KABVI NEWS
Published quarterly by
Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
An Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind
Vol. 61 Summer 2018 No. 2
KANSAS ASSOCIATION for the BLIND
and VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Corporate Office, 712 S. Kansas Ave. Suite 410
Topeka, KS 66603-3080
(785) 235-8990 - in Kansas 1-800-799-1499
E-mail kabvi@cox-internet.com
www.kabvi.com
Editor Associate Editor
Michael Byington Ann Byington
KABVI@cox-internet.com abyington@cox.net
President
Ann Byington
Phone: (785) 233-3839
abyington@cox.net
Send address changes to:
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.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Gleanings from your President by Ann Byington, page 5
The Editor Ponders by Michael Byington, page 7
Report from the Board of Directors by Nancy Johnson,
Page 9
New E-mail Addresses for KABVI by Michael Byington, page 12
The AARP Kansas Care Act: Recognizes the Critical Role of Family/Informal
Caregivers, Submitted by Rev. Paul Whiting, page 13
Delta and Dogs: A Different Perspective by Al Vopata, page 16
U.S. Department of Transportation Seeks Comment on Amending Regulations
Concerning Service Animals on Flights, by Livaughn Chapman, Jr., page 18
“UNBLINDED,” FREE BOOK AVAILABLE by Michelle Ferrell and Michael Byington, page
21
MUSICAL WEBSITES by Kathy Dawson, page 23
Shirt Slogan Appropriate for Blind and Low Vision Folks
Submitted by Michael Byington per Nancy Johnson’s front, page 23
Chapter Chatter, compiled by Michael Byington, page 24
Special Chapter Chatter Feature, by Trella Berscheidt, Page 25
IN MEMORIAM, compiled by Michael Byington, page 27
Membership and KABVI Renewal Form, page 29
Gleanings from your President
By Ann Byington
My President’s message is going to be a compilation of observations information,
and ideas. I am becoming more technically challenged as I age. I got information
on how to unlock my IPhone 6S which was fairly understandable. What I wasn’t
told was that I needed to enter a code to proceed with the process. Yes, the
code was spoken but, even with a headset on, I apparently wasn’t hearing each
number accurately. So, as is so often the case lately, I will wait until Michael
or a totally sighted person can help me with this tas
Putting my frustration aside, there is good news for those of us who may be
hospitalized after July 1st. SB 69, The KS CareGiver’s Act provides that now the
patient may designate any person as his/her caregiver when admitted to a
hospital. Previously, only family members/relatives would be accepted by the
hospital for this role. The designated person’s contact information must be
placed in the patient’s file upon admittance and, most importantly, when the
patient is released, the hospital must provide training in dispensing
medication, and related in-home medical procedures to the caregiver before the
patient goes home. . Such instruction will require the hospital to contact the
patient’s caregiver before the patient’s release, ensuring that plans are made
ahead of time for at-homecare. By providing such instruction, the hospital and
caregiver should reduce the money and time spent on the patient’s re-admission
to the hospital. The KS AARP recommends that care-giver contact information be
placed in one’s wallet, along with other pertinent medical information. This
seems to be very significant legislation, so there is an article later in this
issue offering more detail
But what about KABVI, you may ask. Michael and I are planning to attend the
American Council of the Blind (ACB), convention held in St. Louis, in early
July.
We have continued to get various components of the office organized, including
setting up my new computer (provided by the Dashnaw family) and installing jaws
on it, moving our phone/internet service from AT&T to Cox and getting Michael’s
printer (also a donation from the Dashnaw family) to talk to his computer.
Though absolutely nothing is set in stone yet, we may be going back to our
former convention format of a one and a half day event in Great Bend. Stay tuned
for more information as plans develop.
And, to my mind, the best news of all is that Phyllis Schmidt, the retired
teacher of the visually impaired who has been doing research and consulting out
of the KABVI Office, continues to improve from her past year’s health crises!
Her office is waiting, and we look forward to her presence again. She has
already been able to make a few short appearances at the office as her health
continues to improve.
The Editor Ponders
By Michael Byington
As I write this, the schools I serve as a contracted Certified Orientation and
Mobility (O&M) Specialist have all let the students out for the summer. Today
was my last day working with my wonderful students for a while as I am not
contracted to work over the summer months. I may take on a few adult students as
I have some pending inquiries from some folks about O&M training. I still
consider myself, to be semi-retired, and not truly retired, so I will be
available to help where I can.
Nonetheless, I expect to be spending more time in the KABVI office doing work
for the Organization. There are donated CCTVs to be renovated, always things to
be filed, more newsletters to edit, and there is usually a new person or two who
has contacted us because they have no idea where to get services specially
focused toward blindness or low vision. I want to discuss some of these contacts
in the rest of this column.
At one time, there were over 70 State employees in Kansas who worked
specifically with blind adults. They were based out of a division of services
for the blind and visually impaired which bounced around the organizational
chart of the old Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS)
for many years. Even earlier, this Division included social workers for the
blind who covered all 105 Kansas Counties, and included staff for the Kansas
Talking Books program, which is now ably operated by the Kansas State Library.
With these two units being a part of the Division, I do not know the total
number of employees who served blind adults in the State, but logic would
suggest that the number was well over 100.
The social work programming was largely dissolved in the early 1970s, when every
federally assisted program for the disabled was folded into the SSI/Medicade
program. It was also at about this time that the State Library took over the
talking books staff. The remaining 70 plus employees worked in such capacities
as: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors for the Blind, Rehabilitation Teachers
for the Blind (formerly called “home teachers,” Prevention of blindness
specialists, job placement specialists, etc. The first priority for all of these
people, however, was to be the State’s experts in areas of blindness and visual
impairment.
I am not going to suggest that all of these people were excellent at their jobs.
Some were and some were not. If a Kansan needed to know something about
blindness or low vision, however, they could easily locate someone in the
government listings to help.
Over the years, SRS chipped away at the specialist blind services model. The
concept was that all SRS employees should be cross trained in all of the things
SRS does, so anybody could help almost anybody. The problem with this is that
blindness is a rather low incidence population, and the services and
accommodations that blind and visually impaired citizens need, particularly in
terms of travel, independent living, and assistive technology, are rather
specialized.
The first thing that needs to happen to address the needs is to be honest about
the problem. The fact is that none of the problems discussed here are going to
be corrected very quickly. Our role as members and friends of KABVI must be to
realize that we can not do as much for blind adults as those 70 plus employees
could do. We would be stupid to try. Doing so would burn out the small cadre of
volunteers that we have available, and who are doing as much as they can.
The best we can do is lunge forward, assisting as much as is possible,
advocating as much as is possible, and maybe doing a bit of praying along with
all of that. If we keep as much as we can of categorical services for the blind
available by doing as much as we can as an Organization, logic and analysis of
political history would suggest that eventually, the pendglum will swing back
the other way, and we will get some of the essential services restored.
Report from the Board of Directors
By Nancy Johnson
On April 18 2018 the board of directors of the Kansas Association for the Blind
and Visually Impaired met in the corporate office. Nine directors attended.
The treasurer’s report was discussed. In his report, Bob suggested KABVI look
for ways to cut expenses until fund raising can be improved. KABVI cannot borrow
against the scholarship account. KABVI offers two scholarships a year if there
are applicants.
Michael had researched a change of phone companies at Bob’s suggestion. Michael
shared some information he obtained. He found VoiceOver is least expensive but
has some disadvantages. Cox, if cell, internet, and phone numbers can remain as
they are, is similar to what KABVI now has and will work with Skype, but it
involves locking into a three-year contract. Cox would charge $99 per month plus
15% tax or $113.85 monthly. He, Bob, and Paul were authorized to determine
options for change of phone companies as long as KABVI can keep its current
numbers.
Michael now donates $100 monthly to KABVI for use of an office and KABVI’s phone
and Internet. He offered to pay $200 per month during August through May, when
he will be working for the schools. He plans to work two to three years longer,
at which time that will cease. Michael’s offer was accepted with gratitude.
Michael and Phyllis will work with Logan Business Machines to find a copier with
color, better accessibility, and less expensive if possible.
Michael discussed a book written by a man who became blind because of Lieber’s
Syndrome and then experienced regeneration and regained some vision. The
publisher contacted KABVI offering to send copies of the book. Michael requested
two or three books but was sent 25. Barnes and Noble said KABVI should keep them
without charge because the error was theirs. The books will be offered through
the newsletter. Nancy, Henry, and Bill were provided copies. One will be kept in
KABVI’s library.
Ann reported the last braille newsletter has not yet gone out. Illness of
Michael and herself and the death of Michael Schmidt are contributing factors.
Grant writing projects have not begun for the purpose of obtaining videographers
necessary for the production of oral histories, job performance, and “how to”
videos. Media Wire still has not been contacted.
Because she had some grant writing training while earning her graduate degree,
Nancy offered to assist with the grant writing project. She reminded everyone
that they need to provide their volunteer hours as requested earlier. She is not
receiving reports of volunteer hours from anyone.
Carolyn reported KABVI has only 79 paid members, including life members. The
database, which used to have nearly 600 contacts, now has only 383. Carolyn
suggested membership may be down because fewer people have been contacted.
KABVI’s share to ACB has been paid. Non-members continue to receive the
newsletter, and names are removed when newsletters are returned as
undeliverable. Please be sure KABVI has your current mailing address.
A golf ball frenzy was again discussed as a fund raiser. For this activity, a
donor “buys” a numbered golf ball. At a specific time, the golf balls are
dropped on a specific spot. Prizes are given to specific winners. More detailed
information will be provided if this event is undertaken.
Paul has a new computer with more space for the web site and is using Zoomtext
2018. He has not yet been able to get training to update the web site.
Phyllis received and will review two scholarship applications. It has been some
years since two applications were received.
Ann is reconsidering day trips across the state because of lack of a driver. She
is considering a return to a convention in Great Bend in October. Paul presented
information he gathered. Details will follow as plans are developed.
Ann still planned to work on the children’s library, braille production, and
contacting volunteers from Delta Gamma and other resources.
The next board meeting is scheduled for July 21, 10:30 a.m., at the corporate
office.
New E-mail Addresses for KABVI
By Michael Byington
As was explained in the previous article, KABVI is changing its E-mail contact
information. This will hopefully provide us with better service at a slightly
lower price.
The old e-mail address was KABVI@ATT.net. We used this address for all
electronic correspondence. By the time you are reading this, this address will
no longer work.
Our new provider allows KABVI to have up to ten e-mail addresses at the same
base price. We are not confusing you with that many at this time. We have set up
three, however, for the use of members and the general public.
Our new main e-mail address, for most correspondence you might send to us is
KABVI@cox-internet.com . It will be checked by volunteer staff regularly.
To correspond directly with the KABVI President, use KABVIPresident@cox-internet.com.
This will be checked only by the President, and occasionally, volunteer office
staff will forward thinghs to the President through this address.
To contact your newsletter editor and corresponding secretary directly, use
ByingtonCOMS@cox-internet.com . Michael Byington uses this address for general
contacts concerning his volunteer work with KABVI, and also for the orientation
and mobility services he provides.
The AARP Kansas Care Act:
Recognizes the Critical Role of Family/Informal Caregivers
Submitted by Rev. Paul Whiting
Compiled by American Association of Retired Persons of Kansas Staff (AARP)
Edited from original text by Michael Byington
AARP Kansas worked with the Kansas Legislature to pass The Kansas CARE Act,
which provides better recognition, information and support for Kansas
caregivers. This Legislation was brought to our attention by Rev. Paul Whiting,
who feels that it may have considerable significance to people who avail
themselves of the services of caregivers because of blindness or other minority
status.
Reasons for the need for this legislation are listed by the Kansas AARP as
follows:
1. Kansas Ranks 35th in the Nation for support of unpaid caregivers.
2. Kansas has more than 345,000 caregivers that provide about 3.85 billion in
unpaid care.
3. Caregiver training and engagement is vital to improving care.
4. In 2013, two thirds of all United States hospitals were penalized about 227
million dollars for excessive re-admissions.
5. This legislation has already been adopted in 35 States and Washington, DC.
The Caregiver Act significantly puts the opportunity for family caregiver
involvements into the hands of the patient and gives all family caregivers the
opportunity to receive instruction that will help their loved ones at home
following a hospital discharge.
Some provisions of the caregiver act are as follows:
1. Allows a patient to designate a caregiver, to be recorded in the patient’s
file, when admitted to a hospital.
2. The caregiver is notified if the loved one is to be discharged to another
facility or sent home.
3. The facility provides an explanation and live instruction of medical tasks
that will be performed after discharge or transfer.
Almost half of the 40 million caregivers in America have performed medical or
nursing tasks tasks for loved ones. These include wound care, injections, and
multiple medications, and operating and monitoring specialized medical
equipment. The number of elderly Americans with chronic conditions has grown,
and family caregivers have taken on medical tasks once provided only in
hospitals, nursing homes, or by home care professionals.
A 2016 AARP Kansas Caregivers survey revieled:
1. 97.4% of current caregivers believe it is important to provide care for loved
ones so that they can live at home or independently.
2. 59.3% are responsible for other medical or nursing tasks on a daily basis.
3. 71.4% of caregivers oversee medication management on a daily basis.
4. 65% of caregivers would find helpful assistance with understanding of how to
manage medications.
5. 84.1% of caregivers support recording caregiver information in a loved one’s
medical record upon admission
6. 92.8% support hospitals keeping caregiver information upon pending transfer
and discharge of the patient.
7. 94.6% support requiring hospitals to explain and demonstrate nursing tasks
caregivers will need to perform after the patient returns home.
The CARE Act is a basic first step to engage family caregivers in the hospital
setting so they can safely provide care for their loved ones at home, care that
can prevent costly hospital readmission.
For more information, AARP Kansas may be contacted at (866) 448-3619 toll free.
Ernest Kutzley is their director of advocacy. Andrea Bozarth is their director
of outreach.
Delta and Dogs: A Different Perspective
By Al Vopata
EDITOR’S NOTE: Mr. Vopata taught orientation and Mobility for many years in
Kansas. Although he worked with people of all ages throughout his career, his
last few years of work were largely with school aged children. He is now retired
and lives in California. This article responds to the one by Penny Reeder in the
last issue of this publication. “The KABVI News” does not take any official
position on issues where Ms. Reeder and Mr. Vopata may disagree. Our membership
has not given the Organization direct guidance on these issues. It is thus our
duty to present varying views. Also, this issue is moving quickly. Given the
limitations in turn-around time on print and Braille publications, we can not
insure that either Ms. Reeder or Mr. Vopata have presented the most up-to-date
status on the issues covered here.
In recent years, major airlines have become increasingly frustrated by flyers
who have attempted to bring comfort pigs, peacocks, and possums, among other
wild or barnyard animals, onto their flights. More legitimate service animals,
at times with questionable justification, came aboard. That has prompted the
issue of whether it is fair and legal to make it more for visually impaired
persons to bring their guide dogs on flights.
Penny Reeder, in “Delta Airlines New Policies Trouble Guide Dog Users,” printed
in the spring issue of “The KABVI News,” presents a strong case in favor of
people who need to have their guide dogs with them when they fly. She also helps
us see the issues from the airlines’ perspectives.
I personally applaud her efforts, and I encourage readers to follow through with
the actions she is proposing. At times, when a complex set of issues are
involved, decision-makers appreciate it when well informed providing input show
that they have a balanced understanding needs for amelioration.
With that in mind, let us take a closer look at the Delta Airlines position. In
the September 22, 2017 issue of “The New York Times,” an article by Tiffany Hsu,
entitled, “Delta Airlines Tightens Rules for Service and Support Animals,” she
explains that service dogs are specifically trained to help people with
impairments, while support animals give comfort and companionship to their
owners.
By that definition, a guide dog is definitely a service dog with the legal right
to be with its owner/handler on a flight. Even so, airlines have to cope with
the effects of passingers who have allergies, with those who are disturbed by
dogs, and with people who abuse the system.
Starting March 1, 2018, Delta is requiring proof of health or vaccinations
through its website at least 48 hours before a flight. That appears
inconvenient, but reasonable, as its new requirement as is its new policy that
persons traveling with an emotional support must sign a document saying that the
animal will behave on the flight.
All airlines are having increasing problems with animals on board. Delta is
leading the other airlines toward being fair, yet firm, in providing safe and
comfortable flights for their passengers, including blind persons and their
guide dogs.
U.S. Department of Transportation Seeks Comment on Amending Regulations
Concerning Service Animals on Flights
By Livaughn Chapman, Jr.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportatio (Department) today announced
that it is seeking public comment on amending its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
regulation on transportation of service animals. The Advance Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (ANPRM) on Traveling By Air with Service Animals provides the public
with 45 days during which to offer comments.
This ANPRM is intended to address the significant concerns raised by individuals
with disabilities, other members of the public, airlines, flight attendants,
airports and other stakeholders regarding service animals on aircraft. The
Department recognizes the integral role that service animals play in the lives
of many individuals with disabilities and wants to ensure seamless access to air
transportation for individuals with disabilities while also helping to deter the
fraudulent use of animals not qualified as service animals.
In this ANPRM, the Department solicits comment on:
• (1) treating psychiatric service animals similar to other service animals;
• (2) distinguishing between emotional support animals and other service
animals;
• (3) requiring emotional support animals to travel in pet carriers for the
duration of the flight;
• (4) limiting the species of service animals and emotional support animals that
airlines are required to transport;
• (5) limiting the number of service animals/emotional support animals required
to be transported per passenger;
• (6) requiring service animal and emotional support animal users confirm that
their animal has been trained to behave in a public setting;
• (7) requiring service animals and emotional support animals have a harness,
leash, or other tether with narrow exceptions;
• (8) limiting the size of emotional support animals or other service animals
that travel in the cabin and the potential impact of such a limitation;
• (9) prohibiting airlines from requiring a veterinary health form or
immunization record from service animal users without an individualized
assessment that the animal would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of
others or would cause a significant disruption in the aircraft cabin; and
• (10) no longer holding U.S. airlines responsible if a passenger traveling
under the U.S. carrier’s code is only allowed to travel with a service dog on a
flight operated by its foreign code share partner.
Comments on the ANPRM must be received within 45 days of the date the notice is
published. The ANPRM can be found at regulations.gov, docket number
DOT-OST-2018-0068.
Today, the Department also issued an Interim Statement of Enforcement Priorities
Regarding Service Animals to inform the public of its intended enforcement focus
with respect to transportation of service animals in the cabin. Given that the
service animal issue is currently the subject of an open rulemaking, DOT’s
Enforcement Office will focus its enforcement on clear violations of the current
rule that have the potential to adversely impact the largest number of persons.
The Department seeks comment on this interim statement, and intends to issue a
final statement after the close of the comment period. Comments on this interim
statement must be received within 15 days of the date the statement is
published. The statement can be found at regulations.gov, docket number
DOT-OST-2018-0067.
“UNBLINDED,” FREE BOOK AVAILABLE
By Michelle Ferrell and Michael Byington
In early April we received the following e-mail at the KABVI office, addressed
to KABVI President, Ann Byington, and to the membership in general. It was from
Michelle Ferrell.
Dear Ann and the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, I have
a miraculous story to share with you, one that is full of euphoria and agonizing
setbacks. Here is a sneak peek:
Kevin Coughlin wakes up one morning in 1997 and cannot read the newspaper. Even
the bold headlines are fuzzy. Kevin has no idea that he is carrying a rare
genetic disorder: Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Within five days he is
blind.
Fifteen years later, Kevin catches what seems to be a glimpse of light in his
bathroom mirror. Kevin’s is the only documented case in the world of a
non-medically assisted regeneration of the optic nerve
The reason I am writing you today is we have synthesized Kevin’s dynamic journey
into an impactful book that publishes in two weeks! We are thrilled to share
this story with the world.
We have the unique ability to provide promotional publisher copies of this book
to you/your organization for free (limited amount of time.)
“Unblinded” is a story of miracles within miracles that will leave the reader
wondering what lies behind the reality we think we see.
If you would like us to send you promotional publisher copies of the book for
your organization please reply with your address and the amount of books you can
use. . . All we ask is that you make the books available in your office, school
or university. No strings attached!
Michael Byington responded that we are a small, all volunteer Organization, and
that we would accept three to five copies of the book. It was Michael’s thinking
that a few of our members and friends might find the adjustment to blindness
sections interesting. He did not ask for a lot of copies because miracle cures
are not a hallmark of what we do.
The publisher has sent us 25 copies of the book. Michael checked with Amazon,
which is the distributer, and explained the error, and explained that, as he had
not requested the additional books, he did not want to take the time and
possible expense of sending them back to Amazon. He was told that KABVI could
accordingly keep the 25 copies.
Michael has not read this entire book at this writing, but he has read some
significant excerpts thereof. The book is very well written, and it does provide
some useful information about the adjustment to becoming blind that this
gentleman went through. The emotional trauma and uncertainty of getting sight
back is also covered fairly well. Overall, his impression is that the book is
perhaps more helpful and relevant to our Organization than he had anticipated.
The book is not available in alternate formats yet, although given its subject
matter and the national reviews it has received, it probably will be available
through National Library Services for the Blind soon. The print is very clear,
and might be around 14 point, which would allow the book to be sent free matter
for the Blind.
Anyone wishing to receive a copy of this book free of charge should send an
e-mail to KABVI@cox-internet.com, or call Michael at his cell phone number of
785-221-7111. He will send a free copy to you.
This book seems to be an appropriate gift for sighted friend or relative who may
want additional information concerning adjustment to blindness.
MUSICAL WEBSITES
By Kathy Dawson
I have found a new website. I enjoy it a lot. It is called fun45s. It plays
music from the 50s 60s and 70s. There are very few commercials. I listen a lot
at night. I also would like to put a plug in for Tune in Radio. They have every
topic you would want and many more. Happy listening.
Shirt Slogan Appropriate for Blind and Low Vision Folks
Submitted by Michael Byington per Nancy Johnson’s front
Nancy Johnson wore a T-shirt to a TABVI meeting a few months ago that had a
slogan on it that seems particularly profound for some of us low vision or blind
folks. The shirt said, “I took the road less traveled. Now I’m lost.”
Chapter Chatter
Compiled by Michael Byington
The Southwest Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired (SKAVI) had to cancel
their April meeting because of bad weather. In May, they had a pizza and bingo
party. At their September meeting, Dorlene Steele will do a demonstration and
lead exercises that they do at the residence where she lives. These are low
impact exercises that can be done while seated. The September meeting of SKAVI
is scheduled for September 8, 2018, 1:00 pm, at the Park Plaza Apartments, 1914
Central, Dodge City. For more information about SKAVI, contact 620-227-2594.
The speaker at the May meeting of the Topeka Association of the Blind and
Visually Impaired (TABVI) was Linda Oaks, Director, Shawnee County Health
Department. She talked about the programs the Health Department offers, and
recent changes in both services, and locations. By the time you read this, the
June meeting will have taken place. In June, TABVI is being visited by THE NEW
BEGINNINGS, a singing group made up of local senior citizens. TABVI takes July
and August off, but program staff is working on getting someone from the
Commissioner of Elections office to come and talk about accessible voting and
the upcoming election in September. TABVI normally meets at the Wheatland
Building on the campus of Kansas Neurological Institute (KNI) at 21st and
Randolph in Topeka. For more information, contact President Kathy Dawson,
785-408-8204.
Holly Dickman, Hays Water Con-servation Specialist, was guest speaker at the May
meeting of the Northwest Kansas Association of the Visually impaired (NKAVI).
She was the former KSU Horticulture Extension Agent for Ellis County. Holly is
responsible for education and outreach concerning water conservation in the city
of Hays. By the time you read this, Jeannie Sharp with Assistive Technology will
have presented the program at the June 9 meeting of NKAVI. She will have
discussed a new program, IKAN Connect. The program evaluates your needs and
makes funds available for low vision equipment. There are some qualifications
that have to be met to obtain the funds. NKAVI meets at Thirsty’s Restaurant
starting at 11:30 on the second Saturday of the month. Lunch orders are taken at
that time with the program following the meal. For more information about NKAVI,
call President Pat Hall at 785-628-6055. NKAVI takes the summer off after its
June meeding and will meet again in September.
Special Chapter Chatter Feature: CKAVI NEWS
By Trella Bercheidt
EDITOR’S NOTE: When I was putting the Chapter Chatter column together, I
realized that I had misplaced my last CKAVI newsletter. I thus wrote to Paul and
Trella Bercheidt in Great Bend and asked them to send me another copy, or if
that was not convenient, to send all of the relevant news about CKAVI that the
rest of our readership might want to know. Trella sent such a newsy and complete
article, I decided to run it as a separate piece.
In the last few months, CKAVI has welcomed new members who have expanded our
knowledge of current assistive technology. Two of our members have learned how
user- friendly MAC computers are for the visually impaired.
We have had an increase in membership and attendance at our monthly meetings at
the Senior Center.
We will have a CKAVI booth at the annual Juneteenth Celebration in downtown
Kilby Square on June 30th.
CKAVI is in the process of helping a member receive a grant for home safety
improvements.
When the Low Vision Department of the Great Bend Library decided to discontinue
their inventory of low vision aids, they contacted CKAVI to see what products
might interest us. We picked up items that we thought would be useful for low
vision and blind individuals in our area.
We have had numerous conversations with Tammy Fuhr of Prairie Independent Living
in Hutchinson. Tammy has been extremely helpful to our members as well as to
individuals who have contacted us for assistance with magnifiers, assistive
technology and training on smart phones.
Seems like we finally got the ball rolling, hopefully, it will continue.
IN MEMORIAM
Compiled by Michael Byington
One thing that I feel badly about as I compile this section of the newsletter is
that I do not always hear about the deaths of our members and friends as quickly
as I need to to get the information into the next issue. I must thus list some
people in this issue that died as long as seven months ago. I feel it is better
to list them late than not at all. In the instance one of the folks listed
below, I must admit that I had the information in my computer when I was
compiling the last newsletter, and it simply got put in the wrong file in the
computer to get published. I promise to try and do better, but I do not promise
perfection. I keep looking for that perfection thing, but somehow it seems to
keep eluding me.
REBA HUBBARD, 88, died December 30, 2017. Ms. Hubbard was the Talking Books
librarian for Kansas for a number of years in the 1970s and 1980s.
KRYSTAL LITTLEFIELD SULLIVANT, 37, Topeka, passed away November 8, 2017. Many
members of KABVI did not have an opportunity to know Krystal; she became
severely visually impaired a few months prior to her death. She worked with
KABVI volunteers to find resources, and to learn orientation and mobility
skills. Unfortunately, she lost her battle with cancer.
MICHAEL SCHMIDT, 60, Topeka, passed away March 12, 2018. Michael was the
brother-in-law of longtime KABVI volunteer, and teacher of the Visually
Impaired, Phyllis Schmidt. Michael was a sighted member of KABVI and often hired
out his driving services to help with convention and meeting transportation as
well as doing other types of driving for KABVI members and friends. He was also
an artist, and contributed several pieces to assist KABVI in fundraising and in
decorating its offices. He was a member of First Lutheran Church of Topeka.
LOREN SCHMITT, 73, who taught Braille at the Kansas Rehabilitation Center for
the Blind And Visually Impaired through 2010, died of a heart attack at his home
in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Loren was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of the
Latter Day Saints and was a life member of KABVI. He also worked with the
National Federation of the Blind. He tried to support both Organizations. Loren
enjoyed tai Kwando, and also had a tai Kwando demonstration group at the
Rehabilitation Center. His funeral was April 27, 2018.
Membership and KABVI NEWS Renewal
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Please send this completed form with your check to:
Robert Chaffin, Treasurer,
1105 Centennial Blvd.
Hays, KS 67601