BREAK OUT THE FIREWORKS FOR RRS

The San Antonio Low Vision Club’s Radio Reading Service has been selected by the Alamo Area Council of Governments as the winner of The 2003 “Community Project of the Year” Award. A beautifully etched, glass plaque was presented to Club President Bonnie Truax on June 18th at the council’s awards ceremony.

The award plague was on display at our June LVC meeting, and is now permanently on exhibit in the Radio Reading Service offices in Suite 630 of the North Frost Bank building, 1250 N. E. Loop 410.

The Radio Reading Service was nominated for the award by Crystal Ward Darby, who detailed the service’s many accomplishments since its beginnings a little more than one year ago. Through the cooperation of the San Antonio Express-News, the project provides a much needed service to people who have print-impairments by reading the newspaper over a sub-channel furnished by Texas Pubic Radio. These broadcasts can then be received on a specially tuned radio provided to applicants. Equipment was funded by the Lions Clubs of District 2-A2 and other donors.

The RRS has over 100 volunteers who read the news, manage the studio and office space, deliver the radios, and all other jobs needed to make the project a success. All of them were honored along with other LVC volunteers at a special recognition luncheon last February.

Former LVC aide Arlene Gomez is now serving as a full time programs coordinator in the Radio Reading Service office. She will work with all aspects of the RRS as well as the Low Vision Club. Arlene has worked with the visually impaired since the mid-1990’s.

NEITHER RAIN, NOR HAIL, NOR A CHAIN LINK FENCE

Everyone attending the Low Vision Club’s monthly meeting June 21 knows the meaning of those words. No, we didn’t have rain or hail, but we did find the entrance to our usual meeting place in the UT Health Science Center’s main auditorium surrounded by a chain link fence. Obviously a construction project was underway. What a surprise…and what a shock! Nobody told us in advance about it.

The guard at the gate directed members to the entrance of the Medical School, and said we could work our way over to the auditorium from there. However, this is not easy to do for persons who are visually impaired and some in wheel chairs.

Fortunately, LVC Board Members Larry Belote and Bob Kozel, both from the VIST program at the Veterans Administration, arrived early.

Once they saw the situation, they took it upon themselves to help club members along the proper paths to the auditorium for over an hour before the start of the program. LVC member Craig Castle and several others also assisted with the task.

After the meeting we learned the construction in front of the auditorium where we usually meet is scheduled for an extensive period. This means we must find a new location for our monthly meetings which is safe and easy for our visually impaired members to reach. Be sure to check the announcement notice mailed to you shortly before each upcoming program for the exact location. Locations may change monthly, so always check the monthly mailer.

The June program was devoted entirely to Transportation, possibly our No. 1 problem. It was organized and conducted by LVC member Allen Townsend, and also featured presentations by Mike Dominguez of VIA, and Betsy Harris, certified orientation & mobility specialist.

If you missed the meeting and would like a copy of Allen Townsend’s remarks, call Bonnie Truax at 344-1479 and we’ll mail it to you. It’s an excellent presentation of transportation issues and possible answers.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Saturday, July 26

Double Header Program--“Tips for Gaining Independence Around the House” by Bob Kozel. Plus “Ideas for Modifying Your Home to Make Your Life Easier” by Bob Hobson. These two members of our Board of Directors will give you lots of tips and ideas.

Saturday, August 30

Our annual LVC Talent Show. See and hear the best of our club’s talents as they perform while you enjoy snacks and refreshments.

This event will be staged by our Special Events Committee.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Texas Senator Letitia Van de Putte will speak to us on “What effect the legislative decision on Health and Human Services will have on the services available to the visually impaired people of Texas”.

MEDIA INTERVIEWS FOR TBP

READY FOR A CRUISE?

Here is a memo to the club from Vacation Specialist Sue Slater:

“I am totally blind from r.p. I specialize in planning and escorting cruises for the visually impaired. I can put together packages for individuals or plan groups with group rates and special services.

We need a minimum of six months to plan a group. Please contact me for details on special promotions out of Galveston with round trip charter bus service. Telephone 314-726-6893 or email cruiseaway2001@yahoo.com.”

20/20 PENS

Several people have asked where they can purchase the bold 20/20 pen which is ideal for visually impaired people. Some suggestions:

Visit the store at the San Antonio Lighthouse, 2305 Roosevelt, San Antonio, TX 78210. Telephone 533-5195.

Order from MaxiAids catalog--89 cents each or 12 at 85 cents each($10.20). Minimum order $10. Shipping extra $4.85.

Todays Office can order 20/20 pens from their Dallas warehouse and have them here in two days. Charges $1.35 per pen but will deliver to your house. Telephone 826-9800. Ask for Lydia. Their store is at I-35 and Rittiman Road.