FEBRUARY 2010 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1

Newsletter for the Earle Baum Center Serving People With Sight Loss

(707) 523-3222 ebc@earlebaum.org

Recognizing the critical need for additional low vision services in the North Bay and be-yond, the Ca. Dept. of Rehabilitation, using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, has awarded the Earle Baum Cen-ter a start up grant to open a Low Vision Clinic at our Santa Rosa campus. These funds have been combined with a grant from the Bothin Foundation of San Fran-cisco to remodel and outfit part of our exist-ing Tech Center as a state-of-the-art facility.

A low vision examination, often the first step in vision rehabilitation, is designed to accu-rately measure how your vision works in the real world; how well you can see faces, street signs, newspaper print, stove dials and all the other visual clues that guide you through the day. This evaluation will estab-lish the baselines for all future training and provide the necessary information so you can plan and proceed in making informed decisions in your life.

Additional questions assess your ability to manage the tasks and activities of daily liv-ing. Can you travel independently? Can you safely shop for and prepare your own meals? Are you able to independently make phone calls, take medication and manage your financial tasks? Are you able to fully participate in hobbies, social or employ-ment-related activities?

This information enables the doctor, work-ing with a Low Vision Therapist, to pre-

scribe vision aids that will best meet your individual needs. These might include pre-scription eyeglasses, hand held or desk top magnifiers, specialized lighting, or other as-sistive devices.

In addition to training with these devices, our vision rehabilitation professionals can offer guidance with activities that you may no longer be able to do visually. Many tasks can continue to be done visually with prac-tice and patience. For some tasks, alterna-tive, non-visual solutions can be learned.

Not surprisingly, most of the publicly avail-able funding for vision rehabilitation ser-vices has been directed to urban areas with higher population densities. Until now, a resident of Northern or Western Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino and most of Napa Coun-ties faces a bus trip of several hours to reach the nearest Low Vision Clinic in San Francisco, Berkeley or Sacramento. For some individuals with sight loss, two days of travel along with overnight accommodations can be impossible. For others it can be a daunting and expensive burden. Our Low Vision Clinic based in Santa Rosa will allow most of these individuals to reach the clinic, receive services and travel home in a single day. Initially, the Low Vision Clinic will be open Mondays beginning in late March.

To check your eligibility for a Low Vision Ex-amination, contact your counselor at the California Department of Rehabilitation or call the EBC at (707) 523-3222.

Low Vision Clinic Opens!

Back Up From a Downhill Run Along with the general information, tips and news we bring you, we like to include a pro-file of a student, or ex-student whose story we find inspirational. We all agree that among our 2009 clients, there was no one who worked harder, accomplished more or brought a better, more positive outlook than Scott Murray.

Scott was born in San Jose and graduated from Piedmont High. After graduation, Scott enrolled in UC Riverside to study electrical engineering. It was there that what seemed like a skateboarding adventure with friends down a steep hill turned into a nightmare.

Traveling at a rapid speed, Scott lost control and hit his head on a curb, losing con-sciousness and falling into a coma for a month. During his recovery, and unable to see, a brief note of optimism was struck when the hospital brought him a giant size alphabetical keyboard, on which Scott was able to spell out his full name. This mystifies Scott to this day as his sight has never re-turned.

After three months of hospitalization, and still with no recollection of the accident, Scott entered a long period of rehabilitation including speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

With his father’s San Jose home located far from any public transportation, the family decided it would be best to have Scott move in with his grandparents in Windsor, close enough to attend classes at the EBC.

Scott was enrolled for counseling, Orienta-tion and Mobility training, classes in inde-pendent living and communications skills as well as numerous hours of assistive tech-nology training. Realizing the value of writ-ten communication, Scott also spent many hours studying Braille.

In addition to all the academic programs, Scott was also an active participant in many of the social and recreational activities at the EBC. Led by his love of music, Scott would bring his guitar to accompany the EBC drummers at their Wednesday ses-sions. He was also present at most summer barbecues and helped us celebrate at our annual Americana music festival, EarleFest. His rapid advancement through the rehabili-tation process made him a perfect candi-date for a guide dog. After attending training in San Rafael last fall, Scott is now accom-panied by his beautiful German Shepard guide, Gardner. Now back at UC Riverside, Scott has re-entered the electrical engineering program and looks forward to graduating in June of 2011. Although it is still a bit early to fully set his future course, Scott sees the possibility of a career working in the design of accessi-bility products. With his quick mind, his can-do attitude, a constant positive attitude and the sheer charm of his personality, we are all certain that whatever direction his future takes him, success, along with Gardner, will be his constant companion. A Timely Reminder To remind Americans about the importance of safeguarding their eyesight, the US Con-gress in 1963 passed legislation that au-thorizes and requests the President to pro-claim the first week in March of each year as "Save Your Vision Week". Make sure your vision is the best it can be. Don’t wait until March to remember to protect your vi-sion by having a routine eye exam. Put a visit to your eye care professional on your “to do” list today.

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The Rising Risks of Falling Californians are living longer than ever. A Californian who reaches age 65 can look forward to an average of 20.4 more years of life. For most, the quality of those years is as important as their number. Being able to live independently is a key part of healthy aging for many older people. Falls are surprisingly common among older Californians. Falls are the most common cause of injury related deaths for the elderly and result in high rates of hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Of Californians age 65 and over, almost 12% fell more than once in the previous year. Nationally, about one-third of older adults fall each year, and of those who fall, 20-30% suffer moderate to severe injuries. The likelihood of severe consequences from falling increases with age. Adults age 75 and older who fall are four to five times more likely than their younger counterparts to be admitted to a long-term care facility for at least one year. Even older persons who have fallen and not injured themselves may develop a fear of falling. This fear can lead to reduced social activity and isolation. Falls can affect one’s ability to function independently in society and can compromise healthy aging. Older Californians with chronic health con-ditions are more likely to have multiple falls than others. Older persons who suffer from at least one health condition, like diabetes, heart disease or stroke are almost twice as likely to have multiple falls. Income is another factor associated with multiple falls among older Californians. Those with household incomes below the federal poverty level are more than twice as likely to have multiple falls than those in the highest income households. This is espe-cially important because low income elders

also have the most problems accessing care which might affect treatment and re-covery from falls. Finally, older Californians in households with three or more persons are more likely to have multiple falls than those in smaller households. Other studies document that falling is also associated with a history of falls, muscle weakness, gait and balance deficits, use of an assistive device, visual deficits, arthritis, limitations in household activities, depression, taking certain medi-cations, and cognitive impairment. Environ-mental conditions, such as poor lighting, un-even surfaces and clutter may also increase the risk of falls. There are many proven strategies for pre-venting falls among older adults. Interven-tions targeted to older adults with moderate to high risk can reduce falls by over 30%. Such programs include regular physical ac-tivity incorporating cardio-vascular endur-ance, muscular strength, flexibility and/or balance. Also important are medication re-view when older adults take four or more medications or any psychoactive drugs, eye exams at least once a year, and home as-sessment and modifications that improve lighting, reduce hazards like clutter and add supportive features such as grab bars. Over the next 30 years the baby-boom gen-eration will enter old age and the number of older persons in California will double. State and local policymakers need to address the challenges to healthy aging now as an in-vestment in both the well-being of current older persons, and the costs and well-being of the coming generation of elders. The Earle Baum Center offers a fall preven-tion class series several times each year. To find out more about this program and the schedule, contact the EBC at 523-3222. 3

The Low Vision Exam Low Vision is a bilateral impairment to vi-sion that significantly impairs the functioning of the patient and cannot be adequately corrected medically, surgically, or with ther-apy, conventional eyewear or contact lenses. It is often a loss of sharpness or acuity but may also be a loss of field of vi-sion, light sensitivity, distorted vision or loss of contrast. Low vision often may occur as a result of birth defects, injury, the aging process or as a complication of disease. Advances in computer technology and elec-tronics have resulted in new adaptive tech-nologies. Existing technologies have be-come more user friendly. For many, a criti-cal step to further progress toward these advanced programs and, for some, the de-velopment of job skills and eventual em-ployment, is a Low Vision Evaluation. A Low Vision Evaluation does not cure the cause of the vision problem but rather seeks to utilize the remaining vision to its fullest potential. Low vision clinics prescribe prescription eyewear, filters, microscopic and telescopic eyewear, magnifiers, adap-tive equipment, closed circuit television sys-tems, independent living aids, training and counseling for patients. The goals of the low vision exam include assessing the func-tional needs, capabilities and limitations of the patient’s visual system, assessing ocu-lar and systemic diseases and their impact on vision, and evaluating and prescribing low vision systems and therapies. Low Vision Rehabilitation is a team effort often involving the Low Vision Specialist, re-habilitation teachers, Orientation and Mobil-ity specialists, and other professionals as needed. A Certified Low Vision Therapist completes the functional low vision evalua-tion by providing instruction in the use of

adaptive equipment that enhances visual function and/or compensates for loss of vi-sion through tactual and/or auditory means. Many employed people experiencing sight loss cannot imagine that they can continue performing their jobs. Some leave prema-turely while others continue working without knowing whether it is in vain. A Low Vision Evaluation will often reduce fears, establish greater confidence and excite people to learn adaptive techniques to continue with career choices. Another key part is educat-ing and counseling the patient, family and other care providers, providing an under-standing of the visual functioning. In addi-tion to government contracts, the Clinic will operate on a fee for service model, drawing reimbursement from individuals, Medicare and private insurance payments. For the short term, the Low Vision Clinic will increase the number of individuals who are able to achieve or maintain employment and increase the ability of many to continue to live a full life without depending on friends, family and the community to help provide their day to day needs. Long term benefits include significant sav-ings in medical expenses by reducing com-mon mistakes such as misreading medica-tion labels, improving mobility and decreas-ing falls and other accidents, and generally improving the ability of the individual to “age in place”. Additionally, the ability of some of these clients to productively enter, re-enter or remain in the workplace not only will have a positive impact on the economy, but also will provide a more diverse and inclu-sive workplace and community. For more information about scheduling a Low Vision examination, contact your Ca. Department of Rehabilitation counselor or call the EBC at (707) 523-3222. 4

Floaters Floaters are tiny clumps of fibers or cells in-side the vitreous, the clear gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye. They can appear as little dots, circles, lines, clouds or cob-webs. You may see small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision. While they look as if they are in front of your eye, they are actually floating inside it. What you see are the shadows they cast on the retina, the layer of cells lining the back of the eye that senses light and allows you to see. The most common cause of floaters is ag-ing. When people reach middle age, the vit-reous gel may start to condense or shrink, forming clumps or strands from the suppor-tive fibers of the vitreous. The vitreous gel pulls away from the back wall of the eye, causing a posterior vitreous detachment. While this detachment is more common in older people, people who are nearsighted and those who have had inflammation in-side the eye, it is not serious. These floaters are harmless and usually fade over time or become less bothersome. However, floaters may also be a symptom of a retinal tear, which is a serious problem. Sometimes, a minute amount of bleeding may occur if the shrinking vitreous gel pulls a small blood vessel away from the wall of the eye. These blood cells in the eye may appear as new floaters. However, the retina itself may also tear, causing a retinal de-tachment, which results in loss of vision unless it is treated. The appearance of floaters should not be ignored, especially if they develop very sud-denly. It is advisable for you to contact your eye doctor regardless of your age to deter-mine the cause.

Talking Banknote Identifier Orbit Research has a new Talking Banknote Identifier for use by people with sight loss.

The pager-sized iBill is priced at $99 and weighs 1.5 ounces. Orbit

says that the iBill is extremely accurate and works in less than one second in most cases. The unit can identify all U.S. bank-notes in circulation in any orientation. The denomination is announced in a clear voice, or by tone or vibration for privacy. Bank-notes in poor physical condition are indi-cated as unidentifiable and are not misread. The unit is upgradeable to recognize new banknote designs and is designed for easy and intuitive use without the need for train-ing or practice. It runs up to one year on an AAA battery and comes with a one year warranty and toll-free customer support. More information is available at (888) 606-7248 or on the web site at www.orbitresearch.com/23328.html.

Mac D and Heredity

As the most common cause of vision loss among people over the age of 60, macular degeneration impacts millions of older adults every year. You may be three times as likely to develop the condition if you have a close relative who has the disease. How-ever, the disease does not necessarily pro-gress in the same way in all family mem-bers. Early detection of macular degenera-tion gives you the best options for success-ful treatment and stabilization of the condi-tion in the future. You should have regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist or op-tometrist for early detection of the disease. If you experience any sudden vision changes, contact your doctor immediately.

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From the Center Allan Brenner, President/CEO

2010 is a new decade and for me, a decade of hope. I am not looking to bring back harsh memories, and certainly 2000 to 2009 was not all bad, but most of us witnessed too much tur-moil and pain. It began

with a firestorm of fear about the impending impact of Y2K. Experts prepared the public to anticipate a systematic failure of technol-ogy that would bring things driven by com-puters to a halt. The problem was simple; computers were not set up to roll into 2000 and as such, we were told they would all fail. That did not take place but set a nega-tive tone for the new millennium. Shortly following that non-incident, we faced some of the worst non-natural tragedies in my lifetime including the Twin Towers at-tack, two still unresolved wars, challenges to our Constitution, and the perfect storm of extreme greed leading to a near collapse of our financial system, sub-prime mortgage failures causing many to lose their homes, demise of much of our manufacturing sector and terrible unemployment. The health care system was failing, leaving many with seri-ous illnesses bankrupt. Awareness of the potential impact of global warming came to the forefront and people were suffering worldwide. The decade was filled with pes-simism, tragedy, loss and hopelessness. I am grateful to have moved into a new dec-ade. I am optimistic that some of the worst is behind us and we have many reasons to look ahead. Two of them directly impact those we serve at the EBC. First, entering our second decade with im-portant growth, the EBC will be opening our Low Vision Clinic in February or shortly

thereafter. It will be the only such clinic north of the Golden Gate Bridge providing comprehensive vision examinations and training for people with sight loss, The goal is to evaluate and understand an individ-ual’s remaining sight so we can help them best utilize it. The process can include a comprehensive exam by an optometrist to measure acuity, evaluate various low vision aids, prescribe recommended solutions and provide necessary training. The team ap-proach will include a Low Vision Optome-trist and Low Vision Therapists. We expect to help many new people dealing with sight loss. Next, in this decade, we will likely see some very big breakthroughs in treatments of de-bilitating eye conditions. Those who know me are aware that I do not put much energy thinking about promises of new treatments and medicines for eye diseases. Twenty years ago, after learning about the research being conducted, I would say, “perhaps in twenty years, we will see successful treat-ments”. Well, it has been twenty years and I actually believe we are getting close to some real gains. So, I feel optimistic that some people reading this will benefit during this decade from the years of research and there may be a good basis for hope. Upon returning to the EBC from our holiday break, I had the thrill of reading some very touching letters and heard some very inspir-ing stories. I read about the success of our “village” reversing a tragic situation into a hopeful and exciting one. A teacher shared her excitement about observing a client, ini-tially very resistant to our services, but re-luctantly agreeing to give them a try, doing things independently that he never thought possible. I have personally run across for-mer clients independently crossing busy

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From the Center cont.

intersections, shopping, taking public transit and doing normal activities. I have seen for-mer clients visit the EBC to share their sto-ries and thrills and express gratitude. There is nothing so heartwarming as finding out that the hard work and commitment of the EBC staff is making real life differences to many. I feel strongly that our remarkable staff and volunteers at the EBC are doing their part to “make a difference”. I also know that many others are doing the same. With commit-ment, optimism, hope and hard work, I think this decade can be a turning point in the lives of many.

Prescription Solution Currently, there are many people who have difficulty reading or understanding the con-tents and instructions of their prescription medications. The small print and look-alike packaging of medicine vials can lead to confusion and mistakes. En-Vision America has created a solution to this serious issue with ScripTalk Station. At the pharmacy, a Talking Label is applied to the bottom of a prescription bottle. At home, the user presses a button on the ScripTalk Station and places the special Talking Label over the reader. The Station then provides audio descriptions of the in-formation on their prescription vial including drug name, dosage and instructions, warn-ings and contraindications, pharmacy infor-mation, doctor’s name and prescription number and date. Contact your pharmacy to see if they offer this service. For more information on how to have your pharmacy participate and issue your prescriptions with a ScripTalk Station, visit envisionamerica.com, or call 800-890-1180.

Out and About Beryl Brown, Lead Volunteer We were on our way to the opera at the Ri-alto Theater when my friend pointed out the Colibri Grill Café, in a small strip mall at the northeast corner of Montgomery Dr. and Summerfield Rd. She had heard good things about it so we decided to give it a try. We have been back three times since. The menu ranges from salads to barbecue, with grilled seafood, jambalaya, fish and chips, and Cajun hot links as well as Mexi-can items. I had one of the best Philly cheese steak sandwiches since moving here for just $9.99. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and are worth a visit at 4233 Montgomery Dr. Reservations are not needed. Service is friendly and take out ser-vice is available. Telephone 538-2736.

EBC Family Update It is our pleasure to update a story from our August edition. Instructor Denise Vancil is pleased to report that husband Ben is no longer a student, having passed the California Bar Exam. He not only passed

the Bar the first time around, but in this tough economy, has obtained a part-time job working as a lawyer with a California Workers’ Compensation lawyer in his pri-vate practice. We are also pleased to con-gratulate Denise on completing her first ten years as an instructor here at the Earle Baum Center.

Early Achiever By the time Louis Braille was 15, he pub-lished the first ever Braille book in 1929, then went on to add symbols for math and music in 1937. 7

New Travel Aid ClickAndGo Maps has been launched after a year of development. The technology is claimed to be the blind and deaf blind trav-elers’ equivalent to Yahoo or Google Direc-tions. It provides fully accessible walking di-rections for both indoor and outdoor route guidance, custom-compiled with the blind and deaf blind traveler in mind. According to the company, ClickAndGo Wayfinding Maps render public facilities such as schools, air-ports, and hotels accessible to blind and deaf blind travelers down to a level of detail that is currently unparalleled. By selecting a starting point and destina-tion, directions are presented in a clear and detailed narrative, offering travelers the specific orientation information they need to walk a desired route independently. These directions can be easily downloaded from the fully accessible website, or can be ob-tained by using the voice activated technol-ogy with a standard telephone. All route di-rections are prepared by mobility special-ists, incorporating terminology, technique recommendations, and landmarking cues that are exclusively intended to assist blind travelers. This service is free for blind and deaf blind users, is provided by participating institu-tions and requires no special equipment for access. Facilities are charged a licensing fee, and are then able to expand their data-base of routes. All routes can be accessed via the website using a screen reader, or via telephone. The call-in feature uses interac-tive voice response technology so route in-formation can be delivered very simply, even by cell phone. For more information, call (212) 365-6902 or visit the website at www.clickandgomaps.com.

Old Trail, New Accessibility One of many underappreciated treasures here at the EBC is our walking trail, named in memory of Michele Kern, an early and

much loved in-structor at the EBC. Starting just beyond the office building doors, a trail walker embarks on this eighth mile loop near

the EBC vegetable gardens and continues along the old apple orchard, past the huge legacy oak and the winter rain-filled vernal pools, rejoining the pavement near the bar-becue pad. The unique gravel surface has served as a tactile way for trail users to dis-tinguish the path from the surrounding fields and grassy areas. Today, the Michele Trail has been made even more accessible through the organiza-tion and hard work of Colin Caskey, son of local ophthalmologist and EBC Board mem-ber Patrick Caskey. Colin, for his Eagle Scout project, chose to add a rope guide along the Michele Trail’s outer edge. Com-pleted over the winter holidays with the aid of fellow Scouts, the new guide is already having a positive impact at the EBC. “I think it’s awesome,” says Technology and Fitness Instructor Jeff Harrington. “It feels good to the touch and should encourage many more people who were unsure or fearful to take advantage of the trail.” So far this winter, sightings from the Mich-ele Trail include a large flock of wild turkeys, numerous egrets and even a few herons. We thank Colin for this valuable contribu-tion.

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Motion Picture Access Over 30 years ago, WGBH, Boston's public broadcasting station, revolutionized televi-sion and video for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing by providing program dia-logue as text or "captions" on the lower third of the television screen. WGBH then devel-oped a tool to enable people with sight loss access to visual images. The result was the introduction of Descriptive Video Service or DVS in 1990. DVS provides narrated de-scriptions of key visual elements during pauses in the soundtrack of a program. To-gether these two technologies enable thirty-six million people to fully enjoy television programming independently.

WGBH then developed new technologies that make it possible for movie theaters to provide closed captions and descriptive nar-ration for deaf and blind patrons, without the need for special prints or screenings or al-tering the experience for the general audi-ence. Collectively these systems are known as Motion Picture Access or MoPix. Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons use transpar-ent acrylic panels attached to their seats that reflect the captions from a text display which is mounted in the rear of a theater.

For individuals with sight loss, DVS Theatri-cal delivers descriptive narration via infrared or FM listening systems, enabling them to hear the descriptive narration on headsets without disturbing other audience members. The descriptions provide narrated informa-tion about key visual elements such as ac-tions, settings, and scene changes, making movies more meaningful.

Based on tremendous industry and con-sumer response, theatre circuits have be-gun installing these technologies nationwide as well as in Canada. WGBH is working with all the major studios and exhibitors to encourage them to adopt these technolo-

gies and make closed captions and descrip-tive narration available for even more films on an ongoing basis. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment announced in the fall of 2009 that it would include the descriptive narra-tion track created for theaters equipped with MoPix systems on DVD and Blu-Ray ver-sions of those films. Universal Pictures has committed to the same practice. A list of ac-cessible DVDs is available from WGBH at their web site: http://main.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/mag/resources/accessible-dvds.html.

Consumers are encouraged to contact the National Association of Theatre Owners and the Motion Picture Association of America to let them know there is an audience of movie fans eager to enjoy films on the big screen.

New Stadium, New Solutions As a service to guests who are deaf, hear-ing impaired, blind, or low vision, Dallas Cowboys Stadium has been equipped with a new advanced assistive listening system and mobile captioning device. The device provides assistive listening of all public ad-dress system announcements and assistive audio play by play announcements in Eng-lish and Spanish over the stadium WiFi net-work and assistive band FM transmitters.

A Note of Thanks “Little did we know that when we volun-teered to help our grandson, who recently lost sight, that it would take a whole village to restore him to a point where he felt ready to resume working on his college degree.

The Earle Baum Center has been very much a part of that village. As we celebrate his return to college, please accept our last-ing gratitude for all that his teachers and counselors provided.” Sincerely, Michael and Janice 9

Netting an Improvement By the time you read this article, or shortly thereafter, the Earle Baum Center will have achieved a major milestone. After many months of planning, conducting surveys and extensive research and hard work, the EBC is unveiling our new, fully accessible web site. Not content to just meet government accessibility standards, the EBC sought out web specialists who were committed to full and complete accessibility. We plan to be a shining example to show how easy it is to provide web based information to anyone regardless of disability.

In addition to being compatible with major screen readers, all our web pages will allow the user to adjust font size and color schemes to suit their personal needs and preferences. All pictures will be carefully la-beled and all information easy to access with a minimum of navigation steps. The new site is also built for more timely updat-ing of event and class schedules, as well as providing important news to readers.

Over time, the site will be expanded to in-clude areas of special interest for seniors as well as a news feed for our subscribers. We are still open to suggestions for additional improvements. Please visit us at earle-baum.org and let us know what you think.

Bits and Pieces A 1996 study showed that of a sample of visually impaired adults, those who learned Braille as children were more than twice as likely to be employed as those who had not. An estimated 20 percent of the U.S. popula-tion has a disability, making this the largest minority group in the nation. People with disabilities have the highest rate of unem-ployment, the highest rate of poverty and the lowest level of education of any minority group in the United States.

Next Steps in Health Care Reform

If your disability requires you to use a wheelchair, Medicare will pay for that. If you undergo a knee or hip replacement and re-quire physical therapy, the services of the therapist are covered by Medicare. Yet, if someone loses his vision and needs the services of a vision professional, those are not covered.

There are numerous educational and reha-bilitation opportunities as well as technologi-cal advances that enable people with sight loss to live independently and enjoy full lives. Many of these programs and devices are expensive and unaffordable to those who could benefit. Yet, they are as neces-sary for independence as the wheelchair is for someone with a physical disability.

Health care reform that is meaningful must require that the cost of equipment needed by people with visual impairments to live in-dependently be covered the same as items assisting those with other disabilities. This coverage must also include services per-formed by vision professionals, including Orientation and Mobility Instructors and Re-habilitation Teachers.

Let your legislator know that health care re-form will not be completed until full cover-age for all disabilities is included.

TVs Get Slim, We Get Fat

According to Australian researchers, sitting in front of a television set for hour after hour day after day may raise the risk of death from heart disease and other causes -- even in people who do not weigh too much. Compared with adults who watched less than two hours of TV a day, those who watched more than four hours had a 46 per-cent higher risk of death from all causes and an 80 percent higher risk of cardiovas-cular death during the six-year study period.

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We thank our recent donors for their generosity Claire Giannini Fund - Dr. Carmen McReynolds - Gary and Gina Dahl - Barny and Lorna Adams

Devincenzi Concrete Construction - Bill and Grace Howard - Windsor Lions Club - Jean Schulz - Ken Coker Scott and Leah Brown - Frances Hall - Joe and Kathy Riedel - Betty Levin - Dr. Elizabeth Cooley

Gregory Matz - Katherine Richardson - Roberta Holleman - Paul and Jean Hull - David and Care Morgenstern

Ruth Allan Allison Allinger Joe Amyes Nancy and Marie Anderson Verlyn Baldwin George and Rosemarie Barlesi Rick Batcheller Tamae Baugh Helen and A.T. Beall Christa Bechler Esther Berg Michael and Janice Berry Carmen Bettencourt George and Susan Bisbee Cindy Lubar Bishop Lucy Blass R. L. Boune Roselie Brenner Rae Brooks Beryl Brown Sally Burgardt Lois Byrd James and Dorothy Cagle Alyce Canny Esther Caraco Jerry and Kaye Cereghino Victor Chechanover Lillian Chiesa Carol Childs Rebecca Christiansen Martha Coale Linea Collins

Gladys Combs Bill and Sally Condon Amy Cooper Ann and John Courter Sharon Cutler Priscilla Cutter Barbara Deasy Bill and Loretta Dieckmann Kahala Doyel Suzanne Elmore Spirito & Josephine Falco Alyce Falge Michael and Judith Farrell Marion Felder Kent Frazer Lincoln French Jeffrey and Roslyn Friedman Stella Gerson Jeanne Gianakos Dorothy Gilliand Howard and Elsie Goines Agnes Gomes Alice Grayewski Harriet Guggenheim Jack and Kaye Hartman Marion Hawley George Helm Steve and Jan Houts Wes and Barbara Hover Heinke Huber John Humphrey Joan James Elaine Jewell

Montgomery Village Lions Mary Keeton Hilda Lane Lucienne Lanson Robert Laughlin John and Rita Lawson Thelma Lerten Shirley Levy Empire Eye Doctors Medical Group Sid and Gerry Lipton Andree MacColl Julie Mason Ray and Marie Matheny Mary McGrath Richard Merriss Howard Meyer Helen Miles Richard Mills Scott and Ramona Minnis Barbara Mode Margaret Mogni Paul Mouzakis Jean Mull Susan Mullaly Ray and Angela Offenbach Kelly O'Neill Antoinette Papapietro Geoff and Deborah Perel Jack Perkins Dallas and Brenda Powell Rose Marie Raymond Phyllis Rogers

The Earle Baum Center extends our appreciation to these individuals and organizations for providing the materials and labor to construct a shed for our new farm tractor:

Leroy Carlenzoli, Carlenzoli and Associates; Doug Hamilton, Oakgrove Construction Company; Gary Dahl, DeVincenzi Concrete; Rick Arteaga, RE West Builders; John Boccaleoni, Northgate Company, Inc.;

Barry Friedman, Friedman's Home Improvement; Jim Brenton, Allied Building Products; Mark Soiland, Stony Point Rock Quarry; Steve Amend, Roofing Services, Inc.; Roger Nermoe.

Our apologies if we’ve omitted your name. If you should have been listed and were not, please contact Phil Swetin at 523-3222. 11

Robert Ryan Vincent Salmon Margaret Schild Marie Schutz Gracye Sjostrand Hollis Smith Dave and Dortha Sonnikson Nancy Spaletta Jean Spaulding David and Marcia Sperling James Spicer Edwin Stephenson Jeannette Stewart Cordel Stillman Sylvia Sucher Laura Jean Sweetman Shirlee Swetin Kinjiro and Keiko Takahashi Gin Takahashi Virginia Taylor Eugene Tedeschi Townsend Family Alan and Martha U'Ren Chester Vanvleet Suzette Veluz Gladys Vice William and Pamela Walker Dale Warman Barbara Westdorf Creighton White Maurice Wilcox Douglas and Helen Wright

EARLE BAUM CENTER 4539 Occidental Road Santa Rosa, CA 95401

FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired to

improve and enrich their personal, social and

economic lives.

Contact us: email: ebc@earlebaum.org Telephone: (707) 523-3222

Fax: (707) 636-2768 www.earlebaum.org

Who We Are

If someone asks you what we do here at the EBC, here’s a short answer:

The EBC provides services, support, and social and recreational opportunities for people with sight loss through a variety of classes and programs throughout North-ern California.

A Reader Responds

“I am so grateful to be on your mailing list. Every item is so full of enthusiasm and the evidence of ability to overcome disability.”

Lois

Trying Our Best for You

The Earle Baum Center makes every effort to provide accurate and complete information in all of our communica-tions. At times, information such as names, web site addresses, and tele-phone numbers may change prior to publication. As always, the EBC wel-comes your suggestions for improve-ments or topics for this newsletter. For those who do not wish a paper copy, the newsletter is also available by email and on our web site. Contact us at 523-3222 to add your email address.

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