THE TEXAS STAR
Vol. 21, No. 1
January 2013
Heather Abel, Editor
Expressions from the President’s Desk Kenneth Semien, Sr.
Membership Memos
Blake Lindsay
Tales from the Treasurer
Sheila Derrick
Alamo Council
Curtis Dameron
Austin Council
Chris Prentice & Dennis Sims
Beaumont News
Kenneth Semien, Sr.
Houston Council Happenings
Bob Bartlett
South Plains Council
Cindy Finley
UEB, What Is It?
Gigi Firth
Guide Dog Users of Texas
Cindy Finley
Advocacy and Legislation Committee
Willie Barber
From Your Member Morale Committee
Cindy Finley
Blindness Summit
Larry Johnson
ACBT 2013 Elections
Cindy Finley
ACBT 2013-2014 Scholarship Announcement Michael Garrett
ACBT First Timer’s Award
Cindy Finley
2012-2013 ACBT Committee Appointments
ACBT Outstanding Member
Cindy Finley
White Cane Day
Barbara J. Madrigal
Walking Through the Fear
Donna Grahmann
Who Is ACBT?
Michael E. Garrett
Toll-free number: 866-929-2228
[Note: Articles printed in The Texas Star are submitted by the
subscribers and are not necessarily reflective of the membership
as a whole. The articles express only the opinion of the author.]
-2Expressions from the President’s Desk Kenneth Semien, Sr.
Greetings, everyone, and best wishes for a great 2013. I
hope that each of you enjoyed the recent holiday season and is
preparing to take advantage of the opportunities you will be
presented with this year. I encourage you to begin making plans
to attend the ACBT Conference scheduled for June 6-9 in
Houston at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport located at
9100 Gulf Freeway. Expect a great time as we celebrate our 35th
Anniversary. This also is a good time to begin placing extra funds
aside in order to access some great buys during the 2013 ACBT
Auction that follows the Saturday evening Conference Banquet.
Refer to the Fundraising Committee notes in this and upcoming
issues to identify ways you can be of assistance to ACBT as we
work to raise needed funds. Please be informed that DARS
Division for Blind Services (DBS) can provide sponsorship for
eligible consumers to attend conferences, including the annual
ACBT conference. Sponsorship can include expenses such as
registration fees, hotel room, meals, and transportation costs.
Some exceptions apply when a consumer resides in the city in
which the conference is being held. In order to qualify, you must
be an active DBS consumer, and you must work with your VR
counselor to plan this activity as part of your training. After the
conference, you will be required to report on how the training was
of benefit to you. For more details, contact your DBS VR
counselor. Keep in mind that, as with all of the services provided
by DBS, sponsorship is dependent upon availability of funding.
If you would like to attend the ACB national conference and
convention in Columbus, Ohio, scheduled from July 4-12, and
have never been an attendee before, you have the opportunity to
apply for the Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) First Timer Award by
submitting a written narrative containing personal
accomplishments, mention why you would like to attend, and your
aspirations to serve in a greater capacity within the organization.
Submit applications by April 1 to Sharon Lovering by sending email to slovering@acb.org, and be sure to notify me of your
interest by sending e-mail to semien@sbcglobal.net, because I
am required to submit a letter of support on your behalf. We have
had a number of Texas recipients of this award and would be
-3elated to see this trend continue.
Special thanks to Noelia Dillingham, Blake Lindsay, Ginger
Kraft, Neil and Cindy Finley, Carol Edwards, and the Membership
Committee for their efforts to increase our membership by working
to add new chapters. By the next issue of The Texas Star, we
hopefully will be able to introduce the El Paso Council of the Blind
and provide an update about chapters in Amarillo and Corpus
Christi.
ACBT Webmaster Mike Firth continues to do a fantastic job
as he accepts updates for chapter pages on our website.
Therefore, each chapter is advised to provide the most current list
of officers, contact information of your choice, and other pertinent
chapter information by sending e-mail to mikefirth@sbcglobal.net.
This will allow interested parties or family members and
supporters to contact an ACBT chapter, if the need for support
arises. It will be beneficial to read this entire issue of The Texas
Star, as it contains announcements of which you will want to be
aware. Thanks for all of your efforts to make ACBT better by
sharing your skills and abilities. Once again, have a great new
year!
Membership Memos
Blake Lindsay
Hello ACBT family! I hope you are all healthy, energized, and
ready for a great year ahead. It is my honor and enjoyment to
have the opportunity to work along with many of you on various
committees. I am both pleased and impressed each month as I
observe the variety of talents we all bring in service to ACBT. I am
energized about the improvements we are striving to achieve
throughout 2013.
Our membership committee held our first telephone
conference on November 25, 2012. I have the pleasure of working
with Peggy Garrett, Ginger Kraft, and Ed Bradley. We outlined the
top three most feasible methods that our committee can
immediately implement to enlarge our ACBT membership. Our
goal is to grow our team at least twenty-five percent throughout
2013. In our next Texas Star, I will communicate to you what
systems are working the best for us in growing our membership. I
-4also will inform you on additional ways you can help ACBT to
expand. Our membership committee will be meeting on the phone
every month this year. We will work together, and hold each other
accountable on our duties to grow ACBT to the next level.
Thank you very much, ACBT members, for allowing me to
serve you as your First Vice President. This responsibility is a true
honor for me and I take it seriously. I look forward to learning from
each of you and contributing as much as I am able.
If you aren’t certain whether or not we have your current
mailing address due to a recent move, please provide me an
update of your address information as soon as possible. This will
help avoid unnecessary delay in your receipt of any important
information. If you have an email address we are lacking in our
records, please include that for me as well. No worries, I won’t
email you any gibberish. My email address is
blake.lindsay@dallaslighthouse.org. Feel free to reach me by
telephone at (214) 420-9419, if you choose to make a quick call.
June will be here soon and I have great expectations for our
ACBT convention. Meeting near Houston’s Hobby International
Airport will provide convenience for many of us traveling from out
of town. If I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet, I look
forward to getting acquainted personally.
There are three areas in my life that I have diligently worked
toward and made improvements in over the past seven years.
Since I am having success in these personal and professional
areas, I want to share these ideas with you. This next year I
challenge you to do your best to become more knowledgeable in
significant areas. Some guaranteed methods to help this happen
in your life are reading helpful books, listening to educational
podcasts, hearing good quality speakers on topics that matter,
and watching or listening to educational TV and radio programs.
Try to make it a personal priority to set aside a half hour, five days
each week, to tune into information of importance through all of
these learning venues, along with sources that you consider on
your own. Even just one year of making this a primary concern in
your life will increase your knowledge, attitude, and competence,
which will reward you with an even greater degree of self-esteem.
I also encourage you to seek becoming more influential. You
can do this through your positive example, your workmanship,
-5and your response when confronted by an unexpected challenge
or confrontation. Model this by being the best example possible
as you seek to become a person of ever-increasing influence.
When opportunities or challenges present themselves, you
can be helpful to friends and co-workers by listening, asking good
questions, and by sharing your knowledge with others. This is
both our privilege and a duty to share our life experiences and
wisdom with each other.
Finally, try to become healthier through eating healthier
foods. Much of the literature in the health field proves that a plantbased diet is life-giving and can even reverse many ailments and
diseases. Exercising fifteen more minutes each day will also
improve your health, self-image, and confidence. Whether it’s
running in place, doing jumping jacks, or taking a good fifteen
minute walk each day, you are doing yourself a healthy favor.
You will soon be rewarded with more energy, more mental
alertness, more often.
By improving your health, supplemented with increasing
intelligence throughout the year, you will ultimately be rewarded
with even more happiness. If I were a gambler, although I most
definitely am not, I would bet that you like health, happiness, and
personal satisfaction in knowing I am getting better as much as I
do. So I challenge you to do your best to make it a great year for
yourself and everyone around you.
In closing, I have a priority goal I want to share with you,
because it includes you. I challenge everyone to bring a new
member into the American Council of the Blind of Texas this
year. I believe without a doubt that we can and should double our
membership in 2013. I hope you will help me reach this goal by
bringing one person into our amazing ACBT family. I’ll personally
thank you, and I believe our new members will as well.
Tales from the Treasurer
Sheila Derrick
I hope all of you have had a great year as a member of
ACBT. It is now time to begin renewing ACBT memberships and
bringing in those new members. Dues are as follows: local
chapters pay $7.00 per member, at-large members pay $10.00,
-6and members who are directly affiliated with ACB (Library Users
of America-Texas, Braille Revival League of Texas, and Guide
Dog Users of Texas) pay $2.00 each. Please make all checks
payable to ACBT. I would like to encourage the national affiliate
members also to participate in a local chapter, if possible. Only
chapter members, ACBT affiliate members, and at-large members
are eligible to vote at the state conference.
I sent current membership rolls to each chapter treasurer in
December. This should make it easier to make changes and add
new members. (Remember, new members can be added any
time during the year.) Because of the ACB deadline of March 15
for certifying affiliate membership for the national convention, I
must have corrected rolls returned by February 15, 2013. I will
need the following information for each member: name, address,
phone number, Braille Forum format (large print, cassette, Braille,
or email), Texas Star format (large print, CD, or email), fully
sighted (yes or no), email address. The Braille Forum is available
on the ACB website and The Texas Star is available on the ACBT
listserv and the ACBT website. Each chapter needs to designate
officers and include meeting time and place. Please note that
ACB, for the first time, is now requesting phone numbers and
email addresses, when applicable, for all 2013 members.
According to the ACBT Bylaws, a voting member must have
been a member of ACBT at least 45 days prior to the conference.
Postmark date will determine date of membership. To be eligible
to vote at the state conference, a person must be a member of
ACBT by April 22, 2013.
If you have any questions, please contact me: Sheila
Derrick, ACBT Treasurer, 309 Paloverde Ln., Fort Worth, TX
76112; (817) 507-3964; sjderrick212@hotmail.com.
I also would like to ask all chapter presidents or treasurers to
send all address changes to me throughout the year so I can
keep the publications mailing list updated. Thanks.
On December 17, 2012, the ACBT Board of Directors
amended and adopted the ACBT 2013 Budget as presented by
the Finance and Budget Committee. The first amendment, which
was approved unanimously, called for the inclusion of the General
Liability Insurance policy in the expenses with a corresponding
increase in income under fundraising endeavors. The second
-7amendment called for adding $750 for the ACB Presidents
Meeting and Legislative Seminar and a $1,500 contribution to the
Carolyn Garrett Youth Leadership Conference with funding to be
taken from the reserve account. This motion was passed by roll
call vote of nine – yes to six – no. The vote was as follows: Blake
Lindsay-yes, Cynthia Julun-yes, Sheila Derrick-no, Michael
Garrett-yes, Larry Johnson-no, Carol Edwards-no, Chris Prenticeyes, Larry Roser-yes, Dennis Sims-abstained, Belinda Sklossyes, Warren Julun-yes, Ginger Kraft-no, Peggy Garrett-yes, Cindy
Finley-no, Judy Jackson-no, Lou Ann Williams-yes and Joan Coxyes. The final budget was also passed by roll call vote which was
the same as the amendment vote with the exception of no vote
from Beaumont.
ACBT 2013 Budget Adopted
by Board of Directors
December 17, 2012
Income:
Membership dues (400 members)
Vehicle Donation Program
Contributions:
ACB-MMS
PayPal Donations
Planned Giving
Chapter Contributions
Cards for Causes
Return of Conf. Seed Money
ACBT Life Memberships
Scholarship Contributions
Interest on Morgan-Stanley Acct.
Fundraising within ACBT
Direct Donations Program
Auction 2013 Conference
Fundraising Endeavors including
new programs, grants, sponsors
From Reserve Fund
Total Income:
$2,800
500
500
-00
-00
-00
-00
2,000
750
1,500
500
1,250
2,000
4,100
2,250
$18,150
-8Expenses:
ACB Dues
ACB Presidents Meeting and
Legislative Seminar
President’s 2013 ACB Conf. Exp.
ACBT Conference seed money
First Timer Award
Outstanding Member Award Plaque
Scholarships
Publicity (Brochure Printing)
Texas Star
CDT and AVIT Dues
Office Supplies
Postage and P.O. Box
Form 990 Preparation
Toll-free phone, Internet and
Domain Name
Committee Expenses
Membership
Advocacy
Carolyn Garrett Youth Leadership
Conference
General Liability Ins. Policy
Total Expenses:
Alamo Council
$2,000
750
750
2,000
500
100
3,000
75
5,000
250
200
200
600
300
250
250
1,500
425
$18,150
Curtis Dameron
The Alamo Council of the Blind would like to continue
sending out seasons greetings to all by wishing everyone a Happy
New Year for 2013. Our elections were held this past November.
Former First Vice President Lawrence (Curtis) Dameron was
elected President; Larry Roser was elected First Vice President;
former Secretary Joe McMullen was elected Second Vice
President; former Second Vice President Shelley McMullen was
elected Secretary; and, Kirk James Murray, a new member of the
group, was elected Treasurer. Kirk Murray is currently serving in
the United States Air Force.
-9The newly elected officers would like to extend our gratitude
to Larry Johnson for his commitment as President for the last two
long enduring years. We also want to acknowledge the hard and
diligent job as the Treasurer that Dr. Robert Clayton performed for
the last three years. Gentlemen, thank you, and your loyalty will
not go unnoticed.
As a group, we are still working on many of the goals for the
year 2013. We are currently signing a new contract with our VIA
Transit company, Star Shuttle, to provide Disability Sensitive
Training to their newly hired drivers. We will continue in our
endeavors to promote advocacy for persons with disabilities. We
also are trying to find new ways to continue having fundraisers
and seeking opportunities to apply for grants.
We held our annual Christmas Party at the Spaghetti
Warehouse, where all who attended had a joyous and merry time.
The Christmas committee did a fabulous job. Thanks to all who
serve on the committee.
The officers held a get-together on December 29, 2012, to
map out the next year. One of the ideas that came out of the
meeting was getting the Armed Forces in our area to volunteer
with folks who have disabilities and need help getting to an
appointment or shopping for groceries. We also would like to get
their assistance in composing a list of restaurants in the area that
have large print and/or Braille menus.
Austin Council
Chris Prentice & Dennis Sims
The Austin Council of the Blind is back on the move. For the
fourth quarter of 2012, ACB has taken giant steps toward the
future. In the month of October, we refreshed the memory of the
membership to explain the good news about pedestrian signals.
We had an awesome speaker in Mike Hancock, who delivered a
presentation on the history and use of the Navigator Accessible
Pedestrian Signal. After learning the streets of Austin, the
endeavor was to educate. ACB has and will take an active part in
educating the people of Texas.
We awarded three scholarships in October to well-deserving
students. Our scholastic winners are Jonathan Franks, Amanda
-10Matheny, and Valon Pringle. Jonathan is a sophomore at Austin
Community College Rio Grande campus. His major is social work.
He is applying to University of Texas. Amanda is studying at
Western Governor’s University where she is majoring in
education.
We had our annual elections in November and had three
changes in leadership. Chris Prentice was elected President and
Stephen Kerr replaced Chris as a member of the Board of
Directors. Charles Shavers replaced Stephen Kerr as Immediate
Past President. The Officers and Board of Directors are anxious
to work hard in 2013.
Austin also has initiated a new program to work with the
students at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(TSBVI). This program is being spearheaded by Dennis Sims, one
of the chapter’s directors. The chapter holds the majority of its
meetings on the TSBVI campus in the new Outreach Building
the third Saturday of the month between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00
p.m. The chapter is excited about the new program.
Charles Shavers reminded the membership to give back to
the community and to continue to lend a helping hand. In
December, the annual Christmas Party was held at the Wyndham
Gardens Hotel. A great meal was enjoyed by all in attendance.
The chapter enjoyed a visit from Blue Santa and Ms. Blue Santa.
The Blue Santa program is a program of the Austin Police
Department that provides toys and food to needy families in the
Austin area. They are joined each year by Brown Santa, a similar
program sponsored by the Travis County Sheriff’s Department.
Following the singing of Christmas Carols, the chapter presented
a $250 donation to Blue Santa. Door prizes also were presented
at the party. A good time was had by all.
The Austin Council Youth Initiative is up and running as of
January 2013. Dennis Sims and Judy Jackson are making
forward progress with Austin City Blind Youth. Austin Council
looks forward to a great year in 2013 and is ready to work with the
other ACB of Texas Chapters to make this the best year yet in the
history of ACB of Texas. Let’s all get to work to make life better for
all Texans who are blind or visually impaired and their families.
-11Beaumont News
Kenneth Semien, Sr.
As founders of the Beaumont Area Senior Honor Society, we
induct two new members each October during National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. We seek to identify older adults
who are providing support through unique volunteer efforts on a
consistent basis to persons with disabilities, especially to those
who are blind or visually impaired. The 2012 inductions occurred
during the Disability Education and Employment Conference held
at the Beaumont Civic Center on Tuesday, October 16. The
recipients were acknowledged with a Certificate of Membership
into the Honor Society and will be recognized periodically during
various area gatherings. We have worked hard to double our
chapter membership within a two-year period, and we celebrated
our third anniversary along with the Officer Installation Ceremony
on Saturday, January 12. In addition, this day allows us to enjoy
the company of one another, present awards, and share a meal
and fun. 2013-2015 officers were sworn in by reciting the BACB
Officers Pledge. The officers are Conswella Bates, First Vice
President; Cynthia Julun, Secretary/Treasurer; Warren Julun,
Second Vice President; and Kenneth Semien, Sr., President.
Excitement is in the air about the Third Annual Literacy by
Touch Festival to be held on Saturday, January 26, at Books-AMillion in Beaumont, beginning at 11:30am. It will celebrate the
204th Anniversary of the Birthday of Louis Braille, while
commemorating Braille Literacy Awareness Month. We are
delighted to have DARS Division for Blind Services as a
collaborative partner for the third year in a row and will welcome
Braille Consultant Jamie Sibson from DARS/DBS of Austin as our
2013 guest speaker. Attendees will learn about the history and
importance of Braille literacy, witness demonstrations of the
various uses of Braille, receive door prizes connected with Braille
awareness facts, and more. Contact us for additional details.
Houston Council Happenings
Bob Bartlett
We had a wondrous holiday party in December, highlighted
by the Harbor Lights Choir from the Salvation Army. The food was
-12traditional and very well prepared, plus, we had volunteers that
served us at the tables! We are easily spoiled. After that, the
officers for 2013 were installed. Peggy Garrett continues as
President, Michael Garrett continues as First Vice President,
Cuqui Soto, Second Vice President, Linda Bradley is Treasurer,
and Pearl Kermacho (apologies if that is misspelled) is our new
Secretary. Gail Metoyer (hope I spelled that right, too) is a
Director, newly elected, replacing Terry Walker whose term
expired. We wish them all good luck in their duties for the new
year. We also thank Clarice Henry for her years as Secretary and
Terry Walker for his service.
We are planning a celebration for our 35th anniversary, and
it will be held February 15, 2013. Come help us celebrate.
Contact Peggy Garrett for more information.
We will host the ACB of Texas Conference in June. It will be
held in the Hobby Marriott Hotel where we have been before, so
start making your plans. You know what a good time you have
when you come to Houston!
South Plains Council
Cindy Finley
Hello and Happy New Year from South Plains Council. We
hope that each of you have had a positive beginning to 2013.
South Plains Council had a great Christmas party with
twenty-four in attendance. The chapter purchased the meat and
members brought side dishes and dessert. We had a gift
exchange/auction. We had a lot of good food, fun, and fellowship.
One of the highlights for South Plains Council is that we are
beginning 2013 with four new members. We are extremely
excited.
Our January meeting will be a planning meeting for 2013.
We will map out our programs and projects for this year.
UEB, What Is It?
Gigi Firth
In November 2012, The Braille Authority of North America
(BANA) voted to gradually implement Unified English Braille,
-13commonly known as UEB. Many of us have heard rumblings
about this for years, but I am finding that few of us understand the
differences between UEB and what we've been reading for years,
English Braille (familiarly called grade two), which could also be
called American Braille these days, since other English-speaking
countries adopted UEB.
As a certified Braille proofreader, I finally buckled down to
study UEB. Study material can be downloaded from the Braille
Authority of North America's web site. After some frustration
getting the files downloaded, I reluctantly embarked upon the
perusal of UEB. Here's what I have learned thus far.
Casual Braille readers should experience nothing worse than
irritation at changes experienced when reading in UEB. Textbook
readers, transcribers, and Braille proofreaders, however, may find
themselves caught in the middle of learning what are, in my
opinion, strange rules for showing emphasis such as boldface and
other emphasized text, as well as capitalization rule changes.
BANA advertises on its web site that UEB offers easier translation
back and forth. While computers may find it easier once a human
tells them what to do, this human finds UEB easier to read than to
write. I kept putting in grade two automatically while doing my
studying.
So that you can understand why I had this difficulty, let me
now discuss some basics about UEB. UEB does not use any
words written together such as the words for of, with, and, the,
and a. This also means saying goodbye to the signs for the words
to, by, and into. Also, say goodbye to the signs for ation, ally, dd,
com, and ble. You can also say adios to the decimal point; the
period is used for it instead. There's no beginning and ending
computer Braille symbols for web and email addresses either; you
just write with grade two signs, as long as you don't put in the
ones mentioned above.
I would like to return to my discussion of the previously
mentioned capitalization and italics rules. I don't believe someone
learning braille will encounter difficulty learning the rules.
However, I am finding that I keep forgetting them if I don't use
them regularly. In my case, since I am a proofreader, constant
use will occur once more UEB is produced. Therefore, my
problem remembering the rules will eventually go away. However,
-14I can see that someone who uses them occasionally may need
computer software producers to continue to offer grade two
translation for both input and output. Here's why.
Let's say you want to write some text in uppercase in UEB. If
you only want to write two words in uppercase, then you write it
the same way you write it in grade two. If, however, you want to
write three or more words in uppercase, you first have to Braille
three dot sixes, write your text like it's in lowercase (remembering
not to press dot sixes while writing), and then put the termination
sign at the end. If you are using a Perkins Brailler, too bad, if you
forgot to put an extra dot six when you started writing.
The italics rules are similar, but there's a difference. The
three or more words rule applies, and the use of the termination
sign applies. However, there are different symbols for italicizing a
symbol, word, or a passage, a passage containing more than
three words. Also, when writing the symbol to start emphasis, the
first cell indicates the type of emphasis such as italics or boldface;
the next cell tells which of the three types, symbol, word, or
passage, you are using.
As I have said, I have not found reading what has already
been produced in UEB to be difficult, especially library books
written in UEB. However, as a professional and as President of
The Braille Revival League of Texas, I am concerned about the
implementation of UEB, since no one can tell me how the
changeover will occur. Since both certified transcribers and
proofreaders take courses to obtain their specialty, how many of
them will be willing to once again hit the books? Although I don't
like it, I will do it so that I can keep working. However, who is
responsible for retraining around the country to implement UEB?
If these questions were addressed when the vote was taken, the
answers to those questions are not on the BANA web site over a
month later. The material found there is the same text I located
back in September. What does all this mean to successful
implementation of this new Braille code?
-15Guide Dog Users of Texas
Cindy Finley
Hello from Guide Dog Users of Texas.
Are you considering becoming a guide dog user, or are you a
current guide dog user and not a member of Guide Dog Users of
Texas? GDUTX cordially invites you to become a member of our
guide dog user family. If you would like more information about
Guide Dog Users of Texas, please call Cindy at 806-795-0216 or
email her at cpfinley@sbcglobal.net.
Members and prospective members, your 2013 dues are
due. If you paid your 2013 dues at this year’s meetings, please
disregard this reminder. Please note that if you pay dues of
$15.00 to the state organization, GDUTX, you will automatically
become a member of both GDUTX and Guide Dog Users, Inc.,
GDUI, our national organization. Your membership includes the
quarterly publication, PawTracks. Please make all checks payable
to GDUTX and mail to our treasurer, Neil Finley, 4831 52nd St,
Lubbock, TX 79414.
Now, for anyone who is a dog lover, we hope you enjoy the
quotes below.
"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."
~Roger Caras
"Dogs are miracles with paws." ~Attributed to Susan Ariel
Rainbow Kennedy
"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your
face." ~Ben Williams
Advocacy and Legislation Committee
Willie Barber
To the members of ACBT, the Advocacy and Legislation
Committee has been diligently working on behalf of our
membership’s resolutions and in the best interest of those of us
who happen to be blind or visually impaired. We will present the
following imperatives to our Texas Legislators and the Governor
of Texas during the 2013 Texas Legislative Session.
In addition, remember to put this date on your calendar and
please try to attend the 2013 Texas Disability Summit to be held
February 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Auditorium at the
-16Texas State Capitol in Austin. ACBT, along with other
organizations and affiliates, will present various topics that affect
individuals who have special challenges in their life, such as
blindness and other disabilities. So, please come out and learn
how we all play a part in assisting all Texans reach their full
potential, goals, and aspirations in life. As always, we welcome
any and all input that will keep ACBT marching forward and
upward for the advancement for those of us who are blind or
visually impaired.
Letter from our President and the imperatives:
American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT)
Kenneth Semien, Sr., President
8445 Allison Way
Beaumont, Texas 77707-1506
acbtexas1978@gmail.com, (409) 866-5838, www.acbtexas.org
The American Council of the Blind of Texas, Inc. (ACBT)
was organized in Waco in 1978 as an affiliate of the American
Council of the Blind (ACB). The mission statement of ACB states
that the American Council of the Blind “strives to increase the
independence, security, equality of opportunity, and to improve
quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people.” ACBT
subscribes to this mission statement and works to be an
advocacy organization and positive, proactive support system to
Texans who are blind or visually impaired. Although the majority
of members are blind or visually impaired, sighted persons who
share the common goals and interests of our organization are
also welcome to join. ACBT currently has nine chapters and three
special interest affiliates. We invite you to visit our website as
listed above or contact us for more information.
Key Imperatives to Present to Texas Legislators
1. Distracted drivers significantly imperil the safety of
pedestrians, especially those who are elderly, children, and
persons who are blind. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration reports that 80% of all accidents involve a
distracted driver, and that using a cell phone while driving is
-17among the Top Five distractions. The National Safety
Council estimates show that 1.3 million crashes involve
drivers distracted by cell phones each year. Thirty-nine
states already have distracted driving laws in place and
having Texas join this number would significantly contribute
to pedestrian safety in our state. House Bill 41 by Rep. Jose
Menendez calls for a ban on the use of hand-held cell
phones (except in cases of emergency) by motorists while
driving. Will you support and vote for this legislation?
2. There are more than 124,000 persons of working age in
Texas who are blind or visually impaired. These individuals
possess many valuable talents and skills which can
contribute significantly to the prosperity of our state.
Notwithstanding the passage of the Americans with
Disabilities Act 22 years ago, many Texans who are blind or
visually impaired continue to experience an unemployment
rate more than seven times that of persons without
disabilities. Our community and our economy must take
advantage of the important resource of human talent from all
its citizens. The Division for Blind Services (DBS) was able
to provide vocational rehabilitation services to just over
10,000 visually impaired individuals this past year. It is
critically important that we bring into our state the full federal
funding available for VR services by approving our state’s full
20% matching amount. Will you support this effort?
3. Over a quarter of a million seniors in Texas, 269,000, are
considered legally blind and consequently suffer from a
major loss of independence. What’s more, these numbers
are growing rapidly as more people live longer. The
population of individuals over the age of 65 is expected to
grow by 60% over the next 15 years. Older Texans with
vision loss need special assistance, travel training, and
adaptive aids and technology in order that they may live
independently and with dignity. The Division for Blind
Services (under DARS) was able to help only about 3,500
visually impaired seniors during 2012. Will you support an
increase in funding for this vulnerable population?
-18We deeply appreciate your support in assisting those of us
who happen to be blind or visually impaired here in this great
state of Texas. For further information in regard to these
Imperatives and information about the American Council of the
Blind of Texas, contact Willie Barber, Chairman of the Advocacy
and Legislation Committee at (432) 352-1263 or
willie.barber1906@gmail.com
From Your Member Morale Committee
Cindy Finley
Hello fellow ACBT members,
We hope that 2013 has started on a positive note for each of
you. Although every year has its challenges, your Member Morale
Committee hopes that this year has more blessings than
challenges!!!
Our ACBT president, Kenneth Semien, Sr., has asked the
Member Morale Committee to institute a new program for our
ACBT family, but we need your help! This program called "ACBT
Caring and Sharing," would help us as ACBT members to show
more caring toward our fellow members. So, if you know of an
ACBT member who is ill, a member who has left our ACBT family
through death, or a member who has lost a family member or
close friend, please call or email me at 808-795-0216 or
cpfinley@sbcglobal.net. This will allow someone from the M&M
committee to contact them and let them know that we care and
are thinking of them at this challenging time.
Now, let me leave you with some quotes from a lady who
dealt with a number of challenges, especially those of being blind
and deaf. I would like to share six quotes from Helen Keller.
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen
or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through
experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened,
ambition inspired, and success achieved."
"We may have found a cure for most evils; but we have found no
remedy for the worst of them all, the apathy of human beings."
"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I
can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not
-19refuse to do something that I can do."
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
"While they were saying among themselves it cannot be done, it
was done."
Blindness Summit
Larry Johnson
The Alliance of and for Visually Impaired Texans (AVIT) and
The American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT)
invite you to attend a free
Blindness Summit
State Capitol Auditorium
1100 Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Working together we can do more to overcome barriers to
EMPLOYMENT,EDUCATION, AND
INDEPENDENT LIVING
for Texans who are blind and visually impaired
The opportunities offered at the Blindness Summit will include:
 Exchanging information
 Sharing innovative ideas and programs
 Exploring effective strategies and solutions
 Visiting legislators (with your own message)
This event is free. There is NO cost for attendance. For more
information, please contact Larry Johnson at larjo1@prodigy.net
or Nadine Saffell at nadsaf832@sbcglobal.net.
Legislative visits in groups: Linda Litzinger at
linda.litzinger@txp2p.org or cell: 512-922-3810
The Alliance of and for Visually Impaired Texans (AVIT)
PO Box 301165, Austin, TX 78703, Phone: (512) 630-AVIT
(2848), http://alliancevitexans.org/
The American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT)
-20Larry Johnson, email: larjo1@prodigy.net
http://www.acbtexas.org
Blindness Summit Conference Program
8:30-9:30 AM and 3:30-4:30 PM – Employment Track
Focusing on programs and initiatives reducing chronic high
unemployment among working-age adults who are visually
impaired
Topics to be covered:
 Developing call center jobs for visually impaired customer
service agents
 Creating student job internships that lead to regular
employment
 Conquering assistive technology compatibility problems to
work with technology used in the workplace
 Recruiting qualified employees who are visually impaired for
government contracts
10:30-11:30AM and 2:30-3:30 PM – Senior Track
Focusing on independent living services for the growing number
of older persons coping with the loss of their vision
Topics to be Covered:
 Understanding the senior population - who are they and what
do they need?
 Assisting seniors with vision loss to understand their eye
condition and find alternate ways to accomplish daily tasks
 Accessing appropriate services from the moment of
diagnosis of a visual impairment
 Facilitating transportation options such as one-call centers
and assistance with orientation and mobility needs of seniors
9:30-10:30 AM and 1:30-2:30 PM – Children’s Track
Focusing on innovative services to increase independence and
educational success of children with visual impairment of all ages
Topics to be Covered:
 Increasing opportunities to learn the Expanded Core
Curriculum including orientation and mobility, assistive



-21technology, career readiness, and braille
Expanding career and technology options at the Lighthouses
of Texas
Innovating for quality statewide services from the Texas
School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Division
for Blind Services
Supporting educational programming by consumer
organizations for the blind and Texas family organizations
ACBT 2013 Elections
Cindy Finley
It is time to get the ball rolling in preparation for the 2013
ACBT elections to be held at the state conference in June.
Although our ACBT President appointed a nominating committee,
we need your help as well.
We will be voting on two director positions that are currently
held by Allen Cole and Chris Prentice. Both men are eligible to
serve another four-year term. First, the Nominating Committee
needs to know if the current directors would like to serve for
another term. Secondly, we need to know if any other ACBT
members would like to run for either of these positions. You may
submit your own name or the name of someone else as a
candidate for an office. If you would like to recommend someone
for a director position, you must have talked with that person
beforehand. All persons seeking to run for a position must submit
a biographical sketch. Of course nominations can be made from
the floor; however, you must have talked with the person you
nominate to be sure that person is willing to serve and fulfill the
duties of that office. Also, he or she must have a current bio that
can be read on the conference floor during elections.
At the spring 2012 ACBT board meeting, the board
requested that all candidates (including those nominated from the
floor) answer a set of questions as part of their bio. Your bio
should consist of a brief introductory paragraph which includes
the office to which you are seeking election, and the answers to
the questions. The nominating committee article will state the
questions being responded to; thus, candidates do not need to
restate the questions before their responses. Please answer the
-22questions consecutively. The ACBT president and The Texas Star
editor have set a limit of two pages in sixteen point type. Also, it is
imperative that each candidate be familiar with the ACBT
Constitution and Bylaws, particularly, the duties pertaining to the
office of director. Below are the questions to be completed for
submission to the nominating committee, along with each
candidate’s short bio.
1. What is(are) your reason(s) for seeking this office?
2. What experience and expertise can you contribute to this office,
and ACBT?
3. What action steps would you take to assist ACBT in fulfilling its
mission and achieve its goals?
4. Fundraising is vital to keeping any organization alive. Also, it is
not the sole responsibility of the second vice president/fundraising
chairperson and the fundraising committee to raise funds.
Therefore, name two possible fundraising events and tell how you
would personally contribute to the success of these events.
5. When do you feel that it is necessary for change to take place
in an organization’s practices and procedures?
6. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing ACBT over
the next two to three years, and how would you help ACBT deal
with these challenges?
All candidate bios and answers must be submitted together
and dated no later than February 28, 2013, for email, or
postmarked by February 28, 2013, for snail mail. Please send all
biographical information to cpfinley@sbcglobal.net, or mail it to
Cindy Finley, Nominating Committee Chairperson, 4831 52nd St,
Lubbock, TX 79414.
The bottom line to this entire election process is electing
people who will work hard for the American Council of the Blind of
Texas. Our organization does not need people who just want to
be able to say, “I am on the executive board of ACBT.” Our
organization needs a group of people who are committed to
working toward ACBT becoming a stronger organization, as well
as leading our membership to fulfill our motto of “Together
Everyone Achieves More.” That does not mean that we always
will agree with each other, but it does mean we need to partner
together for the good of ACBT.
Take care, and thanks in advance for your help.
-23ACBT 2013-2014 Scholarship Announcement Michael Garrett
Each year the American Council of the Blind of Texas
(ACBT) awards scholarships to deserving students who will be
entering college, are currently attending a college or university, or
are enrolled in a trade school or technical program. The 20132014 ACBT scholarship applications are now available.
To be considered as a recipient, an applicant must be a
Texas resident and submit a completed application, including the
required supporting documentation. Application packets may be
obtained from DARS/Division for Blind Services counselors,
Educational Service Centers, or Michael Garrett, ACBT
Scholarship Committee Chairman.
The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2013. The decisions
will be made and winners notified by May 1, 2013. All scholarship
recipients are strongly encouraged to attend the ACBT
Conference and Convention. The 2013 Conference and
Convention will be held in Houston, June 6-9. Scholarships will be
given at the Awards Breakfast on Sunday, June 9.
The scholarship packet will be available on the ACBT web
site in the near future. Also, to obtain further information and
submit completed scholarship packets contact:
Michael Garrett
7806 Chaseway Drive
Missouri City, Texas 77489
Ph: (281)438-9665
Email: megarrett4443@sbcglobal.net
ACBT First Timer’s Award
Cindy Finley
Have you ever considered applying for the American Council
of the Blind of Texas Ed and Linda Bradley First Timer’s Award?
At the September 2005 board meeting, President Ed Bradley
requested that the Member Morale Committee create an ACBT
First Timer Award program. At the February 2006 board meeting,
the Member Morale Committee submitted a proposal for this
program, patterned after the national first timer award program.
The proposal given to the board was that ACBT would fund
-24conference registration, two nights lodging, and travel expense for
two members to attend the state conference. However, because
of fiscal constraints to our organization, the ACBT board approved
a 2013 budget which probably will cover only one person's
conference expenses.
The First Timer’s award was established so that members
who have never attended an ACBT conference could have an
opportunity to attend. To be eligible to apply, you must have been
a member in 2012 as well as being a current ACBT member. You
also must never have attended an ACBT state conference and
must be a Texas resident who is legally blind.
If you would like to apply for the 2013 Ed and Linda Bradley
First Timer’s Award, please submit your letter of application to the
Member Morale Committee. This letter needs to include your
name, address, phone number, email address, ACBT affiliation,
visual status, and other information about yourself, including
activities which are important to you. Also, tell us why you would
like to attend the conference and how you think it will benefit you
and your participation in ACBT.
All application letters must be received by April 15, 2013, if
sending your application by email, or postmarked by April 15,
2013, if using snail mail. The Member Morale Committee will
review all applications and notify the recipients of this year’s
awards no later than May 15, 2013. Please send all applications
to:
Cindy Finley, Chairperson, Member Morale Committee
4831 52nd St
Lubbock, TX 79414
Ph. 806-795-0216
Email: cpfinley@sbcglobal.net
2012-2013 ACBT Committee Appointments
Note: Members wishing to serve on a committee are invited to
send e-mail to: semien@sbcglobal.net or call Kenneth Semien,
Sr. at (409) 866-5838.
-25Membership Committee
Chair, First Vice President, Blake Lindsay (At Large)
E-mail: blazin_blake@verizon.net
Phone: (214) 420-9419
Members
1. Ed "Doc" Bradley (Houston Council)
2. Peggy Garrett (Houston Council)
3. Ginger Kraft (Fort Worth Council)
Fundraising Committee
Chair, Second Vice President, Kevin Ratliff (Austin Council)
E-mail: kevin-ratliff@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (512) 826-1619
Members
1. Sheila Derrick (Fort Worth Council)
2. Peggy Garrett (Houston Council)
3. Ashley Prentice (Austin Council)
4. Belinda Skloss (Bay Area Council)
Finance & Budget Committee
Chair, Treasurer, Sheila Derrick (Fort Worth Council)
E-mail: sjderrick212@hotmail.com
Phone: (817) 507-3964
Members
1. Neil Finley (South Plains Council)
2. Carol Edwards (At Large)
3. Michael Garrett (Houston Council)
4. Larry Johnson (Alamo Council)
Constitution & Bylaws Committee
Chair, Immediate Past President, Carol Edwards (At Large)
E-mail: angel_carol@hotmail.com
Phone: (936) 445-3241
Members
1. Neil Finley (South Plains Council)
2. Chris Prentice (Austin Council)
-26Advocacy & Legislation Committee
Chair, Willie Barber (Desert Council)
E-mail: williebarber@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (432) 687-5971
Members
1. Michael Garrett (Houston Council)
2. Jack Gaugler (Houston Council)
3. Judy Jackson (Austin Council)
4. Larry Johnson (Alamo Council)
5. Sheila Lee (At Large)
Publicity (Public Relations) Committee
Chair, John Russo (At Large)
E-mail: johnnyrusso@windstream.net
Phone: (903) 645-4344
Members
1. Gayle Metoyer (Houston Council)
2. Blake Lindsay (At Large)
3. Mandy Farley (Fort Worth Council)
Scholarship Committee
Chair, Michael Garrett (Houston Council)
E-mail: megarrett4443@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (281) 438-9665
Members
1. Willie Barber (Desert Council)
2. Rosalyn Benavidez (Alamo Council)
3. Cynthia Julun (Beaumont Area Council)
4. John Russo (At Large)
5. John Arroyo (Desert Council)
Transportation Committee
Interim Co-Chairs, Larry Johnson & Kenneth Semien, Sr.
Larry Johnson
E-mail: larjo1@prodigy.net
Phone: (210) 590-6777
Kenneth Semien, Sr.
E-mail: semien@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (409) 866-5838
-27Members
1. Allen Cole (Fort Worth Council)
2. Victoria Gilkerson (Houston Council)
3. Jack Gaugler (Houston Council)
4. Sheila Lee (At Large)
5. Debra Turner (South Plains Council)
Member Morale Committee
Chair, Cindy Finley (South Plains Council)
E-mail: cpfinley@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (806) 795-0216
Members
1. Willie Barber (Desert Council)
2. Karen Eitel (Houston Council)
3. Cynthia Julun (Beaumont Area Council)
4. Lori Naiman (At Large)
Resolutions Committee
Chair, Bob Bartlett (Houston Council)
E-mail: rlb19@hal-pc.org
Phone: (713) 645-6370
Member
1. Lou Ann Williams (Alamo Council)
Nominating Committee
Chair, Cindy Finley (South Plains Council)
E-mail: cpfinley@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (806) 795-0216
Members
1. Ed "Doc" Bradley (Houston Council)
2. Becky Collier (Dallas Area Council)
3. Joan Cox (At Large)
4. Karen Eitel (Houston Council)
5. Cynthia Julun (Beaumont Area Council)
2013 State Conference Committee
Chair, President, Kenneth Semien, Sr.
E-mail: semien@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (409) 866-5838
-28Members
1. Peggy Garrett, Conference Coordinator (Houston Council)
E-mail: prcgarrett@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (281) 438-9665
2. Blake Lindsay, First Vice President (At Large)
3. Kevin Ratliff, Second Vice President (Austin Council)
4. Sheila Derrick, Treasurer (Fort Worth Council)
5. Immediate Past State Conference Coordinator, Allen Cole (Fort
Worth Council)
6. Immediate Past State Conference Coordinator, Becky Collier
(Dallas Area Council)
Policy Committee
1. Carol Edwards (At Large)
2. Cynthia Julun (Beaumont Area Council)
3. Carol White (Dallas Area Council)
Website Committee
Chair, Heather Abel (South Plains Council)
E-mail: hsabel@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (806) 839-2501
Members
1. Mike Firth, Web Master (At Large)
E-mail: mikefirth@sbcglobal.net
2. Bob Bartlett (Houston Council)
Note: The President shall serve as an Ex-Officio Member of all
committees.
ACBT Outstanding Member
Cindy Finley
In 1987 the American Council of the Blind of Texas
Outstanding Member award program was started. At this time,
twenty-six people hold this honor. At the Sunday morning awards
breakfast at this year's ACBT state conference, another individual
will join this group. If you would like to nominate a person to be
considered for this award, please send a letter of nomination to
the Nominating Committee no later than April 15, 2013. This letter
-29should include your reasons for nominating this individual,
including how they have served ACBT on the state and local
level, as well as any other information that could help the
Nominating Committee in making this decision. Please send all
nominations to:
Cindy Finley, Nominating Chair
4831 52nd St
Lubbock, TX 79414
Ph. 806-795-0216
Email: cpfinley@sbcglobal.net
All nominations must be received by April 15, 2013, if emailed,
and postmarked by April 15, 2013, if mailed. Then attend Sunday
morning's awards breakfast at this year's ACBT state conference,
and listen for "and the ACBT 2013 Outstanding Member is...."
White Cane Day
Barbara J. Madrigal
Assistant Commissioner, DBS
Texas has a proud tradition of supporting and celebrating
White Cane day. In October, DARS Division for Blind Services
offices around the state joined together with their community
partners and consumers to celebrate the white cane, a symbol of
independence for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Governor Rick Perry designated October 15th as White Cane
Safety Day in Texas. The proclamation encourages all Texans to
promote the safety and well-being of their fellow Texans, and
notes that, “Individuals with visual impairments play invaluable
roles in the Lone Star State.” It continues, “Supporting their efforts
to contribute to our workforce and lead full, independent lives will
make for a stronger Lone Star State.”
The first of the state laws regarding the right of blind people
to travel independently with the white cane was passed in 1930.
Today there is a White Cane Law on the statute books of every
state in the union.
On October 6, 1964, Congress signed a joint resolution
authorizing the President of the United States to proclaim October
15th of each year as "White Cane Safety Day." In the first
Presidential White Cane Proclamation, President Lyndon B.
-30Johnson commended the blind for the growing spirit of
independence and the increased determination to be self-reliant.
The Presidential proclamation said: “The white cane in our
society has become one of the symbols of a blind person's ability
to come and go on his own. Its use has promoted courtesy and
special consideration to the blind on our streets and highways. To
make our people more fully aware of the meaning of the white
cane and of the need for motorists to exercise special care for the
blind persons who carry it.”
In October 2011, President Barack Obama renamed the
observance “Blind Americans Equality Day.” On October 15th of
this year President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to "open
new pathways for blind and visually impaired Americans to pursue
careers in all fields, including science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics. When the American people have the chance to
succeed, we can achieve extraordinary things. Today, we renew
our commitment to innovative projects and initiatives that will
propel us further toward full access, inclusion, and opportunity for
blind and visually impaired Americans."
Here are some of the many White Cane Day activities that
occurred across the state in 2012. In McAllen, the celebration was
held on October 20th at Fireman Park. The event was a huge
success due to the teamwork and collaborative efforts of a
number of community organizations including the City of McAllen,
McAllen Lion’s Club, El Milagro Clinic, Caritas, Dr. Su, Arise
Home Health, Texas Association of Parents of Visually Impaired
Children, NFB Rio Grande Valley Chapter, McAllen Fire
Department, McAllen Police Department, and other individuals
who donated their time and talents. The highlight of the event was
the walk around the park where consumers, their families, and
community members, placed under blindfold, experienced the use
of the white cane and functioning as a person who is blind.
Certified O&M instructors provided basic training to all participants
and explained the proper use and importance of the white cane.
Approximately 370 people participated in the many activities that
the event provided. Some of these were a variety of activities for
kids (face painting, pond fishing, moon jump etc.), community
service information by the Lion’s Club, eye exams at no cost by
Dr. Su, free diabetes screenings and blood pressure readings by
-31El Milagro Clinic, and a number of former consumers who are
successfully employed promoted their business.
In Wichita Falls, over 40 consumers and family members
gathered at Lucy Park. DBS staff and community partners also
were there to engage in the celebration. Participants were offered
the use of blindfolds and canes as the group marched on the hike
and bike path around the park. The mayor and a local newscaster
took this opportunity to build their understanding of visual
impairment. The Fire Marshall was on hand to provide information
about fire safety to the families. The event was capped off with
Hawaiian Dancing.
In Austin, the day began with a march from the State Capitol
to City Hall, where Mayor Lee Leffingwell proclaimed this day
White Cane Day. Then all participants walked to Republic Square
Park for the festivities. Many partners for the event provided food,
activities, entertainment, and giveaways. HEB provided hot dogs,
drinks, and chips; Rudy’s provided barbeque sandwiches; and, a
BET operator provided chicken, potato salad, and sausage wraps.
Activities included a tug of war game between TSBVI staff and
White Cane Day participants. The Austin Field Headquarters
provided activities such as a ring toss, a bean bag toss, and a
sack race with prizes given to each participant. There were also
arts and crafts activities and Independent Living skills training.
Blue Mist, a local band in which all the band member are visually
impaired, provided all the entertainment for the festivities.
Houston held their celebration on October 23rd.
Houstonians of all ages gathered on the steps of City Hall and
marched to Hermann Square. Over 300 participants watched as
Mayor Annise Parker read the Proclamation and listened to the
2012 Master Chef, Christina Ha, share her story. There were over
thirty-five exhibitors sharing information and resources,
technology demonstrations, and conducting non-visual activities
for the participants. By working with many local community
sponsors, they were able to give away over $300 in gift cards and
giveaways. Lunch was provided by Jason’s Deli. Benigno Aceves,
IL Coordinator in the Houston office, stated that one of the most
rewarding parts of the day was having the opportunity to talk with,
provide information, and promote white cane awareness to
ordinary citizens of Houston who saw the event happening and
-32were curious as to what the event was about. He stated that it
was truly a community awareness event!
In Dallas, on October 15th, over 120 participants marched
the mile around City Hall. Councilman Jerry Allen read the
Mayor’s proclamation and presented Rolinda Duran, Field
Director of the Dallas Regional DBS office with a framed copy.
There were presentations from many of the local organizations of
the blind, including NFB, ACB, AFB, Dallas Lighthouse, Reading
Radio Resources, and many more. A number of DBS consumers
shared their success stories. School children who are blind or
visually impaired from three school districts came to share in the
events of the day. Snacks, juice, and water were provided.
My hope is that many of you were able to join your local
DARS Division for Blind Services team and participate in the
activities in your community. If not, I would encourage you to talk
with your DBS partner about how you can get involved in the
planning and/or participate in next year’s event.
Walking Through the Fear
Donna Grahmann
A young boy screamed, Huey spun us backward in midstride, and I slammed my cane down which stopped the loose dog
from biting us. The brown and white, mixed-breed dog
disappeared as fast as it had attacked, or had it? I could feel the
direction Huey was looking by the signals transmitted to my left
hand from his leash. Which way were we facing? What side of the
road were we on? And where did the loose dog go? Adrenaline
shot through my system and my pulse raced in my ears. At that
very moment, if a car would have rounded the corner, I would not
have known which way to move safely out of its path.
Fenced dogs barked as if the loose dog was still a threat to
us. The boy continued to call for his uncontrolled dog to come to
him with no success. Any movement from me or Huey might have
drawn another attack, so my guide dog stood silent at my left side
and awaited my next command.
My senses were on high alert. I hollered that his dog tried to
bite us and to get him out of here. A minute and a half had lapsed
and the dog had not been caught. After two minutes, the boy’s
-33father approached us upon my request, and I asked if he knew
that we have leash laws. He replied with an apology, but ignored
my question about the leash law as his dog continued to run
loose. Five terror-filled minutes spanned between the dog’s attack
on us and its capture.
Huey and I have been a team since October 2007. We have
walked our neighborhood roads in Montgomery County as part of
our daily routine. I’ve heard too many excuses owners’ give for
their dogs being allowed to run loose, such as, that tiny little dog
won’t hurt you, my dog has never tried to bite anyone, or he is a
friendly dog. One person stated that if I wouldn’t slap my cane
down on the road as their dog barked and circled us, then the dog
wouldn’t get so agitated. When a guide dog team is involved, the
owners of dogs that are allowed to run loose have not only broken
county and state laws, they have also broken Federal law, under
The Americans with Disabilities Act.
 Texas Human Resource Code
Title 8, Chapter 121
Sections 121.001-121.010
 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Texas state law under this code states “Persons who are
blind or have other disabilities are guaranteed the legal right to be
accompanied by a specially trained dog guide or assistance dog
in all public places.” In addition it says, “A person may not assault,
harass, interfere with, kill, or injure in any way, or attempt to
assault, harass, interfere with, kill, or injure in any way, an
assistance animal.” This code states a person, firm, association,
corporation, or other organization, or the agent of a person, firm,
association, corporation, or other organization who violates a
provision of Section 121.003 commits an offense. An offense
under this code is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less
than $300.00 or more than $1000.00 per offense.
The Federal Americans with Disabilities Act also guarantees
access to public places and allows persons who have been
denied access to seek punitive damages under Title 3, Sec.
36.104 of the ADA.
Loose dogs, aggressive or not, are a serious danger for a
guide dog team and are not to be considered as a simple dog to
dog interaction. I’ve often wondered how the owner of a dog that
-34has been allowed to run free would react to being told to wear
black-out goggles for a month as part of a mandatory punishment
for breaking these laws. Their sight would be blocked, but their
vision might be improved once they experienced the extreme fear
and danger induced by a loose dog distraction or attack. For
those of us who enjoy jogging, cycling, or walking with a leashed
pet or guide dog in public places, please be courteous and keep
your dogs fenced or kenneled.
For more information visit: www.guidedogsoftexas.org
Who Is ACBT?
Michael E. Garrett
I have said for some time now that ACBT stands at a
crossroad. As we reflect on 2012 and we look forward to 2013, it
appears obvious that ACBT has already reached the crossroad.
We have elected new executive officers, we are facing a new
year, and along with the old issues, we face new challenges.
There comes a time in any organization when its leaders
and its members must ask some insightful and penetrating
questions, such as: Who are we? What do we stand for? How can
we be sure we are fulfilling our mission? How can we be sure our
vision is relevant? How can we better serve our members? And,
how can we make ourselves more appealing to those who aren't
members? These are some questions, I believe, ACBT should
ask itself; we need to know assuredly who we are and what we
want to be. As people who are blind or visually impaired, we will
always face challenges, we will always encounter issues, and
problems will always persist. Are we going to face up to our
challenges, or are we going to let them wear us down?
As we enter the new year, there are some issues and
challenges that confront us, and we must decide whether we
should actively support them or sit quietly while others in our local
communities, across the state, and around the nation pass us by.
There are a number of examples of things going on that need our
voice and our support. They include: making sure ACBT is
financially sound, supporting the 2013 legislative imperatives put
forth by the ACBT Advocacy and Legislation Committee,
supporting the Blindness Summit, sending representatives to the
-35ACB Presidents’ Meeting and Legislative Seminar, supporting the
Carolyn Garrett Youth Leadership Conference, providing
scholarships for college students, having national representation
at our state conference, and having representation at the ACB
national conference. I could go on and on, but you get the picture.
These and other activities like them can and will help define who
we are and where we want to go. I believe that as we broaden our
involvement, we will broaden our influence.
ACBT is made up of a wonderful cross section of members.
Each of us has something unique to offer the organization. Each
of us brings something special to the organization. We must find a
way to harness all of our talents and blend them together to make
a powerful, influential, and cohesive group. I believe that if we can
display the best in each of us, that will make it better for all of us.
Projects and activities are financed by annual dues,
fundraisers, and tax deductible donations made to ACBT by
members, friends, and other interested persons. ACBT
appreciates the continued support of its members and friends. For
more information about ACBT, please contact any state officer,
director, or your nearest chapter, call 866-929-2228 and leave a
message, or visit www.acbtexas.org.
American Council of the Blind of Texas, Inc.
President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Past President
Kenneth Semien, Sr.
Blake Lindsay
Kevin Ratliff
Cynthia Julun
Sheila Derrick
Carol Edwards
A publication of the American Council of the Blind of
Texas, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind
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