Kentucky Cardinal Summer 2006

A publication of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

Cathy Jackson, President
210 Cambridge Drive
Louisville, Kentucky 40214
Phone: 502-366-2317

Edited by Denise Franklin, 3639 Hurstbourne Ridge Boulevard,
Louisville, Kentucky 40299
Phone: 502-499-0759

E-mail: {kyfranks@yahoo.com}

Editorial staff: Lora Felty, E-mail: lorafelty@alltel.net
Jayne Seif, E-mail: jaynep20@insightbb.com

We invite and encourage your participation in this newsletter. Articles may be edited for length, and the editors reserve the right to judge suitability for this publication. Material may be submitted to any of the editors.

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

By Cathy Jackson, President, National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

National Federation of the Blind Of Kentucky
2006 State Convention

It's time. September is upon us and that means we need to begin making plans for our National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky state convention. This year's convention will be held in Lexington, Kentucky at the Springs Inn, 2020 Harrodsburg Rd., Lexington, KY 40503, the weekend of September 8, 9 & 10. Pamela Glisson, President of the Lexington chapter and her crew are making plans to host the event as we speak.

Room rates are lower than they have been in quite some time--$60.00 per night plus 13% taxes. There are efficiency rooms with kitchenettes available on a first-come-first-served basis. Reservations should be made directly through the hotel at 859-277-5751 or toll-free at 1800-354-9503. Make your reservations promptly; our block of rooms will be released after August 18TH, which means if the hotel is at capacity you will not be staying in the convention hotel.

Pre-registration seems to be working very well. It provides us with a more precise count of who will actually be attending the convention as well as allowing us to zero in on a head count for the banquet. Registration is $5 per person. This fee is used to offset convention expenses and it makes you eligible for door prizes. The cost of a banquet ticket will be $20. Checks should be made payable to the NFB of Kentucky and sent to our treasurer, Dennis Franklin at 3639 Hurstbourne Ridge Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40299. Checks and pre-registration forms should be in Dennis's hands no later than Friday, September 1st. Those who choose not to register in advance will pay the price. Your registration will be $10 and your banquet ticket $30. A table will be set up at the hotel where individuals can pick up badges and banquet tickets and to give late-comers the chance to register.

Melanie Peskoe has graciously agreed to deal with matters of organizing childcare. Sitters will be available during the general sessions on Saturday, the open board meeting and the banquet. Although sitters will be on duty during lunch for those parents planning to attend the open board meeting, parents should be prepared to make arrangements to provide lunch for their child or children. Also parents are responsible for their tikes after the session adjourns Saturday afternoon until time for the banquet. Again, parents should make sure that the children have been fed dinner before dropping them off at the sitters. I encourage parents to complete the information regarding childcare on the registration form so that Melanie will know how many youngsters to prepare for. The cost for childcare will be $25 for the first child and $20 for each additional child. For example, the total expense for a family with three children is $65. This price is all inclusive.

At the 2005 convention we held an open board meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky. We received favorable comments so we will try it again this year. This will be a luncheon meeting and will take place at noon on Saturday, September 9. The cost for the meal is $13. Procrastinators will be charged $18.

As is customary, our divisions will be holding meetings during the convention. The Student Division will kick things off on Friday evening, September 8 at 5:30 PM. For further information on this division contact Melanie Peskoe, President, at mpeskoe@insightbb.com or phone her at 502-380-3700. Charles Allen, President of our Merchants' Division is planning a breakfast meeting on Saturday, September 9. Charley's e-mail is clbtallen@aol.com or phone 502-875-1413. Maria Jones, President of the Parents of Blind Children Division and her sidekick Jayne Seif are working hard to build this division. They are making plans to gather at a breakfast meeting on Saturday, September 9 at 7:30. Call Maria at (502) 493-8797 or Jayne at 502-214-3288. Cindy Sheets, President of the Computer Users Division will call the meeting to order on Sunday Morning, September 10 at 8:00 AM. Cindy can be reached at slerythema@insightbb.com, or by phone at 812-945-1231. Lora Felty is President of the National Association to Promote the Use of Braille in Kentucky. She will chair the NAPUB meeting Sunday morning, beginning at 9:30. Lora's e-mail is lorafelty@alltel.net and her telephone number is 606-324-3394.

The gavel will fall calling the 59th annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky to order at 9:00 AM on Saturday morning, September 9. You will want to be present to hear Cathy Jackson's presidential report a year-in review. This year's convention is going to focus on the future of our blind children. We are in the process of contacting speakers who can talk to us about what is in store for our youth and the importance of a well balanced educational experience.

The afternoon session will begin with a national report to be given by our national representative, Jesse Hartle. You will hear firsthand just how much the NFB is doing. You may even get a bit overwhelmed, but I can assure you that you will be impressed and proud of this organization's accomplishments. From here we will move to the business of the organization. Pamela Glisson, our legislative chairwoman, will give us a report. She is also chair of the resolutions committee. Resolutions that have been submitted will be introduced to the members. If you have an issue to resolve please contact Pamela at Pamela.glisson@insightbb.com or by phone at 859-335-9282. Next we will conduct the business meeting and election of officers.

Kenny Jones will chair the awards committee. We enjoy presenting awards to outstanding members and supporters of the NFB of Kentucky. There are four awards which can be given. The Harold Reagan award is bestowed on a blind person in the organization who has given willingly of his or her time and talent and has shown outstanding leadership. The Susan B. Rarick Award can be given to either a blind or sighted person who continues to support the efforts of the Federation by being a proactive force in our movement. The Tim Cranmer Award can again be given to either a blind or sighted individual who over the years has shown true spirit and an unwavering dedication to the work and philosophy of the Federation. The Robert Whitehead Award is presented to the NFBK chapter or division that has shown growth, not only in membership, but in the projects and activities planned both in the organization and throughout our communities that help further our cause.

All work and no play makes a Federationist a dull person. Our Lexington chapter is in charge of planning our Friday evening social which will begin around 9:00 PM. I am quite sure we will enjoy ourselves no matter what is in store. A cash bar will be provided.

Don't forget we are selling Reverse Raffle tickets. One ticket costs $10. This year we have added a second prize. First prize is $500 and second place gets $250. We will also draw for $25 prizes along the way just to keep everyone on their toes. A reverse raffle works like this. Instead of the first name drawn being the grand prize winner, it is the last name drawn and the second-to-last name drawn who are the winners. We will begin drawing entries during the Friday night social and continue throughout the convention concluding at the banquet. You need not be present to win any of these prizes.

Everyone is encouraged to help collect door prizes. Most anything is acceptable-just make sure the items are new. We need prizes for men and women. Cash is probably the most popular of all door prizes.

Our annual banquet will commence with a social hour beginning at 6:00 PM. The banquet meal will be served beginning at 7:00 PM. This is a time to rejoice. It allows us the chance to come together as a Federation family to reflect on our accomplishments and to share our good fortunes. It is during the banquet that we will hear our national representative, Jesse Hartle, give the keynote address. Our Betty J. Niceley and Emerson Foulke Scholarships will be presented to two outstanding students. There will probably be others recognized for their contributions to the affiliate as well. I want to encourage each and every one of you to start making plans to be in attendance at the 2006 convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky.

HAVE YOU HEARD?

By Lora Felty

Wedding bells have been ringing in Louisville this summer. Tonia Boyd and Greg Gatton were married on May 27, 2006 at Jefferson town Christian Church. They honeymooned on an eight-night cruise to the eastern Caribbean and then spent four days in New York City. They say they had a fabulous time and are both loving married life. They plan to buy a house in east Louisville sometime within the next year. Until the end of August, you can check out their wedding pictures on the web at www.allenjones.com. Tonia and Greg hope to have their wedding album with them at State Convention. Congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy life together!

More wedding bells? Guests at a cookout on June 17 were treated to an unexpected honor as they witnessed the "surprise" wedding of Kevin Pearl and Nickie Priddy. They put down their burgers and the splashing from the swimming pool ceased as the couple exchanged vows. It may seem a little offbeat to those who were not present, but it couldn't have been more perfect... a wedding that guests won't soon forget. Congratulations and best wishes to Kevin and Nickie!

At the National Convention in Dallas, Mary Harrod of Louisville was awarded a $3000 NFB scholarship. Mary is currently in graduate school at the University of Louisville pursuing a degree in psychology. Shortly after returning from Dallas, Mary and husband D.J. learned that they will become parents sometime in March. Big "changes" seem to be in store for the Harrod household. We are all celebrating with you.

For Stephanie Brown of Louisville, life is just one big whirlwind. She recently purchased her first house--a condominium, which she says needs a good coat of paint. After she gets settled her plans include some decorating and entertaining. On the heels of this big event, Stephanie will be taking on her first fulltime teaching position at Minors Lane Elementary School in Louisville where she will be instructing second- and third-graders. Keep up the good work, Steph.

Kenny and Maria Jones are busy settling into their new residence. Meeting new neighbors and working to make the new house feel like home are exciting activities. We wish the Joneses many years of happiness in their new surroundings.

Members of the NFB of Lexington are keeping themselves very busy these days staying involved in organizations aimed at making life a little better for individuals with disabilities. Both Shannon Caldwell and Michael Freholm were appointed to the Charles W. McDowell Rehabilitation Center Advisory Board. Also, John W. Glisson was re-elected as president of the Blinded Veterans Association of Lexington, the Lexington Chapter of the Kentuckiana Regional Group of the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), Inc. Congratulations to Michael Freholm who is now working as a switchboard operator at the VA Medical center in Lexington. Best of luck with your new job!

Our sympathy goes out to Paula and Shannon Caldwell on the passing of Paula's mother, Judith Hester. She was laid to rest July 8, 2006. We know this is a difficult time for you, Paula. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

After months of letter-writing and telephone calls, we are excited to report that President Bush signed our Braille Coin Bill on July 27, 2006. In 2009, a commemorative silver dollar celebrating the 200th birthday of Louis Braille will be issued. Proceeds from the sale of these coins will go to promote Braille literacy.

KENTUCKY ROUNDUP

By Jayne Seif

We thought it appropriate to begin this issue's roundup of information about friends and Chapters, new and old, with a look at the Chapter who will soon be host to this year's Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky.

The National Federation of the Blind of Lexington chapter is excited to be hosting the 59th annual state convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky. The convention will be September 8-10, 2006 at the Springs Inn on Harrodsburg Road in Lexington. We will have "knock your socks off" entertainment provided by Unfinished Business--the local country rock-a-billy band and periodic appearances with soft rock by our own chapter vice-president, along with other Lexington-style surprises. You may have the highest bid that will capture for you the opportunity to share luncheon with one of Lexington's finest during the NFBK open Board meeting! You will also have the privilege to join in extending our own Federation style "Thank You" to our United States Military Veterans who have ultimately paid the price for us to celebrate our accomplishments in this manner and this opportunity to express our freedom! The Lexington Hospitality Suite will fill every craving if you can find the time to visit, and we will even re-live the U. of L. vs U.K. up and coming football rivalry! You don't want to miss a moment of the convention.

As Springtime gives new inspiration to life, the season has also given new life to NFB of Lexington in 2006. New members, new officers, new community projects and fundraisers are strengthening and building the chapter to more effectively serve and impact our community and state. The results of the Spring showers, sunshine and personalities flourishing with radiant blooms will be evident with the operation of the state convention.

Ernie and Vivian Soliday have joined our chapter in Lexington and have brought vibrant personalities and dedicated work ethics to our group. Of course, they've also brought a wonderful little person--Allyson White--who has joined with the Freholm's little Wesley to provide lots of joy and hope for the future. Let us not forget the grandchildren of the leadership who continually become a greater workable and loveable component of the chapter's well oiled machine. Ruth Kennedy, a career artist who just recently began to experience visual loss, has joined the Lexington Chapter and pitched in with fervor in all the summer activities. Ruth's presence paints a beautiful picture of every gathering! Our chapter's executive leadership team has found itself with brilliant new sprouts as well, which is a direct result of the NFBK Leadership Seminar held in late winter ‘06.

  • NFB of Lexington officers are as follows:
  • Pamela Roark-Glisson, President;
  • Harley Cannon, Vice-president and Chaplain;
  • Paula Caldwell, Secretary;
  • Ernie Soliday, Treasurer;
  • Shannon Caldwell, Legislative Liaison Officer;
  • Keisha Browning, Communications Officer; and
  • Michael Freholm, Chairman of the Education Advocacy & Recruitment (EAR) Committee.

The March 2006 meeting not only produced new leaders with new aspirations, but also initiated new plans for fundraising and new community and statewide projects. The location of this particular meeting was the Eagle Creek Branch of the Fayette County Public Library, at which time a copy of "Walking Alone, Marching Together" by Dr. Floyd Mattson was donated to the library along with a variety of Kernel Books. The chapter interpreted this activity as being worthy of sharing with the Commonwealth and, simply did so. With 105 personal county public library visits, every main branch county library in Kentucky now proudly displays the history of our nation's blindness movement. Librarians across the state also now have well over a thousand Kernel Books to share with their patrons, along with applications and information about KY NFB-NEWSLINE®. NFB of Lexington and NFB of Ashland also have plans to host a library event in Ashland.

Yes, NFB of Lexington is on the move! We initiated our first annual Walk-a-Thon in June 2006, whereby twenty-five chapter members, family members and friends wore our Walk-a-Thon T-shirts designed by the EAR Committee especially for the event and marched over three miles through the downtown area of Lexington, displaying all of our sponsors on the t-shirts. White Canes and service animals were everywhere! The Walk-a-Thon concluded in a city park for a picnic.

We thank Shannon and Paula Caldwell for obtaining the lovely Country Moments basket. The basket has been donated to NFB of Lexington by Country Lane Essence located just outside of Corbin, Kentucky. The basket contains a hundred dollars worth of home-made southeastern Kentucky delights--jams, jellies, candles, potpourri, lotions and oils. Nowhere else in the world will you discover more elegant fragrances and delicious treats! Be ready to purchase your winning ticket! The basket will be given away at a drawing held during the banquet on Saturday evening. One does not have to be present to win.

Mr. Warren McClendon, although stepping down from serving as the Vice-president of the chapter, continues to make NFB specific appearances within the University of Kentucky Department of Special Education where he shares the NFB philosophy, mobility techniques, the importance of Braille, and a variety of materials depicting the services and support that NFB provides. Warren is also beginning to branch out to surrounding colleges and universities to make his presentation. These presentations often reach the Appalachian Region through classroom video distance learning technology. The Chapter has also had its presence at the Kentucky Education and Rehabilitation Association (KERA) annual conference held in Lexington this year and participated in the Youth Transition Fair held in Georgetown. NFB of Lexington has just recently partnered with Independence Place, Inc. at a booth established in downtown Lexington at the widely notorized Farmers Market Information Fair. Naturally, the NFB of Lexington Chapter infiltrated the 2006 Annual ADA Rally in the Capitol Rotunda on July 26 with our membership presence and philosophy. Scott Spaulding was present to do what he does, which resulted in the I-pod cast of the event. Thank you, NFBK Computer User Division, for out-sourcing Scott that day!

Thanks to the NFBK Financial assistance program, our NFB National Convention in Dallas this year had two first-time national convention attendees from the Lexington Chapter, Ruth Kennedy and Becky Joyner. Along with Pam and John Glisson and Michael Freholm, the five NFB of Lexington members returned to the local chapter with inspiration and aspiration bubbling over to share with the local membership. With the support and fellowship of all Federation brothers and sisters in the state and nation, NFB of Lexington is "Changing What It Means to be Blind" in Central and Eastern Kentucky!

As the B-52 Bomber flew in over the 1st Annual Welcome Home Veterans celebration at Battlefield Park in Richmond, Kentucky, August 3-6, 2006 as an introduction to Governor Ernie Fletcher at the podium, NFB of Lexington was there with White Canes proudly extended and waving in the air to place the Federation's own brand of freedom and independence on the event! As the Governor began his address to the audience, the white canes again waved ecstatically, and as the Governor peered out over the crowd, he must have thought, "Those NFB guys are everywhere!" NFB of Lexington partnered with the Blinded Veterans Association to have NFB materials available at the booth sandwiched between the Marines and the Navy. And those guys think they are tough . . . President Roark-Glisson also plans to join the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), Inc. in Buffalo, New York in August as they convene for their 61st National BVA Convention. Ms. Glisson had the privilege last year in Miami to join with Mr. James Gashel to give these guys their first look at the NFB Kurzweil Reader. NFB truly is everywhere and leading the way for the blind of our nation.

On August 25, 2006, NFB of Lexington will be recognized as the Community Organization of the Night at Applebee's Park during the Lexington Legends baseball game. President Roark-Glisson will have the microphone on Home Plate to briefly describe the organization's mission and services and have the privilege to toss out the first pitch of the game. A blind person standing on the mound, winding up and throwing in the first pitch . . . I suspect the entire team may wear the catcher's gear for that one! The chapter will also have a table set up in the thru-way with NFB literature and chapter members to greet the approximated three to five thousand spectators. In addition, President Roark-Glisson will join the sports commentator for a live radio interview during the fourth inning. If you don't already know, the Lexington Legends is the farm club for the Houston Astros Major League baseball team.

So, with all of this fire raging from among the ranks of NFB of Lexington, you are in for an absolute blast at the State Convention in September! To further fan the flames, President Roark-Glisson and her husband have just been invited to attend Dr. Maurer's National Leadership Training scheduled for August 30-September 3, 2006. This chapter's leader will return to Lexington just in time to finalize the State Convention details and host the convention to be remembered! When the chapter recovers, we will hit the ground running with a passion to supercede this year's display of excellence.

As a result of having the NFB of Lexington telephone in place, the chapter has been invited to participate in a fundraiser with Applebee's Restaurant. Applebee's Restaurant has committed to providing the Chef and Dining Room for NFB of Lexington to host a scrumptious Pancake Breakfast on October 7, 2006. What a wonderful way to "Meet the Blind," hosting and serving the community its breakfast! For the "Meet the Blind" month project in October, NFB of Lexington plans to visit elementary classrooms and teach the children Braille, mobility techniques for safety, and other independent living skills used by the blind. The chapter also plans to gain the entire community's attention while partnering with other blindness related community organizations to fill the city streets surrounding the main branch of the library in celebration of the October 15 White Cane Safety Day with highlighted media presence.

NFB of Lexington is prepared to serve you during this 59th celebration of our rightful place in society. The Parents of Blind Children Division can call on Michael Freholm, your local contact, at (859) 608-2470 for convention needs. The Merchants Division is free to call upon John Glisson, your local contact, at (859) 351-7290. Vivian Soliday is making herself available to the Students Division at (859) 421-6047, and Ernie Soliday is available to the Computer User Division at (859) 421-6046. Shannon Caldwell is available to the National Association to Promote the Use of Braille at (606) 864-7049. And of course, you may ultimately contact me, Pamela Roark-Glisson, toll-free at (877) 266-2807, (859) 825-8646 or by e-mail at pam.glisson@insightbb.com for convention needs in reference to any segment of the convention.

Thank goodness, holiday plans are not yet in the making. I am certain, however, that the current membership of Lexington will grow and continue activities in the true Federation Spirit as has been demonstrated this year. I'm looking forward to greeting you all at the 59th Annual National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky State Convention! If you are not inspired and challenged when you enter, you certainly will be before you depart! Make plans now to attend!

There is lots of exciting growth going on in the Frankfort Chapter these days. As Jerry Young, Frankfort's Chapter President tells us, their membership has more than doubled in recent months. Members from the Chapter have reached out to old members and gathered some new ones. They are now meeting every other month and have high hope for further community outreach in the future. According to Chapter President Young, what is important is to recognize and begin to utilize each individual member's talents to help make the group stronger. Right now they are working on a Chili Supper, likely to be held at Holly Hill Church of Christ. Jerry says details should be out soon.

Nickie Pearl, NFBGL's newly elected president had the following news. In April we held our annual spring luncheon. We had some wonderful speakers from the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) and MV Transportation, the Paratransit contractor in Louisville. We held our elections that day as well and the results are as follows:
Nickie Pearl, President;
Tonia Gatton, Vice-president;
Stephanie Brown, Secretary;
Maria Jones, Treasurer;
Kevin Pearl and Mary Harrod, Directors.

We've had good turnouts at our monthly meetings this summer with some new faces here and there. We've had speakers on the topics of employment and Social Security issues. In August we had our annual cookout at the McDowell Center. This gives consumers of the center a chance to meet the NFB and see what we have to offer. To strengthen these efforts Louisville has recently formed a membership committee. The mission of this committee is to seek out newly blinded individuals and pass along our NFB literature and resource guides to help ease the difficult times they may face. We also plan to reach out to our existing members who we may not see often and let them know what NFB meetings and events are coming up. I'm very excited about the months ahead. Building membership and strengthening our chapter are my focus. Please join us if you can. NFBGL continues to meet every third Friday of the month at the Kentucky School for the Blind from 7 to 9 PM. If you have questions feel free to contact me at njp@insightbb.com or call our talking bulletin board at (502) 495-7130.

Melanie Peskoe, President of the Kentucky Association of Blind students, (KABS), is both impressed with and excited for a group of students who are getting it done. Here is what she had to say. After a very busy and successful college semester, the Kentucky Association of Blind Students has enjoyed a relaxing summer. The summer fun was heightened for the KABS Vice-president, Mary Harrod, who was awarded a $3000 NFB Scholarship and a brand new Kurzweil National Federation of the Blind Reader. Also representing KABS at the 2006 National Convention in Dallas were two other students, Bo Mullins and Scott Spaulding. Now that the summer is coming to an end, KABS members are gearing up for a new semester and our annual student seminar and business meeting. The student seminar will be held on September 8 from 5:30-8:00 PM. Registration is $2 and RSVP can be sent to Jayne Seif, Secretary at jaynep20@insightbb.com. On a final note, KABS will have a fundraiser dice game called "Roll to Win" all weekend long at the NFBK state convention. Rolls are $1 each or 6 for $5 and prizes will include free rolls, DVD movies and a grand prize of $100 for the lucky person who rolls a total score of 6 or 36. See a KABS member to play and help KABS raise much needed funds to continue our worthwhile projects. Please check us out on the web at www.nfbkabs.org.

Lora Felty, President of Kentucky's Chapter of the National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB) brings us the following report involving a group of even younger students. The Kentucky chapter of the National Association to Promote the Use of Braille is planning its third annual kick-off party for the 2007 Braille Readers Are Leaders contest. This will be held in October at the Kentucky School for the Blind. We are proud to have two winners from Kentucky in the 2006 contest. Danielle Burton read 4,054 pages and Jennifer Hyams read 6,301 pages. David Carnes and Aaron Reed were recognized in the most improved category. NAPUB members are selling raffle tickets on a "Movie Mania" basket. It will include DVD movies, popcorn, candy, and lots of other goodies for a fun-filled movie night at home. Please see a NAPUB member and support our fund-raiser. Proceeds are used for the pizza party in October, and for Braille book prizes for those who win on the national level.

Lora, who is also President of the Ashland Chapter, caught us up on all the news there. The newly formed Ashland Chapter of the NFB of Kentucky is excited and enthusiastic. In April the group organized a bake sale at a local grocery store. They made nearly $200 on the goodies they sold. Not too bad for a first fundraiser. In June there was a family potluck picnic at Flatwoods Community Park. The weather cooperated giving us a pleasant evening outside. Everyone who attended had a nice time. Several members of the chapter are planning to attend the state convention in Lexington. The group is also making plans for "Meet the Blind Month." On October 7, they will have a booth at the local Wal-Mart store where they will once again sell baked goods and pass out NFB literature.

Community outreach is also been happening in the Murray Chapter. In catching up with Danny Perry, Murray's Chapter President, we learned that on April 15, 2006, the Chapter was a sponsor for a charity event in their community, a Briggs and Stratton Relay for Life Dice Run, with approximately 75 motorcycles and 200 participants. Not only did they get the NFB out there on the event's T-shirts, but they were also on hand the day of the race to work concessions, hand out gifts, and give help wherever needed. May brought their annual cookout, and in July, the group sent a delegation to the ADA Rally held in Frankfort. Soon more than ten members from the Murray chapter will make their way to the next National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky Convention. This will be the fifteenth year the Murray group will have a yearly gathering, the last ten of which have been as a Chapter of NFBK. Incidentally, this event will occur just days after Chapter President Perry's own 23rd anniversary. So we all should remember to congratulate him at Convention. And while you're at it, let Danny sell you a chance for a Thrifty Fox Country Ham currently being raffled by the chapter.

Cindy Sheets, President of the Computer Users' Division (CUD), had these things to say. The Computer Users' Division is actively preparing our agenda for the Kentucky State Convention in September. We are considering a round table discussion about the accessibility of online education access. If you have ideas that you would like discussed or other ideas for the agenda, please contact me (phone and email located below). Voting on the constitution and other items will be taking place in the coming weeks via the polling options at the CUD listserv on Yahoo. All items will be openly discussed on the listserv for anyone's comments. Voting is restricted to current members. If you have questions regarding voting, contact Cindy Sheets, President at 502-544-1509 or by email at slerythema@insightbb.com.

Charles Allen, President of the Merchants Division, along with his wife Betty attended a Senate Help Committee hearing last year, which was set to review both the Randolph-Sheppard Act and the JWOD Program. Charley says while anything can be improved over time, it is most important to remember how far you have come and to hold on to the advances that have been made. To this end the group has been vigilant in monitoring the Government standing on the Randolph-Sheppard Act, and in seeing how things are run in many different states, in particular the programs regarding the servicing of Military Dining Facilities. This spring Mac and Denise Carnes, Glen White, Randy Hester and Charles and Betty Allen, members of the group, attended the BLAST Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The Business Leadership And Superior Training Conference, while educating leaders on motivating their businesses also turned out to be a blast for all. Most of all right now the division looks forward to once again coming together for a time of fellowship with old friends as the time for Convention draws near.

As we all know, it is the blind children who will one day make up our organization. If you talk to Maria Jones these days she would tell you that she is excited about the recent movement in the Kentucky Parents of Blind Children. Old members and new were rounded up and will gather soon at the State Convention in Lexington next month. At a breakfast meeting on Saturday, September 9, at 7:30 the group plans to elect a new board and begin an active campaign to get the parents of blind children throughout the state involved. There has been much interest shown by parents, even those unfamiliar with the NFB. This promises to be a widely successful year, filled with new members, get-togethers, sharing of information, and success for our families and our children.

We hope this catches you all up on the news in our state. And most of all we hope to see all of you at the convention in Lexington this September.

SOUND OFF

Compiled by Lora Felty

Educating the Blind Child: Perspectives of Blind Adults and Their Experiences

Over the past two hundred years, the education of blind and visually impaired children has taken many shapes and forms. Traditionally, blind children were educated in a segregated setting at a school for the blind; however, in the past fifty years or so, the types of facilities and programs have changed drastically and transformed into various settings and opportunities. There are many more choices for parents of blind children these days. Parents can choose to send their child to a residential school for the blind, or they can opt to keep their child at home where an itinerant teacher of the blind meets the special needs of the child. In some situations, there might be a special resource classroom for the blind in a public school setting. Educational opportunities vary regionally. Regardless of the history of education for the blind, there continues to be a controversy over the appropriate educational setting for blind and visually impaired children. This is not a new issue, but one that most visually impaired adults are very passionate about. Recently, on the NFB of Kentucky listserv, a parent of a blind child posted a message inquiring about others' opinions on the most appropriate educational setting for her blind child. Below are the comments and discussion that followed.

Kathryn Acqua writes... "My daughter, Annmarie has been in public school since.... well, since forever. This summer she is going to KSB for the first time. It has only been a few Days, but I have to say that I am very impressed. I like the fact that their expectations are high. There is no comparison with public school there, where she is sort of assumed to need extra assistance to do a whole lot of stuff. I also like the fact that she has blind adult role models and blind children to play with, learn with, etc. She has not had this in the past. Aside from some kids who are severely multiply handicapped; she is the only blind child at her school. I love her public school. It is a very nurturing environment and she has blossomed there socially. But she just completed her third year of kindergarten and she is eight years old. This spring they got the idea to pull her out of the classroom to work on her Braille. Between spring break and the end of the school year she learned thirty-five words in Braille. She has sighted friends at school, but aside from one little boy, she is not included in any play dates, birthday Parties, etc. They are merely school friends.

I would very much like to have input from blind adults as to the pros and cons of public school vs. school for the blind. Also, residential vs. day student."

Jayne Seif, a graduate of the Kentucky School for the Blind and the mother of three daughters writes: "I am Blind and the mother of three wonderful little girls. Two of my daughters are also blind. I personally have experienced Every type of educational setting, public school regular classroom, special classrooms, home school, and the Kentucky School for the Blind, where I attended from seventh grade through graduation, while also attending Central High School. The thing about education as I see it is utilizing all your resources to the best of your advantage. That means that there is a place for both the public school and the school for the blind. This past year my daughter, who is four, attended a regular pre-K classroom in the Jefferson County public school system. And though the experience was all right, we have chosen to send her to KSB for kindergarten. We believe this will allow her to receive the intensive Braille training that a child just learning to read needs, and that in this setting there will be less of a tendency to expect less of her because she cannot see. Like all parents, we intend to be attentive ourselves in ensuring that this is what is taking place. But we have high hopes for this next year and those to come. This is a different decision for everyone, and especially if you do not live in Louisville, where the kids can stay at home. We happen to live in this city and it is a resource we are choosing to utilize at this time. In future she may return to the public school system, in fact, we intend that she will. However, for now, when she can't understand what is appropriate and inappropriate help, and for the strong reading and writing base she needs, this is where she will be. Follow your heart. You have this wonderful opportunity to see what this school can offer her, and you have seen how the classroom where she has previously attended has worked. No one, and that includes the school system, can tell you what is right for your child, and ultimately it is your choice."

As the discussion on the listserv continued, the issue of blind mannerisms evolved. Here are Jayne's comments on this issue: "Most of the comments and efforts made to correct the mannerisms of blindness that I have seen with my daughters have come from trained blindness professionals, or from myself, or other blind friends. I don't think that teachers in a public school setting always know that this behavior should be corrected. Having said that, I wouldn't worry about what your daughter was doing in that particular instance because it is the same thing that my six-year-old would have been doing, and she is not blind. As to the residential thing, it too is a very personal thing. I could not do it myself personally, but many have had to do so and many have had good experiences. Another option is that you could have your daughter as a day student and let her stay for certain events and at certain times on top of that. Once again you'd get the best of both worlds. Also it would be good for her perhaps to hang out with other blind adults and other people who are trying to bring up their kids to be competent, confident adults, as they should be. Many of us with kids in the Louisville Chapter would love to see another active parent, and even another playmate for the kids."

Mario Eiland, who works at the American Printing House for the Blind in the computer-programming department, makes the following comment: "I never attended a school for the blind, so I could not give you my perspective on that side of this discussion. However, while I attended public school I made many friends and had the opportunity to participate in activities such as student government, wrestling, band, and track and field. I am not saying that these activities are not present at schools for the blind, because I don't know. Moreover, I gained the skills and proper etiquette in order to fit in the sighted world and did not fall into the habits of "blind mannerisms" that some totally blind individuals, instinctively acquire. I say this, because whenever I did something real "weird," my sighted friends would ask me why I did that. I corrected whatever it was and thanked them later for calling me on it. I am glad you find that KSB seems to be the right place that will meet your daughter's needs.

Scott Spaulding, a college student has this to say: "I went to the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired from 1976-1981 and I went to public schools from 1981-1990 when I graduated high school. I think I learned a lot when I was at the blind school, which was a residential program, but I was six hours from home and the only time I saw my parents was an occasional weekend, breaks, holidays and in the summer. I didn't like this and neither did my Mom. If the school had been closer so I could have done a day program or something like that, then I think I probably would have stayed in the school longer. I do think that public schools have their good points too, like being around other non-blind people. I think it is probably better to go to a blind school first and then go to public schools later. That way you learn Braille, but I don't know if I could say that one way is completely better than the other."

Cathy Jackson, President of the NFB of Kentucky makes these remarks on the subject. "I am not sure I can add much to what has already been said. I started out in a Catholic school and then in sixth grade transferred to KSB where I graduated. Both experiences have made me who I am today. I believe there is a place for the School for the Blind in the education process. Here children realize that they aren't the only blind persons in the world. They learn not to be ashamed of their blindness. Socializing with sighted friends is good, but there is much to gain by interacting with blind peers. Students at KSB are constantly bombarded with Braille, O & M, and alternative methods of getting things done. These skills are especially important during the early years. There are, on the other hand, good things to be said for mainstreaming. By attending public school, students can take advantage of subjects that aren't offered at the school for the blind. I promote a good healthy balance as Jayne mentioned. Many students who attend KSB for a portion of the day and a public school for the other portion have said they have the best of both worlds. I wish there had been a chance for me to be mainstreamed in the late ‘60s. Back then, there wasn't much of an opportunity for part-day education. If a student was able to go out to public school the parents had to be the total support system: VI teacher, transportation to and from, advocate and the clerk who was responsible for ordering textbooks. Ultimately the decision is yours. You have to do what you believe is best for Annmarie."

Katy Penny, a 2006 high school graduate says the following: "I've had recent experience with both KSB and JCPS--very recent as I just graduated in May. So I might have a little different viewpoint on this. I attended KSB from second grade through eighth and then came back my senior year to participate in sports. During my attendance at KSB I tried every program that they offered: Summer Program, Short Course, and of course fulltime. While I gained a great deal from KSB, I couldn't have been more upset by their academics. During the time I attended there, KSB went under a drastic change and the standards for education seemed to drop dramatically. After spending that period at KSB with no outside education, I returned to public high school, so far behind it was unbelievable. I see this everyday with friends who have gone to blind schools their entire lives and are now trying to go to public school to take comprehensive level classes. Most are struggling. Now on the other hand, I agree with everyone that KSB is important in order to meet other blind people and have a full chance to participate in as many activities as possible, but that can be done in much less intense ways than going fulltime. Short course is a wonderful program. Your child could go to KSB up to twelve weeks out of the year, and during that time, get intensive Braille training. Not to mention other things like mobility, and technology that they can work on. KSB also has excellent after-school activities, but you don't have to be a student to participate, they're open to any blind student in the state of Kentucky. As everyone has said, it is a personal choice but i would like to make a suggestion. Before making your decision, go in and observe all levels of education at KSB--not just the primary level but also go and look at the middle school and high school classes. After that you can compare them with your expectations."

Darrell Buford, president of the Kentucky School for the Blind Alumni Association, makes these remarks: "Well, as your President of the Alumni, I have to respond to a few comments. I went to public school in the early grades and was tortured every single day. The principal of my elementary school sent me to KSB to save my life. Academically I made good grades in public school except the C's I received in reading because I could not read as fast as The others. I went to KSB from the 5th through the 10th grade. They challenged me and made me come out of my shell, taught me responsibility, manners and how to live independently. I went back to public school and, because KSB challenged me, my public school classes were very easy and I graduated with honors. I did however, find myself climbing back into my shell back in public school and had very few friends. I regretted going back to public school and wished I had stayed at KSB. The test scores at KSB have gone up four years straight and now surpass the average across the state. I eat with the kids over at KSB once a week and the best thing they like about it is the personal attention they get from their teachers. Some students are on an academic track and some are not. Some students are hard workers and do there homework, some are lazy and have to be dragged to study Hall by Cloyd Oaks. Often we blame the school and not the students or parents who do share some responsibility. I think short courses and summer school are wonderful. Some students in short courses come back and forth so much that they are there as much as regular residential students. Residential schools for the blind are starting to find their place. This is evident by the increase in elementary students attending KSB this Fall. I believe a student at KSB can go as far as he or she wants to go. The problem I see in my weekly visits is that a few do not want to go very far. The morale and atmosphere over at the school right now is very high and seems to be improving. Everyone is excited about the large increase in elementary students coming soon. We need alumni members to help out from time to time with special events we have for the students, so consider volunteering when the new school year approaches."

Warren McClendon, a member of the NFB of Lexington comments: "I think a distinction should be made here. Programs and schools run by the sighted to educate the blind usually teach the blind to be effective and obedient care recipients, not scholars or contributors to society. Public schools, on the other hand, train scholars and societal contributors to be effective caregivers to the blind and others. The compliant blind person attends dedicated schooling at the expense of academic excellence, independence and self-respect. The deviant blind person educates him or her self with regard to the matters of blindness, or is educated by good parenting and then attends public school and becomes an educated, contributing member of society. I was rehabilitated as an adult exclusively by encountering the philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind. The instant I decided to find a way to do for myself rather than rely on the pity of others, I had what I needed."

Regarding the issue of Braille instruction, Warren makes these remarks: "Braille proficiency is best taught by parents in the home environment. If the parents do not know Braille by touch, there are Federation materials designed precisely for that purpose. The parent of the blind child can even access one of us to maximize results. I went through public school as a sighted child. I could read, write and perform basic arithmetic before I even hit kindergarten. I know standards have dropped since I was a kindergartener in 1968, and it is all too easy to defer responsibility to the state, but know this, the sighted think very little of the blind. To a Sighted teacher in the public schools or any school for the Blind, there are the "Normal" Kids and the "special education" kids. The latter are often an object of pity if not outright contempt."

Don Cronk Of Louisville remarks: "I have been following the string of posts on the subject of public vs. blind school attendance. This has been a long-standing issue that parents have had to deal with for many years. I agree that it must be a personal family decision based upon each child's situation. I would like to give you something else to consider while you are going through the decision-making process. While your daughter is very young she will grow up very fast. So fast in fact that you will wonder what happened to the years. For her future employment prospects and academic success it is crucial that she obtain the skills to compete on a level playing field with her sighted peers. It seems to me that KSB provides the best environment to gain these skills. There are studies that show that people who are proficient Braille readers are far more successful in the workplace than people who for whatever reason never learned to read Braille. However, there is much to be gained by attending public school. There may be a wider range of academic opportunities, but the chance to interact with sighted children is equally important. There has been some discussion about providing opportunities to interact with blind children. This is also very important. Don't forget that we live in a sighted world as well. Perhaps the blended approach may be the most beneficial to her. Whatever your decision, I wish you and her all of the success in the world. You are very lucky to have such a fabulous community to get feedback from."

Comments below come from John Glisson from the NFB of Lexington: "In the perfect world, the mainstream education is the way to go. The children can live at home, attend the same school as other children in the neighborhood, wait on the same street corner for the bus, and have parents to help with homework--or not--just as all the other children. Unfortunately, as steadily as mainstream education progresses toward an equal playing field, we are not there yet. I do hope some day, we do arrive. As for statistics, I have not researched the matter for about ten years at which time Braille readers among the blind population were at 4%. Since that time, I've heard 9% and even 10%. My personal experience shares the testimony of the original message in this thread, individuals who are blind that I've met through the past 35 years who are successfully employed have by far been those who read Braille. Braille reading is definitely one, if not the most, important factor in successful employment and in citizenry. However, of all the many blind people that I've met over the years, I've never met one parent who learned Braille well enough to teach it to a child. That doesn't mean that those parents don't exist, of course, yet I've never met one, nor blind people telling stories of their parents teaching them Braille. I would like to see this particular thread continue. We who tend to be active at all in the blindness movement need a great deal more information on the matter."

Lora Felty, an itinerant teacher of blind children in northeastern Kentucky writes: "This is a huge dilemma for many parents, and a tough decision to make. I am from rural eastern Kentucky. I had low vision as a child, and lost my right eye due to glaucoma when I was fourteen. At that time I needed to learn to read Braille and other blindness skills. I attended the Kentucky School for the Blind for high school. For me, that was the only option, and I'm very thankful that my parents made that decision. If I had not had the opportunity to attend KSB, I'm not sure where I would be today. Now I live in Ashland, Kentucky and have worked for eleven years as a teacher of blind and visually impaired children. So I can see your dilemma from two perspectives, as a blind adult, and as a VI teacher. In my experience as an itinerant VI teacher, there often is not enough of me to go around. I do my best to meet all of the needs of my students, but often it is nearly impossible to do all for my students that I wish I could. I don't know what services your daughter received in her public school, but it sounds like, from what you have said, she hasn't been getting all that she needs in public school. It sounds as though KSB has been a positive experience for her. I've read several of the other replies to your message, and everyone has had excellent points. Educational needs are very individual, and the decision is a personal one. KSB has many opportunities both academically and socially. When I look back on my own education, I realize that at KSB, I might not have received the academic education that I might have received in a public school; however, the practical education that I received far outweighed the lack of academics. I learned how to function as a blind adult. That's very important. Also, I learned blindness skills such as Braille and orientation and mobility. At KSB, those things are embedded into the daily activities, and are not just the emphasis when the VI teacher or the O&M instructor is there to work with the child. If your child is a Braille reader, she needs to use Braille all day, not just a part of it. In public school, it's all too easy to just read materials to blind children. Many of the kindergarten and primary materials are difficult to adapt in Braille. At KSB, all activities will be available to your child, not just those that someone has time to modify or deems appropriate."

As you can see, there are varied thoughts and ideas regarding the appropriate educational setting for blind children. As blind adults, our opinions are directly related to the educational experiences we had as children. In making appropriate educational decisions for any blind child, it is wise for parents and educators to take all of these things into consideration. What is best and appropriate for one child is not necessarily the best setting for other children. Just as the experiences above are varied drastically based on opportunity and experience, the population of blind children today are uniquely individual and have their own levels of opportunities and experiences. This is why we need to maintain a continuum of service delivery options to meet the educational needs of all blind children in all levels of education.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

"The Cook's Nook" will return in the next issue. In it's place we offer a little exercise for your brain.

Figure out what the trio in each set have in common, and you've solved the puzzle-as long as each answer is a six-letter plural word ending in S.

Example: railroad, wild animal, music CD

Answer: tracks

  • Got it? Here we go!
  • 1. trombone, children's playground, laboratory microscope
  • 2. parade, malt shop, tackle box
  • 3. weight, british bank, ASPCA
  • 4. dentist, dry run, army camp
  • 5. hunting dog, compass, scoreboard
  • 6. dungeon, jewelry store, sequence
  • 7. fish, sheet music, dieters
  • 8. municipal parking lot, electric utility, rhythm in verse
  • 9. golf course, salad, environmentalist
  • 10. boxing match, doctor, children's song
  • 11. beach, rifle, pasta
  • 12. rupture, school year, good fortune
  • Answers:
  • 1. slides
  • 2. floats
  • 3. pounds
  • 4. drills
  • 5. points
  • 6. chains
  • 7. scales
  • 8. meters
  • 9. greens
  • 10. rounds
  • 11. shells
  • 12. breaks

THE END