KABVI hosting online convention
Posted On: November 12, 2020
Categorized: Blind and Low Vision
Tagged: ACB, American Counsel for the Blind, Assistive Technology, ATK, blind, blind low vision, blindness, Disability, KABVI, Kansas Association for blind and visually impaired, low vision, vision loss, Visual Impairment, visually impaired
Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (KABVI) will be hosting with the assistance of American Counsel of the Blind (ACB) an online convention Friday, November 20th and Saturday, November 21st. This is the ACB’s annual meeting but it is also a celebration of KABVI’s 100 year anniversary.
Friday’s agenda is scheduled 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday’s 9:00am to 4:00pm. Agenda items include: myself, Mandy Smith with iKan-RCIL information; KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc.; Kansas Talking Books; Assistive Technology for Kansans and Telecommunications Access Program; Nanopac; Audio Reader; Kansas State School for the Blind; and much more. Both days will be hosted on Zoom along with streaming live on Facebook and internet radio.
KABVI is asking for $10 registration fee that includes two days worth of knowledge along with entered into drawings for door prizes. For information on how to register please contact Ann Byington, KABVI President, abyinton@cox.net (785) 235-8990 or (800) 799-1499.
Low vision events coming up
Posted On: March 4, 2020
Categorized: Blind and Low Vision
Tagged: Assistive Technology, blind, blind low vision, Eye Disease, eye health, IL, Independent Living, Independent Living Skills, Kansas events, learning, legally blind, low vision, low vision fair, Orientation and Mobility, vision loss, Visual Impairment
RCIL’s Mandy Smith will be hosting the following events:
- Low vision fair April 7th at the Parsons Public Library from 1:00-3:00pm
- Low vision independent living classes April 23rd and 30th at the Riley County Senior Center in Manhattan from 1:00pm-3:00pm
- Low vision fair May 13th at the Marion Senior Center from 12:15pm-2:15pm
Please look for more information in the future or call Mandy at (785)528-3105 if you have questions.
RCIL Expands Coverage Area for Older Blind Program
Posted On: August 9, 2017
Categorized: Independent Living
Tagged: 55 or older, age 55, Allen County, Anderson County, blind, blind low vision, Bourbon County, Brown County, Chase County, Chautauqua County, Cherokee County, Clay County, Coffey county, consumer opportunity, Crawford County, Dickinson County, Disability, Doniphan County, Elk County, Geary County Greenwood County, iKan-RCIL, Independent Living Skills, Jackson County, Kansas, Kansas Counties, Labette County, low vision, Lyon County, Marion County, Marshall County, Montgomery County, Morris County, Nemaha County, Neosho County, older blind, Osage County, Pottawatomie County, Riley County, Shawnee County, Visual Impairment, visually impaired, Washington County, Waubaunsee County, Wilson County, Woodson County
The iKan-RCIL program started in August of 2010 and its purpose is to teach people who are blind/have low vision and are 55 years or older how to live as independently as possible. IKan-RCIL has been possible with contracts awarded from Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS) that allows funding for orientation and mobility training, assistive technology aids and devices, and independent living training. RCIL recently received its third contract which will last through 2020.
Since inception, iKan-RCIL has more than doubled in size from 15 counties in 2010, to 32 counties beginning in July 2017. The coverage area includes the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Brown, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Clay, Coffey, Crawford, Dickinson, Doniphan, Elk, Geary, Greenwood, Jackson, Labette, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Osage, Pottawatomie, Riley, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wilson, and Woodson. This is including the nine counties RCIL began covering in July (Chautauqua, Cherokee, Crawford, Elk, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.)
To be eligible for this program you must live in one of the above mentioned counties, be 55 years or older and have a vision loss that affects your daily living. Mandy Smith, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, who is based out of the Osage City office provides the services for this program. She travels to individuals’ homes to teach the skills and/or give items that will allow individuals to be as independent as possible. This program is free to the individual and can be provided in any home setting. Mandy also does presentations to promote services and educate the public. Mandy will also be hosting independent living classes through the next three years throughout the 32 counties. Look for more information on these classes in the near future.
Dr. Herder to present on May 24th
Posted On: May 9, 2017
Categorized: Blind and Low Vision, Consumer Education
Tagged: blind low vision, Burlington, Coffey county, Dr. Herder, eye conditions, Eye Disease, eye doctor, losing sight, preventative, Q&A, VIP, vision loss
Q&A with Dr. Herder Flier (PDF file)