News 23-1 PDF copy.indd - Visually Impaired Preschool Services

VIS
ability
January/February 2007
Volume 23, Number 1
1906 Goldsmith Lane, Louisville, KY 40218 502.636.3207
In This Issue:
Be a PAL! ............................. 2
Holiday Fun for VIPS Families
It’s a Babies Count Blitz! ...... 2
Free to a Good Home ........... 2
VIPS-Central KY got a jump start on the holiday spirit on
December 2nd at Hunter Presbyterian Church. The children
enjoyed face painting, craft activities, musical fun plus
a special visit from Santa. Special thanks to volunteers
Katie-Rose Taulbee, Kaitlin Graff, Michael Freholm,
Tammy and Jacque Greene, Jordan Sanders and
Rainey McDonald.
Braille, Anyone? ................... 3
KPBC Has a List Serve ......... 3
VIPS Grad Hits Big Time! ... 4
Playground Fun .................... 4
No, Not Special ... They Are
Ordinary Needs............... 5
Below: Skylar Koehler carefully considers her
request of Santa at the VIPS-CK party.
Film Fest .............................. 6
1906 Goldsmith
Special Santa’s Helpers.......... 7
Welcome New Children ....... 7
Christmas Photo Album ....... 8
Correction ............................ 9
In Memoriam ..................... 10
Thanks To Our Volunteers . 10
Braille Resources You’re Going
to Love .......................... 11
Thanks To Our Donors...... 12
Fund-Raising Fun............... 14
REACH Class .................... 15
Above: Landon Griffin liked Santa a lot at the VIPSLouisville party!
The VIPS-Louisville Christmas Party, on
Sunday, Dec. 3, was a wonderful time for
VIPS children and families. There were
scrumptious sandwiches, snacks, and cookies
to fill tummies and great fellowship to fill
hearts. Volunteers from St. Patrick’s Church
provided all of the refreshments and set
up fun activities for the kids, including
decorating cookies and cut-out
Christmas trees. VIPS grad, Patrick
Hughes, entertained with Holiday
favorites and Cynthia Changaris
treated children and adults alike
to stories and songs of the Season.
Finally, Santa came, and visited with
each child attending (and even some
of the volunteers and adults!). Santa
listened to children’s wishes and gave each a
special bag of goodies to take home.
More Christmas photos
on page 8.
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
Come On Over and
Be a PAL!
Dear Parent,
I am pretty sure my daughter’s favorite place to go each week is
to Wednesday morning PAL group at VIPS-Louisville. Margaret
and Tracy make sure the room is set up so that each child can get
the most learning and fun out of their visit. I am always impressed
with how many ways they make sure all five senses can be used
during play group. Crinkly shiny wrapping paper on the light box
table, scented squishy playdough, petting a therapy dog that came
for a visit, eating different textured snacks, looking at touch and feel
books, playing with high contrast toys that light up and play music
when you touch them ... all are examples of what my daughter can
manage to get into in just one visit. And while we play and explore
the room together I also get a chance to talk with other parents and
those conversations always have me leaving feeling encouraged and
energized. I think we started going hortly after we learned Amber
had some vision problems, when she was about 5 months old (she is
14 months right now). I didn’t know anyone there and I remember
wondering if she was too little for a play group. I soon learned
that it was easy to get to know everyone at PAL and there is always
something at PAL for your child to explore and play with no matter
what his or her age or ability. I would encourage you to try and
make Wednesday morning PAL group a part of your child’s schedule.
I hope to see you there soon!
Sincerely,
Abby Huff
It’s a Blitz!!
The VIPS staff will be doing a blitz in March for
Babies Count, and we need you to help!!
The Babies Count project, administered by the
American Printing House for the Blind, has been created
to provide for the systematic and consistent collection
of data about early childhood visual impairment. The
result will be a national registry of children, birth to
three years, who are visually impaired. While this has
been done for years for other disabilities, it has not for
the area of visual impairment. Having comprehensive,
systematic data will provide valuable information for
the purposes of public policy development, educational
planning, and funding of services.
Here’s how you can help. In late February, watch your
mail for a release form to collect the
needed data on your child. Sign
the release and return it as soon
as possible to VIPS. Then, please
be willing to complete the data
collection process with your VIPS
teacher, either in person during
a home visit, or with another VIPS
staff person by phone.
Let’s make sure your
Baby Counts!!
Free to a Good Home
Abby’s daughter Amber (right) plays with friend Tae at the VIPSLouisville weekly PAL Class.
page 2
VIPS has an old, black and white CCTV to give away. (A
CCTV greatly magnifies print or pictures placed beneath the
lens and projects the magnified image on to a TV screen.) It
works just fine and could be very helpful for the right child in
the right situation. Call Carol at the VIPS-Louisville Office if
you are interested.
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
Braille, Anyone?

On Saturday, Jan. 27, a group of VIPS parents and one
grandparent came together at the VIPS-Louisville Office to learn
about braille. Braille can seem very mysterious and difficult
for most parents until they have a chance to understand the
braille code and how it is constructed. That was the purpose
of the workshop -- to demystify braille and give parents a basic
knowledge to do some braille labelling for their children and to
pursue further study on their own. Parents were taught using
the VIPS@Home Parent University “Power At Your Fingertips”
Intro to Braille Course. They received a handbook, a slate and
stylus for writing, braille paper, a “Curious George ABC’s” board
book to adapt with braille, and clear laminating sheets to use so
that the pictures in the book were not covered up. By the end of
the class, parents were busy adapting the book for their children
using the slate and stylus.
VIPS Mom, Jayne Seif, helped teach the class along with
veteran parent and VIPS staff person Pauletta Feldman. Jayne
is herself a braille user. She explained to parents how important
it is to understand braille so that they can help their children
with school, just as they would a sighted child. Jayne also
talked about the decline in braille literacy that has accompanied
educational inclusion and technological advances. But Jayne
said that just as parents value the act of reading and writing for
their sighted children, they need to value it equally for their
blind children. Talking computers and books on tape cannot
replace the reading process fostered with the use of braille. In
addition, braille reading is highly correlated with employment
for the blind. While only about 30% of adults who are blind
or visually impaired are fully employed, 90% of those who are
employed are braille readers. Jayne and Pauletta also stressed
how important it is for parents to give children positive attitudes
about blindness and the use of braille. We hold the key to our
children’s literacy!
!! Announcing !!
KY Parents of Blind
Children Website
and List Serve
by Jayne Seif, President, KPBC
The KY Parents of Blind Children (KPBC) wishes to
connect as many parents of blind and visually impaired
children as possible. We are a group of parents of
children of all ages from throughout the state. Our list
serve is a place where parents from all over KY can come
together, ask and answer questions, and network. Every
day our children are growing, learning new things, and
facing new challenges. With each of these, come many
questions and often there is nowhere to go for parents to
get answers. The list serve will provide a sounding board
for dealing with these day-to-day issues. Also, parents
will find announcements of activities being sponsored
by KPBC and other groups. We are our children’s first
teachers, and with each other’s help, we can make our
children’s experiences more positive and full of learning
opportunities.
KPBC website: www.nfbkpbc.org
To join the KPBC List Serve, send an e-mail, with the
word “subscribe” in the subject box, to:
[email protected] or go to:
www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbkpbc
I look forward to chatting with you online!!
If you are interested in learning about braille and in taking the
Parent U “Power At Your Fingertips” course, call Pauletta at the
VIPS-Louisville Office. You can take the course in the comfort
of your own home, or if you would prefer, we could put together
another class.
Jayne and daughters Taryn, Fiona, and Riley.
page 3
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
VIPS Graduate Hits It’s Fun to Play at the
the Big Time
PLAYGROUND
Without a doubt, Patrick Henry Hughes, is VIPS’ most
famous graduate! Patrick is 19 and a straight-A student at the
University of Louisville. He has won national recognition for
his indomitable spirit and musical talent as a member of U of L’s
Marching Band. Last fall, feature stories about Patrick appeared
on ABC World News Tonight and on ESPN. In December, Patrick
was awarded the 2006 Disney Wide World of Sports Spirit Award,
an annual award to recognize college football’s most inspirational
figure. He was named a person of the year by ABC News. And
Sports Illustrated ran a story about Patrick and his dad Patrick,
Sr. Then, in January, Patrick appeared with his family on Oprah.
Wow!!!! What a celeb!
On Sunday, Jan. 28, VIPS-Louisville sponsored a trip to The
Playground for VIPS families. What a great time everyone
had! The kids jumped on the giant inflated matress, climbed in
the “tree house,” pretended in the dress-up area, got into some
construction in the gravel pit with trucks and bulldozers, rode
around in the playmobile area, or rested with a good book in the
quiet area. Thanks to The Playground for opening an hour early
for us so that our kids could have the place to themselves and
not have to compete to enjoy the equipment and toys. After the
children had plenty of time to work up an appetite, there was
a pizza lunch. All were exhausted when they left and probably
arrived home just about nap time.
Patrick was born with a rare disorder, that left him blind
and needing a wheelchair for mobility. He had no eyes and
could not straighten his arms or legs. Very early on, he was
fitted with prosthetic eyes. He loved music from the time he
was a tiny baby, and by the age of two years he was playing
songs on the piano by ear. He began playing trumpet in 4th
grade. In addition to being a member of the U of L Marching
Band, Patrick is a concert pianist and singer who has given
performances at the Kennedy Center, the Grand Ole Opry, and
in Italy and South America. Patrick also has a CD.
Patrick’s father, Patrick John, works nights at UPS and spends
his days taking Patrick to his U of L classes. He performs on the
field with Patrick, pushing his wheelchair in formation with the
rest of the band. Dad does the marching and Patrick plays.
We at VIPS are proud to know this wonderful family, including
Mom Patricia and brothers Cameron and Jesse. Way to go Patrick!
We’re sure
there will be
many more
great things
from you!!
Patrick fit in a “gig” at the VIPS-Louisville Christmas Party!
page 4
(L-R) Kord Vinsel, Sierra Curry, and Jonathan Miller raced their cars
down the track.
Michael
Johnson
relaxed
with some
pizza after
playing up an
appetite.
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
No, Not Special…
They are Ordinary
Needs
Revolutionary Common Sense by Kathie Snow
To create this article, I needed a computer with the software
that meets my needs. To learn to write and read, my son,
Benjamin-since the age of four-has also needed a computer with
the right software.
To get to work every day, Richard needs a good set of wheels
on his car. Holly also needs a good set of wheels to get from class
to class on campus.
Miranda needs a clip-on wireless microphone before she can
successfully deliver her keynote presentations. Jose needs a
communication device before he can successfully express himself
at home, at school, and in other environments.
Daniel, a doctor, needs voice recognition (VR) computer
software to effectively dictate his daily notes. Samantha, an
eight-year-old, needs VR software so she can write stories and
book reports in third grade.
Kate spends 50+ hours at her desk, but couldn’t do so without
her ergonomic chair and curved desk that holds her multiple
terminals. Amelia also needs a desk that meets her work
needs-a height-adjustable, curved desk with desktop cubbys so
everything is within arm’s reach.
Acme Widget Company has risen to the top of its field
because the individual differences-including some behavioral
eccentricities-of all employees are supported and valued. Mrs.
Dahl’s classroom is viewed as a model of success and all students
are learning, because she’s created a caring environment where
all students-including those with significant differences and
needs-are valued and supported.
Tyrone is a great “honey-do” hubby at home. But he can’t do
everything for himself, so he occasionally hires a plumber or an
electrician. Oscar is thrilled to have his own apartment, but he
can’t do everything for himself-including getting dressed and
undressed-so his family and neighbors pitch in, and he pays for
other assistance.
page 5
Maria cannot sit through the Sunday morning sermon
without rhythmically shaking her right leg as it’s crossed over her
left, and she also doodles on the Sunday program. Tony cannot
sit through church without occasionally flapping his arms and
rocking back and forth in the pew.
To be successful at home, school, work, and in other
environments, to achieve our hopes and dreams, and/or to
simply get through each day, everyone needs assistive technology
(AT), accommodations, and supports. The examples above
describe these ordinary needs of a variety of different people.
And as you might have figured out by now, the second example
in each description represents people with disabilities.
Too often, however, we say children and adults with
disabilities have “special needs.” In another article (The Case
Against “Special Needs” ), I describe the dangers of using this term
to describe individuals with disabilities, as in, “She has special
needs.” This descriptor generates pity, segregation, and worse.
But we need to take an even closer look at the consequences
of the “special needs” mentality. For it seems that identifying
the needs of a person with a disability as “special” and using the
term “special needs” leads to the perception that these needs
are different, extraordinary, expensive, and/or abnormal. This
perception, in turn, may result in these needs not being met, and
the negative chain of events ends with exclusion and segregation,
loss of opportunities, the presumption of incompetence, and more!
We can believe what we choose. We
are answerable for what we choose
to believe.
John Henry Newman
For example, Julia, a child with a disability, is not talking
and cannot write with a pencil. Based on formal assessments,
she’s said to have an IQ of 50 (and is presumed incompetent).
As a result, her teachers and parents believe she must be in the
special ed room where her “special needs” can be met. Speech
and occupational therapists will attempt to help Julia learn to
talk and write. Based on her IQ, it’s believed she can’t learn
academics, so she’ll be taught life-skills. (But are we sure the
assessment is correct? If one doesn’t talk or write, how can a
traditional assessment provide an accurate picture of the one’s
abilities?)
Would Julia’s parents and teachers go without their computers
for writing, along with their cell phones which they use to
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
communicate with others? No! So, why should they deny these
tools to Julia?
It’s time to recognize that the needs of children and adults
with disabilities are ordinary-just as ordinary as the needs of
people without disabilities. Furthermore, AT, supports, and
accommodations are the pillars upon which inclusion and
success are built!
Because when Julia is provided with a speech output
device and a computer for writing, she can demonstrate her
competence and abilities; be included in an age-appropriate
general ed classroom, as well as in typical community activities;
make friends; and live a self-determined life of her dreams.
Stephen had been denied opportunities to get a real job
because of “inappropriate behaviors.” But when he was provided
with behavior supports and the environment was modified
to meet his needs, his “inappropriate behaviors” magically
disappeared. There are certain work activities Stephen performs
best with a co-worker, and others he does best alone. He needs
the freedom to take frequent short breaks when stress builds
up, and he needs only one “go-to” person when he needs help,
instead of the multiple layers of staff used by co-workers.
His employer is willing to do what it takes to ensure all his
employees are successful-for that’s what makes his company
successful. Similarly, teachers in inclusive classrooms are doing
the same for students who need behavior supports and other
accommodations.
Assistive technology devices can be defined as anything that
makes life easier or better-and they come in all shapes and sizes,
and are used by everyone. A carpenter needs a good hammer;
a busier carpenter needs a high-tech nail gun. A doctor needs
the best and newest equipment-or would you prefer one who
diagnoses with just a stethoscope? Look around your home and
office. Could you get by without your computer, printer, cell
phone, microwave oven, garage door opener, and . . . Make a list
to see how dependent you are on all the AT devices in your life!
Supports-including behavior supports-come in many forms.
Tobacco, caffeine, chocolate, shopping, daydreaming, whiskerpulling, crotch-rubbing, sports betting, hugs, sex, a comforting
word, exercise, calling in sick when you’re not, and many,
many, many other things or activities help us get through the
daily grind. Which of your supports would you be willing to
go without? And haven’t most of us exhibited “inappropriate
behavior” when our needs weren’t met?
Accommodations also come in a variety of shapes and sizes,
including flex-time, a personalized workspace, music playing
page 6
softly at bedtime, a boss or teacher who really listens and cares,
an atmosphere that supports creativity, and much, much more.
What type and how many accommodations do you use at home,
work, or in other environments? And which would you be
willing to go without?
Examine your own life with regard to needs that are ordinary,
but crucial to your success. Now look at the individuals with
disabilities in your life. Are inclusion and success in any
environment being denied to them because their needs aren’t
being met? Can we continue to put the burden of failure on
their shoulders? Isn’t it time we took responsibility for our beliefs
and actions, and our refusal to recognize that their needs are just
as ordinary and important as ours?
It’s time for swift and positive change to ensure children
and adults with disabilities have the same opportunities and
experiences most of us take for granted. And this will happen
when their ordinary needs for assistive technology, supports, and
accommodations are met. Can we afford to do anything less?
©2006-07 Kathie Snow. Permission is granted for non-commercial use
of this article: you may photocopy to share with others as a handout.
Please tell me how/when you use it: [email protected].
Protected by Copyscape: request permission before republishing in
newsletters, on websites, etc. To learn more new ways of thinking, to
sign up for the free Disability is Natural E-Newsletter, or to learn about
Disability is Natural books, DVD, and products that promote positive
images, visit: www.disabilityisnatural.com.
Film Fest
The Louisville Talking Book Library has recently acquired a
number of new audio described videos. New titles of interest for
children include:
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Batman Begins
Herbie: Fully Loaded
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Shrek 2
Polar Express
Cat in the Hat
Audio described videos feature narration which explain
the characters, settings, costumes, and actions taking place
during natural breaks in the the dialog of a movie. These
audio described videos are the same videos available in video
stores, with the addition of a separate audio track for the audio
description.
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
The Louisville Talking Book Library also features books
on tape and braille books for children. VIPS has registration
forms and your VIPS teacher can verify your child’s eligibility
for Talking Book Services. For more information, contact the
Talking Book Library at (502) 574-1625.
Speaking of audio description, the Showcase Cinemas at
Stonybrook (502/499-6658) and Preston Crossing (502/9619700) are each showing a first-run, audio described movie
each week. A wireless headset, available at the time of ticket
purchase, is all you need to take advantage of this service.
Special Santa’s
Helpers
The Holidays were brighter for many VIPS-Louisville
and Central KY families facing hard times, thanks to the
generosity of many individuals and local businesses. VIPS
says a heartfelt thanks to the following for demonstrating
the true meaning of Christmas:
Ms. Sheilah Abramson-Miles
Mr. Gary Allen
Mr. Jeffrey L. Androla
Dr.& Mrs. Jerry Bizer
Mr. Gary Colby
Brown-Forman Cooperages
Delta Beta Chapter of Delta Gamma
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory M. Finnicum
Mr. & Mrs. Barry Friedson
Griffin & Company
Mr. Kevin Harpring
Mr. & Mrs. Sean Higgins & Family
Mr. & Mrs. Wally Holloway
Mr. & Mrs. A.J. Holley
Junior League of Lexington Board
Ms. Linda T. Leasor
Dr. and Mrs. Mark Lynn
Ms. Dana Maloney
Mr. & Mrs. Cooper Moseley
Mr. & Mrs. Sean O’Dea
Office for the Blind Lexington Employees
PNC Bank
Ms. Diedre Talbott
Tandem Sports
Ms. Erica L. Tatum
UPS
Mr. & Mrs. Jason S. Warren
page 7
VIPS is pleased to welcome the following children and their
families into the VIPS Program:
VIPS-Louisville
VIPS-Central KY
Ava -- 8 months old
Shelbyville, KY
Esther -- 7 months old
Louisville, KY
Fynnigan -- 6 months old
Shepherdsville, KY
Madyson -- 7 months old
Louisville, KY
Shalayia -- 15 months old
Louisville, KY
Austin -- 8 months old
Frankfort, KY
Carter -- 7 months old
Lexington, KY
Nathan -- 5 months old
Harrodsburg, KY
Outreach
Bridget -- 9 months old
Alvaton, KY
Celestria -- 9 months old
Scottsville, KY
Chase -- 16 months old
Russellville, KY
Dane -- 2 years
Hebron, KY
George -- 17 months old
Maysville, KY
Hayley -- 2 years old
Corbin, KY
Isaiah -- 2 years old
Russellville, KY
Madison -- 2 years old
Independence, KY
Savannah -- 20 months old
Dayton, KY
Steven -- 2 years old
Carrie, KY
Tanna -- 7 months old
Cave City, KY
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
Christmas Photo Album
page 8
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
LEFT PAGE -- Top
left: Navaeh ShahidHeil’s family all came,
including great grandma.
Top right: Cole Herrick
got some support
standing all by himself
from Grandpa Herrick.
Middle left: Colin Foy
and his grandmother
came from Madison,
IN. Middle right: Santa
and Hannah Campbell
shared a quality moment.
Bottom left: Kara Mills
was the littlest one to visit
with Santa at the party.
Bottom right: Volunteers
from Assumption High
School, liked Chris P.
Chicken, too!
THIS PAGE
-- Top left:
Volunteers from
St. Patrick’s
readied a
fantastic spread
of refreshments.
Middle: Jackson
Sanders played
in pretend snow.
Eva Lawrence
(foreground)
enjoyed some
music with
Jackson and
Mia Sanders
(background).
page 9
Siblings Leland and Layla Frazier enjoyed a home visit.
CORRECTION:
In the last issue of VISability, Dixie Miller, Early
Interventionist with VIPS-CK, was incorrectly listed
as Dixie Taylor. So sorry, Dixie!! Hope this did not
cause anyone any inconvenience.
Dora Talking
Crayons!!!
The Nickelodeon Dora Talking I-Crayons
have been developed to help young children
learn their colors and how to spell them. The
set of 6 crayons comes with a base that reads
the color when the crayon is inserted and spells
the color, too. The set speaks in both English
and Spanish. For children who are visually
impaired, the talking crayons can give children
independence since they will not have to ask
for help finding a particular color. The Dora
Talking I-Crayons can be purchased at retail outlets
for around $15.
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
In Memoriam
This issue of VISability is dedicated
to the memories of
Storm Branum
son of Marilyn Jenkins and Justin Branum of
Mt. Washington, KY, who passed away on
November 29, 2006 at the age of four years.
~ and ~
Gabrielle Kheau
daughter of Crystal Cobb of Georgetown, KY,
who passed away on December 8, 2006
at the age of three years
~ and ~
For providing Intormation Technology expertise the VIPS IT
Committee, thanks to Dianna Moore and Patrick Murta of
Congruent.
For their wonderful help with the VIPS-CK Santa Party on
December 2, thanks to Michael Freholm, Kaitlin Graff,
Tammy and Jacque Greene, Rainey McDonald, Jordan Sanders
and Katie-Rose Taulbee.
For providing refreshments and helping hands for the VIPSLouisville Christmas Party on December 3, thanks to
Christina Baxter, Whitney Graham, Alex Hargadon, Elise
Hofer, Kim Vasko-Hofer, Tyler Hofer, Kelsey Jordan, Lori
McNatt, Ava Shiff, Hannah Shiff, Maggie Shiff, Anne
Solomon, Daniel Solomon, Joseph Solomon, Olivia Solomon,
Lindsay Venagas, and Alex Winn.
For help with clearing the VIPS-Louisville REACH and Special
Projects rooms so that the floors could be polished and
for returning everything, thanks to Bret, Chris and Mitch
Dahmke, Marissa Helms, and Jamie Weedman.
Jamea Cole
daughter of Delicia Mays and William Cole of
Louisville, KY, who passed away on January 15, 2007
at the age of one year.
~ and ~
Brendan Desmond
son of Tina and John Desmond of Louisville, KY,
who passed away on January 19, 2007
at the age of seven years.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of those who loved
Storm, Crystal, Jamea, and Brendan.
For brailling greetings for tactile greeting cards sent out by the
VIPS-Louisville Office, thanks to Jamie Weedman.
For providing childcare during the VIPS-Louisville Braille
Workshop on January 27, thanks to Russell Biddle, Jan
Buran, Erin Finn, Baron Miller, and Lee Steiden.
For assisting with the VIPS-Louisville Family Outing to the
Playground, thanks to Allie Lesousky.
For making 10 wonderful “Active Learning Centers” for VIPSLouisville, thanks to Eagle Scout Michael Steinbock.
Special Gifts of Time
from Special People
For being such a reliable and capable volunteer for the VIPSLouisville PAL class each Wednesday, thanks to Tracy Wright.
For working on the VIPS website, thanks to VIPS dads Chris
Huff and Phil Seif.
For doing office tasks for VIPS-Louisville, thanks to Jillian Quire.
page 10
A “little room” for tactual and sound exploration.
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
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The Braille Institute Universal Media Services has as its goal to improve access to information and literacy for
braille readers. To this end, the Institute provides several FREE services for blind children: Dots for Tots are FREE
multisensory story book kits, designed specifically for blind preschoolers, so that their parents can help them begin their journey
into reading; Tac-Tales are FREE multisensory storybook kits especially for school-aged children. The Braille Special
Collection seeks to increase braille literacy by offering blind children, ages 3 - 18, FREE books throughout the year so
that they can have their very own library. Partners in Literacy is a program for educational agencies that
provides up to 25 braille books per year for $150. Visit www.universalmediaservices.org/
SpecialPrograms.org
page 11
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
THANKS TO OUR DONORS
Thanks to the following individuals and organizations that have so generously supported VIPS with their donations over the past
few months. These donations were received between Nov. 11, 2006 and Feb. 1, 2007. Please call the VIPS Office with any omissions
or corrections.
Donors -- General
VIPS-Louisville
American Council for the Blind
Drs. Chris & Connie Anggelis
Anthem, Inc.
BB&T Insurance Services
Mrs. Irma Bensinger
Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Bizer
Chick A.D.’s, LLC
Mrs. Barbara Crutchfield
Linda Neville Foundation
Louisville-Jefferson Co. Metro
Government
Mr. & Mrs. James H. McBee
Metro United Way
Mrs. Anita Miller
Mr. & Mrs. Sean O’Dea
Osmondson Charitable Fund, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Post
Seven Counties Services, Inc.
South Oldham Lions Club
Two Chicks & Co.
WHAS Crusade for Children
VIPS-Central KY
Keeneland Association
Linda Neville Foundation
Two Chicks & Co.
United Way of the Bluegrass
VIPS-Louisville
Capital Campaign
Ms. Sheilah Abramson-Miles
Ms. Melinda Atkins
Dr. & Mrs. William Bean
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bensinger
Mrs. Jeanette Buttler
Mr. & Mrs. William G. Carroll
Mr. Joseph Cohen
Mr. & Mrs. Billy C. Coleman
Ms. Shanna Columbus
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Connolly
Mrs. Carol Dahmke
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Dalton
Dr. & Mrs. Craig Douglas
Mr. Scott Duncan
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Dutton
Mr. & Mrs. John Evers
page 12
Ms. Pauletta Feldman
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Foster
Mrs. Robin Frazier
Mr. & Mrs. James Gast
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Haines
Mr. & Mrs. Sean Higgins
Mrs. Ilma Hirsch
Dr. & Mrs. Roy Hyman
Mrs. Maria Jones
Mrs. Mary Lesousky
Dr. & Mrs. Mark E. Lynn
Martco
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Mudd
Mr. & Mrs. Sean O’Dea
Osmondson Charitable Fund, Inc.
Dr. L.G. Owen
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Post
Mr. Stewart Prather
Mr. Lester Sanders
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Sitterly, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Sitterly, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Spalding, III
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Tibke
Ms. Carrie Wilder
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Young
Holiday Letter
Campaign
VIPS-Louisville
(Holiday Letter donations in honor
or memory of individuals follow this
listing)
Aberson Family Foundation
Ms. Sheila Abramson-Miles
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Albright
Mr. & Mrs. John Anders
Anonymous
Mrs. Angie S. Aronoff
Dr. Joe F. Arterberry
Atlantic Appraisal Company
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Baer
Mr. James E. Banks, Sr.
Ms. Janet Barger
Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Bass
Mr. & Mrs. R. Bruce Bass
Mr. & Mrs. Wiliam F. Baumrucker
Mr. & Mrs. William H. Beach
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald L. Bell
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bensinger
Mr. Chip Bensinger
Mrs. Irma Bensinger
Mr. David R. Berman
Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Berman
Ms. Bonnie Lynn Bizer
Dr. & Mrs. Bradley C. Black
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Blake
Mrs. James Bleakley
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Bohnert
Mr. Henry A. Bolton
Bosse-Mattingly Construction, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis L. Bowman
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Brand
Mr. & Mrs. Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Brown
Mr. Richard Buonaccorsi
Ms. Jane Burbank
Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Callen
Mr. & Mrs. John G. Campbell
Mr. & Mrs. Steven W. Campbell
Mr. & Mrs. William G. Carroll
Mr. & Mrs. William Chandler
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Clements
Mr. & Mrs. Stacy Coartney
Mr. & Mrs. James W. Cobb
Mr. & Mrs. Carroll F. Cogan
Ms. Mary E. Connolly
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Connolly
Mr. & Mrs. Philip R. Cooper
Mr. Michael E. Cowherd
Mrs. Karen Crowdis
Mr. & Mrs. Michael B. Crutcher
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Dalton
Dr. & Mrs. Bradford Darr
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Davis
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Dellorto
Delta Gamma Alumnae Board
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dentinger
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Devine
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Di Giuro
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Donohue
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph P. Donohue, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Dougherty
Mr. Richard L. Duffy
Mr. Brad Duncan
Mr. & Mrs. S. Bryce Emison
Mr. & Mrs. Bert Emke
Mr. Dennis J. Ertel
Ms. Tanya Evans
Mr. & Mrs. Will D. Evans
Ms. Cynthia J. Fanning
Mr. Ralph L. Farmer
Fearless Designs
Mr. & Mrs. Leon Figa
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Fiscus
Ms. Amanda Fisher
Ms. Claudia M. Fitch
Mr. Andrew M. Flieschman
Mr. & Mrs. Scott D. Flynn
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Foote
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Foster
Mr. & Mrs. Roy Frazier
Mr. & Mrs. Barry Friedson
Mrs. Charles H. Fritschner
Mr. & Mrs. Allan Fugate
Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Gagel
Mr. & Mrs. James Gast
Mr. & Mrs. James Gates
GE Employees Community Fund
Mr. Harry Geisberg
Mr. & Mrs. Rudy Gernert
Mr. & Mrs. C. Edward Glasscock
Mr. & Mrs. Clinton Glasscock
Mr. & Mrs. J. Michael Gohmann
Mr. & Mrs. Stuart S. Goldberg
Mr. & Mrs. Edward S. Graff, III
Mrs. Mary Lou Green
Ms. Cindy Rice Grissom
Ms. Marlene M. Grissom
Mr. & Mrs. Veronne Hamilton
Mr. & Mrs. David W. Harkins
Mr. & Mrs. Gayle R. Harrison
Mr. & Mrs. Henry L. Hasenour
Mrs. Rose Helm
Mr. John Higgins
Mr. Patrick Higgins
Mrs. Ilma Hirsch
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hirsch
Mr. & Mrs. John Hitron
Mr. & Mrs. Donny M. Huntsman
Dr. & Mrs. Roy Hyman
Ms. Michelle Hysell
Isaacs & Isaacs
Ms. Cathy Jackson
Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin S. Jankowski
Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Jankowski
Ms. Joyce K. Jennings
Mr. & Mrs. William J. Jessee
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Johanson
Mr. D. Bruce Jones
Mr. & Mrs. William H. Jones
Mr. & Mrs. David Keller
Mr. Bruce Kidwell
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Klein
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Kohn
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
Dr. Elizabeth Edwards & Mr.
Winston Kreachbaum
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Kuzwara
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Kulp, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Laws
Ms. Genny Lelaurin
Mrs. Ginger Lewis
Ms. Nancy C. Lindemann
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Livers
Mr. & Mrs. Randall E. Logsdon
Dr. James A. Luckett
Mrs. S. Arnold Lynch
\Mr. & Mrs. Alan K. MacDonald
Mr. & Mrs. Robert T. Maddox
Mr. & Mrs. William B. Mahoney
Mr. Riolan Marbun
Mr. & Mrs. Neil McElroy
Mr. & Mrs. Michael L. Meece
Mr. & Mrs. William R. Mercer
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Mewmaw
Mr. Reese Michalove
Ms. Lillian C. Milanof
Mrs. Betsy B. Montgomery
Mr. Herb Moore
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Moorman
Ms. Susan Moss
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Nall
Dr. & Mrs. David Neustadt
Ethel H. O’Brien Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Keiron O’Connell
Mr. & Mrs. Michael O’Dea
Mr. & Mrs. Sean O’Dea
Mr. & Mrs. William C. O’Dea
Ms. Patsi O’Koon
Mr. B David Owen
Mr. & Mrs. David L. Owen
Ms. Mary Frances Pack
Mr. Ray Parella
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Pearson
Ms. Betty G. Pfannerstill
Mr. & Mrs. John C. Pieper
Dr. Ronald E. Podoll
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Prizant
Ms. Katherine Proctor
Mr. & Mrs. Michael T. Puckett
Dr. & Mrs. Mark A. Pulliam
Mr. & Mrs. Mark B. Randall
Ms. Cynthia Read
Mrs. Margaret T. Redmon
Mr. & Mrs. William Richards
Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Robenson
Mrs. Fanny Rose Rosenbaum
Mr. I.A. Rosenbaum
Ms. Siddy Rosenberg
Mr. & Mrs. Greg J. Roshkowski
Mr. John G. Ruhs
Mr. James R. Rundell
Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Sachs
Mr. & Mrs. W. Lee Sanders
Dr. & Mrs. Charles Sarasohn
page 13
Ms. Norma Savage
Mr. David Shaefer
Scheller Living Trust
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Schott
Mr. & Mrs. Jan Seitz
Mr. & Mrs. William Sheehan
Shekinah Studio LLC
Mrs. Ellen B. Shelby
Mr. & Mrs. David Shulhafer
Mr. Nick Simon
Dr. & Mrs. David M. Small
Mr. V. Benson Small
Mr. Timothy Snyder
Dr. & Mrs. Joern B. Soltau
Ms. Jennie Lee Staugas
Mr. & Mrs. David J. Steinbock
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Steinhauser
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Sterling
Mr. & Mrs. James Stierle
Mr. S. Michael Stinson
Mr. & Mrs. Donald P. Stivers
Mr. Stephen Stoess
Mr. & Mrs. G. David Swim
Mr. & Mrs. Keith M. Talbott
The Barbara Saltzman Charitable
Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Thieman
Mr. & Mrs. Leon Thomas
Ms. Marion Ann Turner
UBS Financial Services
Mr. & Mrs. Victor O. Unruh
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Van Etten
Mr. Julian Van Winkle
Dr. Kenneth R. Velleman
Dr. Lisa Verderber
Mr. & Mrs. Stan Voelker
Mr. M. Wayne Wallace
Mr. Rick Wardlow
Mr. & Mrs. Alvin D. Wax
Mr. & Mrs. Barth Weinberg
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Weisberg
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Westbrook
Mr. C. F. Wheeler
Mr. Matthew White
Mr. & Mrs. Michael D. White
Ms. Jeanette G. Wicker
Ms. Luanne Winters
Mrs. Dorothy A. Wholleb
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Wolf
Ms. Frances H. Woodward
Mr. & Mrs. Frederick E. Wright
Mrs. Edna K. Yarmuth
Ms. Susan M. Yates
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Young
YUM! Brands Foundation, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Eric Yussman
Mr. & Mrs. Donald E. Ziaga
Dr. & Mrs. K. Vincent Ziegler
The following are Holiday Letter
donations in honor or memory of an
individual. The individual honored is
listed first in italics, with the donor(s)
indented below.
Mrs. Joan B. Balot
Mr. & Mrs. Gary H. Latham
Ms. Barbara Begerlein
Mrs. Jaci DeMarco
Mrs. Irma Bensinger
Mrs. Mary Ann Quesenberry
Mrs. Sharon Bensinger
Mr. & Mrs. Saul Anhouse
Ms. Irene L Bernauer
Ms. Rita L Bernauer
Mr. Larry& Mr. Lewis Bizer
Mr. & Mrs. Gino DeMarco
Mrs. Linda Brewer
Mrs. Phil Rosenbloom
Ms. Joyce Burch
Ms. Margaret A. Lyndrup
Mr. William Carroll
Mr. & Mrs. Walter R. Coe
Chase Matching Gifts
Mr. & Mrs. Robert V. Waterman
Mr. Billy C. Coleman
Brown-Forman Cooperages
Mrs. Terri Connolly
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Belcher
Mr. Frederic J. Cowan
Mr. & Mrs. John Ledford
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Denman
Ms. Melinda Atkins
Miss Rachel Dutton
Mrs. Esther McMahon
Mr. & Mrs. David J. Newman
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Evans
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Trabert
Mr. Leon Feitelson
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bensinger
Ms. Bonnie Lynn Bizer
Mrs. Viola Feldman
Ms. Patricia S. Chevalier
Ms. Claudia M. Fitch
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Haas
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Magruder
Mrs. Maud Fliegelman
Mr. & Mrs. John V. Blalock
Mr. Edwin H. Cohen
Mr. & Mrs. John Oppenheimer
Mrs. Goldye L. Opper
Mr. Paul Frazier
Mrs. Kimberly Spies
Mrs. Robin Frazier
Mr. & Mrs. Dean A. Holland
Master Dustin Gast
Mr. & Mrs. Frank E. Vissing
Mr. Don Gividen
Ms. Rhonda Gividen
Master Connor Gullett
Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Becker
Mr. & Mrs. David M. Brewer
Master J. D. Hack
Mr. & Mrs. William Brangers
Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Lehocky
Mr. Floyd Hastings
Mr. & Mrs. R. Clifford
Browning, Jr.
Mr. David Heitmiller
Mr. & Mrs. William M.
Heitmeiller, III
Mr. & Mrs. William W.
Millhollan, III
Mr. Joseph B. Helm, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. William D. Davis
Mr. & Mrs. Peter M. DeBeer
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley K. Paulsen
Mr. Andrew C. Rapp
Ms. Lee Schmid
Mr. & Mrs. George E. Stablein
Master Cole Herrick
Mr. & Mrs. Edward V. Evans
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Herrick
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Herrick
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Johnson
Mr. A. Gray Horton
Mr. & Mrs. Albert C. Horton
Ms. Janie & Mr. Roy Hyman
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Hyman
Ms. Laurie Mercke
Mr. & Mrs. Neil F. Wasserman
Ms. Nancy Laird
Mr. & Mrs. John W. Ames
Dr. Robert S. Lenobel
Mr. & Mrs. Henry M. Schulman
Ms. Amanda Main
Mr. & Mrs. Guy Adams
Mr. & Mrs. Marty Margulis
Ms. Susan Berman
Ms. Sheilah Abramson Miles
Mayor & Mrs. Jerry Abramson
Mr. Charlie Osbourne
Ms. Jill A. Jones
Ms. Ashley Reynolds
Mr. & Mrs. Walter H. Enlow
Little Miss Andrea Russell
Ms. Judi Corbett
Mrs. William E. Cowley
Ms. Margaret B. Cowley
Mr. & Mrs. Carl B. Crawford, Sr.
Mrs. Rose Marie Filburn
Mr. & Mrs. Francis G. Filburn
Dr. & Mrs. John Gormley
Ms. Mary A. Larsen
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew C. Le Cher
Mr. & Mrs. James F. Miller, Sr.
Millett Hardwoods, Inc.
Ms. Doris J. Mooney
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
Mr. & Mrs. William G. Mudd
Mr. Tom Mueller
Dr. Catherine Newton
Mr. & Mrs. J. Elliott Russell
Ms. Shannon Russell
Mr. & Mrs. Norman R. Schmetzer
Mr. & Mrs. Edward H. Seitz, Jr.
Ms. Myra K. Solomon
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Steiden
Ms. Murrel Straley
Mr. & Mrs. Carroll H. Teague, III
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Toombs
Mrs. Joyce Russell
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew L. Karr
Ms. Dorothy Schnepf
Mr. Jack E. Schnepf
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Schulman
Mrs. Irma Bensinger
Mr. HenrySchulman/Mrs. Edna
Yarmuth
Mrs. Ruth B. Sobel
Ms. Whitney Rene Snyder
Mr. & Mrs. Geoff Snyder
Mrs. Connie Spalding
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Spalding
Mr. John E. Stein, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Ray C. Glass
Master Theo Tibke
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Tibke
Master Mason Tilley
Mrs. Judy Burkhardt
Mr. Glen H. Perkinson
Mr. & Mrs. Merle Westrick
Mr. & Mrs. Neil Williams
Mr. & Mrs. Jay L. Hoffman
YUM! Brands Foundation, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Pete Laguens
FUNDRAISING FUN
Brrr! It’s cold outside, but there’s warmer days ahead! Mark your spring and summer calendars
now for some exciting VIPS fun and fundraising opportunities!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
VIPS will be well represented in the Meijer Kentucky Derby
Festival MiniMarathon with a team of dedicated runners and
walkers. Make a donation to support their fundraising efforts as
they train for the 13.1 mile race on April 28, 2007. Donations
can be accepted on-line by going to www.vips.org, under Special
Events, click on “Sponsor VIPS Mini-Marathon Teams,” or mail
to 1906 Goldsmith Lane, Louisville, KY 40218. Make checks
payable to VIPS and please indicate either with attachment or on
your check “VIPS Mini Marathon Team.”
If you’d like to join the VIPS running team, contact Robin Frazier at 502-636-3207 or email
[email protected]. The cost per runner is $50, which includes MiniMarathon registration, free
registration to the 5th Annual Texas Roadhouse Stampede for VIPS 5K in August, VIPS team
running hat and Dinner for Two at Texas Roadhouse. Team members are requested to raise a
minimum of $100 for VIPS. Grand prize for the top fundraiser is two nights at a Kentucky State
Park of your choice (subject to availability).
Dave Gassman (left) and
VIPS grad Jamie Weedman
(right) ran the Mini
Marathon for VIPS last year,
raising $1,200.
VIPS-Central KY
Dr. Alice Bashinsky
Mr. & Mrs. R. Clifford Browning
Mr. & Mrs. William R. Catlett
Commonwealth Pediatrics
Mr. & Mrs. John D. Conklin
Mrs. Barbara Cowden
Ms. Susan Craig
Mrs. Barbara Crutchfield
Ms. Angela Edwards
Ms. Cheryl England
Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Feltham
Mr. John Fish
Mr. Justin Fister
Mr. & Mrs. David Gammon
Mr. Mike Hanson
Ms. Jewell Harrison
Mr. Terry Hemlepp
Mr. Thomas Hock
Mr. George Hocker
Ms. Willie Hunter
page 14
Holiday Letter donors continued
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Johnson
Mr. David Joyner
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Keller
Ms. Melissa Kemp
Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Harvey Koffler
Mr. & Mrs. Jerald Landreth
Ms. Catherine Leslie
Ms. Maxine Littrell
Mrs. Judy Lowe
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Marino
Mr. Theodore McCormick
Ms. Lois McCrystal
Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Miller
Dr. & Mrs. Marion Miniard
Dr. & Mrs. James Patterson
Ms. Denise Placido
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Sams
Dr. Sheila Sanders
Dr. John Saunders
Mr. John Shouse
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Shropshire
Dr. John J. Simpson
Ms. Louise Stone
Two Chicks & Company
Ms. Joan Turner
Dr. Elizabeth Westin
VISability • 23/1 • January-February 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
The 19th Annual VIPS/KFC Golf and Tennis Tournament
will be held at Hunting Creek Country Club in Prospect, KY.
This event has raised over $667,000 to support VIPS. Golf and
Tennis teams are forming now. You can register on-line at www.
vips.org (click on “VIPS/KFC Golf & Tennis” under “Special
Events”) or call Robin Frazier at 502/636-3207 to receive a
registration form. Volunteers are needed.
The 5th Annual Texas Roadhouse Stampede for VIPS will
be held on Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 9 p.m. Once again,
the 5K race will begin and end at Waterfront Park and travel
across the 2nd Street bridge for one of Louisville’s most unique
walk/run events. Lots of family fun with live entertainment and
games for kids. If you’d like to see a video on last year’s event,
go to www.vips.org <http://www.vips.org/> , click on the”TRH
Stampede” under “Special Events,” scroll down and click on
“Watch the Video”. Prizes for top fundraisers will be awarded.
Ask Robin about forming a VIPS Team today! Run, walk
or support VIPS with this great family event. Volunteers are
needed. For info, call Robin at 502/636-3207.
The 4th Annual VIPS-Central KY Golf Outing will tee off at
the University Club the same day. Sponsors and teams are being
recruited. If you would like to be involved, contact Mary Moore
at (859) 276-0335 or at [email protected].
REACH-ing New Levels of
Independence in REACH Class
Logan
Flecke,
Sierra Curry
and Riley
Seif “ice
skated” on
whipped
cream.
Sierra Curry
practiced
fine motor
skills by
cutting with
scissors.
Riley Seif
practiced
coloring.
page 15
Visually Impaired Preschool Services
1906 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218
Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 284
Louisville, KY
Change Service Requested
VISability is published through a generous grant from the Linda Neville Foundation.
Upcoming Events
Wednesdays
PAL Class is held at VIPS-Louisville, 9:30
- 11:30 a.m., for children, birth to three,
and their parents.
Fridays
REACH Class is held at VIPS-Louisville, 10 a.m.
- 1:30 p.m., for VIPS children, 3 - 5 years.
Friday - Sunday, March 2 - 4
The 21st Annual Parent/Professional Conference
will be held at the Marriott Griffin Gate in
Lexington. For info, call (502) 485-3346.
Sunday, March 11
VIPS-Louisville will have an Open House,
2 - 4 p.m. Watch for details!
Thursday, March 15
VIPS will sponsor a workshop, “In Touch with Early
Literacy,” at the American Printing House for the
Blind (APH), 1839 Frankfort Ave., 8:30 a.m. 3 p.m. See details, this page.
Wednesday, March 21
The First Beacon Recognition Dinner will be held at
Audubon Country Club, 6 p.m., to honor special
VIPS volunteers and benefactors. Contact
Robin at VIPS-Louisville for more information.
Wednesday - Friday, March 28 - 30
The KY Chapter of the Association for the Education
and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually
Impaired will hold their Annual State Conference
at Jenny Wiley State Park, in Prestonsburg, KY.
For more information, contact Pauletta at the
VIPS-Louisville Office.
Saturday, March 31
VIPS-Louisville will hold an Easter Party/
Pancake Breakfast, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Watch your mail for details!
Wednesday, April 4
The Parent Advisory Board of VIPS-Louisville
will hold a FUN-raiser at the Comedy
Caravan. Tickets are $15, and include
pizza supper and show. Call Martha at
VIPS-Louisville for more information.
Looking Ahead
Wednesday, May 9 -- VIPS-Louisville Mothers
Day Brunch
Monday, May 14 -- VIPS-Louisville
Graduation
Saturday & Sunday, July 14 & 15 -- VIPS
Family Retreat Weekend
Get “In Touch
with Early
Literacy!”
This FREE, day-long workshop for
parents and professionals will leave you
chomping at the bit to work on early
literacy skills with your children, be they
your own, or your students. The workshop
will feature nationally recognized speakers
Bonnie Freeman, Director of Training at the
National Center for Family Literacy, and
Suzette Wright, of the American Printing
House for the Blind (APH) and co-author
of the “On the Way to Literacy” handbook
and storybooks. They will present findings
of the National Early Literacy Panel and
discuss implications of these findings on
early literacy for visually impaired children.
There will also be a Make-and-Take activity
and tour of APH. CEU’s will be offered for
a charge of $10; otherwise the workshop is
free, including all materials. Space is limited!
Contact Pauletta at the VIPS-Louisville
Office for more information or to register.
VISability is a bi-monthly publication of
Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Inc.
Please direct comments to Sharon Bensinger,
Executive Director or Pauletta Feldman,
Newsletter Editor. Subscription cost is $15 per
year outside of Kentucky.
Visually Impaired Preschool Services
VIPS-Louisville
1906 Goldsmith Lane
Louisville, KY 40218
(502) 636-3207
FAX (502) 636-0024
Toll free 1-888-636-8477
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.vips.org
Sharon Bensinger, Executive Director
Melinda Atkins, Education Coordinator
Donna Brostek, O&M/Early Interventionist
Jeanette Buttler, Development Assistant
Carol Dahmke, Office Manager
Melissa Evers, REACH/Early Interventionist
Pauletta Feldman, Special Projects Coordinator
Robin Frazier, Development Director
Martha Hack, Family Services Coordinator
Laura Huckleberry, Accountant
Maria Jones, REACH
Barbara Kelley, Early Interventionist
Mary Lesousky, Early Interventionist
Jan Moseley, Visual Impairment Specialist
Beverly Stringer, Receptionist
Margaret Vinsel, PAL/Early Interventionist
Maury Weedman, O&M Specialist
VIPS-Central Kentucky
161 Burt Road, Suite 4
Lexington, KY 40503
(859) 276-0335
FAX (859) 276-4379
Toll free 1-888-254-8477
E-mail: [email protected]
Ashley Emmons, O&M/Early Interventionist
Tracie Jackson, Family Services Coordinator
Dixie Miller, Early Interventionist
Mary Moore, Development Director
Ashley Vannoy, Receptionist