Friday, January 28, 2011
Congressman Mica to participate in NFB blind Driver Challenge
Congressman Mica to Participate in NFB Blind Driver Challenge™
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/congressman-mica-to-participate-in-nfb-blind-driver-challenge-114713349.html
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/congressman-mica-to-participate-in-nfb-blind-driver-challenge-114713349.html
Do-it-yourself glaucoma test | KING5.com | Seattle Health News, HealhtLink
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Blindness Dpesn't Slow This Runner
The son of two migrant workers in Arizona, Gabino Lares as a child was looking at a relatively predictable adulthood. He would work hard, cherish his family and the country that seemed to offer more opportunity than the one his parents had left.
No one could have imagined what happened when he was 14.
School was out for the year. Gabino had left middle school behind, and was looking forward to a summer of baseball, baseball and more baseball. He was a pitcher.
And then during an early summer game, "a line drive up the middle caught the corner of my eye," Lares said. The head injury caused damage to his optic nerve, which sends messages from both eyes to the brain, resulting in what we simplistically call vision.
Although he was hit near his left eye, "my right eye thinks it's hurt too," Lares said. "Overnight, I was blind."
Specifically, his vision is measured at 20/800 in one eye and 20/1,000 in the other. In the United States, legal blindness is defined as 20/200 or worse in both eyes (20/200 vision is the ability to see at 20 feet what a normal eye can see at 200 feet). He more than qualified.
For about six months after the accident, he said, he did almost nothing.
And then he began running. "Out of rage."
--------------------
The rest of the article can be found at this link:
http://www.news-press.com/article/20110125/HEALTH/101250309/1013/LIFESTYLES/Blindness-doesn-t-slow-this-runner
No one could have imagined what happened when he was 14.
School was out for the year. Gabino had left middle school behind, and was looking forward to a summer of baseball, baseball and more baseball. He was a pitcher.
And then during an early summer game, "a line drive up the middle caught the corner of my eye," Lares said. The head injury caused damage to his optic nerve, which sends messages from both eyes to the brain, resulting in what we simplistically call vision.
Although he was hit near his left eye, "my right eye thinks it's hurt too," Lares said. "Overnight, I was blind."
Specifically, his vision is measured at 20/800 in one eye and 20/1,000 in the other. In the United States, legal blindness is defined as 20/200 or worse in both eyes (20/200 vision is the ability to see at 20 feet what a normal eye can see at 200 feet). He more than qualified.
For about six months after the accident, he said, he did almost nothing.
And then he began running. "Out of rage."
--------------------
The rest of the article can be found at this link:
http://www.news-press.com/article/20110125/HEALTH/101250309/1013/LIFESTYLES/Blindness-doesn-t-slow-this-runner
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Kirstee's Release...
| ...is 8AM Friday. To refresh memories, Kirstee is my mentee in the Second Chance Mentoring program who was homeless and sleeping under highway bridges before her incarceration. She wears sizes 14-16 ladies and size 8 shoes. I will need the clothes everyone promised. I can pick them up this week. If you are at one of the schools I go to please have them with you at school by Thursday afternoon. Thanks, Everyone, for your support! Kathy  http://www.kathyskids.org Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/ |
Life with Usher's Syndrom: What to Do?
By Trista Johnson
Trista Johnson: First, I am a fiercely independent woman who has Usher Syndrome. Second, I am a wife and a mother of three little girls. View my complete profile.
http://ttgkbjohnson.blogspot.com/
Trista Johnson: First, I am a fiercely independent woman who has Usher Syndrome. Second, I am a wife and a mother of three little girls. View my complete profile.
http://ttgkbjohnson.blogspot.com/
Friday, January 21, 2011
Kathy has forwarded an article to you from Mother Nature Network
Kathy thought you would like to see this article from the Mother Nature Network
Message from Sender:
Article: Genetic test could uncover fatal childhood diseases
(Batten's Disease)
(Batten's Disease)
Genetic test could uncover fatal childhood diseases
By Jenn Savedge
By Jenn Savedge
Blood test gives parents new information about their genes, but still leaves them with an agonizing decision.
Girls Seeks Very Special Doll
You have been sent this link to a UnionLeader.com article from Ms. Kathy.
--------------------------------------------------
Salem girls seek a very special doll for Kalli
http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?articleId=3b56b9c9-aac3-4fa0-a1e5-6c75695c97a9
--------------------------------------------------
Salem girls seek a very special doll for Kalli
http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?articleId=3b56b9c9-aac3-4fa0-a1e5-6c75695c97a9
delayed assistance lawsuit-- glaucoma (article)
Visual Impairments Specialist
Westminster Elementary School
http://lee.ebrschools.org/kathynicholslee
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
Westminster Elementary School
http://lee.ebrschools.org/kathynicholslee
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
Retinopathy of Prematurity--Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
By Gildog
A premature infant, he was put on oxygen treatment in an incubator; likely it was an excess of oxygen that exacerbated a visual condition known as retinopathy of prematurity, causing his blindness. In 1954, his family moved to Detroit, ...
ALL SOUL AND FUNK - http://allsoulandfunk.blogspot.com/
By Gildog
A premature infant, he was put on oxygen treatment in an incubator; likely it was an excess of oxygen that exacerbated a visual condition known as retinopathy of prematurity, causing his blindness. In 1954, his family moved to Detroit, ...
ALL SOUL AND FUNK - http://allsoulandfunk.blogspot.com/
Visual Impairments Specialist
Westminster Elementary School
http://lee.ebrschools.org/kathynicholslee
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
Westminster Elementary School
http://lee.ebrschools.org/kathynicholslee
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
January items of Interest from the LCB
Greetings Colleagues-
Below, please find several items of interest including:
- a reminder of the February 9 Braille Challenge in Baton Rouge
- SPBH gets a name change
- the second annual NFB LAW Program
- The annual youth and adult writing contests sponsored by the Writers' Division of the NFB
- Summer internship opportunity with the Dept. of defense
I hope that everyone had a fantastic holiday break and that 2011 has started positively. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding any of the following information and/or about our summer programs and outreach services.
THE 2011 BRAILLE CHALLENGE
The Time to Sign Up Is Now
Greetings Everyone,
Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and The Louisiana Center for the Blind are excited to announce the 2011 Louisiana Regional Braille Challenge. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 on the LSDVI campus located at 2888 Brightside Drive in Baton Rouge. The event is slated to begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at approximately 3:00 p.m. The Braille Challenge consists of a series of tests designed to evaluate one's proficiency in interpreting and utilizing the literary Braille code.
Students in grades 1-12 are eligible to participate in the event. Please visit http://www.braillechallenge.org/ for more comprehensive information about the contest (i.e., sample tests etc).
Though the thought of taking Braille exams may seem less than enjoyable to students, it should be noted that they are eligible to receive prizes and that for students who do extremely well, there is an opportunity to travel to Los Angeles to take part in the Braille Challenge finals during the summer. Louisiana has sent students to L.A. in the recent past, and we hope to do so again this year.
For questions, or to sign your student up for the Challenge, please contact Phil Templet at LSVI via email at phil.templet@la.gov
or Patricia Geiss via e-mail at patricia.geiss@la.gov.
We hope to see you and your student in Baton Rouge for a day of fun and competition!
NEWS FROM THE STATE LIBRARY
Emma Schroth, children and Teen Services Librarian for the State Library, informed us that as of December 10, 2010, the Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (SBPH) has changed its name to the Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL). The new name is meant to reflect what the agency does rather than simply who it serves; it also highlights the critical importance of Braille literacy.
The National Federation of the Blind Announces the 2011 NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington, D.C., (LAW) Program
Engaging the Voice of America's Blind Youth
April 8-12, 2011
This four-day experience will provide blind and low-vision students in grades six to nine, or ages twelve to sixteen, with a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of our country's government, its history, and its culture, while staying at the headquarters for the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to learning about grassroots legislation efforts, how resolutions are passed, and how blindness legislation is created, participants will become familiar with advocacy work for blind individuals and available resources for blind students and adults. Highlights of the program include: visits to historical sites in Washington, D.C., meetings with influential government leaders, presentations by prominent leaders from the largest blindness advocacy group in the country, a tour of the National Federation of the Blind national headquarters, and opportunities to interact with technology from the International Braille and Technology Center, the largest lab of Braille and speech products for the blind.
Twenty-four students will be accepted for the LAW program. All accepted students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, teacher, or blind/low-vision mentor from their home state. There will be a $250 fee per student/chaperone pair. Transportation, room, and board will be provided for students and chaperones.
Apply now by going to
Applications are due by February 1, 2011. For more information, contact Treva Olivero, Education Program Specialist, at (410) 659-9314, extension 2295, or by e-mail at <mailto:teolivero@nfb.org>teolivero@nfb.org.
The annual youth and adult writing contests sponsored by the Writers' Division of the NFB, will open January 1st and close April 1st.
Adult contests, poetry, fiction and non-fiction, are open to all entrants eighteen years and over.
The youth contests are all about Braille and all poetry and fiction entries are required to be submitted in Braille. The age groups are divided into three categories: first through sixth grades, seventh and eighth grades, and ninth through twelfth grades.
Prizes for contest winners range up to $100 for adult categories and up to $25 for youth categories.
All contest winners will be announced at the Writers' Division business meeting during the NFB national convention to be held in Orlando, Florida, the first week of July, 2011. In addition, shortly after convention, a list of winners will appear on the Writers' Division Website, http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/.
First, second, and third place winners in each category will appear in the summer and fall issues of the Writers' Division magazine, "Slate and Style."
For additional contest details and submission guidelines, go to the Writers' Division Website, http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/.
Robert Leslie Newman, President
NFB Writers' Division
Email- newmanrl@cox.net
Division Website
POSSIBLE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR 10th-12th GRADE STUDENTS
Friends,
Are you a 10th through 12th grade student interested in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM)? Are you interested in making some money over the summer? You can apply to have a paid internship with the Department of Defense. Visit:
http://bit.ly/ax50vV for more information.
If you are interested in information about STEM follow @NFBScience on Twitter and visit http://www.blindscience.org/.
Regards,
Natalie
Natalie L. Shaheen, MEd
Education Program Specialist
Jernigan Institute
Phone: (410) 659-9314 x2293
Email: nshaheen@nfb.org
Eric Guillory, Director of Youth Services
Louisiana Center for the Blind
101 South Trenton Street
Ruston, LA 71270
Phone: 800-234-4166
Fax: 318-251-0109
Sorry for posting this so late. I had it stored for a couple of weeks. ~K
Disabled Worthing boy’s funding blow
read
This article may be of interest to you.
http://www.worthingherald.co.uk/news/local/disabled_worthing_boy_s_funding_blow_1_2320516
This article may be of interest to you.
http://www.worthingherald.co.uk/news/local/disabled_worthing_boy_s_funding_blow_1_2320516
Monday, January 17, 2011
Williams Lake Tribune - White Cane chapter raises vision awareness in lakecity
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Sunday, January 16, 2011
deafblind awareness week in australia 2011
http://www.vision2020australia.org.au/news-events-events.cfm?id=3831&t=/deafblind-awareness-week-/
25/06/2011 | Deafblind Awareness Week |  |
Each year, Deafblind Awareness Week is held internationally on the last week of June to celebrate Helen Keller's birthday – 27 June 1880. In 2011, this will be 25 June–1 July.
Deafblindness (sight and hearing loss) affects over 288,000 Australians.
For more information visit the Able Australia website (external link) or call 1300 225 369.
http://www.ableaustralia.org.au/index.asp Deafblindness (sight and hearing loss) affects over 288,000 Australians.
For more information visit the Able Australia website (external link) or call 1300 225 369.
Visual Impairments Specialist
High school wrestling: Blind wrestler bringing fans to their feet (with three videos)
Story:
High school wrestling: Blind wrestler bringing fans to their feet (with three videos)
West G's Alcorn winning matches, admiration of fellow students, opponents
Rising to his feet after his championship match at the Perry Pin City Tournament, Robbie Alcorn flashed a brief smile, allowing it to disappear almost as fast as it appeared.
As West Geauga's freshman 135-pounder rose to his feet, so did the majority of fans who watched Madison's Justin Ransom defeat Alcorn, 17-7, in the title bout.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2011/01/14/sports/nh3524599.txt
High school wrestling: Blind wrestler bringing fans to their feet (with three videos)
West G's Alcorn winning matches, admiration of fellow students, opponents
Rising to his feet after his championship match at the Perry Pin City Tournament, Robbie Alcorn flashed a brief smile, allowing it to disappear almost as fast as it appeared.
As West Geauga's freshman 135-pounder rose to his feet, so did the majority of fans who watched Madison's Justin Ransom defeat Alcorn, 17-7, in the title bout.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2011/01/14/sports/nh3524599.txt
Fw: Your article "Walk With a Blind Person" has been viewed more than 100 times.
Coooooool
http://www.kathyskids.org
Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/
http://www.kathyskids.org
Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: wikiHow Team
To: Mskathy
Sent: Sat, January 15, 2011 2:00:31 AM
Subject: Your article "Walk With a Blind Person" has been viewed more than 100 times.
Hi Mskathy,
We wanted to let you know that the article Walk With a Blind Person that you started on wikiHow has been read more than 100 times. Having your article read by so many people is a great accomplishment. Congratulations!
Sincerely,
The wikiHow Team
http://www.wikihow.com?utm_source=n_views_email&utm_medium=email&utm_term=wikihow_home&utm_campaign=n_views_email
From: wikiHow Team
To: Mskathy
Sent: Sat, January 15, 2011 2:00:31 AM
Subject: Your article "Walk With a Blind Person" has been viewed more than 100 times.
Hi Mskathy,
We wanted to let you know that the article Walk With a Blind Person that you started on wikiHow has been read more than 100 times. Having your article read by so many people is a great accomplishment. Congratulations!
Sincerely,
The wikiHow Team
http://www.wikihow.com?utm_source=n_views_email&utm_medium=email&utm_term=wikihow_home&utm_campaign=n_views_email
Monday, January 10, 2011
Re: for your amusement [an article emailed from a former student]
This article about a former student was sent to me by the former student it is about. Wait. Did you follow that? Well, you'll "get it" when you read the message and the article below.
~K
http://www.kathyskids.org
Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/
From: Ray Foret Jr;
To: The City Cafe <the-city-cafe@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sun, December 19, 2010 4:33:05 AM
Subject: for your amusement
Hi,
~K
http://www.kathyskids.org
Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/
From: Ray Foret Jr;
To: The City Cafe <the-city-cafe@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sun, December 19, 2010 4:33:05 AM
Subject: for your amusement
Hi,
You will not believe what I just came across. I Googled my own name and there popped up, among the results, this newspaper article about me published back in 2003.
"Published: Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 7:53 a.m.
Ray Foret Jr. is nothing short of a full-fledged computer geek; a handle the 38-year-old Houma native proudly and insistently dons.
He admittedly spends too much time sitting at the computer checking his e-mail, exchanging messages on one of the two Catholic message boards he is a member of and chatting with others with an affinity for going barefoot.
His e-mail signature bears the tag: "Sincerely Yours, The Constantly Barefoot Ray."
KRISTY MAY/THE COURIER
Ray Foret Jr. laughs at a joke e-mailed to his home computer. Blind since birth, Foret uses a software program that reads the messages outloud.
Foret's computer use would significantly be limited if not for screen-reading software.
He was born blind and the technology allows him to access the Internet, e-mail applications as well as take advantage of the multitude of computer-related opportunities available.
The JAWS software allows the operator to use the computer via short-cut command keys, also called hot key commands, instead of employing a mouse.
Audio instructions are spoken, which can be programmed in various languages. Foret's computer reads aloud with a British accent, possibly because of the two years his family lived overseas.
Such computer applications are pricey: Foret's software alone cost $900.
He said 70 percent of blind people who are of working age are unemployed, and as a result most go without the technology.
"People think (blind people) can't do anything, much less work," he said of common stereotypes.
Foret lives on a fixed income and understands the importance of cutting corners, saving money and making the little he has last.
He wouldn't be able to enjoy his current computer-literate lifestyle if not for the West Houma Lions Club donating a computer and the screen-reading software to him about a year ago.
Before, he used a telephone Internet service, which got to be expensive. One bill rang up $399.67 for a month's usage.
Page 1 of 2
http://www.houmatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030716/FEATURES/307160303&template=printpicart 12/19/10 4:28 AM
He knew friends with the screen-reading application and his mother, Carolyn Foret, explained to the group her son was looking for a job and needed the computer and software to send out resumes.
Previously, Foret held positions in various computer technology fields in Arkansas and Nebraska with his favorite position being a disc jockey at a local radio station.
Lisa LeBoeuf, Lions club first vice-president, who served as president at the time of the donation, discussed Foret's case with club members.
The project was approved by the membership, and shortly after, LeBoeuf began making the necessary arrangements.
"He's blind and out on his own. He lives by himself. He inspired me when I first talked to him," said LeBoeuf, a 13-year member, of the donation, which neared $2,000.
"He's so smart when it comes to computers. He inspires me . to talk to him and to know how much he knows about computers."
Most of Foret's hobbies are linked to the computer. He downloads historic speeches and recordings. His jewel is a recording of Thomas Edison from 1808.
Home theater is another of Foret's favorite pastimes.
"I watch TV not listen to TV. I don't feel the need to change what I say since I'm blind," he explained.
"I can't always expect the world to adapt to me because I'm blind. I figure out ways to do what I want to do."
Foret walks to the voting polls unassisted and has sound political views. He plans to vote for State Rep. Hunt Downer, R-Houma, in the upcoming gubernatorial election, and he's not fond of politically correct terms like visually impaired.
He's a member of the Louisiana Center for the Blind, where he learned how to live independently, and the National Federation of the Blind, which taught him how to use a long white cane to move about.
Foret even cooks for himself.
Foret, who has been having a difficult time finding a job, is working on a business venture where he would remaster old audio recordings. He is currently saving for the computer software as well as a DVD burner.
"I'm finally going to be able to fulfill my dream," Foret said.
Staff writer Jewel Bush can be reached at 857-2207 or jewel.bush@houmatoday.com.
Copyright © 2010 HoumaToday.com — All rights reserved. Restricted use only.
Page 2 of 2
"
Sincerely,
The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!
Now A Very Proud and very happy Mac user!!!
Skype Name:
barefootedray
Raymond, I can't get over the reporter's amazement that you actually cook for yourself! LOL!
Raymond, I can't get over the reporter's amazement that you actually cook for yourself! LOL!
NPR Internship
had this message texted to me today via twitter. share with interested parties. sounds like a good gig for some young'un.
http://www.kathyskids.org
Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/
http://www.kathyskids.org
Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/
----- Forwarded Message ----
From:
To:
Sent: Mon, January 10, 2011 9:43:47 AM
Subject:
nprfreshair: Want to intern or work at NPR in DC? - They're having a career fair on January 28. Information here. http://tumblr.com
--
==================================================================
This mobile text message is brought to you by AT&T
From:
To:
Sent: Mon, January 10, 2011 9:43:47 AM
Subject:
nprfreshair: Want to intern or work at NPR in DC? - They're having a career fair on January 28. Information here. http://tumblr.com
--
==================================================================
This mobile text message is brought to you by AT&T
We can't retreat!
http://www.kathyskids.org
Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "Tor Cowan, AFT Legislation"
To: msk
Sent: Thu, January 6, 2011 2:24:13 PM
Subject: We can't retreat!
![]()
From: "Tor Cowan, AFT Legislation"
To: msk
Sent: Thu, January 6, 2011 2:24:13 PM
Subject: We can't retreat!
Dear Kathy, As soon as the New Year's confetti hit the floor, leaders of the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives scheduled a vote to repeal the historic healthcare reform law of 2010. Instead of focusing on efforts to spur job creation and on doing what will be best for Americans moving forward, the new majority is turning back the clock to settle a political score. Call your representative now, and tell him or her to vote NO on repealing healthcare reform! If this bill is repealed, insurance companies will be back in charge, undermining patients' rights. This means children with pre-existing conditions will not get coverage, young people won't be able to stay on their parents' plans until age 26, pregnant women and breast cancer survivors will be denied their insurance, and seniors will pay higher drug prices. To make matters worse, the Congressional Budget Office says the repeal will increase the deficit by $230 billion by 2021! Tell your representative that we can't afford to retreat and turn back the clock on these overdue reforms. The landmark healthcare reform plan was signed into law less than a year ago and is the culmination of decades of hard work to bring real reform to our healthcare system. Do not let the House wipe away this progress in just one day! In unity, Tor Cowan AFT Legislation DIrector |
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