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