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.
February, the shortest month of the year, always feels like a transitional month. Rob and I have a volunteer who works with us at home, and he mentioned that trees are starting to bloom around our home, and that explains the household bout with allergies for the two-legged and four-legged family members. We also have witnessed the power and devastating aspect of the Los Angeles fires; and the feeling of uncertainty around our climate and associated disasters is unnerving, to say the least.
I bring this topic up to remind us of preparation for disasters, and for those with disabilities it is not a clear and easy path. If you subscribe to the California Council of the Blind email lists, I am sure you have read the threads about breakdown in evacuation for those with disabilities. Planning and preparing for disasters should occur at every level so we are prepared and safe: individual households, connection with neighbors, and knowing and accessing City and county resources is of paramount importance. In the months ahead, the Program Committee will be planning a program and corresponding resources for our chapter. We will need time to reconnect with the resources we have used over the years. More information will follow at upcoming chapter meetings.
On a different note, we will be convening the Barbara Rhodes Technology Grant Committee task team. The team has groundwork to complete for the launch, and updates will be shared in our newsletter and at our meetings.
As February unfolds for you, I send to each of you gratitude for the support and community that you build through our chapter and beyond. I remind myself to balance preparation and awareness with staying in the moment, and being grateful for the beauty and healing side of the natural world around us.
Hey, King, it's February, you're eating 2025. "What's 2025? I think it's your preoccupation with calendars that's eating the year. For me today is today, though I look forward to more rain and spring weather." Well, I think you'll have to wait a bit for spring, say 2 months. "That's not bad, and it's so mild around here that it could be spring, anyway." The days are kinda short. "But they're getting longer, haha."
I hear that SVCB has 66 members. I'm sure we're the largest chapter in CCB. And let's welcome new member Evelyn Comstock from San Jose. Evelyn was part of the Braille Transcription Project out of Vista Center San Jose, and for a while she embossed and mailed the braille newsletter. Welcome!
And wish happy February birthdays to no one, "or everyone. I think it's cool to sing a happy birthday to everyone." And sooner or later you'll get a bone for that. "Good, can't wait!"
SVCB's 2025 administration was installed by Roger Petersen at the January meeting, and the winners are:
Alice Turner: President
Lorraine Brown: Vice President
Recording Secretary: Deborah Armstrong
Corresponding Secretary: Carol Silvaria
Treasurer: David Hoffman
Directors: Naomi Grubb and Dianne Wetzel
Rob Turner remains immediate past president. Poor Rob! And kudos to Diane! She hasn't been a member for long and she's on the Board—wow!
Deborah Armstrong discussed the 1-week, one-on-one O&M program at Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael. You can use it to refresh your O&M skills or get prepared for your Guide Dog. Sadly, I couldn't hear much because the ALD system wasn't working, but the talk seemed to be well received, and there is a 6-month waiting list!
And I want to apologize to those using Zoom to participate in the meeting. The ALD system is an important part of the Zoom hookup, and it wasn't working. Hopefully it'll be fixed soon.
-Registration Is Now Open for the D.C. Leadership Conference!
The 2025 American Council of the Blind (ACB) Leadership Conference will be a hybrid event. ACB's Board Meeting, Presidents' Meeting, Legislative Seminar, and Capitol Hill visits will take place March 14th-18th, at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, VA. Visit our conference page for details:
https://www.acb.org/acb-2025-leadership-conference
Conference Registration: To register for the conference, visit:
ACB Members site.
Log into your account or create an account by clicking the "Create an Account" button. If you have an account but can't remember your username and/or password, please call our Minnesota office at:
1-612-332-3242
Once you have logged in, visit the "DC Leadership Registration" link at the top of the page, read through the instructions, and hit the "Begin with Preferences" button.
To register by phone, call our Minnesota office at:
1-612-332-3242
Hotel Reservations: The room rate for the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel is $155 per night, plus tax. This rate applies to any night starting on Monday, March 10 to Tuesday, March 25th, 2025. The Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel is located at:
You can also make a reservation by calling:
1-800-325-3535
and informing the Marriott representative that you will be attending the "ACB Leadership Seminar" to receive the group rate. The room block cutoff date is Monday, February 17, 2025. If you experience any issues booking a room, please email Hannah Park at:
hpark@acb.org
In-Person Schedule of Events
The schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, March 14: Afternoon Tour (12:45 pm to 2:30 pm ET)
Saturday, March 15: Board Meeting (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET) plus Evening Welcome Reception
Sunday, March 16: Presidents' Meeting (including luncheon) (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET), plus Evening Dine Around in Pentagon City
Monday March 17: Legislative Seminar (including luncheon) (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET)
Tuesday, March 18: Attendees may visit Capitol Hill to meet with their representatives.
Stay tuned for more details as they become available on our conference page.
-Braille Institute Establishes Wildfire Relief Fund to Aid Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals Impacted by Los Angeles Fires
The images of destruction and tragic loss caused by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles are both unprecedented and incomprehensible. Now imagine facing these fires and evacuation orders while also living with vision loss. This crisis has been particularly devastating for our community, as many of those impacted lack a strong safety net or the financial resources to recover on their own.
To address this urgent need, Braille Institute has established the Wildfire Relief Fund to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired and have been affected by these wildfires. The funds will provide immediate assistance to those facing unimaginable challenges, from the loss of homes and possessions to the psychological trauma and health issues exacerbated by the disaster.
Braille Institute's Wildfire Relief Fund is designed to provide critical support to those in our community who need it most. Every dollar donated will go directly to individuals with vision loss impacted by the fires, ensuring they receive the help they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
or by contacting Braille Institute directly at:
1-800-272-4553
Your support will provide hope and relief to a community in dire need. Together, we can help rebuild lives and ensure no one is left behind during this time of crisis.
-From CCB Governmental Affairs
The Governmental Affairs Committee would like to let you know about an advocacy opportunity where we need all hands on deck. Perhaps you have heard how hard it is to get appointments with members of Congress if you don't live in their district. So, this year we are asking first for those of us who can to go to DC and represent California at the DC Leadership Conference. Then we would like those who wish to learn about the ACB legislative imperatives, and contact members at their District offices or on Zoom, to sign up and learn through roleplaying and information sharing. Finally, we need CCB members across the state to be willing to help us schedule the meetings, and just be present to introduce the people who are with them to talk about the imperatives, represent California, and make CCB's voice heard on the hill!
If you can go in person, let us know by February 15.
Meetings to learn more: February 10 and March 3
Regarding the ACB leadership Conference, please let Ardis Bazyn know if you can attend in person or virtually at:
abazyn@bazyncommunications.com
Save the date: Sunday, February 23 at 4:00 PM Pacific time (7:00 PM Eastern). Our Black History Month program is only a month away. Stay tuned for details.
Attention CCB Special Interest Affiliates: Our pre-convention activities will take place virtually from April 21 through the 28th. We are asking for programming information to be submitted no later than February 15, which will allow us to generate and disseminate the schedule in a timely manner.
Please submit your program descriptions, along with any date preferences, to Andrea DeKlotz, Convention Co-chair, at:
Catmom3260@gmail.com
-What will be the Theme for the 2025 CCB Virtual Convention?
It's your convention, so you pick the theme. Please submit your theme suggestions to Andrea DeKlotz using the above contact information by February 15. The winner will receive a free convention registration.
-Assistive Technology at Easter Seals Crossroads
ElliQ: A Robot Roommate
Most of us are accustomed to calling on virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri when we need help. Now imagine an AI assistant that starts conversations in anticipation of your needs.
ElliQ is "the very first proactive, empathetic robotic companion." Although she was designed with seniors in mind, she is also beneficial for people with disabilities who live alone, or anyone facing social isolation.
Like a roommate or friend, ElliQ sparks up interaction by suggesting games, reminding users of their health and wellness goals, or simply throwing out a fun fact.
ElliQ's features are divided into four categories:
Entertainment and Companionship: ElliQ is equipped to make small talk, tell jokes, play music, and toss out trivia tidbits, to name a few functions.
ElliQ for Entertainment and Companionship: ElliQ is built to remember what you share with her, thus making your conversations even more personal as your relationship with her grows.
Connection and Communication: Users can make video calls and send text, photo, and voice messages either from ElliQ's removable tablet or via voice command.
Like a personal assistant, ElliQ will alert users to new messages, and prompt them to reply.
Health and Wellness: ElliQ regularly checks up on users' mental and physical health. If needed, it will ask for consent to notify their loved ones, caregivers, or primary care professionals of serious issues.
Assistance with Daily Living: From medication reminders and exercise classes to transportation facilitation, ElliQ offers a bevy of resources to make life easier.
-Reporting the Passing of Ed Potter, Known for Playback Magazine and Playback Underground
From the Tech-VI list owner:
While Ed Potter clearly lived a long and full life, I am still deeply sad to learn of his passing. I enjoyed listening to Playback Magazine for several years, and it was a tremendous service for our community. It was always enjoyable interacting with him at the Playback booth at the ACB exhibit hall. May Ed rest in peace.
Archives of Playback Magazine and Playback Underground are available at the Internet Archive via this link:
https://is.gd/48Wvqf
Edward Lex Potter, 92, of Oxford, North Carolina, passed away on January 14, 2025.
Born March 24, 1932, in Kelly, Bladen County, North Carolina, Ed was the son of James Melvin Potter and Gertrude Squires Potter. In 1935, the family moved to Wilmington, NC, where Ed spent much of his early life. Ed was a musician and an avid piano player. At 17, he began his radio career with Potter's Piano Ramblings, a 15-minute daily program on a Wilmington station which featured his piano playing and commentary.
Ed graduated from the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in 1952. In 1956 he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the first blind student in its Department of Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the Order of the Golden Fleece.
For thirteen years, Ed worked in radio at WRRZ in Clinton, WTSB in Lumberton, and WENC in Whiteville, NC. Ed completed a master's degree in Speech Communications at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1973. He taught Public Speaking at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC, retiring in 1997.
Ed enjoyed a large network of friends in the blind community. Beginning in 1979, he created Playback Magazine, Playback Underground, and Coffee with Ed, audio publications on cassette and message boards. These relied on content from listeners, uniting his network of close friends with common interests. From 1979 to 2007, Ed and Sue ran Playback Marketing, an audio catalog for the visually impaired. It featured a tone-indexing system that enabled listeners to shop independently.
In 2017, Ed and Sue moved next door to their daughter and son-in-law in Oxford, NC, where they enjoyed nightly dinners together.
Ed is survived by his wife, Sue Washington Owen Potter; his children, Margaret Sue Potter Harris (Larry "Sonny") of Oxford, NC, and Edward Andrew Potter of Raleigh, NC; his grandchildren, Cecilia Thomas Harris (Naser Shamma), Jacob Aaron Harris (Morgan Trick), Larry Harris (Jenny), and Jessica Harris; and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, James Sedric Potter, and his sister, Nelva Hammonds, both of Wilmington, NC.
A celebration of his life was held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 1:00 at Oxford Presbyterian Church in Oxford, NC, with visitation after the service.
The Real ID Act of 2005 was originally supposed to take effect in 2008, but has been delayed for multiple reasons, including those associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. States' lack of urgency is also to blame, according to testimony at a late December 2023 Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing on Transportation and Maritime Security that warned of "utter mayhem at our airports" on May 7, 2025, if the deadline is vigorously enforced. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that only about 70 percent of state-issued identifications would be Real ID compliant by the deadline.
TSA agents screen about 2.5 million passengers a day, and if just 1 percent of them were to present non-Real ID compliant driver's licenses, 25,000 passengers could be turned away in a single day. In a week, 175,000 passengers would be prohibited from flying, 750,000 would be stopped in a month, and 2.25 million would be denied in three months.
Under the proposed rule, people are strongly encouraged to get their Real IDs by the May 7 enforcement date, and they may face delays at airport security checkpoints if they don't have it. Instead of stopping them from boarding aircraft, non-compliant travelers would be issued warnings to get their paperwork in order by May 5, 2027.
"TSA is engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions, and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement. "REAL ID provides an important security enhancement, and this rule allows us to plan for a range of scenarios to help minimize the potential impact to travelers, industry stakeholders, and states during implementation."
Plans for the gradual rollout are still in progress. The TSA could use a three-strike rule, warning travelers multiple times to acquire their Real IDs before turning them away.
As the law stands, California residents who are 18 and older must show a Real ID, a passport, or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights or certain federal buildings beginning May 7. The anti-terrorism law requiring the "gold star ID," as it's sometimes called, was originally supposed to take effect in 2008, but has been delayed so often that it has become a running joke.
Will the Real ID Act really take effect this year?
Technically, yes. The current May 7, 2025, deadline still stands, but the Transportation Security Administration has asked for flexibility to implement enforcement in phases, with progressive enforcement ending in 2027. But that doesn't mean you should wait until then to make an application.
Here's what you need to know about getting a Real ID or compliant identification card in California:
To apply for a REAL ID, Californians should visit
Apply for REAL ID - California DMV
fill out the online application, and upload their documents. Residents must visit a DMV office and bring their uploaded documents to complete the application. By starting the process online, it should only take about 15 minutes in the office, according to the DMV.
Residents need to provide proof of identity, two documents proving California residency, and a Social Security number. Visit
Apply for REAL ID - California DMV
for a complete list of acceptable documents and a link to the online application.
I've heard a couple of you grumbling, as I do from time to time, about the Braille Forum that comes every month to the CCB members. First, if you want to read this information, it is always listed on the very back side of the outer side of the magazine.
You can subscribe to the email version by contacting Sharon Lovering at:
slovering@acb.org
I'm sure you can ask her to unsubscribe you from the physical media.
If you have a second-generation Victor Reader Stream, or if you download the podcast app from the Apple Store, just type in Braille Forum, and you can subscribe there.
Honestly, I do not always thumb through The Braille Forum, and it seems boring to me, but it may be of interest to some. I'm much more of an audio reader these days, even though I still read print. I can only consume so much in one sitting.
For the last 4 years, Vista Center for the Blind and Low Vision has sponsored an annual concert to raise funds for Vista Center's clients and programs. This year's event takes place on Thursday, April 24, from 6 PM to 8:15 PM at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, CA. This year's concert features folk music from America and the British Isles. The artists are:
Sheila Willey, Soprano
William Coulter, Celtic guitar
Shelley Phillips, Celtic harp and flute.
Come enjoy an enchanting evening as well as a chance to celebrate and honor Vista Center's clients, legacy, and future possibilities. The concert will also be streamed. Watch this newsletter, our Phone Tree list, and the Vista website for more details.
(Copy Editor's Note: Susan is known to many of us as the Bird Lady of SVCB. She has graced us with several wonderful birding presentations that were fascinating and informative. Thanks so much, Susan!)
Dear Friends,
We're thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon, happening on Sunday, May 18, 2025! This exciting event celebrates birding by ear and community connection, and we can't wait to have you join us.
This first-ever Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon was created by Martha Steele, Jerry Berrier, and Donna Posont, with support from Birdability—and to kick things off, we're hosting an Info and Community Building Session via Zoom:
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 5:00-6:00 PM PT
This session is a great opportunity to learn more about the Bird-a-Thon, meet fellow participants, and get answers to any questions you may have.
1 646 931 38601,82817040069#,,,,*737027# (New York)
DIAL-In Access:
1 312 626 6799 (US)
Meeting ID: 828 1704 0069
Passcode: 737027
We're looking forward to sharing this event with you, and can't wait to celebrate birding with our incredible community. Feel free to share this email with others who might be interested in participating.
With gratitude,
Cat
— Cat Fribley
Executive Director
Birdability
Birdability is a nonprofit organization, working to make birding and the outdoors accessible and inclusive for everyone, especially those with disabilities and health concerns. Join us in creating a more welcoming birding community! Learn more or support our mission by donating at
Birdability.org.
Here I am again, the Hh/BC/LGF of your fan club, hoping that this will be the last time you'll hear from me this year.
You've sure given the old Churro man a run for his money! We've now got good eats for every game, except the one in May. That's pretty good, but not exactly satisfactory. So, one of you enthusiastic fans, show me just how loyal you are to your SVCB Giants. Reach out to me either by phone at
1-408-638-9743
or through your SVCB fan club list to call or email me directly.
Think how lovely it will be to relax in your seat on a warm May morning, chatting with your friends, and knowing with a sense of pride that you are the one who provided the snack that everybody's raving about! I await your response—but please don't make me wait too long!
Cook sausage in large skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking into small pieces with back of spoon, about 5 minutes. Mix in flour and milk. Cook until mixture thickens and comes to a boil, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
Arrange potatoes in prepared dish. Top with 1/3 of the green onions, 1 cup cheese, the sausage mixture, and the remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
Bake casserole until potatoes are tender, for about 45 minutes.
Sprinkle with remaining green onions, and serve.
As Good As Mrs. Field's Cookies
From Variety Pack Favorite Widows or Widowers High Desserts
(Copy Editor's note: The following recipe was Suzanne's Cookies of the Month contribution that we all enjoyed at our January 18 SVCB meeting.)
Ingredients
1 pound soft butter
2 cups dark brown sugar
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla
3 eggs
6 to 7 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups chopped nuts
4 cups chocolate chips
Directions
Cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in vanilla, add eggs, and beat 3 to 4 minutes.
In separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking soda. Add to other mixture. Beat well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
Use ice cream scoop to drop onto a greased cookie sheet.
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:
didisalvo@msn.com
Audio described shows by TheatreWorks have resumed, with descriptions by Gravity Access Services. Pre-register for tickets that include a free "show talk" 30 minutes before the show, at the TheatreWorks box office at:
650-436-1960
Shows are at the Lucie Stern Theatre or the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. A webpage with a listing of audio described shows is at:
www.theatreworks.org/venues/accessibility.
4. San Francisco LightHouse
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:
www.cclvi.info/archive-lets-talk-low-vision/.
Zoom information is distributed through the ACB Community Schedule email list, or by emailing:
cclviwebmaster@gmail.com.
6. Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors
Departs every Sunday at noon from Pier 40 in San Francisco. Call:
415-281-0212
for information and reservations, or visit:
www.baads.org.
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:
510-843-4398
February 6, 7:30 to 9 PM: SVCB Board Meeting. Interested SVCB members are invited.
February 15, 9:30 AM to 12 PM: SVCB monthly membership meeting, Vista Center San Jose. Approve 2025 budget, elect delegates for CCB convention, appoint Picnic Committee, and discuss picnic site.
February 17, noon: March newsletter deadline.
March: Eye Donor Awareness Month
March 4, 5:30 to 7 PM: Breast Cancer Support Group meeting.
March 15, 9:30 AM to 1 PM: SVCB monthly membership meeting, Vista Center San Jose. Discuss possible resolutions for CCB Convention, finalize picnic site.
March 15 through March 18: ACB Affiliate Presidents' Meeting and Legislative Seminar. See Tidbits column.
March 17, noon: April newsletter deadline.
March 23, 1 PM: The Cher Show, with descriptions by AudioVision, SJCPA, see notes.
March 29 at 8 PM and 30 at 2 PM: Happy Pleasant Valley: A Senior Sex Scandal Murder Mystery Musical, with descriptions by Gravity, TheatreWorks MVCPA, see notes.