This is the GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE audio edition for March 2004.

All material property of CWAB, Incorporated. Reproduction of audio, and or printed articles or photos in the original printed issue, may not be reproduced or distributed in whole or in part without prior written consent.

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind, Inc.

The Guide Page Magazine published monthly by:

(304) 522-6991 - Fax (304) 522-6924

e-mail: cwabadm@cabellwayne.org

Internet: www.cabellwayne.org or www.cwab.org.

Paul Slone, Executive Director

Jerry Crabtree, Guide Page Editor

Major funding provided by the Teubert (pronounced Tue-bert) Foundation

In this issue:

Mission and Vision Statements, Narrator of the Month, From the "Director’s Desk", Toyota donates van, Volunteers appreciated, Oral Hull summer camp, New Billboard, Microchipping, From eyes that lead, Theater By The Blind, Consumer dies, MD study, Improving tech article, Accessibility website, Valentine Social, Audio tapes donated, Irish lunch, CWAB merchandise, General use computer, Support groups, Bowling scores, Radio outreach, Teubert prep Ice Skating, Recipe of the Month, Pancakes & bowling, Scholarship Program, GUIDE PAGE Supporters, Control your assets,

The March issue of the GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE has a full-page cover photo of the Toyota Sienna van as it is being viewed by attendees during the donation ceremony on February 2nd.

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind is committed to promoting and advocating the economic, educational, and social welfare of the blind and visually impaired of all ages so that they can maintain a lifestyle comparable to other members of society.

CWAB will be seen nationally as a model for organizations and agencies that help blind and visually impaired persons achieve maximum independence. CWAB will be known for timely and appropriate state-of-the-art responses to the changing needs of consumers throughout the Tri-State area and beyond.

Sandra Cole, news anchor for WOWK-CBS-13.

Sandra Cole anchors WOWK’s 5:30 and 6:00PM newscasts. A Wisconsin native, Cole has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-EAU Claire, and a member of the 13 News team since 1994.

Cole hosts a weekly series called "Childwatch 13", in which she profiles local children who want to be adopted. An adoptee herself, it gives her a special joy to help children find permanent homes with loving families. "Childwatch 13" airs every Tuesday in the 5:30PM newscast.

Sandra is very involved in the community and helps with numerous charity events and organizations, among those are: Faith in Action, Team for West Virginia Children, and Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind. She is also a mentor for the H.O.S.T. reading program in local schools.

In her spare time, Sandra enjoys tennis, golf, snow skiing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and traveling with her son and daughter, Jordan and Allison.

There is a quarter-page color photo of Sandra with this article. She is wearing a medium-blue business suit. She has a necklace with a terquois setting and she is broadly smiling.

February was an exciting month for CWAB’s Services Division. On the second, representatives of Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia participated in ceremonies that brought to Cabell-Wayne a new 2004 Toyota Sienna van. The gift was made possible through a grant submitted by myself and Administrative Assistant Lori Spears. The new van replaces our Dodge van which has over 100,000 miles.

The Valentine Social held February 13th brought together many of the CWAB family for fun and entertainment.

As we head into Spring we will look forward to many exciting things from Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind.

Until next month ...

There is a one-third page photo with this article. The new Toyota van is shown from a full-length side view.

An excited crowd gathered outside CWAB’s Services Division under a heated tent Monday February 2nd just hours after Punxsutawney Phil made his annual weather prediction (six more weeks of bad weather by the way). The reason? The group was awaiting the arrival of a brand new 2004 Toyota Sienna van.

The event brought together representatives of the vehicle manufacturing giant, CWAB board members, association officers, and dozens of consumers to witness the event. Then just after 2 p.m. the van arrived amidst cheers and whoops of joy.

"This is a great day for Cabell-Wayne," said Paul Slone Executive Director.

"When Toyota makes a charitable contribution to the community, they are always for good causes - I am convinced this van will be put to good use," commented David Copenhaver Vice-President of Toyota Manufacturing WV.

Ernie Golder, CWAB board member said it best when he said "... for this act of love - for this gift, we are very thankful."

There are numerous photos associated with this article.

The first is a half-page phot of the vehicle key presentation. Its caption reads, "PRESENTING THE KEYS - During an official ceremony February 2nd, Toyota Motor Manufacturing of West Virginia officially presented Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind a new 2004 Sienna van. Pictures (L to R) David Copenhaver of Toyota WV., Paul Slone, Yutaka Mizuno of Toyota WV., and Ernie Golder CWAB board member".

On the opposite page of the print edition there are two half-page photos. The top photo shows the fron drivers side of the van with the driver door open. The bottom photo shows the passenger side of the van with the back seat passenger sliding door in the open position.

There are four half-page photos on the next two pages. On the left page, at the top, CWAB driver Diana Caltrider is shown feeling the texture of the material covering the rear passenger seats. While, at the bottom, there is a photo of the front interior of the vehicke from the passenger side to the driver’s side. On the opposite page at the top there is a photo featuring (Left to Right) CWAB Executive Director Paul Slone with Jimelle Bowen of the Teubert Foundation, Laquita Harris of Toyota and Brenda Blake CWAB President.

Continuing with ceremonial photographs, the next page features four quarter-page photos. Discription as follows: (clockwise) visitors serving themselves at the appetizer buffet, consumer Betty Bruce and husband John speaking to CWAB Rehabilitation TeacherNancy McKenzie, Jimelle Bowen of the Teubert Foundation speaking with Laquita Harris of Toyota and association secretary Ted Childs, and finally Executive Drector Paul Slone chats wtih two visitors.

On the final photo page, one half-page photo at the top shows CWAB staff members (L to R) Nancy Henderson, Rhonda Spears, Dianna Ward, Lori Spears, Linda Worthy, Toni Walls, and Nancy McKenzie as they finished final touches of decorations for the event. At the bottom left Rhonda Spears serves up some cake while at right board member Ernie Golder speaks with David Copenhaver of Toyota.

The annual volunteer Recognition Event was held January 27th giving the organization the opportunity to say "thank you" to the dozens of individuals who regularly assist Cabell-wayne Association of the Blind.

CWAB has a broad base of volunteers. Individuals help with group activities and recreational outings, organize fund-raisers, assist with craft classes, cook, clean, and being sighted guides.

Volunteering is rewarding, just ask those who do.

For information on becoming a CWAB volunteer, call the Services Division at 522-6991.

The 23-acre site three miles from Sandy, Oregon offers the visually impaired nature walks, swimming, fishing, sports, good food and great comradery.

The cost is just $300 for the week and camperships are available for both camps.

Adult camp (21 yrs. up) will be in session from July 17th to July 24^th. Youth Camp (10 to 20yrs.) will meet from August 14th to August 21st.

There’s no obligation in requesting an application

Write to:

Call: 503-668-6195, E-mail: oralhull@teleport.com.

A popular outdoor awareness campaign will again grace billboards of Cabell and Wayne County this year. CWAB’s Media-Marketing Manager Jerry Crabtree announced recently RCOA (River City Outdoor advertising - a subsidiary of Kanawha Valley Advertising Company in Charleston) will again handle billboards for Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind.

"We are thrilled that this year our ‘boards’ will be in color," Crabtree said. "With a representation of our proposed new facility appearing as well, the ten-foot by twenty foot display becomes equally impressive." he continued.

These outdoor messages should begin ti appear this Spring.

There is a half-page vertically positioned representation of the billboard with this article. The billboard features the words "Gelp Us Grow" in large red letters at its top with a drawing of the proposed new building centered in the middle. "Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind building fund now accepting donations" is in bold black lettering underneath the building drawing while "Call 304-522-6991 to lean more" is highlighted in white text on a red box background.

"Vet Corner" - Dr. Laura Fisher

Leader Dog Update - Winter 2004 - Page 6

Dog identification has gone "high tech" with microchipping – the latest method in keeping your dog safe.

The traditional way to identify your pet is with a collar and tag. This is satisfactory for many dog owners. However, dogs can lose collars or they can be easily removed. Another method of identification is the tattoo. While under anesthesia, tattoos are etched on the inside of the dog’s thigh or on the ear flap. The area is shaved to make tattoo application easier and less irritating to the skin, but the hair grows back and can obscure the number.

However, at Leader Dog, all dogs are microchipped before they graduate. The graduate then has the option to leave the contact information under Leader Dogs for the Blind or they can have their personal information added.

There are several advantages to using microchips, which include:

• it is a permanent identification system

• the implanting process is quick with minimal discomfort

• the chip cannot get lost

• each dog has a unique number

• contact information is available on national databases so a dog can be returned quickly and safely

• contact information can be updated within the data base if you move or change phone numbers (the chip does not have to be touched)

• it dramatically increases the chance of finding lost dogs

Once inserted, the chip is not visible and its number cannot be altered. The chips are designed to remain just under the skin. The identifying number is read by passing a scanner over the animal’s back and the number is displayed on the scanner’s LCD. The electronic code corresponds to designated contact information within a database. The contact information can be accessed by making a phone call to the animal registry, and the dog can be returned to its owner.

Most chips are automatically registered to the shelter or animal hospital that implanted the chip. This means the shelter or hospital will be contacted first, and they, in turn, contact you. You have the option to register your information personally with HomeAgain or AVID, the two existing database organizations.

Authored by Team 4: Debbie Komondy, Randy Horn, Tom Hill, Jessica Peardon

Good morning humans. What a beautiful day. My name is Juno, and I am the dog that was appointed to enlighten you with the events that take place during a typical day of training.

Every morning I arise when I hear the door to our bay open and one of the dogcare staff turns on the lights. I remain quiet while I wait for this individual to let me out into a big run to exercise and take care of business. However, some of my friends hope they will be let out first so they begin to bark to try to draw attention.

Seven to eight of us are put out together, but there are approximately 32 dogs in our bay. While we play together, the dog care staff cleans our cages and watches us to ensure that we behave ourselves. Yes, sometimes we too wake up on the wrong side of our bed, and you may hear a sharp bark here or there that signals we want another dog to leave us alone. After we have had a sufficient amount of time out in the run, we are brought back into our kennels and we relax with our nylabones while we wait for our instructor to arrive. They seem to travel in a pack, so when one enters the room you see at least three more following.

In the morning, they administer our medication before taking us out. Not all of us are on medication, but, for example, I have chewed the hair on my tail, so now they spray it with some horrible tasting stuff (I know because I tried to chew it again, only to realize what kind of mistake I was making). I wish I could say I’m easy to medicate, but I am so happy to see my instructor that my tail is flapping from side to side so it takes a minute or two of telling me to "stay" before I calm down enough so they can complete their task.

After the medications are completed, there will be three options for each dog. One: the instructor may decide to take you out in the morning. Two: You may get placed out in the run with a kennel mate so you can play together with Kong toys and balls. Three: You may have to wait in your cage with the knowledge that you will go out in the afternoon to work.

Today, I have been selected to go with my instructor in the morning. My instructor’s leash is now attached to my collar and we’re headed down the hall. I used to be impatient to get to the truck, but my instructor didn’t like being dragged so I was told "steady," then when I didn’t comply, it was reinforced with a "no, steady" and a leash correction. I try to walk in the heel position now, because that seems to make my instructor happy, and I love to please my instructor.

I get placed on the truck and attached to a tiedown, and then my instructor brings a couple more dogs aboard. Meanwhile, the other instructors are placing more dogs from their sections on the truck, and I try to lick them, play with them as they go by. Oops, I was just told "no," I suppose I’ll just lay down and relax. Ok, it looks like everyone’s here, the doors are closed and I feel us moving.

There is a big black lab that is using me as his pillow. My instructor is looking at us and pointing with a smile so I guess I won’t tell him to get off me just yet. Now we are parking in a garage, it appears as if we are in downtown Rochester this morning. Our truck comes to a stop and the doors open up,

I try to be patient because I know it takes them a few minutes to clean inside the building before they will take us out. Ok, they’re coming back, my instructor has the leash in hand.

I’m trying not to bounce like the others, but I am so excited. "Sit" commands my instructor, but one of the others sits before I do so I watch as he gets to go out first. They are off the truck now and headed to the door, maybe I’ll bark and my instructor will decide to take me out instead. Look he’s coming back, but he doesn’t look very happy. "Quiet," he commands. I guess it would be best to lay down and wait for my turn.

A while later my instructor comes back, grooms me, and takes me out. As we walk down the sidewalk, I see the dogs behind the fences, but I ignore them now because my instructor has taught me the importance of straight-line travel. I stop at the edge of the curb, but my instructor tries to keep walking. What is he trying to do, get himself killed! I plant my feet firmly and refuse to budge. He praises me and pats my head. At least one of us knows what we’re doing! We get back to the building 30-40 minutes later and he places me back on the truck, but not before he pats my head and gives me a tiny cookie. When all the instructors and other dogs return, we head back to the kennels. I can’t wait to get back, because then it’s feed time. The instructors insist that we sit before they give us our food.

After this is accomplished they head off to check their e-mail while we eat. As soon as they get back, they let us out to run together again, and they take any of us who may not be feeling very well down to the veterinarian’s clinic. Once all this is completed, the instructors place us back in our cages so they can eat their own lunch. Since I went out this morning I will be staying back this afternoon, but I’ll describe what occurs very briefly. The afternoon is very similar to the morning except the instructors take us to bigger cities like Birmingham, Royal Oak, and Detroit. We are taught how to stop at different intersections, how to ride escalators, elevators, and even the People Mover. Occasionally, we are taken into colleges or stores, and worked up and down several flights of stairs. We learn how to navigate in heavy crowds, and even around lots of children. We go over obedience routines in various locations, and sometimes around lots of distractions.

The day is over when we return to the school in the afternoon and we are let out to exercise once more, medicated, then placed back in our cages. We receive biscuits and then we say goodnight to our instructors.

It has been a long day and I have to get my rest so I can be ready for the challenges we will face tomorrow, so I say goodnight to you.

A warm and sardonic revue in word and song, illuminating the richness of Bertolt Brecht’s humor, mind and command of theatre.

Saturday, March 27th at 7:30 p. m. at the Rennaisance Center

Presented by:

The Teubert Foundation, Bank One

West Virginia Division of Culture and History,

Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind,

American Foundation for the Blind

There is a greyscale artwork graphic with this article. The photo iss an artists rendering of Bertolt Brecht.

Theater By The Blind is a critically acclaimed company made up of both visually impaired and sighted theatre professionals. Founded in 1979, the company’s mission is to change the image of the blind from one of dependence to independence, to fight the stereotypes and misperceptions associated with blindness, and to show how vibrant, fluid and exuberant the visually impaired can be. Theatre By The Blind is the only theater in the United States doing quality professional work to achieve this goal.

Under the Artistic Direction of Founder Ike Schambelan and George Ashiotis, the company has developed several principal programs to achieve its mission. Among them: developing visually impaired talent for theater, movies and TV; writing original material revealing the world of the blind; touring to bring this material to as many people as possible; performing traditional material in a style to make it fully accessible to the blind; developing blind audiences; and integrating both the blind and the sighted in a shared aesthetic experience that bridges the gap between them.

The company performs for every kind of audience member imaginable, from general New York theatergoers to seniors, students and other underserved populations. Theater By The Blind is most proud of its visually impaired audience, which last year made up a whopping 21% of the theater’s attendees.

In its long history, Theater By The Blind has won several awards, including the California Governors Media Access Award, the Very Special Arts/New York City Mayor’s Award and the American Foundation for the Blind’s Helen Keller Achievement Award in Performing Arts.

At Theater By The Blind productions, one of the things that audiences like to do is to try and figure out which of the actors are visually impaired and which have normal vision. Believe it or not, it can be extremely difficult to tell - in fact, most theatre patrons tend to guess incorrectly!

Since people frequently marvel at the way visually impaired and sighted performers are so seamlessly integrated, it might be fun to look at a few of the "secret" behind-the-scenes techniques that are used.

On the first day of rehearsals of any TBTB production, each actor in the cast is given a version of the script specifically created for them based on their degree of visual impairment. Several company members obviously can't see printed type at all, so they use braille scripts and/or tape recorders to learn their lines. Others with partial sight require scripts printed in very large type.

Rehearsal periods are a bit longer than many sighted theater companies. This allows all of our performers extra time to familiarize themselves with both the script and the stage set. By the time the production opens, many of our actors may know the stage's layout better than their own apartment!

A team of designers assists in the process by creating stage environments that are helpful to our most visually impaired actors. Often, these are subtle things that wouldn't be noticed unless you knew they were there. For instance, in the 2002 production of "Ten Little Indians," the scenic designer built a tiny, almost invisible rim at the front edge of the stage. When the actors felt the rim, they knew that was where the playing space ended. Color plays an important role in this as well; high contrast color schemes are easier for a partially sighted actor to make out.

Contact Theatre By The Blind:

HAROLD ALLEN "BUTCH" KEENEY, 56, of Huntington passed away Friday, Jan. 23, 2004, in St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004, by the Rev. Charles Martin at Reger Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in the Hatten-Newman Cemetery in Wayne County, W.Va. He was born June 19, 1947, a son of Millie Kathryn Haynie Keeney and the late John Allen Keeney. Also preceding him in death were two brothers, John Douglas Keeney and William Michael Keeney; his paternal grandparents, H.E. Keeney and Nelle Keeney; and his maternal grandparents, Jennings C. Haynie and Thelma Perdue Haynie. Additional survivors include one nephew, Taiken Keeney of Ventura, Calif.; three nieces, Joy Keeney of Beverly Hills, Calif., Maile Keeney of Longwood, Fla., and Kathryn Keeney of Longwood, Fla.; one great-grand-niece, Graelin Keeney of Oak Park, Calif.; and several uncles, aunts and cousins. He was a member of Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind and the Madison Avenue Church of God. He graduated from Orange High School in Orange, Calif. Even though he was legally blind, he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. Butch’s interest in music began when he was 9 years of age. While attending Goldenwest College in Westminster, Calif., he was involved in the drama department, in which he wrote songs for many of the dramas performed. He was back-up guitarist for one of the college students in the summer parks and recreation program. Also, he was in a band called the "Molie River Jug Band" while still in college. They performed in coffee houses in the late 1960s. While living in Hawaii, he was back-up guitarist for a gospel singer and performed in many churches in and around Honolulu. Also, he played guitar at many of the family’s Hawaiian luaus. While attending the Church of Christ in Garden Grove, Calif., he studied for the ministry for a while. He played guitar and sang at the Altizer Baptist Church and his home church of Madison Avenue Church of God.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind.

We hear it all the time, "Eat less fat." It seems the American diet is filled with fat. Everyone tells us to eat less fat, yet we are always tempted when asked, "Would you like to biggie size that order of French fries?". A study reported in the December 2003 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology gives another reason to watch fat intake and this study may interest many of you reading this newsletter.

The study by Dr. Johanna Seddon and two colleagues from Harvard University and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, which was funded by the Foundation Fighting Blindness, followed 261 people with early and intermediate stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) for 4.6 years. They found that those who ate less fat (vegetable and animal) were less likely to develop advanced AMD.

The study looked at total fat intake, specIfic types of fat, and specific fat-containing foods. It concluded that food with higher levels of fat, particularly processed baked goods, is associated with a higher rate of progression of AMD. Nut and fish were the exception. They proved to be protective.

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65. In a room of 100 people over the age of 75 it is estimated that one of every three or four will have AMD. It comes in two forms Wet and Dry. The great majority of people have the Dry type. The eye doctor notices fat deposits called Drusen on the back of the eye. Slowly a person will lose their very fine central vision, the vision with which they use to read. Currently, for Dry AMD there are no specific treatments.

Wet AMD is marked by some significant event such as an eye bleed or new growth of blood vessels in the eye. In the past a high power Laser was the main method of treatment. The most recent method and the most promising is called Photodynamic Therapy. This uses a much less powerful Laser and does not scar the retina in the same way. This treatment is so new that it is not clear what the long-term results are.

For more details, visit www.blindness.org/research.

By REBECCAH CANTLEY-FALK - The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON — Advances in technology have meant more than having fancy gadgets, amusement or convenience for Darren Burton. Technology has given him independence.

Burton, who lost his vision 11 years ago, has access to computers, e-mail and cell phones through devices with voice capacity. When Burton lost his vision because of a tumor, he thought about the stereotypes. He thought he would be unemployed, maybe "selling pencils on the street," he said.

"The technology I do have access to - like talking computers - has affected my life so greatly," Burton said. "The basics of reading and writing were given back to me, as well as the ability to be employed."

Technology, however, isn’t without flaws, and people who are blind or visually impaired have limited access to the same technology that sighted people buy off the shelf. Burton, a researcher for the nonprofit organization American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), wants to change that.

The AFB Technology and Employment Center at Huntington (AFB TECH), which located to the city two years ago, has drawn national attention to problems with cell phones, voting machines, diabetes equipment and computer software. Researchers have proposed product changes, and companies including Adobe Systems Inc. and Cisco Systems Inc. are starting to listen.

"Our goal is to make our products more accessible so that all people can use them," said Cherie McKinney, director of product process management for Adobe in San Jose, Calif. "(AFB researchers) have some very unique expertise. They came to our site, tested some of our products and gave us feedback that we couldn’t get from our own internal teams."

AFB TECH is one of several AFB sites throughout the country. The foundation is dedicated to addressing independent living, literacy, employment and technology for millions of blind or visually impaired Americans. It is the same organization to which Helen Keller devoted her life’’s work.

Inside the AFB TECH lab, 949 3rd. Ave., researchers conduct a battery of tests to determine whether products meet the needs of blind or visually impaired consumers. Their goal is to increase awareness and influence companies to think about accessibility during initial design stages, said Mark Uslan, director of operations and technology.

Although special products are available for individuals with visual impairment, they are often expensive and bulky. A blood glucose monitor at a local drug store costs around $25, Uslan said. A device that’s added onto the monitor to make it useable by the visually impaired costs around $500.

"There is a need for some special products; I don’t mean to underplay that, but in many cases, you’re much better off designing products to be useable by everyone," Uslan said. "If you can make it useable by a blind person, it’s going to be more useable for everyone."

As baby boomers age, more people will require products designed with visual impairment in mind. The leading cause of vision impairment and blindness is age-related eye disease, according to "Vision Problems in the U.S.," a publication of Prevent Blindness America and the National Eye Institute.

Accessibility could be an important issue for West Virginia, which has one of the nation’s highest median ages.

"We’re outliving our eyes," Burton said.

The ever-evolving characteristic of technology also poses challenges for the visually impaired. Information is difficult to access because devices increasingly rely on graphic icons, touch screens, scrolling menus or complex visual displays, according to the AFB Web site.

"Although there have been improvements, it seems like we’re going backward in other areas," Burton said. "Ovens coming out now all have flat touch screens, instead of knobs. I don’t even know where to touch. If they put some type of a tactile nature of where I could feel 1, 2, 3, 4, that would be nice."

AFB TECH is spreading its message through national conferences and publications. Working with the Marshall University School of Medicine has given AFB TECH the credibility to publish its research in well-known medical journals such as Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Uslan said.

People who need the information most — those with visual impairment — read about the research through Access World, a publication of the AFB.

"We’ve been able to provide a level of information that helps people make decisions about what technology best meets their needs," said Paul Schroeder, vice president of policy, research and technology with AFB in Washington, D.C.

AFB TECH’s recent work has focused on cell phones. Researchers, many who are blind themselves, work alongside sighted people to analyze products and manuals. Burton "borrows their eyes," when he needs to see.

The first test a cell phone receives is what Burton jokingly calls the sanity check — can he feel the buttons?

"I can feel the 5," Burton said in the lab Friday as he picked up a Toshiba model. "There'’s a little nib there, although it could be more substantial."

Other phones don't pass the initial test.

"These are probably the worst buttons I’ve seen," Burton said, rubbing his fingers across the face of a Samsung VI 660. "They’re flat, totally flush with the panel."

At Burton’s feet lay Levi, a Labrador retriever, whiter than most. Levi stretched his front legs and then laid his head near Burton’s feet.

"That’s my assistive biology," Burton said, nodding toward the floor.

In addition to the actual products, manuals — especially those on PDF (Portable Document Format) files — can be a "nightmare" for the visually impaired, Burton said. AFB TECH is working with Adobe to improve PDF files, which are problematic because of the inability of screen readers, or devices that present text in audio, to accurately read the document.

"It just says, ‘‘Press.’’ Well, press what?" Burton asked as he accessed a cell phone manual on his computer.

AFB TECH conducts its research through standardized methods to determine factors such as how often certain operation failures occur, what the implications are and how a visually impaired person is notified that something has gone wrong. Each area is then given a design priority score to rank recommended product changes.

"I think (manufacturers) are starting to take notice, and they respect the work we do because it’’s unbiased and of high quality," Schroeder said.

A voting system that AFB TECH influenced should be on the market by June, said Yung Nguyen, president and CEO of IVS LLC., a voting services company in Louisville, Ky. The company has designed a system with voice output and a special keypad that resembles buttons on a telephone.

"One of the things we got from talking to people like Darren was that the telephone would be the one device most people would be familiar with," Nguyen said.

AFB TECH is committed to moving into KineticPark, Huntington’s planned business and technology park near the W.Va. 10 and Interstate-64 interchange. Uslan, who relocated to Huntington after working for years in New York, said the lab has benefited from its new site the past two years.

"When I was in New York, I couldn’t collaborate with a doctor like I can here," he said. "It’s a small town, and everyone is approachable and accessible. People are more than happy to give us time and work with us."

Working with Marshall has been a happy marriage in several ways. AFB TECH uses university interns in its labs and plans to consult with the university on making its online learning more accessible.

Friday, Burton worked with Steven Taylor, a sophomore physics and chemistry major and member of the university’s prestigious Yeager Scholars program.

"I’ve really learned a lot about authorship and presenting research and ideas," Taylor said. "I’ve also learned about visually impaired people because I didn’t have any contact with them before I came here. Darren still amazes me every day."

Researchers hope to expand their work to other products such as stereos, DVD players, ovens — the potential is limitless, Burton said. Product changes take time, but by using careful research and raising public awareness, AFB TECH should increase its opportunities to consult with manufacturers, Uslan said.

"You have faith and you keep cranking away at these things," he said. "You keep your work in print, and you never know when somebody’s going to call."

There is a photo with this article. The caption reads, "Researcher and intern for the American Foundation for the Blind Darren Burton tests the compatibility of cell phone use for the visually impaired Friday in his office on third Ave. in Huntington. AFB is one of the only sites in the nation that tests cell phones, voting machines and blood glucose monitoring system to see how accessible they are for the visually impaired. Photo by Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch."

Article and photograph copyright 2004 by the Herald-Dispatch. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

In an effort to make its products and services more accessible to individuals with disabilities, Verizon has announced a website fully dedicated to meeting the needs of the blind, visually impaired, hearing impaired, and those with speech or mobility impairments.

Visitors can arrange to receive their phone bill in either large print or braille, use TTY, purchase adaptive goods and services, and view the company’s "Access Forward" newsletter.

Visit the "Solutions" website at: www.verizon.com/disabilities.

There are two graphics with this article. The larger half-page graphic is a snapshot of the Verison "Solutions for Customers With Disabilities" webpage. While the small quarter-page corner graphic is a representation ot the company’s "Forward Access" newsletter.

One can tell simply by entering a room if any particular CWAB event is being enjoyed - there’ll be laughter everywhere! This certainly was the case Friday, february 13th during the annual CWAB Valentine Social.

Over seventy consumers, guests, and volunteers attended the three-hour celebration of love which was highlighted by food, music - both live and recorded, games, prizes, and of course, crowning of a new Valentine "King" and "Queen".

A raffle of donated items - "Marco" stuffed animals, and an individually quilted afghan, netted the association a total of $185 for the building fund. Thanks to Margie Simmons and Bob Trumbo for donating these items.

Any CWAB event is not complete without music! Tim Turner graciously provided solo entertainment with vocals and guiitar for several songs during the evening. Among those was a special song for the newly crowned King and Queen along with a humorous tune dedicated to CWAB Executive Director Paul Slone.

Speaking of King and Queen - last year’s duo Harvey Green and Tara Annis performed "passing the torch" duties as they crowned this year’s King and Queen, T. D. Childs and Bobbie Swanson.

A "pass the heart" game was played to the enjoyment of many. Participants stood in a circle and passed quilted hearts to their neighbor on the right while music played. When the music stopped, whoever was holding the heart recieved a prize and was out of the game.

Thanks to Virginia Chappell for counting over 1,800 cinnamon heart candies that were placed in a jar for a "guess the number" game.

It was a wonderful evening of fun and friends!

On the next few pages there are numerous photos of the event.

There are multiple photos with this article. Each showing various aspects of the event from participants, to the King & Queen" to live music and candid poses.

CWAB would like to extend a big thank you to consumer Jennie Midkiff who recently donated over fifty talking books to the CWAB Media Library. These books play on a regular 2 track cassette player and are currently available for consumers to enjoy. If anyone is interested, please drop by the Services Division office at 38 Washington Ave. or call 522-6991 and ask about the collection.

There is a large half-page photo with this article fhowing the three bookshelf spaces which are needed to store the audio tapes.

CWAB will be serving corn beef sandwiches with all the fixin’s and a drink for just $6.00!

Wednesday, March 17^th - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Delivery available. Call 522-6991 for details!

May the luck of the Irish be with ya!

The reminder is printed over a green background with a leprechaun character in the lower left-hand corner.

These creatures take on a character of their own after careful customization. The "dogs" can be fashioned to represent virtually any sports team color combination! Reserve yours by calling 304-522-6991.

Lt. John Blue's war in West Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley by Dan Oates - Narrated by Dave McLain. Relive the travels of Lt. Blue through the Battle of Gettysburg, to life in four Confederate prisons.

CWAB is offering its March 29, 2001 Gospel Concert on CD or tape.

Featured performances by: Kayla Carter, Kermit Nance, Patty Aldridge, Lisa Blankenship, The Bible Apostolic Church Choir, and Redeemed.

These CWAB produced items make great gifts!

Call 522-6991, to place your order.

The Services Division of Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind is making available for any consumer, an internet-ready computer and a CCTV. The equipment is available for any consumer to wishes to visit the office at 38 Washington Ave. The only stipulations are the use must be scheduled with Lori Spears and there is no printer attached. For information, call 522-6991

There is a more-than-half-page photo with this article. The picture shows the mentioned computer and CCTV.

Here is an updated list of meeting times for CWAB’s support groups.

Support groups provide a vital link between news, information, social activities, and friendship between individuals with the same interests. Transportation is provided free to any CWAB consumer. Support groups regularly meet in CWAB’s activities room with many taking the opportunity to take special trips to area places of interest. Volunteers are always welcome to assist with arrangements such as snacks, crafts, or being a sighted guide. For information on support groups or volunteering, call the Services Division at 522-6991.

There is a photo with this article. The picture shows a group of CWAB consumers seated around a table as taken during a recent support group meeting.

Bowling is a fun, non-athletic sport. Experience is not necessary to have a good time! Bowlers meet each Monday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m at Colonial Lanes on West Fifth Avenue in Huntington. At least four consumers are needed.

Weekly volunteers are also welcome. For more information, call Linda Worthy at 522-6991.

Some recent consumer HIGH Scores:

CWAB Executive Director, Paul Slone, joins "Tri-State Today" host Geof Sturm each month for discussion, interviews and up-to-date information about services and activities from Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind.

Tri-State Today can be heard Wednesday evenings at 7:30 on WEMM

Teubert Prep Ice Skating

Tri-State Ice Arena

Saturday, March 13^th 4 - 6 p.m.

Sign-up today! Call 522-6991

On March 17, St. Patrick's Day, it won't just be the Irish celebrating, but others who want to get into the spirit of the 1,600-year-old observance.

For some, that means wearing the green, in recognition of an ancient Irish custom where farmers burned green leaves in spring. They then spread the ashes over the fields believing that this would make the soil richer.

For others, especially the Irish born, the day honours Ireland's patron saint St. Patrick. The legend is that he frightened all the snakes in Ireland into the sea and since then none has been seen.

Many cities celebrate St. Patrick's Day with parades, dance Irish jigs and drink green beer and generally have a good time.

The food of Ireland might be a good way to celebrate the day. Here are some recipes to try:

Perfect spuds for St. Pattie's day:

How to please an Irishman or Irishwoman on St. Patrick's Day? It takes only a little time to make perfect potatoes.Served with soup, other vegetables and cheese, boiled parsleyed potatoes or potatoes hashed in cream can make a nutritious centrepiece of an easily prepared vegetarian meal.

If you have ever tasted best-of-class boiled potatoes and wondered why they were so good, you won't be surprised to learn that there are a few tricks.

Selecting top-notch ingredients is the first. Not every potato boils up the same way. Look for low-starch, high-moisture potatoes such as Red Bliss, Yukon Gold, or any "new" potato to make creamy, delicious boiled potatoes.

Timing is the second trick. Potatoes can be made ahead, but like corn on the cob, they are best when they come fresh from the pot to the plate. Boiled potatoes should take about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish.

Drying the potatoes is the final trick. To get a rich, intense potato flavour, be sure to heat them long enough to drive off the water they absorbed as they boiled.

Once you've mastered the gentle art of potato boiling, you can expand your repertoire easily. Potatoes hashed in cream is a delicious accompaniment to roasted meats or poultry.

Or, make it into a simple one-dish dinner by adding fresh peas and diced ham.

Add 15 mL (1 tbsp) of oil to a large saucepan. Over medium-high heat, cook lamb until well browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. With slotted spoon, remove lamb to bowl. Add remaining oil and cook carrots, potatoes, onion and garlic over medium heat until tender-crisp, about 10 minutes. Add water, pepper sauce, salt and browned lamb to pan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a small cup, combine flour and 30 mL (2 tbsp) water. Add to lamb mixture along with peas and parsley. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes longer or until lamb and vegetables are tender.

Makes 4 servings.

Copyright © 2004, CANOE, a division of Netgraphe Inc.

Scholarships for the blind and visually impaired are made available through a grant from the Teubert Foundation, a charitable trust whose assistance helps fund the programs of CWAB's Services Division.

These scholarships are open to any resident of Cabell and Wayne County, provided they are at least 18 years of age and meet the criteria for blindness and visual impairment.

Applications are available at the Services Division office at 38 Washington Ave., or by calling 522-6991.

The annual Pancake festival and Consumer vs. Staff bowling tournament will be held Saturday, March 20th at the Veterans Memorial Field House and Colonial Lanes.

GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE supporters are important. They provide goods and services, and offer support for this publication in some small way. If, in the course of your day, you patronize one of our sponsors, please tell them you saw their name mentioned in the GUIDE PAGE MAGAZINE, and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

This month’s supporter is:

Please remember Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind when you write your will or would like to make other charitable gifts.

Contact Paul Slone, Executive Director at (304) 522-6991.

All donations to CWAB are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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