THE CABS NEWSLETTER Fall 2012
Published by
The California Association of Blind Students
Angela Fowler, President
Table of Contents
EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENTby Angela Fowler The Adventures of Chemistry Camp 2012
by Mary Church My First Time At A National Convention
by Amanda Knoefler Breaking out of Nevada and Breaking Down Barriers
By Alan Chao My Scholarship Experience by Brandon Biggs A Trip to the United States White House: Innovation, Luck, and a Burning Desire to Help Americans with Disabilities by Henry (Hoby) Wedler Upcoming Events
EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION
Summer has ended, school has started, and the California Association of Blind Students has returned with another informative and exciting newsletter for your enjoyment.
Maybe you are in midterm mode, maybe you are compiling information for a research paper, or maybe you are just plain stressing out about all of the things we as students stress out about. Either way, we invite you to take a moment, kick back, relax, and enjoy this re-installment of a newsletter packed full of stories written by students, edited by students, and published for the students!
And by the way, we are always looking for a way to build upon a good thing. So if you have any comments, or are just itching to submit an article for future consideration, please feel free to get a hold of newsletter chair Darian Smith, as we want your input and stories!
In this issue of the Cabs newsletter, we will hear fromCabs president Angela Fowler, who will share a few words and some insights. Get an update on what’s going on within both the California and national Association of Blind Students. we will hear from Amanda Knoefler who will tell us about her first time at a National Convention. Mary Church will take us through a weekend at The National Federation of the Blind of California’s Chemistry Camp. Brandon Biggs will share with us his experience as one of the lucky thirty NFB National Scholarship winners. We will hear about the recent Breaking Down Barriers Seminar that Cabs just finished up with, from the prospective of someone who traveled from RenoNevada to attend. Finally, we wil hear from Hoby Wedler, who will talk us through his journey from Chemistry enthusiast to champion of change.
Naming the Newsletter:
The California Association of Blind Students is looking for a creative name for our newsletter! So, starting November 1, through January 1, we will be taking suggestions for that name that will live on for years to come!The way the contest goes is this:
Starting November 1, we will take submissions. People may e-mail their submissions, along with their name, e-mail address/phone number to newsletter chair Darian smith, and may submit ideas until Janurary 1.
The newsletter committee will decide on the top five most creative, eye-catching and relevant submissions ( remember, this is a newsletter created for , edited and inspired by, blind and visually impaired students in California!!). The membership (you) will get to vote on the best name out of the five as posted on The CABS Web Site Or list serve
The Winner will receive a prize, and will be a special contributing editor for the next issue of the newsletter (which will of course carry the name you all have voted for!). Good luck to all the participants!
Return to TopFROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
By Angela Fowler Editor’s Note: Angela Fowler is the president of the California association of blind students. She attends Sacramento State University, where she is currently studying psychology.
State convention is the culmination of everything which has been accomplished over the previous year. CABS has accomplished a good bit, Highlighted by our Breaking down Barriers seminar which was held last month. I am proud of the work we have done, and commend everyone on the board for their efforts.
State convention is also a time to look ahead with optimism at the year to come. There is much we would like to accomplish, and I believe that with hard work and smart planning we will accomplish it. We would like to continue to grow the membership, and provide sound mentoring for those who come into the organization.
State convention, for me at least, is also a time for some personal reflection. I assumed the CABS presidency in 2009, an idealist, a bit overconfident and excited by all the things I planned to do for CABS and for the blind of California. Looking back three years later I’m struck not so much by anything I’ve done, but by what holding this position has done for me. I have learned a lot since the 2009 convention, and these lessons have helped me, not only in my job as CABS president but in many other areas of my life. I have learned many things through my work with CABS and the NFB.
The job of CABS president has made me a far better planner. I have learned that the first idea suggested is rarely implemented, but often built upon and made into something far better. I have learned the importance of seeking the advice of those who know more than I do about the subject in question. And, I have learned that it matters more how thoroughly a job is done than how long it takes to do it.
Over the past three years, I have become a far better communicator. I have learned to save an email in Drafts, and wait 24 hours before hitting Send. I have learned to think first, speak later, and act with deliberation. I have learned to speak softer, less frequently, and with greater conviction. I am learning to adapt my communication style to different situations.
Such a rich opportunity for learning is available to those who become involved in organizations such as the National Federation of the Blind and the California Association of Blind Students. In school, at work, and in life we can apply what we’ve learned to become better students, employees, parents, and friends.
Return to TopTHE ADVENTURES OF CHEMISTRY CAMP 2012
By Mary Church
Editor’s Note: Mary Church is a recent high school graduate, who is preparing to attend the Louisiana Center for the Blind and learn the skills of blindness.
The adventure began aboard a bus bound for Enchanted Hills Camp in Napa, California. It was full of excited campers, mentors, and staff chatting about the exciting weekend ahead. The excitement started building as we slowly wound our way up the road that would lead us to our destination.
After arriving and getting settled into our rooms, we congregated outside of our lodge for a brief tour of the grounds. It felt good to be there away from the craziness of life at home. As we walked, we took in the aroma of the woods and the sound of the birds singing in the trees.
All of us got to know each other a little more over dinner. We talked about school, hobbies, and the like. One could tell from the very beginning that we had a dynamic group. We even had visitors from out of state which was very nice. We were all thrilled to be together as some of us were the only blind student at our school. Friends from last year's camp talked and laughed, bringing back fond memories of inside jokes and funny things that had happened the preceding year.
Lively conversations continued around the camp fire where our mentors lead us in discussion about blindness, what it is, it what it means to us. Each of us was given the opportunity to share our beliefs about our ideas relating to blindness. Different issues surrounding the matter came up and as a team along with the mentors we discussed solutions. Everyone shared stories about our experiences dealing with negative stereotypes. As the camp fire ended and we made our way back to the lodge, we were no longer just a group of students and staff. We were a team of friends ready to take on any challenges that would come about that weekend, and to encourage each other to work toward our dreams even when we feel like all hope is lost.
Our first real day of camp started after breakfast and socializing. The hall was busy with excited chatter about what was to come. Everyone was very eager to learn how we as blind people could contribute to the world of chemistry.
We spent the morning in our lab learning about esters, compounds that make our favorite things taste and smell the way they do. Our instructor was Hoby Wedler, a blind chemistry student at The university of California Davis. Through his positive outlook on life and passion for chemistry, we happily entered the world of atoms and molicules.
More often than not, blind students are forced to take a backseat role in experience that include dangerous chemicals and reactions. Here however, every student got to experience the feeling of being a participant and not just a spectator. We moved chemicals from the beaker to the graduated cylinder via pipet without any trouble at all. Instead of looking for a change in color to tell when the reaction had taken pace, we placed battery operated fans in front of the beaker so we could smell the reaction.
The rest of the day was filled with more experiments and demonstrations. We learned how a blind person could use a barbecue safely and independently. Also, we got the chance to dissect squid. By doing this, we were shown that blind people can use sharp tools and locate different parts of a spessamen without someone having the watch their every move.
After dinner it was time for another camp fire. Here, one of our mentors Bill, shared his story. After, we talked about our job as blind people to educate the public about things that we can do. We all took turns expressing our ideas and sharing information.
After a long day of chemistry, campfires, and fun, we were all ready to head to the lodge for some sleep. Our day would start with a sunrise hike.
Our last morning of camp dawned bright and clear. The air was cool and crisp, perfect for hiking. As we made our way up the trail, the last of the night creatures made their way back to their nest as the birds began their morning song. We followed the sound of the creek and each others voices using our canes to make sure we didn't miss any jagged rocks or roots. As we progressed, the sun began to rise. It was going to be a great day.
After breakfast, we returned to our lab. Today would be filled with demonstrations from guests from the University. Everyone learned about the importance of plants and the discovery of medicine. We sampled olive oil and learned how it was made and what it does to add flavor to foods.
It was then time to go outside for some demonstrations put on the UC Davis Chemistry club. These were a hit among all of us. The enthusiastic group of demonstrators showed us some of the many ways that liquid nitrogen can be used. We could hear, smell, or feel each demonstration. They put on a great show from bottle rockets to manmade clouds. Following this grand spectacle we went back in the lab for a tasty treat of ice cream made from liquid nitrogen. We listened as our instructors explained to us how the nitrogen made the ice cream cold.
When the last demonstrations were done each of us received a certificate of completion with our name on it.
It seemed as though the weekend ended as soon as it began. We had to say goodbye to each other and to the beautiful grounds of Enchanted Hills. Each of us took home the positive attitude exhibited by our mentors, instructors, and fellow campers. Every mentor, camper, and instructor took something different from this experience. For me, it was the feeling of closeness to my fellow campers and mentors. We learned to look beyond what some say is impossible and find a way to make it possible. The weekend wasn't just chemistry. Thanks to our instructors and mentors, it was proof that the sky is the limit for everyone no matter who they are or what problems they might be having.
Return to TopMY FIRST TIME AT A NATIONAL CONVENTION
by Amanda Knoefler
Editor’s note: Amanda Knoefler attends Mt. San Jacinto Community College, where she currently studies criminal justice.
This summer I attended my first convention of the National Federation of the Blind, which was held in Dallas, Texas. I was interested in going to Dallas to meet more blind and visually impaired people, learn about the kinds of technology and opportunities available, and to gain more independence as a visually impaired person. The first day I arrived was very overwhelming because I was by myself in such a large hotel with so many new people,most of them, it seemed had been to a convention before and had friends there. Once I got settled, I met a lot of new people. One of these folks was my Roomate Hannah, Hannah was a great resource because she helped to educate me on some of the opportunities and resources available to me while at convention.
I also had the opportunity to meet Jason and Jessica ewell who both work at the national Center. I had a great time talking with them, and learned so much within a short time together. I also met Mary Willows, who is the president of the California Affiliate. I enjoyed getting to know her sweet and kind personality, and learning more about the NFB on a state level.
I attended quite a few seminars. I went to the seminar sponsored by the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, The Rehabilitation Professionals Seminar and The Rookie Round-up. I also had the opportunity to go to the independence market and the exhibit hall, where I got to look at all of the interesting and exciting items states were selling, and tools that blind and visually impaired people use in their daily lives to be more independent.
General session was an amazing experience. I really enjoyed all the inspiring speeches. Through attending the general session I was motivated to learn more about my rights as a visually impaired person and how I can help and be more involved in the national Federation of the Blind.
Return to TopBREAKING OUT OF NEVADA AND BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
By Alan Chao
Editor’s note: Alan Chao is the president of the northern Nevada chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Nevada. He accompanied students from Reno on a trip to Sacramento to attend the Cabs “Breaking Down Barriers” seminar. attendees learned about self advocacy, getting involved on campus, goalball and IOS devices, among other things at our recent student seminar. Alan tells us more about the day here.
I had the pleasure of following our chapter students to a student seminar that was being held by the California Association of Blind Students (CABS) at the California State University of Sacramento (CSUS) campus.
It was a long day having to have traveled by vehicle to our neighboring state but it was also enjoyable and insightful for the students and the parents that went.
The focus of the seminar was on breaking down barriers that would otherwise inhibit a blind student (or blind person in general) from doing the things that they want to do.
The seminar consisted of many speakers, a few vendors of technology and service used by the blind, and plenty of carbonated drinks with pizza.
Although the numbers of attendees were low, everyone made the most out of the seminar.
We even got to take part in a taste test that had to do with both cooking and chemistry.
Often times when we cook to eat, we do not think about chemistry, but cooking and chemistry go very much hand in hand.
And boy did we know it when we tasted a Cajun beef jerky that made our mouths sizzle!
Aside from getting to have snacks during the seminar, it was more of a demonstration that blind people are capable of researching chemistry and that blind people are capable of adding spice to their lives when they prepare food.
Overall, the students enjoyed the day trip and were treated to a delectably scrumptious dinner afterwards.
Return to TopMY SCHOLARSHIP EXPERIENCE
By Brandon Biggs
Editor’s Note:Brandon Biggs currently attends Cal State East Bay. He is a recipient of a National Federation of the Blind Scholarship, and will relate his emotions and experiences surrounding his memorable week in Dallas at the national convention.
"If you are free during the dates of June 30 to July 6, I am pleased to inform you that you are a scholarship winner!" I clenched the phone in surprise as the words began to register. The largest organization of the blind had chosen me to come to their convention to receive a scholarship. Not in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen to me. Out of the 60 odd scholarships I had filled out that year, the most prestigious one had chosen me.
"Oh... My word... Thank you so much!!! This is amazing!" My surprised babbling soon gave way and I was told to prepare for one of the most intense weeks of my life.
One day as an NFB scholarship winner takes the energy and stamina of three normal days. The first Saturday saw me at the airport at 5 AM, in the hotel by 1 and into my first introductory meeting with the scholarship committee by 5. I got to bed at around 10 P.M. and woke up with jetlag at 6:30 AM on Sunday. I was given a list telling me who my new mentor was each day and I had to make sure I was in contact with that mentor the day before so that we could have breakfast together. What made this rather difficult was my meetings, like NABS, would get out very late and there was a good chance my next day's mentor would already be sleeping. I just ended up calling any chance I could in the afternoon, that way my message was not going to be forgotten and we could play phone tag to set up a time. But what took the most energy was constantly being on display and at the scholarship committee's beck and call. Every general session we sat with our mentors and discussed the issues being talked about. We had to expr our opinions tactfully so we didn't make a bad impression which is lots of fun when sleep deprived. I also needed to make sure that I was in contact with the other scholarship winners so I could network and be up to date on outings or impromptu get-togethers with the scholarship committee. We were highly encouraged to plan things we could do as a scholarship winner group. This was not a simple thing as many of us were always doing something so the only time free we had was late at night when it was bed time. But we did manage to have a few small meet-ups in the gossip bar after everything was over for the day and we had a breakfast and an outing to Denny’s I, unfortunately, couldn't go on. Some fellow winners spent every waking moment meeting with people from the scholarship committee and others, like me, tried to make friends and do something just for fun.
It was amazing to be with mentors and my scholarship group, but there were sometimes when I wanted to be with people not so busy. The most awesome thing at the convention, in my opinion, was that I would introduce myself to someone and they would exclaim they knew me from an email list I was on. I became friends with so many people who, up to that point, were just email messages. In fact, I was able to work out an act for the talent show with one of those friends. Throughout the chaos of convention, it was very relaxing to find time just to hang out with people who had the same interests as me.
Being a scholarship winner is madness, but it is also very fulfilling. I was constantly with people who knew the NFB and its policies backwards and forwards who were able to answer my questions. I also was able to learn from the experiences of leaders who had done things I was passionate about. Winning an NFB scholarship is something I would definitely love to repeat, but probably not next year. It is fantastic for anyone who would like to learn and connect with people from the NFB during one of the most action packed weeks of their life.
A TRIP TO THE UNITED STATES WHITE HOUSE:
INNOVATION, LUCK, AND A BURNING DESIRE TO HELP AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
By Henry Wedler
Editor’s Note:Henry Wedler is a second year doctoral student at the University of California, Davis where he studies to be a chemistry professor. He shares his passion for Chemistry, and what brought him from the classroom to the White House.
On May 7, 2012, I was sincerely honored to step into the United States Whitehouse as one of President Obama’s Champions of Change. I received this very exciting and prestigious award for my work with the Chemistry Camp for blind high school students. The award was given to me for expanding opportunities for education and employment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics [STEM] for Americans with disabilities. Let me tell you, the experience of being in the Whitehouse was surreal. That is, I hardly believed that I was really in the Whitehouse until I was standing at the podium being introduced to speak at the awards ceremony. Then, as I approached the podium and began to speak, I realize “My god, I’m in the United States White House!” I’ll describe some of my story and what eventually brought me to the White House here:
Blind people have no less of a desire than sighted people to pursue challenging and rewarding careers, including those in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and, in doing so, contribute to society. Unfortunately, many people, including the blind, believe that these fields are too visual and, therefore, impractical for blind people to pursue. Contrary to this belief, all that is missing is the confidence and some practical assistance to fulfill these dreams.
Until I gained the necessary confidence from the National Federation of the Blind in high school and joined Dean Tantillo’s group in the Chemistry Department at the University of California, Davis, I, too, doubted that I could study organic chemistry as a blind graduate student. As I complete my first year and enter my second year of the Ph.D. program, studying computational organic chemistry, I am now confident that I will succeed in graduate school and beyond.
I completed my undergraduate studies at UCD with a double major in chemistry and history and a minor in mathematics. Though my main interest was in chemistry, I expected to enter graduate school as a history major until Dean Tantillo introduced me to theoretical organic chemistry and welcomed me into his group as an undergraduate researcher. With help from Dean Tantillo and fellow group members, I made the computer interface accessible, which permitted me to perform complex organic chemistry research on a level equal to my peers. Once I realized that advanced chemical research was accessible to me, I decided to work towards a Ph.D. in organic chemistry.
I use the same mental process in doing chemistry as I use for my survival as a blind traveler. When I think about the map of a campus or town, the layout of desks in a classroom, or the position of carbons in a benzene molecule, I use the same set of skills. I discovered that the reason chemistry has been such a passion for me is because I’ve always used that part of my brain. If I can understand the layout of my college town, I can make distances between things much smaller and apply the same thought process to an organic synthesis problem or reaction mechanism. Likewise, performing a complex reaction mechanism is similar to walking a complicated route from one part of my college campus to another. I hope that my unusual way of understanding chemistry will allow me to contribute something new and innovative to our community as a chemistry instructor.
As we work to make our computational laboratory more accessible to me, we want to make UCD a place where people with disabilities can study STEM disciplines professionally and seek employment in STEM fields. I now use a talking computer and a program called Gaussian to study organic chemistry reaction mechanisms and relative energies of reactants and products. In addition, with the generous support of a grant from the National Science Foundation, we purchased a 3-dimensional printer. Using this printer, I am able to print computer-generated chemical models that previously were only accessible visually. Ultimately, we are working to make UCD, a Level 1 research institute, fully accessible and accommodating to Americans with disabilities pursuing education in STEM fields.
With encouragement I received from attending science camps put on by the National Federation of the Blind, I founded and instructed an annual chemistry camp for blind high school students. At Chemistry Camp, we teach blind and low-vision students that their lack of eyesight should not hold them back from pursuing their dreams. Ultimately, we aim to teach our students that blindness is a minor nuisance and not a life-long detrimental problem.
I am well aware of the problems of inaccessibility facing Americans with disabilities wanting to pursue careers in STEM fields. My goal as a chemistry instructor and as an active member of the United States’ disabled community is to actively demonstrate to both disabled and non-disabled Americans that they can excel in the sciences and should not give up if this is their passion. As a co-founder of the Student Disability Advocacy Group, a campus-wide disability club at UCD with over fifty members, we work to advocate for students with disabilities studying at UCD.
I have been inspired and assisted by Learning Ally, the National Federation of the Blind, and most of all by learning from other disabled role models. The accessible audio textbooks from Learning Ally are an indispensable resource; without them, I would not have been able to succeed in school. The assistant I have worked with for the past six years of college also played an integral role in my ability to excel in my career. With the Chemistry Camp, the Student Disability Advocacy Group, and the support of UCD and the NFB, I hope to inspire many more disabled Americans to find professional careers in STEM fields.
I was extremely flattered and honored to be one of President Obama’s Champions of Change. This prestigious award helped and will certainly continue to help me give back to the American community.
Return to topUPCOMING EVENTS
Editor’s Note: The following is a list of a few upcoming events that are taking place in the National Federation of the Blind. Each event offers an opportunity to sharpen skills, meet new people and learn something new. you will find links to web pages that will tell you more about the event, or to listserves will you can find out about the event, and more!
November 2012:
NFB/NOPBC Braille Readers Are Leaders contest registration starts Oct 1. Contest starts Nov. 1 – Jan. 4) Braille Readers are Leaders Overview NABS Pennies for Pages Fundraiser ( Nov. 1– Janurary 2013) Pennies for Pages Participation Form nabs listserve page NFB Scholarship program (November 1 - March 31, 2013). Click Here for Guideelines and Application CABS Membership calls: click below for more information: CABS home page cabs listserve subscription pageFebruary 2013:
NFB Washington Seminar (feburary 4 – 7, 2013 Washington D.C.) Visit The NFB home page or The NFB of California home page for more information.March 2013:
Western Region Student Seminar, Hosted by NFB of Nevada. ( March 22 – 24, Las Vegas, Nevada) Click here for more information|
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