PIONEER

Transitions to Life Program

A significant new addition to the curriculum this year has been the "Transitions to Life" Program which is designed to meet the needs of blind/visually impaired students ages 18-21.  These students have met their academic requirements for graduation from high school, but remain on an Individual Education Plan (IEP) in order to gain the skills necessary to become more independent, employable and/or prepared for a post-secondary educational program.

This program focuses on "hands on" independent living and experiential activities such as cooking, clothing management, career exploration, work experiences, self-advocacy, recreation/leisure activities, and other individual needs.   If a student is considering going on to college, they can also take courses at a local university to help them better determine if it is a goal they may want to pursue.  The    expectation of the “Transition to Life” Program is that students will leave SDSBVI with many more life experiences. Students also take advantage of many classroom opportunities to gain skills through the "Expanded Core Curriculum" which includes the following areas:

Instruction in Braille/Use of Braille

Orientation and Mobility (individual lessons, community travel, cane use, mobility aids and public transportation)

Survival Skills (food preparation, home management, and personal hygiene)

Compensatory Skills (compensation for a vision loss)

Social Interaction Skills (getting along with others)

Recreation and Leisure Skills (sports, games, boating, bowling, movies, board games, and swimming)

Career Education (career exploration, job seeking skills, and job shadowing)

The program has proven to be   extremely successful with six students enrolled this year. Two of those students having        already made significant transitions into the "real world." In   December, Billy McCue from Blunt made a move to Spearfish, where he lives in his own apartment and is seeking community employment. Billy chose to attend the “Transition to Life” Program for one semester, and then determined he was ready to move on.  Troy Froke from Willow Lake recently made a move from the SDSBVI residential life to an off-campus apartment and is experiencing all the "fun" that comes along with living on your own. Troy participated in the  program for a year and a half and has finally reached his dream of living independently.  Troy continues to attend classes at SDSBVI and also has an off-campus job at Opportunities for Independent Living through the "Project Skills" program.  Troy is now trying to secure full-time employment to complete his transition program. Several other seniors who currently attend their home schools are making plans to attend the program next year.

What Independent Living Means to Me!   By Troy Froke

There are several advantages to living independently. Everyone wants to live on their own, whether that person has a disability or not. I'm no different than anyone else. I've always wanted to live on my own and am looking     forward to having more independence.  I feel I'm ready to move on. Of course there are some disadvantages also, such as having a lot more responsibility for paying bills and such. In a way that's a good thing, it’s just part of life. I will be alone more at times and I won't get to see my girlfriend, Emily, as much. Although, I hope to work something out where we can spend some time together. As far as being able to do things in my apartment, I will just have to  experiment a little. I will always need help no matter where I am for things like cooking, cleaning, shopping, and dressing. That's why I’ve hired Personal Attendants to help me do those types of things. I've always needed help with those things, that won't change once I move in. My parents are very supportive of me. I think they would rather I go into an assisted living apartment, just because someone would be there 24 hours a day. However, they know this has always been my dream. They just want me to be happy. Having people help me doesn't bother me at all. It's part of life. You take what you get and you make the best of it. I will have two great Personal Attendants so there should never be a dull moment.

UPDATE: I've been in my apartment since the first part of February. It has been a wonderful   experience for me. I'm enjoying my newfound freedom and independence. I view the added   responsibility as a welcome challenge. I've worked very hard and waited a long time for this to happen. I finally get to see the end result. It has taken some time to get various things  organized and in place. However, I feel this transition has gone very well; do in large part to all the staff at SDSBVI who have helped me reach this goal and  accomplish my dream. Thank you!

Foundation News

The Foundation is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1978 with the purpose of expanding social, recreational, and many educational opportunities for students who are blind or visually impaired. The Foundation has an existing endowment that provides annual income to allow contributions to keep giving year after year. 

There are many ways a donor can help the Foundation, including:

Contributions: Gifts of cash or securities are tax deductible and offer the possibility to make an immediate  impact on the opportunities and enrichment activities offered by the Foundation.

Memberships: Consider becoming a member, you will be notified yearly of the     annual meeting.  

Bequests: Consider remembering your loved ones and friends with a memorial to the Foundation.

Memorial: Think of your loved ones and friends with a memorial.

Devise of Assets: Share your real estate and/or investments.

New Members (6/1/01 – 3/1/02) 

Patron

Orvin and Sharon Lee, Aberdeen SD                                 Arnold and Betty Auch, Sioux Falls SD

Ila Barker, Madison SD                                 Lonald and  Dr. Marva Gellhaus, Aberdeen SD

Dick and Kathleen Hicks, Sioux Falls SD                                 Klepetka Specialty Company, Aberdeen SD

David and Rita Pettigrew, Aberdeen SD                                 Steven and Michelle Swanson, Langford SD

Dr. Jason Jahn, OD, Brookings SD                                 Edward and Lee Ann Pinkman, Aberdeen SD

Harms Oil, Aberdeen SD                                 Lori Kelsey, Mitchell SD

Sue Lemus, Aberdeen SD                                 Chuck and Teresa Timanus, Reston VA

Elk Point Lions Club, Elk Point SD                                 Dan and Nancy Auch, Lesterville SD

Dr. Jeff Saylor, OD, Sioux Falls SD                                 Aberdeen Lions Club, Aberdeen SD

Dr. John Hilpert, Aberdeen SD                                 F & M Bank, Watertown SD

Northern Electric Coop, Aberdeen SD

LIFETIME            

Ophthalmology Associates, Aberdeen SD

MEMORIAL

Gordon Rollins in memory of Elsie Rollins                                 Doug/Lynette Auch in memory of Ernest/Elvira Stern

SUSTAINING      

Dean and Donna North, Aberdeen SD                                 Dawn LaMee, Aberdeen SD

Dr. and Mrs. Mike Krogstrand, Custer SD                                 Justin and Amy Scepaniak, Aberdeen SD

Eddie Timanus, Alexandria VA                                 Candice Lee, Aberdeen SD

Ron and Cathy Hall, Aberdeen SD                                 R. Lee Ginsbach, Aberdeen SD

Dawn Flewwellin, Aberdeen SD                                 Angela Jones, Minneapolis MN

Dr. & Mrs. Gordon Tolstedt, Little Rock AR

Over the last year, the Foundation awarded Mini-Grants to support the following requests to:

Purchase toys for the SDSBVI Outreach Vision Consultants’ loan libraries

Purchase a talking heart rate monitor for use in a Physical Education class

Purchase scientific equipment to demonstrate various principles in Science class 

Purchase two tandem bicycles

Purchase DVS movies and computer games

Support the Youth on the Move activities in Aberdeen

Support the Surf’s Up Club activities in Rapid City

Purchase a Functional Testing Gait Grid to be used in Orientation & Mobility

Student Council Doings   Mr. Mark Krogstrand, Advisor

The fall/winter months have been busy ones for the Student Council. Seventeen students joined the    council this year.  Elected as officers this year by the group is: Camron Van Asperen, president; Thomas Miller, vice-president; and Billy McCue/Troy Froke, secretary.

The members have:

Helped build a float for the NSU “Gypsy Days”  parade.

Collected expired hunting licenses.

Participated in the “Walk for New York” walking fundraiser sponsored by the Aberdeen Family Y.

Rang bells for the Salvation Army. 

Worked with the Aberdeen Lioness Club members to operate a concession stand for the Aberdeen Family Y tournaments.

Started and continue to operate a “candy/snack store.”

Helped gather apples from the tree’s on-campus to feed the deer. 

Students of the Month

One activity new this year, courtesy of the Arts and Special Activities Committee has been “Student of the Month” to recognize student achievements and contributions at our school. The students selected  receive a mounted picture of themselves acknowledging the honor, which is also on display in the school’s lobby. Students honored so far this year have been:

NOVEMBER:  Emily Poelstra, Yankton

Emily was selected for recognition based on her efforts in the dorm and identifying her program needs while advocating for herself. She was also recognized for helping others who are less fortunate than herself.

DECEMBER:  Billy McCue, Blunt

Billy was nominated by five different staff members who were quick to point out his positive attitude and helpful assistance towards others, staff and students.  He was also recognized for his efforts in transitioning from SDSBVI to a new living and work experience in Spearfish beginning in January.

JANUARY:  Thomas Miller, Sisseton

Thomas was recognized for his willingness to help other students on outings, his kindness towards others, treating others with respect and dignity, his sense of humor, and for the many activities in which he is involved with on our campus.

FEBRUARY:  Tony Zimmerman,   Bridgewater

Tony was recognized for his positive attitude, willingness to work hard in overcoming physical setbacks, enthusiasm in trying just about anything, and positive work ethic. Tony came to us from Tennessee, but now is Bridgewater.

Honor Roll is Back

In a new way to acknowledge student efforts with their academic pursuits, and perhaps to motivate them along the way, we have reinstated an Honor Roll, (all As with only one B for the quarter) and a Merit Roll (all As or Bs, with only one C) as the guidelines for “making the grade. Our first honoree for the 2^nd nine weeks was Joshua Bretz from Huron. He was named to the Merit Roll, with a 3.0 GPA (on a scale of 4.0) for the quarter. We hope that   others will join him at the end of the next

Changes Congratulations and Best Wishes to Indira Keller.  She and Harlan Dillon were married on September 8, 2001 in Ohio.  Another recent change for her is the relocation of her outreach office from Sioux Falls to Mitchell.  Please note her new address is: Indira Dillon, PO Box 1046, Mitchell SD  57301-1046; phone: 605-995-8191;             E-mail: indira.dillon@state.sd.us

Video Views

With an introduction by Robert Stack, “Bright Beginnings” focuses on a team approach to removing barriers and increasing independence for children who are visually impaired.  Suggestions are given for helping parents, families, friends, and professionals work together as a team to help children grow and develop – creating a brighter tomorrow for children with vision loss. This video is available for your viewing through the Outreach Vision Consultant Loan    Library and/or the SDSBVI Library.

Internet Resources  

Web Sites Specializing in Braille Information

www.nbp.org (National Braille Press)

http://edtech.sandi.net/epd/bana/html (Braille Authority of North America)               

www.brailleinstitute.org (Braille Institute)

Web Sites Specializing in Children

www.nichy.org  (The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities)

www.napvi.org  (National Association of Parents of Visually Impaired Children)

www.naeyc.org  (The National Association for the Education of Young Children)

Toll-Free Numbers of Resouces

Adaptations for Independence: 800-727-7757

Blind Children’s Center: 800-222-3566

Chocolate Experience: 800-669-6665

Foundation Fighting Blindness: 800-683-5555

National Braille Press: 800-548-7323

Seedlings Braille Books for Children: 800-777-8552

APHont^TM – A Font for Low Vision

“APHont™” developed by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and designed specifically for low vision readers. Its features have been shown to enhance comprehension, reading speed, and comfort for large print users. “APHont Regular” is currently available only as a PC font. Download your free copy at: www.aph.org/tech.  If you do not have Internet access, request a free disk containing “APHont Regular” by calling APH at 1-800-223-1839. When complete, the fonts will be sold as a product. For now you may copy “APHont Regular” to distribute to your friends at no charge but it is a trademarked material so it may not be altered or copied for sale without permission from APH.

Education Materials

Move, Touch, Do! is a content-rich adaptable curriculum for children ages birth to 5 years old.  It provides children various opportunities to develop the awareness and skills to prepare them to enter formal education.  Materials        provide a basic outline of daily activities, a structure of materials and skills for the school year, instructions for craft projects, sample communication boards, helpful forms, and checklists. For further information, contact your area    Outreach Vision Consultant.

American Education Week / Veterans’ Day   

Students and staff took time out and made special efforts to celebrate and   recognize education and Veterans’ Day.  The combined theme of “Freedom, Is  It Really Free?” along with student essays, posters, and a special assembly with special speaker, Earl Schultz, Vietnam Veteran and Director of Veterans Employment & Training Service with the US Dept. of Labor . We also honored our Veterans, with a field trip to the 452^nd Ordnance Army Reserve Headquarters in Aberdeen. All served to help us focus our thanks and appreciation for our schools, teachers, in what they share with us and giving a special thanks to those who fight to help us keep the freedoms we enjoy.  A spring trip to visit the new South Dakota WWII Memorial, in    Pierre, is also planned. The trip will be sponsored by the SD Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Students Meet Author

Three students had the opportunity to meet and visit with acclaimed author Chris Crutcher during the South Dakota Library Association Convention. Emily Poelstra, Tony Zimmerman, Hannah Ackerman and Supt. Marje Kaiser were guests of SDSBVI Librarian Pat Geditz at the SDLA author luncheon in October.  During the luncheon, Supt. Kaiser presented Chris Crutcher with a Braille copy of his book, Athletic Shorts. In return, he presented the three students with signed copies of the same book, Athletic Shorts.  Emily, Tony, and Hannah enjoyed listening to him speak and getting their picture taken with him.  In his    writing, he draws from his own experiences and writes about real issues facing today’s teenagers. All of his books have been selected as ALA Best Books for Young Adults.

Creative Dance

Melanie Lien-Palm, Artist in Residence, worked with our students and staff to offer a week of “Creative Dance” activities.  Her residency was sponsored by the SDSBVI with supports provided by the South Dakota Arts Council.

Tactile Art Display 

Once again this year Mark McGinnis, an art instructor at NSU, in collaboration with students in his tactile art class, made a special  “touchable art” display.  Mr. McGinnis had each student create an art piece featuring different textures and tactile properties with the idea of not only being looked at, but touched as well. This display will be up for your visual and tactual pleasure for the balance of the year.

Donations   

The School would like to thank the following individuals or businesses for their recent contributions.

Monetary Donations

Special Olympics of South Dakota (Special Olympics)                                 Stan & Pauline Arnold                    

Dorrit Reeves                                 Sunday Afternoon Men’s Basketball

South Lincoln Township                                 Bide-A-Wee FCE

Tim Kessler                                 Clark Lions Club (Youth on the Move)

Miscellaneous Donations                                 Vision Care Associates & the Optimist club (play tickets)

Mark Krogstrand (Book: Alaska)                                 Tim and Jason Jalbert (Picture of New York City at “ground zero”)

SDSBVI Staff Member (Fitness Equipment)                                 Phil Baker (CD: The Big oak Tree)

Jane Mundschenk (Book: The Snow Bear)                                 Avera St. Luke’s OT Department  (T-shirts)               

Avera St. Luke’s Pediatric Therapies  (Book: & Cassette: The “Usborne” Book of Bedtime Stories)

Aberdeen Lions Club (“Christmas Play” tickets)         

Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department (T-shirts, hats and water bottles)

Dollar Discount Store (Halloween Dance costume contest prizes)

Dean and Donna North (play tickets)

Aberdeen ARC (tickets to opening night productions)

Northern State University (complimentary passes into all sporting events)

Walk/Run for Sight donations

Daniel Cybulski

Jane Ann Leonard

Kyburz–Carlson Construction

Aberdeen Lioness Club

Congratulations!

Jane Ann Leonard, adaptive physical education instructor with the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, was  honored as the “Outstanding Related Service Provider” for 2001 by the Principals of Schools for the Blind at their annual awards banquet held in  Louisville, KY.

Jane Ann has been with the School for over 30 years.  During her time at SDSBVI, Jane Ann has been a classroom teacher (English), PE instructor, as well as instrumental in extracurricular activities as a cheerleader coach, track coach, and starting our swimming and forensics programs. Jane Ann is quick to give credit to her parents and many role models in shaping her career choices.   She also listed Helen Keller and a family member with special needs as   additional influences and motivation for choosing to work with students who have special needs.

In addition to the outstanding work done with our students in adaptive PE and the extracurricular programs, her ongoing work with lifelong fitness goals for students and staff, as chairperson of the Arts and Special Activities Committee (including the arrangement of special residencies and programs), along with her caring, support, positive attitude with a Christian focus, and personal integrity, make us all better for having worked with and learning from her. Congratulations, Jane Ann!

In addition to the national honor received by Jane Ann Leonard, other SDSBVI nominees included “1^st runner-up” in “Outstanding Paraprofessional” category was Diane Agnitsch, Instructional Assistant; “1^st runner-up” as the “Outstanding Residential Life Staff Member” was Sharon Lee; recognized for exemplary effort as an “Outstanding Teacher of Students Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired” was Sandra Payne; and recognized for exemplary effort as an “Outstanding Teacher of  Students Who Are Blind/Multiply Disabled” was Julie Van Dover. Each of these individuals will be quick to say that their efforts are all a part of a team effort and share the credit with their co-workers.  We have a great appreciation of all our staff and what they do to make SDSBVI a special place for kids.

CENTRAL DISTRICT HONOR AWARD

Jane Ann Leonard will receive the Honor Award given by the Central District Association of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CDAAAHPERD). The Honor Award is the most prestigious award presented by Central District. The recipient of this award is recognized for their extensive service and achievements. The recipient must be a member of the AAHPERD, have at least 10 years experience as a teacher, supervisor, or administrator in the respective disciplines, possess a high moral character and personal integrity. Service contributions should have been rendered through the association at the state, district, or national level.

Jane Ann, has been a teacher of adaptive physical education and health for 29 years at the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She received both her B. S. and M. S. from Northern State University. She is currently Past President of the South Dakota Association for HPERD and Chair of Adapted Physical Education for Central District. Jane Ann has done many presentations throughout South Dakota and Central District. She is an adjunct instructor at Northern State University and has helped coach several Special Olympics teams.

American Printing House for the Blind         by Dr. Marjorie Kaiser, Superintendent

The American Printing House for the Blind is the world’s largest not-for-profit company that creates products used by visually impaired students and adults. First created in 1879 when Congress passed An Act to Promote the Education of the Blind, APH has been manufacturing books, instructional materials and other essential products. An annual census is conducted to determine the number of eligible children in each state and each school/instructional materials center receives a share of the materials budget based on the number of students with visual impairments they serve. In South Dakota both the SDSBVI and the State Braille and Talking Book Library have these “quota accounts” that allow us to purchase books and teaching materials. Congress sets the budget for the APH     annually and this year the rate is the highest it has been in recent history at $206.45. per eligible student. The books and materials are used at the school in Aberdeen and also loaned to students in local schools. Because products from APH are of good quality and students need different tools at different times, loaning these items means many students can benefit and our funds go further. When you consider the cost of a Perkins Braille writer is $725 and that individual Braille books can range from $13 (poetry book) to $565 (algebra, grade 11) you can easily see why we work to keep items in circulation. The APH has a wonderful web site at  www.aph.org that includes APH products and services, “Fred’s Head” database with how-to tips for people with visual impairments, availability of textbooks in alternate media, the latest “Insights” art contest winners, and a Callahan Museum tour. Check it out for yourself.

Move for Heart

An afternoon of Fun, Fitness, and Entertainment for the students and staff as they took part in their annual fun and fitness, “Move for Heart” in November. During their   warm-up and cool-down periods students and staff were entertained by and moved with musical entertainer, Phil Baker of Sioux Falls.  After the warm-up, students were paired with either a staff member or NSU student, who, for ninty continuous minutes, moved with or assisted them at adapted fitness circuit stations. Students, whose participation benefited both their own hearts and those of others, raised $347 for the American Heart Association. Special donations were given by Laurel McNickle’s Home Extension Group, Jane Mundschenk, and Ron Rivett (Rivett Group) bringing the total to $482. 

Sports and Activities                

Fall Track Team

The Kansas City meet found the students competing against a strong field of competitors from schools for the blind in Kansas, Texas, Minnesota, and Arkansas.  Coaches Bob McLaughlin and Jane Ann Leonard accompanied Hannah Ackerman, Chantell Heath, Deanna Viland, Josh Bretz, Camron Van Asperen, and Thomas Miller. Against competition from Kansas, Texas, Minnesota, and Arkansas, the following students were able to earn place finishes in the following events: Deanna Viland: 2^nd place in the standing long jump and shot put and 5^th place efforts in the standing triple jump and 60 meter run. Joshua Bretz: 2^nd place in the 800 meter run, 3^rd place in the 1600 meter run, 4^th place in the long jump, and a 5^th place in the triple jump. Camron Van Asperen: 1^st  place in the shot put, 2^nd place in the 60 meter dash, 3^rd place in the running long jump, and a 4^th place effort in the running triple jump.

The students also did very well during the annual “All School Track Meet.” Hannah Ackerman: 2^nd 60M Run, 3^rd Long jump, 1^st Shot Put, 2^nd 200M Tandem Run; Michael Adler: 4^th 60M Run, 2^nd Standing Long Jump, 4^th Shot Put, 1^st 200M Tandem; Kim Beckler: 60M Tandem Run, 3^rd Standing Long Jump, 5^th Tennis Ball Throw; Joshua Bretz: 2^nd 60M Run, 2^nd Long Jump, 1^st Running Triple Jump, 3^rd Shot Put; Mariah DeMarrias:  2^nd Standing Long Jump, 2^nd Tennis Ball Throw; Troy Froke: 4^th 100M Independent Wheelchair Race; Justin Gilbert: 1^st 50M Assisted Walk, 3^rd 100M Assisted Wheelchair Race; Jerred Gill: 1^st 60M Tandem Walk, 4^th Standing Long Jump, 4^th Tennis Ball Throw; Chantell Heath: 1^st 60M Run, 1^st Running Long Jump, 3^rd Shot Put, 1^st 200M Tandem; Tevani Kappenman: 1st 50M Wheelchair Ball Push, 1^st 200M-Pushed Wheelchair; Lacey Killingsworth: 4^th 60M Run, 2^nd Running Long Jump, 1^st Tennis Ball Throw, 1^st 200M Tandem; Christina McComish: 3^rd Tennis Ball Throw; Thomas Miller: 3^rd  60M Run, 3^rd Running Long Jump, 3^rd Running Triple Jump, 2^nd Shot Put; Linda Perez-Delker: 1^st 60M Tandem Walk, 4^th Standing Long Jump; Emily Poelstra: 1^st  50M Assisted Walk, 1^st 100M Independent Wheelchair Race; Ashley Roth: 2^nd  50M Wheelchair Ball Push, 2^nd 200M-Pushed Wheelchair Race; Johnny Sauer: 5^th Standing Long Jump, 5^th Tennis Ball Throw, 3^rd 50M Assisted Walk; Gerad Schuldies: 1^st Tennis Ball Throw, 1^st 100M Independent Wheelchair Race; Wade Turner: 1^st  60M Wire Run, 1^st Standing Long Jump, 1^st Standing Triple Jump; Camron Van Asperen: 1^st  60M Run; 1^st Running Long Jump; 2^nd Running Triple Jump, 1^st Shot Put; Deanna Viland: 3^rd  60M Run, 1^st Standing Long Jump, 2^nd Shot Put, 2^nd 200M Tandem; Emily White Eyes: 2^nd  60M Tandem Walk; Tony Zimmerman: 3^rd  Tennis Ball Throw, 2^nd 50M Assisted Walk, 2^nd 100M Assisted Wheelchair Race.

Bowling Fever

The “Special Olympians” got their season underway by participating in the Regional and State Bowling Tournaments at the Village Bowl in Aberdeen.  Our place finishers at the   Regional meet included: 2^nd Place: Linda, Gerad; 3^rd Place: Lacey, Josh, Kim, Justin, Troy, Emily P; 4^th Place: Tim and Jerred; 5^th Place: Wade; 6^th Place: Deanna, Christina, Mariah. Our place finishers at the State meet included: 1^st Place: Kim, Christina, Troy, Mariah, Gerad; 2^nd Place: Jerred; 3^rd Place: Emily, Tim, Lacey, Joshua; 4^th Place: Deanna, Linda, Wade; 6^th Place: Michael.

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Return to: Dawn LaMee, Pioneer Editor

South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 423 17th Avenue SE, Aberdeen SD 57401-7699 Phone # (605) 626-2580 or Toll Free 1-888-275-3814 Fax # (605) 626-2607 or E-mail - lameed@sdsbvi.northern.edu

The Pioneer: Volume 39, No 1 - Fall 2001/Winter 2002 The Pioneer is published three times during the year by the SD School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 423 17th Avenue SE, Aberdeen SD 57401-7699.  Printing costs are donated by the South Dakota Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired.