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.
Happy 2026! A new year always sparks feelings of expectation and hope, and we are blessed to have SVCB as a significant community in our lives.
Thank you to the SVCB Event Planning Team, led by David Hoffman, for hosting a welcoming and fun Holiday Party. The Event Planning Team has expanded over the past year, and I continue to marvel at how well everyone works together. Each event has an inclusive and joyous feeling. Our talented team includes Naomi Grubb, Steve Lehnhoff, Victor Clifford, Carol and Joe Silveria, Lorraine Brown, Kannie Loomis, Lupe Medrano, Diane Wetzel, Penny, Claudia, and Roger H. If I’ve missed anyone, I know David will note this in his membership message. We were also entertained by a talented and spirited a cappella choral group, The Peninsula Harmony Chorus.
A special note of thanks to Vista Center for providing the space to host our meetings and events. With a membership of over 60 individuals, it is wonderful to have a space that allows our community to gather in person.
We extend our sincere thanks to Debee Armstrong for her years of service as our Club Secretary, and to Naomi Grubb for her years of service on the SVCB Board. We are grateful for your talents and continued involvement with SVCB and at our meetings. Please join me in welcoming Nancy Prior as our new SVCB Secretary, and Darrin Harvey as our incoming Director.
As we begin 2026, we recognize that every member of SVCB is a valued part of our Chapter, and we look forward to the year ahead!
January birthdays: Darrin Harvey, Iain Morgan, Ray Ojinaga, Roger Petersen, and Terry Stone.
ALSO celebrating birthdays in 2026: Everyone Else.
I could not help but notice that, on the birthday list for January, we have the newest board member, Darrin, and the most long-time member, Roger. One thing they have in common for sure: they both paid their 2026 SVCB dues, which were due by December 31, 2025. So, if you have paid for yours, thank you very much, and if you have not, please do so ASAP. Please contact the SVCB membership chair or bookkeeper to do so.
The final event of 2025, the SVCB Holiday Party, was well attended and enjoyed by all, with a few unforeseen hiccups in our plans that were overcome by our resolute volunteers. VTA Access Paratransit responded to some changes, and everyone was delivered safely to their destinations. At the event, everyone was treated to Mountain Mike's pizza, snacks, a choice of beverages, and a fantastic concert by the Peninsula Harmony Chorus. We plan to have them back for 2026. As the chair of the Planning committee, I give a heartfelt thanks to those on the committee, and all of the volunteers who went above and beyond to make the best of our time there.
Finding the Sun in the Shadows and the Light in Our Dreams
As we embark upon another year, I thought long and hard on what I should write about. Nothing would be quite so impactful as I wanted it to be, including what popped into my head at 3 AM, only to disintegrate into a dream. There is a reason I am not a writer. What did finally form some sort of silly puddy structure in my mind is as follows, and comes largely from the science fiction fantasy and Stephen King novels I have been reading and not King's horror, but lesser known books like Fairy Tales, and the Dark Tower series. What I write below also comes from my own journey through vision loss, and a glimpse into what others have experienced or can relate to in some small way. Some will find these words complete fiction, and I am not surprised by that. At the very least, I hope it provokes thoughtful debate, and leads you to at least think about what others perceive and experience, and that you try to accept that what they see as their meaningful experiences or truths are no better or worse than your own.
We live our lives as people with vision impairment in and out of shadows, in and out of dreams of what could have been or what could be. The dreams, often thought of as plans or goals, are especially true as 2026 brings us tantalizing promises of all sorts of artificial intelligence—automation, robots, and technology start-ups focusing on ways to make our lives easier. I have always thought that the sun we dance under and the shadows that trick us into swerving from our paths are unique experiences for each of us, depending on when vision loss occurred and the fashion of that loss. Many other factors play a role, far too many to get into here. However, what matters is how we manage the shadows, the dark places that we face, and how we learn to accept our dreams for what they are.
In one of the books I have been reading, there is a character who has lived hundreds if not thousands of years. Much later in his life he becomes disabled, which is where most of the story takes place. He perseveres, and discovers he has many more skills and abilities than he may have been aware of. He has, for sure, one specific goal or plan, and throughout his journey (which he does not take alone), he comes in and out of shadows. Yet he travels on. I believe, as I approach challenges in my own life, that some are new and some are continuations of older ones. (Sound familiar?) I may wish for some of his special powers, and at the same time I am thankful for what I have that he does not.
For me, the shadows are sometimes a safer place, cooling down from the heat, getting some of that valuable me time. And sometimes I yearn for the warm sun of companionship, which I am fortunate to have through community, connection, and friendship. These elements have played a role in all of our lives. And as persons with vision impairment, finding the balance between the sun and the shadows, finding the strength to continue to pursue our dreams and know when we need others and when we need to walk alone, is just a small part of what makes us persons with vision impairment, not blind people.
I finish this rant here, still wanting to say more. Perhaps I will in the future. For now, if you have read this far, thank you. And I wish you warm shadows and comforting dreams that block out the coldness that this world too often jabs into our faces.
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is proud to announce a new partnership with Dot Inc., a leader in innovative braille technology, that will expand access to multi-line braille, and reinforce ACB's longstanding commitment to braille literacy and accessibility.
Through this partnership, ACB members are eligible for an exclusive $300 discount on the purchase of the Dot Pad X, Dot Inc.'s new groundbreaking multi-line braille display. The Dot Pad X represents a major advancement in braille technology, allowing users to read and interact with content in ways that go beyond traditional single-line displays.
"This partnership reflects ACB's commitment to braille and its importance for people who are blind or have low vision," said ACB Executive Director Scott Thornhill. "Multi-line braille technology like the Dot Pad X has the potential to transform education, employment, and independent access to information, and ACB is proud to be at the forefront of these advancements."
In addition to the member discount, Dot Inc. will make a donation to ACB for each Dot Pad X purchased by an ACB member. These donations will support ACB's advocacy, programs, and initiatives that promote braille literacy, accessibility, and equal opportunity. "By combining direct savings for our members with a donation that strengthens ACB's mission, this partnership creates both immediate and long-term value for our community", Thornhill added.
ACB and Dot Inc. will also collaborate on future outreach, education, and storytelling efforts, including case studies highlighting how multi-line braille technology can improve access to information and daily life for people who are blind or have low vision.
Now that 2026 is fast approaching, and thoughts are turning to the American Council of the Blind's 65th annual Conference and Convention, it's time to start thinking about making your hotel reservations!
Hybrid Convention dates are from July 24 through July 31.
Hotel details
Room rates at the Hyatt Regency at The Arch, 315 Chestnut St, Saint Louis, MO 63102, are $104.00 single or double, ($129.00 triple, or $154.00 quad, plus applicable state and local taxes (currently 17.92 %).
(with the help of his wife Sandy, and his dear friend Mike Keithley)
I'd like to tell you a story about how the "Guide Dog Kibble Congress" came to be.
It all began when all my previous guide dogs, and Mike's last guide dog, got together during their humans' SVCB meeting.
They all had very specific personalities. Burke was a gentle giant, with a calming personality that usually helped keep life at a peaceful pace. Ferguson was fun-loving, especially wherever water was involved. Copper was calm, unless pigeons were nearby; then all bets were off. Arch liked to take naps. Novelle treated life like a grand epic, running around wildly at every opportunity. Terrance was loyal and alert to danger. Cilla, always hungry, whipped everyone into shape with her tail.
Meanwhile, Mike's dog King oversaw all the goings-on with wisdom and determination.
At this meeting of the humans, some of the dogs became restless.
Ferguson's eyes roamed around the room, imagining what it would be like to have a fountain to play in. "Hmmm..." he thought to himself.
At the same time, Copper saw a movement outside as a pigeon landed on the ledge of a nearby open window. "Hmmm..." she thought. Then another one landed next to it as they contemplated the inviting opening.
Copper's head went up. Burke noticed immediately. "Easy," he said gently.
That might have worked, except right then Ferguson spotted the lever that turned on the indoor sprinklers. He jumped up and ran over to explore the lever, Terrance, right behind. "I wonder how this works?" Ferguson pondered, as he nudged it with his nose. Suddenly, the sprinklers burst on. Novelle began running in enthusiastic circles around the room, and Cilla jumped up, whipping everyone with her powerful tail as she went.
Ferguson treated the water as if it were alive. He snapped at it and missed. Tried again, barked at it as it moved too fast, then bit it harder, convinced that this time he'd catch it. Water sprayed everywhere as he danced through the streams, absolutely delighted. He had won! The water was still spraying, but that didn't matter. Ferguson knew the truth.
Meanwhile, the pigeons had ventured into the room, and Copper couldn't help herself any longer. She leaped up and began chasing them around the room, barking furiously, while shaking water off herself.
Eventually, even chaos gets tired, and so it was that the sprinklers sputtered and shut off as the last pigeon escaped through the open window. Copper collapsed on the floor, soaked, victorious, and very pleased with herself, while Ferguson flopped down, grinning widely at having conquered his quest.
Silence returned, in pieces. Drip... Drip... one soggy kibble rolling across the floor. Then Burke stood up and surveyed the room. Wet noses, soggy tails, and one missing sock no one could explain.
"Well," He said calmly, "we clearly need a new system."
King climbed up in a chair, water still dripping from his ears. "I propose," he said, "that we form a Kibble Congress."
Every head turned.
"The job of the Kibble Congress," King continued, "will be to locate all kibble, rescue what can be rescued, and distribute it fairly. No hoarding. No forgotten bowls. No lost snacks under furniture.
Copper sat up instantly, "Search and retrieval?" she asked.
"Yes," King said.
Copper was on her feet.
Burke nodded. "I will oversee accounting, and make sure no kibble is left uncounted."
Cilla raised a paw, "I'll supervise coordination," she said, "before this, turns into another pigeon incident."
Others volunteered. One dog checked under chairs. Another inspected corners, while someone else bravely looked behind the couch.
And something unexpected happened. They worked together. Wet noses nudged kibble into piles. Paws passed snacks instead of grabbing them. Burke logged, King coordinated, Arch supervised (between naps) and Copper proudly delivered every recovered piece like a treasure.
When it was done, the kibble was evenly distributed. Every dog had a share. No one felt left out.
King smiled. "Meeting adjourned," he said.
But then Burke cleared his throat. "One more item," he said, "According to the logs..." He reached into the original kibble bowl, ... "there is one extra serving.
The room got quiet.
Burke gently set it in the middle of the group. "For the group," he said.
Copper nudged it forward.
King laughed softly, "Well, that's the Kibble Congress at its best, isn't it? Slow progress, unexpected chaos, careful planning, and in the end, everyone sharing the reward."
They ate together. And for once, no one bothered to log the time.
(With thanks to Mike Keithley for supervising the planning of this meeting.)
Those of you who know me know that I have been singing for as long as I could talk. I have been involved in many choirs throughout my life, but recently have found a group which accepts me for who I am. My choir, Rainbow Women's Chorus, is having concerts this January.
Rise: Thirty years of harmony and pride
Friday, January 16 at 7:30 PM, and Saturday, January 17 at 3:00 PM
At the United Methodist Church, 1675 South Winchester Boulevard, Campbell, CA
This is a fundraiser for the choir. Tickets are $20, and you can purchase them via the website
Happy New Year from your LPSGS (Local Phone Service Goodies Sweepstakes) Coordinator.
This is not starting out to be a great New Year for those of you who expect delicious offerings at our 2026 SVCB meetings. Things are looking pretty grim at this point, as unfortunately only four of the ten SVCB members known for bringing snacks have taken the time to enter the 2026 Local Phone Service Goodies Sweepstakes. They don't even seem to be interested in winning our prize. Frankly, our department is shocked! How can these people pass up such an interesting opportunity—plus aren't they concerned about all of the hungry members who are counting on them?
Just so everyone understands what is required, here is a review of Sweepstakes Rules 2 through 4. Please pay close attention!
2. You must specify a month in which you plan to provide goodies—your choice, but if you wait too long another sweepstakes entrant may have already spoken for the month you wanted.
3. You must provide at least 3 dozen of the goodies you wish to bring.
4. Your goodies must be either homemade or purchased from a supermarket that sells outstanding stuff: sub-standard goodies will disqualify you from winning a prize.
After completing this little Rules Refresher Course, all you need to do is contact Bev Clifford by phone at
or by looking up her personal information in your local phone service membership directory to contact her directly. We guarantee that she's a nice person, in case you were worrying about dealing with one of those taciturn and unhelpful service representatives.
Now, for those of you who are willing to try for our prize, remember that there is a secret code embedded in the phone number you heard on your Caller ID a couple months ago. Last month's clue urged you to consider this number carefully to see if there might be another way to think of the braille symbols, perhaps as letters, or as a combination of letters and numbers.
This month, we will add the following:
Look THREE times at the number
715-154-9519.
You'll get a GRADE of A if you figure out this puzzle.
Well, I've practically given away the secret by now, but if nobody finds a solution by February, I'll try to wrack my brain and come up with another clue. But until then, Bev Clifford is looking forward to, hearing from you soon.
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
or visit:
www.theaudiovision.org.
3. TheatreWorks, 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
or email:
boxoffice@theatreworks.org.
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
or visit:
www.borp.org.
-Calendar
January
January 6, 5:30 to 7 PM: Breast cancer support group meeting.
January 17, 9:30 AM to 1 PM: SVCB annual membership meeting, Vista Center San Jose. 2026 administration takes office. Approve 2026 business calendar.
January 17, 1 PM: The Book of Mormon; Golden Gate, Curran, and Orpheum Theatres, described by AudioVision, see notes.
January 19, noon: February SVCB newsletter deadline.
February
February 3, 5:30 to 7 PM: Breast cancer support group meeting. For questions, call Lori Scharff at:
516-887-1336
or email:
lorischarff@gmail.com.
February 5, 7:30 to 9 PM: SVCB Board meeting. SVCB members are invited.
February 16, noon: March newsletter deadline.
February 21, 9:30 AM to 1 PM: SVCB monthly membership meeting, Vista San Jose. Approve 2026 budget. Appoint Picnic Committee, and discuss picnic site.