The UCB Buzz
A publication of
Utah Council of the Blind
November 2022
For the latest news updates, check out the website at utahblind.org
Mail correspondence to:
UCB
PO Box 1415
Bountiful, UT 84011-1415
E-mail us at utahblind@gmail.com
For credit card payments, to make reservations, or for other business,
call the business office at 801-245-9264.
In This Issue
UCB
Golden Anniversary Celebration
UCB
Golden Anniversary Discount on Lifetime Memberships
Board
of Directors and Management
2022
Board Meeting Schedule and Calendar
Articles and announcements included in this publication are presented for your information and interest. They reflect the opinions of the respective authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the UCB.
“A bend in the road is not the end of the road … unless you fail to make the curve.” This great quotation from Helen Keller is the theme for our celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Utah Council of the Blind. Please join us on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 250 N 1950 W, Salt Lake City. Corinna Tanner, PhD, RN, will be our keynote speaker, setting the tone for a day filled with information, reminiscing, entertainment, gifts, and a traditional holiday turkey dinner. The cost for this event is just $5.00 per person. Reservations are required no later than Thursday, November 24th. Please call the office at 801-245-9264 Monday through Friday between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to pay by debit or credit card or mail your check to UCB, PO Box 1415, Bountiful UT 84011-1415 (be sure to allow time for it to reach us by November 24th).
Kent Wimmer, a founder of the Utah Council of the Blind, passed away on September 26 at the age of 93. He was a man whose presence loomed large in the early days of the UCB, and a man whose council was sought in the running of our organization for many years. Though not mentioned in his obituary, he was one of the great founders of this organization and remembered fondly by those of us who knew him. An excerpt from his obituary follows:
Leland Kent Wimmer, 93, of Draper, Utah passed away on September 26, 2022 due to Osteomyelitis.
Kent was born January 8, 1929, to Harold J. and Lucille Wimmer in Duchesne County, Utah, and grew up driving cattle and tractors in 9-Mile Canyon with 12 siblings. After attending Duchesne High School, he served honorably in the 65th Combat Engineer Battalion, 25th Division, U.S. Army in Korea, where he drove over a land mine while finishing an air strip. He rehabbed at the Hines VA Blind Rehabilitation Center, setting the course for the rest of his life.
Returning home totally blind and partially deaf, he attended Law School at the University of Utah, and was a successful attorney for over 60 years.
He lived in the same home on R Street in the Avenues for nearly 70 years, where he went on to have six children from his first marriage to Dolores Osolin (Wayne, Kathleen, Scott, Kristine, Linda, and Stephen) and adopted two more from his second to Toni Anthony (Robert and Ray), before being married and sealed in the Bountiful, Utah temple to his third wife Willa Raye Holt in June 2021.
His favorite activity was taking road trips across the country, hearing descriptions of the landmarks, and showing off his amazing memory and vast knowledge with a story and a detour everywhere along the way.
Kent’s quick smile, good humor, glass eyes and booming voice made him a memorable man who touched many lives with his perseverance, kindness, love and generosity.
Kent was predeceased by his siblings (Edythe, Thomas, Jack, Robert, Arlene, Lee, and William) and daughter (Kathleen.) He is survived by his wife, Willa Rae Holt, his siblings (Jean, J.D., Elaine, Sally, and Max), children (Wayne, Scott, Kristine, Linda, Stephen, Robert and Ray), step-children (Donnie, Marie, Ellis, Leah, Amy, Lindsi, and Noel), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and
Representative John P. Sarbanes (D-Md.) introduced The Websites and Software
Applications Accessibility Act (S. 4998) and (H.R. 9021) in both the United
States Senate and the House of Representatives.
The American Council of the Blind (ACB), the
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), the National Disability Rights Network
(NDRN), and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) commend Sen. Duckworth
and Rep. Sarbanes for their leadership and for introducing this legislation
with the full support and collaboration of the disability community. Once
passed, this legislation would require the Department of Justice and the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission to establish a clear and enforceable uniform
national framework for website and software application accessibility, reaffirm
that existing disability rights law covers websites and software applications,
and ensure that accessibility standards keep pace with new and emerging
technologies.
With respect to a website or application,
accessibility means a website or application that enables individuals with
disabilities to access the same information as, to engage in the same
interactions as, to communicate and to be understood as effectively as, and to
enjoy the same services offered to other individuals with the same privacy,
independence, and ease of use as individuals without disabilities.
For example, blind and low vision people
often use screen-reader technology that reads the content of websites and
applications aloud or displays it on a compatible braille device; people who
are deaf and hard of hearing utilize closed captioning and remote video
interpreters; people with physical disabilities such as limited manual
dexterity may require websites that have full keyboard navigation; and people
with communication or speech-related disabilities may encounter barriers if a
website uses voice interaction or provides phone numbers as the only method to
communicate with the business.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and well
before, so many Americans relied on the Internet to work from home, order home
goods and connect with loved ones — and yet, too many websites and apps remain
nearly impossible to use by Americans with disabilities, barring them from
these experiences and opportunities,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to
introduce this legislation with Congressman Sarbanes to finally help make the
web and other technology more accessible for all users, including those in the
disability community.”
“Digital innovation is only as powerful as
it is inclusive. As new and emerging technologies have been incorporated into
our daily lives, digital inaccessibility has prevented Americans with
disabilities from reaching a broad range of health, education, employment and
other critical resources. To address this civil rights issue and remedy this
longstanding inequity, we need uniform, consistent standards that lay out what
true digital accessibility is and provide adequate mechanisms to enforce it,”
said Congressman Sarbanes. “The Websites and Software Applications Accessibility
Act will require federal agencies to provide clear regulations for reducing
barriers to web accessibility and help businesses and state and local
governments work toward compliance. Senator Duckworth and I are pleased to
introduce this legislation with the input of disability advocates to take an
important step to achieving equity and inclusion for all Americans.”
“We are delighted that this bill was
introduced, and that Congress is finally giving this issue the attention it
deserves. We need to make sure that people who are blind or have low vision are
not left behind as our world moves into an increasingly digital environment,”
said ACB President Dan Spoone.
“The past few years have shown us how
important it is that our digital infrastructure is accessible to everyone,”
said Stephanie Enyart, Chief Public Policy and Research Officer for the
American Foundation for the Blind. “Numerous research studies have revealed
digital accessibility barriers, so this bill will transform access to
employment, education, healthcare, and all other aspects of daily life for
people who are blind and have low vision. We applaud Senator Duckworth and
Representative Sarbanes for introducing this legislation and committing to a
digital society that is inclusive of all people.”
“In a generation where technology has opened
countless doors, it’s appalling that so many users with disabilities are still
kept from full access to websites and applications because they are not
designed with universal access in mind, nor do they properly interact with
assistive technology,” said NDRN’s Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy
Eric Buehlmann. “It’s absolutely imperative that all
people with disabilities have equal access to online resources. We thank
Senator Duckworth and Representative Sarbanes for working with us on this much
needed legislation.”
“Although we have had some success in
vindicating the right of blind Americans to live and work in our increasingly
digital world, individual complaints and agreements simply cannot keep pace
with the expansion and evolution of technology, and entities who want to
effectively serve customers with disabilities are asking for guidance,” said
Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation
of the Blind. “We therefore urge the United States Congress to act swiftly on
this common-sense legislation that will finally close the gap caused by
inaccessible technologies and clarify and enforce what our nation’s disability
laws and policies require.”
This legislation is supported by the
following disability and civil rights organizations: Access Living, American
Association of People with Disabilities, American Council of the Blind,
American Foundation for the Blind, Association of Programs for Rural
Independent Living, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Blinded Veterans
Association, CommunicationFIRST, Disability Rights
Education and Defense Fund, Epilepsy Foundation of America, Hearing Loss
Association of America, National Association of the Deaf, National Council on
Independent Living, National Disability Institute, National Disability Rights
Network, National Federation of the Blind, Paralyzed Veterans of America,
Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc., The Arc, United
Spinal Association, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
At our annual business meeting in September, UCB members nominated three new members on the board of Directors. In order to get to know them better, we asked each of them for a little biographical sketch Here they are.
I am 66 years old. I have been married to the same great woman
for 32 years. We have 6 kids and 7 grand kids and live in Ephraim, Utah where
we have been for 23 years. I have RP and have about 2% of my sight left.
I worked in retail management for 30+ years and then retired and did a little HR work for the local McDonald's. After that I moved on to help at the Charter School in Ephraim working in its High School.
I like to go camping with all the kids. I also love to go Jeeping and explore different trails all over. And even though I can't drive the Jeep I really enjoy going.
Now I work at UCB in the Skills Development Program as the Asst. Supervisor and love going out and helping different people learn what they need to make there lives better. I can't wait to help UCB even more by being on the Board of Directors.
Thank you,
Dennie
My name is Mindi Larson. I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. As a newborn, I was under Bilirubin Lamps for a month. They didn’t cover my eyes at that time and so I developed cataracts. When I was 12, I developed glaucoma as well, and when I was 16, I had my first retina detachment.
I had 10 years of dance and I was the co-captain of the Drill team that I was on in Little Rock. When I was fifteen, I moved to Utah where I had two more years of dance and was on a Peer Leadership Team my senior year at Bingham High School. I graduated in 1994.
I attended one year at Utah State University. Then, I got married and moved to Salt Lake. At this time, my eyesight started diminishing. I withdrew from the University of Utah and started a series of retina surgeries that lasted a year. Afterwards, when the doctors said that there was nothing left for them to do for my eyes, I began learning how to live with diminished eyesight. I went through the classes at the Center for the Blind and they gave me the courage to start my life with one barely functioning eye.
I worked at Marriott for a few months until I became pregnant, at which time I became a full-time mom. Over 14 years, I have had 4 children. The oldest is now almost 22. Her name is Elizabeth. We call her Libby. My second child is a boy. His name is Eli. My third child’s name is Heather. My youngest is 8 years old and her name is Zoe. I got divorced. The papers were signed in October of 2021. I now work for the Skills Development Program. I have been a member of the UCB off and on since 1997, but I am just now feeling ready to be on the board.
In no particular order, for fun I like to read, dance, sing, paint, go for drives, feel, hear and listen to nature, spend time with my kids, travel, go to thrift shops, and try to bake.
My goals are to spend every minute with my kids, when they are with me. I want to give them a positive loving environment. I want to speak out against the negative parts in family law. I want to make people aware of how we as a disability community are treated by the justice system. I want to do more with mental health awareness.
– That’s me
Hello UCB Members
I would like to take a moment and tell you a little more about myself. I have been blind since birth with some contrast vision; the contrast between sidewalk and grass, very large print, etc. However, after a freak accident at a camp for the blind, I gradually lost my remaining vision. I was originally diagnosed with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. At 33, I was further diagnosed with Septo Optic displasia. The optic nerve is very close to the master gland and the pituitary gland, which has caused the lack of growth and many other hormonal and some adrenal deficiencies.
I am the oldest of three siblings. My sister, Angela, has two boys, Tristan is 19 and Isaiah is 15. My brother, Adam, is ten years younger than I. Both my brother and I have varying disabilities, yet our disabilities have no correlation with each other. Adam is developmentally delayed. I enjoy spending time with my brother and family. I love my retired guide dog babies and any other children I can hold and love.
This year, I am celebrating my 25-year anniversary as an employee at DSBVI where I work in the Training Program. I enjoy working with my clients’ progress and find ways to achieve their individual goals.
My faith is also important to me. I have been a Lector for my Parish, Saint Thomas Moore, for many years. About 5 years ago, I felt like I wanted to do something more. I volunteer for the Salt Lake Catholic Diocese Commission for People with Disabilities, which actually serves the entire state of Utah. I felt I was being gently pushed to become a eucharistic minister. This is difficult because you have to see when someone walks up to you in order to administer communion. The accommodation we came up with is having an altar server or other volunteer stand behind me and tap my shoulder. This has worked out well.
Back in the early 90s, I had my amateur radio license, which worked well in college, back before cell phones became affordable. I enjoyed the hobby back then, however, I became involved with work and let my license lapse.
Later, I moved in to a friend’s home to
assist her after the death of her father, and we have continued to live
together. Recently we have purchased a house together which has also required a
lot of extra time.
She used the radio frequently, which encouraged me to get back in to the hobby again. Taking the test again with a 50-year-old brain was difficult, yet successful. I am thinking about studying for my general license; not certain yet.
A new hobby I am starting very late in life is playing the
piano. I’m a novice, but have a great desire to learn. I have wanted to play
the piano since my childhood.
I enjoy reading crime novels and watching crime TV shows. I
also enjoy cooking and knitting.
– Cindi Vega
Dear UCB,
It is with sadness that I submit the
obituary of Diana Murphy. I never really knew her, but some of you may have
known her. I understand she was a long-time UCB member and was a volunteer. You
will notice that in lieu of flowers, she has requested that donations be
directed to UCB.
We extend our deepest condolences to Diana's
family and friends.
Regards,
Sarah Smith, UCB member
1954 – 2022
Diana passed away on September 11, 2022 of leiomyosarcoma. She was born to John and Blandina Tuero in Salt Lake City. Schooled in Utah. Worked for 30 years at the UUMC as an analyst. Diana is famous for her infectious laugh and her obsession with collecting lips, eggs, Marvel and quite the expert at credit card usage. Diana a devout Catholic, was an advocate for the vulnerable person or animal.
Diana is preceded in death by her father ('03), mother ('09), sister Lucina ('72), brother John ('16), brother Bear ('21) and nephew Richard ('21).
Diana is survived by her husband Mark S. Murphy, her children DJ and Traci Murphy and her precious grandchildren Mateo and Awj. She is also survived by her siblings Joanne (Manuel) Velez, Carmen (Guillermo) Chiapa, Anna (Lynn) Tidwell, Richard (Julia) Garcia, and Benito (Denise) Garcia.
Many thanks to family and friends for contributions of meals and support.
Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Sep. 14 to Sep. 18, 2022.
The UCB thanks Alex and Junior Garfield for the generous donation to our organization on behalf of Diana Murphy.
Donni Mitchell has an Or-Cam Read device for sale. It has been barely used. Everything is still in the box, and she’s asking $1795. You can contact her by phone at 385-628-9115, or via e-mail at donnimit50@gmail.com.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the UCB we are offering lifetime memberships at a $50.00 discount anytime during 2022. This means that you can purchase a lifetime membership for $200 rather than the usual $250. We encourage all members to take advantage of this opportunity. To pay by debit or credit card, contact Kate at 801-245-9264. To pay by check, mail your check to: UCB Membership, PO Box 1415, Bountiful, UT 84011-1415.
The UCB Buzz is available in large print, Braille,
audio CD, and by e-mail. If you would prefer to receive your newsletter in a
different format, please call the UCB business office at 801-245-9264 or send
an e-mail to utahblind@gmail.com and let us know.
We are always looking for articles, book reviews, or interesting tidbits of information from our readers or other interested persons. The deadline for submitting items for publication is the 15th of the month. You may e-mail any articles you wish to submit to tommit60@gmail.com; send Braille, print, or audio to UCB Buzz, PO Box 1415, Bountiful, UT 84011-1415. Please allow extra time for processing Braille, print, or audio.
Anna Jeffery, President
Donni Mitchell, Vice President
Jeana Nielsen, Secretary
Vicki Flake, Treasurer
Sandy Ruconich, Executive Director
Aunilie Hathaway
Monica Youngdell
Sandy England
Kira Larkin
Shelly Hendricksen
Kate Balzly, Chief Operating Officer
Members are invited and encouraged to attend meetings of the Board of Directors. Meetings will typically be held the first Thursday of each month at 4:45 p.m. via Zoom. To be placed on the agenda or attend a meeting, e-mail utahblind@gmail.com or call 801-245-9264.
Thursday, November 3, 4:45 p.m., Board Meeting
Thursday, December 1, 4:45 p.m., Board Meeting
Saturday, December 3. 2022, UCB Golden Anniversary Celebration
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