KIMRC News
Kentucky Instructional Materials Resource Center
Kentucky School for the Blind
September 4, 2012
The September 2012 issue of KIMRC News is dedicated to the memory of
LEO LOEB, a faithful and dedicated member of the KSB Volunteer Brailler and
Tape Player Repair Team. Leo passed away on May
15, 2012. Leo started repairing tape players in 1988
and began working on braillewriters in 1993. He was
part of the team that repaired braillewriters that your
students use in the classroom.
I also want to thank the other three devoted
This 1997 photo shows Leo Leob
working on a Perkins Brailler.
volunteer brailler repair team members Nelson Knight,
Owen Schrader and Joel Gittelson. They continue to
take up the slack in getting your braillewriters back to you in a timely manner. Great
job fellows!
INVOICING POLICY CHANGE
The KIMRC is pleased to announce that we no longer invoice school districts
and/or agencies for lost or damaged textbooks and equipment. If a district repeatedly
mishandles or loses these items, the KIMRC will work to resolve this matter on an
individual bases. Exempt from this policy is equipment that cost over $1000. Only
books and equipment damaged by catastrophic events such as tornados, fires, flooding,
etc. and that are covered by a district’s or agency’s insurance coverage will be invoiced.
We hope this change will encourage you to keep putting accessible resources at
the fingertips of your students!
KIMRC READY TO HELP
Now that you have gotten back into the routine of the 2012-13 school year, let me
remind you that the KIMRC is here to help your students to be successful in the
classroom.
The KIMRC is well stocked with great instructional tools and we would love to put
them into the hands of your students! I challenge you to browse the 2012-13 APH
Instructional Products Catalog to see the many, many instructional items that the KIMRC
as access to get for your students. If you don’t have a catalog, go to
http://www.aph.org/catalogs/ to download or to request a print copy. Once you have
identified the equipment you want to order, just go to the KIMRC On-Line Ordering
System http://kimrc.ksb.kyschools.us/ and submit your order.
When ordering supplies such as paper, notebooks, binders, etc., you must use the
Supply Order Form located on the web at
http://www.ksb.k12.ky.us/Resources/KIMRC.htm. The Supply (Consumables) List is
also available on the page so that you can choose the supplies that your student(s) will
need.
The Supply Order Form is to be used only for ordering consumable
items. If you request textbooks or equipment on this form, it will be returned. You will
then be directed to order through the KIMRC On-Line Ordering System.
Do your students need an accessible textbook? Please remember to submit
requests for textbooks as early as possible. If you have students who will need
additional textbooks for second semester, please order them now. If the KIMRC does
not have the book in stock, it may take several weeks and/or months to get it.
If you have any questions regarding about placing requests, please contact us.
New VisioBook®
If you attended Gateways to Independence at
the Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB) during the
summer, you had the opportunity to see the new
VisioBook (portable electronic magnifier and distance
viewer) demonstration.
This full color reading
device is very compact and light. It has a 12 inch HD
full-color widescreen monitor with LED-backlight
and an HD camera for both close range and distant
An elementary student uses the
new VisioBook in the library.
views. It is great for reading or for viewing at a
distance.
Due to the cost, the KIMRC is only able to acquire a limited number of the
VisioBooks at this time. It is necessary for the KIMRC to implement the following policy:
A student, for whom a VisioBook is requested, must have a low vision
evaluation (within the past five years) for which an electronic reading device
has been recommended. The VisioBook should be ordered on the KIMRC On-Line
Ordering. An email should be sent to KIMRC resource specialist indicating that the
student has the low vision evaluation of which you are attaching, mailing or faxing. Once
received, KIMRC will complete the approval process. In addition, the school district or
agency must make arrangements to pick up and return the VisioBook to the KIMRC.
Resources and Events Available for Students:
The Statewide Family Conference of Children of Families
who are Blind and Visually Impaired will be held on Fri.Sun., Sept. 21-23 at Center for Courageous Kids in
Scottsville. KSB Outreach is thrilled to be working in
collaboration with the Center for Courageous Kids in providing
educationally relevant programming for parents and wonderfully
orchestrated activities for children. Author Lauren Lieberman, Ph.D. is the featured
speaker and will present on adapted physical education and leisure activities for
children who are blind and visually impaired. While registration for this conference is
closed, I urge you check out the Center for Courageous Kids website
http://www.thecenterforcourageouskids.org/.
10th Annual Dr. Mark Lynn & Associates Stampede for VIPS will be held on
Sat., Sept. 29 at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, Louisville. This is fundraising
event that features a Kids Fun Run and a lot of family activities. For more
information or to register, go to http://www.vips.org/stampede.php.
35th Annual Bill Roby Track and Field Day will be held at KSB on Wed., Oct.
10. Open to students ages 3-14 who are blind and visually impaired. For more
information, contact J.P. Pullens [email protected].
White Cane Day at the Louisville Zoo, sponsored by CALEBS on Mon., Oct. 15.
RSVP by Oct. 1 at [email protected] or 606-232-1860. Free admission and
CALEBS bracelet for the first 25 students to register. Admission: $10, 1 adult free
with every student. There will be hands-on zoo classes for elementary, MS and HS
students, celebration in the amphitheater and a White Cane Parade. Families,
teachers and parents are welcome. In addition, students may submit a 1-2 minute
video about how their visual impairment and white cane have impacted their life.
CALEBS will choose two students to speak during the White Cane Day Celebration.
Winners will also receive a $50 Visa gift card and t-shirt. Videos must be submitted
via email or video text to [email protected] or 606-232-1860 on or before Sept.
20.
The Low Vision Clinic will be held at KSB on Fri.-Sat., Oct. 19-20. Only a
limited number of spaces are available. If you have students who need a low vision
evaluation, please check out the KSB Low Vision Services webpage
http://www.ksb.k12.ky.us/Resources/LowVision.htm for information and forms.
EnVISIONing the Future Day for Elementary Students, Wed., Oct. 24 for
students in KEDC area. For more information contact Pam Howard,
[email protected].
EnVISIONing the Future Day for MS/HS Students, will be held on Thurs.,
Nov. 8 for students in the KEDC area. For more information contact Pam Howard,
[email protected].
The Braille and Low Vision Carnival for K-5 Students will be held on Friday,
Nov. 16 at KSB. You will be hearing more about this activity later on, but I wanted
to pass the date along so that you can mark it in your calendar.
Please don’t forget the opportunities that are available to your students via
KSB Short Term Program (STP). You will find the 2012-13 STP calendar,
brochure, description of programming and contact information on the STP webpage
http://www.ksb.k12.ky.us/Academics/ShortCourse.htm.
Resources and Opportunities for Teachers of the
Visually Impaired and Service Providers
Visual Supports and Apps ~ Do you have students who benefit from visual
supports? Do you have students who would benefit from interactive computer based
instruction? Join the Bluegrass Technology Center for a FREE, hands-on
opportunity to get acquainted with VizZle, software for visual learners on
Sept. 20, 9 AM-4 PM at the Bluegrass Technology Center, 409 Southland
Drive, Lexington. Lessons can be accessed on various platforms, including
interactive whiteboards, computers, iPads, or Android devices. Learn how to
download pre-made lessons, or create your own in minutes. Each participant will
receive a free 30-day trial to VizZle. To register: Call 859-294-4343 or 800209-7767, provide name, county, email and cell/phone number for last
minute updates or email: [email protected]. To learn more about
VizZle, visit www.monarchtt.com.
14th Annual KSBCF Golf Scramble will be held on Wed., Sept. 19 at Fuzzy
Zoeller’s Covered Bridge Golf Course. Proceeds from this fundraising event
support their mission which is to make a difference in the education, independence,
and quality of life for blind and visually impaired students in Kentucky. For
information, go to http://www.ksbcf.org/golfscramble/main.html or call 502-8973990.
144th Annual Meeting of the American Printing House (APH) will be held on
Oct. 11-13 at the Galt House in Louisville. This year’s theme is “Traveling the
Extra Mile” in honor of the service providers who go many miles to assist APH in their
work. Dr. Cay Holbrook is the featured keynote speaker. To register or to get more
information, go to http://www.aph.org/anmtg/2012/.
National Braille Association 2012 Professional Development Conference will
be held on Oct. 25-27 in San Antonio, TX. Workshops featuring Braille format
changes; tactile graphics; and math, science, foreign language and music will be
conducted. For more information email Dave Shaffer at [email protected]
or to register go to www.nationalbraille.org.
47th Annual Kentucky Exceptional Children’s Conference will be held at the
Galt House, Louisville on Nov. 18-20.
You may register on on-line or get more
information at http://kycec.org/cec_online_registration.html.
Have a great school year!
KIMRC
1867 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
502-897-1583 Fax: 502-897-8737
www.ksb.k12.ky.us/Resources/KIMRC.htm
Director of Outreach for Statewide Services
Program Coordinator: Paula Penrod and Resource Specialist: Sue Yocum