Urban Miyares, president of the San Diego-based Disabled Businesspersons Association, has been named outreach specialist for a new Blinded Veterans Initiative at The Hadley School for the Blind. Miyares is a blinded and multi-disabled veteran who brings more than 40 years experience as an entrepreneur to his new role.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are an estimated 158,300 legally blind veterans and 700,000 veterans with low vision. In addition, approximately 7,000 veterans become newly blind or visually impaired each year from non-combat related causes. Compounding the problem is that approximately 70 percent of working age Americans who are blind or visually impaired are unemployed or underemployed.
54 million Americans live with a disability, that’s 19% of the population
5 percent of children 5 to 17 have disabilities.
10 percent of people 18 to 64 have disabilities.
38 percent of adults 65 and older have disabilities.
Source: 2008 American Community Survey
12.4% are female
11.7% are male
Source: 2008 American Community Survey
11 million Americans are using or need assistance with everyday activities. These activities include such tasks as getting around inside the home, taking a bath or shower, preparing meals and performing light housework.
3.3 million Americans 15 and older use a wheelchair, another 10 million use a walking aid, such as a cane, crutches or walker.
1.8 million Americans 15 and older who report being unable to see printed words.
1 million Americans 15 and older are unable to hear conversations.
2.5 million Americans 15 and older have difficulty having their speech understood. Of these, 431,000 were unable to have their speech understood.
16.1 million Americans have limitations in cognitive functioning or have a mental or emotional illness that interferes with daily activities. That’s 7 percent of the population 15 and older, including 8 million with one or more problems that interfere with daily activities, such as frequently being depressed or anxious, trouble getting along with others, trouble concentrating and trouble coping with stress.
As always, planning a sailing calendar at Challenged America tends to be dependent upon funding and other resources, to include what boats we have, and the volunteers available. Under consideration for the 2012 calendar are:
San Diego to Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas ocean race (March, 2012).
Martin 16 (Two-Day) Race to Chula Vista Yacht Club/Marina (April 21/22, 2012).
Monthly or bi-Monthly Martin 16 Race Training and Races.
Local Big Bay Races in “Casual” – the Santana 25.
Newport-Ensenada, Border Run, and other offshore/coastal races.
Multi-day cruise to Catalina.
Class for sailing instructors: “Martin 16 Certification.”
Captain (Basics 101) Training on Grand Banks 42 and Donzi, by The Maritime Institute.
Power Squadron, Offshore Sailing Safety and First Aid Educational Programs.
Sailing Camps for those with disabilities and/or having: Diabetes; Spinal Cord Injury/Disease, Epilepsy, mobility and communications challenges, Learning Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and youth with disabilities.
Day-On-The-Big-Bay cruises, whale watching and other educational excursions aboard the motor yacht “Challenged America”- a Grand Banks 42.
Is there another special program you’d like to see and can participate in and help? Let us know.
Volunteer Steve Edenson and blind sailor Hiro taking Casual, our newest donation out for a first spin on San Diego’s Big Bay.
“Casual” is a Santana 525, designed by Shad Turner and built by the W.D. Schock Corporation to the highest standards of quality. it is a beautiful boat with sleek lines and well balanced dimensions unique in a 25 footer.
Excellent Handicap Performance
The 525 was designed for competitive racing under a variety of measurement rules. The hull is shallow and of light displacement but has a considerable amount of beam to insure stability. The displacement to length ratio of the 525 is very low, providing excellent light air performance. The keel is a deep fin and the rudder is a simple but highly efficient spade. The hull is quick to surf and is lots of fun to sail in a breeze. Since the 525 is also built to strict one design specifications, its owners find great pleasure in level class racing as well.
Spacious Cockpit
The cockpit of the Santana 525 is probably the best available in a boat of this size. long bench seats and a contoured deck shape offer welcome comfort and a wonderful sense of security for the family. The hardware is strategically placed for efficient crew work, with all halyards lead to the cabintop. The blister design of the deck eliminates sharp corners and provides extra wide side decks for safe and easy deck maneuvers.
Comfortable Interior
The beam of the 525 offers an amazing feeling of spaciousness below. Two wide midship bunks provide extremely comfortable seating in the main cabin and are wonderful for overnight cruising. A 6½ foot v-berth provides additional sleeping accommodations. The cleverly capsulized galley unit is equipped with a sink for an insulated ice box and provides good countertop space. Two beautifully finished hanging lockers, an attractive interior liner, and a handsome teak and holly sole give the 525 the look and feel of a much larger boat. Many a crew has spent hours after the race in the comfort of this cozy interior.
