AS EYE SEE IT

“Shop Till You Drop” Be prepared to spend your money at the convention because SDAB will be holding a unique fundraiser with representatives from Pampered Chef, Books Are Fun, Tastefully Simple, and Gadgetry Project. Check your Christmas list, as lots of good things will be available!

“Together We Can”

The Program/Social Committee for SDAB is finalizing plans for the State Convention. Please take note of the following information.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

When: September 22-23, 2006

Where: Best Western Ramkota Hotel, Aberdeen SD, phone: (605) 229-4040 www.ramkota.com

Rate: $68 per night + tax (1-4 people). A block of 30 rooms has been set-aside at the hotel. State rates will be honored with ID.

You are this association and the planning committee would like this convention to be something for your benefit. If you have any suggestions or ideas for activities, please share them with Dawn Brush at 605-229-4129 or dbrush@nvc.net

Need a Ride As of now, we are looking for transportation options to get from Rapid City (west river) to Aberdeen in September for the convention. If anyone is willing to drive, has room for an extra passenger, or would like to go to the convention but needs a ride, please call Don Michlitsch (605-348-2200). He has agreed to coordinate transportation needs from the west river area.

Changes at the Center The staff of SBVI and the SD Rehabilitation Center for the Blind would like to thank Virginia Miller for her 18 years of service. Virginia began as a field Rehabilitation Teacher in the Sioux Falls District office where she worked for 9 years, and then moved on to teach at the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind for the remainder of her service in state government. Virginia worked diligently to meet the needs of her students whether it was developing individual lessons or making recommendations to enhance their independence. Virginia often volunteered to participate on committees and workgroups offering valuable suggestion and ideas. Virginia has accepted a position with a local school district as a Braillist. She shared this is something she has always wanted to do and is excited for a new venture. We will miss Virginia’s dedication and love for her job. Thank you Virginia for your hard work and loyalty! Please share with everyone about the opportunity to apply for the rehabilitation teacher position at SDRC. We will be hiring a Rehabilitation Teacher soon. This position will be responsible for teaching the home management area of the skills of blindness to enhance student’s independence. If you or someone you know can work one-on-one or with groups to teach the skills of blindness and home management concepts, please submit a completed application form to the Bureau of Personnel prior to midnight September 12, 2006. To view the complete job announcement go to www.state.sd.us/applications/pr47jobs/JobDescripton.asp?ReqNum=60738, visit your local SD Career Center office, or call Dawn Backer, SDRC Manager at 605-367-5260 for more information.

Sioux Falls Chapter The Sioux Falls Chapter of SDAB will be sending a bus to Ski for Light in January of 2007. It will stop in many eastern South Dakota cities. If you are going to Ski for Light, why not save money and gas and ride with us. All the details will be published soon. Don't let transportation be a problem to stop you from going to Ski for Light.

SBVI News The Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) would like to thank Dawn LaMee for her years of service on the Board of SBVI. Dawn has served on the Board since August of 2000 and has done an excellent job of representing the South Dakota Association of the Blind on the Board. She has also provided insight as a parent of a child who is visually impaired and as an employee of the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. SBVI is pleased to announce the reappointments of several board members: Dennis White Shield, Gayle Aamold, Keith Bundy, Wesley Scholl, and Angela Boddicker. We appreciate the continued work that they do on the Board of SBVI and look forward to their involvement in future endeavors. The Board has also chosen Rita Weber to succeed Keith Bundy as the Board Chair. Larry Wheeting will serve as Vice Chair and Kyle Kircher will serve as Member At Large. SBVI is also pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Miller to the Board of SBVI. Mr. Miller is currently the Director of Program Compliance and Computer Security at CSD. He also serves as a member of the Social Security Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel and is former Director of the Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Division of Rehabilitation Services. Mr. Miller’s expertise in the field of vocational rehabilitation makes him an excellent addition to the Board.

Families Connecting with Families! Parents, mark your calendars for a weekend to remember! The second annual National Family Conference will be held in Omaha July 13-15, 2007. The last conference, in Louisville, KY, in 2005 had over 600 attendees. This one promises to be even better. This conference is being designed for families. Parents will learn about raising children with visual impairments and share their experiences. There will be childcare and special activities for children and teens, including a trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo (www.omahazoo.com). There will be a pioneer style cook out with campfire, music and stories for the whole family. Major sponsors for the conference include the American Foundation for the Blind, the Hadley School for the Blind, and The Seeing Eye. The SD Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired is offering stipends to cover the registration fee for families. For information contact Superintendent Marje Kaiser at 1-888-275-3814 or e-mail her at kaiserm@sdsbvi.northern.edu.

Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales The 2006 Governors Summer Reading Program culminated with an awards program for the six first place winners on August 5, 2006. The program was held in Aberdeen at the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The winners and their families were provided a pizza luncheon followed by the presentation of awards. The Zooman from Adrian, Minnesota presented a very educational and fun hands on reptile program. The day concluded with a trip to Storybook Land. The theme of the program was “Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales”. There were 52 students participating with 398 books circulating. The program ran from June 12 to July 21. Winners in their age division include: Division 7, 8 and 9 Recorded Books; Jordan Harkless, first place, second place went to Emily Busch and Wyatt Buntrock took third. The braille division first place went to Rachel Johnson. Sarah Dolney was first place winner in the Division 10, 11 and 12, followed by Rachael Jorgensen, in second place, and Mackenzie Yordy took third. Michael McMillen won first place in the braille division. Division 13, 14 and 15 recorded first place went to Stephanie Moran; Shawn Hauck took second and third went to Callie Palmquist. A