THE PROMOTER

November 2007

 

Official publication of the North Dakota Association of the Blind

Available in four formats:  large print, e-mail, Braille and cassette tape

 

“Not he who lacks sight,

but, he who lacks vision is blind.”

 

We strive to enhance the way of life for persons who are

visually impaired, to improve their opportunities for

employment, and to create public awareness

about persons with sight loss.

 

CONTENTS:

Page                                    

     2                                  From the President

                             Family Adjustment Seminar

                             Request from the Historian

3                                 Gebhard Greetings

4                            NDAB Summer Camp 2007

     6                                  2008 Membership Dues

                                  NDAB Summer Camp 2008

                                  Light Notes from Char

     7                                  Miles of Smiles

8                            NDAB 2007 Convention Minutes

16                          Post Convention Board Mtg Minutes, 6-10-07

18                          Legislative Report, Fall 2007

22                          Candy’s Corner

23                          NDAB Family News

                                         News Flashes from Grand Forks

Minot Area News

Williston Area News

     26                          “A Kaleidoscope of Opportunity”

Report of ACB Convention 2007, Part 1

27                                                                                           Sporting Chance Fishing Event 2008

Lemon Brownies

28                                                                                           “100 Years of Excellence!”

30                         NDAB Leadership Roster

                              

 

 

 

 

 

From the President

 

Hello my fellow NDAB’ers:

 

It is that time again to write a note by the President.  How time flies by!  Fall is starting to set in now.  The trees are rapidly losing their leaves.

My mother heard from someone that this winter is supposed to be one of the mildest in centuries.  Won’t that be something?

I don’t have much to say other than a big “thank you” to Janelle Olson for chairing the Family Adjustment Seminar.  We just completed one in Minot on the 6th of October.  Janelle will be submitting a report, I’m sure.  Also Janelle informed me that she is stepping down as chairwoman of Family Adjustment Seminar.  Should you run into her or talk to her on the phone be sure and give her your thanks for the great job she has done over the years.  She has had a great supporting cast in helping the seminars be successful.  The organization is in great shape.

Have a great fall and a wonderful holiday this year.  God Bless!

 

Your President, Rick

 

Family Adjustment Seminar

 

Another extremely successful seminar was held in Minot On Saturday, October 6.  Twenty, yes I said “twenty,” families attended! Isn’t that wonderful?  This project, in my opinion, gets to the heart of our NDAB mission.  Let’s keep in mind those with whom we come in contact and reach out with information about seminar and NDAB. Thanks to all the staff that made this year’s seminar so successful!

 

Janelle Olson, Chairperson

 

Request from the HistorianAs your new historian, I invite you to please remember to share your NDAB event photos and memorabilia.  I am counting on you to send them to me so I can record what NDAB is doing now so we will have the memories and history to look back on in the future.  Thanks for your willingness to help!

 

Denise Kirsch, 1314-1/2 Spaulding Ave, Bismarck,  ND  58501 

 

 

 

Gebhard Greetings

 

Hello everybody!  A special welcome to the new members!  We are anxious to get to know you. It was a glorious fall day today!  We have truly been blessed with nice weather and gorgeous colors this year.  I think this is due, in part, to the delayed frost.  It gave the trees and shrubs time to mature and color up in their own time.  Whatever the reason, I’m really enjoying the scenery.

 

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this edition of the Promoter.  Again, I want to encourage all of you to please share your ideas concerning the Promoter with me.  This is your newsletter.  I am new at this and open to all and any help you may have to offer.  To share articles or information, call 493-2399, email  zgeb@ddrtel.net or write to me at 8169 66th Street SE, Edgeley, ND  58433.   The deadline for the February issue will be January 10th.  I really need to have this issue together on time as we have a new grandbaby who is due January 25th and I’m going to Sioux Falls to help!

 

I would like to call your attention to Allen’s “Legislative Report” on page 19.  He does an excellent job of giving an overview of vision services currently in North Dakota and also the exciting news of the changes recently made – Helen Baumgartner’s promotion to Director of Vision Services for the Older Blind and the addition of Amy Bruner to the staff of the North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind.  Congratulations to you both!­ 

 

In the August Promoter Allan reported on the visit a group of us from North Dakota made to the South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind in Sioux Falls.  This visit took place in May.  The wheels have been turning since then and now plans have been made to get together again on December 10th.  This Vision Work Group consists of Carmen Suminski, Ken Docter, Amy Bruner, Margo Lentz, Wanda Bye, Helen Baumgartner, Allen and myself.  Between now and then I would like you to contact me with your story - what vision services you have received; what has worked, what hasn’t.  I believe it is crucial that we are made aware of what needs you have and what has been done or could be done to meet them.  In short, what would make your life easier, more productive, more meaningful?  The above group consists of individuals who care deeply about vision services in ND and more importantly the people that need them, you! This is your opportunity to help us try to improve vision services.  Please contact me before December 10th. 

 

Zelda Gebhard, editor

NDAB Summer Camp 2007

 

The 37th annual NDAB Summer Camp was held August 12-19 at the Elks Camp Grassick.  All 57 campers and staff arrived Sunday as planned, all ready for a great week. 

 

Six new campers joined us this year.  They were Jennifer Homstad and Elsie Friesz from Bismarck, Yvonne Fox from Garrison, Corey Hall from Belcourt, Eleanor (Norie) Ohnstad from Argusville, and Alexandria (Alex) Davis from Fargo.  Susan Jorgenson from Williston added a very much appreciated set of helpful hands and lots of smiles and fun for everyone but most of all to the women in Cabin 24. 

 

The weather was on the cool side most of the week.  The lake was still pretty low but a few brave souls got wet one afternoon while Dan provided water front activities.  A few sprinkles of rain threatened occasionally but never amounted to much.  Never the less, there were lots of fish floating around camp all week, just ask anyone from the Fish Philosophy Class and they’ll explain that to you. 

 

We were awakened each morning with revelry played by Alex Davis and Janelle Olson.  After flag raising ceremonies lead by Janelle and a hardy breakfast, everyone moved through the day following their respective class schedules.  The classes and instructors were as follows: Caning – Helen Baumgartner, Lawn Chair Macramé – Leo Marttila, Machine Knitting – Linda Oyloe, Basket Weaving – Paula Anundson and Dave Sundeen, Crocheting – Connie Springsted, Handicrafts – Sheryl Gerhardt, Handy Hints & Braille – Olga Neal, New Camper Orientation – Janelle Olson and Mark Kueffler, Computer – Kathy Larson & Mark Kueffler, Norwegian Language Class – Kathy Larson, Dance & Fish Philosophy – Janelle Olson, Legislative Issues and History & Philosophies  of Advocacy Organizations of the Blind – Allan Peterson, Low Vision1, Walking Class and Mobility – Becky Monroe, Chair Exercise – Dennis Nez, Hear the Birds – Lynn Hanson, I’m All Ears and Golf (card game) – Rom Thielman.  Karlyn Frantsen took wonderful care of us once again as our Camp Nurse. 

 

For several years now, we have had a receiving line at the end of the week to say farewell, but this year, we began the Sunday night mixer with a receiving line.  Too many times, we have heard people say as they are leaving camp that they never got to meet everyone until the last morning.  That was remedied this year and we hope to make it an annual tradition.  After the outdoor greeting, we moved inside where each person, after stating their name and where they were from, told one thing about themselves, beginning their statement with their assigned letter of the alphabet. 

 

The days and nights passed very quickly.  Rick Feldman hosted Trivia Monday night with the six winners each receiving a lawn chair.  Tuesday night was Casino Night with Becky hosting Bingo in the Dining Hall and Linda in charge of Black Jack in the Rec Hall.  On Wednesday night, we redeemed our casino winnings in a gift exchange followed by a hayride and campfire sing-along.  Others became human fish in the first ever “Go Fish” game.  Mark Kueffler emceed the Thursday night Talent Show which was filled with a variety of comedy and musical numbers including a first time camper playing the bagpipes.  A pizza party topped off the night.  Zelda Gebhard and Donna Hepper turned the Dining Hall into a Western Hoedown Friday night as cowboys and cowgirls completed their chores of milking and butter churning before feasting on hardy grub cooked up special for our banquet.  Cowboy poetry along with some great western songs topped off the program.  Some cowboy booted feet were mighty sore after whirling around the dance floor to the tunes of the Jim Geiger Band for four hours. 

 

The Saturday night auction, conducted by Rich Fadness with assistance from Bob Vandal, Rick, Randy Tank, Emily and her friend Haley, brought in $5646 with another $1000 match from the Cass County Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.  Thanks to all of the generous bidders and everyone who helped set up, clerk and conduct the auction.  The money raised is used to help defray camp costs. 

 

Our week ended with devotions by Olga followed by breakfast with those wonderful sweet rolls.  Our receiving line where everyone gets to bid farewell gives us all closure for another year. 

 

There are so many thank yous to be said after such a great week!  We appreciate the wonderful setting that the Elks Camp Grassick provides and all that Dan does to make us all so comfortable and welcomed.  The great food prepared by Linda and Lorna and the courteous and prompt service provided by the kitchen girls make us feel like royalty.  Thanks to Geri Smith and David McCloud for faithfully holding open the Dining Hall doors all week and to Ruth Phalen for finding people to pray the table grace for each meal.  Thanks to all of the musicians and readers who shared their talents.  Thanks for all of those who used their muscles to help with set-up and tear down each day.  Thanks most of all to each and every one of you who came to camp this year!  It is because of YOU that the week is such a success.  We look forward to next summer when we once again meet on the shores of Lake Isabel for another magical week together!

 

Loris Van Berkom & Rick Feldman, Co-Camp Directors

2008 Membership Dues

This is just a timely reminder that your 2008 NDAB membership renewal will be coming up soon. I will be sending out renewal notices some time during the first week of January. Hopefully, there will be a 100% return. Thank you in advance!

Rom Thielman, Membership chairperson

NDAB Summer Camp 2008

 

Yes, you read it right!  Plans are already underway for the 2008 summer camp.  The banquet theme, planned by Bev Austin and Bob Vandal, will be “Christmas at Camp Grassick”.  Knowing Bev and Bob, you can be sure it will be a fun and meaningful banquet. 

 

We are asked very often what the dates for camp are and if we can schedule camp for a different week.  Our camp dates are set by the Elks Camp Grassick Board.  They meet in the middle of January to plan for the camping sessions.  We are scheduled for the week following their last session.  The dates will be published in the February Promoter. 

 

With fall already here and winter on the way, it’s good to think about the warm days of August spent by the shores of Lake Isabel.  Happy dreaming!

 

Loris Van Berkom and Rick Feldman, Co-Camp Directors

 

Light Notes from Char

 

A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use a day – thirty thousand compared with a man’s fifteen thousand. 

The wife replied, “The reason has to be because a woman has to say everything twice.”

The husband turned to her and asked, “What?”

 

“Cash, check, or charge?” the clerk asked the customer.  As the woman fumbled for her wallet, the clerk noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.

“So, do you always carry your TV remote in your purse?” the clerk asked.

“No,” the woman replied, “but my husband refused to come shopping with me, so I figured this was the best legal thing I could do to get even with him.”

 

A magazine article said that the way to achieve inner peace is to FINISH things I have started.

Today I finished four bags of potato chips, a cherry pie, and a small box of chocolate candy.  I feel better already!

 

"Miles of Smiles"

The NDAB State Convention was held on June 8, 9, and 10 in Grand Forks. Many came from miles with smiles to carry out our convention theme, "Miles of Smiles!"

A pre-convention gathering began at the School for the Blind where "The Store" and other technology displays were held. Members of Sarah Circle from Augustana Lutheran Church served the evening meal at the School.  Evening entertainment, with music by the "The Diers" family group was provided at GF Goodribs where the remaining events of the convention were held.

Saturday morning began with the presentation of colors by the Grand Forks VFW Honor Guard, an invocation by Joanne Bragg, a welcome by Grand Fork's mayor Michael Brown, and a response to the welcome by NDAB President Rick Feldman. Along with committee reports, and other NDAB business, a legislative forum was chaired by Allan Peterson.  Dr. David Bieberdorf, Paul Olson and Janice Sowokinos made presentations to the membership on Saturday.

The Saturday evening banquet that continued to carry out the weekend's theme, "Miles of Smiles," was M.C.’d by Rom Thielman. Joanne Bragg gave the opening and closing prayer. Tammy Winn awarded the Emma Skogan Scholarship to Solomen Kuer . Olga Neal presented the Ed Christensen Award to Stan Larson. Rob Horken or, better known as "Ernie the Angler", was our guest speaker. His message was that sharing our gifts with others will always bring happiness.

The evening was completed with bingo games and a chance to win cash prizes.  Shawn Gunderson was the bingo caller.

Door prizes were awarded throughout the convention.

The Sunday morning Memorial Service, arranged by Hazel Nerison, was held to remember our NDAB members who have died during this past year.

The results of the Sunday morning elections were: Board member - Mavis Anderson; delegate to the 2008 ACB Convention Janelle Olson; and Promoter editor Zelda Gebhard. Doug Stip was thanked for his 5 years as editor.

The convention adjourned before noon.

Thank you to all who participated in the convention and who came from Miles with Smiles!

Convention Co-chairpersons Olga Neal, Renae Huseby, and Rom Thielman

NDAB 2007 Convention Minutes

 

Following the Presentation of Colors by the VFW Honor Guard, Olga Neal introduced Joanne Bragg, who gave the invocation.  Mayor Michael Brown extended a warm welcome to the NDAB membership.

 

At 8:50a.m. June 9th, 2007, President Rick Feldman called to order the 71st annual convention of NDAB held at the G.F. Goodribs Restaurant, Grand Forks, N.D.  He gave his response to the Mayor and thanked the Grand Forks committee for the Friday evening festivities.

 

Rick appointed Stan Larson as the mike man, Lester Ketterling as Parliamentarian, and Janelle Olson and Lee Thielman as Sergeant-at-arms.

 

Roll call indicated that there were 49 people present- 45 members and 4 guests.

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Karlyn Frantsen read the minutes from the 4-22-07 Board Meeting and the pre-convention Board Meeting held Friday evening 6-8-07.  There were two corrections made in the 6-8-07 minutes.  Sheryl Gerhardt was absent and the two baskets were to be used at the ACB Convention as a door prize and for the auction- not both for the auction as stated.  Connie Springsted moved to accept the minutes from the June meeting as corrected.  (The April minutes were approved at the Board Meeting.)  The motion was seconded and carried.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Renae Huseby read the report prepared by Trisha Stromsodt, CPA.  There were a couple of questions which were answered.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

1.    FINANCIAL- Kathy Larson presented her fundraising report, with a total of $26,465.99 being raised.  (See the attached report.)  A special thanks was given to Mary Stip for her fundraising efforts.

2.    LEGISLATIVE- Allan Peterson reported on the issues that were addressed this year which included some successes, and the resolutions which he had written to be voted on at the convention.

 

A coffee break occurred from 10-10:30a.m. with door prizes given away on break times.

 

3.    SUMMER CAMP-Loris VanBerkom stressed the importance of continuing the efforts of fundraising, as the money comes hard and leaves easily.  Camp dates for 2007 are August 12th-19th.  Applications will be going out before the end of June.  Loris read the list of classes which were approved for this year’s activities.  (See the attached report for camp 2006.)

4.    MEMBERSHIP-Rom Thielman reported there are 177 members, 22 of which are blind, 100 visually impaired, and 55 sighted.  There were 11 members who didn’t renew their membership, 14 new or renewals, and 2 deceased.  Membership is $15 a year. 

 

PRESENTATION BY DR. DAVID BIBERDORF

Dr. Biberdorf spoke on Macular Degeneration and explained the etiology of the disease and gave the numbers of those affected worldwide.  The dry form of MD is the less severe form accounting for 90% of the population, and the wet form, the other 10%.  Included in his presentation were the symptoms, risk factors, treatment, management of the disease, and new technology.  Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for Macular Degeneration!

 

The convention recessed at 11:55 a.m. for lunch and reconvened again at 1:10pm.

 

LESISLATIVE FORUM

Allan introduced the two legislators from the Grand Forks area who participated in the forum.  They were Senators JoNell Bakke and Ray Holmberg.

 

PRESENTATION BY PAUL OLSON & JANICE SOWOKINOS

Paul, Mobility Instructor form ND Vision Services, brought greetings from Carmen Suminski, and shared his hope to continue partnering with NDAB, Vision Services and Voc Rehab, with the goal to increase the services to meet the needs.

Janice, Account Executive of THE LOW VISION STORE, INC. spoke of the items that are available.

 

There was a coffee break from 2:45-3:15pm, after which the business meeting resumed with the Committee Reports.

 

5.    SPORTS AND RECREATION-Dave Sundeen spoke of the Ski For Light weekend held at Terry Peak and urged anyone who had a chance to attend, to do so.  NDAB members received a fair share of the trophies.  There were about 38 on the bus, and he thanked Keith Iten’s mom for the terrific accommodations!

6.    FAMILY ADJUSTMENT SEMINAR-Janelle Olson stated that this seminar started in 1980.  It’s our job to get the word out and to continue to give hope to people after sight loss.  There were 11 family units (27 people) who attended the 2006 seminar.  The 2007 Seminar will be held on October 6th at the Minot Comfort Inn.  (See the attached report.)

7.    SCHOLARSHIP-Tammy Winn reviewed the four scholarships which are available- two $500 scholarships, one $1000 scholarship, and the Emma Skogen Scholarship.  Please help to get the word out.  There were two applicants for the 2007  awards and  this is the first year the Emma Skogen Scholarship was awarded.

8.    ACB CONVENTION DELEGATE-Tammy Winn spoke on her trip to Florida last year, and her husband Roy, read her prepared report. (See the attached report.)

9.    PROMOTER-Editor Doug Stip reported there were 84 issues of large print mailed, 37 tapes, 32 e-mails, and 3 braille copies distributed to NDAB members this past year per Promoter issue.  Due date for items to be submitted for publication continue the same as:  the 10th of July, October, January, and April.  (See the attached report.)

10.NOMINATING COMMITTEE-Olga Neal gave     

      the following as the names submitted by the

          Nominating Committee for these offices:  Editor: 

          Zelda Gebhard; Board Member: Mavis Anderson;

          2008 ACB Convention Delegate: Janelle Olson.

   

PROPOSED 2007-08 BUDGET

Renae read the budget as proposed.

 

RESOLUTIONS

Karlyn read the five resolutions as written by Allan Peterson and recommended by the Board for a do pass on each one.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no unfinished business.

 

NEW BUSINESS

1.    HISTORIAN-  Rosie Landsem, because of health reasons, needs to give up her job as Keeper of the Photo Albums and Historian, a position she has had for 27 years.  She asked for a replacement.  President Rick thanked her for the fabulous job she has done all these years.  No further action was taken.

2.    PROMOTER TAPING-  Mary Stip moved that we continue with the State Library doing the taping of the Promoter.  The motion was seconded.  After some discussion, Mary withdrew her motion.  The Board had indicated earlier that they would look into  going back to the Editor doing the taping and mailing.  No further action was taken.

 

The meeting adjourned for the day at 4:20pm.

 

The Business meeting of the convention re-convened when President Feldman called the meeting to order on Sunday, June 10th at 9:35a.m. following the Memorial Service and Coffee break.  He thanked the G.F. Committee for a great convention and a job well done.  The same people appointed yesterday served as Parliamentarian and Sergeant-at-Arms, and Mike Runner.  Allan moved to suspend the rules and not wear the name badges in order to vote.  Motion was seconded and carried.

 

Roll Call indicated there were 39 members and one guest present.

 

Olga Neal brought greetings from Doranna Robertson and congratulated Stan Larson as the well deserved recipient of the Ed Christensen Award.

 

NEW BUSINESS

1.    Lester Ketterling moved to increase the Emma Skogen Scholarship from $400 to $1000 and to award the difference to Sollomon Kuer, the recipient of the 2007 Emma Skogen Scholarhip, retro Saturday evening.  The motion was seconded followed by a discussion.  There is unused money from scholarships not awarded this year.  The motion carried.

2.    There was a request that there be a change in the Scholarship guidelines to allow part time grad students to be considered for the scholarships, and not just full time graduate students.  It was decided that this was a Board issue which will be addressed by them at a later date.

3.    As a possible way for advertising the services of NDAB, it was noted that the Fargo Planning and Development Committee, plans to feature stories on PBS in the future.  There was no action taken.

4.    The five resolutions were read once again and voted on as follows:

 

NDAB RESOLUTION 2007-01

Regarding the Merger of Institutions for the Blind and Deaf

 

Whereas, the service needs for rehabilitation skills training for people with sight loss and hearing loss are totally different from one another and;

 

Whereas, from a historical perspective, instances where blind and deaf institutions of rehabilitation or education have been merged, have subsequently failed and haven’t proven to provide any efficiencies or improved effectiveness in delivery of services, and;

 

Whereas, the modes of communication between people who are blind and who are deaf are entirely different and, thus, are inherently difficult because of the nature of these sensory disabilities, and;

 

Whereas, North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind has had a strong affiliation with the education programs at the University of North Dakota that prepare instructors and rehabilitation specialists in the field of vision rehab services, and;

 

Whereas, projections for efficiencies and the consequent savings of expenses from the merger of the North Dakota School for the Deaf and North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind at any level haven’t been proven or been demonstrated;

 

Now, Therefore, be it resolved that North Dakota Association of the Blind in Convention assembled in Grand Forks, North Dakota on this date of Sunday, June 10th, 2007, directs the Government and Legislature of the State to dismiss any attempt to move and merge the programs or administration of North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind with that of the School for the Deaf.

 

Eunice Ketterling moved to adopt this resolution as read.  The motion seconded.  There was no discussion.  The motion carried.

 

NDAB RESOLUTION 2007-02

Education Background in Vision Services for VR Counselors

 

Whereas, because the rehabilitation skills training in blindness is specialized, specific and unique to this disability, rehabilitation counselors should be required to possess training in this area so that they can adequately advise people with sight loss, and;

 

Whereas, it is a recognized practice in other states that counselors, who work with clients with blindness and sight loss, have the proper training and experience in rehabilitation skills training so that they can properly advise people with this disability, and;

 

Whereas, it has been the experience of a number of clients who have sought services from vocational rehabilitation, here in North Dakota, that the counselors that they’ve dealt with seem to lack the necessary knowledge and background for them to properly advise and counsel people with blindness and sight loss;

 

Now, Therefore, be it resolved that North Dakota Association of the Blind in Convention assembled in Grand Forks, North Dakota on this date of Sunday, June 10th, 2007, advises and directs the administration of the North Dakota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to (1) have, at least, one of its counselors in each of its regional offices to have the necessary training so that they can work with 110 (employment) clients with blindness and (2) that these counselors, so trained, be assigned any cases that involve a person with sight loss.

 

NOTE:  The bold, underlined words in italics in resolutions 2007-02, 03, and 04 were not in the original resolution.

 

Allan Peterson moved to adopt this resolution.  The motion was seconded after which there was a discussion.  The words “110 (employment)” were added to the third line from the bottom before the word “clients with blindness”.  The resolution was approved as amended.

 

NDAB RESOLUTION 2007-03

Communication of Rehabilitation Services to Vision Clients

 

Whereas, people who become blind as adults often are not aware about the scope of services that are available for them and do not know where they can get this information, and;

 

Whereas, it appears that information about all the options for vision services in North Dakota often isn’t widely communicated to people experiencing sight loss, even when clients are being served within the rehabilitation and social service system, and;

 

Whereas, it is crucial for the well being of people who become blind or experience a significant degree of sight loss, that they receive adequate rehabilitation skills training so that they can adequately deal with this disability;

 

Now, Therefore, be it resolved that North Dakota Association of the Blind in Convention assembled in Grand Forks, North Dakota on this date of Sunday, June 10th, 2007, advises and directs all parties that are involved with the diagnosis, rehabilitation and social services of people with blindness and sight loss to inform and share written communication about services that will assist people who are adjusting to life with this disability.  Further, we strongly recommend that the vision service program within the North Dakota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the adult program within North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind develop a joint brochure in an accessible format that is distributed to each of their adult clients whenever an initial visit is made with these individuals.

 

Maria Vazquez moved to accept this resolution.  The motion was seconded after which there was a discussion.  It was decided to add the words “IN AN ACCESSIBLE FORMAT” after the word “brochure”, in the last paragraph.  The resolution was approved as amended.

 

NDAB RESOLUTION 2007-04

Center Based Blindness Rehabilitation Skills Training

 

Whereas, disease conditions and injuries that result in blindness and permanent sight loss are universally recognized as being severe life altering disabilities that require specific and specialized intensive rehabilitation skills training programs that teach people to cope with this disability, and;

 

Whereas, it has been shown that persons with blindness and visual impairments who receive intensive “center based” rehabilitation skills training are employable and can function with a great deal of independence, and;

 

Whereas, the option of a program that provides facets of a center based blindness rehabilitation skills training program is available through North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind in Grand Forks, but is limited in its ability to provide these services to adults due to the level of funding and availability of staff time, and;

 

Whereas, the Blindness Skills Training Center that was headed by Ed Christensen that served North Dakotans with sight loss has been closed for more than a decade and has not been replaced with an equivalent service within the State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and;

 

Whereas, our neighboring states of South Dakota and Minnesota fund and maintain vision rehab training centers in their states which provide the option of a high quality comprehensive center based blindness skills training program for their citizens who become sight impaired;

 

Now, therefore, be it resolved that North Dakota Association of the Blind in Convention assembled in Grand Forks, North Dakota on this date of Sunday, June 10th, 2007, urge and direct the North Dakota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind to collaborate to develop a plan whereby the citizens of North Dakota can be provided with the option of an in-state comprehensive center based blindness rehabilitation skills training program that will offer evaluations and based on these evaluations, provide the needed individualized training.  Further, be it resolved that the necessary legislation to implement such a plan be pursued.

 

Allan moved to adopt this resolution.  The motion was seconded after which there was a discussion.  It was decided that the words “an in-state” be added in the last paragraph before the words “comprehensive center based”.  The resolution was approved as amended.

 

NDAB RESOLUTION 2007-05

Access to Paper Currency

 

Whereas, persons who cannot read print, including people who are blind, are denied for themselves, the possibility of determining the denominations on paper currency, and;

 

Whereas, extensive modifications are commonly made in paper currency to improve security within our monetary system, and;

 

Whereas, although there are methods for handling money without the advantage of sight, people who cannot read print ultimately must rely on money identifiers or other persons to tell them what denominations are present on paper currency, and;

 

Whereas, the ability to transact business, using cash, is fundamental to an independent lifestyle, and;

 

Whereas, worldwide there are more than 180 countries that now issue paper currency with some means of identification whereby people, who are unable to read print, can, nevertheless, determine for themselves the denominations of bills that they are handling;

 

Now, therefore, be it resolved that North Dakota Association of the Blind in Convention assembled in Grand Forks, North Dakota on this date of Sunday, June 10th, 2007, urge and direct the President, Congress, including our North Dakota congressional delegation, to support, by favor of the American Council of the Blind’s lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue paper currency that has a means of identification that makes it possible for a person, who cannot read print, to independently identify the denominations that are present on paper currency.

 

Allan moved to adopt this resolution.  The motion was seconded.  There was no discussion. The motion carried.

 

2007-08 BUDGET

Renae read the proposed budget.  Lester Ketterling moved to change the Scholarship Fund from $2400 to $3000 to reflect the increase in the amount of Scholarships to be awarded.  (See attached report.)

The motion was seconded and carried.

Eunice Ketterling moved to accept the proposed budget as amended.  The motion was seconded and carried.

 

 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The Nominating Committee gave the name of Janelle Olson for the 2008 ACB Delegate.  The names of Denise Kirsch and Loris VanBerkom were nominated from the floor.  Lester moved that nominations cease.  The motion was seconded and carried.  A paper ballot indicated that Janelle Olson was the winner, with Denise Kirsch being the alternate.

 

The Nominating Committee gave the name of Mavis Anderson for the Board Member.  Lester moved that nominations cease and that the Secretary cast a unanimous ballot for Mavis.  The motion was seconded and carried, and the Secretary cast a unanimous ballot for Mavis Anderson as Board Member.

 

The Nominating Committee gave the name of Zelda Gebhard as the Promoter Editor.  The name of Marilyn Nelson was nominated from the floor.  Lester moved that nominations cease.  The motion was seconded and carried.  A paper ballot indicated that Zelda Gebhard was the winner.

 

President Feldman thanked Doug Stip for his five years as Editor, and expressed appreciation for all his work.

 

Representatives from Valley City invited NDAB to their fine city in 2009. Kathy Larson moved that nominations cease.  The motion was seconded and carried. 

 

Allan invited everyone to the 2008 Convention to be held in Fargo at the Expressway Inn.  Room rates are $59.95/night.

 

CLOSING REMARKS

Olga Neal, on behalf of the Convention Committee thanked all for coming and expressed appreciation to the staff at the G.F. Goodribs.  President Rick Feldman also thanked everyone for the successful Convention

 

The Convention was adjourned at 11:20a.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Karlyn Frantsen, Secretary

 

 

 

 

POST-CONVENTION BOARD MEETING

6-10-07

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Hazel Nerison, Allan Peterson, Renae Huseby, Kathy Larson, Mavis Anderson, Rom Thielman, Karlyn Frantsen, and Rick Feldman.

ABSENT:  Sheryl Gerhardt

Others present:  Janelle Olson and Stan Larson

 

President Rick called the Post-Convention NDAB Board meeting to order at 11:38 a.m. following the adjournment of the convention held at G.F. Goodribs.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1.    Sound equipment-speakers and mixer:  Allan moved to purchase the better of the two that Kathy had gotten quotes for.  The motion was seconded and carried.  The Board was satisfied with the sound equipment which we had rented for the weekend.

2.    The Building at Camp:  An anonymous individual offered to pay for the building!  Rick will get the cost and have it approved by the Elks Camp Grassick Board, and Allan will contact the donor.

 

NEW BUSINESS 

1.    Kathy moved to accept the name of Linda Bernard as a member of NDAB.  The motion was seconded and carried.

2.    There were five requests for $200 stipends to the ACB Convention this summer.  They were Doug and Mary Stip, Carol Schmitt, Evelyn Hildebrand, and Allan Peterson.  Kathy moved to allow these requests.  The motion was seconded and carried.

3.    Renae moved to table for now, the request to change the criteria of the scholarships from full time grad student to part time grad student.  The motion was seconded and carried.

4.    It was decided that we’d leave the Promoter taping as is for the time being.  The mailings will need to be kept updated.

5.    The Librarian at a library in East Grand Forks, would display information about NDAB.  She has a different display each month.

6.    Karlyn reported that she had sent out three memorial cards since last convention.

7.    The NDAB brochures are outdated now since the amount of the scholarship has increased, but it was decided to use them up until they are gone.  Kathy will change the information on the web site.

8.    Janelle emphasized that the Board Members will be the staff for the Family Adjustment Seminar.

9.    We’ll need to find someone to replace Rosie’s position as Historian.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 12 noon.

 

Respectfully Submitted

Karlyn Frantsen, Secretary

 

Legislative Report, Fall 2007

By Allan Peterson

 

It is with great pleasure, that it’s now possible to announce an outcome of our advocacy efforts toward improving the level of center based blindness rehabilitation skills training that is made available to adults in our state! It is also possible at this time to put a face to this particular outcome!

 

As of October 1st, Amy Bruner from Minot, was hired into the position of vision specialist for the center based blindness rehabilitation skills training program that is provided at North Dakota Vision Services / School for the Blind. As you will recall, Amy’s position is new and was created through an initiative that NDAB sought from the state Legislature to improve center based blindness skills training and was adopted by lawmakers during the past session of the North Dakota Legislative Assembly.

 

On behalf of NDAB, I want to welcome Amy into the fold, so to speak! We want to wish her the very best as she begins her work in this new position! The more that is accomplished, through the work of this position, ultimately will mean that a greater number of people will be provided with the training that they need to cope with sight loss and blindness. Also, I want to take this opportunity to thank Carmen Suminski, the Superintendent at NDVS/SB, for the privilege of serving on the team that conducted the interviews for this new position that led to the hiring of Amy!

 

At this point, for the purpose of clarification, I want to turn to a brief narrative of programming for blindness skills training as it presently exists in North Dakota. I offer this narrative to, hopefully, help to clarify the readers understanding about this issue.

 

As many of you know, the vision program that is run by North Dakota Vision Services / School for the Blind (NDVS/SB) is a center based program and provides intensive rehabilitation skills training to cope with sight loss and blindness. Due to its long standing mission that is allied with education, NDVS/SB has primarily served the educational needs of children from birth through 21 years of age. During the 2001 legislative session, NDVS/SB was officially granted the additional responsibility to provide center based comprehensive blindness skills training for adults. To address this additional responsibility, NDVS/SB has scheduled center based skills training for adults three times during the year, two of the sessions are scheduled for a week and a third session extends for a week and a half. The programming for adults at NDVS/SB is scheduled to fit around gaps that occur in the programming for children.

 

Services provided to people with sight loss by North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), includes the Older Blind program. The scope of the VR Vision program is directed primarily toward serving adults who are fifty-five and older. Under this program, outreach vision specialists work out of the eight Human Service Centers that are located in each of the eight designated regions of the state. The vision specialists make home visits to people who are fifty-five and older and offer advice, counseling and aids that are designed to help people to continue to live in their own homes in spite of their loss of sight.