HKNC STAYING CONNECTED
North Central Region – IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
Volume 2, Fall 2006
Autumn has arrived and
the festive holidays are just around the corner. Having enjoyed the summer’s
warmth now brings us to preparing for long winter days. Here’s some fun and
educational reading as we welcome you to our
We find regional
newsletters to be a wealth of information and resources. There is so much out
there! This newsletter is for everyone: the Deaf-blind community and its’
supporters in the North Central region. Our focus this time is two-fold: share
with you what is happening in the six states in this North Central region and
information/resources. You can use it to find out about national, regional and
statewide activities, as well as updates on services, resources and programs.
Also included, is information on publications/websites and a calendar of
conference/events. Years ago, there was very little happening in the country
and now, it is a challenge to capture all that has developed. There is one
common thread among us all: we are constantly learning, advocating for equal
access and getting more individuals to work together to improve the quality of
programs and services.
HKNC’s mission is to
enable each Deaf-blind person to live and work in the community of his or her
choice. This is possible by sharing resources and collaborating together,
involving individuals who are Deaf-blind, their families, service providers and
the communities.
You have so much to
share with everyone! Let us know what is happening with you, in your area, your
organization, program or agency. Please inform us of any ideas or suggestions
that you may have for the next newsletter. If you know someone who is
Deaf-blind or any individual who might like to receive this newsletter, please
complete the last two pages and return to our office.
Our HKNC North Central
region office is located in
Note: The naming of products, services or activities in this
newsletter does not necessarily imply endorsement by HKNC. They are provided as
information only.
What are some things your Regional Representative can do for you?
Help you find and use existing services and resources in your local
community.
·
Work with you for improved services when they are needed.
·
Consult with individuals, their families and/or agencies.
·
Serve as your connection to our program in
·
INCLUDE YOU on the National Registry – more on the Registry
follows.
Please visit our web site www.hknc.org or contact your Regional
Representative. We would enjoy hearing from you.
HOW WILL HKNC’S REGISTRY INFORMATION BE USED?
Although all personal information about individuals will be kept
confidential, statistical information will be used to benefit the Deaf-blind
community.
·
It will be shared with adult service programs so they can better
prepare to serve Deaf-blind adults, as well as young adults when they
transition to adult services.
·
It will be shared with teachers, personnel and interpreter
training programs to better prepare these professionals to work with you.
·
It will be used to help with research that will be
beneficial to the Deaf-blind community.
·
It will be shared with the federal and state governments as they
develop priorities for program funding. If we prove to the government that
there are many people needing services, there is a better chance that Deaf-blind
services will be funded.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Approximately 10,000 people have already decided
to put their names on the Registry, but we know there are many thousands more.
If you have not yet done so, please complete a registry form today. Anyone who
is Deaf-blind, of any age, is eligible to be on the registry. We have included
a copy of the Registry form at the back of this newsletter, which you can mail
back to us. Or if you prefer to call us, we will be happy to complete the form
with you on your behalf. You can also complete a registry online at our
website: www.hknc.org. If you
move, or your name changes, please let us know so we can make the changes on
your form. Thank you for helping us support the needs
of the Deaf-blind community as a whole.
CONSUMER SPOTLIGHT
JILL GAUS -
Meet Jill Gaus - a
woman of many talents and accomplishments! Back in 1997, she arrived at
From that day to this day,
Jill is:
·
Director of MI DBW at DeSales
Conference Center in Brooklyn, MI, and formerly Summer Programs Coordinator for
all D/HH, DB programs at the Holley Ear Institute’s Family Village. Being an
exemplary model,
·
Co-founder, Past President and
currently Treasurer of SHI-M=DB (Self-Help for
·
Board member of American Association
of Deaf-blind and chair/member of membership, finance and SSP committees.
Representing AADB, Jill co-presented leadership training to members of the IN
Association of Deaf-blind.
·
Consultant for DB Central, MI
Services for Children and Youths who are Deaf-blind. Jill and two co-workers
planned and facilitated the first ever camp, Deaf-Blind Transition Camp (DBTC)
for Deaf-blind teenagers, held at MI
·
Past Member of the MI Self-Help for
the Hard of Hearing (now Hearing Loss Association of
·
Works as a licensed practical nurse
(LPN) for different groups – MI Youth Leadership Forum, Deaf Youth Leadership
Week, MI DBW, and DBTC.
·
Instructor at Lansing Community
College and MI State University, teaching sign language and ITP students,
nursing students and EMT staff about working with Deaf-blind individuals,
Deaf-blind interpreting and the role of SSP.
·
As a certified/trained Hearing
Technology Resource Specialist, provides information and training to businesses
and organizations, D/HH and visually impaired groups.
In addition to all of
the above, Jill is providing consultation and training to the University of
Alaska towards establishing camping experiences for D/HH/DB teenagers and
adults to experience the Alaskan culture. Jill is a familiar face to Lions
Club, where she and Heidi, her leader dog, gives presentations for
fund-raising.
Always on the go, Jill
has SSPs working with her. Along with Heidi, Jill’s leader dog, SSPs provide
Jill access to environment and give visual/auditory information as well.
Oftentimes, the agency/ organization she works for pays for SSP services or
Jill pays them herself, if they are used for personal reasons. Other times, reciprocal agreements work best – “you do this
for me, I do this for you.”
All these years, Jill felt
people telling her what she could do or couldn’t do was not empowering. Through
learning experiences, trials and tribulations, she has grown to trust herself
by proving that she can do it. Jill feels in order to become independent and
believe in yourself, it requires not allowing others to control your life. It
can be most frustrating for Jill when she hears of a Deaf-blind person saying,
“I can’t.” Jill’s philosophy is: “How do you know unless you have tried? So
what we have a few limitations? Doesn’t
everyone?”
When people ask Jill what it feels like not to be normal, she asks them what
normal is and they stutter!
All of Jill’s
accomplishments do not go unnoticed. With her support system, including her
husband, Jim, and her leader dog, Heidi, SSPs, different agencies and
Deaf-blind individuals she has met from all over, she believes in herself and
others. Jill feels having one life to live and living it fully, believing in
your gifts and contributions can go a long way.
An amazing woman, isn’t she?
She is a true inspiration and testimony that with sheer willpower and
determination, nothing is impossible. She is a friend, role model, mentor,
supporter and listens with her heart, with whoever she comes into contact with.
She would love hearing from you and sharing her enthusiasm and love of life.
Jill is available for consultation and training - you may reach her at: jgaus2@gmail.com
TECHNOLOGY UPDATES
Through 2006 you can trade in your HumanWare Notetakers and save
more than 70% on a PAC Mate. MAGic 10.0 has been
released and the Automatic update of JAWS for Windows 7.10 is now available! For
more information and details visit: www.FreedomScientific.com
The
The ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard is the perfect companion to the ZoomText Magnifier and ZoomText Magnifier/Reader. More
information is at: http://www.aisquared.com/Products/Keyboard.cfm
A new screening for Usher Syndrome
is being researched and tested. For more information and details - www.tr.wou.edu/tr/dbp search the archives for May
2006, Volume 13, Issue 3 and go to Research Updates.
An
international retinal research team funded by the Foundation Fighting Blindness
has restored vision in mice with retinitis pigmentosa. The retinal cell
transplantation study was successfully performed on three different mouse
models of retinal degeneration.
The researchers used two different techniques to verify that the mice had
restored vision. For more information on retinal degenerative disease research,
visit www.FightBlindness.org
A new visual aid that promises to improve the visual abilities of
people with tunnel vision has been invented by scientists at Schepens Eye
Research Institute, an affiliate of
Kurzweil-National Federation of the Blind Reader combines a state
of the art digital camera with a powerful personal data assistant housed in a
custom-designed case. Over a printed document hold the camera and snap a picture,
in seconds you can hear the contents of the printed document. More information
and details can be found at www.knfbreader.com
Online Conferencing Systems has created an online Resource library.
There are 200+ free applications for assistive technology more information at: www.onlineconferencingsystems.com/at.htm
ACCESSWORLD Magazine has information on
accessible cell phones, voting machines, accessible office equipment and
medical devices. For the latest news in technology and visual impairments,
visit the website www.afb.org/aw/main.asp
A travel alarm clock that is tactile and has glow in the dark
hands, item # 704440, is available with an optional adapter and vibrator
accessories. For details go to: www.maxiaids.com/store/prodView.asp
Optelec USA bought out the Alva
Company. Alva Braille displays and Alva Satellites will still be manufactured
and sold. There is also a new generation of displays called the Alva A4 Glider.
It is full of new features, and can be connected to a PC wirelessly, has a long
battery life and weighs a little more than one pound! (Excerpts taken from HKNC
SW Newsletter, Vol. 1 Spring 2006).
Quantum Technology in
Several models of the Perkins Brailler are now available in
different colors. Also the Light Touch model standard brailler, which reduces
the force required to operate the braille keys by up to 40 percent is now for
sale, along with Light Touch electric braillers. For further information about
models and pricing visit www.perkinsstore.org
or call 877-473-7546. (Excerpts taken from The Braille Forum,
September 2006).
REGIONAL
The Dept. of
Human Services/Office of Rehabilitation Services has two Deaf-blind
specialists, who provide technical assistance and consultation to ORS and BBS
(Bureau of Blind Services), counselors, individuals who are Deaf-blind and their
families. For more information, contact: Joseph.Parvis@illinois.gov, 312-814-5372,
(V/TTY), Robert.Griffith@illinois.gov, 217-245-1642
(V/TTY) or Ingrid.Halvorsen@illinois.gov, 312-814-3890
(V/TTY), Manager of D/HH Services.
The
Earlier this year in Rock Falls, Kreider Services, Inc. built and opened a third residence
for Deaf-blind individuals, who have developmental disabilities. Heartfelt
thanks go to HKNC’s National Training Team for training residence staff and
Deaf-blind individuals in preparing for the transition.
With the support of the Chicago
Lighthouse/Deaf-blind program and this HKNC regional office, the IL SSP Task
Force now has the support of the IL Deaf/Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) and
the Department of Human Services/Office of Rehabilitation Services (DHS/ORS). For information about this task
force and the services/ programs of the
Hearing and Vision
Connections is conducting a Deaf Mentor training on April 17-18, 2007 for
any individual in Illinois who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing and is interested in
becoming a Deaf Mentor in the Illinois Early Intervention system. More
information and an application can be found at www.morgan.k12.il.us/isd/hvc
(see “Providers” tab.) or contact Nancy Scott at 877-731-8184
(V).
Plans are underway to have the first
The
Into
its 14th year, the Northern Illinois University's Institute on Deafness is
offering its Certificate Training program in working with individuals who are
Deaf-blind from
LeCOBDA (the Club of Blind-Deaf Adults), is
a social organization with elected officers and meets nine times a year. SSPs
are welcome and below follows their schedule:
December
9, 2006 – Holiday Celebration at the Chgo LH
January 2007 – No LeCOBDA
February 17, 2007 – SSP Recognition Day at the Chgo LH
March 17, 2007 – Craft Day at the Chgo LH
April 21, 2007 – Bowling – Waveland Bowling Alley
May 19,
2007 – Celebrate LeCOBDA at a restaurant
June 2007 – No LeCOBDA
July 21, 2007 – Cruise at the Navy Pier
August 2007 – No LeCOBDA
September 15, 2007 –
Lincoln Park Zoo
October 20, 2007 – Oktoberfest or Halloween at the Chgo LH
November 10, 2007 – Thanksgiving Luncheon at a restaurant
December 8, 2007 – Holiday Celebration at the Chgo LH
For additional
information, contact Mindy Joy Mayer, President, at:
mindy.mayer@chicagolighthouse.org
The
The IN
Deaf-Blind Task Force, composed of individuals who are Deaf-blind, state &
agency service providers and this HKNC regional office meets every two
months in Indianapolis. Several main goals include: identification/census
gathering, needs assessment, consultation and training. Other current issues
include: state definition of Deaf-blind, position paper on SSPs (for funding
purposes) and consensus on its mission statement. For additional
information, contact: Kathy.Ashley@fssa.in.gov, or call
800-545-7763.
The
For the past
four years Customized Employment (CE) was a collaborative project sponsored by
the Department of Labor/Office of Disability and Employment Policy, awarded to
the Indianapolis Private Industry Council in partnership with the Department of
Workforce Development, Easter Seals Crossroads, Goodwill Industries and the
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. The funding ended
The Self-Help for
This August 2006, the 10th Annual MI
DeafBlind Weekend (DBW), at the
The "Best Practices - a Guide and
Checklist for Agencies Serving People Who are Deaf,
Hard of Hearing or Deaf-blind " was developed by a workgroup brought
together by the MI Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This is an excellent
document when advocating for accommodations and access when serving as a model
agency in the community. For a copy, go to: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Guide_and_Checkpoints_125471_7.doc
DB Central, Michigan Services for
Children & Young Adults who are Deafblind, is a statewide technical
assistance federally funded project, that provides information, training and
support for families and educational professionals who have or are associated
with a child who is Deafblind. Their DB Star, a quarterly publication, is
available on their website. For additional information about their services,
check: www.dbcentral.org
or call 888-758-0508 (V/TTY).
Check
out the
DeafBlind Services
The
The
The
The
The
The
Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, Inc. (CDBP) provides information & referral,
rehabilitation training, services to families and communities, and SSP
services. W.I.S.H. (With Impaired Sight and Hearing), a monthly social group,
provides opportunities for meaningful activities and communicating with each
other. They are located in
Through the
The Department of Workforce Development,
Vocational Rehabilitation, now has a state consultant, with specialty in
providing quality services to individuals who are Deaf-blind. For assistance,
contact: Kim.Bruno@dwd.state.wi.us or
262-521-5300 (V).
Note: Due to the limitation of space it was
impossible to include everything. The updates and resources for each individual
state only represent some of the activities happening. For more information or
specifics, contact Laura J. Thomas at HKNC5LJT@aol.com
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
At HKNC, we are encouraging people to put together a small
“emergency bag” that could be kept at your bedside or other convenient location
so you could grab it at a moment’s notice. Following is one example of a supply
list (printed from the newsletter of
Water: at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food: at least enough for 3 to 7 days
- non-perishable
packaged or canned food/juices; snack foods
- foods for infants
or the elderly
- non-electric can
opener
- cooking
tools/fuel
- paper plate/plastic
utensils
Clothing: seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes
Blankets and Pillows
Special Items:
- for babies and/or
elderly
- toiletries, hygiene
items, moisture wipes
- First
Aid Kit, medicines, prescription drugs
Flashlight and Batteries
Radio:
Cash: Banks & ATMs may not be open or available for extended
periods
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important Documents: inside a waterproof container
- insurance policies
- medical records
- bank account
information
- Social
Security card
Tools: keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items:
- proper
identification
- ample supply of
food and water
- a carrier or
kennel, muzzle and leash
Val Chmela, HKNC Communication Specialist, is doing work on
Emergency and Disaster. She has handouts from AADB with regards to this in braille
format and a large print pictorial format. She is also working on a PEPnet
monograph for college freshman dorm safety and a first responders program with
the American Red Cross in
Many websites can alert you via email, pagers and cell phones.
Check out the Weather Channel at www.weather.com or www.emergencyemail.org
Other Disaster Preparedness for People with
Disabilities http://www.jik.com/disaster.html
or the EPI Guide for Emergency Managers http://www.nod.org/index.cfm?
Some areas offer Reverse
notifications at once. Check with
your local
TTYs, VRS and CapTel can be used with the Reverse
UPCOMING EVENTS
ASL Expo Trade
Show, admission is FREE. To find out what other cities are hosting this expo
and more information visit www.aslexpo.com
June
30 – July 7, 2007 the American Council of the Blind, (ACB) will be holding their
convention in
July 27 - 29, 2007 the 8th International CHARGE Conference
will be in Costa Mesa,
The HKNC National Training Team (NTT) conducts numerous one-week
training seminars for professionals. Most are conducted at the Center in
RESOURCES
The just released monograph “Touch of Home…Road to Realizing a
Vision” by Betsy Hodge & Monika McJannet-Werner (Monika is HKNC’s Southeast
Regional Rep). This publication describes a model for the development of a
program to successfully support DeafBlind individuals to participate in the
dynamics of a community. You can download this publication and find out more
information at HKNC’s website www.hknc.org
For “A Guide to the Development and Implementation of Services to
Persons who are DeafBlind and Live in Rural Areas”, check out http://www.mcpo.org/pdf/LinkByLink.pdf
Want
to learn more about Support Service Providers, (SSP) check out these
websites: http://www.dblink.org/lib/topics/what-role.htm
For
information on questions families ask about guardianship go to the Transition
Services Project (TSP) at, http://www.cenmi.org/uploaded/2005/OCT/2175220949_
GuardianQA.pdf
OcuSource
www.ocusource.com is loaded with
resources for individuals and caregivers of those with low vision.
The National Family Association for the Deaf-Blind (NFADB) is a
non-profit, volunteer-based family association and the largest national network
focusing on issues surrounding Deaf-blindness, www.nfadb.org
New
website for individuals with Macular Degeneration is at www.myeyehealth.org or call 866-702-3937
for information on treatment and resources.
Lighthouse
International www.lighthouse.org is a
leading resource worldwide on vision impairment and vision rehabilitation.
The
American Foundation for the Blind www.afb.org
is a very informative resource for blindness.
Silent Call Communications is a good resource for
assistive alerting devices; they are located in
Interested in VISION
SIMULATION PHOTOS, check out these websites. “Through Our Eyes” http://www.mdsupport.org/thrueyesRP.html
http://www.mdsupport.org/thrueyes.html
Pictures of Eye Conditions
http://www.visionconnection.org/
http://my-vision-simulator.com/
To purchase vision simulators, www.LowVisionSimulators.com
For
information on etiologies, go to http://www.sense.org.uk/
Any
individuals who are in need of hearing aids with limited financial resources
should contact “So the World May Hear” program at www.sotheworldmayhear.org or call 800-648-4327 (V).
Also
the Lions are making available low-cost, quality hearing
aids to people who could not otherwise afford them - contact www.lionsear.org or call 630-571-5466, ext.
615, (V).
All
travelers before you take your next flight find out what to or not to pack. For
a complete list go to:
http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/threat-change-
passenger_ guidance.shtm. For individuals with a disability go to: www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov- public/public/DisplayPage.do? parentFolderID=129 to find out the rules and
regulations when you travel on an airline, train, or bus.
Show
your support for the Foundation Fighting Blindness and their mission to find
treatments and cures for blinding retinal degenerative diseases through your
purchase of a Braille, glow in the dark wristband. The
wristband says "Our Vision is Clear" in
Braille lettering. To find out how to purchase one go
to their website at http://fightblindness.org/wristbands/
For a
very detailed and technical explanation of how our laws are made, check out,
“How Our Laws Are Made” http://thomas.loc.gov/home/lawsmade.toc.html
Equip for Equality has developed a series of fact sheets that
provide concise and accurate legal rights information in an easy-to-understand
format. To view these fact sheets go to www.equipforequality.org/resourcecenter/
or call 800-537-2632 (V).
The Hearing Loss Association of
LISTSERV LISTS
CataList, is a catalog of LISTSERV lists! From this list you can browse any of the
61,554 public LISTSERV lists on the Internet, search for mailing lists of
interest, and get information about LISTSERV host sites. Also it will inform
you how to subscribe to the LISTSERV of your interest. To start a search click
on Search for a mailing list of interest, enter your topic in the Look For
(box), for example Usher Syndrome, and check List Name
and List Title, then click Start Search. More information and details are at: www.lsoft.com/catalist.html
PSDBC is a LISTSERV for
Professionals Serving Deaf-Blind Consumers. To subscribe send an e-mail to LISTSERV@TR.WOU.EDU
with the command (paste it!) After you have joined, if you
would like to look back at previous months' dialogue, go to our archival
website at: http://www.tr.wou.edu/archives/psdbc.html. Recent
discussions have been focused on SSP vs. PCA services.
Visit http://www.tr.wou.edu/archives/ and you
can browse the online archives of the mailing lists, to which you are
subscribed. Note: Some of the lists are private and
subscriptions are by approval of the List Owner.
FOR
PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND EDUCATORS there are many websites that are informative
and include a variety of information.
Such
as, Individual Education Program (IEP) questions at, http://nclid.unco.edu/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1084&Itemid=2.
The
The
Midwest
Center for Postsecondary Outreach (MCPO), has developed an overview of the
various speech-to-text service options available in postsecondary environments to
students who are deaf or hard-of hearing, for more information check out - www.mcpo.org
A CD ROM
titled “CONTACT- Understanding of Specific Characteristics to Build Up
Reciprocal Interaction with Congenital Deafblind Persons” has been released. It
provides detailed information on the process of interaction between the Deafblind
child and his/her educator. It can be purchased for $40.00 by making a check
payable to Mr. Joe Franken,
“Usher
Syndrome – Understanding Usher Syndrome: Information for School Counselors” is
a booklet that is available to view in PDF format at HKNC’s website www.hknc.org/index.html and can also
be purchased for $15.00 through HKNC, 141 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY
11050.
There is available a
resource guide for teens and young adults that promotes independent physical
activity. It outlines a step-by-step process for choosing and participating in
sports and other physical activities outside of the school arena. The guide is:
“Going Places: Transition Guidelines for
Community-Based Physical Activities for Students who have Visual Impairments,
Blindness, or Deafblindness.” The cost is Large Print/CD: Item # 7-13090-00 for $68.00, Braille/CD: Item # 5-13090-00
for $68.00 and the Replacement Item: Braille Worksheet Packet: Item #
5-13091-00 for $20.00. You can order these at www.aph.org
(Source: Beth Jordan, HKNC
INFORMATION
ON CLASSES AND TRAINING
The New Personnel Preparation Project Recruiting for Students for Spring
2007 and Fall 2007 in New York City - Hunter College Master's Degree
Program in Severe Disabilities including Deafblindness is recruiting for new
full and part-time students.
Applicants need a 2.8 GPA
from an accredited undergraduate program and can enter with or without previous
certifications. Graduates will be eligible for permanent certification in
Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education with an annotation in
severe disabilities. Tuition waivers and student stipends are available for
students admitted into the program. The length of the program is between 1 and
1/2 and 2 and 1/2 years, depending on prior qualifications. For further
information, contact Dr. Rosanne K. Silberman at rsilberm@hunter.cuny.edu or call 212-772-4740.
The RRTC on Blindness
and Low Vision at Mississippi State University is seeking applicants for the
Vision Specialist in Vocational Rehabilitation graduate certificate program,
“Training in Blindness and Visual Impairment”, being held March 26 - May 25,
2007. The purpose of the program is to provide vocational rehabilitation (VR)
counselors and graduate students in VR programs with the expertise to address
issues specific to vision impairments. The registration deadline is
The Rehabilitation Research and
Training Center (RRTC) on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi State
University will offer this spring an online continuing education course for
rehabilitation professionals, entitled “Successful
Placement of the Older Consumer with Visual Impairment” for further information
and details go to www.blind.msstate.edu/OlderPlacementCourse.html
Partners
in Policymaking has five online courses for anyone who would like to increase their
knowledge and understanding of best practices in the disability field and how
to communicate with their elected officials. Further information and details
are at: www.partnersinpolicymaking.com
“Safety
in the Home” is a course being offered by
For the January 2007
term, Project SEIM, Sensory Impaired Early Intervention Masters Program has
openings for new students interested in getting a masters degree in Early
Intervention Deafblindness. Coursework will be done at
Register
today for the Family Center on Technology & Disabilities Online Assistive
Technology Institute. It’s FREE! Discuss AT funding and building statewide
AT advocacy with colleagues across the country. The faculty of AT experts and
institute participants will share successful strategies and useful resources.
They’ll answer your questions and help you brainstorm approaches to the
challenges you face. To register go to: http://www.fctd.info/winterinstitute/2006/winter_institute_2006_info.php
or e-mail fctd@aed.org. Website:
www.fctd.info
INFORMATION
ON LARGE PRINT ITEMS, books, newspapers, and magazines
Bookshare.org dramatically increases
the accessibility of books for people with visual or other print disabilities. There are currently over 29,500
books available. Check out www.bookshare.org
To get
your favorite movie scripts in text format for free go to www.WeeklyScript.com
Huge Print Press will custom enlarge everything from bibles to textbooks
to novels to cookbooks. The books are bound in a convenient “8.5x11” format and
you select the font size. For more details call
866-484-3774 (V) or go to: www.hugeprint.com
The
National Federation of the Blind now enables those who
cannot read conventional print to have access to all content offered on NFB-NEWSLINE,
when traveling throughout the
www.nfb.org
click Products & Technology, and then click Audio
Newspaper Service.
EMPLOYMENT,
UNEMPLOYMENT AND DISABILITY
Check
out these resource websites concerning issues about employment, unemployment
and disability. The RedBook is a general
reference source about Social Security Disability Insurance and the
Supplemental Security Income Programs for individuals with disabilities. You
can order free online “A Summary Guide to Employment Supports for Individuals
with Disabilities” at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/redbook.htm
WorkSupport.com
is a good resource for materials and information on job employment and job
retention.
http://www.worksupport.com/resources/index.cfm
A good
resource for job accommodations and employment programs is www.DisabilityInfo.gov
OSERS latest version of the "Disability
Employment 101" document and companion brochure "Disability 101 for
Your
Business” can be found at: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/products/employmentguide/index.html
The
Practical
Accommodation and Compliance Series Guides are at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/
Accessible IRS forms are available, including
braille, text formats and some talking forms at:
http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=96151,00.html
FOR
THE AGING here are some excellent resources:
“See
For Yourself: Vision and Older Adults” is a FREE program that informs adults
about changes that affect their eyes as they age. To order your free program go to: www.nei.nih.gov
For
information on Deaf Senior Housing Projects go to: www.deafseniorhousing.com
United
Cerebral Palsy released a consumer guide “Navigating the Medicare Part D
Prescription Drug Coverage Program: A Guide for People with Disabilities, Benefits
Counselors, Disability Organizations and Others On Ensuring Adequate and
Appropriate Access to Prescription Drugs”. You can obtain free copies at www.ucp.org
DID YOU KNOW ???
HKNC’s
North Central Regional Office has disconnected the telephone line 309-755-0021.
All our calls are being taken by 309-755-0018 (V/TTY/VP). Please update your
records.
HKNC’s
The CHARGE Syndrome
Foundation, Inc. has moved their executive office to the campus of HKNC in
On October 1, 2006,
the National Technical Assistance Consortium for Children and Young Adults Who are Deaf-Blind, (NTAC) and DB-LINK are now under one
grant - the National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB).
A Deaf-blind consumer
can get their own Handicapped Parking Permit, even if they don’t drive. This
parking permit can be used in any car you ride in. Then your SSP or any another
person can park in the Handicapped Reserved space when you are with them. This
is a law under the
The
Department of Education's National Institute of Disability Rehabilitation and
Research has awarded a grant to NPR and WGBH's National Center for Accessible
Media (NCAM) to develop accessible radio technology for people who are deaf,
hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired. The Accessible Digital Radio
Broadcast Services grant, in the amount of $150,000 for the first year, will
help fund an anticipated three-year research and development project to
prototype, field test and assess the cutting-edge radio technologies to serve
the needs of people with sensory disabilities.
After three years
Legislative Bill H. Con. Res. 235 finally passed!! The Bill states that it
is the sense of the Congress that each State should require any candidate for a
driver's license in such State to demonstrate, as a condition of obtaining a
driver's license, an ability to associate the use of the white cane and guide
dog with visually impaired individuals and to exercise greatly increased
caution when driving in proximity to a potentially visually impaired
individual.
Howe Press which markets Perkins Braillers has offered a 10
percent discount to any member of American Council of the Blind (ACB), when
they purchase any of their braillers. Be sure to identify yourself as an (ACB)
member. They can be contacted at 877-473-7546 or www.perkinsstore.org (Excerpts taken
from The Braille Forum, September 2006).
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has a monthly online
publication, AFB eNews, that keeps you update on AFB’s activities visit their
website at: http://www.afb.org/enews.asp
"AADB on
the Move: No Deaf-blind Left Behind" was the theme of their 2006
successful conference in
The Louis Braille
commemorative coin which will go on sale in 2009 will emphasize Braille
literacy by featuring Louis Braille’s image and raised dots that spell out
“Brl”, the Braille contraction for the word “Braille.” In addition, all sales
of the Braille commemorative coin will include a surcharge of $10 per coin,
which will be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to promote
Braille literacy. This will be the first coin ever minted by the
HKNC Deaf-Blind Awareness Week - 2006
DEAF-BLIND INDIVIDUALS MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IN THE WORKPLACE
Sands Point, NY The Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) is the
national program which provides diagnostic evaluation, short-term comprehensive
vocational rehabilitation and assistance with jobs and residential placement
exclusively for Americans who are Deaf-blind. Local services and training are offered
nationwide to these individuals, their families and professionals in the field.
Many were a part of Helen Keller’s vision by participating with agencies
and organizations worldwide in the
Originally proclaimed by Congressional resolutions and Presidential
signature in 1985, awareness activities and events featuring information about
significant vision AND hearing loss, or Deaf-blindness, now occur throughout
the year. To prepare for 2007 the North Central regional states of IL, IN, MI,
MN, OH and WI are encouraged to plan state and local activities to occur during
the week of June 24 – 30, 2007, the month of Helen Keller’s birthday.
A sample proclamation, radio public service script, and a list of
suggested activities, along with the 2007 poster, (to be developed and
distributed at a future date) and samples of press releases are available at no
cost by contacting the Director of Development, development@hknc.org or by contacting HKNC in
Helen Keller National Center, 141 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point,
NY, 11050-1218 or by calling 516-944-8900, ext. 254 (V); 516-944-8637 (TTY);
516-767-1738 (Fax)
If you know someone who would like to
receive this newsletter and did not, please provide their information below.
You may fold this page in half so that our address shows. Then staple or tape,
and mail to our office, or email HKNCROA@aol.com
This newsletter will be posted on our HKNC website, along with
other regional newsletters www.hknc.org
Name:
_________________________________________________
Address:
_________________________________________________
□ Please do not
include me in the next newsletter mailing
□ Please send me this newsletter in
electronic format.
My e-mail address is:
_________________________________________________
If you would like to be featured in a “Consumer Spotlight” segment
or if you have any comments, updates or information you would like to share,
please direct correspondence to:
Catharine Papish, Administrative Assistant
485 Avenue of the Cities,
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
485 AVENUE OF
THE CITIES,
For office use
only: ID number: New Update
Date
Rcode:
Notes
D.Date Entered by:
D.C. Date Entered:
HKNC National Registry of Persons Who are Deaf-Blind
ShortForm/Update
*This form may be
returned to the North Central Office in a stamped envelope to:
485 Avenue of the Cities,
FORM MAY BE FAXED to the North Central Regional Office at 309-
755-0025 or completed online at www.hknc.org
The purpose of the Registry is to provide
basic information about individuals with Deaf-blindness in the
Today’s date:
Last Name:
First Name:
Middle Name: Maiden Name:
Mailing Address:
City: County:
State/Territory: Zip:
Telephone # Voice TTY E-mail:
Date of birth: Male Female
Cause of deafness:
Cause of blindness:
Syndrome/other
conditions:
This form completed by:
Relationship to
individual listed above:
Last Name: First Name:
Mailing Address:
City: County: State/Terr: Zip:
Telephone # Voice
TTY E-mail: