<HTML xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40" xmlns:v =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m =
"http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml"><HEAD>
<META content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" http-equiv=Content-Type>
<META name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<STYLE>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</STYLE>
<STYLE><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Calibri Light";
panose-1:2 15 3 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Monotype Corsiva";
panose-1:3 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Bodoni MT Black";}
@font-face
{font-family:Raleway;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
h1
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin-top:24.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:115%;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2E74B5;}
h2
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2 Char";
margin-top:2.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:115%;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:13.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2E74B5;
font-weight:normal;}
p.MsoSubtitle, li.MsoSubtitle, div.MsoSubtitle
{mso-style-link:"Subtitle Char";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#5B9BD5;
letter-spacing:.75pt;
font-style:italic;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#954F72;
text-decoration:underline;}
p.MsoNoSpacing, li.MsoNoSpacing, div.MsoNoSpacing
{mso-style-priority:1;
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
color:windowtext;
font-weight:normal;
font-style:normal;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2E74B5;
font-weight:bold;}
span.SubtitleChar
{mso-style-name:"Subtitle Char";
mso-style-link:Subtitle;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#5B9BD5;
letter-spacing:.75pt;
font-style:italic;}
p.gtxtbody, li.gtxtbody, div.gtxtbody
{mso-style-name:gtxt_body;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
p.Default, li.Default, div.Default
{mso-style-name:Default;
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
text-autospace:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:black;}
span.gstxthlt
{mso-style-name:gstxt_hlt;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;}
span.Heading2Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 2 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2";
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2E74B5;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:1119639058;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1937642444 1552441618 2066910450 -1821628876 -155523988 -1190988456 -617433252 -395805822 -1189038988 2024284472;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:1433091382;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-1293418454 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2
{mso-list-id:1947805819;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:2081480686 894711014 -934274368 -1815995964 -382693254 434172930 -1171613766 1467243142 1116893220 -1380444078;}
@list l2:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:1.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:2.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:3.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@list l2:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\2022;
mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY lang=EN-US dir=ltr link=#0563c1 vLink=#954f72>
<DIV dir=ltr>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">
<DIV>Greetings to all!</DIV>
<DIV>As my policy, I have forwarded the Commission Edition for April 2017.</DIV>
<DIV>Please read an share with others.</DIV>
<DIV>My personal comments with the hiring of a blind orientation and mobility
instructor at the JKTC will add additional support to all to continue to raise
expectations to live the life we want.</DIV>
<DIV>Congratulations to all staff at our agency that provide the ttools to
assist the consumers to transform dreams into reality.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference<BR>Joe Ruffalo, President
<BR>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey <BR>973 743
0075<BR>nfbnj1@verizon.net<BR>Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the
blind.<BR>Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking
<BR>www.carshelpingtheblind.org <BR>or call 855 659 9314<BR></DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt tahoma">
<DIV><FONT size=3 face=Calibri></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #f5f5f5">
<DIV style="font-color: black"></DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'><IMG
hspace=12 alt=MC900030199[1] src="cid:4F11BAB2A17B42F3AA952300582B53F6@JoeHP"
width=70 align=left height=65 v:shapes="Picture_x0020_4"><SPAN
style="HEIGHT: 26px; WIDTH: 21px; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-LEFT: 428px; LEFT: 0px; Z-INDEX: 251658240; MARGIN-TOP: 4px; mso-ignore: vglayout"><IMG
src="cid:28EFF130A3A6472A9AC5E31213BA11F8@JoeHP" width=21 height=26
v:shapes="_x0034_-Point_x0020_Star_x0020_5"></SPAN><IMG hspace=12
alt=MC900030199[1] src="cid:4F11BAB2A17B42F3AA952300582B53F6@JoeHP" width=70
align=left height=65 v:shapes="Picture_x0020_3"><IMG hspace=12
alt=MC900030199[1] src="cid:4F11BAB2A17B42F3AA952300582B53F6@JoeHP" width=70
align=left height=65 v:shapes="Picture_x0020_2"><IMG hspace=12
alt=MC900030199[1] src="cid:4F11BAB2A17B42F3AA952300582B53F6@JoeHP" width=70
align=left height=65 v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 20pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Bodoni MT Black",serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Commission
Edition<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></B></DIV></DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Bodoni MT Black",serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>The
Monthly Newsletter of the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually
Impaired<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>April
2017 – Volume 5, No. 4</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Monotype Corsiva"; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Daniel
B. Frye,
J.D.
Pamela Gaston<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Executive
Director
Editor<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">From the
Director’s Desk <o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>While
attending a recent Executive Management Team (EMT) meeting for the Department of
Human Services (DHS), where all division directors and other departmental
leaders meet with our Acting Commissioner, Beth Connolly, we discussed the
importance of delivering high-quality customer service to all DHS consumers.
Just as my office occasionally receives calls from dissatisfied consumers that I
must address, Acting Commissioner Connolly also receives similar complaint
calls. In both of our cases, we may investigate and find that our first-line
staff made the appropriate call and decision, even if the decision resulted in a
consumer being unhappy with the conclusion reached; in other cases, we may
review the concern and determine that we have the discretion to exercise some
authority that will permit resolution of the issue, in the consumer’s favor. In
either scenario, both Acting Commissioner Connolly and I, want all of our
employees to engage with our consumers in a kind, respectful, and empathetic
fashion. Even if the determination that must be shared with a consumer about a
particular service may be perceived as unfavorable, the manner in which this
decision is conveyed will often make a difference in how the consumer hears and
internalizes the action. I am confident that all CBVI staff strive to achieve an
appropriate level of professional interaction with our consumers, but I am
asking in this month’s column that each of you re-dedicate yourselves to this
important principle of effective government service. As I have said on multiple
occasions, please endeavor to say “yes” when you are able and “no” only when you
must.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>I
had planned to devote my April 2017 column to summarizing what occurred during
the semiannual spring conferences of the Council of State Administrators of
Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Council of State Agencies for
the Blind (NCSAB), but I will defer this until another time. Instead, I want to
resurrect my February 2014 Director’s Desk column, in which I offered my views
on customer service. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Here
it is:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Washington
Irving has said, “A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in
its vicinity freshen into smiles.” In the course of my forty-five years, I have
found this to be a universal truth. To be sure, I have not always succeeded in
living mindful of the principle that my courtesy and civility will yield
positive results in and among others with whom I associate, but as I’ve matured,
this has always been my aspirational goal.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>As a
trained mediator, advocate, and administrator, distinctly different roles, I
have always found that a quiet and reasonable tone, an abundance of patience, an
open mind, and the absence of a defensive posture are the essential ingredients
for handling potentially complex and inflammatory situations. These thoughtful
behaviors de-escalate tense situations, calm angry people, and allow “the better
angels of our nature” to find the most constructive resolution or pathway
forward out of a seemingly impossible situation. Even if agreement cannot be
achieved, these approaches will, more often than not, enable people to differ
amicably without being difficult.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>As
representatives of the State of New Jersey, and providers of important
education, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and eye-health
services, it is especially incumbent upon us to be mindful of the need to be
professional under the most trying of circumstances. At the most basic level, we
work as ambassadors of the government, so this conduct is simply expected of us
as part of our job performance. More important, though, is the fact that we work
with many consumers who come to us in moments of uncertainty, adjustment, and
crisis in their lives. Given this truth, we are likely to encounter people in
the course of our daily work who may not be on their best behavior. They may be
short, demanding, or worse. It’s important to me that CBVI staff meet these
challenging encounters with more kindness and courtesy than may be ordinarily
expected. Finally, too many of our consumers already feel (even if
unconsciously) an unnecessary sense of gratitude for the services that CBVI
provides as a matter of established public policy and law, so anything other
than polite and professional engagement may negatively magnify the sense of
obligation that our customers needlessly experience when accepting our services.
Programs that we administer must empower and not unwittingly foster emotions
regularly related to the perception of receiving dignity-stripping government
support. I expect courtesy and kindness to be the hallmark of our everyday
devotion to high-quality customer service to our consumers and to one
another.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>I am
confident that you will find that a little kindness will go a long way to
relieving your daily stress and enhancing your interactions with those we serve.
Avoiding a snarky comment about a colleague or consumer will minimize the
negative energy in a given day. Stepping back in the face of an unreasonable or
irrational tirade from a dissatisfied consumer or third-party vendor may defuse
an unpleasant encounter. Allowing positive thoughts and civility to prevail in
our daily interactions truly can make a difference in how we feel about
ourselves, our environment, and those we serve and engage.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>In
closing, let me assure you that I appreciate that being human is hard. We all
have and will falter in pursuit of our ambitious desires to be courteous and
kind. And none of us need be subject to abusive treatment from colleagues or
consumers. But the services that CBVI staff provide to our consumers, and the
nature of our internal relations, will benefit from our trying extra hard to be
mindful of the value of courtesy and kindness. Ashleigh Brilliant made an
excellent point when she offered, “The most unkind people deserve our kindness
the most.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 12.0pt"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Daniel
B. Frye<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Executive
Director<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoSubtitle><B><U><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Learning
Lunch Reminder: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>As
previously noted, during each of these monthly sessions, I will meet with five
CBVI staff and a member of our Executive Management Team to receive feedback or
suggestions on what the Commission might do that is new and exciting.
Please indicate your interest in being part of such an up and coming forum by
sending an email with the subject line “Learning Lunch” to my assistant, Melissa
Brown, at </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><A
href="mailto:Melissa.Brown2@dhs.state.nj.us"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Melissa.Brown2@dhs.state.nj.us</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>***************************************************************************************************************************************************************<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Program
Administration – John C. Walsh, Chief<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<H2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Employment Outcomes: What is an
acceptable employment outcome under WIOA?</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></H2>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>The
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) further refined the
definition of what are acceptable employment goals in order for individuals with
disabilities to receive vocational rehabilitation services. As I
have mentioned in previous Commission Edition articles, the employment outcomes
of homemakers and unpaid family workers were once considered to be valid
employment goals and outcomes under the Workforce Innovation Act of 1998, the
last iteration of the enabling legislation for the vocational rehabilitation
program. However, with the passage of WIOA in 2014, homemaker and unpaid
family worker were phased out as being acceptable employment goals. Moving
forward, the only acceptable employment goals for our consumers to receive
vocational rehabilitation services must be a job in competitive, integrated
employment. Below is the full definition of “competitive, integrated
employment” directly from the Code of Federal Regulations (34 CFR
361.4(9)):<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>“<I>Competitive
integrated employment means work that—<o:p></o:p></I></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>(i)
Is performed on a full-time or part-time basis (including self-employment) and
for which an individual is compensated at a rate that–
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
(A) Is not less than the higher of the rate specified in section 6(a)(1)
of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) or the rate
required under the applicable State or local minimum wage law for the place of
employment; <o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
(B) Is not less than the customary rate paid by the employer for the same
or similar work performed by other employees who are not individuals with
disabilities and who are similarly situated in similar occupations by the same
employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills; and
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
(C) In the case of an individual who is self-employed, yields an income
that is comparable to the income received by other individuals who are not
individuals with disabilities and who are self-employed in similar occupations
or on similar tasks and who have similar training, experience, and skills; and
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
(D) Is eligible for the level of benefits provided to other employees; and
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>(ii)
Is at a location—<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
(A) Typically found in the community; and <o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
(B) Where the employee with a disability interacts for the purpose of
performing the duties of the position with other employees within the particular
work unit and the entire work site, and, as appropriate to the work performed,
other persons (e.g., customers and vendors), who are not individuals with
disabilities (not including supervisory personnel or individuals who are
providing services to such employee) to the same extent that employees who are
not individuals with disabilities and who are in comparable positions interact
with these persons; and <o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>(iii)
Presents, as appropriate, opportunities for advancement that are similar to
those for other employees who are not individuals with disabilities and who have
similar positions.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Recently,
the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) released a Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs) document to provide state agencies with further guidance on
implementing the new requirements under the law in relation to employment goals
and outcomes. Although CBVI has made it a practice to only accept
employment goals for an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that at least
paid minimum wage or the prevailing wage for the particular job, excluding
homemakers and unpaid family workers, which were less than 2% of all annual
employment outcomes, there were occasions when our consumers, through a process
of informed choice, sought employment in segregated settings. These enclave
settings or workshops are operated by various community rehabilitation programs
or the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), with two examples being Bestwork
Industries for the Blind in South Jersey and the Veterans Administration Call
Center operated by Everas Community Services. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Based
on a review of the recently released FAQs from RSA, these employment settings
would no longer meet the definition of “competitive, integrated
employment”. In addition, any employment opportunities that are sought in
the state set-aside programs, through a community rehabilitation program, are
also not considered to meet the definition of competitive employment in an
integrated setting. Below is the text verbatim from the FAQs outline
provided by RSA that clarifies what it means for a job to be “typically found in
the community”:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>“Employment
settings that are “typically found in the community” are those in the
competitive labor market (81 FR at 55642). Settings established by community
rehabilitation programs specifically for the purpose of employing individuals
with disabilities (e.g., sheltered workshops) do not constitute integrated
settings because these settings are not typically found in the competitive labor
market--the first of two criteria that must be satisfied if a VR agency is to
determine that a work setting is an integrated location under 34 CFR §361.5(c)
(9).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>The
Department [U.S. Department of Education] has long considered several factors
that generally would result in a business being considered “not typically found
in the community,” which include: (1) the funding of positions through
Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Act contracts or State purchase programs; (2)
allowances under the Fair Labor Standards Act for compensatory subminimum wages;
and (3) compliance with a mandated direct labor-hour ratio of persons with
disabilities.” <o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Therefore,
for any consumer who currently has an employment goal in a segregated setting,
such as Bestwork Industries, Everas Community Services Call Center, or any other
setting established by a community rehabilitation program, the agency will
continue to allow those employment closures, i.e., 26 closures, up until June
30<SUP>th</SUP>, 2017. From July 1, 2017 onward, those employment outcomes will
no longer be permissible. A Technical Assistance Circular will be
forthcoming to provide staff additional guidance moving forward with this
change. Until that guidance piece is issued, staff may contact me or
Amanda Gerson to receive additional guidance.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Organizational
Logistics – Ines Matos, Chief</SPAN></U><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H1>
<P class=Default style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>Successful
Technology is More than Just Tools – Submitted by Colleen Faupel:
</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>Twenty
years ago, a “good” </SPAN><SPAN lang=IT
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>computer
</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>had
a 500 MB hard drive. Sharing files involved 3.5 inch floppy disks. Does anyone
even know what that is anymore? And the idea that you could "check your email"
anytime did not exist. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=Default style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>In
2017, we walk around with mini computers in our pockets that let us check our
email, send photos, share files, read a book, search online, make a call and
maintain a calendar all while sharing information on </SPAN><SPAN lang=NL
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>website</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>s
for family and friends across the world to see at any time. Technology changes
daily. New apps, new updates to old apps and new emerging technologies surface
every day and one of the best improvements has been the access to technology
that improves accessibility for many people. I can only imagine what technology
will be like in another 20 years.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>This
time of year the TSS staff are actively working with graduating seniors to
provide Assistive Technology Assessments to help determine what technology will
be best suited for their college goals. While the TSS can make recommendations
for training and tools that will help, some basic reminders about the use of
assistive technology should be reinforced by everyone and can be applied to
education, vocational rehabilitation, and independent living. With this in mind,
I thought it would be helpful to provide a few tips related to technology and
its use. These are tips that should be reinforced by everyone to any consumer to
help them best prepare and succeed with their technology:</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>1.
<B>Know your technology -</B> Play with it, try things out, download free apps
or programs and explore websites. Check YouTube.com for “how to” videos.
Practice with it before class/work starts and not just during training sessions.
Know how long things will take you and if you need to schedule yourself extra
time for some tasks.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>2.
<B>Know where you can get help and be prepared -</B> Seek out the tech
department, the support offices, the tutoring centers and see what technology
they are familiar with and what they have that you can use if your technology
fails. Have a backup plan and then a backup for that plan.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'> </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>3.
<B>Backup. Backup and Backup -</B> Saving your work to more than one location is
so important. Invest in a sturdy USB thumb drive that you can use to not only
backup work but also share if necessary. </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'> </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>4.
<B>Make the most of your time</B> - Use the tools (magnification/audio) you have
available to make tasks easier and more efficient. There is no reason to take
the long way and spend unnecessary extra time to complete the same work as your
peers/co-workers just because you learn differently. Plan shortcuts into your
technology use.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>5.
<B>Educate others on the tools you use</B> - Take the time to speak to your
professors, classmates or co-workers. The more they understand about the
technology you use, the more help they can be sending you the correct file types
or understanding why you might ask for help if you miss something.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'> </SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=Default><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: windowtext'>Technology
opens up the doors to new possibilities and access to materials that otherwise
might not have been available before now. We need to be sure we support our
consumers with these tips in addition to their technology tools. Having access
to the tools is only one piece of what our consumers need to be successful.
</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: windowtext'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0.25in"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Fiscal Operations
– Edward Szajdecki, Chief<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Now
that we have entered the final quarter of the State Fiscal Year 2017, this is a
good time to send out a few reminders concerning the approaching end of the
Fiscal Year. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Open
authorizations in case files should be reviewed and acted upon now to
efficiently manage funds, especially for Education accounts. During the next few
weeks, please follow up and certify any outstanding payments due and cancel
authorizations that are no longer needed. Funds for essential goods and
services needed for our education consumers may not be available these final
months if open authorizations are not reviewed. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>The
other area for emphasis is the submission of travel expense vouchers for
reimbursement. Now is the time to submit your expenses for all months up to, and
including, March 2017. There should not be large, multi-month, submissions in
June and July. Please get up to date on your expense submissions now and submit
the final months as they pass. This allows for proper budgeting and keeps the
reimbursement process expedient.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Look
for and refer to the annual Fiscal Year End Guidelines (via email) forthcoming
in May for additional details. Supervisors and Managers should make sure all
staff are aware of the guidelines and cut off dates.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>As
always, feel free to contact any of the Fiscal team members with any questions
and also make use of the Fiscal group email (CBVI-Fiscal) whenever
possible.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Educational
Services – Eva Scott, Director of Blindness Education<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>“Life is like riding a
bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep
moving.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing
style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-LEFT: 4in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Albert
Einstein<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Although we are rapidly
approaching the end of the 2016-2017 academic year, our teachers are continuing
to move forward with planning for our summer activities in Blindness Education
as well as preparing for the coming 2017-2018 academic
year.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>SHARP 2017:
</SPAN></B><SPAN style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>This
will be the third summer for our SHARP program. At the present time there
are 84 students statewide who are planning to attend SHARP 2017. Our
planning teams in Newark, Freehold, and Cherry Hill are preparing not only for a
full house in each location, but also a full agenda of activities focusing on
literacy, skills of independence, technology and the practical application of
these skills in the classroom and community. Although most of the students
participating in SHARP are under the age of 14, we consider SHARP to be a
transitional program. The older students attending SHARP are about to
enter the formal Pre-Employment Transition phase of their school careers.
SHARP is intended to help them prepare for the next phase of their lives
academically and socially. For our younger students, SHARP has become a
means of beginning the conversation about the future and what will occur when
they reach high school and beyond. This year, we are planning to have high
school students from our EDGE program as interns to provide some informal
mentorship to our elementary and middle school students and to demonstrate for
them how successful they can become if they master academics, become
independent, and demonstrate self-advocacy. The EDGE students will help
provide the connection between the expectations of elementary and middle school
and the expectations of young adulthood and high school. I wish to express
my thanks to Pat McKenna, Patricia Ebel, and Connor Mullin for helping to bring
about this opportunity for our students. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Early Intervention
Update: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Our three TVIs who
provide services to infants, toddlers, their caregivers, and early intervention
providers are planning to conduct formal training activities for the caregivers
and providers. Our teachers are planning to conduct these training
activities collaboratively in various locations throughout New Jersey for the
purpose of providing a concentrated learning opportunity and building the
capacity of caregivers and early intervention providers to address the sensory
and developmental needs of blind, vision impaired, and deaf-blind infants and
toddlers. These activities are in the developmental stage, and there will
be more information in future issues of the Commission
Edition.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Say, “Yes” whenever
possible, and say, “No” only when necessary: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Our Executive Director,
Dan Frye spoke these words to our teachers approximately one year ago.
During this academic year, many of our teachers took these words very
seriously. For this reason, we are moving closer to our ultimate goal of
providing the highest quality blindness education services possible with the
focus squarely on our students. Our mindfulness of these words has also
allowed our Blindness Education Unit to support our local education agencies as
we all strive to provide FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education) to our
students as mandated by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act). As many are aware, earlier this year, the United States Supreme
Court issued a decision regarding FAPE. The court’s decision reaffirmed
the high standards set forth under the provisions of IDEA with regard to Free
and Appropriate Public Education. This decision is expected to have far
reaching implications for our students in terms of the quality of their
education because the court clarified that students with disabilities must be
provided with more than a minimal educational benefit. Our ability to say,
“yes” makes it possible to work more collaboratively with students, parents and
local education agencies so that our students can have the skills, tools, and
access they need to achieve not just a minimal outcome, but the highest possible
outcome. It is my hope for the coming academic year, that our teachers
will continue to say, “Yes” whenever possible to support the best education
possible for our students.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>The
George F. Meyer Instructional Resource Center (TMC) Officially Debuts “The Meyer
Center Electronic Library” – submitted by Christine Hinton: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Now
accessible on the left side of the CBVI intranet page, “The Meyer Center
Electronic Library”, makes its formal debut. The development and availability of
this library will enhance the efficiency of the TMC and will enable the staff to
work interchangeably with other units and departments.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>This
library houses over 1,000 electronic files in both PDF (Portable Document
Format) and BRF (Braille Ready File) formats. The book titles include both
academic textbooks and novels. The PDFs can be converted by the Meyer
Center into a BRF format and can be provided either electronically, in hard copy
braille or hard copy large print. Titles are added to the library on a daily
basis.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>The
Meyer Center Library will allow staff to view the books that are available. To
request a book, education staff must use FACTs as usual and indicate the medium
needed either electronic or in a hard copy format. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>I
would like to thank Allen Danganan, the MIS staff and all of the Meyer Center
staff for helping to get this project completed, especially the large print and
braille departments. In particular, I must acknowledge the hard work of Joseph
Iannuzzelli, who performed a great deal of the maintenance to the
library. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Please
use this link to preview the library: </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><A
href="https://cbvi-facts.dhs.state.nj.us/tmclibrary"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>https://cbvi-facts.dhs.state.nj.us/tmclibrary</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0.25in"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Independent Living
& Clinical Services – Elizabeth DeShields,
Coordinator<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Independent
Living and Project BEST staff gathered together over a course of two days at the
Cherry Hill Service Center to participate in training conducted by Kendra
Farrow, CVRT from the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low
Vision located at Mississippi State University. Kendra addressed several
issues that pertained primarily to the Older Blind Population of 55 and older.
The topics discussed included: a review of the 2016 Independent Living
Older Blind (ILOB) consumer survey results; instruction for older adults who are
vision impaired; addressing the needs of consumers with vision and hearing loss;
identifying and utilizing resources; and best practices for serving this
population. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>For
this issue of the Commission Edition we will focus on the review of ILOB survey
results, instruction for older adults who are vision impaired and addressing the
needs of consumers with vision and hearing loss. Resources and Best Practices
will be discussed in an upcoming article.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; mso-add-space: auto"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Review
of 2016 Survey Results: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>The
consumer satisfaction survey was mailed to all ILOB consumers with cases closed
in 2016. Mailings were conducted in April and January. The survey
included discipline specific questions on Rehabilitation Teaching, Assistive
Technology, Orientation and Mobility Instruction and Eye Health Nursing.
General questions on the overall perception of CBVI and service outcomes were
also included.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; mso-add-space: auto"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Survey
questions and results:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'><I>After
receiving instruction from the rehabilitation teacher to use appliances, cook
safely, clean or organize my home, do writing tasks, or leisure activities, I am
better able to complete these tasks.<o:p></o:p></I></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'><B>91%
of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed.</B></SPAN></I><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>After
receiving instruction from an orientation and mobility specialist to use a white
cane and travel safely, I am more confident in moving around my
community.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<B>85% of respondents either strongly agreed or
agreed<o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>After
getting help from the eye health nurse to identify medications, draw insulin, or
understand health conditions, I feel more confident about managing my
health.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<B>94% of respondents either strongly agreed or
agreed<o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>After
receiving help to learn to use a cell phone, tablet or computer, I am able to
use it to complete tasks.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<B>74% of respondents either strongly agreed or
agreed<o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>After
receiving services, I feel more confident performing activities I had given up
because of vision loss.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<B>74% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed</B>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>*It
is important to note that 21% of respondents reported that they had not given
up any activities.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Kendra
Farrow described the different learning modalities and the importance of finding
out which learning style fits best with the individual consumer. Staff were
provided information about the characteristics of adult learners as well as
<I>Adult Learning Theory (Andragogy)</I> by Malcolm Knowles. We all had the
opportunity to review case studies and apply the learned theories.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Some
of the learning characteristics of older individuals are: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Self-concept
is that of a self-directed individual<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Adult
learners have a wealth of experience and knowledge<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Orientation
to learning moves from subject-centeredness to problem-centeredness
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Relevance
– people want to know why they are learning something <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Motivation
to learn is internal rather than external <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>In
our discussions of dual sensory impairment, we learned that it often increases
with age. Additionally, several studies have found linkages between vision and
hearing loss meaning that individuals with one impairment are more likely to
develop the second impairment. One study found a link between hearing
loss, the decrease of contrast sensitivity and a history of stroke. In older
blind program evaluations, we consistently find about 40% reporting hearing loss
in addition to vision loss. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>These
tips for improving verbal communication and working with an interpreter were
provided:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Annunciate
words; speak slowly<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Face
the person; speak louder<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Reduce
background noise<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Make
sure the person is wearing their hearing aid<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Move
to the better ear side or closer to the
person
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Turn
on more lights; wear contrasting lipstick<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Use
a pocket talker or chatter box<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>When
working with an interpreter:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Plan
for more time<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Ask
the individual if they have a preferred interpreter<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Ask
if the interpretation style is visual or tactile<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Provide
information to the interpreter ahead of the appointment<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Build
in a little time to conference with the interpreter before working with the
consumer<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Arrange
seating for optimal efficiency<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Communicate
with the consumer, not the interpreter<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 8pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">•<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 106%'>Pause
to allow the interpreter to catch up<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>This
training was very informative and well presented. The topics were
extremely relevant. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Joseph Kohn
Training Center – Del Basha, Manager<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>The
Joseph Kohn Training Center is pleased to have two new staff members come on
board recently. Within the past month, Lerone Walker joined the JKTC as a
mobility instructor. Lerone, who holds both the NOMC certification as well as
the Teacher of the Visually Impaired certification, has been a great team
member. He has years of experience in the fields of mobility and also assistive
technology. Lerone has worked for the Louisiana Center for the Blind, the
Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, and The Criss Cole Rehabilitation
Center in Texas. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>Our other
new team member is Christine Hines, who is filling a new role, part-time JKTC
Instructional Aide. In this capacity, Christine can assist in the different
instructional areas but currently her time has primarily been dedicated to the
keyboarding class. Christine holds a MSW, is an appointed member of the
Middlesex County Human Services Advisory Council, and is an alumnus of the JKTC
program. Her additional assistance has helped to maintain consistency with
schedules. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>We are
pleased to have these two dedicated professionals add to the value and
productivity of the JKTC. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>While
these two individuals join us, we must also announce that two of our interns
will soon be leaving the JKTC. Diana Kissi, a social work student pursuing
graduate studies at Rutgers, and Yun-Chu Chen, a graduate student in the
counseling program also at Rutgers, have been with us for the past several
months, working under the capable mentorship of Alejandra Ramos and Ed Kawalec.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>On behalf
of the JKTC staff, Happy Spring! We look forward to greeting and welcoming you
to the Center. </SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Business
Enterprises of New Jersey – Deacon Truesdale, Manager
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>The
Business Enterprises of New Jersey (BENJ) program participants will hold their
annual meeting at the Hyatt Hotel in New Brunswick on May 6<SUP>th</SUP>.
Each year this meeting presents an opportunity for all the BENJ program
participants to gather together, network and hear about current events within
the federal Randolph- Sheppard program. This year some of the vendors on
the agenda will be PepsiCo, Tropicana, Naked Juice, and Nestles.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Later
that same day, the BENJ program staff will participate in the Employment,
Development, Guidance, and Engagement (EDGE) program at the JKTC.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Staff Development
– Kenya Whitehurst-Percell<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Good
News from Staff Development<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The Department of Human
Services (DHS) now provides tuition reimbursement to assist eligible employees
to pursue their educational endeavors. This program reimburses state employees
for eligible tuition expenses, up to an annual maximum of $2,000 per fiscal
year. In order for staff to be considered, they must complete an application
which also serves as an agreement to all of the requirements outlined in the
tuition reimbursement program guidelines. The application and guidelines can be
found on the DHS portal under the Operations (Workforce Development and
Training) tab at the top, or use the following link: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><A
href="https://myportal.dhs.state.nj.us/Operations/Training/SitePages/Home.aspx"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>https://myportal.dhs.state.nj.us/Operations/Training/SitePages/Home.aspx</SPAN></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>In
addition to the application, we ask that all staff also complete the CBVI
Professional Development/Training request. Completing this form will help keep
your immediate supervisor and CBVI apprised of employees’ aspirations.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>New to eCATS? The
Learning Management System (LMS) has a new free online course to introduce eCATS
to new users. Participants will learn how to log into the system, create and
change passwords, navigate the desktop, create a timesheet, review benefit leave
summaries, and how to request donate leave.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Regional
Updates</SPAN></U><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 18pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H1>
<H2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Southern Region – Jack
Thompson, Manager</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 16pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H2>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Submitted
by Susan Hickman, EHN:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'> I
am very happy to be able to share some delightful feedback from a few consumers
who are benefitting from our loaner CCTV program. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Mr.
G., a Navy retiree, is normally an upbeat person, yet according to his daughter,
he would sometimes go through bouts of sadness and depression. He enjoyed
following football teams and “handicapping” to challenge his brain. As his
ARMD progressed, he could no longer see the stats his daughter would print out
for him. He became discouraged and basically gave up his favorite pastime,
watching football. All that changed the day his CCTV was delivered to his
residence. I can still see the joy on Mr. G’s face as he was once again
able to see the stats sheet. He stated, “If you come back in 2 weeks, you will
find me sitting in this very spot. I might stink a bit, but I’ll be doing
what I like!” He is now again motivated to watch his beloved
football games and enjoy them as before.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Another
important matter addressed by the CCTV loaner is that Mr. G. was forced to give
over control of his banking when he could no longer read his bank
statements. His adult daughter was glad to hand this back to her dad who
can now review his own bank statements and large print checkbook ledger.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Mrs.
D, Mrs. B., and Mrs. W. are three charming ladies who each rave about their
newfound freedom since receiving their CCTV’s. Some of the benefits, of
which they all speak, are reading letters, greeting cards, bank statements, and
seeing family pictures. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Mrs.
D. said she no longer feels “isolated” as she reads cards and letters from
family and friends and she is practicing her signature, something she had given
up doing several years ago. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>Mrs.
W. longed to read family ancestry findings gathered by her grandchildren.
Aided by her CCTV, she was able to read her father’s military discharge
papers. Seeing her gentle and thoughtful smile as she shared that
experience along with some memories of her father is one of those rewarding
moments I will not soon forget. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">Northern Region – John
Reiff, Manager<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H2>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>This
month we will celebrate with <B>Solange Curry (SC), </B>her retirement from
state service, after three and one-half decades with DYFS, the Department of
Higher Education, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, as a classroom
teacher and with CBVI, where she has served as a supervisor within both our
Education and IL Units. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>What
can we say about SC? She has earned the opportunity to leap high and far into a
new world that will challenge her interests and talents. Please stay in touch
Solange. We want to know how you are doing. We hope that you will share your
adventures, that those of us who will follow you one day may take advantage of
your retirement path finding endeavors.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>As
for advice that she has to offer us right now, it is first that we never lose
our curiosity and second that we value the career experiences we have outside
CBVI as they broaden our perspective and ultimately benefit the agency and its
employees. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>One
gentleman who did retire (not from CBVI) and who returned to the work force with
CBVI in November of 2013 in order to use his formidable accounting skills is TES
employee <B>Ron Cerrito</B>. Ron certifies Purchase Authorizations (P/A) for
Freehold-based IL and VR staff, working for both the SSR and NSR. He advised
that on 4/12/17, he certified a P/A that brought his total to $2,000,000. Thanks
Ron for keeping track and helping us to pay our bills.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0.25in"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">New or
Noteworthy<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=gtxtbody
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; TEXT-INDENT: 12pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 6.0pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The Work of the New
Jersey Commission for the <SPAN
class=gstxthlt>Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=gtxtbody
style="BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 12pt"
align=center><SPAN class=gstxthlt><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">(Excerpted from
Testimony to the NJ State Legislature by Lydia Young
Hayes)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=gtxtbody style="BACKGROUND: white"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>“I want to make one
statement, that the work of the New Jersey Commission for the <SPAN
class=gstxthlt>Blind </SPAN>has only been carried on for about three years. It
is nine years since the first call came from New Jersey to Massachusetts to come
over into New Jersey and organize state work for the <SPAN
class=gstxthlt>blind.</SPAN></SPAN></I><I><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=gtxtbody style="BACKGROUND: white"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The leading educators
of the <SPAN class=gstxthlt>blind </SPAN>in this country have always recognized
the reciprocal advantages of teaching the <SPAN class=gstxthlt>blind </SPAN>with
the sighted, but it is only in the largest cities that this method is
practicable. The simplification and improvement of apparatus and the consequent
decrease in the cost of its production have played an important part in the
solution of the problem. The education of the <SPAN class=gstxthlt>blind
</SPAN>should be twofold: the individual and his responsibility to the community
and the community's understanding of the capabilities of the individual. This
can best be done under normal conditions, where the <SPAN class=gstxthlt>blind
</SPAN>and sighted live at home and pursue similar studies and interests.
Advancement was made along these lines in New Jersey in 1911 by the passage of a
bill requiring each school board, having ten or more <SPAN class=gstxthlt>blind
</SPAN>children in its district, to open a class in connection with its public
schools with a special teacher and apparatus. Prior to the passage of this bill
at the close of 1910, Dr. Poland organized such a class in Newark, which at
present has nine pupils. A year later Jersey City opened another such class with
seven pupils. The establishment of these special classes is developing a fine
spirit of cooperation between the sighted and the <SPAN class=gstxthlt>blind,
</SPAN>and will do away with the heartbreaks of many who, on their return home
from a well-equipped school, find that neither they nor their sighted friends
understand conditions.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>(To
be continued)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: avoid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 18pt"
align=center><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><A
href="http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2016/06/nj_girl_to_compete_in_national_braille_competition.html#comments"><B><SPAN
style='TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: #0582ff; COLOR: windowtext; LETTER-SPACING: 0.15pt'>comments</SPAN></B></A></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: 0.15pt'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0.25in"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">The Last
Words<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>"He's
extraordinary. And you don't have to put an asterisk next to it. He's not
extraordinary because he's blind. He's extraordinary because he's
extraordinary."</SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> – Famous Music
Director Ray Chew, who was talking about CBVI student and musician Matthew
Whitaker.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 3pt dotted; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; mso-element: para-border-div">
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; LINE-HEIGHT: normal; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I> </P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman",serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>