ICUB BULLETIN
Published Quarterly by
IOWA COUNCIL OF THE UNITED BLIND
Affiliate of
THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
SUMMER EDITION 2001
DONNA SELIGER, PRESIDENT
3912 SE 5th St.
Des Moines, Iowa 50315
(515) 284-0505
1-888-404-5562 (Toll Free)
E-mail: dseliger@worldnet.att.net
JOHN TAYLOR, EDITOR
2012 - 40th Place
Des Moines, Iowa 50310
(515) 279-2817
E-mail: teriretir@aol.com
MICHAEL BARBER, TREASURER
1437 Guthrie
Des Moines, Iowa 50316
(515) 263-1441
E-mail: m1437b@home.com
JO ANN SLAYTON, SECRETARY
4013 - 30th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50310
(515) 279-4284
E-mail: slaytons@earthlink.net
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ICUB Officers and Directors ............................................................................ 2
Notice to Readers ........................................................................................... 3
From the President’s Desk ............................................................................. 4
Convention Thoughts .................................................................................... 6
Creig Slayton, Director of Iowa Department for the Blind
Announces Retirement ............................................................................ 10
Retirement - Reprinted from Des Moines Register ..................................... 11
Blind Want Equal Access, Chances ............................................................ 12
“Cars R Us” .................................................................................................. 15
Kids Ask the ‘Darndest’ Things ................................................................... 16
Cedar Rapids Chapter Report ..................................................................... 16
Des Moines Chapter Report ....................................................................... 18
Dubuque Association of the Blind ............................................................... 19
North Central Chapter of the United Blind of Iowa ...................................... 20
ICUB OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
President, Donna Seliger
Des Moines, 515/284-0505
1st V.P., Michael Hoenig
Davenport, 319/344-8787
2nd V.P., John Taylor
Des Moines, 515/279-2817
Secretary, JoAnn Slayton
Des Moines, 515/279-4284
Treasurer, Michael Barber
Des Moines, 515/263-1441
2-Year Directors
Dick Natale
West Des Moines, 515/277-1167
Sylvester Nemmers
Des Moines, 515/276-2729
Robert Nesler
Dubuque, 563/557-0987
Gloria O’Neal
Waterloo, 319/235-1789
1-Year Directors
Julie Bedard
Des Moines, 515/243-8593
Sue Hergert
Coralville, 319/337-7691
Dorothy Janvrin
Fort Dodge, 515/573-6043
Shirley Wiggins
Cedar Rapids, 319/362-7138
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #2
NOTICE TO READERS
If you or a friend would like to remember the Iowa Council of the
United Blind in your will, you may do so by using the following
language: “I grant, devise, or bequeath unto the Iowa Council of the
United Blind, a non-profit charitable organization, the sum of ______
dollars, ____ percent of my net estate, or the following stocks and
bonds (please list them) to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of
blind persons.” If your wishes are more complex, you may have your
attorney call (515) 279-2817, or write Iowa Council of the United Blind,
2012 - 40th Place, Des Moines, Iowa 50310.
Anyone who cannot read this print bulletin or finds it difficult to
have it read may receive a cassette copy at no charge. Cassette
readers are invited to return this Bulletin for re-use. Please help us
keep you better informed.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING MATERIAL
FOR THE NEXT ISSUE
****October 1, 2001 ****
NOTICE: Michael D. Barber, Treasurer
You may now receive your personal issue of the ICUB Bulletin
electronically. That's right! Your issue of the ICUB Bulletin can be emailed to you personally. To start receiving your copy of the Bulletin
electronically, send a message to the following e-mail address:
m1437b@home.com
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #3
In the subject line, type the words ICUB Bulletin. Leave the body
blank. Your name will then be added to the list of those receiving the
Bulletin.
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
By Donna Seliger
I sit here at the computer wondering just where to start. For the
past year we have been planning for the 40th annual American Council
of the Blind convention. From June 30 through July 7, more than 1,400
people converged on Des Moines for this event. The above figure
includes convention attendees, exhibitors and volunteers. Before I
venture further with my report, I want to pause and thank all of you who
helped make this convention a gigantic success. Without all of the
Iowans who spent days before and hours during the convention, it
would not have been possible. Please, please accept my heartfelt
thanks for all you have done. There are too many wonderful people to
name and besides, I wouldn’t want to overlook anyone.
The convention week was filled with meetings, workshops,
seminars, socials, breakfasts, lunches and much more. This year was
a big one for elections since all the ACB officers’ terms expired except
one and that person decided not to run again. Nearly every state and
special interest affiliate held caucuses to decide who to vote for since
each position had two declared candidates. In the end the following
slate of officers was elected: president, Christ Gray from California; 1st
vice president, Steve Speicher from Nebraska; 2nd vice president, M. J.
Schmitt from Illinois; and Donna Seliger from Iowa as secretary. Since
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #4
M. J. Schmitt moved from a board position to officer, that slot was filled
by Brian Charlson of Massachusetts.
The Welcome to Iowa party held on June 30 was attended by many
ACB members and friends.
On Sunday afternoon several ICUB members gathered at the
Department for the Blind to hold a mini state convention. Our own
elections were held to fill four outgoing board positions. Shirley Conrad
and Monty Habben chose not to run for another term. At this time, I
would like to thank both of these people for their involvement and
support of ICUB during the past two years. Gloria O’Neal of Waterloo
and Bob Nesler from Dubuque replaced Shirley and Monty. The
remaining two positions were Dick Natale and Sylvester Nemmers who
were reelected for another two years. Congratulations to everyone!
A fall board meeting of the ICUB officers and directors will be held
September 15, 2001 at the Iowa Department for the Blind. As always,
this meeting is open to all members. Since there is a Domino’s Pizza
just down the block, I thought we might take our lunch break there or
perhaps order in.
From every indication I have had, we can count the ACB
convention in Des Moines a huge success! Hats off to ICUB for a job
well done. There were door prizes donated from every chapter as well
as individuals and they were much appreciated. The Welcome to Iowa
party and Iowa Suite enjoyed donated snacks as well.
Enjoy your summer and we’ll see you in Cedar Rapids or Dubuque
later on.
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #5
CONVENTION THOUGHTS
By ACB Members
(The following are excerpts taken from messages sent on the ACB
Listserv. Judging from the comments, all ICUB members are to be
commended for a great job.)
While I do enjoy attending conventions (when I can) I have to say
that the coverage of the opening session was really great and provided
a truly exciting experience! There I was, sitting on my couch, in the
comfort of my own living room listening to the opening session ...
LIVE! I didn't have to deal with folks talking around me, people getting
in and out of the rows, canes, dogs, bags, or anything else.
Furthermore, I was able to get up and get a drink whenever I wanted,
use the men’s room, eat a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough ice
cream, etc.
Technically speaking, the sound is outstanding! Keep up the great
work, folks!
I too am enjoying the convention coverage and especially loved
last night's session. My husband and I were in our pajamas listening to
it, and it was just fabulous! The content was to! I've only heard Paul
Edwards' last two addresses as President, but I've got to say that Tom
Harkin was right. He is a hell of a speaker, and I am really going to
miss him though I have never spoken to him. He's real, and he's
natural, and he's unapologetic for those characteristics. I was also
pleased that tom Harkin spoke as well. I caught this morning's session
live too, but it doesn't appear that I'll get to hear the rest of the week's
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #6
live. I'll have to catch up when they are replayed.
Donna. Have been enjoying your convention. It would be too
costly for Canadians to attend, but hearing it on ACB Radio is almost
as good, although being there would be more fun.
Hello All: Well, we arrived home this afternoon from Des Moines,
tired, and frankly, a little sad that we had to come home. The people of
Des Moines are so warm and friendly and made us feel so welcome, it
was very hard to leave and come back to the big city of Chicago.
Overall, it was a wonderful convention. The Iowa Council of the
United Blind and all who helped them need to give themselves a
collective pat on the back for the work they did. They made things so
easy for all of us to enjoy the convention.
We have got to find a way to get more of our business done when
more people are in attendance. Then again, people know when the
convention is scheduled to end and if at all possible, should plan to
stay through Saturday if they want to take part in all of the convention
business.
The banquet entertainment was top notch. Jonathan Mosen and
the rest of you who put it together, our hats are off to you for a job well
done. Especially Allan Beatty for his rendition of "The Mississippi
Squirrel Revival."
The setup with the skywalks and the convention center and four
hotels worked out great in our opinion. People who immediately turn
up their noses at the prospects of going to a convention in a setup like
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #7
this should really give it a chance, sometimes things aren't as bad as
they seem. The security officials and others in the skywalks were very
helpful. It was good that they had the electric carts for those who do
have trouble walking great distances.
We didn't see a lot of the pushing and shoving and biting people's
heads off that is usually associated with the end part of convention
week. I only saw one incident where a couple of people got into it a
little bit on the Marriott elevators, but that was it.
We were pleased with how the elections came out. ACB will be
well served over the next two years by the officers who have been
elected. These people are well prepared to face the challenges that
ACB will have to respond to in the next two years such as
reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act, IDEA Reauthorization,
improving ACB's finances and dealing with accessible voting among
other things.
It was a pleasure to meet many of you during this year's ACB
convention. To those who could not attend, we missed you and we
hope you can return next year in Houston.
We hope everyone had as satisfying a convention experience as
we did. While we're about walked out, we had a wonderful week with
the wonderful people of Des Moines and ACB. If we ever move
anywhere, it will be a city like Des Moines, laid back and full of people
who don't hesitate to call you friend.
Hi All! Well, I arrived home yesterday tired and as Ray and Karen
said, sad to leave both old and newly made friends. Since this was my
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #8
first convention, I was unsure of what to expect. I took things a bit
slowly and cautiously, sampling a little bit of everything...sessions...
socializing...tours and a bit of helping out where needed. All in all it was
such an energizing and wonderful experience. I have been a member
of ACB for many years, as well as a member of GDUI. This year's
convention just made me want to work harder to be involved and to
help in whatever way I can. I agree, the people of Des Moines were
wonderful. Coming from New England where people tend to be more
reserved, I had no idea of the difference. People were so willing to
help...not in a patronizing condescending manner, but in a generally
friendly and accepting way. I met several local people at the fireworks
at the capital on the 3rd, which a friend and I attended. To let you know
of how helpful people were...My friend and I were told by the hotel
shuttle driver where to meet after the festivities. We called to let him
know we were ready to go back to the Marriott. Well, we started talking
to two women and their daughters who helped us get to the appointed
meeting spot. Well, due to tons of traffic, the shuttle driver was unable
to get to us. So after an hour of talking to these really nice people, they
took us back without hesitation! They were so much fun and really
great! Enough rambling! To those of you who I got to meet, it was a
pleasure. I cannot wait till next year. To those who did not attend, I
hope to meet you next year!!!
I agree that the convention went really and even the heated
Saturday session was a view into democracy in action.
I really enjoyed seeing all the folks from the list and hope all who
did not make this year's event get to Houston next year. Hats off to
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #9
everyone who worked so hard on the convention and all of us salute
the Iowa affiliate for a job very well done! ACB Radio shined through it
all, our people were involved and excited and it was truly a great
fortieth birthday convention.
Hello Donna! I just want to let you know that I thought this year's
convention was just great! I have visited a number of cities in the
country, and I found Des Moines to be the friendliest and most
hospitable of them all. That's why I was sad when I had to leave.
Those people in Iowa want to make me move there. Thank you for all
the information about the convention. Because of it I was well
prepared. I thoroughly enjoyed the skywalk. It was a real adventure.
In short Donna this convention was one of the absolute best. Again,
thank you and your wonderful affiliate for having us and doing an
outstanding job. Also I offer my congratulations to you on becoming
our secretary. You will do a great job.
CREIG SLAYTON, DIRECTOR OF IOWA DEPARTMENT
FOR THE BLIND, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Des Moines, IA -- At a regular meeting of the Iowa Commission for
the Blind, R. Creig Slayton, Director of the Iowa Department for the
Blind, notified the Commission of his plan to retire on or before August
31, 2001. He has worked at the Iowa Department for the Blind for 36
years.
It is with much regret that the Commission moved to accept Mr.
Slayton’s request to retire from an exemplary career serving the blind
of Iowa. He has directed the agency for 14 of his 36 years of
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #10
employment. He is a proven leader, and above all has been the
utmost advocate for the blind, both statewide and nationally.
Following Slayton’s announcement of his upcoming retirement, the
Commission began the process to launch a search for his replacement.
Advertisements for applicants will begin appearing within the next few
days in newspapers, special publications, and a national computer
network shared by rehabilitation agencies.
The deadline for the applications will be July 20. The threemember Commission--John Wellman of Des Moines, Robert Martin of
Davenport, and Julie Scurr of Coralville--will then screen the
applications and interivew the prospective candidates.
Qualified candidates should send resumes by July 20, 2001, to:
Julie A. Scurr, Chair
Iowa Commission for the Blind
524 Fourth Street
Des Moines, IA 50309-2364
REPRINTED FROM DES MOINES REGISTER OF
Wednesday, July 4, 2001
The director of the Iowa Department for the Blind is retiring after 14
years at the job.
R. Craig Slayton, 60, who has worked for the state agency for 36
years, plans to retire on or before Aug. 31, the Iowa Commission for
the Blind announced Tuesday.
Slayton is “very well respected, not only statewide but nationally.
He’s been a great leader for the state of Iowa,” said Julie Scurr,
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #11
commission chairwoman.
The agency has a nationwide reputation for providing quality
service, training and opportunities for the blind, she said.
“The agency serves the blind of Iowa through vocational
rehabilitation and independent living services,” Scurr said.
Scurr said the search for a successor has begun. The deadline for
applications is July 20.
BLIND WANT EQUAL ACCESS, CHANCES
by Tara Deering, Reprinted from Des Moines Register July 1, 2001
Deb Caldbeck has worked as a word processor for the Iowa
Department of Inspections and Appeals for 17 years. She sometimes
gets hungry during the day and heads to the vending machine for a
snack.
Caldbeck cannot see the candy bars and chips or their selection
numbers when she stands in front of the vending machine. She cannot
tell if her dollar bill is facing the right direction. Caldbeck, 40, has been
blind since birth.
“Under normal circumstances, I cannot walk up to a vending
machined and get a pop or a candy bar,” she said. “I have to take
someone with me. It’s just not something a sighted person would think
about.”
Equal access, employment opportunities, adequate transportation,
pedestrian safety and descriptive television programming are just a few
of the issues the blind say should be addressed.
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #12
Many of those issues will be discussed this week at the 40th annual
American Council of the Blind National Convention in Des Moines.
About 1,500 blind and visually impaired people from across the country
are expected to attend the convention, which began Saturday and runs
for a week.
Donna Seliger, president of the Iowa Council of the United Blind,
said members of her organization travel to Washington, D.C., each
spring to discuss their concerns with legislators. She said they have
been somewhat successful in being heard.
Seliger said her group has become increasingly concerned about
voter accessibility after controversy surrounding the 2000 presidential
election.
“We want to stay on top of it to make sure that we’re not forgotten
when these new voting machines roll off the line,” she said.
Caldbeck said finding employment continues to be one of the
biggest obstacles for the blind. She said blind people must work twice
as hard to convince employers they can do the job.
Polk County Public Defender John Wellman agreed, saying each
blind person who is employed helps to dispel the perception that blind
people are incompetent.
“There are certainly many qualified blind people holding jobs,” he
said.
Wellman is widely regarded as among the best criminal attorneys
in Iowa. An accidental shotgun blast stole Wellman’s sight at age 17.
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #13
Wellman said guaranteeing equal employment opportunities for the
blind cannot be legislated.
“Change has to come step by step,” said Wellman, who has served
18 years on the Iowa Commission for the Blind.
Wellman said some ideas to help the blind are unnecessary. He
said, for example, that audio signals on traffic lights simply give the
impression that the blind cannot fend for themselves.
The Iowa Department for the Blind helps people who lose their
sight re-enter the work force by teaching them Braille, computer skills,
and how to use a cane. About 57,000 Iowans are visually impaired.
“Our basic goal is to get people back to work and back to doing the
basic things they did before they lost their sight,” said Craig Slayton,
director of the Department for the Blind. He announced last week that
he is retiring in August after 36 years with the Department.
Advancements in computer technology have opened up a number
of job opportunities for the blind. Caldbeck uses a computer at work
that reads her the words on the screen through a headset.
“If it weren’t for my computer, I wouldn’t have a job,” she said. “I
wouldn’t.”
Slayton said, “They’ve truly become reading machines.” He was
using his talking computer Friday to send e-mails.
Slayton said recent state budget cuts will make it more difficult for
the department to provide its services. He said the department will be
forced to serve fewer people and eliminate a couple of positions.
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #14
The state reduced the department’s $1.8 million budget by
$70,000. Slayton said the department’s total budget will be cut by
significantly more because it receives four federal dollars for every
state dollar.
Seliger said her organization would like the government’s help in
pushing for media enhancements. The hearing-impaired have closedcaptioning. Seliger said the blind should have what’s called Separate
Audio Program, or SAP, where a person describes the non-verbal
expressions or silent action during movies and television programs.
“We would like to see that on network programming like with
closed-caption,” she said.
Seliger said video description is available on some movies, such
as “The Sixth Sense,” “The King and I” and “Home Alone.” She said
the videos take a lot of time to make and are expensive to buy.
“CARS R US”
by Donna Seliger
Just about two years ago ICUB entered into a contract with the
Vehicle Donation Processing Center of Monrovia, California. The way
it works for us is rather simple; however, there are some things that
must happen before we receive any money.
An advertisement saying “Donate that car” and the toll free number
1-800-899-4925 first appeared in the Des Moines Register last
November. An individual who wishes to donate their car, truck, boat,
or motorcycle to ICUB can call that phone number. The processing
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #15
center people contact a pre-assigned company in Iowa to pick up the
donated vehicle. It then goes to an auction house where it is sold.
ICUB receives 50 percent of the proceeds after payment of advertising,
pick-up, auctioning, and administrative fees.
We received our first payment early this spring. Our share of the
proceeds is around $3,000 thus far. The amount of money we get
depends entirely on how many vehicles are picked up and sold.
If you know of anyone who wishes to donate a car to ICUB, please
have them call 1-800-899-4925. Any vehicle can be donated, whether
in running condition or not. If you have family or friends who would like
to donate a vehicle and receive a tax deduction as a contribution to a
non-profit organization, please ask them to call.
KIDS ASK THE ‘DARNDEST’ THINGS
One Sunday morning, the priest saw little Davey staring up at the
large plaque that hung in the church’s foyer. The plaque was covered
with names, and small American flags were mounted on either side of
it.
“Father Donovan,” the boy asked, “What is this?”
“Well, son, it’s a memorial to all the young men and women who
died in the service,” the priest explained. They stood together quietly,
staring at the memorial plaque.
Little Davey softly asked, “Which service? The 9:00 or the 10:30?”
CEDAR RAPIDS CHAPTER REPORT
by shirley Wiggins
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #16
Hi, did you attend the A.C.B. National Convention in Des Moines,
or did you stay home and miss the greatest event I.C.U.B. might ever
host again? Dove Tanner and I were the two from our Cedar Rapids
Chapter privileged to attend. Between the two of us, we have much
information to share with our small but mighty chapter when next we
meet.
The members of our chapter asked Dove and me to collect door
prizes for the convention. We also donated $100 toward door prizes.
Now we are at work planning the August picnic. The picnic will be held
August 25th, eleven A.M. until Four P.M. As always, it will be held at
Shawnee Park, nineteenth Street and F. Avenue N.W. Bring your own
tableware. We’ll have coffee, lemonade, and cups. Bring your favorite
covered dish, let’s see what good cooks we have around the state.
The Support Group too is planning a picnic the first day of August.
There are many good cooks in that group.
The Support Group had a speaker from the LIFT transportation.
LIFT buses transport disabled and seniors. The buses are equipped
for all handicaps and can be used to get to appointments, go to the
Malls and grocery shopping. The price is $1.25 a ride.
In May we learned of a program “Cabs Pass.” It was originally for
working handicapped and seniors only. Cabs Pass is sponsored by
Five Seasons Transportation and Good Will Industries. They obtained
a grant at least for one year that allows all handicapped to use the
service for only $2.00 a ride anywhere in Linn County. Those of us
who have good health and access to a close-by bus stop are asked to
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #17
use our passes after six in the evening when our buses no longer run.
The service can be used by all of us if it is medical or bringing home
groceries. For all who ask for passes, you must fill out an application
after which we receive a billfold sized pass good for a year.
That is it for now. Just don’t forget our picnic the 25th of August.
DES MOINES CHAPTER REPORT
by Michael Barber
Members have spent this quarter helping to put the final touches
on the upcoming 40th annual American Council of the Blind Convention
which will be held from June 30-July 7 in Des Moines. Vending
machines are receiving Braille labels; final touches are being applied to
the Skywalk orientation guide; volunteers are being recruited and
trained; and many other last-minute details which need tending as we
enter the home stretch for the convention.
Some of our members attended the various neighborhood
meetings held by the Metropolitan Transit Authority where proposals
for changes and improvements in bus service were discussed.
In May, we had a visit from Margarine Beaman from Texas who
was here on behalf of the American Council of the Blind to train the
convention volunteers.
On June 7, June 27 and June 28, the Des Moines Chapter and
the Department for the Blind conducted training sessions for staff
members from each of the convention hotels, staff members from the
Des Moines International Airport and the staff from the Convention and
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #18
Visitors’ Bureau. During these sessions, our message to them was,
“Treat blind people like everyone else.” “Use common sense when
dealing with a blind person.” The sessions were extremely successful.
DUBUQUE ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND
by Inez Schultz
The April DAB meeting was held in the dining room at Finley
Hospital. Bob Nesler called the meeting to order. A letter from Gloria
O’Neil concerning door prizes for the Convention was read. DAB
decided to donate a case of Trappestine caramels from Our Lady of
the Mississippi Abbey. Inez will see that they are labeled and delivered
to Des Moines. Our group hopes to exhibit the Braille flag fashioned
by Sharon Wagner. Shirley Conrad, Delores and Darwin Reber will not
be at the next meeting. They are planning a fun trip to Branson,
Missouri.
The May meeting was held in the comfortable Conference Room at
Finley Hospital. Arrangements to get prizes to Des Moines were
made. Gene Scholtes picked up Iowa T-shirts, a cooler, picture prints,
and caps from Rose and Bob Stratton of Maquoketa. Since Bob and
Rose are going by bus, our group will deliver their things to Des
Moines via car. A group from Tri-State Independent Blind cancelled.
At the May meeting a van was hired to go to Cedar Rapids for the
August 25th picnic. We are looking forward to this special get-together
of old and new friends. Arrangements for our DAB banquet September
22 are almost completed. “If it works, don’t fix it,” is our attitude. Of
course, are always expecting some last minute changes. Bob Nesler
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #19
will be installed on the ICUB board in July.
Inez Schultz spoke about her appearance before the Board of
Regents Meeting at Council Bluffs School for the Deaf. Anna Decker
drove to Council Bluffs to ask the Board that the pay scale for the
itinerant Braille teachers remain the same as last year. That is, without
a cut in money as presented by the Board of Regents. The cuts would
have affected the teachers for Inez’ grandson, Ann’s son, Stevie
Decker. These teachers have been teaching the blind, many for over
25 years, and their expertise and friendly services are needed in Iowa.
The June meeting was called to order by Thelma Kerth. A
package of items was sent to Joann Slayton to be used in the “Goody
Bags” for the upcoming convention. Linda Curfman phoned and
Thelma and Inez volunteered to man the “Welcome” booth at the
Savery Hotel from Sunday to Wednesday 11:00 A.M. until 3:30 P.M.
Arrangements were made so that we also could be at the “Welcome
Iowa” party on Saturday night.
NORTH CENTRAL CHAPTER of the UNITED BLIND of IOWA
by Thelma Hoover
Busy, busy, busy seems to be the tempo we enjoy every day.
Keeping busy is no problem at all. Just finding the time to accomplish
everything that needs to be done seems, sometimes, a problem.
The Fort Dodge Chapter is equally busy. Within the past year, we
have welcomed three new members to our group. We remember, too,
the two members who passed away from our midst. We shall miss
them.
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #20
Our attendance has been pretty regular, with approximately 24
members attending each meeting.
Our ‘Nomads’ have returned from their winter travels. This is
always a comfortable time; to have everyone back together again.
In May, we had a visit with Merry-Noel Chamberlain, the
Independent Living Coordinator for Iowa Department for the Blind. Her
presentation was full of new methods of how to handle small problems
that often appear huge for eye-impaired people. She told about the
help that is available for those who need individual help in learning how
to cope and, in doing so, how to become more independent. She
stressed that for all eye-impaired people, there is “hope.”
The Club is now planning an “IRIS Appreciation Luncheon” to be
held in September. We exalt our IRIS readers. They do such a
wonderful service, ever ready, and ever faithful.
Our meetings are never ‘dull.’ One member is bringing stories or
information he has gleaned from his computer and we welcome
everything he shares with us. It either makes you think or you enjoy a
good chuckle.
Some of our members attended the convention held in Des Moines
and we will be hearing from them at our August meeting.
We welcome you, you, and you, when in Fort Dodge, on the first
Tuesday of any month to visit with us. We are located at 127 North
10th Street.
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #21
RETARDED GRANDPARENTS
A teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their vacation.
One child wrote the following:
“We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and
Grandpa. They used to live here in a big brick house, but Grandpa got
retarded and they moved to Florida and now they live in a place with a
lot of other retarded people. They live in a tin box and have rocks
painted green to look like grass.
They ride around on big tricycles and wear name tags because
they don’t know who they are anymore.
They go to a building called a wrecked center, but they must have
got it fixed, because it is all right now. They play games and do
exercises there, but they don’t do them very well. There is a swimming
pool, too, but they all jump up and down in it with their hats on. I guess
they don’t know how to swim.
At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it.
He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak
out. Tnen they go cruising in their golf carts.
My Grandma used to bake cookies and stuff, but I guess she forgot
how.
Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And they eat the same thing
every night: Early Birds.
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #22
Some of the people can’t get past the man in the doll house to go
out. So the ones who do get out bring food back to the wrecked center
and call it pot luck.
My Grandma says Grandpa worked all his life to earn his
retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded some day
too.
When I earn my retardment I want to be the man in the doll house.
Then I will let people out so they can visit their grandchildren.”
ICUB Bulletin - Summer, 2001 - Page #23