Disabled American Veterans
Blind Veterans National Chapter #1
WEBSITE: http://www.davbvnc.com/
July-August, 2010 Newsletter
"IF I CANNOT
SPEAK GOOD OF MY COMRADE,
OFFICERS
OF THE BLIND CHAPTER
Commander
Dennis O’Connell
Phone 516 328-3438
Email: bvnc1@verizon.net
Senior
Vice Commander Richard Bugbee
1st Junior Vice Commander Eddie Humphrey
2nd
Junior Vice Commander Joe Wallace
3rd
Vice Commander Junior Farley
4th
Junior Vice Commander William Burgess
Judge Advocate Dave May
Chaplain Rev. Tony Martino
Phone
847 736 2111
email: Deaconmart@wi.rr.com
Phone
904 291-0576
email: pkjax@kaminsky.com
Immediate
Past Commander Eddie Humphrey
If
you know of any member who is sick or deceased please inform one of the officers whose
contact information is listed above.
NEW
MEMBERS
James
Hogan,
James
Skuggevik, Port Jefferson Station, NY
REST
IN PEACE
Al
Gauden, Streetsboro, OH
Glenn
Logan, Colorado Springs, CO
MESSAGE
FROM THE COMMANDER
Another
good DAV National Convention happened in Atlanta. Even President Obama came on Monday
morning to talk. Paul Kaminsky will give a synopsis what transpired later on in this
newsletter.
It
was a honor to be re-elected as your Commander for one more year, and I welcome, as
I’m sure you all do, the newly elected officers
listed
above, representing the membership of our Chapter.
Off
to the TEE Tournament on Labor Day, and I hope to meet many of you there.
MESSAGE
FROM ADJUTANT/TREASURER
The
Disabled American Veterans held their National Convention celebrating the beginning of
their 90th year. Again it was an excellent event not only topped off with the
performance of the Lt. Dan Band, but a special appearance from President Obama.
Friday,
July 30, 2010 the Blind Veterans National Chapter #1 annual reunion held its first
business meeting at 9:00 am. At 4:00 pm the second business meeting was held. During the
business meetings two Bylaws were read. One Bylaw upon second reading was withdrawn, and
the second was held over for a second reading at the third business meeting held Monday,
August 2, 2010. The second Bylaw increased the compensation of elected Delegates by an
additional $250. The increase had been previously approved during earlier annual reunions,
but is now codified in the Chapter Bylaws.
Roll
call of officers followed the opening invocation given by Rev. Tony Martino, and the
Pledge led by Immediate Past Commander Humphrey. Officers present were Commander
O’Connell, Sr. Vice Bugbeee, 1st Jr. Vice Wallace, Judge Advocate May,
Chaplin Rev. Martino, and Adjutant/Treasurer Kaminsky. A moment of silence was observed in
the honor of the passing of the 2nd Jr. Vice Commander Ralph G. Barrett of
Newburyport, Maine. Delegates present were Rev Tony Martino, Harold (Eddie) Humphrey,
Junior Farley, and Richard Bugbee. Alternate
Delegates present were Joseph Wallace, and William Burgess.
Following
the reading and approval of the previous reunions meeting minutes, the Treasurer’s
Report was given. Following is the brief summary of the annual treasury report:
Blind
Veterans National Chapter #1
Balance
Sheet
As
Of June 30, 2010 (rounded nearest dollar)
Assets
Money
Market:
$150,823
Checking
$ 17,677
Total
Assets
$168,500
Liabilities
& Securities
Equity:
Opening Balance Equity: $ 28,482
Retained Earnings:
$197,890
Net Income:
-$57,872
Total
Equity:
$168,500
Total
Liabilities & Securities
$168,500
Several
business items were also discussed during the business meetings. Noted was that the Chapter had met its 2010
membership goal and received a flag pendant from National Headquarters. Commander
O’Connell reported that the DAV Van purchased by the Blind Chapter and donated to the
Tucson Blind Rehab Center was picked up on July 8th. He also noted that he
called the Tucson BRC to discuss the lettering denoting the donation was made by the Blind
Chapter and that Immediate Past Commander Humphrey and Sr. Vice Bugbee will arrange a time
to be present in Tucson for the official donation ceremony.
Richard
Bugbee came up with the idea to have a Chapter Flag. Commander
O’Connell established a committee to design a flag and run it through DAV National
for permission.
Commander
O’Connell assigned committee responsibilities to the Delegates and Alternate
Delegates as were deemed necessary. Convention Committee Assignments: Tony Martino: General Resolutions; Eddie Humphrey: Legislation & Vet Benefits, Alternate: Bill
Burgess; Richard Bugbee: Nominations; Junior Farley: Constitution
& Bylaws; Joe Wallace: Credentials.
The
following individuals were re-elected or elected for the noted office position:
Commander: Dennis O’Connell (New York)
Sr.
Vice Commander: Richard Bugbee (Arizona)
1st
Jr. Vice Commander: Harold Humphrey (Oklahoma)
2nd
Jr. Vice Commander: Joseph Wallace (Delaware)
3rd
Jr. Vice Commander: Junior Farley (Tennessee)
4th
Jr. Vice Commander: William Burgess (Florida)
Judge
Advocate: David May (Newly Elected Ohio State
Commander)
Chaplin: Rev. Anthony Martino (Wisconsin)
The
closing event of the DAV National Convention was an evening where we attended
the presentation of our new National Officers which was followed by a
remembrance to Dale Adams, Past National Adjutant, who passed away the previous
month. A presentation of another $1 million donation from Harley Davidson was made to
continue our very popular and productive "Harley's Heroes" Mobile Service
Van Program where we send Service Officers to the Harley Davidson Dealerships around the
country to assist veterans with their claims. We then had a very nice buffet dinner
followed by entertainment from a group named "Shimmer". This concluded a very
enjoyable and productive National Convention. Plan
next year to attend in New Orleans
from August 5 - 9 2011,
and enjoy a terrific and well planned event. In closing following is our new DAV National
Officers for 2010-2011:
National
Commander Wally Tyson, North Carolina
Sr Vice Commander Don L. Samuels, Tennessee
1st Jr Vice Commander Larry A. Polzin, California
2nd Jr Vice Commander Mary J. Bencivenga, New Jersey
3rd Jr Vice Commander Joseph W. Johnston, Ohio
4th Jr Vice Commander Ron Voegeli, South Carolina
National Judge Advocate Michael E. Dobmeier, North Dakota
National
Chaplain Dr. Charles W. Edwards, Jr., Texas
Hope
to see you next year!!
Traumatic
Stress Disorder PTSD
In
the past few weeks the VA has announced major changes in how it will deal with the issue
of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
This
is important information if anyone has ever filed a claim on
PTSD
and gone through the difficult process of trying to get service
connected
for this condition.
From
Secretary Shinseki
For
Vets with PTSD, end of an unfair process By Eric Shinseki
For
38 years, I was privileged to serve the men and women entrusted with our nation's
security. The character of their service is reflected in something called The Soldier's Creed. Most everyone I have met who
is familiar with its four key lines agrees that they define the essence of uniformed
service:
I
will always place the mission first;
I
will never accept defeat;
I
will never quit;
I
will never leave a fallen comrade.
Four
simple, declaratory statements - promises that form the foundation for trust within
military formations. Especially in time of war, those who wear our nation's uniforms and
their families bear incredible burdens for us. A new generation faces the demand for
courage, strength, dedication and stamina - as daunting today as it has ever been. Failure
is never an option.
Our
service members have never failed the nation, the mission, or their comrades. But the toll
for this kind of loyalty and dedication is high.
Troops
are returning with invisible wounds that can be as debilitating as any physical
battlefield trauma. As in every conflict in our nation's
history,
today's warriors are suffering emotional injuries just as they do physical ones. The
residual effects of combat manifest themselves in every combatant's life. You have to be
strong to prevail. You must be loved, respected and supported to weather the worst of the
storms. You must be patient, and it helps to be lucky. And you must have the strong,
unwavering support of the nation that sent you on those missions. At the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) there is only one goal - to ensure that veterans of every generation
receive the best possible health care and the benefits they have earned. Previously,
veterans filing for health care and disability benefits for post-traumatic stress
disorder(PTSD) were required to document
in
detail the causes of their symptoms. These have traditionally been called "stressors.
"The rules stringently required veterans, who served in the combat branches of the
military, where the likelihood of direct action against an armed enemy was highest, to
provide detailed documentation of those engagements. For those not serving in the combat
branches, the burden of proof was even higher. But in either case, these rules were
neither fair nor sustainable. At VA, we're now moving to treat all veterans equally.
Today,
VA begins simplifying the process by which veterans with PTSD are able to access health
care and receive benefits. Streamlining this process will help not just the veterans of
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, but generations of veterans who have
previously "borne the battle" for our nation. We're publishing a regulation
today in the Federal Register that simplifies the process for claiming service connection
for PTSD by
reducing
the documentation needed for veterans to validate the specifics of place, type and
circumstance of incident. From this point forward, VA will not require corroboration of a
PTSD stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, if a VA doctor
confirms a diagnosis of PTSD and the stressful experience recalled by the veteran
adequately supports that diagnosis. This decision to simplify the process has been
validated by an Institute of Medicine study, which concluded that service in a war zone is
inherently linked to increased risk of PTSD. As President Obama has said,
"Just
as we have a solemn responsibility to train and equip our troops
before
we send them into harm's way, we have a solemn responsibility to provide our veterans and
wounded warriors with the care and benefits they've earned when they come home. That is
our sacred trust with all who serve -and it doesn't end when their tour of duty does.
"In Profiles in Courage, President John F. Kennedy, himself a combat veteran, noted,
"Without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those
acts of courage with which men ...have lived. The courage of life ... is no less a
magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy. "The courage to deal with
the
effects of battle is real, and it takes courage and determination to
mitigate
its effects once we return from operations. It has been so for
every
generation of warriors. Simplifying the documentation needed to receive medical care and
compensation for service connected to PTSD upholds our commitment to those who protect our
freedoms - not just the veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq, but all generations of veterans,
who proudly served and sacrificed in their time.
In
case you didn’t know, Eric Shinseki is secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs.
If
you have any questions about PTSD contact a DAV Service Officer in your area.
Outdoor
Audio Description Technology for Guests with Disabilities (The “World” According
to Jack)
http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/06/outdoor_audio_description_tech.html
If you have some vision, and reading this on a computer, click on the link as there are
graphics and pictures showing what the device looks like and such.
Here's the text of this article:
Outdoor Audio Description Technology for Guests with Disabilities
Beginning on June 27, guests with visual disabilities will be able to explore Walt Disney
World theme parks in a whole new way. Using a Disney-designed Assistive Technology Device
guests will now be able to explore the parks accompanied with an audio description of all
the sights.
This easy-to-use device is obtained at any theme park guest relations window. It is
offered at no cost with a refundable deposit. It comes with a headset and strap so you can
hang it around your neck. Disney conducted a number of focus groups with organizations for
the blind to help them create an easy to understand machine that can be mastered in a few
minutes.
I spent an hour today with an Assistive Technology Device (ATD) at Disney's Hollywood
Studios. As I walked from area to area, the ATD would come alive and vibrate as I passed
hidden sensors. Then it would provide me with a fairly accurate description of my
location. For example, it would announce, “You are on Pixar Place near the
restrooms” or “You are in Animation Courtyard between Voyage of the Little
Mermaid and Playhouse Disney.” If at any time I needed a reminder of where I was at,
I could push a button and the ATD would repeat the last announced location.
Another button provided me with a general description of my surroundings. When the
recording finished, I was given the option to hear more information in six categories.
These were (1) a more detailed description of the area, (2) nearby attractions (3) nearby
restrooms, (4) nearby restaurants, (5) entertainment, and (6) shopping. From these, I
could drill down for even more detailed information.
Another automatic feature of the ATD is Attraction Descriptions. When I boarded Toy Story
Mania, the ATD started automatically and provided me with a detailed commentary of all the
sights along the way. I never had to push any button.
To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, I’ve included a short audio clip
from the Haunted Mansion. The first voice you hear is that of the Ghost Host. Following
our disembodied spirit is the ATD voice describing a few of the sights.
(That is a link on the web site-the Editor)
The
ATD can also be used by the hearing impaired. Although I did not get to try this feature,
I was told it works in all attractions and the ride or show’s dialog is automatically
displayed on the screen.
I spoke with Bob Minnick, Manager – Facility Safety and Accessibility. I asked him if
the ATD could be easily updated as things are constantly changing at WDW. He told me that
Disney partnered with WGBH Boston in the development of this device. I was assured that
all Disney needed to do was provide a new script to WGBH and an updated recording could be
made an uploaded in very little time. When I asked if these devices would be available at
the resorts, Bob told me that Disney’s objective at the moment is to bring Disneyland
online with the ATD. After that, they will assess the demand and need for further
expansion.
Disney has patented and licensed this new technology and is eager to make it available
beyond the theme parks. To that end, it’s already being used at the Coca Cola Museum
in Atlanta, The Hall at Patriot Place, and the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
Walt wanted Disneyland to be enjoyed by everyone. Through the years, his company has
strived to bring magic to all. Here are a few examples of how the Imaginers are constantly
looking for ways to improve the guest experience.
In making a drinking fountain wheelchair accessible, it also makes them “kid
friendly.” And Braille maps can be found in all four theme parks.
All Walt Disney World transportation is wheelchair accessible – all buses have
hydraulic lifts and the docks all “float” so they are always level with the
watercraft. The buses also have closed captioning, announcing destinations and other
pertinent information.
A number of guest rooms are available with height appropriate vanities and easy access
tubs and showers. Text telephones are obtainable for the deaf.
Swimming pools have sloped entrances so that aquatic wheelchairs can easily roll into the
water. This shallow area also provides toddlers with an area to splash with safety.
At the golf courses, specially designed carts are available to allow just about
anyone the ability to play a round.
At Blizzard Beach, a special gondola can accommodate a wheelchair for a ride to the top of
Mount Gushmore.
Special viewing areas have been set aside on a first come, first served basis along the
parade routes. Even the Grand Marshal vehicles can accommodate a wheelchair so just about
anyone can be included in the festivities.
Disney is always looking for new ways to retrofit older attractions. A special Jungle
Cruise boat was updated with a lift for wheelchairs. And newer attractions are also
getting into the act. Since loading and unloading can take longer in these cases, Toy
Story Mania was designed with an auxiliary loading area so folks can take all the time
they need to get situated.
Many of the live shows offer sign language interpreters. These are presented on certain
days and at certain hours. You need to check with Guest Relations for exact days and
times.
I have to admit, when I attended today’s press event, my eyes became a little misty
when I saw all that Disney is doing to bring the magic to everyone. I take so many things
for granted and I was moved that Disney does not. They strive to include everyone they
can.
For more information about touring the parks with special needs, check out the AllEars.Net
section for guests with special needs
as well as Disney’s webpage: WALT DISNEY WORLD GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES
Tags: Assistive Technology Device ATD disabilities special needs
Posted by Jack Spence on June 23, 2010 5:00 AM