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KABVI strives to increase the independence, opportunity, and quality of life for all blind and visually impaired Kansans and to assist us in taking our rightful place among our sighted peers.

Return to:                  Free matter for the Blind KABVI                           and Visually Impaired

712 S. Kansas Ave., Ste. 410     

Topeka, KS 66603-3080

Corporate Office, 712 S. Kansas Ave. Suite 410

Topeka, KS 66603-3080

Phone: (785) 235-8990

Toll free in Kansas 1-800-799-1499

Nancy Johnson                         Ann Byington

714 SW Wayne Ave.              909 SW College Ave.

Topeka, KS 66606-1753            Topeka, KS 66606

Nancy Johnson

714 SW Wayne Ave.

Topeka, KS 66606-1753

Phone: (785) 234-8449

Membership Secretary, KABVI, 712 S. Kansas Ave. Suite 410, Topeka, KS 66603-3080

KABVI NEWS promotes the general welfare of blind and visually impaired persons in Kansas.  KABVI NEWS reflects the philosophy, and policies of the Association, reports the activities of its members, and includes pertinent articles pertaining to blindness and low vision. 

Send your news, views, articles, and features.  Materials in Braille, on disk (Microsoft Word), or typewritten (double-spaced, large print) are considered.  When quoting from other published materials, please include dates and sources.  Unsigned material is not accepted for publication.  Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope, and original materials will be returned.  Editorial staff reserves the right to edit submitted materials.

Articles for publication must reach the editor by January 22, April 22, July 22, and October 22!

Annual meeting notices and membership renewal letters are sent to all persons on KABVI’s mailing list.  If notices are returned as undeliverable, those names are removed from the mailing list and their subscriptions to KABVI NEWS discontinued.  Membership is open to everyone interested but is not required for receipt of KABVI NEWS.  A membership renewal form on which to indicate your current information and format preference is included at the end of each issue of KABVI NEWS.  Thank you for helping us keep KABVI’s records current.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Reflections, by Nancy Johnson, President - 4

REFLECTIONS

By Nancy Johnson

     Who are "the blind and visually impaired?"  That’s a fair question – just who ARE we? An easy answer is that we are people who are not able to see or not able to see very well.  Within that "easy" answer lie myriad possibilities.  Doctors measure eyesight in a variety of ways, and you need to consult your eye specialist to understand your specific situation. Though it isn’t used much anymore, the old Snellen big E chart suffices for this discussion. 

If the patient, standing 20 feet from the chart, could read the bottom line, that patient had 20/20 eyesight as do most people.  The larger the bottom number of the fraction becomes, the less eyesight a person has.  The fraction for "legally blind" is 20/200. It says, the "average" person can see from 20 feet what most people can see from 200 feet.  For example, my left eye is 20/1500, the right is 20/2800., and the two eyes together 20/1000.  I have some usable eyesight. It’s possible to have better than 20/20 vision.  Some people have 20/15– they see at 20 feet what most people see at 15.   Visual field (the area covered by your vision) is also measurable.  At some point, which is different for each of us, vision loss affects the ability to perform daily tasks and can be called a visual impairment. 

      In today’s vernacular, "blind" means totally without eyesight.  The eye is a complex organ, and between acuity of 20/200 and totally without sight are many degrees and possibilities for vision impairment. Generally speaking, the "blind and visually impaired" are people for whom vision loss creates significant barriers to daily activities and who may need to use nonvisual techniques and/or specialized technology to compensate for vision loss.  We hope for the "medical miracle:" and we cope as we hope.  We share what we know, and we strongly advocate for what people who are blind and visually impaired need.  Our goal is people of the future won’t have to deal with the barriers with which we have had to deal. 

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BLINDNESS

CONVENTION UPDATE

By Ann Byington

This year’s KABVI convention will be in Wichita, on Friday October 28^th from noon to 5:00 PM and Saturday, October 29, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.  The meeting will be in the InTrust Room, Lower Level, Envision, 610 N. Main.  The shortened format offers a luncheon banquet featuring Wes Brummer, recently published author of "Dust and Roses" and one of our legally blind members. 

Hotel reservations may be made until September 26^th at the Quality Inn, Downtown Wichita, 1011 N. Topeka, Phone (316) 269-9999.  Rooms are mostly double queen beds with a few kings.  Rates are $75.99 per night which includes a hot breakfast; with tax rates are approximately $80.99. Because the Byington apartment is just down the street at 428 N. Topeka, we will host hospitality on Friday night.

Envision’s art program and Everyday Store are opportunities to shop and learn how creative and talented blind persons are.  We hope to host a "Chat ‘n Chew" dialog with teachers of the visually impaired and their paraprofessionals from across the state to discuss "learned dependence," which will also be of interest to parents.  New technologies including Amazon’s Alexa Echo, Face book’s picture description capability, working with iDevices, and new apps which help blind folks living alone when nothing but someone with vision will do, are all in the works. We are also hoping to present "One-Touch Self-Defense" training and of course, we will hold elections and conduct other relevant business.

Look for a more specific program on our Face Book page and a registration packet as plans are solidified.   

AWARDS NOMINATIONS DUE

*** The Eleanor A. Wilson Award is presented annually to "the visually handicapped." The recipient should, in general, through personal characteristics and activities, promote public acceptance and understanding of the blind as capable and productive members of the community. Relatively more emphasis should be placed on contributions over and beyond those made in the course of regular employment. The recipient shall be selected without reference to visual acuity; shall be, or shall have been, a resident of the state of Kansas; and shall be selected without reference to affiliation with organizations of or for the blind. No member of the awards committee nor members of their immediate families shall be eligible to receive this award.

*** The Extra Step award is presented for unique courage and successful personal rehabilitation. The recipient, through personal characteristics and activities, shall have exhibited initiative and ingenuity in meeting the unique challenges in life and shall have contributed to society in an outstanding manner. The recipient shall be legally blind; need not be a resident of Kansas; and shall be selected without reference to organizations of or for the blind. No member of the awards committee nor their immediate family shall be eligible for the Extra Step award.

Please send letters of nomination for these awards to Michael Byington, 428 N. Topeka, Wichita, KS 67202 before September 1.

REPORT FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

By Ann Byington, Recording Secretary

With the (unfortunately unsuccessful) efforts to get the Spring issue of KABVI NEWS to readers in time for them to participate in the Pizza Hut fundraiser shared by the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and KABVI, a report from the board of directors was not provided in the last issue of KABVI NEWS.  This report consolidates activities of the April 16 and July 16 meetings of the Board of Directors.  Both were convened at the corporate office.  Kathy Dawson and Marilyn Lind resigned from the board after the April meeting.  Kurt Baily attended the July meeting as a guest. 

Nancy had a request for one, and possibly two, Braille Bibles, and Ann also requested one.  Two Bibles are boxed for transport to Wichita, and a set is set aside for Ann.  This leaves room on the shelves for additional books. 

Nancy reported that Logan Business Machines (who had the service contract on the copier KABVI was using) can no longer get parts to repair it.  A newer copier was provided which can be made tactually accessible, has a 10" screen display and has printing as well as copying capabilities.  KABVI could rent it for $43 per month, which is what was paid for the other copier.  Bob made a correction at the July meeting; KABVI had purchased the previous copier and was not renting it.  We were given erroneous information from Logan Business Machines.  Mikel M. noted that the building tech folk will have to set up a jack in the office where the copier is located. 

After further discussion, Mikel M. indicated that a contact with a networking company would be needed to complete the copier installation and to protect KABVI’s investment.  A certified provider was preferred.  Mikel M. will be included when setup is arranged. Paul expressed concern that KABVI will spend an inordinate amount of money for copies.  It was noted that those of us without ready transportation find the in-house possibility for producing copies to be much more convenient; Bob explained the contract is "irrevocable" and is a five-year contract. Michael B. commented he had purchased older machines with service contracts and replaced them when they couldn’t be repaired.  He is not certain KABVI saved money by doing that.

Phyllis reminded Ann that Duxbury is needed on a computer and that training and/or study should be done so the Tiger embosser can be used. Ann thought Duxbury could be installed on more than one computer as long as they weren’t being used at the same time.  Mikel M. said that was not the case.   If he is correct, KABVI will have to purchase a copy of Duxbury.

Ann discussed Unified English Braille code after questions from Paul.  Duxbury will have updated translation capability to make the gradual transfer to UEB.

Phyllis noted that one of her students has finished his study at KSSB and she will encourage him to join KABVI and perhaps do some volunteer work at the office.

Ann still needs to follow through on the Givelify email to help KABVI determine willingness to use it as a fundraiser.

Paul reported CKABVI received a letter from the state IRS stating that 501©3 organizations can now conduct raffles.

Ann summarized a convention-planning meeting held in January.  She will talk with previous scholarship winners to determine why they are not joining KABVI and what the organization can do for them.  Nancy planned to contact Anne Nielsen to see if we could do a "Chat and Chew" with TVI’s and paras at the convention to encourage more independence of blind students. 

Michael B. mentioned Wes Brummer’s recently published novel; he will be invited to talk about it at some point during the session.  Nancy reminded Ann the Tim Hornik is also interested in doing some technology training, possibly at the convention.

Michael B. reported he is acquiring things Envision can’t sell or doesn’t want to deal with giving away. He will be moving some items to the KABVI office for later recycling. 

No scholarship applications were received. The Board agreed to re-think the scholarship focus for next year.  Marilyn suggested adding universities to the locations where applications were sent.  Michael B. will email Phyllis a list of disabled student services offices around the state.  Phyllis has determined that applications should be sent in the fall with a February deadline to better meet teachers’ needs. She would like to present the application as a teaching opportunity for students.

The newsletter was discussed.  Nancy receives requests for information about people involved in KABVI and what they do.  Members’ comfort level with Facebook and its value in connecting with people was discussed. An introduction to Facebook might be a good technology activity for Friday at the convention. 

Nancy posed the need for more refined goals and a FUTURE direction for KABVI. Specific, well-defined goals are needed to direct KABVI’s future and so accurate videos can be produced.  She suggested using the bullet points of the KABVI vision statement as a basis for a video describing KABVI’s services. Ann proposed producing short, "how-to" videos targeted at parents, children, teachers, etc.  We might also be able to link to YouTube videos.  Envision advertises services through videos.  VisionAware has numerous "how-to" videos to which we might be able to link.  After more discussion, Michael B. suggested that KABVI can be a clearing-house for a variety of existing videos.  Researching other ACB affiliates as well as Face book and YouTube appeared to be good starting points.  Phyllis agreed to review state affiliates; Marilyn will check YouTube.  Michael B. will forward items from the O&M listserv as well.

Phyllis asked "How does ACB interact with the younger generation?" She suggested answering the question, "Why are we relevant?"

How and when people who join KABVI and ACB receive "The Braille Forum" ensued. 

KABVI received children’s materials from TVI (teacher of the visually impaired) Nancy Mann, who is changing jobs to work as a TVI mentor at KSSB (Kansas State School for the Blind). Paul noted the State library in Emporia is gathering some Braille books.

Bob reported equipment distributed netted $800.  Also, phone costs are going up.

A discussion of Cox Contour and talking remotes/set boxes followed.  Ann reported that at ACB, an FCC official said by the beginning of 2017, all cable networks are to make these items accessible to blind/visually-impaired at no additional cost. 

Ann. reported on a variety of federal education issues concerning testing, use of Nemeth and UEB Braille codes and the Cogswell-Macey federal legislation.  It is difficult to summarize these items; a review of ACB resolutions and convention session archives will be informative.     At the AC B President’s meeting, affiliates were encouraged to put something about ourselves on the ACB website as another way of advertising our affiliate.

Convention plans are covered in another article in this issue of KABVI NEWS.

In reviewing the Friday convention format, Phyllis noted school districts might consider our meeting for in-service credits for paraprofessionals, which is a much less formal procedure than applying for CEU’s.  Ann suggested giving attendees of "Chat ‘n Chew" a free lunch as an incentive to attend.  Focus on teaching children independence can also be aimed toward parents as well as paraprofessionals, including an article for Families Together. It was agreed that an evaluation opportunity be given to Friday participants. Ann will ask Sara Stewart to promote the Envision Arts program for paras and teachers.  KABVI will purchase something from Envision to use as a raffle item.  Michael B. mentioned some dish-ware with a light and dark side combination for serving foods of various hues for folks with low vision. 

Phyllis suggested providing hand-outs about the scholarship program/teaching plan to be discussed, which will also give teachers the chance to provide feedback on materials they will have received in September.

Paul offered items for raffles, door prizes and/or goody bags.  Paul may also contribute Pebbles (hand-held magnifiers valued at $400 each as raffle items.

Carolyn explained she and Nancy are working to learn to use the ACB database because the one KABVI purchased cannot fully update information past 2015.

Nancy did a presentation for 14 students at the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum resource fair, a cross-disability group. She participated with grade school students at the Braille Camp in Topeka.

Nancy has someone who will help remove left-over items from the computer refurbishing program for recycling.  She needs to work with Mikel M. and Carolyn to determine what some things are and if they should be sold or thrown away. Ann suggested putting items which might have some usefulness on Craig’s List. Michael B. moved that people working at the office be allowed to place anything they don’t think they have a use for on Craig’s List upon consultation with a member of the technology committee.  Paul seconded the motion and it passed. 

Michael B. agreed to serve as Awards committee chair. Ann will send Nancy and Bill the current board of directors list which will note positions to be filled this year as well as vacancies caused by the resignations of Marilyn and Kathy. Michael B., Paul and Bob will help Bill get names of folks outside of Topeka who might be willing to serve and Phyllis will talk with Lisa Wondra to determine her interest in working with our library and perhaps serving on the Board. Kurt Baily expressed interest in being a board member. If you are interested in serving on KABVI’s board of directors, please call Nancy at 785-234-8449, and information will be forwarded to the nominating committee.

Paul had questions about the office phone message and the cost of the toll-free number.  Nancy reported she included a statement that, for reasons of building security, the office is open by appointment only, and she included her home phone number for "if no answer." People do use the backup number.

Fido wants to go to the grocery store.  Some people ask, "ow can my dog go with me the same as someone who has a Service dog or a guide dog?"  This is not difficult with the advent of the Internet that makes it easy to buy things online.  People are buying ID cards, dog vests, and assistance dog harnesses.  Documentation for a fake service dog, including an ID card and certification, can cost as little as $59; premium service dog ID plus vest, $129.00; a service dog leash can be added to the order.  A guide dog harness can also be purchased from some vendors The Americans with disabilities act regulations, revised March 2011, states:   "Only dogs are considered service animals.  Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.  The dog must be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability. For example, a person with diabetes may have a dog that is trained to alert him when his blood sugar reaches high or low levels. A person with depression may have a dog that is trained to remind her to take her medication. Or, a person who has epilepsy may have a dog that is trained to detect the onset of a seizure and then help the person remain safe during the seizure. A dog guide assists with way-finding.  The tasks performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.  Generally, service dogs – guide dogs - are allowed to go where the general public is allowed to go. 

According to the ADA, emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered trained service animals.  They are animals that provide comfort just by being with a person.  Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.  However, some State or local governments have laws that allow people to take emotional support animals into public places. 

Only two questions may be asked a person using a service dog: "Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?" and "what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?"