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1093 South Broadway |
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1093 South Broadway |
April, May, June 2007 NewsletterExecutive Director's MessageWelcome spring! It's certainly nice to enjoy the warm temperatures and the fragrance in the air...BGCB has enjoyed a little spring cleaning of its own. We participated in an Extreme Makeover sponsored by United Way of the Bluegrass. A team from Belcan (Engineering) swooped in and spent 3 days giving our main office a face lift with new paint, shelves, carpet and some other repairs. Our team won an honorable mention for the most functional makeover. The second phase of this project entails Jim and me cleaning out the second office unit and setting up a BGCB technology room. We are excited about this part of the project since we received word from the Lexington Junior League that BGCB was awarded a grant of $5,600 to purchase equipment. Along with the funding, BGCB was awarded 8 volunteers from the League. The Junior League Horse Show held at the Red Mile in July is a big fundraising event and runs for one week. This will be a great outing for us! We will use the League volunteers as our Service Providers. BGCB has again submitted grant requests to United Way for the funding of 2 programs. In the past, we have applied to UWBG to fund our program of Information and Referral. After attending several UWBG workshops and consulting with a representative from UWBG, Susan Ament and I made the decision to reconceptualize the program of Information and Referral to Education and Support. Advancements in technology have greatly benefited the blind/visually impaired. Information previously provided through BGCB's information and referral is now easily accessible through the internet. Information and referral is certainly still available by phone or in person at BGCB. In addition, information and referral is available through our website. Our own webmaster, Jim Weber, monitors the BGCB website, on a daily basis, with updates in information, BGCB activities and adding links to other agencies and resources for the blind/visually impaired, their families, friends, caregivers and guardians. The website is user friendly for the blind and visually impaired. It is also very attractive and informative for sighted users. Jim has added a counter so we can track the hits to the site for documentation in applying for grants. We welcome any feedback and/or suggestions on how to make www.qx.net/bgcb a better resource for you! Our second grant application to UWBG is for implementation of a BGCB Outreach Program. This funding would enable us to go out into the community with presentations and information on resources for blind/visually impaired individuals. Our presentation to UWBG is April 17th and notification of funding is in May. I want to make you, the Membership, aware of what a hard working, pro-active Board you have elected. Every Board member has stepped up to the plate and assumed the responsibility for their role on the Board. Our meetings are very productive. At this time, three projects are in the forefront:
This organization is the Blue Grass Council OF.the Blind. This is truly evident with the collaborative effort you, as members put forth. Thank you and keep the information coming in to the office! Paula
From The BoardPresident's MessageEvery time I attend a meeting of the Blue Grass Council of the Blind, I learn something. For instance, at the January VIP meeting, I learned about "bump dots" - tactile stick-ons used for identifying objects by touch. These and other items for independent living can be obtained postage free by accessing the See World website (www.seeworld.ky.gov), or by calling 1-800-346-2115..At February's VIP meeting, I learned about some of the issues faced by disabled persons during emergency evacuations and how to prepare in advance for such situations. At the Spring membership meeting, I learned about two new programs offered by Central Ky. Radio Eye - Disability News (Thurs. at 1:30 p.m.) and Job Talk (Tues. at 1:00 p.m.) that are both interesting and informative. And during the March VIP meeting, I gained useful information about the Independent Transportation Network, a new transportation service planning to operate in this area by March of next year. This new knowledge comes from our guest speakers or from members of the Council who take the opportunity to share their news with one another. All of this knowledge helps me to cope with my visual impairment. Whether it is something major, that has a central impact on my life, or a small tidbit of information for making life a little easier, I walk away with the satisfaction of learning something new. Educating people on how to cope with visual impairment and blindness is what BGCB is about. Onsite meetings are one of the primary ways we can accomplish this. Other ways are through our website, phone contacts, outreach services, and training sessions. Take advantage of a free Wheels pass (available to members and newcomers) and make the effort to attend one of our upcoming Membership and VIP meetings. You will experience a supportive network of friendly and caring individuals. And, chances are, you will leave with the satisfaction of learning something new that you can use in your daily life. Susan Ament
Membership StatusFrom Membership Chair: Thanks to everyone who sent in their 2007 membership dues. We sent a check to ACB for a total of 89 members. With that number of members we are able to have 4 votes at the ACB convention instead of just 3 votes. Your membership dues help us carry on the many services such as the VIP Support Group, this newsletter, the BGCB website, and the educational and advocacy activities throughout the year. Our goal for 2008 is 100, or more, members!! Soooooo, check with your friends, neighbors, church members, business associates, etc., and tell them what a great organization we are, and invite them to attend. Also, let us know of any organization, etc. that you think we should contact to promote the Blue Grass Council of the Blind. By the way, anyone who has not yet paid for their 2007 membership, we are still accepting your payment. Ruth Ament
ACB Legislative Report
by Axel and I represented BGCB, along with representatives from the Kentucky Council of the Blind, at the 2007 ACB Legislative Seminar held at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Ridge in Arlington, VA. The President's Meeting was held on Feb.24-25th with a call to order by ACB President Christopher Gray. The two days included discussion of issues related to: ACB national updates, leadership, disability legislation, membership, technology, voting machines, and currency case update. Three issues were chosen to bring to Capitol Hill. The Legislative Information Meetings were held on Feb. 26-27 with the KY contingency visiting the offices of KY Senators, Congressmen, and Representatives. I had the pleasure of an audience with Congressman Ben Chandler. Though no legislation is pending, we requested our legislative representatives be on the watch for 3 issues impacting the blind and visually impaired:
Despite the 4 inches of snow on the day before we left, we were able to navigate Capitol Hill. The trip was informative and productive. If you would like more detailed information on the Legislative Seminar, please contact the BGCB office.
Upcoming EventsVIP FeverYou are cordially invited to the monthly luncheon meeting of the Visually Impaired Support Group. VIP meetings are held on the 4th Wed. of each month at the BGCB office. Meetings are convened at Noon with lunch and socialization. At 1 PM the speaker is introduced followed by Q & A's. We've invited some very informative speakers and have a good line up planned for future meetings. Some of our very own members have provided valuable presentations to the group.. Did I mention we have a lot of fun over lunch? I'll warn you, if you come, you'll catch the fever and want to come back! The speaker for April is TBA. Wheels passes are provided. For more information, contact the BGCB office. Please join us!
Free Seminar on Macular DegenerationRetina Associates of Kentucky and the Macula Vision Research Foundation (MVRF) SupportSight Lexington have joined together to sponsor SupportSight, the national series of educational seminars and regional support group meetings for people with or people who would like to learn more about macular degeneration. Each meeting will consist of an educational topic followed by small group discussions for those who wish to participate. Healthcare research has shown that support groups can be very helpful.
For more information, call 866 462-2852
Don Ament: Landscapes and LandscrapesBGCB is proud to announce an Exhibit of Photographs by BGCB Member Don Ament entitled: Landscapes and Landscrapes: Images of Planet Earth and the Destruction of Same. The exhibit will be in the President's Room Gallery, Singletary Center for the Arts, and will run from April 6 - June 10, 2007. Opening Reception will be Friday, April 27 from 5 - 7:30 PM. The Singletary Center for the Arts is located on the UK Campus at the corner of Rose and Euclid. Hours of the exhibit are Mon. - Fri., 12 - 5 PM and during evening and weekend performances. Admission is free.
Call To RollWould you like to bowl? Join BGCB at Eastland Lanes on April 14, and again on April 28 from 1 - 3 PM. The price is only $2.25 per game. If you're interested, please contact the BGCB office.
Keeneland Fundraiser and OutingBGCB is joining with United Way of the Bluegrass for a combination fundraiser and outing at Keeneland on Thursday, April 26, 2007. We will have 100 tickets to Keeneland which we will sell for $5 apiece, and BGCB will receive the full price. If you haven't experienced Keeneland in the spring, you're in for a wonderful day of color, horses, and people. Bring a friend or three! For more info, call us at the BGCB office (259-1834).
BGCB Spring Yard SaleOur Annual Spring Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2007, at the home of Judy Potter (BGCB Secretary). The address is 744 Wellington Way in Lexington. We'll be sending out a flyer with more information shortly, and you can call the BGCB office for more info.
NFB Talent ShowYou are invited to participate in the National Federation of the Blind Talent Show!
Candle In The Window Conference"A candle placed in a window is an ancient sign of welcome!" Candle in the Window is proud to present its 20th conference, and would love you to be an important part of it! When: From the afternoon of Wednesday, August 8 through the morning of Sunday, August 12th. Where: Wooded Glen, a lovely retreat center in Henryville, Indiana, located just outside of Louisville, Kentucky. What: "Can You Relate: Navigating Relationships as Blind People.Ó We aim to address such questions as:
Estimated cost for the conference should not exceed $360 and, in addition to lodging, covers meals, conference materials, and transportation to and from Louisville International Airport. Payment plans and scholarships will be available. We will do our best to accommodate those with disabilities other than blindness. For More information contact one of these Candle Board Members:
News to UseGUIDE Software from EVASGUIDE is for people with low vision or who are blind. It has been specifically designed to be easy-to-use and easy-to-learn. Here are a few highlights of what can be done using some of the GUIDE programs and utilities:
GUIDE requires very little training, so most people can easily teach themselves how to use it. This is because GUIDE uses an easy-to-follow menu structure for each task. The menus are controlled using the keyboard and are spoken and displayed in large print on uncluttered screens, overlaying the Windows desktop. If assistance is needed, a task specific Help Page can be easily accessed, to provide information and support. Guide is the ideal solution for those who:
To experience GUIDE for yourself, there is a link below to a narrated presentation that shows the features of GUIDE. A thirty day trial version is available, and you can receive it by emailing jswerdlick@evas.com with your request and mailing address.
Guide Narrated Presentation:
EVAS
BGCB SpotlightCongratulations to Linda Sutherland! Linda was invited to present at the most recent Macular Degeneration Seminar held here in Lexington. The topic was Living Well With Macular Degeneration and she gave a very positive presentation on how it was possible for an individual with Macular Degeneration to continue living a productive life. Linda demonstrated one of her strategies for living with MD by greeting conference attendees with a display of her lovely painted china plates and decorated Christmas wreaths. China painting and crafts have not only become a creative outlet for Linda but also gained her recognition for her talent in this field. Linda aspires to enter her hand painted china plates in future juried art exhibits with the American Printing House for the Blind. We feel Linda should market her crafts for sale, but first we have to convince her to part with them or duplicate them to sell! Like any artist, they are very much a part of herself. Linda is a tireless advocate for the blind and visually impaired in Lexington. She would like to share her enjoyment and knowledge of china painting by starting a craft class at BGCB. You can view some of Linda's work at the BGCB office. Carla Ruschival announced, at the March 17th Membership Meeting, she is throwing her hat into the ring to run for President÷that is president of ACB! If elected (no doubt she will win), she will be the first ACB President in the history of the organization to host the national conference in the President's home state. The 2008 ACB Conference will be held in Louisville, KY. Good luck, Carla! You have our support! Happy Birthday!We'd like to wish the following Council Members with birthdates in the second quarter a very Happy Birthday!
About The Blue Grass Council of the BlindThe Blue Grass Council of the Blind, Inc., a United Way agency, is located at 1093 South Broadway, Suite 1220, Lexington, KY 40504. The Council provides the only full-time information, education, advocacy, and referral service in Fayette County for individuals and their families who are blind or visually impaired, without regard to gender, race or religion. Among the services offered are peer counseling, referral to appropriate agencies or programs to assist individuals in their adjustment to blindness, educational and social activities, advocacy services for the blind as well as a speakers' bureau to acquaint the community with the potential of the blind and visually impaired. Our office offers demonstrations of many aids and appliances to help the blind and visually impaired cope with their loss of vision. We also provide catalogs and brochures describing thousands of aids and devices that can be purchased directly from the supplier. The Council sends a newsletter, every three months in large print, on cassette tape, or via email to all who request inclusion on our mailing list. This newsletter makes interested persons aware of the various activities of the Council, of current legislative actions affecting the blind and other items of interest to the community. All services offered by the Council are free of charge. The Blue Grass Council of the Blind seeks to promote awareness of the abilities, rights, and specific needs of blind/visually impaired (b/vi) people. We encourage and motivate b/vi individuals to become productive, involved citizens of their community. Another challenge is to educate the public about the needs, aspirations and achievements of the visually impaired. Please call 859 259-1834 for more information on the following services for the visually impaired:
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