DFB JOURNAL

Publication of
The Kentucky Department for the Blind

An Agency of the Cabinet for Workforce Development

October 2003

Editors
Rick Roderick
Paulette Venhoff

Employee of the Month
Ron DeVillez
"A Hero from the West"
by Denise Placido, Commissioner

Every time I hear the name DeVillez, a picture comes to mind of a competent, self-driven, masked man arriving on a white horse to save the victims. In other words, a Hero! Well, in Paducah this scenario is so very true. After Buel retired, there was simply no one available to provide Independent Living services in the far Western part of the state. One day Ron called in frustration at his consumers not having these important services. When advised that it would be some time before this position could be filled, he offered to "come to the rescue." He has continued to successfully provide Vocational Rehabilitation services to his consumers in addition to providing IL services to the 10-11 counties around him. Ron had over 25 successful IL closures as well. He and Lou Ann worked out a process. Ron would set up appointments, assess their needs, and do the preliminary paperwork, as well as provide services and training. Lou Ann would then take his paperwork and add them into the IL caseload system monthly. Ron states these are delightful individuals to work with, as they are so appreciative. He also has been overheard to say, these individuals sure do like to talk and simply enjoy having you into their home. When bragged on for his assistance as to serving these individuals, he typically says, "no problem" as he often says about his other duties. It is a real joy to see employees step up and take on extra duties when they see the need. Therefore, we recognize Ron as the Employee of the Month. Ron, we all appreciate your help for the past nine months and help is on the way. We hope to have a new part-time individual start soon to provide services in Ron's area.

 

PERSONNEL NOTES
by Melinda Ernst

New Addition to Independent Living
Sandra Williams is our latest addition to the Louisville IL office. Sandra came to us from the City of Louisville as an ADA coordinator and is already pleased with her decision to become a DFB superstar. Lou Ann has worked closely with her as to process and Marie, Jimmy, and Gay have all taken her for home visits and training. Sandra states she has seen various styles and methods and is ready to start off the new fiscal year. Welcome Sandra.

Disabilities Assistance Specialist and Driver
Kirk Leiferman has accepted the position of Disabilities Assistance Specialist/Driver.

 

Steve Deeley
WINS
Five Mile Run
by Pam Thompson

VIPS (Visually Impaired Preschool Sevices) had a run and walk on August 23, 2003 on the Bellarmine University campus and Cherokee Park in Lousiville, Ky. From the MAC, Hope Lavertu, Pam Thompson, Rachel Morrison and our former employee Kelly Brown participated in the 2-mile walk. This was a walk on a hilly course and lasted about 20 minutes. Steve Deeley ran the 5-mile run on a very rugged course and won the blind division in his age group in the record time of 41.12 minutes. He won a $150.00 cash prize and donated it to VIPS. He plans to run a marathon in Hawaii in September 2004. Congratulations Steve!!!!!!

 

PRA ON THE MOVE?
by Marcia Egbert

The PRA Committee had their Bi-Annual Business and Planning meeting in July where a few changes were made. The most important change the Committee made to the PRA By-Laws was to permit new assistants to enter the program with the approval of their supervisor. They no longer have to be employed for six months before they can apply.

PRA Level II Training was completed at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in August with 13 Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Department for the Blind (DFB) staff participating. In addition to all the great training, we had a great time at "Game Night," which the committee had planned for the participants. Everyone brought a game and the Committee provided snacks.

A new PRA Level I Training is scheduled for October 21-24, 2003 at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. Six of the 13 participants that will be joining this group come for DFB. They are: Susan Mills, Trina Roberts, Julie Kennedy, Rachel Morrison, Linda Townzen and Lisa Smith. Good luck girls!

The PRA Committee has a busy schedule planned for 2004! The following events have been scheduled (pending approval from the Commissioners of DFB and DVR):
· March - Level III Training
· May - Leadership Institute
· October - Level II Training
· November - Level I Training (Tentative)

The Committee is also checking into the possibility of having some of these events at different state parks, such as General Butler, Barren River, and Dale Hollow, in addition to Lake Cumberland.

The Leadership Institute is scheduled for May 2004. The PRA Chair will be sending out a survey to the membership to obtain input on training, location, time frame and whether you would like to have a single topic or multiple topics offered. Several topics discussed by the Committee included: Social Security, Record Retention, Paperless Office, Career Scope (software), and Ethics. Be putting your thinking caps on and forward any suggestions to any Committee member.

A training session on "Becoming a PRA Committee Member" was held on July 30-31, 2003 at Lake Cumberland State Park. The session included topics on the history/background, vision, mission, values/ethics, role/function of the committee and time commitment. Twelve individuals from DFB and DVR attended the training. All participants gave the session high marks and felt that it should be held again in the future as it gave them a better understanding of what Committee work is all about. We encourage any PRA graduate that would like to be on the Committee to contact Marcia Egbert in Central Office or Claudia Eldridge in the Lexington Office. We would love to have you join us!!!

Attention all PRA Graduates: Maintenance hours for 2003 are due to the Committee by December 31, 2003. You do not have to wait until December to send your hours in for approval. If you have completed your maintenance hours, please submit them to a Committee member for approval. If you do not have your maintenance hours in by December 31, 2003, you will have to complete additional contact hours in order to regain your standing with the program. DON'T DELAY?SEND IN YOUR MAINTENANCE HOURS TODAY!!!
New officers for the PRA Committee were elected at the July business meeting. Vicki Yeary (DVR) was elected Chair of the Committee and Marcia Egbert (DFB) was handed the responsibility of Secretary. Congratulations to them both.

If you have any questions about PRA, please don't hesitate to contact Marcia Egbert at Central Office or Claudia Eldridge in the Lexington Office.

 

KENTUCKY MEDICAL
ASSOCIATION
KY Department for the Blind Represented
by Barbara Miller

The Kentucky Medical Association held its annual conference at the Kentucky International Convention Center on September 9 and 10. The department had a very professional booth set up by CJ Jones and at all times two staff members worked two hour shifts to meet and greet and tell about our services. We used the "Rule of Thumb" as to referrals -- "if you know anyone who cannot pass a drivers' test or is in fear of losing their vision or their job, please refer them to DFB."

Between 5:00 and 7:00 we entertained the opthalmologists with a reception. They were very receptive to knowing more about our services. Most were surprised that we encourage early referrals and previously had not thought about us being able to help save jobs. They were also very interested in independent living services and See World. Thanks to all who helped with this most successful event. From talking with physicians, we were invited to present at their Network Administrators Conference which their office managers attend. The office managers often are good referral sources. The conference is in Lexington in November. We have been asked to present at their spring conference as well.

A Role Model for All of Us
by Sean Mace, O & M Specialist

I started to work with Mr. Steve York about two months ago. To this day he continues to be a role model and inspiration to me. At the time of our first meeting, I reviewed his file and found that he had received quadruple by-pass surgery and as a result of this operation had become totally blind. Mr. York is also a diabetic. I thought to myself, this is going to be a challenge. When I went to the door, a smiling round-faced man greeted me. Steve said, "Who are you?" I said, "I'm from the Kentucky Department for the Blind and I have an appointment with Mr. Steven York. Is he home?" Steve said, "I'm your man! Come on in!" I was astonished. He seemed so happy. Not at all the man I had anticipated. Steve said, "This is my beautiful wife, Barb." We sat down to discuss his Orientation & Mobility program. Steve said, "Well, you see that stick over there? That's what I've been using to get around and it's damn hard to use that thing. I get so bored sitting in this house all day." I replied that I had a much better tool for him to use and proceeded to give him a red and white long cane. Steve then said, "Aha! That's what I've been looking for. Now, I can really rock and roll! Want something to drink?"

Over the next few weeks, I realized that this student was going to be like none that I had ever met before. To say Steve is highly motivated is an understatement. To say he is a bundle of laughter and energy is also an understatement. To say I sometimes have trouble keeping up with him is not an understatement. Steve is up beat and always has a good joke at hand. I am amazed at his outlook on life. He has said, "When I get up in the morning, I want to be happy and make as many people laugh as I can, and I usually succeed!" Barb looked at him and sighed. "Steve has been a coach and continues coaching hockey for a local high school." I asked, "How do you do it?" (Me who likes to think I have all the answers!) Steve replied, "I know that rink like the back of my hand. I love those kids and wouldn't give that up for anything."

We had several lessons crossing Man-O-War Boulevard. Steve did well except for some veering problems. One day when I was out with Steve on a lesson, he informed me that he now walks the neighborhood on a daily basis. Steve continued, "Yea, I crossed Man-O-War Boulevard yesterday. Do it all the time." I asked, "Who were you with, and Steve replied, "Ah? would you believe? me?" I said, "You crossed Man-O-War Boulevard by yourself?" I almost passed out but said, "Don't do it again until you are ready!" Steve said, "I am ready. I am ready." I said, "You are not." We went back and forth. Finally, I hope I had convinced him not to make this crossing on his own. "Piece of cake," says he!

Steve's skills are improving weekly and he has recently been accepted at The Guiding Eyes for the Blind Guide Dog School. He says he can't wait to go. I just hope the guide dog is ready for Steve. Sometimes we instructors get so wrapped up in teaching skills that we forget there is a human being under the skin. I have to remind myself that Mr. York is a remarkable person and I am proud to have worked with him. Sometimes I wonder if I haven't learned more from this man about life in general than he has from me about O & M. Food for thought. I said, "Good Luck Steve!"

White Cane - Multiple Uses
by Barbara Miller

Recently the Bowling Green office discovered a new use for the folding white cane. One morning Barbara got out of her car dragging her briefcase across the seat, which caught on the console between the seats. As she got out of the car and slammed the door locked, she suddenly realized that what caught was her car keys. Both sets, the office set with numerous keys and the extra set with only a car key and house key that could be seen in the locked car. Tim Nelson, our Orientation and Mobility expert, and Chad Hunt, counselor, decided on a plan as the windows were down ¼ inch for ventilation. Chad's weapon was a coat hanger, and Tim's, a folding cane. The three approached the locked car with trepidation and intent. Barbara could only think about the $50 locksmith charge. Each went to work and Chad soon discovered that the anti-break-in lock button couldn't be tripped. Tim thought he might manage to thread the cane through the opening, angle it, snag the key ring, slide it up the cane tip and over to the window. When this failed due to the inability to maneuver at an angle through the ¼ inch crack, he developed a new approach. If only he could flip the automatic keypad over with the cane tip. After numerous attempts, and many flips, he succeeded. He then took the tip of the cane and pressed down on the button Barbara promised was not the security alert. He suddenly pressed hard enough to unlock the door, and the window came down. Since the office is right downtown on the square, we had acquired quite a crowd, and we all cheered. Tim proudly withdrew his cane, flipped each section, wrapped it with the cord, and stuck it in his back pocket. We all strutted back to the office - just another day's work for DFB! You never know what a cane is worth! Tim was treated to lunch!

 

Region 1 News
by Barbara Miller

Barbara Miller, Regional Administrator for Region I for almost 25 years, turns "her people" over to the highly qualified and experienced Russell Lunsford. Barbara accepted the new duties of Assistant Director for Client Services and anxiously awaited Russell's return from the Middle East as an Army Reservist. Welcome home Russell!

Many years ago, the counselors throughout the state, managers, and Charles McDowell went to Hopkinsville, Kentucky for training in eye terminology and new surgical interventions by the late Dr. Daryl Raines. That evening after training all day, we all went to a famous steak house close to Fort Campbell. All 20-22 of us were seated around a U-shaped table and half way through the meal, a man around Charles' age approached him. They had attended Murray together, and he knew Charles had been a superintendent of a school system and asked how he was doing. Charles stood up and greeted him, then proudly told him he was now the Director of the Department for the Blind in Frankfort. He then spread his arms in the "Richard Nixon stance" and said, "These are my people - they all work for me!!!" It became a motto and Region I adopted it. Russell, take care of "my people!" Treat them well and get to know them. They are each a treasure and have their own unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informal choices just like the Rehab Act legislates we provide our consumers. They will work just as well with you, as they care about the mission of the agency, value teamwork, and care most of all about our consumers. It is hard for me to hand over "my people," but I am just a call or e-mail away. Now Region 1, go work with Russell, treat him well, and make the next year outstanding.

 

Kentucky Virtual University

Jenny Tyree was invited to attend the Kentucky Virtual University Training Session and Barbara Miller went along with her since it was in Bowling Green. After much discussion of methods, software, and system design, we concluded that they are way ahead of the regulation on accessibility. Steve Noble also attended and had input regarding Section 508 of the law. An interesting comment made was that students with disabilities are currently the most recruited population for universities and technical schools; therefore, they know they must meet accessibility standards in the classroom as well as Internet classes. Jenny learned about the software systems and new approaches to learning.

 

Recording Units

Jo Stewart and Linda Townzen are busy learning to use their new digital equipment. It is all purchased, and they are working with the university and students. We can all look forward to being high-tech.

 

Region II News

A Success Story
from
Eastern Kentucky
by Norma McCormick

Joyce Campbell-Erp began her vocational rehabilitation plan in June 2000. She has Retinitis Pigmentosa and is legally blind by Social Security standards. She began her training at Lee's Community College in the fall of 2000. She has not let her visual impairment prevent her from her dreams or her vocational goals. She is the proud mother of two children. She was an outstanding student, graduating with honors from her RN nursing program. She passed her state board of RN the first time. She began her career at ARH Hospital in Hazard, Kentucky as a Triage Nurse in their E.R. She has been a pleasure to work with and DFB is proud to have been a part of her rehabilitation program. We wish her great success with her new career and her new marriage.

 

New Life Computers
Address Change

201 South Birchwood
Louisville, Kentucky
Phone: 502-742-1883
Eugene Willis Phone: 502-553-2683