PARENT TO PARENT A Quarterly publication of the KSB Family Support Center Volume 5, Issue 4 Fall 2011 Inside this issue: BraillePals Club 2 Terri Weston Speaks to Parents 2 An Amazing Eye Fact 3 Independent Living Advice 4 2011 Bill Roby Games 5 Stampede for VIPS 6 Upcoming Event November 17 from 6 until 8 PM at Straub Elementary School, 387 Chenault Dr, in Maysville. There will be a Family Fun Night for Families with Children who have Visual Impairments. Contact Carolyn Least at 606-564-9047 Ext. 257 for more information. GREENUP COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ELECTED HOMECOMING PRINCESS By: Verna Howell, Johnson Family Friend Ashley Johnson, a senior at Greenup County High was elected by her peers to be on the 2011 Greenup Homecoming Court. Even though she was not elected as queen, she was First Attendant. Those of us that have worked closely with Ashley were so very proud to have shared this moment in time with her. Ashley is a beautiful young lady who always has a wonderful smile on her face. You can't be around Ashley and remain in a bad mood. Ashley has the ability to make you smile and force you to look at the good all around. To Ashley, winning was being elected to the Homecoming Court, anything else would have been extra frosting on an already frosted cake. Ashley felt that this was a great honor, to know that her peers thought enough of her to vote for her to be on the court. Ashley is a student who is visually impaired. She has been visually impaired since birth but due to her unique condition of CVI (Cortical Visual Impairment), it was a long hard struggle for her doctors to identify her medical issue. There were various diagnosis, all of which brought their own unique situations for her to overcome. But, being Ashley, she took on the challenges with the same positive attitude which has carried her throughout her life. When Ashley first walked into Greenup County High School, she was very scared. She toured the school as part of her transition program from middle to high school. There was also a new group of teachers that Ashley didn't know and the teachers didn't know her. With the help of her VI teacher, Ashley trained the new teachers to understand her visual needs. To Ashley's surprise, the high school teachers were very supportive. They were ready with materials that she could access. Ashley has been a member of the marching and concert band for all four years of high school. She was a part of the girls basketball team as their manager and she has also be involved in 4-H, Beta Club, Pep Club and other organizations. She attends many extra-curricular activities, but is especially fond of watching her little brother play basketball for Greenup County. According to Ashley, she is a true Musketeer fan through and through. Ashley is unsure about her plans after high school. She has thought about attending college and learning a trade or skill, She hopes to make up her mind by the end of the year. Keep up the good work Ashley and congratulations on your success! Editor’s Note: There are two pictures in the print edition. Photo #1 shows Ashley Johnson on the Greenup County football field. She is holding flowers in her hand. The photo caption reads: Picture shows Ashley Johnson, daughter of Phil and Henryetta Johnson of South Shore was selected as Homecoming First Attendant at Greenup County High School on October 7. Photo #2 shows Ashley Johnson with a big smile on her face while she was volunteering. The photo caption reads: Ashley Johnson volunteers to help at the 2010 family day at Serenity Acres. WESTON FEATURED AT FAMILY INFORMATIONAL MEETING Terri Weston, Practical Living Teacher at the Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB), gave a presentation to parents concerning independent living on October 4 as part of a series of informational meetings for KSB families. Weston discussed many topics such as how to fold money as method to identify bills, identify clothing, organize a kitchen, identify dials on microwave ovens and various other independent living topics and ideas. The overriding theme of the meeting was that organization is of utmost importance when working with children that have visual impairments. One of the reasons people fail at living independently is poor organization techniques and skills. This is especially true for individuals with visual impairments. Another point that was gleamed from the presentation was that if an individual's way of organizing works for him or her, don't change it. It may not make sense to you, but it doesn't have to, as long as it makes sense to the individual who is using the system. Future informational meetings take place on the first Tuesday of every month, unless otherwise noted. All KSB parents and JCPS parents are welcome to attend. Editor’s Note: There is a photo in the print edition that shows a mother and daughter reading a Braille book in the library. The photo caption reads: Katherine and Annmarie Aqua await Terri Weston's presentation. MADISON COUNTY AREA FAMILIES LEARN NEW FACTS ABOUT EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WHO ARE BLIND/VISUALLY IMPAIRED The Madison County area Families Advocating for the Blind (FAB) has been learning new facts concerning their children's education. At their meeting on August 6, Kristen Hammond, KSB Director of Outreach for Regional Programs and Services, educated the group about the Individual Education Plan (IEP). FAB also met on October 1. Karen Frohoff explained the alternative assessment. Both meetings were very informative and well received by those who attended. FAB meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month, unless otherwise notified. For further information, contact Becky Lewis at 859-432-2572. Editor’s Note: There is a photo in the print edition that shows a child and her dad. The father is seated and the daughter is shown with a piece of paper in her hand. The caption reads: Jasmine Johnson helps her dad Harold get settled before the meeting. JOIN THE BRAILLEPALS CLUB BRAILLEPALS OF KENTUCKY News from Teri Ritchie, KSB Outreach Consultant/Northern KY Educational Cooperative addresses the friendship and learning that are available as a member of the BraillePals Club. If your child has never participated and you want more information, you may contact her at 859-442-7031, ext. 21 or email teri.ritchie@nkces.org. Ritchie maintains a roster of registered TVI's (Teachers of the Visually Impaired) and their Braille readers. On the roster, the students are listed under their teacher's name. The students are to write their Braille messages addressed to the pal of their choice. The teacher will then mail the Braille copy to the TVI of the pal. The TVI's are to act as intermediaries so the child's personal information stays confidential. The more students who write, the better the experience will be for everyone. AMAZING EYE FACT It is a common misconception that bats are blind. Almost all bats can see, and their sense of sight and smell is well developed, but bats don't use their eyes to "see" where they are going. They use sound waves. They make high pitched sounds and then listen for the echoes caused when the sounds bounce off an object. Some bats can fly at a speed of up to 30 miles per hour. Their radar must be pretty good to fly that fast at night' Now you know why if someone says "you're as blind as a bat," they mean you missed something or didn't see it. Editor’s Note: There is a photo of a vampire bat in the print edition. Points of Interest * On December 3, FAB (Families Advocating for the Blind) will hold their monthly meeting at the Richmond Public Library from 10AM-12 PM. An educational program is planned. * If a caregiver of a visually impaired child is interested in having their child assessed through KSB's Low Vision Clinic, the caregiver should talk with their child's teacher of the visually impaired (TVI). The TVI will then contact KSB Director of Statewide Support Service Meg Stone to schedule an evaluation. INDEPENDENT LIVING ADVICE FOR FAMILIES By: Mitch Dahmke, KSB Family Support Specialist After listening to Terri Weston present at the KSB Family Informational Meeting on October 4, I ran across an old issue of a KSB publication entitled Tips for Parents. The advice that was given in the article is much the same as what I learned from Weston, so I thought that I would share it with you. POURING COLD LIOUIDS Use your index finger to position the spout over and in contact with the edge of the glass. Slowly pour the liquid into the glass, using your index finger periodically to gauge the level of the liquid. Listen to the change in sound as you pour. Familiarize yourself with the weight of an empty glass, compared to the weight of one that's partially full or full. Use a tray or pan with short sides to support your glass and confine any possible spillage. POURING HOT LIOUIDS Place your finger slightly over the edge of the cup and stop pouring as soon as you feel the warmth of the liquid. Be sure your finger is away from the direct flow of the liquid. For increased safety, use a liquid level indicator or hot beverage dispenser, both of which are available commercially. Use color contrast to your advantage. Pour dark liquid, such as coffee, into a light-colored cup and vice versa. DID YOU KNOW? Both gas and electric appliances can be used safely, provided that you receive instruction in safety and adaptive techniques from a certified rehabilitation teacher. In general, you can continue to use your existing stove and oven. Smaller countertop appliances, including toaster ovens, coffeemakers, and microwaves may be safer and easier to use for heating food than the full oven or stove. Divided measuring cups are more accurate for both dry and liquid measures. They are available in a variety of colors, so you can utilize color contrast techniques. EATING WITH EASE Use color and contrast to highlight plates, place settings and food. Serve dark food on a light plate, or use place mats to make plates and dishes more visible. Ask someone to describe the location of the food on your plate by using the clock method (meat at six o'clock; veggies at two o'clock). Use the tip of a knife or fork to gently probe food and determine what it is and where it is on the plate. When seasoning foods, shake a bit of salt or pepper into the palm of your hand and sprinkle a pinch at a time. This helps eliminate fast flowing shakers from ruining your dish. Use a knife, piece of bread or a roll to guide "loose" foods-like peas or corn-onto your utensil. When eating, move your fork toward the center of the plate to minimize the chance of dropping food on the table and to make it easier to locate any remaining bites. Be aware of the weight of food on your fork or spoon. With practice, you'll be able to gauge if the amount of food is appropriate. LOW VISION CLINIC GOES ON THE ROAD TO NORTHERN KENTUCKY COOPERATIVE KSB was delighted to take the Low Vision Clinic on the road on October 7. The clinic went on the road to Cold Spring in Northern Kentucky. This was the first time for clinic coordinator Meg Stone in taking the clinic to an off campus site. The services provided through the traveling clinic were well received by the students and families that visited the clinic. Other statewide sites are being considered for future clinics. According to Meg Stone, dates and venues for other regional low vision clinics are being considered at this time. The next Low Vision Clinic will be held at KSB on March 16-17. 2011 BILL ROBY GAMES A SUCCESS STORY The 2011 Bill Roby Games were deemed a huge success by those who attended. Students from Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Tennessee School for the Blind, Indiana School for the Blind, Ohio School for the Blind, Kentucky School for the Blind and Jefferson County Public Schools participated in track and field events. The Roby games were held at KSB on October 12. Much of the credit for the success of the Bill Roby Games lies with many generous donors and planners, and KSB staff members Tom Oaks and Connie Hill. In addition to their recreation and teaching duties at KSB, Oaks and Hill spent many long hours organizing the event. According to Oaks, "We do it for the kids because they enjoy it so and have loads of fun." The Bill Roby Games are a tradition, having been held at KSB for 30 plus years. Hopefully, the games will continue for many more years to come. Bill Roby Game Facts: * Over 200 children participated in this year's Bill Roby Games. * Volunteers from Louisville's Trinity High School and Anchorage Middle School helped the games run Middle School helped the games run smoothly. * Donations from many businesses and organizations add to the participants’ enjoyment of the day. * Bill Roby, the namesake of the Bill Roby Games, passed away recently. Bill was an ardent supporter of KSB students. Roby will be greatly missed! Editor’s Note: There are three photos in the print edition. Photo #1 shows a male student eating a chocolate ice cream cone during a break in action during the Bill Roby Games. The caption reads: KSB student Alex Stine enjoys one of the many treats provided at the 2011 Bill Roby Games. Photo #2 shows a KSB teacher holding a paper plate with his lunch on it during the Roby Games. The photo caption reads: Todd Johnson, KSB Social Studies Teacher, holds his lunch that was provided by many generous donors. Photo #3 shows a male student running while holding on to a guide wire during Roby Game competition. The caption reads: Brevin Fannin, a KSB student from Greenup County, races toward gold at the 2011 Bill Roby Games. STAMPEDE FOR VIPS HELD AT PAPA JOHN'S CARDINAL STADIUM The Dr. Mark Lynn and Associates Ninth Annual Stampede for VIPS was held on October 15 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville. Over 200 runners and walkers participated for a chance at prizes and/or mere satisfaction of being able to say they crossed the finish line. Presented by the Louisville Downtown Lions Club, PrintTex and Texas Roadhouse, the Stampede is a family friendly 5K walk/run that raises needed funds for the services that Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS) provide to young blind and visually impaired children and their families. These services include Kentucky and the addition of the new Bloomington VIPS in Indiana. The walk/run began at Gate 3 of the stadium then continued south through the tailgating lots of Cardinal Stadium and finished at the 50 yard line of the football field. The entire route was within stadium grounds, which provided a safe venue for families and runners. This event raises awareness of the abilities of those who are blind and visually impaired by being the only local 5K event to include a blind/visually impaired awards division. After the run/walk, many families took part in the family friendly activities. There was face painting, calf roping, bouncing, a bubble truck and other fun activities. Before the morning concluded, a fun run was held for the children in attendance with medals being presented to each runner. Stampede for VIPS Facts * All volunteers, runners/walkers received a Stampede t-shirt for their efforts in making this year’s Stampede a success. * This year’s Stampede included a family contest. The VIPS child, past or present that had the most supporters in attendance, would win an overnight stay at Great World Lodge Indoor Water Park Resort. Editor’s Note: There are four photos in the print edition of the VIPS Stampede. Photo #1 shows a KSB staff member during the competition as she runs at Cardinal Stadium. The caption reads: Picture of KSB staff member Leanne Edelen zooms toward the finish line in the ninth annual Stampede for VIPS 5K run in October. Photo #2 shows a runner who is blind and his guide runner as they compete. The caption reads: Former KSB student and graduate Jamie Weedman nears the finish with his guide runner Ray. Photo #3 shows a KSB staff member headed for the finish line. The caption reads: KSB staff member Kathy Jennings flies toward the finish line of the Stampede. Photo #4 shows a young male running on the football field. The caption reads: Four-year-old Jacob Erwin enjoys his day in the fun run of the Stampede. His grandfather, Mitch Dahmke, cheered for Jake. CHILD FRIENDLY STORES ARE HELPFUL FOR BUYING GIFTS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES One of the most helpful stores in terms of assisting families of children who are disabled is Toys R Us. Toys R Us provides a catalog that may be useful in finding that perfect Christmas gift for your child that is blind or visually impaired. Go to, or call Toys R Us and request their catalog or go online for terrific ideas and discounts. The address is www.toysrus.com. Another terrific suggestion is to go online for Enabling Devices at www.enablingdevices.com. You can find wonderful choices for Christmas gifts with emphasis on the multiple impaired child. Many other stores carry toys that are enjoyable for your child. The two in this article are just a small sampling of what is available, Editor’s Note: There are two photos in the print edition. Photo #1 shows a woman checking out a lighting device. The caption reads: Pictured is a product from Enabling Devices that lights up and provides light vibration while listening to songs. Photo #2 shows a red Elmo toy. The caption reads: Elmo, every child's favorite muppet character, makes an excellent Christmas for any child, OFFICE FOR THE BLIND REVAMPS ITS WEBSITE In an effort to make its website more consumer friendly, the Kentucky Office for the Blind has revamped its website. One extremely helpful section contains resources for blind and visually impaired citizens. To access this, go to the website www.blind.ky.gov., then to resources and publications. That's where you will find this wonderful publication. Another helpful area is the staff directory that is contained on this web site. I find myself using it quite often. Editor’s Note: There is a photo of the Charles McDowell Center which is located in Louisville on Westport Road. Kentucky School For The Blind Family Support Center 1867 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, Kentucky 40206 Phone: 502-897-1583 Ext, 221 Email: mitch.dahmke@ksb.kyschools.us Visit us on the web www.ksb.k12.ky.us