Inside DBS Newsletter |
September 2012 |
Table of Contents
- The Director's Corner
- Spot Light
- New Employee Orientation
- Giving Back
- How Does the Braille and Talking Books Library Determine What to Record or Transcribe to Braille?
- Conklin Center's White Cane Walk and Sensory Trail
- October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
- Tech Tuesday Training
- The Florida Center for the Blind Hosts Dining in the Dark
- Top Ten Ways Technology Has Increased Accessibility for the Blind
- Welcome to Bonnie
- Employer Award
- End Zone
The Director’s Corner
As part of the Division of Blind Services (DBS) ongoing efforts to address the employee input received from the Division’s Regional meetings, I have begun a statewide tour of all DBS District offices and facilities. The tour is designed so that each employee has the opportunity to share ideas, best practices and to be recognized for their performance.
Thus far I have visited District 3 - Jacksonville Office, Talking Books Library, The Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired and District 5 - Daytona Office. I look forward to visiting each of your sites in the near future, weaving the fabric of our culture here at DBS and further shaping the future of our Division.
Sincerely,
Joyce Hildreth
Spot Light
DBS Newsletter Named
By Aimee Mallini
There were many fantastic submissions to our “Name the Newsletter” contest. Thank you to all who participated. As the survey results show the DBS newsletter will now be called “The Visionary.” The name chosen was submitted by Mr. Eric Barrette of the Lighthouse of Broward.
Eric is a former DBS client who began receiving services at the age of 23. As a young man Eric was diagnosed with Cone-Rod Dystrophy. Through determination and training Eric earned a Bachelor Degree in Visual Disabilities from FSU and is certified as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI). Mr. Barrette is employed as an Assistive Technology Specialist and will receive his Masters in Visual Disabilities from FSU in May 2013. In addition, he and his wife, Christine, are expecting their first child in the summer of 2013.
Congratulations Eric!
DBS Employment Opportunities
- General Services Specialist (position number 48007016) - The Florida Division of Blind Services has an opening for a General Services Specialist, Career Service in Tampa (Hillsborough County) with a closing date of September 11, 2012. Annual salary is $34,501. If interested, please apply through the People First employment website.
- Senior Rehabilitation Specialist (position number is 48007296) - The Florida Division of Blind Services has an opening for Senior Rehabilitation Specialist, Career Service in Jacksonville (Duval County) with a closing date of September 3, 2012. Annual salary is $30,988.62 without CRC or $32,988.62 with CRC. If interested, please apply through the People First employment website. PLEASE NOTE THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY LOCATED IN GAINESVILLE, IT WILL BE MOVED TO JACKSONVILLE EFFECTIVE 9/1/12. THIS IS AN INTERNAL POSTING; ONLY CURRENT EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WILL BE CONSIDERED.
- Clerk Specialist (position number is 48007137) The Florida Division of Blind Services has an opening for a Clerk Specialist, Career Service in Daytona Beach (Volusia County) at the Braille and Talking Books Library with a closing date of September 9, 2012. Annual salary is $18,524.16. The position number is 48007137. If interested, please apply through the People First employment website.
- Senior Rehabilitation Specialist – (position number is 48007193)- The Florida Division of Blind Services has an opening for Senior Rehabilitation Specialist – Blind, Career Service in Jacksonville (Duval County) with a closing date of September 17, 2012. Annual salary is $30,988.62 without CRC or $32,988.62 with CRC. If interested, please apply through the People First employment website.
Personnel Actions
We would like to welcome our newest employees to the DBS Family:
- Sandra Suarez, Word Processing Systems Operator, Miami
- Amber Walker, Rehabilitation Technician, Jacksonville
New Employee Orientation
By Shelanda Shaw
The second new employee orientation was held August 1-2, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Daytona. The purpose of the training is to give an overall view and promote awareness and understanding of the role of the Division of Blind Services (DBS) as it pertains to the implementation of vocational rehabilitation services for visually impaired and blind individuals.
This was accomplished by providing hands-on activities and presentations. Presenters from the Rehabilitation Center included Ginger Oreskovich, Renea Keough, Holly Idler, and Steven Perry, and Marcel Carroll gave a presentation and tour of the Talking Books Library. We were also pleased to have Jim Woolyhand, DBS District Administrator, Ronnie Silverman, Executive Director of the Center for the Visually Impaired, and Robert Kelly, Executive Director of the Conklin Center talk with participants about the working relationships between district offices and Community Rehabilitation Providers.
Two of the speakers, Dr. Christopher Choat, Low Vision Optometrist, and Ms. Bonnie Smith, Occupational Therapist and Certified Low Vision Therapist, presented information on eye conditions and visual functioning as they highlighted an array of low vision devices.
Lynn Ritter, DBS Program Consultant, presented an overview of VR policy and Ivy Romero, District Administrator, highlighted the importance of good customer service with the "Give'em the Pickle" training. All survey feedback has indicated that the training was again successful.
Giving Back
By Barbara Cutrera
Bob Oliver, a former DBS client, has touched the lives of many blind persons in District 9 through his generosity and dedication. He has refurbished and donated 112 computers to date to visually impaired persons who cannot afford them and do not qualify for the various programs available by the Division. When Bob donated the hundredth computer, District 9 recognized his accomplishment by celebrating with a
cake and a certificate of appreciation.
Bob does most of his computer repairs and upgrades by touch, he also uses a hand-held LCD magnifier, purchased by DBS. He credits his DBS counselor, Kathy Salemi, with his success. Through her guidance Bob received O&M (Orientation and Mobility) and ADL (Activities of Daily Living) training as well as computer instruction and screen reader (JAWS) training through the Lighthouse of Manasota. Bob was also referred to Dr. Lissa Rivero, where he received great service. Through the efforts of those involved including his doctors here in Florida, he embraced the services that allowed him a new lease on life.
When sharing about his generosity he stated "I am not in this for the glory or to try to earn a reputation. I just wanted to help others mainly because I got help when I needed it. I want to thank Kathy and the staff at DBS for their encouragement. The staff at the Lighthouse has helped me to learn so much." In addition, he remarked "Dr. Rivero made me realize that I had to put aside my pride and become independent by using a white cane. I don't go anywhere without it."
Bob and his wife, Lily, have no plans to slow down. They want to continue to assist and encourage others affected by visual impairment to succeed and move forward, just as Bob did.
How Does the Braille and Talking Books Library Determine What to Record or Transcribe to Braille?
By Susan Roberts
Over the course of the last year, a state-wide workgroup has been engaged to develop and implement a plan to review and recommend materials for inclusion in the recording and Braille transcription program. With an emphasis in moving toward the development of a stronger collection of Floridians, the workgroup created protocols for objectively evaluating materials that are requested by customers or recommended by others. Led by Al Peterson, Library Services Supervisor and the head of the Bureau’s Production Section, the group comprises representation from audio and print readers who have both visual and physical limitations, Spanish-language reader advisors, recording specialists, and librarians who manage Sub-regional Talking Books programs across the state. The initial charge to the group was to develop a way to review materials and decide whether they should be considered for production and then to implement the plan. After working carefully to establish protocols, the workgroup is now fully functional and providing exceptional guidance for the development of locally produced materials. The group meets quarterly via teleconference and welcomes suggestions of materials that could be added to the Library’s collection. For more information, please contact Al Peterson at (386)239-6041 or al.peterson@dbs.fldoe.org.
Conklin Center’s White Cane Walk and Sensory Trail
Press Release
Put on your walking shoes and join us for the Conklin Center’s White Cane Walk and Sensory Trail! The walk is a major fundraiser for the programs and support services that enable people who are blind with additional disabilities to work and live on their own in the community.
Our goals are to raise funds and also to raise awareness of what it is like to live with impaired vision.
To do that we have added a sensory trail this year. After receiving instructions, participants will perform everyday activities wearing a full blindfold or glasses that simulate common eye disorders. There will be stations set up along the pathway on the Center’s grounds where walkers will perform tasks such as pouring a drink, counting change, and using the white cane to travel a short distance.
We hope you will come and join us.
Ways you can help:
- Have family and friends sponsor you.
- Sponsor a graduate or student in the walk.
- Display the flyer at your workplace, church or business to get the word out.
- Make a donation to the Center to support our services.
Everyone who raises or donates $20 will receive a free t-shirt. Anyone who raises $100, $250, $500 and $1,000 will be entered in a drawing to win prizes at those levels. Lunch will be available to purchase for $7.00.
Check out the details at: conta.cc/NWBYyx (copy and paste to your browser) or on our website www.conklincenter.org.
Then call Denise Harlow at (386)258-3441 or email dharlow@conklincenter.org to request a form and start contacting your sponsors.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
By Aimee Mallini
In 1988 the United States Congress declared October of each year to be National Disability Employment Awareness Month. To raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities, many activities have been planned across the great state of Florida. Please see below list of upcoming events for the month of October.
October 2012 Disability Awareness Month Planned Events and Activities
Leesburg, FL
New Vision for Independence (dates to be determined)
- Presentations at three elementary schools about blindness, which include rotating activities such as reading your name in Braille, guide dogs, talking devices, and using a cane.
- “Going Blind” screening.
- Fourth annual 5k run/walk, which includes a half mile blindfolded sensory walk. This year we are including some obstacles like going through a door and navigating up a couple steps.
- Special showing of the play “Wait Until Dark” featuring a blind protagonist in conjunction with a local playhouse.
- Receipt of a county proclamation for White Cane Day.
For more specific information please contact New Vision for Independence at (352) 435-5040.
Tallahassee
Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services
- 10/18/12 Disability Employment Awareness Celebration at Tallahassee City Hall
For more information contact Agency for Persons with Disabilities at (850)488-4257.
Department of Education
- 10/1/13 – 10/12/12 Disability Awareness Weeks Celebration and Events
For more information contact Jenny Harry at 850-245-0985.
Ocala
Florida Center for the Blind
- 9/9/12 “All About Kids” Expo
- 10/11/1 World Sight Day Open House
- 10/15/12 White Cane Day on the Square
- 11/3/12 Dinning in the Dark
For more information please contact the Florida Center for the Blind at (352)873-4700
Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA)
- 10/5/12 - 10/6/12 Sportsability Expo
For more information please visit the web link: http://www.fdoa.org/programs/sportsability/ocala
Daytona
Conklin Center for the Blind
- 10/6/12 Conklin Center Walk and Lions Visitation Day with Sensory Experience. For more information contact Denise Harlow at 386-258-3441.
- 9/30/12 10th Annual Conklin Center "Ride for Sight" Poker Run and Barbeque for more information contact Denise Harlow at 386-258-3441.
- 10/26/12 Florida Lions Conklin Center 2nd Annual Halloween Bash.
For more information contact Delores Farris at 352-245-6092.
Tech Tuesday Training
By Kendra Jahnke
Need any training? Tech Tuesdays are offered through MIS by Kendra Jahnke and Adam Gaffney for Division staff and service providers. Tech Tuesday trainings are offered via webinars and conference calls and are designed to reach all users. JAWS user specific trainings are presented to ensure meaningful training sessions with JAWS specific information. Training webinars and conference calls are recorded and shared on the “O” drive under the Tech Tuesday folder.
Past training topics included Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), AWARE features and tips, and general computer performance. Feel free to let us know of any training topics you’d like to see presented or repeated.
Currently there is a series of trainings specific to Accessibility on 8/28, 9/4, and 9/11. Be sure to look out for emails!
The Florida Center for the Blind Hosts Dining in the Dark
Press Release
The Florida Center for the Blind will be hosting a unique dining experience at the Hilton Ocala on Saturday, November 3, 2012, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. It is called Dining in the Dark, a concept that originated in Germany and swept across Europe before arriving in America.
The evening begins with a fun reception and perusal of the items offered at the silent auction. Then you will experience a delectable three-course meal prepared by the Hilton’s chefs as you may never have before – without your sight. Your remaining senses will be stimulated to savor the smell, taste and texture of your dining experience. Conversation will become more intimate and immediate. The goal is to expand your understanding of what individuals who are blind experience throughout their lives. You will discover that, with the help of humor and friends, you can prevail. This is really what the Florida Center for the Blind is all about- teaching people who are visually impaired to cope and do all the things they took for granted when they were sighted.
The keynote speaker this year will be Connor Boss, Miss Delray Beach, who was the first legally blind Miss Florida USA contestant. She was diagnosed at age 8 with Stargardt’s Disease, a genetic disorder that causes progressive vision loss. Despite having only 20/400 and 20/600 peripheral vision, she has competed in 11 pageants and won five crowns. Her desire is to reach others with disabilities and encourage them to confront life’s challenges with humor and hope.
Individual tickets for general seating are available for $45, two tickets can be purchased for $80, or a private table of eight can be reserved for $320. Tickets can be purchased by calling (352) 873-4700, or by sending a check to Florida Center for the Blind at 7634 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34476.
Top Ten Ways Technology Has Increased Accessibility for the Blind
Courtesy of the Lighthouse of the Big Bend
- Devices can now identify money or color (Carolyn Lapp).
- Online banking and bill paying eliminate the need to write checks or address
envelopes (Lois Butterfield). - Talking glucose meters enable blood sugar level checks and determine how
much insulin to take (Lynda Jones). - You can find almost any appliance that talks – even things you’d rather not
hear, such as a talking scale! (Jeanine Kane). - Portable software programs can make any computer accessible (Carolyn
Lapp). - Almost everything can be ordered online and delivered to your front door (Wayne Warner).
- Talking GPS programs make it possible to easily find destinations – you may
never get lost again! (Lois Butterfield). - Bar code scanners can be used to scan products, get info on the item and
comparison shop (Carolyn Lapp). - You carry more power and access to information in your pocket now than a
room-sized computer in years past (Wayne Warner). - Email and texting greatly expands communication and frees many from the
use of printed documents (Elizabeth Bowden).
Welcome to Bonnie
By Bryan McKernan
District One would like to welcome Bonnie, the newest member of the team in Pensacola. Bonnie is the new service dog of Alton Gayle. After almost six month wait, Bonnie has arrived and is a wonderful addition to the office.
Employer Award
By Phyllis Dill
On July 26, 2012, the Convergys Corporation was awarded a plaque of appreciation for employing individuals with visual disabilities. The award was presented during the Florida Council of the Blind’s quarterly meeting.
Gene Hartley, Customer Service Specialist in the Convergys Jacksonville Office presented the award to Chris Stampfli, Human Resources Manager and Sue Malletti, Project Manager. The Council was given a brief overview of the Convergys Corporation.
A group photo included: Mr. Edwards, Ms. Hildreth, Mr Hartley, Mr. O’Connor, Mr. Stampfli and Ms. Malletti.
End Zone
We hope you found this month’s newsletter interesting. Remember, we need your submissions each month. Let us know what’s going on in your district or facility. The publication date for the Inside DBS newsletter is the first week of each month. The deadline for submissions is the 24th of each month. Comments, suggestions, and submissions should be directed to:
Ashley Evans
Email: Ashley.Evans@dbs.fldoe.org
Phone: 850-245-0310
Additional useful links and telephone numbers:
To request a Braille version of this edition of Inside DBS may contact the Braille and Talking Book Library at al.peterson@dbs.fldoe.org or call 800-226-6075.
MIS Help Desk:
Phone: 850-245-0360
Email: DBS.HelpDesk@dbs.fldoe.org
AWARE Help Desk:
Phone: 850-245-0395 or 1-866-841-0912
Email: Aware.support@dbs.fldoe.org
DBS Division of Blind Services (external): https://dbs.fldoe.org.