In 1921, James Biggs, a photographer from Bristol, England, became blind following an accident. Because he was feeling uncomfortable with the amount of traffic around his home, he painted his walking stick white to be more easily visible. In 1930, the late George A. Bonham, President of the Peoria Lions Club (Illinois) introduced the idea of using the white cane with a red band as a means of assisting the blind in independent mobility. The Peoria Lions approved the idea, white canes were made and distributed, and the Peoria City Council adopted an ordinance giving the bearers the right-of-way to cross the street.

News of the club’s activity spread quickly to other Lions clubs throughout the United States, and their visually handicapped friends experimented with the white canes. Overwhelming acceptance of the white cane idea by the blind and sighted alike quickly gave cane users a unique method of identifying their special need for travel consideration among their sighted counterparts. Also in 1931, in France, Guilly d’Herbemont recognized the danger to blind people in traffic and launched a national “white stick movement” for blind people. She donated 5,000 white canes to people in Paris.

Today white cane laws are on the books of EVERY STATE in the US and many other countries, providing blind persons a legal status in traffic. The white cane now universally acknowledges that the bearer is blind. For specific information contact your local government office for motor vehicles.

Model White Cane Law

White Cane Safety Days:

To make the American people more fully aware of the meaning of the white cane and of the need for motorists to exercise special care for the blind person who carries it, on October 6, 1964, the U.S. Congress approved a resolution authorizing the President of the US to annually issue a proclamation designating October 15th as “National White Cane Safety Day.”

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), a leading organization for the blind, has established the third week in May as “White Cane Week.” During this week, a special concentration of efforts to educate the public concerning the hopes and aspirations of the blind is emphasized.

It should be noted White Cane Law, also extends to all persons with a Guide or Service Dog as well. Please respect the White Cane Law and what it means. Don’t be a jerk!

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Click here to view the embedded video.

Ryan Reser is the uke for a local student. Myles Porter (Paralympian!!!) was the other judoka in blue. Myles is the third visually impaired athlete to be ranked nationally among his sighted peers.

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Rob puts it best from his blog Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords – “Read for yourself the horrifying vision this man has for the future. Whatever you do, however, don’t let your kids read it. Or any persons with sensitive constitutions, particularly pregnant women. Obama will turn your fetuses into Socialists, too.“

ENJOY!

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We had a wonderful time teaching them 2 judo moves each and one hold down. This hands on demo allowed the blind children to throw my students (and they loved every minute of it!) We brought uniforms for every one to try (and feel), and some of Sensei Rich’s Keystone Games medals from past events that are very textured so they can feel them. (They are in the shape of a Keystone)…

They enjoyed hanging with us and telling us many stories of what they also enjoy. Many are members of the Junior Blind Golfers Association, and have participated in Special Olympics under Swimming, Running, and Horseback Riding…

My students had a GREAT time, and the campers asked us when we where coming back! Many also asked where they can signup for judo! Sadly for many they live far away from my club. But I will do my best to find them one local if I can… If not, I may just have to start a judo club for MCAB!

One of the harder things for my young helper students to understand was how they needed to describe every thing they needed to do or tell the other child how to move a foot or hand for placement. But they got the hang of it! (Teaching not so easy eh’ guys?)

I found it a little strange when one of the blind students asked me if I could guide them back to the mat area from the hall… suddenly I was the more sighted of the bunch. I seen one of my other students guide a blind student to the bathroom and patiently wait for him outside, then guide him back to our area. I’m so proud of my students, they acted like perfect role-models!

Special thanks to Mr. Jim Hunt camp director (yellow cap) [who is also blind] from the Montgomery County Association for the Blind… and the Pottstown Judo Club. This demonstration was arranged by Sensei Rich (me)…

The young fellow sitting next to me, is only 7-years-old and has limited light perception – the little dude almost jumped out of his chair when we made the first call for participants! Youngest of the bunch with a triumphant “I DOOOOOO!”… and was first on the mat! – Yea!!! I love it!

To learn more about Visually Impaired and Blind Judo please, contact me!

Judo is an official Olympic and Paralympic Sport for the Blind…

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More information on the Little League Challenger Division.

If your a local Pottstown resident and know some one who may be interested, please contact Pottstown Little League for more information. Or as a League Volunteer, you may contact me, and I will gladly pass the information along.

LittleLeague.org~
The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League Baseball to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 5-18 or the completion of high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide.

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At the age of two Kyle was diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma eye cancer, and lost an eye to this, he is also partially sighted in his remaining eye. That doesn’t stop him, at only 7 years old, he golfs better then most adults (and can beat them), they say he could be the next Tiger…

Kyle’s parents started the Through Kyle’s Eyes Foundation to raise funding for Retinoblastoma research by giving to the Eye Tumor Research Program at Will’s Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA!

So please, check this little dude out! And buy some of his Lograsso gear to support eye tumor research… Visit Kyle’s web site to signup for his newsletter and receive updates.

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Awesome little dude, just frik’n awesome…

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From Canine Companions e-News:

“CCI graduate Cole, featured in our Skilled Companion Public Service Announcement, had the great opportunity of directing Tom during a recording session! CCI wishes to extend a special thank you to Tom Kenny and everyone at DG Entertainment for all their support.“

Great job Mr. Director Cole!

Canine Companions for Independence, CCI, provides highly-trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities, FREE OF CHARGE. Visit http://www.cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK, for more information, to donate, or apply for your own dog! CCI is one of the oldest service dog companies in the USA!

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You’ll now note a “Print This” link at the top of our posts, this will allow you to have a printer friendly version of my posts available to you, incase you want to print out and share a story… I’ve also added a “Possibly Related Posts“ plugin, that automatically generates links to, possibly related topics within the blog… And I’ve added a “Popular Posts” plugin as well, for the sidebar to spur interest in my top viewed and commented on subjects.

Some blog linkage updates, now added:

• 5 Minutes for Special Needs, a blog for parents of special needs children, and props to Ellen from To The Max who now contributes to them as a writer. Ellen’s blog “To The Max” is one of my favorite blogs to follow.
• Coley’s Corner, Coley, and her son Noah.
• Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords, Author, Robert Rummel-Hudson and daughter Schuyler who’s Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords.
• n0thingbuteverything, from Australia, a personal blog, a mother and her son, who has CP.
• According to Jude, A blog about a baby’s story, and struggles of his loving mom. Please prey for baby Jude.
• Dr. Barbara Boucher, PhD, PT/OT, and her blog TherExtras.com. Questioning healthcare for children with diagnoses, parenting recommendations, therapy for a meaningful lifestyle change and promoting acceptance for all. An analytical view of the world.

I’ve talked with Dr. Boucher at length about many different subjects in personal e-mails covering many different subjects. I find her views very down to earth and a no BS point of view. (And she comments on my blog as well!) So props to the doc!

As always feel free to visit out friend on the roll, and if you are a friend and are listed, be kind, share the love, and link back to us if you please. You don’t have to, but it’s very appreciated!

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From visiting this site, and a message I sent him, about having some local sports images on file, he asked if he could use one of my Pottsgrove Wrestling Club photos to promote my sports photography work.

Joseph Zlomek, is the Managing Editor of the Sanatoga Post… Check out this nice post about my photography work he put up for me! Thanks Joe!

Check out the post here…

If you use Twitter and you wish to follow me you can @Sensei_Rich, if you’d like to follow Joe you can @jzlomek. Thanks to Joe, this is my first professional “By Line”, in a local news publication website.

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The article was also featured on USA Judo, Paralympic Judo, and Pennsylvania Judo websites news sections. Thanks for the ping guys!

A few days after the article was published I received some nice congratulation letters from past teachers, and school district administration. I also received a nice congratulation letter and laminated front page clipping from Pennsylvania House Representative, Thomas Quigley, for making front page and a contribution to our community!

Fame, is a good thing.. 

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Photo by Kevin Hoffman, The Mercury

Judo brings equality for Pottstown man…
Brandie Kessler, Reporter, Pottstown Mercury:

One Pottstown man who often sat out during extracurricular activities as a boy because of his blindness is now leading dozens of local youngsters as they learn the ropes with the Pottstown Judo Club.

“Many people who are legally blind can see fairly well,” said Richard Favinger Jr., the youth instructor with the Pottstown Judo Club. “I’m one of them.”

As a child, Favinger often found himself alienated by other children who knew he was different and were cruel to him, but he was also alienated by the extracurricular programs for children such as baseball or football, or most of the other activities his classmates and peers were participating in. …

Read the rest of this article at the Pottstown Mercury website…

The article as written by local staff reporter Brandie Kessler, who several months ago did an equally inspiring article about a local boy who is both deaf and blind, and attends one of our local elementary schools.

Several months ago I had contacted her expressing my dismay as to the state of programs and sports available to local blind or disabled children. Simply put, there are few athletic programs offered or available to such kids. Many parents don’t even know such programs exist or know there are people, such as myself willing to help…

It’s also a fact I lived threw myself… that many parents, and there disabled children are simply scared, scared of rejection, scared they may get hurt, scared others will make fun of them, scared there children can not succeed because of there disability or because they are different. My aim was to disprove that…

We also wanted to make a point that, even though you have a disability, LET NO ONE TELL YOU, YOU CAN’T DO SOMETHING! You have so little to loose, and so much to gain, just give it a shot! There is ALWAYS a way… And with the right people to guide you, any one can learn, have a little fun, and kick a little ass!

Pottstown Judo will GLADLY accept ALL students who wish to learn the art of judo, including blind and visually disabled, or other disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy. No parent should ever have to hear “We don’t accept disabled children“.

Friends, Cole and Matt both have CP… Cole participates in karate, and Matt participates in judo. You can read there blogs! Cole was also recognized on KarateAngles.com – Kids Hall of Fame (June 2007). (I wonder who nominated him?  )  and good friend Dr. Andre Watson who is blind, and a member of the 2008 USA Paralympic Blind Judo Team… are just some examples of our good friends.

So, won’t you come join us too? We’ll see you on the mat!

Please feel free to link or ping this article and post, and PLEASE pass it along to all your friends. If you want more information, just contact me, I’d be happy to help… And as always leave your comments!

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Schools Debate gets Personal

After 14 months of debate, and almost as many proposals for the future of elementary education considered, it’s understandable that the nerves of Pottstown School Board members might be a bit frayed.

School Board Behaves like Children, but Fails to Lead on their Behalf

The motives of Pottstown parents, community advocates and the school board are said to be “for the children,” but this town’s behavior, though childish, has little to do with what’s best for kids.

In what can only be described as a three-ring circus, the Pottstown School Board on Thursday reversed course for the third time, rescinding with a 5-4 vote its November decision to consolidate elementary education into three buildings and return to the concept of keeping all five elementary schools.

Articles as published in the Pottstown Mercury. See story links for full details…

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Evan Brandt, The Pottstown Mercury:
February, 20th 2009

After four hours of debate, accusations and passionate advocacy on both sides of the thorny issue of configuring elementary education in Pottstown, the decision was made to do nothing…

The decision came after nearly three hours of public comment from 41 of the more than 200 people who packed the middle school auditorium.

An unofficial Mercury tally of those comments put the ratio of those opposed to the plan that featured converting Edgewood Elementary School into an early learning center at two against to every single speaker in favor.

The Pottstown School Board capped the public comment with a muddled debate of their own — a debate that even included references to what God would want and that also  required frequent intervention by the board solicitor to ensure that everyone knew what they were voting on.

And once the voting began, with a 5-4 vote — a vote accompanied by the applause of parents of Edgewood students who had turned out in force (and in red t-shirts) — the board abandoned all current school consolidation and renovation plans.

Specifically, the board rescinded its November action to close Rupert and Barth elementary schools, convert Edgewood into an early learning center and educate grades 1 through 5 in renovated and expanded Franklin and Lincoln schools.

That vote was followed by another, this one inexplicably unanimous, to keep all five neighborhood elementary schools and for them tho maintain the traditional grade configuration.

Can we finally call it quits, unlikely…

But I think the 3+ hours of public comment and over 200 people that showed up to the meeting tell you something. I think it’s so clear a deaf person could hear it, but just incase you misunderstood the comments, allow me to translate.

TAKE YOUR $52-MILLION DOLLAR MEGA SCHOOL AND CONSOLIDATION PLAN AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR ASS SIDEWAYS!

There, I feel much better now!!!

For my further distaste of this issue see my post I need my edumacation…

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This young man and his cheerful attitude amaze me. So, he enters this contest a few months back from a local Honda dealer in Southern California… Simple, 200-word essay… Out of over 800 entries, who do they pick? That’s right… COLE!

But wait, there’s more! Guess what? After seeing Cole’s story, the dealers decide it was not a Honda Element Cole needed but a FULLY ACCESSIBLE TOTALLY ADAPTED ODYSSEY MINI-VAN! As Cole says HOLY FRIGGIN’ COW!

Now mom and dad won’t have to lift Cole to get him in and out of the car, he can roll him self, and use a lift, and mom and dad can roll in a nice new van.

Way to go Cole, YOU ROCK! I can’t think of a more deserving person!

To check out the video here’s what to do:
Visit http://www.socalhonda.com
Click on “Free Honda“… Then click on Massie Family…
You can also try this direct link from Yahoo Video

Do check it out, it’s a very nice video.

For Cole’s actual post on his own blog visit here.

Cole YOU ROCK!

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Hi Richard,
Saw your letter in one of the photography magazines we get and had to write. I’m a photographer and I have 2 sons who were born legally blind. They have Nystagmus and also have Albinism.

Though born white as ghosts and legally blind, the pigmentation has increased in their hair and a little in their skin and I guess in their eyes as well because their eyesight has improved over the years. They are still very light compared to most people but they have learned how to deal with their physical shortcomings.

Both boys have been treated for years by doctors from Wills Eye in Philly and have had glasses and contacts to help their vision. The fact that they have monocular vision – they see with one eye at a time – I think helps when they take pictures with a camera through which we all see with one eye. A clear advantage in my eyes!

My older son, Ian, is now an attorney with a beautiful wife and 2 little boys and my younger son, Gabriel, just took over my photography business and has a beautiful wife and daughter.

I checked out your website and you have a great ‘eye‘, regardless of your vision stats. Just as my sons could never see the ball but adjusted their other faculties to compensate, you’ve learned timing and anticipation and used them to your advantage. Like my sons, I suspect your other senses are magnified to make up for any vision loss.

Anyway, your work is real nice and it was great reading your story. We’re located in Newtown Square just below King of Prussia and if you’re down this way, it would be a leasure to have you stop by the studio.

Best Holiday Wishes
Phil

Thanks Phil…

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Cover Photo by: Rich-Joseph Facun

Well seems I’m famous, I guess… A letter I wrote a few months ago was published in Rangefinder Magazine. The letter was published in the December issue of Rangefinder, page 21 “Problems and Solutions“…

From: R. Favinger (Me)~

I came across an article in Rangefinder when I decided to search for people like me.

Seems an odd search when you Google “Legally Blind Photographer” doesn’t it? I am legally blind; I have Nystagmus (CN). I’m 20/200 with glasses, and 20/400 without. I use a -3.0 diopter adjustment on my viewfinder and rely heavily on AF. But I don’t pick the easy subjects of portrait and landscape.

I’m a sports photographer. Funny enough, my favorite sport to shoot is baseball (Little League), and I am the official game photographer for our local league and district here in PA. I can’t see the ball, everything is timing and anticipation, though through the camera I can see almost perfectly. I watch the pitcher, time his motion, and fire for the swing. I listen to the players and coaches and know their plans before they do. Guy on 1st? Best watch 2nd! Guy on 3rd? You better cover home!

My only dilemma is almost never getting outfield shots. When the ball is hit, to me it is as good as lost because I can never see where it goes. I watch for the kid setting up in the in-field to catch the ball as it’s returned.

I don’t always announce my vision disability to potential clients because I fear they may overlook me or question my skill. But I feel it’s time for others to know. Some photographers really are blind.

If you’d like to learn more, feel free to contact me. My website is: www.favingerphotography.com.

Thanks for the very inspiring letter. I assume the article you found was about Michael Richard in the January 2007 issue. He too was legally blind and could only see light and dark, but produced startlingly beauti-ful imagery. ~ Editor

Kind of cool I think, a letter in a major national photography magazine.

This issue also displays some of the best pictures in 2008, check it out!

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Adam Walsh

The Murder of Adam Walsh: A 27-Year Mystery Solved…

A child’s sacrifice saved thousands… With the murder of 6 year old Adam Walsh in summer of 1981, set in motion one of the largest manhunt in history. His dad John Walsh never gave up the fight for his son. Threw his pain and the loss of his son; Americas Most Wanted, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was founded.

Though young Adamn lost his life, thousands of children have been saved. … Thank you Mr. Walsh for your sacrifice. A sacrifice no parent should ever have to make…

Rest in peace Adam, we will never forget you…
FOXNews.com – The Murder of Adam Walsh: A 27-Year Mystery Solved

Etan Patz

Since 1984, NCMEC has assisted law-enforcement with more than 148,160 missing-child cases, resulting in the recovery of more than 132,000 children. Remember, if you ever see a missing child, or simply need help, call 1-800-THE-LOST…  Since its 1984 inception, the toll-free Hotline has handled more than2.3 million calls.

Since 1997, the AMBER Alert Program has been credited with the safe recovery of 426 children. To date there is a network of 120 AMBER Plans across the country.

Learn more about the disappearance of Etan Patz “The Boy on the Milk Carton“… And this national movement to keep our children safe.

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NEW YORK, Nov 12, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX

Blind and visually impaired children from the New York City area will learn about the history and techniques of the ancient sport of Judo from Paralympic Silver Medalist, Andre Watson, and the 2008 Paralympic Judo Team Leader, Marc Vink, on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at Modern Martial Arts in Manhattan. This event is sponsored by FamilyConnect(TM) — the national multimedia web resource for parents of children with visual impairments located at www.familyconnect.org and developed by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI) — and the Blind Judo Foundation — a non-profit which serves to promote Judo to the blind and visually impaired community.

Saturday’s event will focus on the Olympic sport of Judo–a system of self-defense, and physical and mental discipline that aims to develop self-confidence, character, and independence in life. Attendees will be given a description of the history of Judo and an opportunity to participate in a hands-on Judo demonstration. They will learn the basics of body awareness and how to properly and securely fall; understand the importance of balance and its role in the sport; and discover how the physical capacities of Judo permit better adaptation to every day life. In addition, the children and their families will see the important roles exercise, mental focus, and sportsmanship play in empowering children who are blind or visually impaired to reach their full potential.

To reserve your spot, contact Jeanette Christie at (718) 519-7000, ext. 127, or Jaynycnapvi@aol.com.
WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2008, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
WHERE: Modern Martial Arts, 780 8th Avenue (between 47th & 48th Sts), New York, NY
Learn More…

It should be noted that Dr. Andre Watson trains with us on occasion at Pottstown Judo, and has been a goof friend for many years. Andre has a master’s and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from Widener University.

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Some great news from our friend Cole Massie.

Cole’s Skilled Companion Dog, Ilia, has been awarded the 2008 ASPCA Dog of The Year! Heres the official press release from ASPCA ~

Meet the 2008 ASPCA Dog of the Year

ASPCA Dog of the Year: Ilia, a 5-year-old black lab/golden retriever mix. Ilia lives with Cole Massie, a 10-year-old boy who has cerebral palsy. As Cole’s service dog, Ilia accompanies Cole everywhere — even traveling more than 7,000 miles on six airplanes to be by Cole’s side during surgery.

Ten-year-old Cole Massie of Los Angeles, CA, may live with cerebral palsy, but he has all the support a kid could want, thanks to a very special black Lab/golden retriever mix named Ilia.

Recently crowned ASPCA Dog of the Year as part of the 2008 Humane Awardsprogram, Ilia performs service duties like bringing items to Cole in his wheelchair and opening and closing doors. But the pooch also has that special healing touch that can’t be taught. “He provides amazing incentive to Cole during therapies, doctor’s appointments and procedures,” says Cole’s mom, Michelle Massie. “He calms, inspires and motivates my son far better than anyone ever has.”

Or, as Cole sums it up: “I like when he lies next to me in bed at night and we listen to Harry Potter on CD, and that he helps to clean me when I’m in the bath by licking my face and arms. He’s my furry brother and best friend—and a serious bed hog!”

This past July, three years after boy and dog were paired by the nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence, Cole was faced with a difficult, but life-changing surgery. “He had walked on his toes, and his feet were totally rolled in,” says Massie. “The operation would allow him to use his feet and free him of the wheelchair.”

“Cole was frightened by the idea of surgery at first,” remembers Massie. “We explained how much more independent he’d be afterward, but he wasn’t buying it. Finally, we told him that if he had this procedure, there was a very good chance he’d be able to walk Ilia on his own—with no parents and no walker.” After that, says Massie, “Cole would stroke the dog’s head in bed each night and whisper, ‘I will walk you, Ilia. I will walk you.’”

After much coaxing, Cole underwent the surgery in Summit, NJ, and Ilia traveled more than 7,000 miles to be by the boy’s side. The ten-year-old is now on his way to becoming an independent walker—and his dedicated service dog will be with him every step.

The entire family will attend the ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon in New York City this October 30, where Ilia will be honored along with seven other extraordinary animals and people.

P.S. We’d like to remind you, pet lovers, that even heroes have their quirks. As Massie reveals, “Ilia knows 46 commands, but he won’t fetch!”

These animals and six other winners will receive their awards at the ASPCA Humane Awards luncheon at New York City’s Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center on Oct. 30.

Congratulations guys…

I proudly support Canine Companions for Independence so kids like Cole can get teamed up with great dogs like Ilia! Please make a donation to CCI!

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