February 2012 Edith Bishel Center for the Blind News (509)735-0699
“Coping Social” will be canceled for the month of February due to the lack of interest and low participation. If you have a social idea, call us.
Why Visit a Low Vision Clinic
Too often, people buy first one magnifier, then another, only to become frustrated and give up trying to read, says Kathy Von Dollen, RN, coordinator of Low Vision Rehab at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.  "People must be taught to read with their remaining sight.  Just using a magnifier won't let them read again," she says.  Patients who come to the clinic are first interviewed to see how partial sight has affected their lives and what their goals are.  One person may want to be able to cook and read the newspaper again, while another may want to attend college.  Patients are then examined by a doctor who can prescribe optical devices, such as magnifiers. Some patients can borrow devices from the clinic to practice with before purchasing their own.  Excerpt from article by Leanna Skarnulis of LifeScript.   Visit our Low Vision Clinic to see if Dr. Winkel can help you.
Low Vision Evaluations ~ February 9th
Dr.  Winkel will be seeing patients for low vision evaluations on 
Thursday, February 9th and March 22nd.  She will spend an hour with you to help you effectively use your remaining vision with magnifying vision aids and other devices.  Although your vision loss cannot be restored, you may with some prescribed devices be helped to perform certain tasks. Call to schedule your evaluation.
New Audio Books on CD
Charotte Bronte’s Jane Erye
Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance
Clive Cussler’s Devil’s Gate
David Baldacci’s Zero Day
Michael Lewis’s	Moneyball
Tom Brokaw’s The Times of Our Lives
Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs
Thanks again to Pacific NW National Laboratory’s generous donation! New books are only available for a 2 week check out.
Monthly Events
2/2	U.B. Luncheon	1:00-2:45 at McGill's: 3214 Rd. 68, Pasco
2/14	U.B. Card Club	11:30-2:30 at Edith Bishel Center
2/15	U.B. Book Club	9:30-11:00 at Edith Bishel Center
2/18	U.B. Chapter Mt. 9:30-11:30 at Old Country Buffet in Kennewick
2/20	Bingo - 3rd Mon. 9:30-11:00 at Edith Bishel Center
3/1	U.B. Luncheon	1:00-2:45 at Sterling’s: 890 G. W.  Way, Rich.
U.B. = United Blind
Quick Tips for Interacting with the Visually Impaired
Never Assume! Each person is unique and has their own set of values & needs.
Just Ask!  Simply identify yourself & ask if you can assist them.
Talk Directly!  Address & maintain eye contact with the person you’re talking to.
Speak Normally!  Be natural & using the word “see” will not offend the blind.
Be Nice!  Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Do Not Touch!  Their wheelchair, cane or guide dog without asking permission.
Respect!  Treat everyone with respect and dignity, disabled or not.
Over Helpful?  People want their independence and will ask for help if needed.
Be Patient!  Be patient with others who are slower than you.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
The end.