SUMMER 2018 OHIO CONNECTION

SPORTS & RECREATION: HOW DO WE KEEP THE TRADITION GOING?
By Jill Noble & Annie Davis
Photo 1: Ken Bordwell 
Photo 2: Friends relaxing at the retreat (shows people sitting around a table socializing)
Photo 3: Jill Noble and Steve Plouck on a winter walk around the lake
Photo 4: Beth Duffield helps Lynn Powers play the dulcimer while Beth’s husband, James, looks on

In addition to advocacy and legislation, ACB-Ohio has made recreation an important part of its mission to continually enhance the quality and equality of life for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. We have accomplished this by providing financial support for two recreational events each year. In January we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Winter Sports Retreat (WSR) and the Summer Sports Retreat has taken place for at least 20 of these years.
 
When you think of the Winter Sports Retreat, what comes to your mind? If you say skiing, snowshoeing and sledding, you would be right. The annual ACB-Ohio Winter Sports Retreat was originally a spinoff of Ski for Light International, a program where a blind or visually impaired skier is matched with a sighted guide for the week to learn the sport of cross-country skiing. Over the years, however, this fun-filled weekend has greatly evolved and focuses on more than just winter sports. Now, participants engage in a variety of activities including swimming (indoors), ice fishing, card playing, board games, and shopping in Amish country. 

Aptly put by longtime volunteer guide Steve Plouck, it has become a big family weekend. Some of our volunteer guides’ children have become guides themselves, thus making it a true family tradition. This is why Vicki, the daughter of the late Ken Bordwell, was deeply touched by the kind gesture made by Steve Plouck to establish a volunteer guide fund in her father's loving memory. For 20 years Ken was more than just a dedicated volunteer, he was truly a member of the WSR family. As we continue to keep Ken's spirit alive, we hope that you will join us for the next Winter Sports Retreat. You, too, can become a part of our ever-growing WSR family.

Thanks to everyone who donated to help get the fund started. The amount of the first deposit was $3,015. If you would like to donate specifically to this fund, make your check payable to ACB-Ohio and put in the memo “Ken Bordwell Fund.”

***LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
Compiled by Katie Frederick & Vicky Prahin

Several pieces of legislation on both the state and national levels affect people who are blind or visually impaired. This article contains summaries of bills that have passed into law and others that are under consideration. Call your senators and representatives to thank them for what they have done and to express the need for passage of pending items.

Ohio now has a State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), called the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Council. Governor Kasich signed Senate Bill 144, sponsored by Senator Dave Burke, on March 1 and it went into effect May 30. The bill streamlines the OOD Commissioners, the Governor's Council on People with Disabilities, and the Consumer Advisory Committee into a single, more inclusive council to provide feedback to OOD on vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. The makeup of the council follows criteria established by the federal government. It consists of 15 members drawn from groups representing people with disabilities from across the state. The existing OOD Commissioners will serve out the remainder of their terms on the newly formed council.
 
The OOD Council will meet quarterly to examine and advise the agency regarding specific aspects of the VR program as outlined in the federal regulations. The council will also be responsible for reviewing state goals and priorities related to the VR services portion of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan. OOD will reimburse members for expenses associated with serving on the council, such as travel and personal assistance services. 

On the national level, ACB presented the following three items to Ohio’s representatives and senators during the annual legislative seminar in February.

The Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2017 (H.R. 2050), introduced in the House by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), seeks to identify smart policies that aid seniors experiencing vision loss to help them maintain independence in their homes. ACB seeks co-sponsors for the House bill and is awaiting introduction of a companion bill in the Senate. 

Here is the history of this bill. In November of 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) put into effect a regulation that has hurt countless individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Acquisition Rule contains a provision entitled “Low Vision Aid Exclusion” which states that all devices, “irrespective of their size, form, or technological features that use one or more lenses to aid vision or provide magnification of images for impaired vision” are excluded from Medicare coverage based on the statutory eyeglass exclusion. This extremely restrictive reading of the eyeglass exclusion has resulted in the denial of vital assistive devices for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries by preventing access to devices such as handheld magnifiers, video monitors, and a wide array of emerging technologies that utilize lenses to assist individuals to read prescriptions, documents, and other important materials containing vital content.

The legislation would evaluate, through a five-year national demonstration project administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, the fiscal impact of a permanent change to the Social Security Act. The act would allow reimbursement for certain low-vision devices considered durable medical equipment.

The Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act (H.R. 1120/S. 2087) is bipartisan legislation introduced in the House as H.R. 1120 by Representatives Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) and David McKinley (R-W.Va.) and in the Senate as S. 2087 by Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). This legislation would strengthen the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and improve results for the more than 500,000 children and youth who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind, including those with additional disabilities. Key provisions of the legislation include the following:
•	Ensure that every student with a sensory disability is properly identified, evaluated, and served regardless of formal disability category so that all such students, including those with additional disabilities, can truly receive a free and appropriate public education that meets their unique language, communication, and learning needs.
•	Expect states to conduct strategic planning, and commit such planning to writing, to guarantee that all students with sensory disabilities within each state receive all specialized instruction and services needed by such students provided by properly trained personnel.
•	Ramp up U.S. Department of Education responsibilities to monitor and report on states’ compliance with their obligations with respect to instruction and services specifically provided to students with sensory disabilities.
•	Assist parents and educators of students with sensory disabilities through regular and up-to-date written policy guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.
•	Establish a national collaborative organizational resource, the Anne Sullivan Macy Center on Vision Loss and Educational Excellence, to proliferate evidence-based practices in the education of students with vision loss, to keep special educators current with the latest instructional methods, and to supplement state and local educational agency provision of the instruction and services constituting the Expanded Core Curriculum, the full array of specialized services and skills that students with vision loss need.

Since 1975, Public Law 94-142, known as IDEA, has revolutionized educational opportunity for many children and youth with disabilities. However, without key improvements, our national special education system cannot fully keep IDEA’s promise of a truly appropriate education for students with sensory disabilities. The Cogswell-Macy Act is intended to do just that

The third issue of high importance is the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act (S. 2559). On May 10 the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary unanimously passed the bill which will now go before the full senate for ratification. If the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act passes, people living in the United States who have print-reading disabilities would have access to an additional 350,000 books.
	
As you can tell from this article, there’s a lot happening in terms of advocacy and legislation. Be on the lookout for updates and announcements concerning the issues discussed in this article, as well as additional advocacy opportunities.

***ADVOCACY AND ADVENTURE: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MIDYEAR WASHINGTON, D.C., CONFERENCE
By Annie Davis
Photo 1: Karen Spry, Annie Davis, and Vicky Prahin with Congressional staffer on Capitol Hill
Photo 2: ACBO’s DC crew: (back row) Jose Rangel, Amy Rodriguez, Annie Davis, Vicky Prahin, Ann Pimley, D Pimley, (front row) Molly Marcinick, Jill
Noble, Karen Spry

For as long as I can remember, advocacy has played an important part in my life. Sometimes, being the workaholic and social person that I am, I allow time to get away from me and the larger issues move to the back of my mind. Still, when I read about students struggling to further their education, companies failing to make their websites and applications accessible, or people being denied transportation because of a service animal, I think, “Surely, there is something I can do to help change this, but what? I cannot and will not do it alone.”  

I have been an active member of ACBO’s Greater Cincinnati Chapter for eight years and I decided last fall that it was high time for me to become more involved and, to paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi’s eloquent words, be the change I want to see. At last fall’s Ohio/Indiana convention, I was excited to be elected to the state board. When the time came for the annual legislative seminar, I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Like any new adventure, I did not know quite what to expect before attending this conference. Will I know anyone? How will I manage in a new environment? However, as soon as I connected with longtime members Vicky Prahin and Karen Spry, I knew I was in capable hands and even better company!

We arrived at the Crowne Plaza in Alexandria, Virginia late Friday morning and spent a relaxing day getting acclimated to the hotel, interacting with folks in the lobby, and simply being our wild and crazy selves. I officially became a proud owner of a smart card, which would allow me to use D.C.’s public transportation. Friday evening, I had the pleasure of attending karaoke with several members of Blind Pride International! What could be better than doing what I love with a diverse group of people of all ages and ethnicities?

On Saturday, Vicky, Karen, and I ventured out with some friends to the beautiful estate of Mt. Vernon where we took a guided tour and honored the legacy of our founding father, George Washington. As a musician, a real highlight for me was the guy who played the fife (an instrument similar to a recorder) as we were walking along and surveying. Not only did he play the music of the revolution with boundless energy and purity of tone—I’ll never forget the picture-perfect moment when he burst out the Ohio State fight song after learning that I was a fan. 

Saturday evening, a group of us celebrated Karen Spry’s birthday. Good food and great fun was had by all, and I finally got a chance to meet some great leaders on the national level whose names I’ve heard for years. These included but were not limited to Janet Dickelman, Kim Charlson, and Eric Bridges.

The President’s Meeting began on Sunday morning where a wide range of topics were discussed including the progress ACB has made to include deaf/blind and Spanish-speaking members, previews of the upcoming national convention and Crossroads, and ACB’s progress in implementing audio description.

Speaking of audio description, Sunday evening I attended the showing of Do You Dream in Color? a wonderful documentary depicting the lives of four teens who are blind and the obstacles they overcame as they worked to attain their goals in life. The movie prompted a vibrant discussion about our own trials and tribulations as well as positive influences that have helped us to become the people we are.

Monday was the Legislative Seminar, in preparation for the big day on Capitol Hill. While I liked Tony Stephens’s suggestion of thinking of the conversations as a first date, I still felt nervous knowing that my voice is only one that could impact the future of our blind community. Besides, it had been ten years since I’d been to D.C. and participated in such a seminar. 

After conversations with a small group of friends I had come to know, I felt ready to tackle the Hill. Since I was a student not so long ago, the Cogswell-Macy Act is close to my heart. Although some of the Congressional staff was more receptive than others, I could not be more grateful for the experience.

***MEET MOLLY MARCINICK, A NEW ACB-OHIO BOARD MEMBER
By Katie Frederick
Photo: head shot of Molly 

A new person has joined the Board of Directors, but she is no stranger to the organization. Molly's involvement began in the early 1980s. She served as president of the Cleveland chapter and participated in national legislative seminars in Washington, D.C. Marrying her husband Rob and raising three children led Molly to take a break from ACB-related activities; however, she remained up to date with the organization’s efforts through the Braille Forum. Seven years ago, Molly decided to become more active again in her local chapter.

A 32-year employee at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Molly knows and has practiced self-advocacy throughout her career. When not busy spending time with her family, Molly enjoys sailing, reading, enjoying audio described content, and taking walks with her Lab-golden cross Seeing Eye Dog Ulani. “I’m happy to be involved with ACB again. I know it’s important to not only advocate for my needs but ensure the next generation is equipped to do the same,” Molly said. “I look forward to working on legislative issues at the state and national levels.”

***JOIN ACB-OHIO FOR THE SUMMER SPORTS RETREAT—EMPHASIS ON RETREAT!
By Jenna McCartney

This year's summer sports retreat will happen Friday, August 3, through Sunday, August 5, in Hockingport, Ohio. It is a great time to meet new people and have fun outdoors. Many activities are available to participate in such as swimming, boating, jet skiing, and hiking. If you aren't into all those activities, not a problem. You can play cards or board games—euchre and Scrabble are popular choices—or chat with friends around the campfire. Whatever your choice of activity, the goal is to relax and have fun.

If you have camping supplies, feel free to bring them. There is space for tent camping as well as limited space in the trailer if you would prefer. Register early if you want a spot in the trailer because it is first come first served. The cost is $75 for blind participants and $25 for sighted guides. We try to provide transportation, but your money will be refunded if transportation is not available. Join the fun in the sun this summer!

***FRIENDS OF FRESHMEN SCHOLARSHIP WINNER MICHAEL MOLCHAN 
Photo: Michael Molchan

Michael Molchan of Marysville, Ohio, received the Friends of Freshmen Scholarship in October 2017. Michael served as valedictorian when graduating from high school and enrolled in Miami University in Oxford, planning to major in finance. In high school Michael was active in Boy Scouts, the National Honor Society, and the Marysville High School Leadership Academy Mentoring Program. He received multiple honors during his high school career. In his essay Michael expressed a special interest in advocacy: “I will work to graduate with honors and become employed in the field of finance, or pursue a graduate education for a Master’s in Business Administration or attend law school. This way, I can not only realize my potential as a self-advocate, but also extend my experience to advocate for others in the scope of business or law.” 

One of his teachers said, “Michael has always taken responsibility of his own learning but I became a better teacher due to working with him. After two years of being his math teacher, I can confidently rate his academic potential and work ethic as excellent in terms of academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, ability to work independently, reaction to criticism, class participation, and oral communication.”

We expect to hear more from this young man as he makes his mark on the world.

***EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD HONORS CONCEPT LTD.
Photo 1: Kelsey Nicolay and Concept VP of Operations Jeff Harsh accepting the award from Lori Woodall at the ACBO conference
Photo 2 shows Kelsey at her office receiving an award from coworkers, caption: Kelsey’s coworkers voted her employee who best demonstrates resourcefulness.

Concept Ltd. of Medina was ACBO’s most recent Employer of the Year Award winner. Here, the company president and an employee who is blind talk about how adaptive technology, drive, and resourcefulness forged a win-win relationship.

First, Kelsey Nicolay, Records Research Specialist at Concept, shares her story.

Concept Ltd. is a family owned business that was started in 2002. They are a proven leader in new business development, providing services such as outbound lead generation, inbound lead management, and customer satisfaction among other services. They work closely with their clients to become an integral part of their team.

I first heard about Concept from the Dale Carnegie training I attended. One of the participants was trying to get me a job where he worked, but it was not feasible due to transportation concerns. His former boss knew the president of Concept, so he encouraged me to apply. I did not apply initially because I did not think I had the confidence to do the job effectively. Then a few months later, I received an email from Lexi Walters, the Human Resources manager at Concept, letting me know she had found my resume on Indeed.com and wanted to talk more. I immediately gave her a call. We discussed the position in more detail. I was hesitant to disclose my blindness during the initial conversation because I was afraid I wouldn’t get an interview as had been the case with other employers I contacted. However, I decided to disclose my blindness. The Human Resources manager was very understanding and told me they would do everything they could to accommodate me. 

After a couple of phone interviews, I was invited to come in for an interview. I brought my laptop to demonstrate how my adaptive technology works and how I would use it on the job. I think doing this helped the company get a better idea of how I would perform essential functions.

A week later, I got a call from Lexi letting me know that they were going to hire me. I was so excited (and I just couldn’t hide it) since I had been looking for employment for two years and I finally got the job. I kept in close communication with Lexi in the weeks leading up to my start date to make sure everything was in place before the first day. The first day went well as did the initial training. The trainer and my coworkers were patient in letting me figure out the software on my own before offering to help. We had an assistive technology specialist available from the state, but we did our best to work through the issue before calling; usually the solution was a simple one. 

While I was comfortable using the software programs, I was not hitting my quota for lead generation. Rather than let me go, Lexi and the other managers came up with a way I could use my computer skills to help the organization. I now do research on the accounts the company has, looking for phone numbers, addresses, websites, etc. I am much more comfortable with this since I don’t have as much pressure to achieve a certain goal. The majority of my research is within the company’s database, but I have worked on projects in Excel and my supervisor is always coming up with new and challenging projects for me to complete.

Next, Dan Harsh, President of Concept Ltd., gives his perspective.
 
Kelsey was hired as a Business Development Manager (BDM) in June 2015. She conducted an initial phone interview with my business partner and brother. About mid-way through the phone interview, Kelsey asked if we knew she was visually impaired. My brother responded that he did and that they would discuss that in more detail later in the interview process. During the early part of the interview process, we were more interested in understanding who Kelsey was as a person and how she could contribute to our company and our specific needs. 

Kelsey was hired to perform a role and the requirements of that role were not lessened or tailored because she was visually impaired. We could not do that, and better yet, Kelsey would not have allowed it. Kelsey was adamant that she could do the job. There was nothing shared in the interview that intimidated Kelsey or deterred her. 

Kelsey convinced my brother and others that participated in the interviewing process that she could perform the BDM role and subsequently was offered the position. The decision to hire Kelsey was based on her ability to perform the role we needed her to fill. Kelsey was very clear on the tools she would need and was confident in her ability to perform the requirements of the position. 

Upon being hired, Kelsey began to work with our Production Department to get her trained and equipped to perform the role she was hired to do. We had never hired a visually impaired person and had no idea what to expect. To perform the BDM role required a lot of PC and software usage and functionality. One hundred percent of the BDM role required using an online, web-based software application. 

We initially implemented JAWS as the tool to assist Kelsey in performing her role. For the first several months we thought she had everything she required. One day Kelsey was speaking to her supervisor and informed him of several things that JAWS currently was not configured to do. She shared that if we could get it configured differently she could be much more efficient. We reached out to the state for assistance and they sent a programmer to get JAWS set up exactly the way she needed. The changes made her more effective. 

As time went on, we noticed several things about Kelsey. We noticed that she was extremely dependable. Kelsey never misses work and always arrives on time. She does whatever you ask of her. She models what an employer dreams of having in an employee. Kelsey demonstrates appreciation and respect for her job and she takes great pride in being a contributor to our organization. 

At the beginning of 2017, Concept created a program called “13 Essential Traits.” This program outlined 13 traits that we believe define a successful Concept employee. Each month we would promote the trait of the month. One of the traits is “Resourcefulness.” We defined Resourcefulness as “The ability to act effectively and creatively, especially in difficult situations.” 

Each month, the employees vote for who they feel exemplifies the specific trait of the month. Kelsey was voted by her peers as the employee who best demonstrated resourcefulness. The photo is of Kelsey being recognized in front of the company. Kelsey received a plaque and eight hours of paid time off. 

Currently Kelsey holds the position of Record Research Specialist. In this role, Kelsey works with various groups and individuals within our organization to identify and confirm contact information for records that are used by our sales department and other BDMs. Kelsey performs this function by conducting Internet research and calling companies to verify and confirm contact information. 

Kelsey has demonstrated she can effectively and efficiently navigate through the web, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and more. While Kelsey is on the phone making calls, she has a headset on one ear where she's listening to the person she is calling. She has another headset on her other ear where she is listening to what JAWS is saying. While listening to two different headsets she is taking notes and using her braille display simultaneously. 

We do not show Kelsey favoritism and she never hides behind her impairment. In fact, she wants to be treated the same as anyone else. Kelsey is a very diligent worker; she takes her job seriously and works the entire time she is in the office. Kelsey is truly a valued employee. 

***MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2018 ACB-INDIANA/OHIO CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION

Your convention planning committee is working very hard on this year's joint convention to be held at the Waterfront Hotel & Conference Center in Indianapolis, November 2 through 4.  

We've got Peter Berg from the Great Lakes ADA Center as our keynote speaker at Friday's opening session, and our banquet speaker on Saturday evening will be Trisha Zorn-Hudson, an all-time gold medalist swimmer in the Paralympics!

Friday we'll visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track and museum. We will have a session on adaptive sports and recreation for the visually impaired, plus water aerobics! For dinner that evening we're having a pizza party followed by fun activities. Later that night we invite everyone to take part in "Open Mike Night at the Waterfront," where you can show off your talent at singing, telling jokes, playing instruments, and more. Edie Huffman will provide audio description of a comedy show.

Saturday will be filled with three concurrent break-out sessions consisting of topics such as Windows 10, iPhone updates, self-defense, emergency preparedness, and more. And, don't forget our ever-popular auction on Saturday night where we'll have a bidding war to see who gets the great items. In the past the items have ranged from wine baskets to child-size rocking horses, crocheted afghans to hand-made chocolates, and baked goodies to electronic gadgets. We will accept descriptions of items through October 15 so that we have time to produce print and braille copies of the auction list. So far we know about the following:

Red and white woven rug, 25" x 37"; Christmas basket with carved angel and nativity set; gift cards; Indiana pottery; green stone necklace and earrings; spa basket; and an iPad.

Each state gets to put 20 items in the auction, so we have lots of space left. If you want suggestions or have questions, please contact Edie Huffman (317-228-0496, johnediehuffman@hotmail.com) or Vicky Prahin (614-261-3561, acbo.director@gmail.com).

Our vendor committee is busy getting commitments from exhibitors, and the exhibit area looks as though it will be packed full of great products and information. A few companies and organizations who have already committed are Eye Can See, Bosma, Scentsy Candles, ADA Indiana, Stitching Sister, Bradford Woods, Color Street with Jordan Brown, and Leader Dogs. 

Sunday will begin with a non-denominational service and memorial service to recognize our members who have passed away since our last convention. Trisha Zorn-Hudson will provide a "Table Talk" session, and the morning will conclude with ACBI and ACBO post-convention board meetings.

The location is the Waterfront Hotel and Conference Center, 2930 Waterfront Pkwy W. Dr., Indianapolis, and the phone number is 317-299-8400. Room rates are $95 per night plus tax. When making your reservation, tell the hotel you are with the Council of the Blind and you will get the convention room rate. Our plan is to have the registration form published on the Indiana website in July, so be on the lookout. Mark your calendar and start making plans to attend a fantastic convention!

***2018 OHIO CANDIDATE FORUM ON DISABILITY ISSUES
Informing and Empowering Ohio’s Voters with Disabilities

The Ohio Candidate Forum on Disability Issues will provide a format for the candidates for Ohio Governor and U.S. Senate to inform the disability community about their positions on disability-related issues/policy. Rarely are these platform issues a priority, or even considered, by public officials, yet they affect approximately 2 million Ohioans with disabilities, at least 13% of our state’s population. 

When: Thursday, July 26, 2018, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Ohio State University Fawcett Event Center, 
2400 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43210
Moderator: Mr. Alan Johnson, (Retired) Columbus Dispatch Statehouse Reporter
Keynote: John D. Kemp, Esq., Life-long advocate and co-author of ADA.

Organizers: Ohio’s 12 Centers for Independent Living, The Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council, Ohio Area Agency on Aging, Disability Rights Ohio, Ohio League of Women Voters, The University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Development Disabilities (UCCEDD), Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO).

Note: Forum organizers do not make any endorsements or show any preference toward any candidates or political party. The 2018 Candidate Forum on Disability Issues constitutes nonpartisan voter education allowed under state and federal law.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The Center for Disability Empowerment
510 E. North Broadway, 4th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43214 • 614-575-8055

Feel the power of the disability vote!

***BITS N BYTES

THE FUTURE OF WORK 
Review this free podcast series titled, “The Future of Work.” This series explores workplace technology trends in the context of accessibility and the employment of people with disabilities. Podcast topics include “How the Freelance Economy Changes Universal Access for Employers,” “Gig Economy in Government,” “Machine Learning's Role in Workplace Inclusion,” and others. Details at www.peatworks.org/futureofwork 

DISABILITY INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE 
A disability-inclusive workplace means an accessible workplace, which can help businesses increase productivity; ensure a wider pool of talent; and expand potential customer base. This online guide from the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion explores: physical accessibility, technological accessibility, and attitudinal awareness. 
http://www.askearn.org/topics/creating-an-accessible-and-welcoming-workplace/ 

DATING WITH SIGHT LOSS 
A British group called Henshaw’s offers this free eBook on dating with sight loss, with advice valuable to the disability community overall. This resource covers a range of topics including the accessibility of different online dating apps and websites, dealing with sight loss in a relationship, and advice for someone new to the VI world dating someone with a visual impairment. Read more here: 
https://www.henshaws.org.uk/dating-sight-loss-ebook/#content 

BETTER LIVING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
While it’s natural that some depression often comes with vision loss, this author also lays out positive ways assistive technology can help in bringing people back around. https://www.visionaware.org/blog/visionaware-blog/out-of-the-box-technology-low-vision-and-quality-of-life/12

FEELING FIREWORKS 
Disney is a world leader in pyrotechnics. Now using a system of nozzles and directable water jets on the back of a flexible latex screen, it’s making fireworks displays more accessible for people with sensory limitations. Details here: https://www.disneyresearch.com/publication/feeling-fireworks/ 

SENIORS & TECHNOLOGY 
This non-profit called “Generations On line” is devoted to teaching senior populations in becoming more comfortable with technology. You’ll find applications that can be downloaded on to Tablets, Eye Pads or computer. 
http:// www.generationsonline.com/ 

CONTROL, ALT, ACHIEVE! 
“Control, Alt, Achieve!” One Ohio educator runs this national blog highlighting a panorama of Google products and their use/innovations in the disability community. Got to love the name of his sight: www.controlaltachieve.com 

BE MY EYES 
Microsoft is partnering with Be My Eyes, a free, international volunteer network using video chat to offer visual information to users who are not able to see the environment, to offer specialized services through specific business portals for those needing technical assistance, wanting to shop or otherwise learn about products. Suggestions from the user community are welcome. Details here: 
https://www.applevis.com/blog/assistive-technology-ios-apps-news/microsoft-partners-be-my-eyes-offer-specialized-help-its 

ABLEDATA 
AbleData offers an international database and information on over 40,000 assistive technology (AT) products, solutions, and resources to improve productivity and ease life’s tasks. It does not sell products or endorse any nongovernment websites, companies or applications. Information specialists are available week days at 1-800-227-0216; email, abledata@neweditions.net . Or visit the web site, https://abledata.acl.gov/ . You can also find AbleData on Facebook and Twitter. 

***ACB-OHIO DATEBOOK

June 29–July 6, ACB Conference & Convention, Union Station Hotel, St. Louis, MO
July 10, OLBPD Family Fun & Learning Day, Cleveland Public Library
July 21, ACBO Board Meeting conference call, 9 a.m.
July 26, 2018 Ohio Candidate Forum on Disability Issues, OSU Fawcett Center, Columbus 
August 1, ACBO Scholarship application deadline
August 3–5, ACBO Summer Sports Retreat, Hockingport, Ohio
September 8, ACBO award nomination deadline
November 2–4, ACBO / ACB Indiana Joint Conference & Convention, Indianapolis, IN

Michelle Spillan, Editor
Newsletter Committee: Irwin Hott, Jenna McCartney, Jill Noble, Vicky Prahin

As always, thanks to the contributors: Victoria Bordwell, Annie Davis, Katie Frederick, Dan Harsh, Irwin Hott, Molly Marcinick, Jenna McCartney, Kelsey Nicolay, Jill Noble, Vicky Prahin, Elizabeth Sammons, and Karen Spry.

The Ohio Connection is a quarterly publication of the American Council of the Blind of Ohio. Please submit your material in print or through e-mail, and include your name, address, and phone number. E-mail items to acbo.newsletter@gmail.com or send them to the address below by August 15.

American Council of the Blind of Ohio
3805 N. High St., Suite 305
Columbus, Ohio 43214
Phone: 614-261-3561

ACBO COMMUNITY SHARES CAMPAIGN CODES
State of Ohio 19003
City of Columbus 60240
Franklin County 60240
Ohio State University 60240
Columbus State Community College 1061