For those of you who have family members with vision loss, there are support groups available to you, too.
Caregiver Support Group - Tulsa County
3220 S. Peoria Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74105-2003918-744-5595 Voice
Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at 10:00 a.m.
Caregiver Support Groups - Tulsa County
Tulsa Senior Services
5950 E. 31st St.
Tulsa, OK 74135-5114
Caregiver Support Group meets on the 2nd Tuesdays of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on the 4th Thursday on the month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For groups outside Tulsa, see the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services website.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
E.A.R.S. for Eyes
E.A.R.S. for Eyes
WHO ARE WE
E.A.R.S. is a nonprofit public charity. We provide, free of charge, audio lessons that teach adaptive daily living skills to the vision impaired and their caregivers. The lessons, modeled after current vision rehabilitation techniques, are a must for anyone coping with loss of eyesight. We are committed to teaching, each of the 1 out of 6 seniors who have developed limited vision, the skills necessary to continue living their lives with confidence and dignity.
WHAT IS LOW VISION REHABILITATION?
Quite simply, it's learning practical techniques to overcome the limitations of vision loss. It provides solutions for safely moving about, making the most of available light and contrasting color, and using your sense of touch to replace information your eyes used to provide. It enables you to continue to live independently. By listening to E.A.R.S. audio lessons you'll learn many new ways to successfully continue to do everyday activities when you have reduced vision.
HOW E.A.R.S. WORKS
Just call our toll free telephone number. You'll talk with a vision counselor who will determine which lessons are appropriate for you to begin with. The lessons are designed for use in the privacy of your home. Within a week you'll receive free of charge your first lessons. We do not require any designation of legal blindness, and your call is strictly confidential.
YOUR INDEPENDENCE IS OUR GOAL
With the onset of declining vision comes the need to relearn how to do many daily activities. By listening to E.A.R.S. lessons, you'll hear uncomplicated, straight-forward ways to help you do the things made difficult by low vision. Personal grooming, doing the laundry, dialing the telephone, can once again become simple, enjoyable events. You can maintain your independence and E.A.R.S. is here to tell you how, right in your own home, with low vision rehabilitation training.
LESSON TAPES
The subjects covered by our curriculum of 13 audio lessons have been chosen to provide instruction in the fundamental areas of daily living skills and mobility. They specifically target those issues that most often impact independent living and the quality of life for adults with vision impairments, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and other diseases affecting the retina.
Four of the lessons teach adaptive skills that are used in the kitchen and in the preparation of food. The ability to get around both in the house and when going out is covered by two mobility lessons. Personal care is the subject of three tapes that cover personal grooming, doing the laundry, and managing medications. One of the lessons teaches techniques which help avoid embarrassment when dining with others and another lesson delivers practical advice on using the telephone. Additionally, the introductory lesson will always accompany the first lesson that is sent to a new client. This introduction explains how to most effectively utilize the lessons. Each lesson is designed to "stand alone" and there is no progressive order or sequence to the lessons. An individual can choose the subject areas that are the most troublesome and order only those lessons, skipping those areas that are not problematic.
For more information about E.A.R.S. please visit us at E.A.R.S. for Eyes
WHO ARE WE
E.A.R.S. is a nonprofit public charity. We provide, free of charge, audio lessons that teach adaptive daily living skills to the vision impaired and their caregivers. The lessons, modeled after current vision rehabilitation techniques, are a must for anyone coping with loss of eyesight. We are committed to teaching, each of the 1 out of 6 seniors who have developed limited vision, the skills necessary to continue living their lives with confidence and dignity.
WHAT IS LOW VISION REHABILITATION?
Quite simply, it's learning practical techniques to overcome the limitations of vision loss. It provides solutions for safely moving about, making the most of available light and contrasting color, and using your sense of touch to replace information your eyes used to provide. It enables you to continue to live independently. By listening to E.A.R.S. audio lessons you'll learn many new ways to successfully continue to do everyday activities when you have reduced vision.
HOW E.A.R.S. WORKS
Just call our toll free telephone number. You'll talk with a vision counselor who will determine which lessons are appropriate for you to begin with. The lessons are designed for use in the privacy of your home. Within a week you'll receive free of charge your first lessons. We do not require any designation of legal blindness, and your call is strictly confidential.
YOUR INDEPENDENCE IS OUR GOAL
With the onset of declining vision comes the need to relearn how to do many daily activities. By listening to E.A.R.S. lessons, you'll hear uncomplicated, straight-forward ways to help you do the things made difficult by low vision. Personal grooming, doing the laundry, dialing the telephone, can once again become simple, enjoyable events. You can maintain your independence and E.A.R.S. is here to tell you how, right in your own home, with low vision rehabilitation training.
LESSON TAPES
The subjects covered by our curriculum of 13 audio lessons have been chosen to provide instruction in the fundamental areas of daily living skills and mobility. They specifically target those issues that most often impact independent living and the quality of life for adults with vision impairments, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and other diseases affecting the retina.
Four of the lessons teach adaptive skills that are used in the kitchen and in the preparation of food. The ability to get around both in the house and when going out is covered by two mobility lessons. Personal care is the subject of three tapes that cover personal grooming, doing the laundry, and managing medications. One of the lessons teaches techniques which help avoid embarrassment when dining with others and another lesson delivers practical advice on using the telephone. Additionally, the introductory lesson will always accompany the first lesson that is sent to a new client. This introduction explains how to most effectively utilize the lessons. Each lesson is designed to "stand alone" and there is no progressive order or sequence to the lessons. An individual can choose the subject areas that are the most troublesome and order only those lessons, skipping those areas that are not problematic.
For more information about E.A.R.S. please visit us at E.A.R.S. for Eyes
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Muskogee Student Going to Washington, D.C.
12-year-old Richelle Zampella is practicing for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. So what's different? Richelle has been legally blind since she was five years old.
This is Richelle's second year to be selected to go to Nationals. Let's wish her luck!
Read more about Richelle on the KJRH Website. Another story on People Magazine website.
This is Richelle's second year to be selected to go to Nationals. Let's wish her luck!
Read more about Richelle on the KJRH Website. Another story on People Magazine website.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Blind Birding in the News
Spring is here. Time to get out and enjoy nature. The CBS News tonight featured a story about Blind Birding.
Sensing Nature's Beauty in Sound, Scent, and Touch contains an essay from Donna Posont, the Group Leader of the Michigan Bird Brains.
Interested in bird sounds? Check out the All About Birds Website which features recordings of many of our favorite birds.
Eastern Bluebird: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/sounds
American Crow: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Crow/sounds
Mourning Dove: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mourning_Dove/sounds
Bluejay: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue_Jay/sounds
Northern Mockingbird: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/sounds
American Goldfinch: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch/sounds
Cedar Waxwing: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cedar_Waxwing/sounds
Sensing Nature's Beauty in Sound, Scent, and Touch contains an essay from Donna Posont, the Group Leader of the Michigan Bird Brains.
 |
| Photo of Cedar Waxwing on tree branches. |
The following web pages contain links to specific bird calls:
Eastern Bluebird: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/sounds
American Crow: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Crow/sounds
Mourning Dove: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mourning_Dove/sounds
Bluejay: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue_Jay/sounds
Northern Mockingbird: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/sounds
American Goldfinch: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch/sounds
Cedar Waxwing: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cedar_Waxwing/sounds
Bowl-a-Thon
 |
| Bowling ball and pins |
Donations $15 minimum - Two games and shoes
Proceeds benefit Tulsa Chapter, Oklahoma Council of the Blind. Our organization has helped many individuals who are blind or visually impaired in the areas of public awareness, encouragement and support of independence, communication with our legislators, improvement of equal access, and organization of a variety of social events to foster involvement in the community and prevent isolation. We also endeavor to educate and inform others about blindness.
For more information, please call 918.832.7035 or email: jericooper@att.net
Come Bowl! Have Fun!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
What is Macular Degeneration
This video explains what macular degeneration is, the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration, the symptoms, and how it is diagnosed.
For Friends and Family of the Visually Impaired
Tommy Edison XP offers videos on YouTube that explain various aspects of being blind. Examples:
How blind People Use Paper Money, What Do Blind People See?, and What Blind People Fear. There are many more titles! Some are serious and some are extremely funny!
Here's one of his videos:
How Blind People Use Paper Money:
One more: How to Offer Help to a Blind Person:
For more Tommy Edison XP, see his YouTube Channel. LINK
How blind People Use Paper Money, What Do Blind People See?, and What Blind People Fear. There are many more titles! Some are serious and some are extremely funny!
Here's one of his videos:
How Blind People Use Paper Money:
One more: How to Offer Help to a Blind Person:
For more Tommy Edison XP, see his YouTube Channel. LINK
Friday, May 10, 2013
TCB Board Meeting Minutes May 2, 2013
TCB Board May 2, 2013
Meeting began 7 pm.Quorum established: Julie, Allison, Jeri, Jesse, Darla, and Bill.
Jesse discussed various activities and it was decided to do the Aquarium possibly in July or August. $8 per person for tour and $6 box lunch. Another possible activity for this year or next was Disney outdoor theatre $18.75 for ticket and dinner, and drinks extra. Name of play Man Who Ran, and Elijah.
Reviewed budget. Add lines for donation $50, Web cost $13, Printing $150, Donate to community. Table this vote until after meal issue is discussed. Add food after meal issue decided.
It was determined last November for TCB to provide meals at the meetings every other month. It was accidentally overlooked and we got out of sync. Darla will talk to the Pastor about providing dinner for May and we will discuss with the members on perhaps forming a committee for our turn to provide meals. Ideas were pot luck and Darla and others could coordinate. Bring before members to vote again on meals provision.
Discussed concerns for folks outside our area, assist with forming other groups within their area or assist in getting them to ours.
Discussed providing interpreter for Jean and Jeri will ask for volunteers. WE will pay volunteer interpreter meals. If volunteer can't be found, pay for interpreter. further discussion is needed.
Meeting adjourned 8:20.
Springtime in Oklahoma Means Storm Season!
Yes, it’s spring time in Oklahoma and that means storm season! Just as a reminder to us all, below are some safety tips from the city of Oklahoma City to help you prepare for tornado season.
If you have a storm shelter, register its location with the City. Registering your shelter's location will let rescue workers know you have a shelter and where to find it if a disaster covers it with debris. Call the Action Center at 405 297-2535 to register your shelter. (If not in OKC, then call your city’s or police office number to see if they have a registry)
- Flashlight and extra batteries (do not use candles or open flame devices!)
- Portable, battery operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
- A set of spare keys to vehicles
- Personal identification
- Camera with several rolls of film (for documenting your damage)
If you are outdoors: If possible, go inside a building. If shelter is not available or there is no time to go indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
Things to do now
Have regular tornado drills with your family. Designate an area in your home as a shelter, and regularly practice having your family go there as if there were a tornado. Have disaster supplies on hand.
Have a plan for getting back together in case family members are separated from one another during a tornado. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to act as the family contact. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
When a tornado is coming, you have a short amount of time to make life or death decisions. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving.
If you are at home: Go to the basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a small inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Get away from windows. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table and hold on to it. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If you are at work or school: Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls. Get under a piece of furniture such as a heavy table or desk and hold on to it. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If you are in a car: Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. Never try to outdrive a tornado. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not take cover under a bridge!
What should I do if I live in a mobile home? Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie the unit down. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.
Have a plan for getting back together in case family members are separated from one another during a tornado. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to act as the family contact. After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
When it's on the way
 |
| Photo of tornado on the ground with lightning in the background and farmhouse in front. |
If you are at work or school: Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls. Get under a piece of furniture such as a heavy table or desk and hold on to it. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If you are in a car: Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. Never try to outdrive a tornado. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not take cover under a bridge!
What should I do if I live in a mobile home? Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie the unit down. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area a safe distance away from the unit.
After it's passed
Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid when appropriate. Don¬t try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help. Help your neighbors who may require special assistance, infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Turn on a radio or television to get the latest emergency information. Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or gasoline or other flammable liquids as soon as possible. Leave the building if you smell gas or chemical fumes. Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance purposes.
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