Show Notes

From Reginald George: Carl has played a pivotal role in the blindness movement of Washington state over his long life. We feel it is important to bring you this conversation from November 2019, hosted by Heather, while Carl is among us to enjoy it. The following excerpt is from an article published in the Winter 2020 issue of the Washington Council of the Blind Newsline:

From Heather Meares: As I thought about the concept of navigating uncharted territory and what that really means, I asked myself, who’s life represents an example of this? Who would I want to use as a model, mentor and guide? My first answers were Yoda from Star Wars, Dumbledore from the Harry Potter book series, and Gandalf the Great from J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings. Since these are all fictional characters, I kept coming back to Carl Jarvis, who in many ways is like all of these iconic magical entities. He is one of our original Washington Council of the Blind members and has led quite a life. They all exhibit a lifetime of wisdom and knowledge beyond measure, the ability to show others the path without traveling it for them, and an intriguing aura of mystery that leaves you wondering about their own journey. On rare occasions, we are allowed a glimpse into their past, which made them who they became. One thing is clear. None of it was easy. In fact, many treacherous roads were traveled, sorrows and difficulties experienced, and much was sacrificed. One thing I know is when you are given the gift of time with someone like this, you don’t talk – you listen and absorb everything they have to say. I am pleased to give you all a little peek into the window of Carl Jarvis.

You may access the following link to read Heather's original column, "Cheshire Cat Interviews #7: Walls, Windows, and Doors" Here

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In this Podcast, we interview Sarah Kolat, Institutional Giving Manager and I.D.E.A Co-Lead at PNW Ballet about how they are bringing audio description of dance to Seattle. From their web site: “Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility at PNB” Pacific Northwest Ballet recognizes the historical and present inequities in ballet and is committed to shifting the culture in our Company and artform through meaningful action and reflection." PNW Ballet has always been at the forefront of equity by including all people in their performances and audiences regardless of ability, race, gender, or any other factor you could name. They did research to include people with sensory disabilities and neuro diverse populations properly. This work is an extension of those efforts. Plan Your Visit, Information on the program and tickets They have also joined a group of arts organizations in the Seattle area working to publicize their accessible services and performances in a calendar. Services include but are not limited to:

• Accessible Seating
• Assistive Listening Devices
• Audio Described
• Braille and Large Format Program
• Closed and Open Caption
• Courtesy Wheelchair
• Interpretive Services
• Movement Areas
• Personal Care Attendant
• Sensory Guides
• Sensory Kits
• Service Animals
• Visual Assistance

Calendar to Accessible performances Here is a link to RSVP to watch the free presentation mentioned in the podcast of the 45minute audio described and ASL interpreted movie "Telephone" over Zoom, on Wednesday November 13 from 4 to 6PM. Link to Register for Telephone You can reach Sarah with questions at skolat@pnb.org You can reach us at TheWCBNewsline@gmail.com

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Learning to Live Independently for Today and Tomorrow at LIFTT

We met Steve Lowry on a brisk fall morning at the site of their brand-new building for this exciting tour. Frankly, by the time it was over, we were all ready to move right in. Your guides are Donna Elkins, Reginald George, and Brandy Hill, all from Washington State Department of Services for the Blind. Brandy is not formally introduced in the recording, but she is definitely there. Our fearless leader is Steve Lowry, an instructor at the program. LIFTT is a 10-month, residential independent living skills training program for young adults between 18-21 years old. The program is a partnership between the Washington State School for the Blind and the Washington Department of Services for the Blind. Participants live on site from September-June, including weekends, and learn to be responsible for all aspects of their adult life. LIFTT is housed on the ground floor of the Transition Center at the Washington State School for the Blind, within short walking distance of Clark Community College and multiple lines of public transportation. The building is fully wheelchair accessible and features adjustable lighting throughout, Braille wallpaper, and a curated collection of tactile art. The objective of the LIFTT program is to provide our participants with an opportunity to experience independence in a safe environment before they venture into less protective settings as young adults. Instruction is not aimed at teaching “basic independence skills”. Rather, it is designed to expand independence through authentic practice in the natural setting of day-to-day life. The LIFTT Program focuses on nine areas of core competence: • Personal Care • Kitchen Skills • Household Management • Financial Management • Time Management • Community Access and Travel • Interpersonal Relationships • Assistive Technology • Vocational Skills To learn more about LIFTT to see if it might be right for you, check out their web site at the link below. https://www.wssb.wa.gov/services/liftt And be sure to read our upcoming article in the Winter 2025 WCB Newsline. We hope you enjoy this small tour of a great program. Our podcast is lovingly sponsored by Washington Council of the Blind Newsline magazine and the American Council of the Blind. This episode was hosted and produced by Reginald George. Write to us at TheWCBNewsline at Gmail.com.

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