GCB Digest GCB 2024 Digest Spring Edition (Text Version)
In the center of the circle is a pencil drawing in gray tones. It is the palm of an open right hand gently cradling a Georgia peach. A slender green leaf gracefully hangs down from the top of the peach, originating from a short brown stem on the left side and draping over the thumb. The peach radiates warm hue colors like the warmth of the sun, with vibrant orange and yellow tones. In the center of the peach, bold uppercase letters GCB stand out in black, accompanied by corresponding Braille dots positioned directly below the three letters.
The GCB DIGEST
A publication of the Georgia Council of the Blind
An affiliate of the American Council of the Blind,
An organization promoting a hand-up and not a handout.
Spring 2024
GCB Officers for 2021-2024:
Cecily Laney Nipper, GCB President: 470-218-7885, roses828@comcast.net
Marj Schneider, GCB First Vice-President: 912-352-1415, marjschneider@bellsouth.net
Judy Presley, GCB Second Vice-President: 706-400-2185, judygpresley23@gmail.com
Kathy Morris, GCB Secretary, 706-466-2253: mkumorris@yahoo.com
Cecily Nipper, Senior, GCB Assistant Secretary: 770-786-1551, sparklenipper@gmail.com
Marsha Farrow, GCB Treasurer: 706-859-2624, marshafarrow@windstream.net
Betsy Grenevitch, GCB Member at Large Representative: 678-862-3876, blindangel61@gmail.com
Amanda Wilson, Digest Editor: 770-547-4700, moonrocks@bellsouth.net
Table of Contents
From Your Editor
GCB Presidential Message
GCB Board Meeting Minutes
GCB Member Spotlight: Todd Turansky
GCB Chapters, Affiliates, and Committee News
GCB Community Phone Calls
GCB Peach Talk
What It Means to Be a Foster Grandparent
Rhyme and Reason Audio Description Poem
Unlocking Accessibility: Navigating Zoom: Accessibility Shortcuts for Windows, Mac, and Mobile Devices
Announcement from Georgia Library Services
From Your Editor:
Hello, GCB family. We thank each one who has submitted articles in this issue of our magazine. If you have any change of address, telephone number, email address, or desire a change of format, please inform our GCB treasurer.
Thanks to the GCB Digest Committee who has made our GCB Digest such a considerable success, each member who sent articles, and those who made suggestions. I want to thank our President Cecily Laney Nipper, for her presidential message with information about momentous events, legislation, and projects.
Note: The GCB Digest is on NFB Newsline and on the Georgia Radio Reading Service, GARRS. You can also find previous digests ongeorgiacounciloftheblind.org and our app GCB Link found in the Apple and Play Store.
Connect with us on social media! To find it, search on Instagram for gacounciloftheblind. That represents ‘GA Council of the Blind’ without spaces and in all lower-case letters. Also, on Facebook Georgia Council of the Blind
Attention:
ACB Braille Forum Cartridge Subscribers
More than half of our cartridge subscribers have not returned any of them in more than a year. If you are one of them, please note that we must receive the unreturned cartridges ASAP to enable us to send new ones. The cartridges are just like the books you borrow from your NLS library – they must be returned. Look through your homes, find the cartridges, flip over the cards on the mailing boxes, and put them out for the next mail pickup. The same applies for GCB cartridges. Some people are also sending the GCB cartridges to the library instead of to the correct address of DJ McIntyre. The GCB mailing containers have a smaller mailing label that only takes up a small portion of the case underneath the card.
Please feel free to contact any of the members of the GCB digest newsletter committee.
Betsy Grenevitch: 678-862-3876, blindangel61@gmail.com
Danielle McIntyre: 678-343-7550, dgrenevitch@me.com
Janet Parmerter: 770-733-1854, JWJanet1931@gmail.com
Mike Hall: 770-535-2119, N4hgo1@gmail.com
Sophia Curtis: sophiajwblindteacher@gmail.com
Tiffany Montalvo: 678-894-6353, tmontalvo821@outlook.com
GCB Presidential Message:
By Cecily Laney Nipper
The Georgia Council of the Blind, established in 1961, has been a steadfast advocate for the blind and visually impaired population. With a mission centered on equality, independence, and opportunity, GCB aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments through various initiatives and programs.
At the heart of GCB's efforts lies advocacy. The organization tirelessly champions the rights of the visually impaired, advocating for accessibility in public spaces, transportation, education, and employment. Through grassroots efforts and collaboration with policymakers, GCB strives to eliminate barriers. Alice Ritchhart has spearheaded an effort to connect with other disability groups to coalesce around the fight for accessible absentee voting in Georgia.
GCB fosters a culture of empathy and support through our monthly meetings being held on Zoom, conference calls, and in-person all around the state. I want to say, “Great job!” to our chapters who work so hard to make this happen. Belonging to a supportive community is vital for overall well-being, and GCB provides a welcoming environment where individuals with visual impairments can connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. Through social events, support groups, and networking opportunities, GCB fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among its members, helping to combat feelings of isolation.
Education is key to empowerment, and GCB provides resources and support to help individuals with visual impairments thrive.
I would also like to speak here about the newly incorporated Membership/Public Relations committee, to introduce one of their projects:
**Join the Cause: Collect Aluminum Can Tabs for the Shriners Children's Hospital!**
Are you looking for a simple yet impactful way to be effective in the lives of children facing medical challenges? Look no further! Join us in our mission to collect aluminum can tabs for the Children's Hospital and be a part of something truly special. This is a way for GCB to give back!
You might be wondering, why aluminum can tabs? Well, these small and insignificant tabs can make a dramatic difference. These tabs are recycled, and the funds generated from their sale (approximately three cents per tab collected) go directly towards providing vital resources and support for pediatric patients and their families.
Participating in our aluminum can tab collection drive is easy and fun! Simply start collecting tabs from aluminum cans in your home, workplace, school, or community events. Encourage your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors to join in the effort too! Every tab counts and together we can make a significant impact.
Share our cause on social media, in local newsletters, or through word of mouth. The more people who know about our collection drive, the greater our collective impact will be. Let us spread awareness and inspire others to get involved! It is also a competition. Bring the tabs of your chapter collected to the annual conference and convention this fall. Chapters will be awarded first, second, and third prizes at the close of our annual convention.
If you have future questions for Cecily Laney Nipper, GCB President, please contact her at 470-218-7885, or via email at roses828@comcast.net.
GCB Board Meeting Minutes
Georgia Council of the Blind Board Meeting Minutes
Saturday, July 22, 2023
The meeting was called to order by President Cecily Nipper at 10:04 am. The invocation was given by Betsy Grenevitch. A moment of silence was observed for Matt McGowen, Barbara Graham, and Andrew Pregenzer.
The roll call was given by Secretary Kathy Morris. Those present were: President, Cecily Nipper; Vice-President, Marj Schneider; Second Vice President, Judy Presley; Secretary, Kathy Morris; Assistant Secretary, Cecily Nipper Sr.; Treasurer, Marsha Farrow; At-Large Representative, Betsy Grenevitch; Immediate Past President, Alice Ritchhart; Athens, Jerrie Toney; Augusta, Ron Worley; East Georgia, Phil Jones; Greater Hall, Dianne Roberts; (Dianne named Mike Hall as her alternate since she knew she might need to leave the meeting depending on the ending time.); Northwest, no representative; Rome, Amanda Wilson; South Metro, Tiyah FM Longmire; Savannah, no representative; GCB Digest, DJ McIntyre; GGDU, no representative; Alliance on Aging, Debbie McDonald; Webmaster, Steve Longmire; Guest, Janet Parmerter. There were 18 in attendance, which constitutes a quorum.
The agenda was presented. Phil Jones made a motion to approve the minutes and Marsha Farrow seconded the motion. A correction was put forth to correct a misspelling of the meeting place of the next board meeting from August, GA to Augusta, GA. The motion was approved as amended.
President’s Report:
President Cecily Nipper stated many things have been accomplished that will be covered during the committee reports. She thanked all the chairs of the committees. Several GCB members had the opportunity to attend the American Council of the Blind National Convention. Cecily was elected to a one-year term on the ACB Board of Directors. She states that GCB is first in her heart. People who have called GCB have received informal referrals from Cecily to the applicable agencies and services.
Secretary’s Report:
The minutes for the April 15 meeting were presented. Alice Ritchhart made a motion to approve the minutes and Phil Jones seconded the motion. A correction was offered that Mike Hall was a guest at the meeting, and the motion carried as amended.
The minutes for the May 27 called Board meeting were presented. Alice Ritchhart made a motion to approve the minutes and Judy Presley seconded the motion. No corrections were made, and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
The treasurer’s report was read by Cecily Nipper, Sr. The main checking account total is $8,517.51. Within that account, designated funds are:
Legal Advocacy Training, $1,000.00
Youth Gap Fund, $1,517.96
Senior Support Fund, $3,736.02
Total of Designated Funds, $6,253.98
General Operating Expenses, $2,263.53
GCB Conference Account, $5,088.81
Scholarship Fund, $166.35
Regions Athene Long Term Investment, $20,790.77
Way Financial Investment, $70,397.08
Alice asked about where specific items donated were to be placed. Marsha stated they had not been able to contact that person to determine where the funds should be allocated.
Alice Ritchhart made a motion to add a required field to designate what the donation is for when people pay with PayPal. The motion was seconded by Marsha Farrow. Jerrie Toney suggested a combo box. Alice and Marsha were fine with that change to motion. The motion carried as amended.
The treasurer’s report will be filed for audit.
Marj Schneider asked if we could know the name of the donor. Cecily said that could be possible unless they wanted to remain anonymous.
Finance Committee Report:
Jerrie Toney stated the budget has been sent out, and that the cow patty funds will be added as they come in. Alice Ritchhart made a motion to accept the budget as presented. The motion was seconded by Marsha Farrow, and the motion carried.
Dianne Roberts asked how many tickets have been sold and Jerrie reported that 65 have come in at this time. Raffle tickets must be sent by Sept 9, with the money being sent to Marsha and ticket stubs and numbers to Jerrie. There were 250 tickets printed.
Convention Committee Report:
President Cecily Nipper and Ron Worley gave the convention committee report. Cecily thanked the host chapter of Augusta. Ron Worley has nailed down the hotel and block of rooms. Ron and Ann will cook lasagna for the banquet. The Canal trip has been changed to Thursday. Seven volunteers have been confirmed and will have groups come at appointed times to help. Dexter and Timothy Jones will be speakers at the convention. The hotel block is open for registration. Steve Longmire requested the information for a first timer’s scholarship so that he could send it to someone who wants to apply. Marsha Farrow stated if the person qualifies for the senior fund, there is more funding available there than in the first timer’s scholarship. Alice Ritchhart stated that there was a past motion to take money from scholarship fund for first timers and leadership. Marj Schneider stated that she did not recall that motion and offered to check the past minutes.
Awards:
Judy Presley stated it has been suggested to add Ann Sims name to the Rhoda Walker Award. She stated she was opposed to this. Marsha stated she wanted to expand the award to include people who are paid to teach Braille. After some discussion, Marj Schneider made a motion that the language of Rhoda Walker award be changed to reflect that to people paid or not paid to teach braille are eligible; and change name to Rhoda Walker/Ann Sims Award. Judy Presley seconded the motion. Judy suggested reading a statement about who the award is about each time the award is presented, and Marsha asked to get thoughts from Keith about Rhoda Walker.
Ron Worley stated he is not in favor of this as in the future the people after whom awards are named may not be familiar. The question was called, and the motion was approved with one no vote and one abstention.
Legislative Committee:
DJ McIntyre has stepped down as chair of the legislative committee. Alice Ritchhart has agreed to serve as chair and Judy Presley will remain as co-chair. Alice reported on the topic of accessible absentee voting. We had voted to take legal action against the State of Georgia. We have been looking all over for a legal agency. Alice and Marsha met a group at national that helps with systemic lawsuits. Cecily has reached out to another law firm, but they have not returned calls. Ron Worley stated that we may need to reach out to a representative in North Carolina to give us a roadmap of how they worked it. Alice is also looking to grow the committee and find the next potential chairperson to train them.
Braille Projects:
Phil Jones states they have finalized the document for the creative writing contest. There will be two categories, one for those under 18 years old and one for those 18 years old and over. The prizes will be gift cards. October 1 is the tentative deadline for submission. The criteria will be on the website soon.
GGDU:
Marj Schneider stated they had their membership meeting in June with speaker Liz Bottner from the national board of Guide Dog Users, Inc. Georgia Guide Dog Users will have an informal meeting in August about dog-related books they have read. They will also hold a meeting at the state convention in October.
Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss:
Debbie McDonald stated that Thursday night at the convention there will be Bingo with finger foods. There will be two sessions on Friday with a business meeting and then an ice breaker with hot potato. There is a community call on the third Monday of the month, August 21, at 7:00 PM. Phil Jones, Ann McQuaid and Chris Holbrook will be sharing their journey as people who are deaf-blind.
Technology Report:
Webmaster Steve Longmire stated the committee is meeting on the second Thursday of every month. GCB link is doing well. The committee is also working on a GCB Bible app.
Public Relations:
Mike Hall stated that at their last meeting they questioned where the blind and visually impaired people are and how to reach them. Seniors make up the largest group of people losing their sight. They can be found in Senior Centers and group assistance centers.
Another group is Schools, and the last group is people who are at home and not active in either category, seniors or youth. Mike plans to coordinate a campaign to reach these groups. He will get a form letter to send out and reach out to churches and civic groups. All chapters were reminded about the adaptable GCB brochure that is available.
Membership:
Amanda Wilson stated that we have 133 members. There are 2 ongoing community calls: The Prayer and Praise call is the third Tuesday, and the Book Club is on the last Thursday. Peach Talk is held on the ACB Community platform on the third Thursday.
Dues are collected until October and submitted by November 15 to Marsha Farrow. State dues are $15.
President Cecily Nipper stated that she would appoint a constitutional committee to bring changes to membership regarding the timing of collection of dues and the calendar year.
Digest:
Amanda Wilson stated that the Digest is getting strong. She is still soliciting articles from everyone. She is always looking for people to interview.
At-Large:
Betsy Grenevitch stated there are 16 at-large members at this time.
Old Business:
Phil Jones states that each chapter President will receive the document advertising the Braille creative writing contest, which is open to all blind people.
New Business:
President Cecily Nipper stated we need to determine the time and place of the next board meeting. She proposed November 4 at the end of the convention with a Zoom component to the board meeting. Alice stated that since it is in the constitution that the closing board meeting be held immediately following the convention there was no need for a motion on this.
Announcements:
At the last meeting Janet Parmeter offered to have a social meeting, which will be held on September 2 at 11:00 AM at her home in Loganville.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:02 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Morris, GCB Secretary.
GEORGIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND BOARD MEETING
Saturday, November 4, 2023
The meeting was called to order by President Cecily Laney Nipper at 1:42 PM. Roll call was given by Secretary Kathy Morris. Those present included: President, Cecily Laney Nipper; Vice President, Marj Schneider; Second Vice-president, Judy Presley; Secretary, Kathy Morris; Assistant Secretary, Cecily Nipper, Sr.; Treasurer, Marsha Farrow; At-Large Representative, Betsy Grenevitch; Immediate Past President, Alice Ritchhart; Athens, Jamaica Miller; Augusta, Ron Worley; East Georgia, Phil Jones; Greater Hall, Dianne Roberts; Northwest, Sharon Nichols; Rome, Amanda Wilson; South Metro, Tiyah FM Longmire; Savannah, no representation; GCB Digest, Tiffany Montavo; GGDU, DJ McIntyre; Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, Deborah Lovell; Webmaster, Steve Longmire. A quorum was present.
President Nipper proposed that the next meeting be January 20, the third Saturday in January via Zoom. Phil Jones made the motion, which was seconded by Deborah Lovell. The motion carried.
President Nipper called for any business. Alice Ritchhart brought up that the constitution calls for representation at the meeting 3 out of 4 times, and that Savannah has not been represented for several meetings. Due to Marj serving as Vice President, she has not been able to represent Savannah. She can appoint someone from the Savannah chapter or another member to serve or change the constitution. Marj stated she would work on this.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:49 PM.
Respectfully submitted by,
Kathy Morris, GCB Secretary
GEORGIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Saturday, JANUARY 20, 2024
ZOOM MEETING
Call To Order:
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by President Cecily Laney Nipper. Sharon Nichols gave the invocation.
Roll Call, Kathy Morris:
President, Cecily Laney Nipper; First Vice President, Marj Schneider; Second Vice President, Judy Presley; Secretary, Kathy Morris; Assistant Secretary, Cecily Nipper, Sr.; Treasurer, Marsha Farrow; At-Large Representative, Betsy Grenevitch; Immediate Past President, Alice Ritchhart; Athens, Jerri Toney; Augusta, Stanley Lopez; East Georgia, Phil Jones; Greater Hall, Dianne Roberts; Northwest, Sharon Nichols; Rome, Amanda Wilson; South Metro, Tiyah FM Longmire; Savannah, Kim Harrison; GCB Digest, Tiffany Montalvo; GGDU, Tonya Clayton; GCB Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, Deborah Lovell; Webmaster, Steve Longmire; Guests: Jamaica Miller, Sophia Curtis, Mike Hall, Joan Guy, and DJ McIntyre.
There were 20 people in attendance, which constitutes a quorum.
Approval of agenda, Cecily Laney Nipper:
Alice Ritchhart made a motion to approve the agenda, and Deborah Lovell seconded this motion.
A motion was made to approve the agenda by Alice Ritchhart and was seconded by Deborah Lovell. The motion carried.
President’s Report:
President Nipper stated that she has received unique calls for assistance, such as from insurance companies. She wrote a Digest article about the convention and will start a new convention committee.
President Nipper reported that the Georgia legislative session would include several items requiring advocacy by GCB and stated that she would participate in advocacy that would take place in Washington, D.C. for national legislative items.
Secretary’s Report: Kathy Morris
Deborah Lovell made a motion to approve the July 23, 2023, minutes. The motion was seconded by Jerrie Toney and the motion carried.
Deborah Lovell made a motion to accept the minutes from the November 4, 2023, meeting as emailed. The motion was seconded by Phil Jones and the motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Marsha Farrow
Main account - $12,751.13
Legal aid $1,000.00
Youth - $1,667.96
Senior - $2,955.27
The general operating amount is $7,127.90.
The Al & Cora Camp Scholarship Fund - $168.35
Conference Account - $6,939.79
Long Term Investment - $21,180.21 as of 1/18/2024 with $1,251.78 in interest.
She will be transferring $2,114.40 into the conference account from the main account.
Way Financial - $76,179.50 as of 12/31/2023.
A question was asked by Dianne Roberts concerning liability insurance. Marsha explained that there are two different insurances: liability insurance for the conference and coverage for the Board of Directors.
There were no further questions, and the treasurer’s report was filed for audit.
Convention Report – Cecily Laney Nipper:
President Nipper reported that the convention account has had some very generous sponsorships. Some of these donors have stated that they would like to see their sponsorship go toward renting a more updated meeting space for our next convention.
Cecily explained transfers must occur when people pay with Pay Pal for convention as it goes to the main account; therefore, any payment for conference must be transferred to the convention account.
Discussion was had concerning criteria of what is needed for a convention hotel, and Dianne Roberts offered to explore the Gainesville, Georgia area.
Finance Committee Report – Jerrie Toney, chair:
The finance committee met January 4 and discussed reports and revenue expense report. A motion was made by Alice Ritchhart and was seconded by Betsy Grenevitch to approve the finance report, with the correction of Youth Technology Fund being renamed the GAP Fund.
Membership and Public Relations Committee – Mike Hall and Amanda Wilson:
Membership has been chaired by Amanda Wilson and the Public Relations by Mike Hall. President Nipper stated she will merge the committees with Mike and Amanda serving as co-chairs.
Membership Report – Amanda Wilson:
The membership committee met on 1/11/24. They are collecting membership dues at this time with either dues or emails or verbal commitments.
Public Relations – Mike Hall:
He reports that there was not a meeting this quarter.
Scholarship Report – Marj Schneider:
This is the time of year that the scholarship committee becomes most active. Updates have been made to requirements and these updates have been put on the website. Information about the scholarship is being sent out to different schools and colleges and organizations to get the information out there. The deadline has been changed to March 15 to allow more time to complete the process.
Georgia Guide Dog Users – Marj Schneider:
Georgia Guide Dog Users have not met since the convention but will have a virtual session tomorrow evening at 7:30 pm with the developer of the OKO App, which is an application that provides audible and haptic information about the status of traffic lights.
Legislative Committee – Alice Ritchhart:
Alice thanked DJ for listening to the legislative sessions online to monitor the activity of legislative items of interest. Some interest has been shown by legislators in maintaining the accessibility of voting machines, but no outreach has been done by legislators with regard to accessible absentee voting.
The Commission and Braille Bills are in committees. She is not sure which committee the Commission bill is in. There is a new form that you must complete to contact a senator. Both bills were in committee in the House side. The Commission bill is stalled on both sides.
Blind Day at the Capitol was canceled due to illness of NFB Legislative chair, MacArthur Jarrett. They are hoping to reschedule Blind Day at the Capitol for February 16th. Please join if possible and make phone calls to ask for hearings.
GCB Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss – Deborah Lovell:
The GCB Alliance on Aging and Vision has regular educational events. At the most recent one, Ashley Boyler spoke with them. A future program will be about case management with all the waiver programs.
A question was raised regarding whether the state or national portion of dues is paid to multiple special interest affiliates when a person is a member of more than one. After some discussion, President Nipper stated she would schedule an informational call on this subject.
Technology – Steve Longmire:
The technology committee has done many interesting things in 2023, with more planned in 2024. The committee is meeting regularly and wants to see the group grow.
Braille Projects – Phil Jones:
The Braille Projects committee met in December to look back over the contest. Phil mentioned the celebration being held by ACB surrounding Braille, and reminded chapters that January is Braille Literacy month. The committee will talk about what is next for them at their next meeting.
On the subject of outreach, President Nipper stated Betsy is waiting to hear back from school to make presentations and President Nipper made a presentation yesterday to Prince Avenue Christian School.
Digest Committee – Tiffany Montalvo:
The Digest committee continues to meet as a committee and submit edits. They are always looking for more articles.
At-Large Report – Betsy Grenevitch:
Betsy stated that she has gotten her list together and will be contacting everyone.
President Nipper called for unfinished business and there was none.
Announcements:
Dianne Roberts asked about the status of the National Library Service Braille calendars. The calendars that were sent out were the 2023 calendars. Deborah Lovell states you can get calendars from NFB, and she will send out the address. She will also have info about contact to send emails to complain about issues with the current calendars from NLS.
New Business:
The time and place of the next board meeting was discussed. Phil Jones made a motion to hold the April 20 Board Meeting at Decatur Rec Center. The motion was seconded by Alice Ritchhart. Discussion was held about a back-up location of Multiple Choices in Athens if the Decatur Rec Center is unavailable. The motion carried.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:48 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Morris
GCB Secretary
GCB Member spotlight: Todd Turansky
By Mike Hall
Image of Todd holding the June Willis Guiding Eyes Award presented to him at the 2023 GCB Conference and Convention.
Some of you may know Todd Turansky as the husband of Augusta chapter member Deborah Lovell. Others may have run into him at state conventions or board meetings. If you attended the GCB conference last November in Augusta in person or via Zoom, you heard Todd's name and his acceptance speech when he was presented with the June Wilis Guiding Eyes award. But who is Todd Turansky?
Criteria for the June Willis Guiding Eyes Award state that the recipient must be sighted, a GCB member, and someone who is known to GCB members through activities at the state level. An individual receiving this award is recognized for service to the blind and visually impaired. Todd fills the bill.
The letter nominating Todd for the award talks about his kindness, easygoing manner, and willingness to offer a ride. In my telephone interview with him, I found him to be a good conversationalist, someone who laughs easily and has a keen interest in the things that are going on.
Raised in southwest Michigan, Todd had no plans of working with people who were blind or visually impaired. His father knew of an open position at the Michigan Blind Rehabilitation Center that was a nonprofessional nurse's aide or assistant after hours and on weekends to assist the students involved in the residential program. The attraction for Todd was that the position was paying double the minimum wage, which was a great benefit for students in college. Since the center could not find anyone with the background and he was willing to do the work, he got the job. When asked what he was going to do after graduation, Todd told staff members that he probably would go into some kind of public administration. The staff encouraged him to “do what we do.” Todd then enrolled in the blind rehab master's program at Western Michigan.
After obtaining his degree, Todd landed a position with the State Department of Veterans Affairs under blind rehabilitation. He worked a number of jobs with the VA. When the new center was opening in Georgia, he was recruited to be the visual impairment services team coordinator. He came from California to Augusta, Georgia in 1996 and has never left.
The people who Todd has worked with are those folks who lost their sight after having good vision. Becoming a part of the military, you are expected to shoot and be able to see the enemy or any other type of danger. A recruit was expected to have good vision. He served people who were adventitiously blind, in most cases caused by health care issues or by contracting one of the various eye diseases later in life. Todd's degree is in orientation and mobility, where he taught safe travel with a cane. Later he became a low vision specialist, ending up spending most of his career as a case manager, handling cases for a number of veterans who were visually impaired. Before he was assigned to Georgia, he worked in the national office as a regional consultant for 14 western states, overseeing the visually impaired programs.
What would Todd say to people who are just losing their vision? He said that when you lose your vision, you can feel alone. It is something for which you are not prepared. Most sighted people never think about losing their eyesight. They don't know where to turn. What they want to do is to get involved with a group such as the Georgia Council or nationally to find out what is out there in terms of equipment and training so they can return to independence.
Todd says his activities with the Georgia Council of the Blind are pretty much limited to Deborah's activities. If she gets active with the Augusta chapter, he's involved to assist her. Apparently, if we want to see Todd more active, we simply must encourage Deborah to raise her horizons!
Todd is now retired. He has spent the past year recovering and letting the body heal. After working for the government for 42 years and working hard, He says that it does the body good to relax, walk, and just enjoy himself. It is clear that Todd is enjoying his retirement. When I called to interview him for this article, I caught him napping!
Congratulations to Todd Turansky, the 2023 recipient of the June Willis Guiding Eyes Award.
GCB Chapter News:
Athens Chapter:
At our January meeting, we listened to guest speaker Cecily Laney Nipper. We did not have a speaker at our February meeting. At our March meeting, we listened to a guest speaker who was Mary Haupt, a board member of the Library Users of America. We are hoping that we can invite someone from Blind Information Technology Specialists, BITS, to be our speaker for the April meeting. We are planning a joint picnic with the Athens Heritage Lions Club, which will be held in September at Memorial Park located at 293 Gran Ellen Drive in Athens, Georgia. The Athens chapter meetings are held on the fourth Saturday at 11:00 AM. For more information about the Athens Chapter please contact Jerrie Toney at (706) 461-1013 or via email at jerriemt2@gmail.com.
Augusta Chapter:
At our March in-person meeting we are planning a summer outing at the lake to enjoy either a cruise on a pontoon boat or working something out with a sailing club. We are also working on a joint fundraising activity with a local Lions Club to raise funds to assist with purchasing canes or other equipment for the visually impaired.
The Augusta Chapter in-person meetings are held in the odd months on the second Saturday of the month at Walton Options which is located at 948 Walton Way, Augusta, Georgia from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM.
During the even months, we meet at local restaurants.
For more information about The Augusta Chapter please contact Ron Worley at 706-726-9438, or via email at listeningacuity@gmail.com.
East Georgia Chapter:
At our January meeting, several members shared how they use Braille and technology in their everyday lives in recognition of World Braille Day. In February, we crafted several Valentine’s Day cards for our home-bound members. At our March meeting, we welcomed guest presenter Jason Bombelyn with Visual Enhancements. Our April meeting was unfortunately cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
The East Georgia Chapter is happy to welcome new members Shirley, Ann, and Jack.
East Georgia Member Recognition: The East Georgia Chapter’s Associate member, Lucas Montalvo, is a 15-year-old young man who attends local Alcovy High School in Newton County. In March, he traveled to the Georgia Academy for the Blind in Macon, GA to attend the Regional Braille Challenge. The Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind held in January through March each year in North America for students who are blind or visually impaired. Braille Institute developed the Braille Challenge to motivate students to practice and hone their braille literacy skills, which are essential to academic and employment success. Lucas placed 3rd in his group, Junior Varsity. Lucas is a smart young man with a bright future. All of us here at the East Georgia Chapter are so proud of him.
Connect with us: Follow us on Facebook at East Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Council of the Blind; Instagram eastgachapter.
The East Georgia Chapter in-person meetings are held at the Conyers Presbyterian Church and via Zoom on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 10:00 AM. For more information about the East Georgia Chapter, please contact Cecily Laney Nipper, at 470-218-7885, or via email at roses828@comcast.net
Greater Hall County Chapter:
The Greater Hall County chapter reported that at our January meeting, we got acquainted with Keely Zeitlin, of Zeitlin Services LLC. Keely is a teacher of the visually impaired (TVI), contracted with the state and working in the Habersham, Lumpkin, and White County school systems. Keely and other TVI teachers organized Cane Crusaders, a group to reach the blind and visually impaired community in northeast Georgia. This dynamic group has organized events to highlight the abilities and achievements of their students.
Our February meeting was canceled due to a virus.
During our March meeting, we were informed and educated about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and navigating through the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA). Our own Tommy Woodyard and his mother Mary shared their perspectives on working with GVRA to obtain critical services throughout Tommy’s youth and education. Tommy has earned his master’s degree and recently joined the Ninth Judicial Circuit Mediator Cadre as an Ordinance mediator. Tommy has a bright future. We are immensely proud to know him and his family.
Mary and Tommy Woodyard
On March 16, several of our members participated in a beep kickball event at the White County High School softball field in Cleveland, Georgia. The event was sponsored by Zeitlin Services, LLC, and included area students, parents, teachers, friends, and our members, Jeremy, Judy, Lana, and Dianne. All the participants were blindfolded and ranged across the vision spectrum from fully sighted to blind. After a brief training session, the two teams completed five innings amidst much laughter and cheering. Some participants revealed that it was their very first exposure to blind sports. Many thanks to Zeitlin Services and the Cane Crusaders for the invitation to participate.
At our April meeting, the topic was “Money Talks.” We learned from our own expert members how to confidently recognize and use coin currency, paper currency, and to safely conduct business with digital and electronic devices.
We welcomed new members Althea Blackstock, Carolyn Cotton, Greg Pointer, Sheila Rousey, and Keely Zeitlin.
The Greater Hall Chapter meets the second Saturday of each month, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 noon at Smoky Springs Retirement Residences, 940 South Enota Drive, Gainesville, Georgia. The program portions of our meetings are live-streamed and can be viewed at any time along with other interesting content on our Facebook page entitled Greater Hall GCB. For more information, contact Dianne Roberts at harveyroberts2@att.net or at 770-932-1112.
Northwest Georgia Chapter:
The Northwest Georgia Chapter meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Bank of Lafayette community room which is located at 104 North Main Street in Lafayette, Georgia at 1:00 PM.
For more information about the Northwest Chapter, please contact Sharon Nichols at 423-255-4551, or via email at sharonnichols347@icloud.com.
Rome Floyd County Chapter:
In December, we discussed doing a service project. We decided to collect large print puzzle books for older people who are blind or visually impaired. Stacey Orr, who volunteers a Trinka Davis Veterans Assisted Living Village in Carrollton, Georgia. We collected Twenty-five large print word search books and ten New Testament Bibles; she delivered them to the residents of Trinka Davis Veterans Assisted Living Village. There are forty-one residents there of whom 25 will benefit from these large print books.
(From left to right) Trinka Davis recreational therapist, Stephen and Stacey Orr pictured holding word search books and Bibles.
At our January meeting, we listened to their guest speakers Steve Longmire and Jerrie Toney, from the GCB Tech Talk Time who informed us about all the things this group is working on for GCB members. Steve and Jerrie told us about how the GCB Tech Talk Time meets monthly to help others with technology as it relates to people who are blind or visually impaired. Such topics include helpful apps, computers, appliances, and smartphones. Discussions include questions and answers and navigating the GCB website and app. Meetings will be on the 2nd Monday of the month via Zoom, depending on the needs of the group and those interested in joining the committee. Steve and Jerrie both talked about the app Be My Eyes. This app is managed by volunteers. Users can make a video call and ask the volunteer to help tell the user what they see. A new feature has been added to the app that is called Be My AI and it will describe things and items to you. This feature is inside the Be My Eyes app.
Another helpful app is Indoor navigation which helps you navigate the inside of a particular building if a volunteer has uploaded the info inside the app. For example, it can tell you where to go to the restroom or front desk. Clue and Lazarillo are both navigation apps. Chris Holbrook mentioned the We Walk app for navigation. There are also some fun game apps that are blind or low-vision-friendly. These include Dice World, RS Games, and Quentin C’s Game Room which all can be fun and fully accessible on your phone and some on your computer. Jerrie can help get you started on these game apps if you email her at jerriemt2@gmail.com. Steve also discussed a Bible app he is currently developing to help users look up multiple Bible verses at one time using tabs. The app is in beta testing. If you would like to try this app out to help him work out bugs to help make it as user-friendly as it can be, please email Steve at info@sunbright.biz.
At our February meeting, we discussed another service project where we would coordinate with Dana Tarter from Georgia School for the Deaf to support her students at her school. She will speak to her principal about the possibility of our chapter hosting a party or other project at her school.
At our March meeting, we listened to their guest Speaker who was Cassie Trosper, president of Veterans of ACB. She is an Army Veteran from Fort Hood. She was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) in March 2008 and completely lost her vision in October 2015. She was a driver for Superior Officers. The Army evaluated her situation and determined she could no longer serve due to her Diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa. After being discharged from the Army, and following the sudden death of her husband, Cassie said her vision changes occurred rapidly. Cassie now loves her work in her nine-year-old daughter’s school as an emotional support and teaching assistant to students who are struggling academically. Cassie and Aaron will be married in November 2024. Cassie shared that she is a huge Atlanta Braves Fan. Feel free to contact Cassie with any further questions at Cassie.trosper@gmail.com.
The Rome Floyd County Chapter meets on the fourth Monday of every month at 7:00 PM, via Zoom. For more information about the Rome Floyd County Chapter, please contact Amanda Wilson at 770-547-4700, or via email at moonrocks@bellsouth.net.
Savannah Chapter:
The Savannah Chapter meets by telephone conference call on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM.
For more information about The Savannah Chapter, please contact Marj Schneider at 912-352-1415, or via email at marjschneider@bellsouth.net.
South Metro Chapter:
The South Metro Chapter meetings are held at the Piccadilly which is located at 2000 Crescent Center Blvd. in Tucker, Georgia, on the second Tuesday of each month from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM.
For more information about The South Metro Chapter, please contact Brent Reynolds at 404-814-0768, or via email jbr53@samobile.net.
GCB Special Affiliate News:
Georgia Guide Dog Users:
For more information about The Georgia Guide Dog Users group, please contact Marj Schneider, at 912-352-1415 or via email at marjschneider@bellsouth.net.
Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss:
For more information, about The Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss special affiliate group please contact Alice Ritchhart at 912-996-4213, or via email at alice.ritchhart@comcast.net.
GCB Community Phone Calls:
The Georgia Council of the Blind is holding community phone calls. The phone number for all the GCB community calls is 1-605-562-0400, and the access code is 780-5751, followed by the pound sign. If you cannot get in, then use the alternative phone number. It is 1-717-275-8940 and the access code is 7805751, followed by the pound sign.
Here is the schedule for GCB community phone calls.
Praise and Prayer:
Mike Hall will lead us in praise and prayer on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM.
GCB Book Club:
Deborah Lovell and Judy Presley
Our GCB book club has read a variety of books including fiction, nonfiction, as well as biographies. Sometimes when you read a delightful book, you feel like you just must share it with others. This is what makes book clubs so much fun. That is why we encourage our members to suggest their favorite books and would love to have other book lovers out there to join us. We meet on the last Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM, on Zoom.
GCB Peach Talk:
From the Membership and Public Relations Committee:
The membership And Public Relations committee holds an ACB Community Zoom call which meets on the third Thursday at 7:00 PM. We tell lots of funny stories on this call. In January, we talked about our favorite TV shows when we were children. In February, we learned about the Association of Education and Rehabilitation (AER) Conference. AER is a group of teachers, mostly teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) and vocational rehabilitation therapists (VRTs), that have a professional association. They train and earn continuing education credits. In March, we talked about when we met famous people. In April, we will be discussing Internet radio.
What It Means to Be a Foster Grandparent
by Joan Guy
Being a foster grandparent means a lot to me. It takes love and compassion to be one. I have dealt with children from urban areas whose parents may not be raising them; whose grandparents may be raising them; to children who may be orphans, or who may live in an institution because they have no one to take care of them. The foster grandparent was suggested to me, and I have been a foster grandparent at Signal Centers for seven years. I read stories, and I draw pictures in Braille for the children's birthdays and holidays. I really enjoy it. When I first became a foster grandparent, I worked with children with cerebral palsy. Those children could do nothing but smile, and that was a blessing. Being blind, I was so happy to know that they would smile when I read stories to them and showed pictures from the stories. After the first year of being a foster grandparent, I encountered children who had behavioral problems and would talk back to me. During my second year, I met children who were autistic. They would throw things at me which made me scared, but I kept reading stories and showing pictures to them. In my third year, I met a boy who was blind and had learned to speak and walk. I read stories to him on an individual basis. Then COVID came along, and all the volunteers had to go home and return when I was notified. When I returned, I was faced with children who were throwing things and hitting me. I became frightened and expressed my feelings to the Director of Children's Services. The director suggested that I be the librarian for Signal Centers Children's Services since the people from the public library had stopped coming after the pandemic to read stories. I read stories in all the classrooms in addition to doing my Braille drawings. I select my own books which are board books with pictures on each page as I read the story. It is working out well. Presently I am making shamrock pictures in Braille to hang in each classroom for Saint Patrick's Day. Oh, I also appreciate the stipend and the holidays and other exciting things they give to me. For example, I will be going to the Martin Luther King Center in April. I really enjoy being a foster grandparent.
Rhyme and Reason
Audio Description
In the silence of the screen, void profound,
Without a guide, no descriptions abound,
A visual world, where shadows persist,
For us without sight, an opportunity missed.
No audio brush to paint the scenes,
A canvas of darkness, where uncertainty leans.
Expressions and gestures, lost in the air,
A silent movie, an unanswered prayer.
Once lost in the silence, a cinematic despair,
No descriptions to guide, just a void of what’s there.
At a real loss of what is on screen,
Yet with narration, it paints the scene.
Audio Description is a guiding hand,
Painting pictures for blind ones to understand.
In the realm of sound, a tale untold,
A masterpiece of words, a sight to behold.
A speaking voice, like a gentle breeze,
Unfolds the story with such graceful ease.
In the theatre of the mind, scenes come alive,
For those who cannot see, it helps them to thrive.
In the world of silence, where shadows reside,
Audio Description becomes a trusted guide.
A companion to cinema, a friend to the stage,
A bridge to imagination for all, every age.
Oh, Audio description, a beacon so bright,
Illuminating darkness, bringing forth light.
Through words, a canvas painted anew,
A world of dreams, where visions ensue.
So, let’s champion a world, inclusive and wide,
Where every tale has a voice by its side.
With audio Description, let barriers fall,
A universal language, embracing one and all.
In the symphony of senses, let words be the key,
Unlocking vision for all, setting them free.
For in narration’s embrace, we bridge the divide,
With audio description, let inclusion and unity reside.
Written by Sophia Curtis
Picture of Sophia Curtis
Unlocking Accessibility: A Guide
by Sophia Curtis
Navigating Zoom: Accessibility Shortcuts for Windows, Mac, and Mobile Devices
In the digital age, platforms like Zoom have become essential for remote communication. In a Zoom conference, a video or audio-only discussion is called a meeting. You don’t need an account to join a meeting. It is possible to join using a browser, or you can download the Zoom app. You can join Zoom meetings using a computer, smartphone, tablet, or telephone. Meetings are identified by a meeting ID and passcode. However, it is also possible to join by clicking a direct link or on the telephone with the call-in number using the one-tap mobile.
For those using screen readers, navigating Zoom can pose challenges. Thankfully, Zoom offers accessibility features, including shortcuts, to ensure inclusivity. Let's explore essential shortcuts for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, empowering users to engage fully in virtual interactions. Here is a handy quick guide to the shortcuts:
Windows Shortcuts:
Join Meeting: Alt + J.
Mute and Unmute: Alt + A.
Start and Stop Video: Alt + V.
Raise Hand: Alt + Y.
Chat Box: Alt + H.
Screen Share: Alt + S.
Participants List: Alt + U.
Toggle Full Screen: Alt + F.
Switch Camera: Alt + N.
Switch to Speaker View: Alt + F1.
Switch to Gallery View: Alt + F2.
Mac Shortcuts:
Join Meeting: Command + J.
Mute and Unmute: Command + Shift + A.
Start and Stop Video: Command + Shift + V.
Raise Hand: Option + Y.
Chat Box: Command + Shift + H.
Screen Share: Command + Shift + S.
Participants List: Command + U.
Toggle Full Screen: Command + Shift + F.
Switch Camera: Command + Shift + N.
Switch to Speaker View: Command + Shift + W.
Switch to Gallery View: Command + Shift + W.
Mobile Device Shortcuts (iOS and Android):
Mute and Unmute: Tap on the “Mute" button.
Start and Stop Video: Tap on the “Stop Video" button.
Raise Hand: Tap on "Participants" > Tap on "Raise Hand". Or tap on reactions and tap “Raise Hand.”
Chat Box: Tap on the “Chat" button.
Participants List: Tap on "Participants" button.
Toggle Full Screen: Swipe up to exit full screen, tap on "Full Screen" button to enter.
Switch Camera: Tap on the “Switch Camera" button.
Switch to Speaker View: Tap on "Speaker View" button.
Switch to Gallery View: Tap on "Gallery View" button.
One Tap Mobile Shortcuts (Telephone)
The "One tap mobile" is a Zoom feature that lets you join a meeting from your phone with just a single tap. Instead of typing in meeting details, you click a link provided by the host, and Zoom handles the rest, automatically connecting you to the meeting.
Alternatively, you can manually enter the Meeting ID and passcode after dialing the number for your region: When prompted, enter the meeting ID followed by the pound # key, then enter the passcode if required.
Mute and unmute: Press *6 on your phone's keypad to mute and unmute yourself.
Raise hand: *9.
In conclusion, Zoom empowers individuals to engage fully in virtual interactions, regardless of their abilities or technological preferences. With these helpful shortcuts, users can navigate Zoom using screen readers, regardless of their operating system. By incorporating accessibility features, Zoom fosters an inclusive environment where all participants can engage effectively in virtual meetings and events.
Announcement from Georgia Library Services, GLS:
Programs on The Go
The Albany Library is having Karaoke on Thursday, May 16th, 2024, from 1:00 PM until 4:30 PM, at the Northwest Library, which is located at 2507 Dawson RD, in Albany Georgia.
The Augusta Library is playing Bingo on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM.
There will be an ice cream social on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 12:00 PM until 2:30 PM at Switzer Library, which is located at 266 Roswell St, in Marietta Georgia.
There will be an ice cream social on Monday, July 29, 2024, from 1:30 PM until 4:00 PM at the Augusta Library, which is located at 823 Telfair Street, in Augusta, Georgia.
The Cobb County Library is playing Bingo on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM, at the Switzer Library, which is located at 266 Roswell St, in Marietta Georgia.
The Brunswick Library is playing Bingo on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM, location to be announced.
For further information please contact Vanessa Meadows at 1-800-248-6701, or via email at vmeadows@georgialibraries.org.
THE END