remaining sight and learn to adapt to permanent vision loss. He was a hero to all of us, and his legacy lives on with every life he touched so profoundly.
Write your tribute to Dr. Bill at the link below, and we will publish it on this page.
We would like to congratulate Eric Bridges on his new role of President and CEO at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Eric has worked at the American Council of the Blind for over 15 years, becoming the ACB Executive Director in fall of 2015. We thank Eric for his exceptional leadership during his many years of service to ACB, and look forward to continuing our strong partnership with AFB. Learn more about his new position at:
ACB joins the world in mourning the loss of Judy Heumann, who passed away at the age of 75. We were so fortunate to have Judy share her story during her banquet keynote presentation at the 2022 ACB Convention on July 7, 2022. We celebrate the life and legacy of such a powerful leader in the disability rights movement. Watch Judy's keynote presentation at:
The American Council of the Blind commends Rep. Jan Schakowsky for leading 32 of her colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act. This bill would ensure that home-use medical devices are accessible to blind and low vision Americans across the country.
The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act is one of ACB's 2023 Legislative Imperatives. Learn more by visiting
Autonomous car maker Cruise has announced the launch of the Cruise Accessibility Council, a cross-disability group of leaders and advocates who will provide external, independent input on Cruise's product, programs, and approach to accessibility. The American Council of the Blind is proud to represent the blindness community on the Cruise Accessibility Council. Learn more by reading the blog announcement at:
Sen. Edward J. Markey is calling on Twitter CEO Elon Musk to reinstate Twitter's Accessibility Team and support the development and implementation of critical online features so that users with disabilities can fully access and utilize the social media platform. Read Sen. Markey's letter at:
-ACB Board of Directors Appoints Dan Spoone as Interim Executive Director
With the departure of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) Executive Director Eric Bridges, the following plan of action to ensure a smooth transition of leadership was established by ACB's Board of Directors on Thursday, March 9th. ACB will welcome Dan Spoone, the organization's current president, as Interim Executive Director starting on Wednesday, March 22. Deb Cook Lewis, current first vice president, will become president. Ray Campbell will become first vice president. To contact Dan, email:
-ACB and Supporters Rally to Demand Accessible and Inclusive Currency
On March 10, Harriet Tubman Day, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and supporters rallied in front of the White House and marched to the U.S. Treasury to highlight the ongoing fight for accessible and inclusive currency for all. As a result of this rally, five members of the American Council of the Blind met with representatives of the U.S. Treasury and Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and for the first time, touched the certified tactile feature that will be included as part of the $10 bill redesign in 2026.
Ethnographic Research, Inc., is looking for participants from across the continental United States to help them better understand the experiences of patients and/or their caregivers, and the daily life impacts and challenges of living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). They are particularly interested in learning more about the experience of males ages 10-17. Their goal is to provide insights that will be used to develop enhanced products and support services for RP patients.
If your child or dependent is interested in potentially participating, please use this link:
The Security Industry Association (SIA) and The Monitoring Association (TMA) are seeking "user" (consumer) volunteers to participate as a voting member on the Security Industry Standards Council (SISC). SISC is tasked with reviewing and approving industry standards on home security systems. If interested in participating, please contact the SISC secretary at:
-Open Casting Call for "Where Can the Dust Alight"
Actor to play April, a character that is female, 25, Asian, and blind/low vision for a lead role of a promising photographer for Season 3 of Rising Voices. No prior acting experience required! Performers and non-actors who are blind and low vision are encouraged to apply. Please email:
In February, SVCB donated $200 to Mr. Sayed's GoFundMe.
$54,486 raised of $1,000 goal; 766 donors
Update as of March 1, 2023
By Rose Gregorio, Organizer
Mr. Sayed is still staying in motel 6. He has a caregiver that checks on him every day. He is still adamant to change his clothes, saying he doesn't want to get confused with the stuff he put in his pockets. He is still asking for his Burger King every day, but he gets Biryani, pasta, and other stuff, too.
He knows that because of you all, he’s able to stay in the motel for a long period of time, and is thankful for all the help he received.
Update as of March 22, 2023
By Rose Gregorio, Organizer
Mr. Sayed is pretty much the same. He likes fruits, so he gets his favorite fruits every day: banana, figs, and berries. He still gets his Burger King every day. He's still in motel 6. A care home is not an option for him, so we don't ask him anymore. We still encouraged him to have his eye surgery, but he still refuses. We have a doctor who offered his service. I just hope he will change his mind.
In other news, we continue to advocate for improved paratransit service and VTA is fully aware of its limitations. This is why they have applied for additional grant funding to improve access to disabled seniors and low-income riders. If this funding is awarded, it will not be dependent on ADA which will allow VTA to be more flexible in how the transportation is actually implemented, but expect most disadvantaged, transit-dependent folk to be their highest priority.
VTA is also aware that M.V., their contractor who manages paratransit is not as efficient as they would like. The request for a proposal, possibly bringing in bids from other contractors, will be happening towards the end of this year I've been told, and our input will be solicited. However, unlike asking a contractor to bid on a home remodel, VTA being a public agency, is required to go with the lowest bidder. So, crafting a good request for a proposal is the best way VTA can ensure a higher service quality. Your input is not just a complaint: they will need to know what to specify in this proposal, so that bidders will adhere to those restrictions.
I am happy to announce that the Tabard Theatre core staff have found a path forward. We will be able to keep the doors open and continue to provide the San Jose area with high quality arts programming, though with a slight change in focus. The Tabard Theatre Company must still close, so we will be moving away from our main stage theatre programs and will now be focusing on music, comedy, and other single-day events.
This change will allow us the flexibility to make dynamic day-to-day changes in programs and still provide our South Bay community with high-quality, engaging events that folks have come to expect from Tabard Theatre. If we continue to see ticket sales of these programs at the levels that we have seen recently, you can definitely look forward to a variety of dynamic live performances here in our San Pedro Square location.
I am happy to announce that the Tabard Theatre core staff have found a path forward. We will be able to keep the doors open and continue to provide the San Jose area with high quality arts programming, though with a slight change in focus. The Tabard Theatre Company must still close, so we will be moving away from our main stage theatre programs and will now be focusing on music, comedy, and other single-day events.
This change will allow us the flexibility to make dynamic day-to-day changes in programs and still provide our South Bay community with high-quality, engaging events that folks have come to expect from Tabard Theatre. If we continue to see ticket sales of these programs at the levels that we have seen recently, you can definitely look forward to a variety of dynamic live performances here in our San Pedro Square location.
As always... I'll see you at the theater!
Jonathan Rhys Williams
Executive Director
Tabard Theatre
***
UPCOMING TABARD THEATRE EVENTS April 2023
Contributed by Bev Clifford
-Top Shelf Big Band Karaoke on April 22
If you ever wanted to experience the thrill of singing one of your favorite big band tunes from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Harry Connick Jr., Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, and more, now is your chance! Or if you just love big band music and want to enjoy a fun night of all your favorite songs, this is also a great show for you.
How it works: Top Shelf has put together a fantastic song list of popular big band vocal numbers. On the night of the show, they’ll be taking signups from anyone who wants to sing! We’ll have time for about 24-30 singers throughout the night. Singers are given a microphone, a paper songbook, and a screen teleprompter. The band helps make sure you know when to sing. It is tons of fun!
Top Shelf Big Band Karaoke is Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 pm. Doors (and sign ups!) start at 7 pm.
-World-Class World Jazz on April 28
A seasoned world jazz group based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, Five Ten creates genre-bending soundscapes that have changed the face of the global jazz scene. Their sound brings flowing fluctuations of different rhythmic flavors that dance with each other without ever clashing. Join them for a delicious night of original compositions infused with Brazilian and Caribbean flavors laced with hints of rhythmic sounds from around the world.
Join us at Tabard on Friday, April 28 at 8 pm for this fantastic show. Doors open at 7pm.
As always, for both these events you can call our box office at
408-679-2330
if you wish to order tickets by phone rather than online.
-Announcing KARAOKE FRIDAYS in April
Come sing your heart out on Tabard’s gorgeous cabaret stage! We are trying out traditional karaoke, with karaoke tracks and the lyrics on screens for you. With so many songs to choose from, what will you sing?
We are going to start with two Fridays in April, and see what the response is like. Friday, April 7 and 14, 7 pm to 11 pm. This event is free. No advance reservation required.
-Other Recurring Events for April
San José Poetry Slam: Sunday, April 9, 7 pm. Tickets $5-10 at the door.
Off Nite Talk Show: Mondays, 8 pm. This event is free.
Tabard's Piano Bar Cabaret: Sunday, April 23, 7 pm. This event is Free.
Suzanne Smith made the following recipe in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, and it is from a cookbook that belongs to her mom: Good Housekeeping Clock Watcher Cookbook.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons salad oil
4 cups sliced onion
2 15 1/2-ounce cans corn beef hash
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup soft day-old bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese
Directions:
About 45 minutes before serving:
1. Start heating oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In salad oil in skillet, sauté onions until tender-crisp and golden.
3. Arrange hash in 10 by 6 by 2-inch baking dish. Add Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Toss with fork until mixed. Then spread out the hash to fill dish, without packing. Pour on milk.
4. Add curry powder to onions, toss well, then arrange over top of hash. Now toss bread crumbs with cheese, and sprinkle over onions.
5. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until heated through. Makes 6 servings.
Events take place at The Tabard Theatre, 29 North San Pedro Street, San Jose.
For monthly information about these events, see the Upcoming Tabard Theatre Events article in each SVCB newsletter.
The phrase "On Demand" means that the show can be viewed by services like Comcast.
3. Shows Described by AudioVision Bay Area
For all productions (Golden Gate, Orpheum Theatres, Broadway San Francisco, and Broadway San Jose), tickets are generally on sale four weeks before the production opens. To charge tickets and reserve receivers, call:
888-746-1799 (SHN Theaters), or fax your order to
415-581-2121 and ask for AudioVision tickets. If you have any questions, please email:
Audio described shows by TheatreWorks have resumed with descriptions by Gravity. Pre-register for tickets that include a free "show talk" 30 minutes before the show, at the TheatreWorks box office at:
8. Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP)
BORP believes that everyone should have access to the unique challenges that outdoor recreation provides, and makes every effort to accommodate each person's needs, including providing transportation and volunteer support. For event listings, call Lori Gray at: