CCB OUTLOOK Summer, 1999 Steve Dresser, Editor Published by The Connecticut Council of the Blind Alice Jackson, President Toll-free: (800) 231-3349 Hartford area: (860) 521-6749 On the World Wide Web: http://members.tripod.com/~dmclean/ccb.html Together, we can make a difference. This newsletter is published four times a year, and is available in braille, print, large print, on cassette, via E-mail, and on the CCB Web site. TABLE OF CONTENTS FROM THE EDITOR PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE IN MEMORIAM THE POWER OF YOUR PICTURE by Suzanne Heise CCB BULLETIN BOARD CCB NEWSMAKERS THE SOUNDING BOARD: SUPPORT FOR CCB by Kim Soucy B.F.I. UPDATE by Julian Padowicz CONVENTION REPORT, 1999 by Alice Jackson BESB UPDATE CCB STANDING COMMITTEES CCB BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM THE EDITOR A lot has been happening since the last issue of the _Outlook, both inside and outside CCB. We've had our spring convention, as well as some successful fund raisers, and plans for the fall convention are well under way. I've just returned from a whirlwind trip which began with the American Council of the Blind's annual convention in Los Angeles. As usual, convention week was extremely hectic, and when I wasn't poking around the exhibit hall or attending other convention functions, I was busy in the press room. I also served on the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, which reviews amendments submitted by ACB members, and reads them on the convention floor. This is my third year on the committee, and although the work is often agonizingly slow and difficult, I have learned a great deal about the constitutional process and the inner workings of ACB. Sad to say, not all the news is as positive and uplifting as the work we've done in CCB, or the ACB convention. It seems that things have been heating up for Kenneth Tripp, BESB's Executive Director. When he took the job in late 1996, many of us hoped he would breathe new life into a bureaucracy reeling from the effects of financial mismanagement. While he has managed to clean up much of the fiscal mess left by his predecessor, he has also shown by his actions that he neither knows nor cares what is important to blind people. Why, for example, move the agency to a building where access to the bus stops requires walking through areas deemed unsafe by BESB's own mobility instructors? Mr. Tripp's support of Connecticut's braille bill was halfhearted at best, which probably explains why it died once again this year. Along with his ignorance, Mr. Tripp has engaged in unprofessional activities cited in several complaints presently under investigation. In "BESB Update," you'll read about these events as they've been reported in Manchester's _Journal _Inquirer. The results of the investigation won't be in for another few months, but so far the evidence looks pretty damning. Nearly fifty BESB employees (almost half the agency's staff) have been subpoenaed to testify. It takes time to hear and evaluate that much testimony, and the Assistant Attorney General taking the depositions is far too busy to waste time looking into frivolous complaints. Perhaps Mr. Tripp would do well to hand in his resignation while he still has a shred of dignity and an ounce of credibility left. Surely, Connecticut's Board of Education and Services for the Blind deserves and needs far better leadership than Mr. Tripp has given us. --Steve Dresser PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Here it is almost the middle of summer with the temperatures in the high nineties. I hope all of you are staying as cool as possible and are having a good summer. Has everyone received candy to sell? At our last board meeting it was agreed that we would sell candy once again as a fund raiser. Those of us attending the ACB national convention in Los Angeles were going to take some with us, but this was not possible so we have to work extra hard now to sell what has been ordered. Anyone who has not received candy and wishes to sell some should contact David Bates at (860) 257-0602. At every national convention, we all hit the ground running and don't stop until the end. I always come away newly charged although very tired by the end. I am reminded of the strength that ACB has as a body of diverse, good human beings under strong, not autocratic leadership. ACB encourages democracy and individual opinions. I feel a great deal of love and respect for many in the organization and want to convey that same respect and love on a local level. We in CCB are also a diverse group with individual opinions. That is only part of what makes us strong and viable. It is our caring and respect for one another that keeps us going and that gives us that zap of energy when we are together in small or large groups. It may seem like we are not accomplishing huge goals in a short time, but, let us remember what Nolan Crabb said at our fall, '97 convention when he reminded us that it is the small things that often make a difference. I believe in us as an organization; I believe that we are moving forward and will continue to do so. I am looking forward to seeing all of you at our fall, '99 Convention. --Alice Jackson IN MEMORIAM Former CCB member Joe Seiler passed away in June after suffering a massive stroke. He was 48. Joe was employed as a BESB vocational rehabilitation counselor for many years. Afterward, he owned and operated a cafeteria in a state office building. During his ten years in CCB, Joe served as our legislative liaison and helped to establish our first phone tree. Donations in Joe's memory can be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. THE POWER OF YOUR PICTURE by Suzanne Heise [reprinted from "Making it Happen" January 1999-March 1999] "Just because people can't see doesn't mean they're not being seen," says Image Consultant Lynn Cooper, presenter at an Image Workshop at CIB/Oak Hill in March. Teachers, children and adults who are blind, vocational counselors, education consultants and mobility instructors listened, laughed and learned as Cooper, owner of Chicago-based Cooper and Associates, spoke from personal experience and an extensive professional resume. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, ("Well actually 6 feet 5 inches," Cooper laughed, "because I have 3 inch heels on,"), Cooper spoke about being a 300 lb. adolescent who was "always being judged visually." For 18 years, Cooper has been an image/communications consultant; for the last seven years, she has offered workshops for people with visual impairments. "I started realizing that what was important to my sighted clients was also important to those who do not have sight," said Cooper. During the workshop, Cooper talked about the importance of appearance and how quickly people are to judge us by how we look. For instance, did you know that it takes a person less than 10 seconds to make a judgment about you based on your physical appearance? And that's before you even say hello. Once you start talking, what has the most impact? Never mind what you're saying, that's only 7%. The sound of your voice is more important than the content of your words--38%. And how you look--55%. Cooper spoke about body language for people with visual impairments that should be avoided, especially in job interviews--rocking, slouching, ducked head and crossed arms. "People who are visually impaired are at a disadvantage because they can't create rapport through appropriate body language." Cooper offered three solutions--simulate eye contact, curb unnecessary movement and convey interest by leaning forward to the person who is talking. The bottom line? "We live in a visual world. Unfortunately, it's not just what you know. You have to show what you know." The Connecticut Institute for the Blind/Oak Hill, the Connecticut Council of the Blind and the Board of Education and Services for the Blind express their gratitude to Mrs. Cooper for her pearls of wisdom, Battiston's for their donation of dry cleaning certificates and Westfarms for their contribution in support of their workshop. CCB BULLETIN BOARD On May 8th, Laurie Mattioli hosted a Tupperware party in Hamden to benefit CCB. CCB members and friends purchased enough merchandise to net $195 for the Council, 25% of the profit--quite impressive! We really appreciate everyone's participation, and we hope to do just as well when Marcia Dresser hosts a party in September. Date: September 11, 1999 Time: 2:00 P.M. Place: 142 Webster Hill Boulevard, West Hartford. If you have questions or would like a catalog in advance, give Marcia a call at (860) 521-8903. Remember, Tupperware is great stuff, and it's not too early to start thinking about those Christmas presents you want to get! If you can't attend the party, phone and mail orders are certainly welcome. Hope to see you there! CCB NEWSMAKERS In May, Bryan McGucken graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal studies from Southern Connecticut State University. With three minors in music, philosophy, and English, he hopes to attend one of a number of graduate schools offering M.A./Ph.D. degrees in philosophy, both continental and analytic. Among them are Marquette, S.U.N.Y. Stonybrook, Boston College and St. Louis University. He plans to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) soon and will be applying for the fall of 2000 school semester. Best of luck, Bryan. * * * Julie McLean is now employed at BESB as a rehabilitation teacher in the voc rehab department. She is working primarily with clients in the western half of the state. Congratulations, Julie! * * * Steve Dresser's son Raleigh graduated from Conard High School in West Hartford on June 21st. He will attend the Hartford branch of the University of Connecticut in the fall. THE SOUNDING BOARD This is your chance to say whatever is on your mind to everyone in CCB. We welcome your views on any topic relevant to CCB or blind people in Connecticut. If enough of you stand up and speak your minds, this will become a regular column in the _Outlook. * * * SUPPORT FOR CCB My husband, Roland, and I have only been members of CCB for three years, but because my mother has been a member for as long as I can remember, we are well aware of what this organization stands for. I am sorry to say that now I understand what my mother has been complaining about for years. During my three years in CCB, I have seen only about 1/4 of the members show up for either the spring or fall conventions. Since we help out with the newsletters we have a list of all the members, and I only recognize the same 25%. Whenever there is money to be made the same people figure out ways to do it, and the same people show up at the fundraisers. When I had the Pampered Chef party, I invited my friends and asked my mother who I should invite from CCB. SURPRISE--the people she suggested came from the same 25%! Of the six CCB members at the party (not counting Roland and me), three came up from Hamden! Now to be blunt--not that I haven't been--COME ON PEOPLE! Personally, I don't really need this organization since I am not blind or handicapped. I became a member because I believe in your cause and for my mother. Both my husband and I have given many hours to CCB. We've held meetings and fundraisers at our house, and helped prepare lunches for conventions and provided transportation because no one else seems to have sighted friends or family. This organization is out there for all of you, so help us out! I know everyone is busy, but surely one day or one weekend or even one hour to write an article for the newsletter isn't too much to ask. I'm sure all of you have at least one hour to spare. --Kim Soucy B.F.I. UPDATE by Julian Padowicz In a previous issue I told you about how I came to write my audio book on dealing with angry and upset people, "Who's in Charge Around Here?" Not only was the reception to the release of that book very positive but I began to get queries as to whether a kids' version was available since what I had written was, in effect, a lesson in conflict resolution which could teach an invaluable life-skill to children. I quickly realized that in this age of teen violence that has become such a tragedy in American life, a lesson in how to resolve conflicts successfully not through confrontation, but through sensitivity to the other person's feelings would, indeed, be a valuable contribution. With a little more thought, I also realized that if this lesson could be taught at home by parents, it could be a great way to generate that precious "quality time" with the kids. In that original audio book I had used the analogy of a Hollywood cowboy stopping a runaway team of horses. I had said that if he were to confront them frontally, he would end up getting trampled. The proper way to do it was for him to somehow get onto one of the horses or into the wagon and work from there. This analogy, I realized, would make a good kids' story, if handled with humor. So I wrote a story in which a damsel-in-distress, in the form of Miss Sally, the pretty dressmaker, is hurtling through town in a wagon pulled by two stampeding horses. A couple of cowboys try to stop the horses by barring their way, and it doesn't work. Then a third cowboy tumbles accidentally out of a hotel window, falls into the wagon, and stops the horses. When Miss Sally thanks him, he says, "Aw shucks, Ma'am, if'n you wanna stop a runaway team, you first gotta be goin' in the same direction they is." Some time later, Miss Sally is confronted by an angry customer in her dress shop. She remembers the cowboy's statement and instead of arguing with the woman, agrees with her that it must be very upsetting to discover that a new dress fit, the afternoon before the church social. The woman is calmed down, and the dress is adjusted. This lesson is not lost on the woman, and the next day she applies the technique to her husband, the sheriff, when he is upset, and the sheriff, in turn uses it to calm down an angry cowboy ready to shoot up the town. Elaborating on this theme, I recorded a 25-minute cassette, entitled, "Runaway Horses, Chickens, and Other Upset People." Then, to make it a more effective lesson, I wrote a discussion guide with suggested questions and activities so that a parent or teacher could conduct a discussion with one or more kids, aged 9 or older, and show how listening to the other person can solve interpersonal problems in real life. This discussion guide is in print form and is also recorded on side 2 of the cassette, especially for the benefit of the visually impaired. This audio book I believe presents an invaluable lesson and can provide hours of quality time. Teaching your child to solve interpersonal problems effectively through sensitivity to where the other person is at will benefit both the child and your parent-child relationship, as well as helping reduce violence in the world. "Runaway Horses, Chickens, and Other Upset People" is being used in schools, Sunday schools, and police youth programs. It is currently available from Marcia Dresser or from me for only $9.95. As you know, half of that money goes to the Council, and you get credit toward a free audio book. To reach me, just call 800/260-7717. CONVENTION REPORT, 1999 by Alice Jackson The 1999 American Council of the Blind convention took place in Los Angeles, CA from July 3 through July 9. As always, it was a very busy week with many training sessions and seminars. The six of us who attended worked hard in different capacities, but still found some time for fun as well. This was a shorter convention, so everything telescoped down to an even greater intensity than in the past. Marcia and Steve Dresser worked all week in the press room seeing that the daily convention newspaper got brailled; they also worked on the newsline, where conventioneers could hear up-to-the-minute information by phone. John Mattioli, the program chairman for VIDPI, Visually Impaired Data Processors International, coordinated activities which included a microcomputer seminar, the VIDPI mixer and luncheon, and training sessions for several screen readers throughout the week. Your delegate and president was equally busy with the scholarship and nominating committees, the affiliate presidents' meeting and other seminars and training sessions. Several of us also attended a discussion run by Second Vice President, Steve Speicher, on "the future of ACB." A lot of ideas were exchanged there; many people have a deep desire for greater communication between the national office and leaders of the state and special interest affiliates. A wish was also expressed by many for more leadership and board training. I won't report on the resolutions, as they will appear in the August issue of _The _Braille _Forum. Elections were held this year with the following results: President, Paul Edwards; First Vice President, Brian Charlson; Second Vice President, Pam Shaw; Secretary, Cynthia Towers; Treasurer, Patricia Beattie. The office of First Vice President was contested by Chris Gray of California, who lost by a small margin. Pam Shaw was elected to the position of second Vice President with no contest, replacing Steve Speicher who chose not to run again. Sanford Alexander was elected to fill the Board of Directors seat vacated by Pam Shaw. I look forward to Louisville next summer and hope to see many of you there as well. Look for more information about the next convention to be in _The _Braille _Forum. BESB UPDATE Editor's note: Whether we like it or not, the Board of Education and Services for the Blind affects each of us at one time or another. Despite its importance to us, we almost never hear anything about it on radio or television, even when newsworthy events are taking place. I hope that what you read here will not only inform you of activities within the agency, but inspire you to take the necessary steps to make BESB an organization that helps rather than hinders blind people in Connecticut. Only through informed action as blind consumers can we turn BESB into an agency that truly meets our needs. * * * STATE AGENCY FOR BLIND GENERATING SEVERAL WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINTS By Jennifer Thompson and Keith M. Phaneuf [Reprinted from "Journal Inquirer"] Windsor--A clash of philosophies at a state agency that provides services for the blind has strained relations between its director and employees and sparked a large number of complaints under the state's "whistleblower" law. Eight complaints filed against the Board of Education and Services for the Blind are pending before either the state auditors or the attorney general's office. And while those were filed across two fiscal years between January and December 1998, the total equals nearly 10 percent of the state's whistleblower caseload from the fiscal year 1997-98. The board employs 120 people; the total state work force is about 45,000. The board's executive director, Kenneth R. Tripp, attributes the complaints to his efforts to straighten out an agency that was in disarray. Employee controls were poor, and the agency was in debt, he said, adding that reforms unfortunately ruffled some feathers. A source, however, says some complaints accuse Tripp of having an abrasive management style and a poor understanding of the needs of the blind. And summary reports that the auditors must submit to the General Assembly broadly describe other complaints as alleging preferential treatment for some employees or questioning the propriety of the agency's 1998 office relocation, from Wethersfield to Windsor. Carol Gillispie of West Haven, a blind woman who worked for the agency as a rehabilitation counselor, gave the Journal Inquirer a copy of her whistleblower complaint, filed in August. In the complaint, she described Tripp as "rude, nasty, intimidating," adding, "He walks away from blind people when they are still speaking to him and frequently interrupts other speakers." Gillispie, who had been hired on a contractual basis to help newly blind adults adjust to independent living, said in an interview that she was angered by Tripp's decision to eliminate the state car and driver that allowed her to travel to meet her clients. When dealing with the newly blind, it's important to work with them in their own homes, rather than force them to travel across the state for help, she said. Gillispie said she was told her transportation had been cut to save money. The state eventually offered her compensation for her car and mileage and to pay a driver, she said, but she opted not to renew her contract. Although he declined to discuss Gillispie's case because a whistleblower complaint is pending, Tripp did answer questions about his general transportation policy. Providing drivers for blind workers has been eliminated in cases where the workers can find alternative transportation to work, he said. Other assistants for blind employees have been phased out as technological advances make them unnecessary. "There are very few jobs in this world that a blind person cannot do independently," he said, adding that the board still employs 19 legally blind workers. The agency has also cut down on supplies to blind clients, such as knitting needles, he said. "This is not a welfare agency. That statement upsets some of the older blind people who were accustomed to receiving these things," Tripp said. Tripp was hired by Gov. John G. Rowland in October 1996, following the dismissal of George A. Precourt of Manchester and a scathing audit that reported a host of managerial problems. The board had no management systems in place, and vacancies in several important positions left it crippled, Tripp recalled. "I stepped into a hornet's nest," he added. Tripp, a former state representative from Prospect, said he has a "zeal to do the job well," but added, "I never intended to be rude. "The state of Connecticut government is a cumbersome system to work with," he said. "I understand how people could misinterpret that as abrasiveness. I'm used to the real world, where people react faster." As for the charges that he was specifically rude to the blind or lacked understanding of their needs, Tripp said, "That offends me to think that; I've worked too hard at this agency." Relocating the main office was necessary because the old location was cramped and outdated, he said. The Windsor site also brings the agency's various divisions into the same office area. In Wethersfield, they were spread out among three floors, he said. "They were all stand-alone fiefdoms," he said. "They saw that they were single entities unto themselves." BESB finished last fiscal year $1 million in the black, and Tripp said he's confident the governor recognizes that progress has been made. Rowland did approve a $5,000 raise for Tripp last December, bringing the director's salary up to $70,000. * * * DIRECTOR UNQUALIFIED Concerning the April 21 article "State Agency for the Blind Generating Several Whistle Blower Complaints" I was a 22-year agency employee (now retired), and I can attest to the validity of the complaints. The agency's director, Kenneth R. Tripp, does not understand, nor seem to care, about the needs and problems of the blind community. His statement that "there are very few jobs in this world that a blind person cannot do independently" proves this. He does not listen to those who know about blindness, either through personal experience or working with blind clients. He has created a toxic work environment by his inappropriate unprofessional behavior at the office. Agency morale is lower than it ever was under the two previous directors. Tripp is a political appointee who is unqualified for the position and unresponsive to the population to be served. Anne Glasser, Hamden * * * Manchester Journal-Inquirer, April 29 Subpoenas Served After Complaints Against State Agency for the Blind by Jennifer Thompson and Keith Phaneuf Windsor--More than 20 subpoenas have been served to workers at the State Board of Education and Services for the Blind within the past week, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has confirmed. The subpoenas sought information for the Attorney General's investigation of several "whistleblower" complaints filed against the agency, Blumenthal said. The state's whistleblower statute, which protects workers who report possible wrong-doing within a state agency, prohibits officials from discussing the complaints or revealing the identities of the whistle- blowers. Whistle-blower complaints are sent first to the auditors of public accounts, who investigate and then forward them to the Attorney General's office for further investigation if deemed appropriate. Eight complaints against BESB were filed with the auditors between January and December 1998, and although auditors track complaints by fiscal year, the total equals nearly ten per cent of their office's whistle-blower caseload from their most recent recorded fiscal year, 1997-98. BESB employs about 120 people; the total state work force is about 45,000. The agency's executive director, Kenneth R. Tripp, has attributed the complaints to workers who are upset with his efforts to reform BESB after a scathing audit released in 1996 reported a host of managerial problems and resulted in the dismissal of Tripp's predecessor, George A. Precourt of Manchester. Tripp said his efforts to reform may have ruffled some feathers at the agency, which he described as in disarray, with poor employee controls and a large debt due to mismanagement. Summary reports submitted by auditors to the General Assembly broadly describe complaints as alleging preferential treatment for some employees or question the propriety of the agency's 1998 relocation from Wethersfield to Windsor. Two of the complaints specifically involve Tripp's performance. [Editor's note: As of July, 45 BESB employees have been subpoenaed.] * * * [The following memo was issued to all BESB employees by Executive Director Kenneth R. Tripp one week after the "State Agency For Blind Generating Several Whistleblower Complaints" article appeared in the "Journal Inquirer."] April 28, 1999 Dear Staff: As many of you are aware, there have been Whistle Blower complaints filed against this Agency. Recently, 20 BESB employees were issued subpoenas to appear before the Attorney General to answer questions. The Whistle Blower complaints have been investigated by the Governor's Office and the Office of Public Accountants and to the best of my knowledge have been unsubstantiated. It is a statutory requirement that the complaints be forwarded to the Attorney General's Office for investigation. The Attorney General will forward his findings to the Governor. The process is currently progressing according to statutory requirements. If you have any personal concerns regarding your role in this process, please feel free to contact Steve Shapiro, Human Resources Director, directly. I fully understand your concerns at this point in time regarding the process, but I strongly urge and encourage you to continue the excellent job you have done in assisting in the progress this Agency has made over the previous two and a half years. BESB's mission is to serve the blind and visually impaired citizens of our State and we do it extremely well. There have been significant changes over the last two and a half years with very positive results, quality services in a timely fashion to our clients. There will continue to be improvements at BESB to help better serve our clients. Let's continue to focus on our mission and continue to do our job proudly and professionally. Respectfully, Kenneth R. Tripp Executive Director Special thanks to Kim Soucy and Julian Padowicz for the articles they contributed to this issue of the _Outlook. Thanks also to Marcia Dresser and Bryan McGucken for compiling information used in "CCB Newsmakers," "CCB Bulletin Board," and "In Memoriam." In addition, I want to thank my son Raleigh for typing newspaper articles into the computer, and Susan Grace and Mary Lonergan for reading articles onto tape so I could type them in. If you'd like to contribute to the next issue, please have your article ready by Friday, October 15. You may submit your article in braille, on cassette or computer disk, via e-mail, or over the phone. If you want to dictate your article, please leave a message on our voice-mail system, and I'll return your call. Remember, this newsletter is nothing without your help, so please keep those articles coming! CCB STANDING COMMITTEES Convention (Voice-mail box 20): Barbara Blejewski, (860) 721-8601 Marcia Dresser, (860) 521-8903 Legislative (Voice-mail box 14): Jeanne Dugas, (860) 529-1019 Membership (Voice-mail box 15): Marcia Dresser, (860) 521-8903 Newsletter (Voice-mail box 13): Steve Dresser, (860) 521-8903 Publicity (Voice-mail box 16): Camille Petrecca, (860) 563-2259 Scholarship (Voice-mail box 17): Laurie Mattioli, (203) 288-7734 Transportation (Voice-mail box 18): No chair at present Ways and Means (fund-raising) (Voice-mail box 19): John Mattioli, (203) 288-7734 You can leave messages for committee chairs and board members on our toll-free line (800) 231-3349, or (860) 521-6749 in the Hartford area. President Alice Jackson is an ex officio member of all committees. CCB BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Alice Jackson 191 Centerbrook Road Hamden 06518 (203) 281-0676 Voice-mail: box 11 E-mail: alicej@concentric.net First Vice President: John Mattioli 835 Mix Avenue, Apt. L-6 Hamden 06514 (203) 288-7734 E-mail: mattioli@concentric.net Second Vice President: Dave Bates 44 Garden Street Wethersfield 06109 (860) 257-0602 Third Vice President: Camille Petrecca 2 Tabshey Court Wethersfield, 06109 (860) 563-2259 Treasurer: Roland Soucy 15 Shawnee Road East Hartford 06118 (860) 895-8157 Voice-mail: Box 12 E-mail: Wtrskii@aol.com Recording Secretary: Cheree Heppe 68 Gilman Street Hartford 06114-2536 (860) 296-4922 E-mail: clheppe@ntplx.net Corresponding Secretary: Bryan McGucken 11 Hilside Lane Wallingford, 06492 (203) 265-2452 Immediate Past President: Marcia Dresser 142 Webster Hill Boulevard West Hartford 06107 (860) 521-8903 Board Member at Large: Barbara Blejewski 4 Tabshey Court Wethersfield, CT 06109 (860) 721-8601 Board Member at Large: Tina Ciarciello 966 Silas Deane Highway, Apartment A15 Wethersfield, 06109 (860) 529-8923 GDUCT Representative: Jeanne Dugas 337 Hartford Avenue Wethersfield, 06109 (860) 529-1019 E-mail: jingles@ntplx.net