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 in-person meetings are held at the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center (Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired San Jose). Meetings run from 9:30 AM to 1 PM the third Saturday of the month and are open to all.
As I write this message, it is the first weekend here in Silicon Valley that we have returned to cool weather, after having many overwhelming hot days in the month of July. Cora, my wonderful, retired guide, always tells me in her own way, "Thank goodness, we are back to Labrador weather!"
July, often considered one of the lazy months of summer, has been busy for many of our chapter members. Some attended the American Council of the Blind (ACB) Conference and Convention, in person or virtually. We look forward to hearing reflections from our members in our August Meeting.
I feel compelled to return for a bit to the theme of gratitude, and the gratitude message for today is for the blind and low vision individuals in our lives, and the greater community of those who support us as individuals and in general. I have had the privilege of being part of this community now for close to 27 years, beginning when I was referred to Vista Center, then known as Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. This connection changed the trajectory of my life in too many ways to list.
Our amazing chapter, Silicon Valley Council of the Blind (SVCB), has been a safe and welcoming place for the members who have been a part of our group for decades, and for those who have come into our community in recent years. We learn together, laugh often, enjoy food and treats, advocate, and in general, support each other through our journeys of adjusting to vision loss. We also learn from our members who may not need to adjust to changing vision, and they share their experience and expertise. And we all share how we adjust to ever-changing technology, transportation avenues, education, entertainment, employment, and retirement.
During the months of shut-down due to COVID, our immediate past president and others began a weekly virtual meeting to stay connected when we were unable to meet in person. These weekly chapter calls are still occurring every Wednesday at 4:00 pm, and those who drop in share what is happening in their lives. Our chapter newsletter, SVCB In Touch, is aptly titled, to keep SVCB members and those in our greater community informed and connected. When community forms, it continues and takes on a life of its own.
Through our chapter programs for many years, we have learned from the invited speakers and from each other. The diversity and expertise of the speakers help us to look beyond our chapter to learn about accessible voting, safety and disaster planning, accessibility in the arts, transportation solutions and challenges, housing in our area, and advocacy for issues we all need to embrace. And each of us shares our own tricks and tips for making our lives easier and enjoyable. In this newsletter, you will read about our most recent speakers, The Blind Posse, and how this group of volunteers has influenced accessible arts in museums through a collaborative effort of many.
I often say to others that our chapter has been gifted to have leaders among us, and the work and organization of the chapter are handled by many. You may have heard from your parents or elders the phrase, "Many hands make light work," and this applies to SVCB. I will add to this, that many hands, laughter, and individual expertise and commitment build the foundation of community.
The SVCB picnic is almost upon us, set for September 21, one of the many long-held traditions of SVCB. Connect with David Hoffman to purchase your tickets, and place your order for food preferences.
In closing, I remember reading the essay by Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, a past Surgeon General, about the epidemic of loneliness in our nation. Community and staying connected is critical for our health and overall well-being. We intuitively know this is true for the blind and low vision community, and it extends to individuals of all abilities and ages. Staying connected with each other in person, online, virtually, and in any other way that works for us helps us live happier and healthier lives. Thank you all for being living proof of this finding.
Note: Prior to the distribution of this newsletter, we learned the sad news of the passing of our treasured community member, Noel Runyan. Noel embodied promoting community, please read more about this in the following article submitted by Susan Glass.
It is with profound sorrow that I write this note: On Wednesday July 31, our beloved SVCB friend, member and colleague Noel Runyan, passed away at Good Samaritan Hospital. Noel had been ill for several months with bile cancer, but had kept this information to himself. He leaves behind his marvelous, quietly brilliant wife Deb Runyan, and his two grown children Tammy and Arthur. Our SVCB Board is planning a remembrance celebration of Noel's life, which will be the focus of our upcoming membership meeting on Saturday, August 17. We'll send more details as plans solidify. Meanwhile, let's all send our prayers, healing thoughts and love to Deb and her family.
"Well, Master, have you ever tried chocolate-covered bacon strips?" Well, King, we were in Santa Cruz last weekend and treated ourselves to those things. They weren't so much of a much. The bacon was tasteless!
"Poor Master, guess you got a strange batch. Last time I had some, the bacon really tasted like bacon, not just SOMETHING." Lucky you! it was just SOMETHING for me. "I once knew Henry who worked in the factory. Maybe he's gobbling the good stuff and leaving the rest for you poor humans." If he is, he's putting a dent in the sales of that stuff, and you can tell him to cool it, and give us humans a break.
But a great happening is the Blind Posse. It's a group encouraging museums in the Bay Area to make art accessible to blind and visually impaired people. They spoke of their activities in the program segment of the July meeting, and you can hear it at:
Remember the SVCB picnic that's coming up on Saturday, September 21. "Oh yes, and remember those juicy hamburgers and hot dogs last year? I'll expect the same this year!" That's right!
"So, register, ya hear! Don't make Master call you!" Thanks, King. Calling 50 people is a drag!
Registration is $20 for SVCB and Vista members, and guests are $25. Bring your money to the August meeting and give it to David Hoffman. You can also pay through PayPal using the name
svcb@svcb.cc.
And if you really like snailmail, send a check to the postal address at the top of this newsletter. "Snailmail is quite interesting smellmail."
We have new contact information for SVCB. Contact info is:
The old conference line is gone. It has been replaced by Zoom. "Shucks, they forgot the bark line. But that's OK, Zoom is good for barking!" How about whimpering? "Yes, that to!"
Registration is open for the Audio Description Project's 24th Audio Description Institute, taking place virtually September 9-13, from 1 to 5 p.m. Eastern. The fee is $550. Space is limited, so secure your place today! Registration will close on Monday, September 2, 2024. To register, visit:
Two full scholarships are available; priority will be given to people with disabilities. To be considered for a scholarship, send an email outlining how and why you are a strong candidate, including your reason for requesting financial assistance. Send the email to Tabitha Kenlon, Audio Description Project Coordinator, at:
Diane Scalzi was voted as ACB Community's Volunteer of the Month for June. Thank you, Diane, for all you do for our ACB Community!
Thank You from the ACB Auction Committee
-Hello ACB Family!
The Auction Committee would like to thank everyone for participating in the ACB Summer Auction, and making it such a big success. This year's summer auction showcased over 200 items donated by ACB affiliates, ACB staff, members, and friends. A special thanks to the Auction committee members that produced vivid descriptions, item pictures, audio descriptions on ACB Media 2, and formatted electronic documents for easy access for everyone's viewing. It's fantastic to hear all the excitement on Saturday night as members are bidding against each other. Stay tuned for the ACB Media Holiday Auction!
The Holiday Auction will feature Sneak a Peek Appetizer auctions on Nov. 29th and 30th, and the Holiday Auction on December 1st. The deadline for items for the ACB Media Holiday Auction is October 7. For more information, contact Leslie Spoone by email:
is a gifted, versatile blind musician, composer/producer from London, England. Since 2021, ACB Media has exclusively featured Andre's music on all streams (except 3 and 5) when no other programming is being aired. We are proud to announce a new selection of Andre's music now playing on the ACB Media streams that was specifically chosen by Andre himself for ACB Media.
Andre gigs and composes many styles of music, and has played in such venues as Camden's renowned Jazz Cafe, and the intimate food-venue Pizza Express. He is at the forefront of helping to make software used by musicians, composers, and producers more accessible to those with visual impairments. He was the first ever blind person to test the accessibility features of KOMPLETE KONTROL before it hit the mainstream market. Andre also teaches blind students to use the industry-standard DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), Logic Pro, in hopes of giving them an outlet for their own musical creations.
Starting in 2017, Andre has been growing his YouTube channel with free-to-use music, tutorials, track breakdowns, and the occasional audio/field recording just to vary things a little. Visit:
In September of 2021, Andre started working with renowned drum and bass producer Zero T, under his stage name Onj. They've released two albums, and a handful of other tracks in conjunction with other artists.
Andre generously shares his gifts with the community. ACB Media is privileged to use Andre's music as the musical signature of ACB Media.
We hope you enjoy this new selection of Andre's music, with a few favorites of ours and Andre's that we have carried over. Thank you, Andre, for your generous support of ACB Media and the blindness community.
-Notice of Proposed Settlement of Class Action Lawsuit
Attention: All blind or visually impaired individuals who allege they have been or in the future will be denied the full and equal enjoyment of Dollar Tree Stores, Inc.'s payment terminals' cash-back feature in its U.S. stores.
This notice is to inform you about a proposed settlement that would resolve the class action lawsuit. Julie Dalton, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, versus Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. Civil Case #23-cv-00368 (KMM/11LIB7 71d4 1m9n474
The class action lawsuit alleges that Dollar Tree violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its implementing regulations by failing to ensure that its payment terminals provide private, safe, independent, and full and equal access to persons who are blind or have low vision within the meaning of the ADA.
Dollar Tree denied and continues to deny liability relating to the claims described in the lawsuit, but takes its responsibilities under the ADA very seriously, recognizes the importance of continued attention and keeping pace with accessible electronic and information technology, and has agreed to take the steps necessary to affect a complete resolution and settlement of all claims and controversies relating to the allegations of Plaintiff and Class in this case.
The settlement, which must be approved by the court, would resolve the class action lawsuit. You have the right to object to the settlement, provided that you do so by August 19, 2024.
The court will hold a final hearing to determine whether to approve the settlement on August 29, 2024.
The date of the fairness hearing may change without further notice to the class. Check the settlement website at:
-Barbie Introduces First Blind Barbie Fashionista Doll
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., July 23, 2024 — Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today the addition of a blind Barbie doll and a Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome, created to allow even more children to find a doll that represents them and inspire all children to tell more stories through play.
Barbie partnered with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), an organization dedicated to creating a world of endless possibilities for individuals with blindness and low vision, to ensure details of the blind Barbie doll, including face sculpt, fashion, accessories, packaging experience, and e-commerce communication accurately depict individuals with blindness or low vision.
Counseled by AFB, Barbie was committed to represent individuals with blindness and low vision throughout all stages of the design process, from the doll's sculpt to the dress pattern:
Accessories: The doll comes with a white and red cane with an identifiable marshmallow tip, and includes stylish and functional sunglasses. With some blind or low-vision individuals sensitive to light, the lens provides additional eye protection.
Elbow Articulations: The blind Barbie doll includes elbow articulations to ensure comfortable cane use.
Textured and Vibrant Fabrics: Barbie conducted testing with blind and low-vision children to ensure that the doll provided an accessible and satisfying play experience for kids with blindness or low vision. With AFB's guidance, Barbie designed the doll's fashion to include a satiny pink blouse with a textured ruffle skirt for tactile interest. Additional details include a brightly colored high-contrast hook and loop fasteners for closure on the back of the doll's top, as well as an elastic skirt waistband to make swapping outfits easier.
Packaging and Design: Barbie worked with AFB to create accessible packaging for the doll, including the placement and writing of 'Barbie'" in braille on the package.
Eye Gaze: The doll is designed with an eye gaze facing slightly up and out to accurately reflect the sometimes-distinct eye gaze of a blind individual.
The 2024 Fashionistas dolls, including the blind Barbie doll and Black Barbie doll with Down syndrome, are available online now and in stores this summer at major retailers.
-Bricks for the Blind
Bricks for the Blind (BFTB) is a non-profit organization that brings the joy of building LEGO® sets to blind people. By following BFTB's free Text-based Building Instructions, people with visual impairments can build LEGO sets and enjoy hours of relaxation, independence, and empowerment.
BFTB has only one goal: to bring the joy of building LEGO sets to as many visually impaired people as possible.
Our text-based instructions are completely free. At the time of this publication, we have instructions for over 100 sets available, with more being released nearly every day! If you're interested in feeling the empowerment and accomplishment from building a LEGO set completely on your own, we encourage you to check out our website at
Before you head out to the post office, here's what you'll find that is new:
by Donna Fuscaldo, AARP
Published January 12, 2024
Updated July 15, 2024
Through snow, rain, heat, and gloom of night, the U.S. Postal Service has delivered mail to Americans for nearly 250 years. Although that core task remains the same, that doesn't mean everything else stays the same in 2024.
From the price of stamps to procedures for forwarding mail, here are six things that will be different at USPS this year.
1. Stamp prices are going up
Like other businesses, the post office is passing along its increased costs to its customers. Effective July 14, the price of first-class Forever stamps increased 5 cents, to 73 cents. A first-class stamp covers the cost to mail a 1-ounce letter; the cost of an additional ounce rose from 24 cents to 28 cents.
2. ID is required for forwarding mail
Aiming to clamp down on identity theft and protect customers' information, USPS is beefing up its procedures to verify your identity when you request a change of address. Now you must either show ID in person at your local post office, or verify your identity online. A change of address request, or COA, must be submitted 90 days before the date of your move, or up to 30 days after your move.
If you are doing it in person ...
Bring one of the following to your local post office:
* State-issued driver's license or nondriver's license identification card (name and address must match the old or new address on your request)
* Uniformed Services Identification Card (requires a secondary form of identification)
* U.S. passport (requires a secondary form of identification)
Secondary forms of identification
* Lease, mortgage, or deed of trust
* Voter or vehicle registration card
* Home or vehicle insurance policy or card
* The name and address on any secondary ID must match the old or new address on your change of address request
If you are doing it online ...
* An email address is required for online COA submission
* A onetime passcode or verification link will be texted to your cellphone
* A $1.10 credit card identity verification fee will be charged to your credit card
* The billing address on the credit card must match either the old or the new address used in the COA request. Prepaid cards and gift cards are not accepted
* If the online verification fails, you'll have to visit the post office
3. Several new stamps are being released, with more to come
In a nod to iconic games, legendary coaches, endearing entertainers, influential artists, the nation's protectors, and American pastimes, USPS has a series of new stamps planned for 2024 that includes:
* Alex Trebek
As the host of “Jeopardy”, one of the most popular game shows on TV, Trebek graced the television screens of millions of homes for more than three decades. Trebek passed away in 2020, but he will forever be remembered. The grid of 20 identical stamps resembles the array of video monitors that form the Jeopardy! game board.
* Thank You Healthcare Community
To pay tribute to the health care workers who dedicate their lives to protecting our health, safety and well-being, often at great personal risk, USPS is launching a new Forever stamp. The Thank You Healthcare Community stamp, which will be issued in panes of 20, consists of health-related icons spelling out the stacked words "thank you" against a white background.
* Dungeons and Dragons
The Stamp release marks the 50th anniversary of one of America's most famous role-playing board games. The pane of 20 stamps features 10 different designs highlighting characters, creatures, and other elements of the game.
* John Wooden
Considered in many circles to be one of America's greatest coaches, John Wooden (1910-2010) led the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins to a record-setting 10 Division I men's basketball national championships. The stamp features a portrait of Wooden.
* Carnival Nights
From roller coasters to hot dogs, carnivals are a staple of summertime fun for many Americans. Ten new stamps in a pane of 20 feature photographs capturing the energy and lights of a summer carnival at night.
* Ansel Adams
Showcasing the American landscape through photographs, Ansel Adams is among the most influential artists of the 20th century. To honor his art and contributions, USPS is releasing 16 stamps featuring some of Adams' most famous images.
4. Mail volume will decline, and losses will grow
USPS expected to lose $4.5 billion in fiscal 2023, but actually reported a net loss of $6.5 billion, thanks in part to declining mail volume, residual effects from previous pricing strategies, and inflation. For 2024, USPS projects another net loss of $6.3 billion. Meanwhile, total mail and package volume is projected to be 107.2 billion pieces, down 7.7 percent year over year.
While first-class mail will be down, USPS foresees an increase in package delivery as it aggressively tries to grow its market share in that area. Last summer, it launched USPS Ground Advantage, which is a cheaper way to ship packages in two to five business days across the United States.
5. Better service and speedier delivery are expected
As part of its Delivering for America plan, USPS is consolidating its 19,000 delivery centers into new, larger and more centrally located sorting and delivery centers. So far, six facilities are operational. USPS is evaluating over 100 new locations across the country this year, and says the actions will enable it to expand same-day/next-day shipping and improve on-time performance. No post offices will be closed, or services impacted by the shake-up.
6. Dog bites were up last year
The number of dog attacks on USPS employees reached more than 5,800 last year. Los Angeles led the cities with the most dog bites, followed by Houston and Chicago. Rounding out the top five, according to USPS, were St. Louis, Missouri, and Cleveland. To keep letter carriers safe, USPS urges homeowners to keep dogs inside the house or behind a fence, away from the door or on a leash when a letter carrier arrives at their home.
(Donna Fuscaldo is a contributing writer and editor focusing on personal finance and health. She has spent over two decades writing and covering news for several national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Investopedia, and HerMoney.)
Recipes contributed by Suzanne Smith, from Cooking with Andy and Friends
Rice Salad
Ingredients
1 box Rice-a-Roni, chicken flavored
2 jars marinated artichoke hearts, chopped (save the juice)
1/2-pound fresh small shrimp
2 green onions, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the Rice-a-Roni as instructed on the package; let cool.
Mix artichoke hearts, green onions, and bell pepper; set aside.
When the rice is cool, add it to the vegetables, then mix in the shrimp. Spoon in the mayonnaise, and pour in the saved artichoke juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, and chill.
Options: You can substitute chicken or crab meat for the shrimp. If you wish, you can also add any of the following: carrots, frozen peas (thawed and cooked), mixed greens, yellow or red bell pepper, or red onion. To make a larger quantity of salad, increase the ingredients as necessary.
Papa's Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
1/2 can beer (set the rest aside)
2 tablespoons ketchup
3 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped
juice of one lemon
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
dash of soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Clean several cuttings of fresh rosemary, approximately 18 inches long. Tie to form a basting brush, and baste meat frequently while barbecuing.
Tips: This is great for chicken, lamb, ribs, or beef. For chicken and ribs: When done, place in a pan. Add the rest of the beer, cover, and place over a low fire. Steam for ten minutes.
When prompted for a participant code, press the Pound key.
Note that the above Zoom call-in information is used for SVCB's virtual link to monthly in-person membership meetings.
2. 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:
To hear weekly events at the San Francisco LightHouse, call:
415-694-7325.
5. Let's Talk Low Vision
The monthly "Let's Talk Low Vision" conferences are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 8:30 PM Eastern. Archives are at the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) Official website at:
7. 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: