OHIO CONNECTION American Council of the Blind of Ohio
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Spring 2019 OHIO CONNECTION American Council of the Blind of Ohio LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR 2019 Excerpted from an article by Claire Stanley B y the time this issue of the Ohio Con- nection goes to the printer, a small group of us will have visited Washington are blind. This can all change through the development of accessible DME interfaces like smartphone apps and other devices and spent time on the Hill with staff mem- capable of using nanotechnology that can bers of our representatives and senators. incorporate simple accessibility solutions. The major issues this year reflect the con- Congress can play a role in ensuring that tinuing growth of technology in our society. such technology adheres to the latest soft- They show both the positive benefits of ac- ware technology standards, such as Sec- cessible technology and the negative rami- tion 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and that fications of failing to include accessibility the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid from the beginning. Here are the issues we Services (CMS) provide assurances that will bring to their attention. accessible DME devices make their way into the hands of individuals who are blind In the last Congress, blindness organiza- and visually impaired. tions and the auto industry supported legis- lation that would establish working groups In November of 2008, the Centers for to focus on accessibility and prevent dis- Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) crimination in operating such vehicles promulgated a regulation that has had a based on disability. ACB calls on Congress detrimental impact on the lives of count- to move forward with similar legislation that less individuals who are blind or visually will continue to drive this technology for- impaired. The Durable Medical Equip- ward. ment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Acquisition Rule Advancements in health technology have contains a provision entitled “Low Vision resulted in a watershed of durable medical Aid Exclusion” which states that all devic- equipment (DME) that monitors vital health es, “irrespective of their size, form, or activity and conditions such as diabetes, technological features that use one or one of the leading causes of blindness in more lens to aid vision or provide magnifi- the United States. However, a failure by the cation of images for impaired vision” are DME industry to make devices accessible excluded from Medicare coverage based has raised serious health concerns by on the statutory “eyeglass” exclusion. ACB those living with such conditions who are is well aware that this extremely restrictive blind and visually impaired. For instance, reading of the “eyeglass” exclusion has re- devices such as glucometers have notori- sulted in the denial of vital assistive devic- ously been a challenge for diabetics who es for seniors and other Medicare benefi-
ciaries who may have disabilities. The expan- ACBO Community Shares sion of the eyeglass exclusion has prevented Campaign Codes access to devices such as handheld magnifi- State of Ohio 19003 ers, video monitors, and other technologies City of Columbus 60240 that utilize lenses to enhance vision. Franklin County 60240 Ohio State University 60240 Columbus State 1061 CALLING ALL ACBO MEMBERS! To get more members involved in the affili- phone conference meeting, which will in- ate last year, the membership committee clude information about the speaker or held conference calls in which at-large and discussion topic. Feel free to spread the chapter members could participate. We also word and invite someone who is interest- welcomed non-members who wanted to find ed in our organization. out more about ACBO. These phone confer- ences were quite successful. We plan to The meeting conference phone number have a call on the second Sunday of each is 218-339-0402. Use passcode 2226446 month in 2019. Consider joining us on (ACBOHIO). March 10, April 14, May 12, and June 9 at 7:30 PM. If you have any questions or sugges- tions, please contact Ann Pimley. The calls last an hour or so and often in- apomerai@verizon.net clude a speaker. We welcome speakers or 440-226-9141 cell discussion topic suggestions. Those on the 440 290-7591 home Acbo-list will receive a reminder of the Michelle Spillan, Editor Newsletter Committee: Irwin Hott, Jenna McCartney, Jill Noble, Vicky Prahin As always, thanks to the contributors: Carol Akers, Debra Baker, Larry Benders, Ma- rianne Denning, Katie Frederick, Jill Noble, Ann Pimley, Vicky Prahin, and Claire Stanley. The Ohio Connection is a quarterly publication of the American Council of the Blind of Ohio (phone 614-261-3561). Please e-mail your submission to ac- bo.newsletter@gmail.com or mail your material to ACB-Ohio, 3805 N. High Suite 305, Columbus, OH 43214. The deadline for the fall issue is May 15. 2
2019 CONFERENCE & CONVENTION: BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS By Katie Frederick The 2019 joint ACB-Ohio and ACB-Indiana BLE accounts, cutting the cord, and many Conference and Convention will take place more. If you have program ideas to share at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North hotel please reach out to Brant Adams or Katie November 15 through 17. The program Frederick, the program committee co- committee is hard at work putting together chairs. Look for more details in the next is- workshops, speakers, and maybe an excit- sue of the Ohio Connection. ing outing for attendees this year. “Breaking Down Barriers” is the theme, and Linda To make reservations for the ACBO-ACBI Leuderman of Women at Risk will present convention, call either 614-885-1885 or the keynote address. Possible workshop 866-309-1866; choose option 2 and use topics include restaurant and grocery deliv- code BLI. ery service apps, information about STA- ANNUAL OLBPD SURVEY SCHOLARSHIPS The Ohio Library for Blind and Physically Congratulations again to the 2018 scholar- Disabled (OLBPD) strives to provide the ship winners. best services we can for our patrons. As part of that initiative, OLBPD is conducting Every year the American Council of the a survey to collect feedback regarding our Blind of Ohio offers six scholarships to resi- services, how well we perform them, and dents of Ohio. ways to improve services in the future. The survey is open now until July 31, 2019. It Apply for $1,000 if you will be a fresh- contains 17 questions, and all answers are man in the 2019-2020 school year and confidential and will be collected anony- are blind or visually impaired; mously. Patrons can participate by com- pleting the survey online through Survey $2,000 scholarships if you are a blind or Monkey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/ visually impaired undergraduate; r/2019_OLBPD. $2,500 scholarships if you are a blind or visually impaired graduate student; or The online survey is accessible, but pa- trons who do not want to use the internet $2,000 scholarship if you are blind or can call OLBPD at 800-362-1262 and a visually impaired or studying a blindness staff member will conduct the survey over -related field. the phone. We appreciate patrons taking To get qualification information and apply, time to complete the survey and sharing go to www.acbohio.org or call the ACBO of- their feedback and ideas with us. fice at 614-261-3561. 3
WINTER RETREAT #31—FUN, FUN, FUN! By Jill Noble It was cold, snowy, and windy the week- end of the 31st Win- ter Sports Retreat. The average temper- ature was in the sin- gle digits and the wind chill was sever- al degrees below ze- ro. Although the con- ditions were not opti- mal, some of the more hardy souls decided to brave the elements and try cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and hiking. Because it was so windy, a few tried something new: flying a stunt kite. Unlike a typical kite, a stunt kite uses two strings to keep it up and con- trol it. Needless to say, the rest of the folks chose to stay inside to swim or play board games. As many participants have stated, this yearly event is like a big family reunion. Old friends get to spend time together and new friends experience the camaraderie. There is always something new to try, and the food is wonderful! Thanks to all of the volunteer drivers/ guides that help out with this event. We couldn't do it without you! Now, let’s switch gears to heat and sun- shine—the Summer Sports Retreat. This year it is scheduled for the first weekend in August (2-4). The cost is $85 for partici- pants and $25 for guides. For more infor- mation, call the ACBO office at 614-261- 3561. Sign up early to reserve a spot. 4
ADULT BRAILLE LITERACY PROGRAM By Debra Baker & Marianne Denning In the fall of 2017, Opportunities for Ohioans son. Each student spent two one-hour les- with Disabilities (OOD) sent a request for sons per week with us, the certified teach- proposals to teach uncontracted braille to ers. legally blind adults throughout the state of Ohio. The National Federation of the Blind During each introductory weekend class, of Ohio (NFBO) was awarded the funding students learned proper hand position for for this initiative. As certified teachers of the reading braille, line tracking, symbol discrimi- blind, we proposed to teach uncontracted nation (e.g. ability to discriminate one braille braille to 16 adults. The opportunity was character per line that was different from the open to residents of all Ohio counties who other three or four characters on that same were at least 14 years old and legally blind. line). During the face-to-face weekend We agreed that it was not necessary for stu- teaching, we taught the first lesson, letters a dents to be members of NFB, nor was it through e, so that students could begin read- necessary that they were OOD consumers. ing whole words. In order to include students statewide, we Next, we taught the parts of the Perkins divided Ohio into four regions with four stu- Brailler by name and showed students how dents each. For the introductory weekend to load and unload paper from the device. lessons, four students traveled to Dayton, They learned to write the letters and words four to Columbus, four to Toledo, and four to they had read in lesson one of The McDuffy Cleveland. Each student received the Braille Reader. We also introduced the slate and edition of The McDuffy Reader, UEB Edi- stylus. tion, 200 sheets of three-hole punched heavyweight Braille paper, a loose-leaf bind- Since the literacy training was offered as vir- er, one slate and stylus, a sleepshade, and tual instruction, it was paramount that we a $730 Perkins Brailler. The grant funded find ways to communicate with all students. student transportation, meals, and lodging We communicated via Skype, Facetime, or for each of the four introductory weekends. telephone. Students received documents that were selected to supplement their extra We decided that each student should inter- practice beyond the 20 McDuffy Reader les- act with a blind mentor who reads and sons. Both students and their mentors writes braille, so we selected 12 experi- thought that their hour of interaction beyond enced mentors to help the 16 students. regular instruction was helpful and valuable. Mentors attended a one-day training in Co- lumbus to be oriented to the Reader, to Thirteen students completed the program learn new UEB punctuation, and to make successfully. They report that they use braille sure that all knew common braille terminolo- to label, write phone numbers and personal gy and tracking technique. notes, play games, and read books. OOD Each student-mentor team spent one hour a awarded the grant to NFBO again for 2019. week either reviewing a lesson that we had Six mentors have asked to participate again, previously taught or introducing the next les- and six new ones will join the challenge. 5
BRAILLE CHATS—ANOTHER WAY TO SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS If you are interested in continuing to work with braille, consider joining Susan Fisher, a Hadley Learning Ex- pert, each Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:45 Central time for her “braille chats.” Participants discuss tips and tricks and share information about new products and dis- coveries. To join the discussion, call 712-432-5610 shortly before 3:30 and enter passcode 6658#. Con- tact Susan at susan@hadley.edu or 800-323-4238, extension 6658. WHITE CANES NOW COVERED BY MEDICAID By Larry Benders President & CEO, Cleveland Sight Center A rule proposed by the Ohio Department of tratively. We thank Representatives An- Medicaid to provide coverage of white ielski and Kick for their leadership on this canes as durable medical equipment took initiative as we take a step toward closing effect in January, making Ohio the first state the gap in insurance coverage that exists in the country to provide coverage for white for individuals with visual impairments. canes! Cleveland Sight Center has been a lead- The Medicaid rule 5160-10-30 includes er throughout this process, providing key coverage for ambulation aids under durable information and proponent testimony to medical equipment, which covered canes, legislators and administrators through crutches, or walkers, but previously exclud- meetings, hearings, and visits to the Ohio ed coverage of white canes. Individuals Statehouse in Co- should check with local providers on availa- lumbus over the bility of Medicaid-eligible white canes. last two years. Cleveland Sight Center and other Ohio Thank you for your sight centers had previously advocated for continued support coverage of white canes in House Bill 587, of Cleveland Sight sponsored by Representatives Marlene An- Center. ielski (R–Walton Hills) and Darrell Kick (R– Loudonville). The bill received a number of hearings in the Ohio House while Medicaid contemplated making the change adminis- 6
STABLE: A LIFE PLANNING TOOL By Carol Akers Too good to be true; there must be a quality of his life. Finally, we can move be- catch—that is what I kept telling myself yond the Bank of Mom! The account helps each time I heard a presentation about the increase health, independence, and quality ABLE Act of 2014, which created special of life. Dustin is very social, loves to meet savings accounts for people with disabilities new people, experience new things, go to and their families. In Ohio, these are known fairs, festivals, concerts, visit friends and as STABLE (State Treasurer’s Achieving family, swim, eat out, and ride in the car. Better Living Experiences) accounts. I at- There are many great opportunities to use tended three different presentations for the account to accomplish these things. three different organizations thinking I would figure out what the secret was and A few fast facts about STABLE: why it didn’t fit our lives. It is not just for Medicaid recipients! When I opened my son’s account in Janu- ary of 2018 with the minimum deposit of The Ohio Treasurer’s office has given $50, I did it more out of curiosity than need. over 900 presentations in the last two I am the parent and guardian of an adult and a half years to educate families and disabled child; his needs are ever chang- individuals about this program. Ohio was ing, and I wasn’t quite sure how the ac- the first state to introduce the ABLE pro- count would benefit him, but I could see gram, and enrollment is open to eligible some possibilities. Little did I know that life persons from any state, not only Ohio would suddenly change in just a few residents. months, when Dustin’s father, my ex- husband, died unexpectedly in June 2018. If your disability began before the age of The STABLE account already existed and 26, even if you were not diagnosed until was the perfect place to have State Farm later, you may be eligible for an account. deposit funds from the small life insurance There is a limit of one account per per- policy so Medicaid would not count it as an son. asset, which would put him over the eligibil- ity limit. That money gave us the ability to pay the legal expenses for opening a Spe- Anyone can contribute funds to your ac- count to a maximum of $15,000 per year cial Needs Trust, also a qualified disability (this may increase as the amounts expense (QDE), since there was potential change for the 529 College Savings for other funds from his father. Plan). Later, I requested the reloadable debit card so I could load funds to purchase things for If you are working, you may contribute Dustin: new bedroom furniture, a new an additional $12,140 per year for a total transport wheelchair, batteries for his favor- of $27,140 per year, up to $468,000 life- ite musical items, his lunch with staff—all time max. QDE because it makes a difference in the 7
Persons in Ohio (such as parents, other The debit card may be loaded with up to relatives, or friends of account holders) $15,000 (the maximum yearly account qualify for up to $4,000 state tax credit limit). It is still considered as part of the for each STABLE account they contrib- account, as with any debit card, not a re- ute to. source. It takes $50 minimum to open and there At the time of the account holder’s is a $2.50 monthly fee to administer the death, after all burial expenses and lia- account. bilities are paid, Medicaid may ask for repayment, so the key is to use the mon- Use your account to place excess funds ey and enjoy life. in if resources need to remain under $2,000 to protect government benefits. I am passionate about the STABLE pro- gram. I share the information whenever I There are multiple ways to save or to in- meet families with special needs, whether disabled children or adults. This program is vest your money. an exciting change for the disability world, a way to save money and increase independ- Qualified disability expenses are very ence while improving daily life. broad, from rent, home expenses, trans- portation, and leisure activities to tech- For more information or to open your own nology, medical expenses, copays, buri- account, go to www.stableaccount.com. al expenses, and so much more. . On the other hand, you cannot spend on alcohol, tobacco, gambling, porn, or gift- ing to others; the money is only for the account holder’s needs. US IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MARRAKESH TREATY The World Intellectual Property Organiza- Trump has been accepted by WIPO Director tion (WIPO) issued a statement on Febru- Francis Gurry, with Mark Cassayre, the ary 8, 2019, from its headquarters in Ge- Chargé d’Affaires for the American mission neva announcing that the United States to the United Nations’ installation in Geneva. has become the 50th member of the Mar- rakesh Treaty. Because the European Un- And with that, as many as 550,000 accessi- ion comprises 28 states, the number of ble texts have become immediately available countries now adhering to the treaty to visually impaired people in the countries comes to 78. that have signed the treaty. The official notification ratification docu- The treaty is designed to facilitate access to ment from Washington signed by Donald published works for people who are blind, 8
visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled pand access to information and resources.” by creating a universal copyright exception that will allow authorized parties to “travel” “The United States’ formal membership in accessible formats to appropriate consum- the Marrakesh Treaty marks a major ers. achievement for our country and a signifi- cant positive step forward for the millions of “The Marrakesh Treaty is WIPO’s fastest- persons who are blind and visually impaired growing treaty and we hope it becomes a throughout the world,” said Karyn A. Temple, universal one soon, so visually impaired peo- Acting Register of Copyrights and Director of ple in every corner of the globe can more the United States Copyright Office. “The easily benefit from learning and culture no United States will now join our fellow nations matter where it is created," said Mr. Gurry. in promoting greater accessibility to print “The U.S. already houses the world’s largest materials around the globe.” They include repository of accessible English-language versions in braille, full audio, and Daisy. material, representing a major increase in the global resource base for visually im- “We pause to celebrate this moment as the paired people living in countries that have United States formally joins the Marrakesh joined the Marrakesh Treaty.” Treaty," said Maria A. Pallante, President and CEO of the Association of American “I’m proud of American leadership and the Publishers. “Having worked so tirelessly with USPTO’s efforts in the negotiation of the so many talented partners to realize a better Marrakesh Treaty, and the opportunities that legal framework for accessible formats, pub- our ratification creates for the blind and visu- lishers now salute the many readers ally impaired community in the United States throughout the world who are blind, visually and around the world,” said Andrei Iancu, impaired or otherwise living with print disa- Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectu- bilities. Congratulations, and happy read- al Property and Director of the U.S. Patent ing!" and Trademark Office (USPTO). “This treaty establishes an important mechanism to both Information about the Marrakesh Treaty is protect intellectual property rights and ex- available at the WIPO site (www.wipo.int). A TRANSPORTATION LETTER TO GOV. DEWINE MOVE Ohio!, Mobility & Opportunity for a Vi- formation of your Blue-Ribbon committee on brant Economy in Ohio, presented the fol- funding transportation infrastructure into the lowing letter to Ohio’s new governor on Feb- future. While your priorities must include ruary 14, 2019. ACBO is among the 36 sig- funding to maintain safe roads and bridges, natories. Please share it with your local leg- Ohio needs more. islators and with other groups who may have an interest in transportation. Ohio must prioritize funding to support the safe, affordable mobility of all who call our Dear Governor, state home, especially but not limited to Mobility and Opportunity for a Vibrant Econ- people with disabilities, pedestrians, riders omy in Ohio, or MOVE Ohio, applauds the of public transit, and bicyclists as a 9
complete transportation network. decongestion). We also support an array of potential funding options that could be dedi- MOVE Ohio is a diverse coalition from ur- cated into a transportation choice fund, ban, suburban and rural Ohio. We represent some of which we included in an adden- the interests of everyday transportation us- dum to this letter. ers, older adults, people with disabilities, en- vironmental groups, historically disadvan- We urge you to address Ohio’s decades- taged communities, anti-poverty advocates, long under-investment in public transporta- bicyclists and active transportation advo- tion and safe pedestrian and bicycling infra- cates, organized labor, local transit coali- structure. These under-investments leave tions, small businesses and faith leaders. many of our citizens, businesses, and com- Our vision is an Ohio transportation network munities at a competitive disadvantage, un- that moves people and goods, not just cars safe, and disconnected from opportunity. and trucks. It must be a complete network of Too many people struggle to get to work, affordable, accessible, and environmentally- schools and training centers, the doctor’s friendly transportation options, including office, a grocery store and retail centers, public transit, passenger and freight rail, and among other things. Cars are expensive to walkable, bikeable streets. own, insure and operate. For many low- income families they can be prohibitively To address the concerns we share with you expensive. For older adults and people with below, MOVE Ohio asks for the following in disabilities, driving may not be an option at the next ODOT budget request: all. Dedicate $150 million per year for public Despite being the seventh most populous transit, safe pedestrian, ADA and bicycling state, Ohio ranks 45th in the nation for our infrastructure via the creation of a Transpor- state’s support of public transit. Ohio can tation Choice Fund. ODOT’s own 2015 and should do better. A little more than one Statewide Transit Needs Study recommend- percent of Ohio’s biennial multi-billion dollar ed $120 million to stabilize the ability of transportation budgets goes toward public Ohio’s transit systems to address both ser- transit, with nearly all of our transportation vice and capital improvements. An additional dollars going toward highways. As a result, $30 million for safe pedestrian and bicycling transit systems large and small are forced infrastructure is also included in this figure. to raise fares for riders, and continually cut vital services to work, school, and access We believe this can be done by dedicating a to everyday life. greater share of flexible Federal transporta- tion dollars, and adopting a 80/20 highway- Ohio needs a 21st century transportation transit split, like the federal government, for system. Expanded transportation options any increase in the Motor Vehicle Fuels Tax creates a more competitive Ohio economy (meaning 20% of any gas tax increase that enables the expansion of existing busi- should go towards public transit, pedestrian nesses and strengthens our pitches to at- and bicycling infrastructure). These transpor- tract private investment. A full array of local tation investments on or along public rights- and intercity transportation options better of-way should be recognized in statute for connects Ohio’s businesses with a larger the highway purposes they serve (safety and potential workforce and adds to Ohio’s toolbox for attracting new business. 10
Young people and families want bikeable, vents social isolation while reducing the risk walkable communities with better access to of abuse and neglect so we can all thrive. public transit. Small businesses looking to attract young workers are locating where Per mile, taking public transportation is ten these young people want to live and work. times safer than driving a car. As your ad- Safe, convenient and reliable alternative ministration strives to address Ohio’s opioid transportation options give low-income epidemic, investments in transit and active workers low-cost and accessible commuting transportation help provide access to addic- options to reach a variety of jobs and train- tion services, often an obstacle to treatment ing opportunities. Better, affordable public and recovery. transit enables low-income families to spend or save money and forced less to We the undersigned of MOVE Ohio, wish to choose between fixing an unreliable car, be your active and engaged partners on be- putting food on the table, paying for health half of Ohioans who use and depend on our care or rent. transportation systems and in determining solutions to ensure they are robust, com- Expanding investments in transit, paratrans- plete, forward-looking and safe systems. it, and safety infrastructure for all, or Thank you for your time and consideration ‘Complete Streets’ supports a vital transpor- of this important matter. We look forward to tation workforce in good-quality jobs. working with you during the budget process. Increasing the array of alternative transpor- tation options will reduce our vulnerability to oil price spikes and the enormous amount BLIND PARENTS of money we spend each year on gasoline. CHAT GROUP These investments also connect more Ohio- Would you be interested in chatting with oth- ans not only to more jobs, but to education er blind or visually impaired parents? If you and health care, regardless where they live. have been blind all of your life or lost all or They also improve health: some vision recently, are expecting your first child, have preschoolers, children in school Investing in alternative forms of transporta- or grandchildren, or children with disabilities, tion helps address critical childhood and we would welcome you. Sharon Howerton is adult health issues like obesity and related a retired instructor from the Hadley Institute health issues as well as their associated for the Blind and Visually Impaired (formerly health care costs by promoting more active Hadley School for the Blind) who has hosted forms of transportation like walking and bik- a parents group for several years. Sharon is ing rather than passively driving every- totally blind, a mother of two adult sons who where. are now married, and grandma to a blended family of five grandchildren. Please email Better public transit will promote good Sharon at shrnhow@gmail.com to give her health, personal growth, longevity and ex- some ideas of your concerns, children, etc. panded productivity for older adults and We meet by phone on Wednesdays at 1 people with disabilities. Quality public trans- p.m. Central. Sharon will send you infor- portation promotes community engagement mation about joining the calls when you con- and connectedness for everyone, and pre- tact her. 11
American Council of the Blind of Ohio FREE MATTER 3805 N. High St., Suite 305 FOR THE BLIND Columbus, Ohio 43214 ACB-OHIO DATEBOOK MARCH 27 JULY 5–12 BRAILLE MATTERS ACB CONFERENCE & CONVENTION NATIONAL BRAILLE PRESS LUNCHEON ROCHESTER, NY OOD OFFICE, COLUMBUS ACBCONVENTION.ORG APRIL 6 AUGUST 2-4 ACBO BOARD MEETING SUMMER SPORTS RETREAT MAY 12 NOVEMBER 15-17 AT-LARGE MEMBER PHONE CALL ACBO / ACBI CONFERENCE CROWNE PLAZA COLUMBUS NORTH MAY 15 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE JUNE 9 AT-LARGE MEMBER PHONE CALL
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