Originally started in 1908, an receiving a name change in 2001, the North Dakota School for the Blind serves residents of North Dakota no matter where they live within the state. With short term programs and technology services, they have been helping individuals with vision issues for more than 100 years.
Ken Dockter shares a story about a woman who uses a magnifying glass to read items, including the buttons on her microwave. ND Vision Services / School for the Blind taught her a technique that uses bright colors to establish which button is which and she now uses her microwave without having to haul out a stool, a magnifying glass and potentially burning the popcorn!
A quick note about the terms you will hear in this podcast. Blind and Low Vision are NOT interchangeable terms and mean two very different things.
VISIT THEIR WEBSITE TO SEE ABOUT THEIR SERVICES AND MISSION
(Ken Dockter in the KFGO studios)
Here are also some tips for BLIND ETIQUETTE
1. Speak in a natural conversational tone. It is not necessary to speak loudly or slowly unless the person also has a hearing impairment.
2. Address them by their name when possible, especially in crowded places.
3. Address them personally, not through someone else
4.Greet them when you enter a room so that they know you are present.
5. Indicate the end of a conversation when you leave so that they aren’t left talking to air.
6. Feel free to use words that refer to vision. See, Look, Watch, Etc…
7. Do not leave them standing in “Free Space” when you are serving as a guide.
8. Be calm and clear about what to do if you see them about to encounter a dangerous situation.
9. If you think they need help, ask first. Don’t assume you should help them.
10. When offering assistance, never take them by the arm. If you offer your arm instead, they can follow slightly behind and anticipate changes.
11. Never take hold of a white cane.
12. Never pet or interfere with a guide dog while it is on duty.
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(Amy Iler & JJ Gordon are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Amy & JJ” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Check out the show page on
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