Upcoming Events & Notes

Director
Karen Keninger
karen.keninger@blind.state.ia.us

Deputy Director
Bruce Snethen
bruce.snethen@blind.state.ia.us

Commission for the Blind

Members:
Mike Hoenig, commission chair
Steve Hagemoser, member
Peggy Elliott, member

Next commission meeting: TBA

Commission Board Meeting Packets
Commission Board meeting packets are available to the public, upon request, before the scheduled meeting date. Packets are available in Braille, large print and electronic formats. If you would like to receive this information, please contact Tiffany Bickell at (515) 281-1336, or email Tiffany.Bickell@blind.state.ia.us.

IDB Mission:

The Iowa Department for the Blind is the means for persons who are blind to obtain for themselves universal accessibility and full participation in society in whatever roles they may choose, including roles that improve Iowa’s economic growth.
-- We would love to come speak about blindness at your club or organization’s next meeting.
-- We also provide training workshops on blindness at your school or office.
-- If you’ve never seen our building and want to learn more about our services and what we provide in our building, we’d love to give you a tour.
Email us at information@blind.state.ia.us or call us at (800) 362-2587 for more information.

Upcoming Events

January 20
IL Advisory Committee Meeting
Director’s Conference Room
Iowa Department for the Blind
The Independent Living (IL) Advisory Committee meets to discuss details about the IL program, such as policies and program development. The Committee also helps promote IDB services in their area. Members are individuals with disabilities or parents/guardians of individuals with disabilities. The number of members is unlimited, and each term served is 2 years. For more information, contact the IL program at (800) 362-2587.

February 25
Iowa Braille Challenge
Iowa Department for the Blind
Students from Iowa in grades 1-12 will compete in a series of five skills contests demonstrating braille reading and comprehension, speed and accuracy, spelling, proofreading, and tactile graphics. This event will be co-hosted by Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and Iowa Braille School. The Braille Challenge is a nationwide competition. To learn more, visit The Braille Challenge website at www.braillechallenge.org.
More upcoming events and details at www.idbonline.org/news.

COMING SOON TO A LIBRARY NEAR YOU

Ever wondered how blindness impacts a person’s ability to learn and work? Or is blindness a disability? Find answers to these questions and more in the History of Blindness in Iowa traveling exhibit. Listen to personal stories shared by Iowans affected by blindness, and discover how Iowa has been a leader in advocating for the rights of the blind.
Check the schedule for a library near you!
January--Des Moines (East Side) Public Library
February--Perry Public Library
March--Lake Park Public Library
April--Council Bluffs Public Library
May--Iowa City Public Library
June--Denver Public Library
For more information on the traveling exhibit, and to view a complete schedule, please visit the History of Blindness in Iowa website at www.iowablindhistory.org.