KCB NEWS
May, 2019
Published by the
Kentucky Council of the Blind
148 Vernon Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
Phone: (502) 895-4598
e-mail: kcb@kentucky-acb.org
Facebook: kcbonline
Twitter: @KYCouncilBlind
Website: www.kentucky-acb.info
President: Debbie Deatherage
Editors: Rick Boggess and Carla Ruschival
A REASON TO CELEBRATE
On February 8, 2019, the United States became the 50th member of the Marrakesh Treaty when the official notification ratification document signed by President Donald Trump was accepted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland. Blind people in 78 nations, including the 28 countries in the European Union, will now have access to many more books than ever before.
As a member of the Board of Directors of the Accessible Books Consortium and Regional Librarian at the Perkins Library in Watertown, MA, ACB President Kim Charlson is actively involved with planning for Marrakesh Treaty implementation. The treaty is designed to facilitate access to published works for people who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled by creating a universal copyright exception that will allow authorized parties to share accessible formats across country borders. With acceptance by the United States, 550,000 accessible texts have become immediately available to visually impaired people in the countries that have signed the treaty.
NEW ACB STAFF MEMBER
Clark Rachfal became the new ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs in our Alexandria, VA national office in early February.
Prior to coming to ACB, Clark served for two years as Program Manager, Public Policy at National Industries for the Blind, and worked for nine years as a legislative analyst at Verizon. In his spare time, Clark is a competitive cyclist; he competed in the 2012 Paralympics.
Clark holds Bachelor’s degrees from Towson University in political science and economics, and currently lives in Alexandria, Va. with his wife, Greta.
FREE LIFETIME PARK PASS
If you or your child has a permanent physical, mental, or sensory disability, you may be entitled to a free lifetime pass which can be used at over 2000 Federal recreation sites, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and other federal recreation lands. The free entry covers everyone in the vehicle with the pass holder.
Learn more about the application process and required documentation by calling 1-888-275-8747, or visit https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass.
HULU ADDS DESCRIPTIVE AUDIO TRACKS
Last October Hulu reached an agreement with the American Council of the Blind and the Bay State Council of the Blind to begin efforts toward making its website and software applications more accessible via screen readers. Hulu will also begin adding audio description tracks to its programming.
The first titles (all Hulu originals) to include this feature are Around the Way, Fyre Fraud, The Act, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
You need a Hulu subscription to take advantage of this new feature. Visit www.hulu.com to sign up. Then log in to your account, click on the gear icon, and pull up the Subtitle and Audio menu; you’ll find an option for turning on audio description.
ACB’s Audio Description Project webpage maintains a comprehensive up-to-date list of audio described programming available from a wide variety of sources, including the latest from Hulu. Visit www.acb.org/adp.
LIBRARY TURNS A NEW PAGE
by Adam Ruschival
On April 1, 2019 the Kentucky Talking Book Library (KTBL) celebrated 50 years of providing braille and recorded books, free of charge, to Kentuckians who are blind or visually impaired. Over one hundred guests were present for this special occasion, including four carloads of Greater Louisville Council of the Blind members. Jack Fox, a long-time Talking Book narrator from the American Printing House for the Blind, was recognized. Joan Balot, the first blind KTBL employee (1973), and former KTBL regional librarians Adam Ruschival and Richard Feindel were present. Other agencies and organizations represented included the Bluegrass Council of the Blind, Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Division of Blind Services, Kentucky School for the Blind, National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky, and Radio Eye.
Attendees toured the library, watched a historic video, looked at old Talking Book equipment, and enjoyed wonderful refreshments provided by the Kentucky Council of the Blind.
Barbara Penegor, KTBL Regional Librarian, was the Emcee for the program. Excellent speeches were given by NLS representative Michael Martys, Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jenean Hampton, Secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Derrick Ramsey, Kentucky State Librarian Terry Manual, patron and President of the Tristate Library Users Bill Wright, Kentucky author and narrator Virginia Smith, and KTBL narrator volunteer, Jean Ann Webb.
Bill Wright presented KTBL with a certificate honoring the 50th anniversary and announcing the Kentucky Council of the Blind’s contribution of $1,800 to underwrite the production of three 2019 KTBL newsletters. Other presentations included a beautiful clock from the National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky, presented by Cathy Jackson, President of NFBK; unique ink pens handcrafted by visually impaired artist Alan Shrebtienko; volunteer certificates of appreciation from the National Library Service; and $20 Amazon gift certificates from KCB for the KTBL volunteers.
To find out how you can obtain free braille, audio, large print and digital books without leaving your home, call the library at (800) 372-2968 or email ktbl.mail@ky.gov.
CROSSROADS 2019
REMEMBER THE MEMBER
by Amanda Selm
The 2019 KCB Crossroads Conference was a raving success. Held Saturday, April 6 in Louisville, the theme was “Remember the Member”. We focused on membership recruitment and retention.
Conference keynote speakers were David Moose, Past President of the Louisville East Lions Club and Past District Governor of Lions Multiple District 43-N, and Dan Dillon of Nashville, TN, member of the American Council of the Blind Board of Director and Past President of both the Tennessee Council and the Mid-Tennessee Council of the Blind. These gentlemen did an amazing job presenting much excellent information.
We hoped to have 25 participants at this conference. Instead, over 40 people met at the Crossroads. They came from Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, and southern Indiana. Everyone left eager to help our chapters and affiliates grow and thrive.
Thanks to KCB for allowing me to once again chair the Crossroads Planning Committee, and thanks to my committee members for all their help and support. Thanks to United Crescent Hill Ministries for making us welcome and allowing us to use this wonderful facility. Thanks to all of the presenters and facilitators who shared their knowledge and expertise with us. Thanks to Patti Cox, Chasity Starkey, Samantha Hubbard and McKinnley Hayes for keeping us well fed; to Sister Agnes Coveney for her fantastic help throughout the day; to Adam Ruschival and Brock Persons for co-ordinating the audio and recording for Crossroads; to Paula Wiese and Keith Ruschival for helping with transportation; to Patti Cox, Debbie Persons and Carla Ruschival for helping with registration. Without all of these individuals giving of their time, this conference wouldn’t have been such an amazing success.
CROSSROADS SPONSORS
Crossroads would not have been possible without the generosity of our many sponsors. Major funding was provided by the Louisville Downtown Lions Club; other sponsors included:
Associate ($10.00) – Patti Cox, Joshua Gentry, Samantha Hubbard, Lucian Lott, Sheryl Lott, Trena Muncy, Kendall Perry, Mary Riley, Susan Robertson, Amanda Selm, Matthew Selm, Chasity Starkey
Charter ($25.00) – Joey Couch, Natalie Couch, McKinnley Hayes, Adam Ruschival, Carla Ruschival, Deanna Scoggins, David Smith, Terrie Terlau, Elaine Weisbard, Benjamin Wright, Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired
Supporting ($50.00) – Guide Dog Users of Kentuckiana, KCB Next Generation, Pony Ryde Band
Honorary ($100.00) – Greater Louisville Council of the Blind
Sustaining ($200.00 plus) – Louisville East Lions Club, Lula Dotson Legacy
KCB MELALEUCA FUNDRAISER
by Melanie Peskoe
Melaleuca, The Wellness Company, is a referral only online shopping club that has over 470 products for you and your home. Some of the most popular items are non-toxic household cleaners, bath and body and hair care products, highly absorbable vitamins, and various protein powders and bars. Your $19 annual membership allows you to shop at a 30 to 50% discount and each time you shop KCB receives some cash back. Think of it as switching stores and helping your favorite organization at the same time.
To learn more, contact Melanie Peskoe at (502) 262-1403 or melaniepeskoe@gmail.com.
CPR CERTIFICATION FOR THE BLIND
by Clark Rachfal
The ACB National Office has learned that some CPR instructors are not willing to certify people who are blind. Please contact the National Office if you have been denied CPR certification due to your vision, and what, if any, reasonable accommodations you received during your training. Call the ACB Office at (202) 467-5081 or email crachfal@acb.org.
KSB CHEERLEADERS RISE TO THE TOP
The Kentucky School for the Blind varsity wrestling and cheerleading teams competed in the NCASB Conference tournament in late January at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville, Illinois. Our Wildcat cheerleaders won the NCASB cheerleading conference championship; they also won the 2019 outstanding cheerleader and outstanding mascot awards. Cheerleading team members were Riley Seif, Gracie Smith, Nick Runyon, Sophia Thompson, Nicole Arnett, Corbin Gravil (outstanding cheerleader), Addison Evers, Jontae Moore, Leanna Lewis and Lex Ferguson (outstanding mascot.)
Congratulations to the team and their coaches, Crystal Johnson and Melissa Evers.
KCB LIFE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
KCB has had hundreds of life members over the past 35 years. In the spotlight this time are some folks who have been life members for at least 15 years, and who are still active today.
KATHY AND TOM ARNOLD – This great couple became life members back when the dues were only $25. Both play guitar and sing, and are in much demand for musical programs around Louisville. They performed on the Friends in Art Showcase at ACB conventions held here in Louisville, and their CD’s were very popular. It’s always fun when they come to a GLCB Roundabout on a Friday night.
DANIEL SCOTT HEADS – Scott joined KCB when the Talking Newspaper service was up and running back in the early 2000’s. After several years of inactivity, he became one of the founders of the Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired, KCB’s SAVI chapter in Owensboro. He and his wife Cindy attended the 2014 KCB state convention and the 2018 ACB national convention in St. Louis.
THOMAS LELAND LUTES – Tom was one of the very early members of KCB, back in the day when we were called the Associated Blind of Kentucky. Tom became a life member in the 1980’s; life dues were just $10. Tom worked for many years as a computer programmer in Kentucky government; upon retirement he moved from Frankfort back to Bardstown, his home town. Tom isn’t able to come to KCB conventions due to lack of transportation and medical issues, but he keeps up with what is going on through our email list. Life members like Tom help keep KCB strong.
Watch for more member spotlights in future newsletters. Learn more about becoming a member of KCB and its chapters; call us at (502) 895-4598 or visit our website at www.kentucky-acb.org.
KENTUCKY E-RACERS – OFF AND RUNNING
It’s time to run, walk, or just think about walking. It’s time to join the Kentucky e-Racers, KCB’s team in the 11th annual ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk, and help raise money for ACB, KCB, and our chapters.
Ask your family and friends to help. Every dollar raised supports local chapter activities, this newsletter, our website, and Sound Prints, and national programs such as ACB Radio and our work on the Low Vision Medicare Bill.
All contributions, large and small, are greatly appreciated and are tax-deductible. Get involved, help us cross the finish line, and be recognized in this newsletter by visiting our e-Racers team page at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/team/840428-e-racers, or call us at (502) 895-4598 for more information.
ACB CONVENTION – TIME TO SIGN UP
ACB’s 58th annual Conference and Convention will be July 5 – July 12, 2019 in Rochester, NY. The week will be packed with programs, workshops, exhibits and tours.
One big cost of attending a convention is the hotel. KCB will cover up to seven nights lodging (double occupancy) to help our members with expenses. Our room block is in the Hyatt, where every room has a refrigerator. KCB members going to Rochester MUST call the KCB office to make reservations; DO NOT call the hotel directly. The ACB room block in Rochester is nearly full, so please call right away.
Room rates in Rochester are $89/night plus tax (single or double), $82.00/night for ACB members, thanks to a generous sponsorship by Aira.
Preregistration runs from May 22 through June 23 (open to ACB members only May 22-26.)
Visit www.acb.org for convention details, or call KCB at (502) 895-4598.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS AT ACB
Rehabilitation teachers and counselors, teachers of the visually impaired, low vision therapists, orientation and mobility instructors, and others can earn continuing education credits at the 2019 ACB Conference and Convention. Credits will be offered for a wide range of programs, workshops, seminars, and other events presented by ACB and its committees, special-interest affiliates, and representatives of government agencies and private industry. Subjects include employment, technology, health issues, orientation and mobility, self-advocacy, braille, low vision issues, daily living skills, social skills etc.
Programs offering CE credits begin on Saturday, July 6 and continue through Wednesday, July 10. A complete list of CE sessions will be available on the on-line pre-registration form. For more information, contact Carla Ruschival, CE Chair, by phone at (877) 630-7190 or by email at continuingeducation@acb.org.
SOUND PRINTS AUDIO MAGAZINE
Sound Prints is a weekly magazine filled with features, articles, news, information and resources about blindness and vision loss. Free subscriptions are available on audio CD, playable on any standard CD player. Also available as a podcast in the iTunes store; on Alexa, ACB Radio and Radio Eye; by phone; and on the KCB website at www.kentucky-acb.org.
For complete schedule information or to request a CD subscription, call us at (502) 895-4598 or visit us at www.kentucky-acb.org.
JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY
Take part in these events, no matter where you live; no transportation needed. All times are Eastern. To join calls, dial the number shown, enter the call code and then press the pound key. These are not toll-free numbers.
GUIDE DOG USERS OF KENTUCKIANA – meeting and support; open to all. Fourth Monday of the month; 7:00 PM. 605-475-6006, code 294444
KENTUCKY COUNCIL OF CITIZENS WITH LOW VISION – tips, ideas, and resources on living with low vision. First Tuesday of the month; 8:00 PM. 669-900-6833, code 3572595193
KCB NEXT GENERATION – meeting for the under-40 crowd. Second Sunday of the month; 8:00 PM. 669-900-6833, code 3572595193
NORTHERN KENTUCKY COUNCIL OF THE BLIND – chapter meeting. Second Wednesday of the month; 7:00 PM. 605-475-4700, code 155619
AMERICAN COUNCIL OF BLIND LIONS – for visually impaired Lions from all states. First Thursday of the month; 9:00 PM. 712-432-3900, code 796096
ACB FAMILIES – meeting, sometimes with speakers; second Sunday of the month. Family support group, fourth Sunday of the month. Both at 9:00 PM. 712-432-3900, code 796096
ACB NEXT GENERATION – nationwide business meeting; fourth Tuesday of the month. Saturday Night Live Chat, fourth Saturday of the month. Both at 8:00 PM. 669-900-6833, code 3572595193
IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENTS
GREATER LOUISVILLE COUNCIL OF THE BLIND – weekly Roundabouts include one-on-one help with Orbit Readers, iPhones, braille, genealogy and crafts; group time for sharing tips and resources; dinner, games, and peer support. Fridays from 3:30 to 9:30 PM at United Crescent Hill Ministries. Call 502-895-4598 to sign up.
KENTUCKY COUNCIL OF CITIZENS WITH LOW VISION – low vision support group. 1:30 to 3:30 PM, second and fourth Thursdays of the month at United Crescent Hill Ministries in Louisville. Call 502-895-4598 for details.
SUPPORT ALLIANCE OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (Owensboro) – chapter meeting. Second Tuesday of the month; 1:00 to 3:00 PM Central; Wing Avenue Baptist Church in Owensboro. Additional activities such as iPhone accessibility workshops and bowling also available. Call 270-684-4418 or 270-686-8689 for details.
TRI-STATE LIBRARY USERS – Page Turners, a chance to share good books, followed by a dinner meeting. 5:30 PM, fourth Friday of the month, at the Greater Louisville Council Roundabout. Call 502-895-4598 for details.
KCB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Debbie Deatherage, Louisville; second term
First Vice President: Josh Gentry, Louisville; first term
Second Vice President: Gerry Slusher, Covington; second term
Secretary: Natalie Couch, Louisville
Treasurer: Carla Ruschival, Louisville
Immediate Past President: Deb Lewis, Louisville
Directors: Joey Couch, Louisville, first term; Sheryl Lott, Owensboro, first term; Jonathon McCarty, Louisville, first term; Amanda Selm, Louisville, second term; Bill Wright, Louisville, first term
Chapter Representatives: Frank Campbell, Eastern Kentucky, Hardshell; David Smith, Greater Louisville, Louisville; Josh Gentry, Guide Dog Users of Kentuckiana, Louisville; Winter Renfrow, Kentucky Council of Citizens with Low Vision, Horse Branch; Matt Selm, KCB Next Generation, Louisville; Gerry Slusher, Northern Kentucky, Covington; Bill Roberts, Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired, Owensboro; Adam Ruschival, Tri-state Library Users, Louisville
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