[blindlaw] Toastmasters

[Fred Wright Lopez]

Greetings:  My name is Fred Wright Lopez and I am a member of the Blind Lawyers Association.   I have variety of eye conditions that in summary have rendered me legally blind.  For about four years (2006 to 2010) I participated in "Blind / Low Vision Toastmaster's Chapter at the Oakland Blind Center in Oakland, CA sponsored by the Rotary Club.  Our Toastmasters Chapter was composed entirely of persons who were legally blind, many were elderly a few were professionals and couple were totally blind).   None of the Toastmaster materials were provided in large print, audio or braille.  However, we took it upon ourselves upon receipt of the materials to convert the standard Toastmaster materials to large print or audio.  I do not believe any of the materials were  converted to braille.

I highly recommend Toastmasters as a vehicle to promote public speaking, oral advocacy and self improvement for persons who have low vision / visually impaired or totally blind.  The Toastmaster materials are really not that extensive and are only a guide.  What is more important in my view is to have a group of blind individuals who take control of the Toastmaster activity and keep it going based upon their interest.  Toastmasters International was very cooperative in supply materials such as they were, reducing or waving charges where they could and incorporating our group into the main body of Toastmasters International.

Good luck .

Fred Wright  Lopez


On Mar 17, 2014, at 12:31 PM, Roane, Melody (DBVI) (by way of David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com>) wrote:

> 
> Hi,
> 
> I am looking for information from blind individuals who have participated in or are currently participating in Toastmasters.  Are the booklets and materials they use available in accessible formats?  If so, from where are they accessible?
> 
> We are looking at the possibility of chartering a group here at the rehab center in Richmond which would be open to our students and the general public.  Please e-mail me off line at <mailto:melody.roane at dbvi.virginia.gov>melody.roane at dbvi.virginia.gov about your experience with Toastmasters.
> 
> Thank you for your help.
> 
> Melody Roane, Director
> Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind & Vision Impaired
> 401 Azalea Avenue
> Richmond, Virginia 23227
> Phone: 804.371.3323
> Email: <mailto:melody.roane at dbvi.virginia.gov>melody.roane at dbvi.virginia.gov
> Worldwide Web: <http://www.vrcbvi.org>http://www.vrcbvi.org
> 
> 
> 
> 
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