Kentucky Office for the Blind Presented By Janell

Kentucky Office for the Blind Presented By: Janell Turner, MS, CRC

Mission Statement • “TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNTIES FOR EMPLOYMENT AND INDEPENDENCE TO INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUAL DISABILITIES”.

Who is OFB? • Part of the Department for Workforce Investment in the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet • Central Office in Frankfort with 10 field offices throughout the state. • Majority of Funding from Federal dollars • Services Offered Statewide • Website: http: //blind. ky. gov

In FY 2013 the VR Program provided services to 1, 569 consumers placing 336 individuals into competitive employment. Services offered are: o o o o o Assessment to determine eligibility and needs Vocational Guidance and Counseling Job Development Job Placement Services Assistive Technology Services and Devices Orientation and Mobility Work Experience Bioptic Driving Other Support Services

The Charles W. Mc. Dowell Center • Mc. Dowell Center- A rehabilitation center in Louisville where consumers can receive intensive training related to orientation and mobility, independent living, Braille, assistive technology, and adult basic education/GED. Also have staff that do vocational evaluations and personal adjustment counseling. Consumers can either stay on-site or be day students.

AND. . . q Accessible Textbook Program- provides audio versions of books for students and others with a vision loss. q Kentucky Business Enterprises-Trains and places individuals for self-employment in vending and food service facilities. Individuals must be legally blind to participate.

Considerations for Emergency Situations

Etiquette • Always identify yourself to an individual that is blind or visually impaired. • When you are leaving the area or room, let the individual know. • Ask if assistance is needed. Don’t assume that just because an individual is blind or visually impaired that they always need help. • Don’t be afraid to use words that refer to sight. • Be specific when giving directions. • Always speak directly to the individual.

Written Communication • Emergency preparedness documents, as well as information given during emergencies, should be provided in a variety of formats, including regular print, large print, and Braille. • Be prepared to have someone that can read documents to individuals and assist with form completion, especially if the individual does not come with anyone that can help them.

Large Print • 18 font is considered large print, but it may not meet everyone’s needs. • Typeface- individuals with vision impairments can see some typeface better than others. Some preferred types are Arial, Tahoma, and Verdana. Try to avoid using italics. • The American Printing House for the Blind has developed a typeface called APHont. It can be downloaded from their website at http: //www. aph. org/products/aphont. html.

Contrast • For most people, the more the contrast, the better. • If using black colors for fonts, light backgrounds are the best e. g. , black on white or black on light yellow. • If using light colors for fonts, dark backgrounds are the best e. g. , white on black or yellow on black. • Avoid the use of grayscale.

Other Tips for Printed Materials Avoid glossy paper. Avoid complicated backgrounds. Keep 1” margins. Unless necessary to what you are wanting to communicate, do not include graphics. • For more information, go to the American Printing House for the Blind website http: //www. aph. org. • •

Braille • According to the National Federation for the Blind, only about 10% of those deemed legally blind use Braille. • Despite this, it’s good to have Braille copies of materials. • Resources for Braille production: – American Printing House for the Blindinfo@aph. org or 1 -800 -223 -1839 – Rick Roderick- rickrod@insightbb. com – Michael Freholmmfreholm@unbridledaccess. com or 859 -6082470

Sighted Guide • This technique allows you to guide an individual that is blind or visually impaired in unfamiliar surroundings. • This can be used with cane users, non-cane users, and dog guide users. • Safety is the key! • Specific directions can be found online at http: //www. sightconnection. org/wpcontent/uploads/sighted-guide. pdf.

Guide Dogs • Dogs are highly trained and on strict schedules. They should remain with their owners at all times. • Avoid petting or otherwise distracting guide dogs when they are working. • Avoid giving food, water, or treats unless directed to do so by the owner.

Resources • American Printing House for the Blind (APH) www. aph. org • National Federation of the Blind www. nfb. org • American Council of the Blind www. acb. org • American Foundation for the Blind www. afb. org

Janell Turner, MS, CRC Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator Kentucky Office for the Blind 275 East Main Street Mail Stop 2 -EJ Frankfort, KY 40621 502 -782 -3406 Janell. K. Turner@ky. gov