Division for the Visually Impaired DVI News Spring/Summer 2009 DVI Centennial Celebrations Continue! Sunnybrook Party and Family Fun Day Campers Enjoy DVI Centennial Party On Friday July 19, 2008, over 30 blind or visually impaired youth capped off a week of fun with cake and ice cream commemorating the 100th birthday of the Division. Held in the outdoor pavilion at the Delaware Association of the Blind's (DAB) Landis Lodge on Newport-Gap Pike in Millcreek, the festivities included a "bingo" style game in which campers were asked to provide details of DVI history. Camp Sunnybrook is operated every summer by DAB. The day camp brings together children from all over Delaware to enable them to socialize with their peers, learn new skills and to enjoy being kids. First Annual Family Fun Day On Saturday September 20, DVI held a Family Fun Day at the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls club. The event, aimed at consumers and their families drew an estimated 100 participants. They enjoyed numerous activities including a "moon bounce", face painting, raffle drawings and games. In addition, 12 human service agencies participated by setting up informational booths with program literature and giveaway items. Family Fun Day participants also enjoyed free hot dogs, sodas and other food items throughout the day. The event was coordinated by a dedicated committee of Milford DVI staff led by Employment Services Specialist Dindee Cordeiro. This group secured the venue, planned the day's activities and obtained local organization and business support to cover the cost. Many thanks are due to Boys and Girls club coordinator Mille Charnwick and her staff, who provided outstanding support for the activities. News from Delaware Industries for the Blind (DIB) By Alan Wingrove, Manager We have a few new faces at DIB. Saleh Mohammed has recently begun working in the Sewing/Embroidery department. Karen Weikle and Terry Marsh have returned to DIB. Karen is working in Engraving and Terry is in Customer Sales. All these folks are doing a good job and we are pleased to have them employed. Those seeking employment at DIB should contact Joan Abbott, our Human Resource and Training coordinator, at 302- 255-9857. In December DIB identified our Employee of the Year. Neal Davis, Supervisor of our Custom Framing Department and Quality Control is the recipient of this honor. Neal has done an outstanding job this past year and I would like to extend my congratulations for the fine job he does. Extra, Extra, Extra: Did You Know? NEW TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM Generations Home Care is operating a new transportation program statewide. This program is using new federal funds to provide transportation to disabled Delaware residents of all ages on weekends and holidays when regular public transportation is not available. Riders must have an ADA card, proof of disability or referral from a non- profit agency serving the disabled. Wheelchairs, walkers, canes and ambulatory riders are accepted. The cost is $5 per trip, exact change only. Reservations must be made 7 days in advance, call the numbers below Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New Castle County: 302-658-6731 Kent County: 302-734-7005 Sussex County: 302-856-7774 National Certification for Roxann Williams DVI Milford Office employee Roxann Williams works fulltime assisting blind and visually impaired persons to gain or maintain their independence by providing adaptive living skills training, low vision services, sensitivity training and advocacy. She is the second rehabilitation instructor employed by the division to achieve national accreditation in her field. Over the last three years, she has completed the required studies and training, including a 1000 hour supervised internship, two Braille courses, and testing, to achieve accreditation. The Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) began offering certification in 2000 to low vision therapists, orientation and mobility specialists, and vision rehabilitation therapists. Only about 3,600 professionals across the nation have achieved this distinction. In a relatively young field, the certification is designed according to ACVREPÉ"to improve service delivery to persons with vision impairment and offer certificants the means to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and professionalism." GO GREEN! DVI VIEWS Available Electronically You can help our agency conserve resources and help the environment by getting future issues of this newsletter electronically. Let us know your e-mail address by calling Jack Holloway at 302-255-9821 or contacting him by e-mail at jack.holloway@state.de.us. Future issues of DVI Views will be sent to you in a PDF and text-only format. Delaware's First Audible Pedestrian Signals Editor's note: This is a follow up to two earlier DVI Views articles on Audible Pedestrian Signals (APS) Two audible pedestrian signals have been installed by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT), one in New Castle County and one in Sussex. Newark's first audible pedestrian signal has been installed at the intersection of Elkton Road and Apple Road. The second audible signal installed is located at the intersection of Route 1 and Postal Lane near the Midway Shopping Center in Lewes. A handful of others have been requested. DELDOT is continuing to accept and prioritize requests for audible signals throughout the state. Guidelines and the request form are available on the DELDOT website: www.deldot.gov. However, due to the state's current budget shortfall the agency has indicated there will be no additional signals installed until fiscal year 2010. Focus on a Consumer: Bruce Fisher Bruce Fisher is a busy man. By day he is a Probation Counselor in the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families, Youth Rehabilitative Services Division. After regular work hours he is a foster parent (along with his wife Kathy) and the Executive Director of Fisher Transitional Services, a non profit agency aimed at providing a wide array of services to youth who "age out" of the foster care system. Interestingly, this successful, busy man attributes much of what he has accomplished to his blindness. He realized he had a visual impairment after he was hit by a car as he was crossing the street (he hadn't seen it at all). A trip to the eye doctor resulted in a diagnosis of Retinitis Pigementosa. Bruce said it took a while, but the disease, "pulled me back, settled me down". Very active in football and basketball as a youth, Bruce went through some wild times growing up near Chester, PA. He was rebellious, angry and embarrassed by his visual disability. He admits to drinking and smoking to excess, initially rejecting continued contact from the Pennsylvania Blind and Visual Services Office (BVS). Bruce says he was so embarrassed that for a two year period he never went into a store, afraid that his blindness would be evident. Eventually, he swallowed his pride and contacted BVS for mobility training, with the requirement that he could do it at night in a neighborhood other than his own. Bruce credits much of the turnaround in his life to meeting his future wife Kathy at a party given by his brother. At first he couldn't bring himself to disclose his disability to her. She only found out when she observed Bruce cutting a neighbor's grass by accident. Kathy finished the yard for him realizing he couldn't see. Now that she knew his secret, it brought them closer together. Not long afterward, they moved to Delaware where Bruce began his association with the Division for the Visually Impaired. At this point (the mid-late 1980's) his case worker was Helen Harper. As he remembers it now Bruce says he, "put Helen through hell". At that point he was still drinking and was resistant to much of what she was trying to do for him. She eventually convinced him to accept counseling which, along with the patience and support of his wife, began the process of turning his life around. His wife's co- worker knew that Judge Gebelein's restaurant at Bellevue on the Park was in need of a dishwasher, and Bruce was able to get the job. The simple fact of being employed and contributing to the household was a major ego boost. Bruce enrolled in a criminal justice course at Delaware Technical and Community College and graduated with an associates degree in 1994. As part of his studies at Del Tech, Bruce interviewed then Wilmington Chief of Police Guy Sapp. Not long after Bruce graduated with his criminal justice degree, Sapp was named director of Youth Rehabilitative Services (YRS). Upon hearing that he was looking for work, Mr. Sapp interviewed him and eventually hired Bruce as a juvenile probation officer. Now in his 15th year, Bruce speaks glowingly of the Division and the opportunities it has afforded him, including helping him complete a BA in criminal justice at the University of Delaware. Bruce appreciates how accommodating and supportive YRS management has been over the years, which has given him the extra responsibility of coordinating community events and service projects. Bruce enjoys his work as a juvenile probation officer, but initially found the work challenging. When new clients found out he was blind, they sometimes tried to take advantage of him. Bruce established his reputation in the community quickly by telling his clients, "I don't need my vision to know you aren't going to school". Bruce says, "Once I started locking kids up, they took me serious". Now he feels respected both in the community and his Division which rewarded him in 2003 as Employee of the Year. Besides the support of his employer, Bruce has praise for DVI staff for their support and encouragement over the years and particularly mentions Helen Harper, Joan Markow and John Hannum. Bruce said that the best support he received from DVI was, "encouragement", and knowing that, "somebody out there cared". His message to DVI consumers is a saying attributed to his pastor: "If you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done. For me, I had to do something different to get out of my comfort zoneÉDVI is a tremendous support, but you have to take the first step." Bruce says that people must realize that anger over their condition is normal, but you must cope with it and take the first step. As for the future, Bruce envisions the day when Fisher Transition Services grows big enough that it is a full time job. He's come a long way from his wild days as a troubled youth in Chester, but Bruce Fisher now has the confidence and track record to make a big difference in the lives of many Delaware teenagers. Support Groups for the Blind Would you like to meet with other blind and visually impaired Delawareans to talk about some of the problems you are facing as a person with vision loss? Peer-facilitated support groups of blind and visually impaired persons meet on a regular basis in each county, as follows: New Castle County: 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Location: ldersgate Methodist Church, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 19803 Kent County: 2nd and 4th Friday, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Location: Heritage House 1203 Walker Road, Dover, 19904 Sussex County: 3rd Thursday, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Location: 26089 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, 19966 If there is sufficient interest in specific locations, other groups can be formed. Please give Peer Support Coordinator Debbie Briddell a call at (302) 654-1376 if you have any questions about this ongoing program. ADVOCATES CORNER Editor's Note: Longtime advocate for the blind and visually impaired Melissa Shahan, Director of the Client Assistance Program for United Cerebral Palsy, died on July 12, 2008. The following article is a remembrance of Melissa. Remembering Melissa By Deborah Briddell, former chair, State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) I met Melissa Shahan when I became involved in the State Rehabilitation Council. At the time I joined, she was serving as Chair. I soon became Chair and she served as Past Chair, a very valuable resource. We worked together on many projects, the first being the Triannual Needs Assessment. We spent many hours developing the assesment then making calls to complete that survey. We then became involved in CSAVR, as well a NCSRC. This entailed making road trips to Bethesda, MD and once to the outskirts of Alexandria, VA. We were almost where we needed to be, but found ourselves (just the two of us) lost. With no information but a hotel name, we found ourselves pondering how we'd get to the hotel. Melissa then told a story about how a relative had once gotten lost in the city and had hired a taxi to guide them. BINGO! That's exactly what we did. Melissa became sick towards the end of last year. She was out a good while before I realized she was out on sick leave. I went to visit one afternoon, after the JFC hearing. I went to spend time with her as well as to participate in a tele-conference, one of many we'd participated in. We had an enjoyable lunch of tuna sandwiches, applesauce and hot chocolate. In talking we discovered that was a comfort meal for both of our families, hers being Native American, mine being African American. We shared many personal experiences that afternoon, drawing us even closer. Once Melissa returned to work, she had to give up driving because of her diminished vision. We would often meet on the Paratransit bus. Our last meeting was on the Thursday before her death. She was telling me she'd just gotten new glasses. She told me that it appeared she had been driving around with far less vision than she'd thought; me the trusty rider, she, the half-blind driver. We had a good laugh over that. As CAP director, it was Melissa's job to help those having trouble with the vocational rehabilitation program. She was very dedicated to her work, as she was with all the councils and commissions she served on. It was her mission to see that those with disabilities, including herself, were part of the mainstream community with all the rights and privileges they were entitled to. As Chair of SRC, I will work to continue keeping her mission alive. Melissa, we love and miss you. Focus on a Condition: Cataracts Note: This information was developed by the National Eye Institute to help patients and their families search for general information about cataracts. An eye care professional who has examined the patient's eyes and is familiar with his or her medical history is the best person to answer specific questions. (Editor's Note: You may also contact the Division for the Visually Impaired at 302-255-9800 for more information) Cataract Defined What is a cataract? A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. What is the lens? The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the retina, light is changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The lens must be clear for the retina to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image you see will be blurred. Causes and Risk Factors What causes cataracts? The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil (see diagram). It works much like a camera lens. It focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is made of mostly water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see. Researchers suspect that there are several causes of cataract, such as smoking and diabetes. Or, it may be that the protein in the lens just changes from the wear and tear it takes over the years. Symptoms and Detection What are the symptoms of a cataract? The most common symptoms of a cataract are: 1.) Cloudy or blurry vision. 2.) Colors seem faded. 3.) Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear around lights. 4.) Poor night vision. 5.) Double vision or multiple images in one eye. (This symptom may clear as the cataract gets larger.) 6.) Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses. These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems. If you have any of these symptoms, check with your eye care professional. Treatment How is a cataract treated? The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV. You and your eye care professional can make this decision together. Once you understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right for you. In most cases, delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to your eye or make the surgery more difficult. You do not have to rush into surgery. What can I do if I already have lost some vision from cataract? If you have lost some sight from cataract or cataract surgery, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision. Ask for a referral to a specialist in low vision. Current Research What research is being done? The National Eye Institute is conducting and supporting a number of studies focusing on factors associated with the development of age-related cataract. These studies include: 1.) The effect of sunlight exposure, which may be associated with an increased risk of cataract. 2.) Vitamin supplements, which have shown varying results in delaying the progression of cataract. 3.) Genetic studies, which show promise for better understanding cataract development. Employee Recognition Award The DVI Recognition Committee is pleased to announce the winner of the Employee Recognition Award for the first half of fiscal year 2009. For the period July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 the award goes to Employment Services Specialist Dindee Cordeiro. Nominated by VR supervisor Helen Harper, Dindee was cited for accomplishments in numerous areas. Specifically Dindee was recognized for chairing the, "Family Fun Day" held Saturday September 20, 2008 at the Boys and Girls Club in Oak Orchard. Chairing this committee pushed Dindee far beyond her comfort zone, as she contacted numerous organizations and businesses to contribute money and or goods for the event. Family Fun Day was attended by over 100 persons and successfully brought together our transition parents with agency staff to familiarize them with the full spectrum of DVI services as well as numerous other service providers who participated. Finally, Dindee was recognized for her work with a student (who has been diagnosed with a multiple personality disorder) which resulted in obtaining part-time employment. Dindee continuously treats this consumer with respect and worked feverishly with the student until she was finally able to secure her a job interview with a community employer. Dindee is extremely respectful and demonstrates compassion for all consumers regardless of their particular circumstances. DVI Focus on VR Services VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) services are a major component of the Division for the Visually Impaired. DVI receives an annual allocation of state and federal funds to help blind and visually impaired consumers acquire skills to become employable and/or secure jobs. Consumers are made eligible based on their visual disability, their need for VR services, and their intent to work. A VR counselor and an eligible individual work in partnership to jointly identify a realistic employment objective consistent with the individual's skills, abilities, capabilities, aptitude, particular interests, concerns and resources. Services may include: 1.) Assessment to evaluate visual needs, skills, abilities, functional capacities and personality traits so that the consumer can make informed choices about which career options are best for them. 2.) Counseling and guidance to enable individuals to explore various types of low vision aids and other assistive technology to maximize their visual capacities and/or accommodate total blindness. 3.) Training to acquire adjustment skills to blindness, vocational training or post secondary education to prepare for employment in today's labor market. 4.) Job placement services help consumers develop a job search plan, write a resume, practice interviewing, and locate appropriate job leads in line with their employment interests. 5.) Rehabilitation technology services are provided for job-site assessment of reasonable accommodations, procurement of appropriate assistive technology devices, and training in the use of adapted equipment to afford low vision and blind employees the ability to perform their jobs competitively and efficiently in an independent manner. 6.) Post-employment follow up after consumers have achieved their employment goals serves as a resource to both employees and employers to ensure job stability and retention as job demands and responsibilities change. As of November, 2008, our register reflects 2,953 severely visually impaired and/or blind individuals in Delaware that qualify for services. There are 1,054 individuals between the ages of 14-64. Historically less than 8% of those who might be eligible for VR services participate in the program. VR staff has undertaken a number of targeted initiatives to help consumers become job ready including: 1.) Attending job fairs to market the skills and abilities of consumers. 2.) Developing partnerships with employers such as Wilmington Trust and Christiana Care Health Services. EVENTS MARCH 6 11:00 a.m. Governor's Advisory Council on the Blind, Smyrna State Service Center, 200 S. DuPont Boulevard, Suite 101, Smyrna, DE 19977. 12 11:30 a.m. Independent Living Advisory Council, Delaware Department of Transportation Administration Building 800 Bay Road, Dover, 19901. 14 11:00 a.m. Delaware Association of Blind Athletes 7th Annual Day of Ice Skating Harrington Ice Arena, State Fairgrounds Harrington, 19952. 19 12 Noon State Rehabilitation Council, Buena VistaConference Center 661 S. DuPont Highway, New Castle 19720. 19 2:30 p.m. State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, DVI Conference Room, 1901 N. DuPont Highway and via video conference at Government Support Services Building 100 Enterprise Place, Suite 4 Dover 19904. APRIL 3 11:00 a.m. Governor's Advisory Council on the Blind, Smyrna State Service Center, 200 S. DuPont Boulevard, Suite 101, Smyrna, DE 19977. 16 2:30 p.m. State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, DVI Conference Room, 1901 N. DuPont Highway and via video conference at Government Support Services Building 100 Enterprise Place, Suite 4 Dover, 19904. MAY 2 10:30 a.m. Delaware Association of Blind Athletes "DABA Dash 5K Run/Walk." Brandywine Park, N. Park Drive and Van Buren St. Wilmington 19801. 2 12:30 p.m. Division for the Visually Impaired Centennial Celebration and Awards Ceremony. Brandywine Park, N. Park Drive and Van Buren St. Wilmington 19801. 21 2:30 p.m., State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, DVI Conference Room 1901 N. DuPont Highway and via video conference at Government Support Services Building 100 Enterprise Place, Suite 4 Dover, 19904. JUNE 12 Noon State Rehabilitation Council, Buena Vista Conference Center 661 S. DuPont Highway, New Castle, 19720. 18 2:30 p.m., State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, DVI Conference Room 1901 N. DuPont Highway and via video conference at Government Support Services Building 100 Enterprise Place, Suite 4 Dover, 19904. JULY 16 2:30 p.m., State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, DVI Conference Room 1901 N. DuPont Highway and via video conference at Government Support Services Building 100 Enterprise Place, Suite 4 Dover, 19904. AUGUST 20 :30 p.m. State Use Law Commission, Biggs Building, DVI Conference Room 1901 N. DuPont Highway and via video conference at Government Support Services Building 100 Enterprise Place, Suite 4 Dover, 19904. All these dates are subject to change. Please call the nearest DVI office or check the DVI website: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dvi/calevents.html Join Us for the 7th Annual Ice Skating Party Funded by: Delaware Association of Blind Athletes Where: Delaware State Fair Ice Rink, Harrington When: Saturday, March 14th, 2009 11AM Ñ 1PM Who: Visually Impaired, bring your immediate family (ice skate rental will be provided) Snack Bar will be open to those wishing to purchase food and beverages. Please RSVP to Sharon at 424-7257 or email sharon.coutu@state.de.us or Shawn at 424- 7258 or email shawn.musgrove@state.de.us DVI VIEWS Division for the Visually Impaired, Delaware Health and Social Services Cynthia Lovell, Director Bob Goodhart, Deputy Director Debra Simpson, Elisha Jenkins, Jack Holloway, Tanya Nicole Servis, Editorial Staff http://www.state.de.us/dhss/dvi/index.html Please share, recycle or dispose of this document properly