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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?.
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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: • 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. McDowell Center • McDowell 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...... • Accessible Textbook Program- provides audio versions of books for students and others with a vision loss. • Kentucky Business Enterprises-Trains and places individuals for self-employment in vending and food service facilities. Individuals must be legally blind to participate.
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 Blind- info@aph.org or 1-800-223-1839 • Rick Roderick- rickrod@insightbb.com • Michael Freholm- mfreholm@unbridledaccess.com or 859-608-2470
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/wp-content/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 JanellK.Turner@ky.gov