On this episode of Change Makers, we are recapping our 155th Annual Meeting. Held October 4–6 at the Hyatt Regency Louisville in Downtown Louisville, Ex Officio Trustees (EOT) , EOT Census Assistants, Online Ordering Assistants, and other attendees came together to share news, ideas and inspiration. Have a listen as I talk to attendees, learn all about InSights Art and some of their artists. I also spoke with award winners and a Hall of Fame Inductee.
On this Episode (In Order of Appearance)
Additional Links
On this episode of Change Makers, we are recapping our 155th Annual Meeting. Held October 4–6 at the Hyatt Regency Louisville in Downtown Louisville, Ex Officio Trustees (EOT) , EOT Census Assistants, Online Ordering Assistants, and other attendees came together to share news, ideas and inspiration. Have a listen as I talk to attendees, learn all about InSights Art and some of their artists. I also spoke with award winners and a Hall of Fame Inductee.
On this Episode (In Order of Appearance)
Additional Links
<silence> Welcome to Change Makers , a podcast from APH. We're talking to people from around the world who are creating positive change in the lives of people who are blind or have low vision. Here's your host.
Sara Brown:Hello and welcome to Change Makers. I'm APH's Public Relations Manager, Sara Brown . And today we are recapping our 155th Annual Meeting held last week on October 4th through the 6th at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Louisville. Ex-Officio Trustees, (EOTs), Census Assistants, Online Ordering Assistants, and other attendees came together to share news ideas, inspirations, insights, and to just meet up and talk to each other. Have a listen as I talk to attendees and learn all about InSights Art, and meet some of the artists. I also spoke with some award winners in a Hall of Fame inductee. So just let me get you to introduce yourself and tell me where you're from.
Sherry Holder:I'm Sherry Holder from the Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Sara Brown:Now, talk to me about some of the things that you've seen or some of the sessions you've attended that you're looking for just to implement in your daily life.
Sherry Holder:Well , um, early literacy, I did that and we use most of those products, but some of those were already in my classroom, so I didn't know they came with all those pieces. So I found out a lot about that. And then GoodMaps and , uh, then I learned a little bit about Optic Aware to help children stop by poking. Mm-hmm . <affirmative> . I can't wait to get my hands on one of those.
Sara Brown:I know .
Sherry Holder:Thank you so much.
Sara Brown:Have a great day.
Speaker 3:So I'm David Martin. I'm the superintendent at the Louisiana Special School District.
Sara Brown:All right . And tell me we're on day one of Annual Meetings, so tell me what are your thoughts and feelings so far?
David Martin:So I just finished up COSBY and , um, so I'm looking forward , um, I'm excited. I'm going on the prison tour today. Um, so I'm excited to see their program in action. We're really trying to launch , uh, a, a solid program in Louisiana. I helped launch the Tennessee program when I was the superintendent at the , at , uh, the Tennessee School for the Blind . And so I would really like , uh, I've seen the benefits of that program. So , um, I'm looking forward to seeing the , the program here in Kentucky today.
Sara Brown:Alright , David, thank you so much for joining me on Change Makers.
David Martin:All right , thank you.
Ginni McDonald:My name is Ginni McDonald. I'm from , uh, the Arkansas School for the Blind in Little Rock, Arkansas, and I run the instructional resource center there. Wonderful.
Sara Brown:So welcome to APH's Annual Meeting. I'm sure you've been here many times.
Ginni McDonald:Um , fifth or sixth.
Sara Brown:Wow. Awesome. So you're , you know what you're doing and you've got the hang of it now.
Ginni McDonald:Yeah.
Sara Brown:Um , talk about some of the things that you've seen, whether it be in sessions or the product showcase or just some of the time that you've spent here so far.
Ginni McDonald:Well, I did come early for the new EOT Training and so we got a real overview on everything there. I will say every year one of my absolute favorite things is the Insights Art Contest. I am the new owner of a piece of art from there, so , um, taking that back to Arkansas and , um, it's a way for me to get re enthused about the stuff I do every single day. Uh, APH does a great job of hosting. They have made the place full lively, the decor, the signage, we all like the bat signal at the bottom of the staircase , um, with the APH logo. And then everybody, of course is so helpful and friendly. I love the swag, I won't lie. Um, so I'm going home with a few things and then the opportunity to buy more at the uh , pop-up store. Um, but I learn a lot and , uh, that's the important part, you know, understanding my role as a EOT and doing the reporting is important. Uh , but taking back to my home team, the gadgets, the enthusiasm, the programs, you know, what to look for in the next year.
Sara Brown:And now one more question. Um, some of the products. What are your thoughts on some of the products that are in progress? We've always, we're so excited about the Monarch , um, Polly's out now. What are some of the things were your thoughts on the product showcase where it shows what's coming?
Ginni McDonald:Well, that's the one thing I haven't gotten down there. I keep trying <laugh> , but um, we do have the Polly at the school. We just ordered our first Chameleon , um, and we have someone going for training in Texas for the Monarch. Um , the good news was I was able to touch and feel the Chameleon , um, one other one , um, and the Monarch. So I was able, you know , the touch and feel and to be able to take that back to my team. And
Sara Brown:My last question, I always like to ask, is there anything else you wanna say about APH's Annual Meeting or just your experience overall this week?
Ginni McDonald:Well, I just, you know, like I said, I get re enthused every, every year. Um, it was also nice to connect with new people. That's a really important part. Um, some of us who are in IRCs around the country said, you know, some of the training that we used to get for IRC's specific training , um, wasn't available. And so we're gonna be taking that to APH to add to next year's . Um, so that was kind of nice to find that, you know, I wasn't alone feeling that, you know, IRC training was important. Um, love the Prison Braille program training , um, and missed that this year because of the new EOT training, but that's always a , a , a big one for me as well. Alright ,
Sara Brown:Ginni, thank you so much again for taking some time to talk to me on Change Makers.
Ginni McDonald:Yes. And I'm gonna be listening to your podcast, <laugh>.
Sara Brown:Thank you. Bye-bye.
Jon Harding:Yeah. I'm Jon Harding. I'm the superintendent of the Kansas State School for the Blind.
Sara Brown:And tell us what, have you learned some of the sessions you've been to here at annual meeting? I know it just started, but talk about something , some of the things you've learned and attended.
Jon Harding:Yeah, Yeah. So it , it , I was just looking at the conference agenda. I stopped in and signed up for , um, some information on STEM for our youngest learners. And so I'm always interested , uh, to learn what products are out there, what's new and available because we're, we're trying to get our youngest kids involved in STEM concepts and experiences , um, in preschool , uh, and even before preschool, some of our birth to three students.
Sara Brown:I understand that. And I know it's, like I say, it's just day one here of Annual Meeting. But talk about some of the things I know our , um, we have , uh, a demo of the Monarch on hand . Are you planning to attend that? That's a big deal, yes. And have you seen the Monarch at all in action?
Jon Harding:I've only seen photos of it and , um, I've talked to our instructional resource center , uh, director, so she's a little more familiar, but I did sign up for it and I'm anxious to see what all the buzz is about. Awesome.
Sara Brown:And just one more thing before we go. Um, what is it that you're looking forward to? What's your overall feel about Annual Meeting? It's a huge event for us and it's a huge event for everybody that attends
Jon Harding:Well, I obviously, I love, you know, the relationships and , uh, learning what, what others are doing, what's new, what we can implement back home. And , uh, I'm already texting and , and and sharing photos , uh, for some of my staff who can't be here today. So for me it's a way to stay up to date and then to share what I'm, what I'm learning here with those back home.
Sara Brown:Awesome. Jon, thank you so much for coming on Change Makers.
Jon Harding:Thank you for having me.
Justin Harris:I'm Justin Harris. I'm from Macon, Georgia, but I work at the College of Design in Georgia Tech.
Sara Brown:Okay. And can you tell me, is this your first Annual Meeting?
Justin Harris:Yes. So I'm completely clueless. I'm EOT Assistant, but it's my first meeting, so...
Sara Brown:Okay. So possibly a future EOT. So tell me, what are your thoughts about your first Annual Meeting here at APH?
Justin Harris:It's really organized. It's really organized and , um, I'm learning a lot even though it's like the first day. So, yeah. And it's , it's crazy seeing everyone I've been emailing for months, well years and now seeing 'em in person is cool.
Sara Brown:And what are some of the things you're looking for? We've got a robust schedule today. When, or today? Thursday and Friday. Um, just looking ahead, do you know if there's anything that you have in mind that you definitely wanna see and learn about?
Justin Harris:Um, the, the prison tour is something I'm really excited about , um, the meeting our regional , um, managers and , um, I'm really excited for my whole schedule, really . Just ,
Sara Brown:Just glad to be here?
Justin Harris:Yeah. Yeah. I'm, yeah . <laugh> .
Sara Brown:Justin, thank you so much. I can't wait to talk to you again in the future when you're an EOT and you're like, "oh, I'm looking forward to this, this, this, and this. And I'm always glad to be here." Is there anything else you wanna say before we leave?
Justin Harris:Um, I just want to say that I'm glad I'm a part of something that's helping students all around Georgia.
Sara Brown:Justin, thank you so much.
Justin Harris:No problem. Thank you.
Katy Ring:Hi , I'm Katy Ring and I'm a regional director for Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. A long name, but also known as ISBVI. Awesome.
Sara Brown:Now, this is our Annual Meeting. Can you talk about some of the sessions you've attended or some of the things that you've seen that you're excited about? Sure.
Katy Ring:So this morning I attended, attended , uh, col , uh, how to Build Collaboration for Professional Development and listened to the Tennessee School for the Blind and Vanderbilt University. Talk about how they've built some connections and we were thinking about in Iowa how we've done some similar things, so how we can continue to like partner and get ideas. So that was really great. Um, some coworkers went to a session on an app, good maps I think it is , um, for orientation mobility. And my chief academic officer was walking around in the hotel trying it. So , um, we're just really enjoying the learning that we're getting here at the eight page Annual meeting.
Sara Brown:Awesome. Katie , thank you so much for coming on and talking to me during the busy annual meeting.
Katy Ring:You're welcome.
Sara Brown:Thank you.
Lilly Leigh Dunrud:I am Lilly Leigh Dunrud, I'm from North Dakota.
Emily Stenberg Brown:I'm Emily Stenberg Brown and I'm from North Dakota.
Sara Brown:Okay. And tell me what are, what have you all seen today at annual meeting?
Emily Stenberg Brown:The keynote speaker was absolutely amazing. Um, we've been looking around the solutions and checking out the different products. Um, we went and looked up at the art upstairs in the, what was it called? The sire in the Spire . Spire. Spire, yes, absolutely. That was really cool. I really like it up there. It kind of brings the art to life a little bit, so it , it does.
Sara Brown:Now is there anything, any product in particular that you've seen that you can't wait to, you know, for it to come out on the market or to get your hands on?
Lilly Leigh Dunrud:Well, we've been looking particularly at the STEM products this year. Um , we're trying to put some kits together and , um, we wanted some ideas on how to use them with our students and ways that they can be incorporated into a general ed classroom as well. So , yeah.
Emily Stenberg Brown:We've made some good contacts and gotten some good ideas and just looking forward to a great rest of the conference.
Sara Brown:Alright , thank you both so much for coming on and talking to me.
Emily Stenberg Brown:Absolutely. Thank you.
Robin Budryk:I'm Robin Budryk, I'm with the Department of Education in New Hampshire.
Sara Brown:Awesome. So how are you enjoying our Annual Meeting so far?
Robin Budryk:I'm learning a lot and I'm enjoying it. It's my second year. I just came out of a class that had a parent panel and they all had visually impaired students and it was very interesting to hear their take on what they needed and took a lot of notes. Some of it I've been working on communication and getting parents together within this state.
Sara Brown:Wonderful. And uh , before I let you go, is there anything else you're looking forward to about Annual Meeting? whether it's learning about new products, new new techniques, new education things, anything, what are you else, are you looking forward to?
Robin Budryk:Um , learning about the different stuff and I do have a lot of questions about customer service and ordering books, <laugh> . Those are things I have difficulty with, so.
Sara Brown:Awesome. Well thank you so much for coming on and talking to me about your time here at Annual Meeting. I hope you continue to learn, grow, innovate, and you know, get better at ordering books. <laugh>. Thank you.
Tracy Gaines:Um, I'm Tracy Gaines and I am the Vice president of CTEBVI , uh, California Transcribers and Educators for the Blind and Visually Impaired. And I'm also a transcriber.
Sara Brown:Wonderful. Well welcome to APH's Annual Meeting. Um, how has it been for you so far? Learning about everything and seeing what's coming?
Tracy Gaines:Uh , it is , it's been very interesting, very informative, especially the upcoming methods of the, you know, braille world is changing and so seeing the electronic methods has been very informative.
Sara Brown:Now for those electronic braille methods that you just mentioned, is there , are you talking about the Monarch? Have you seen any of those presentations yet? What do you think?
Tracy Gaines:I haven't seen the ones here, but I have seen it before The Monarch. Um , I will be going to one of the presentations, but yes, it's, it's, it's um , that's what's on the horizon, you know, for learning. Just hopefully all the students can afford it, you know, at some point. But yes, it's definitely innovative and awesome.
Sara Brown:And now my last question, is there anything else you're looking forward to learning about or seeing or anything that you're gonna take back with you and implement when you get back home?
Tracy Gaines:Um, probably , uh, well I'm going to the , uh, vendor hall here too to try to do some recruiting for our conference, so ...yeah.
Sara Brown:Thank you so much for coming on and talking to me.
Tracy Gaines:Okay, thank you .
Sara Brown:Annual Meeting isn't just for EOTs and more, it's also for APH employees to learn and grow and get ideas. I bumped into two of them. Hello Lee , would you like to just introduce yourself and let us know what you do?
Lee Huffman:My name is Lee Huffman and I work for Obvi , hopefully obviously APH by now , uh, at a program called APH Huntington and having a great time here at Annual Meeting.
Sara Brown:Now, what are some of the things you've seen in the sessions or the product showcases that are, that you're just really excited for?
Lee Huffman:The Monarch actually I think is one of the best things we have going here at the show this year. I saw the presentation this morning with , uh, Greg and, well , it was HumanWare, they had, HumanWare was there and also the president of NFB Mark Riccobono was in the presentation and really got the firsthand update and look at all the new advances in the Monarch. S o w e really glad to see that whole project moving forward.
Sara Brown:And is there anything that you, any takeaways that you're looking forward to just implementing anywhere or anything that's just gonna leave a lasting impression on you? Aside from the Monarch?
Lee Huffman:One of the things that I thought saw was really cool was the session I was in this morning with Melissa Matthews from the Connect Center and she had a panel of parents talking about their experience and some of their suggestions not only for APH but also the uh , experience working with TVI's and OM professionals in conjunction with working with their child who's blind or visually impaired. And that was a great conversation to hear parents give their perspectives of what they think the field needs instead of the field trying to tell parents what parents need. It was a great kind of reversal of the traditional role in hearing from parents about how they could best be helped. So that was pretty cool.
Sara Brown:All right Lee , thank you so much for talking to me and enjoy the rest of your Annual Meeting.
Lee Huffman:Thank you for asking me.
Sara Brown:First of all, would you like to introduce yourself and let us know who you're with?
Kristin Villa:Hi, I'm Kristen . I'm with APH in the EPI department. I'm the business administrator.
Sara Brown:Wonderful. So you're with APH. So this is our Annual Meeting. How many annual meetings have you been to?
Kristin Villa:I have, I think this is my third one. Um, I've been with APH almost five years, but Covid came, so yeah, I think two years it was, oh yeah, so three.
Sara Brown:Okay. So doing what you do for APH, what are you most excited about or what are some of the things that you've seen that you're like, "oh my gosh, I can't wait to to for this to either come out on the market or implement this in the workplace ?"
Kristin Villa:Um , I guess that a lot of people have been really, I guess, excited about Monarch. Um , so with me working with the PMs every day and being able to see the different products that they create and to help with people, I'm really just excited about everything because I love making sure that everyone is included. Um, and it was crazy before I worked here. I never really had thought about the different things that my eyes have been opened up to. So yeah. Good work guys.
Sara Brown:Thank you so much Kristin. Have a good rest of your time at APH and Annual Meeting. <laugh> .
Kristin Villa:Thanks you two <laugh> .
Sara Brown:Now we're gonna shift from the roving interviews and head to the very, very top of the Hyatt Regency Louisville to the Spire. That's where this Year's InSights Art exhibit was located. Multiple pieces of beautiful artwork were on display and for sale I managed to speak with the Insights Art Coordinator, Meg Outland and a few other special artists. So we're on the Friday of Annual Meeting and I'm back here with Meg Outland, who's the InSights Art Coordinator. Meg, can you talk about how it's been so far during Annual Meeting, having InSights Art going on?
Meg Outland:We're in a new space this year called the Spire and it has a gorgeous 360 view of the , um, entire city of downtown Louisville. So it's been really fun to have art on one side and the city on the other. We've had a lot of folks come up and check things out. Um, a lot of people have bought artworks as well, so I'm very excited to tell those artists that they are , take their artworks, are getting taken home to someone and they're all gonna get paid for their work. So I'm very , um, pleased with how everything's turned out so far.
Sara Brown:And what are some of the, the responses and feedback to seeing, seeing all this beautiful art on display here this year?
Meg Outland:I think it's just really exciting , um, that so many people can come together and celebrate these artists. Um, and having everybody in the country in the same spot at the same time is just such an awesome moment. Um, so I'm just really proud of these folks being recognized.
Sara Brown:And is there anything else you wanna say about InSights Art for this year as we kind of wind down Annual Meeting, even though you're just kind of getting started right now?
Meg Outland:Tonight is the art ceremony, so we're gonna recognize these artists and be able to read full visual descriptions of all of the artworks placed in the competition. So that is gonna be a lot of fun as well to be able to listen to those.
Sara Brown:And I see you got a couple of ribbons on display on some of these gorgeous pieces of art. Looks like you're getting set up for tonight. So good luck with everything and thanks so much for all the hard work that you do for InSights Art and APH.
Meg Outland:Thank you.
Sara Brown:And after talking to Meg, I found some InSights Art guests who were admiring the art. Here's what they had to say.
Gina Ouellette:I'm my name's Gina Ouellette. I'm the Superintendent at the California School for the Blind.
Sara Brown:Wonderful. And how about you?
Adam Wilton:My name is Adam Wilton . I manage the Provincial Resource Center for the visually Impaired in Vancouver, Canada. Wonderful.
Sara Brown:So welcome to APH's Annual Meeting and we're up here in InSights Art, can you all just tell me about some of the art pieces that you've seen that have blown your mind? 'cause it's a lot of stuff up here.
Gina Ouellette:Um, gosh, it all kind of blows my mind to be honest. I really enjoy art generally, but especially things that have been done by students, pieces that are done by , by students , um, some of which we know. It's always exciting to see. And I think there's such a misperception that art can't be accessible to people who are blind. And so I love seeing accessible pieces and it's just, it's just really beautiful and fun to see. And
Sara Brown:Adam, what about some of the pieces you've seen? Is there anything that just stands out to you?
Adam Wilton:I have to say the one thing, building on what you've said, Gina, I love the fact that the, it seems like the entire artistic process is reflected in these pieces right down to the naming <laugh> . I just, I love the names of some of these and you can so clearly feel the process and just the thoughtfulness that went in to just the piece , but also how it's, how it's named, how it's called , uh, it's, it's just been remarkable. We're not even halfway through yet <laugh> and I already have so many favorites. Awesome.
Sara Brown:Now before I let you all go, overall APH's Annual Meeting, is there anything that stands out from you in the sessions that you all have attended or some of the products that you all have seen that are in the process?
Adam Wilton:Well, I've been coming to Annual Meeting for years and one of the things I love the most about it is being in a place where I don't have to explain what I do for a living. I don't to explain why I do it, don't have to explain the intensity at which we do it because it's just an incredible gathering of like-minded individuals that all share in the same broader project around accessibility and inclusion.
Sara Brown:And what about you , Gina ?
Gina Ouellette:You know, it , it's such a great opportunity to get to gather with people that , um, we have a lot of intention to collaborate. We're spread out all over the place and it's so nice to see people face to face . And we just had this really great conversation that well with , with Cheryl that lasted for several hours, but, and with some things that are really exciting to move forward with. And I think if we hadn't been here, we wouldn't have had an opportunity necessarily for who knows how long to get together and have some of these conversations. So really being able to collaborate with people has been, is incredible every year.
Sara Brown:Exactly. And I just feel it's a place, I feel it's a place where everybody in this field can get together face to face , reflect, conjure up new ideas, and get excited for the future. So thank you all so much. It's wonderful talking to you. Let me know if there's anything else I can do. Thank you all so much for joining me.
Gina Ouellette:Thanks so much. Appreciate it very much.
Sara Brown:And on one night of Annual Meeting, I spoke to a few artists who are excited to have their work on display. So I'm talking to an aw , another award-winning InSights Artist. Justice. Justice. Would you like to just introduce yourself and let us know where you're from and your school?
Justice Smith:I'm Justice Smith. I'm from Georgia Academy from the um , <laugh> . Can the line , um, ooh .
Sara Brown:And tell me about the art that you created for InSights Art this year.
Justice Smith:Um, I created a , um, foil <laugh> and glue it down and , um, and painted it black. And I , I think I did good this year, so.
Sara Brown:Oh , awesome. And one last question. How does it feel to have your art on display for people to , to see and to purchase, you know, how does that feel?
Justice Smith:Great.
Sara Brown:And is there anything else you'd like to say about Insights? Art,
Justice Smith:It's fun
Sara Brown:Justice, thank you so much for talking to me on InSights Art. Alright, so I'm here with an insights artist. Hi. Can I just get you to say your name and tell me where you're from?
Taryn Falagan:Uh, hi. My name is Tn Fagan . I am from , uh, Brunswick, Georgia. I go to , uh, the GA School for the Blind in Macon.
Sara Brown:Awesome. So welcome to Annual Meeting in our InSights Art. So can you tell me about the piece that you submitted into InSights Art?
Taryn Falagan:It's actually been a while since I've first seen the arts, but from what I remember, it was some sort of portrait of a girl and some jacket.
Sara Brown:And talk about the process that you go through when you're creating a piece of art, whether it's the one you submitted or just the ones that you keep around your house. Tell me about the process. What goes into that?
Taryn Falagan:Uh, most of the time it's going with the flow, but sometimes I go on a prompt. Uh , during this month I do different arts , uh, based off of prompts for a thing called Gore Tober . Yeah.
Sara Brown:And one last question. How does it feel to have your art that you created on display? How cool is that?
Taryn Falagan:It's really cool. <laugh>
Sara Brown:And just what do you want people to get out of when they see your art?
Taryn Falagan:Uh, just go with the flow. Don't care what you do, just let your mind flow.
Sara Brown:Alright . Let your mind flow. Words to live by Taryn, thank you so much for talking to me this morning.
Taryn Falagan:You are welcome.
Sara Brown:Okay, so let me get you to introduce yourself and let us know where you're from?
Ian Bullock:I'm from Fayetteville.
Sara Brown:Okay. And talk about the art. I know you didn't submit any this year, but you've submitted in the past. Can you talk about how it feels just to have your art on display for InSights Art?
Ian Bullock:Oh, I like to bill , uh, Japan house .
Sara Brown:Nice. And so what do you want people to get out of it when they see your art on display? How do you want people to feel?
Ian Bullock:Good.
Sara Brown:And is there anything else you wanna share with listeners about your art?
Ian Bullock:I've been, I've been in her art class for six years.
Sara Brown:Thank you so much for joining me today on Change Makers.
Ian Bullock:Yay.
Sara Brown:Can I just get you to say your name and the school you go to?
Escher Hooper:Um, my name is Escher Hooper and I go to Ray Gates Elementary in Grand Island , which is in Grand Island, Nebraska.
Sara Brown:Awesome. Now tell me about the piece of art you created for InSights Art. What is it?
Escher Hooper:Um, the title of a piece of art is called the Black Cocoa Tower and I painted it black. 'cause like black usually just fits with everything. It is like, looks good with everything. And that's how I got with the name.
Sara Brown:Nice. And I hear you on that. I like wearing all black because it , it goes with everything Now. How does it feel to have your art on display here at annual meeting for the InSights Art?
Escher Hooper:I feel proud and , um, like, just proud. And one
Sara Brown:More question. How old are you?
Speaker 14:Nine.
Sara Brown:So what do you wanna be when you grow up?
Escher Hooper:Um, well first of all, I'm, I'm like, I'm a person who like cares about safety and like, like I care about people, so I wanna be healthcare person or someone who helps disabled or visually impaired or stuff like that.
Sara Brown:Anything else?
Escher Hooper:I just have, I just have this, this instinct like I just gotta help people. Like ,
Sara Brown:Alright . Well Escher, thank you so much for talking to me for InSights Art. I've seen your work up there. It's gorgeous and you did such a great job.
Escher Hooper:Thank you.
Sara Brown:InAights Art is not only a big deal for the artists , it's also huge for the parents. I spoke with Justice's mother who said, these competitions help build confidence. So now I am here with Justice's mother. Hello, and let me get you just to say your name for me.
Linda Smith:My name is Linda Smith.
Sara Brown:Linda, thanks so much for talking to me. Now, your son here is an artist. Can you talk about the importance of art for individuals who are blind or low vision?
Linda Smith:Yes. I, I do , I say I think this is important when you think about sight that most of us take for granted, you know, and to see someone who can't see as readily as you and I or someone who can see and create such an art that he did, I am so proud of him.
Sara Brown:And one more question before you all leave, 'cause I know you're going on your tour. Talk about how important it is for competitions like this just to showcase, you know, they might be blind, they might be low vision , but they can do anything they wanna do. You just have to, they just might do it a different way and that's totally fine. Talk about the importance of competitions and , and things that acknowledge that.
Linda Smith:I think it builds confidence. Advancing in life because , um, looking back, you know , as the years Go by, you look back and can , yeah , you appreciate what you have done coming up as a student and here you are as a grownup. You wonder, "did I do that <laugh> ?" And I think it's very, very important.
Sara Brown:Awesome. And we need more programs like this too. Yes , we do . So thank you so much for coming on and talking to me.
Linda Smith:Yes. I'm so proud of justice. We all are. And not only that, his teacher.
Sara Brown:Talking about justice, I spoke to his teacher, Kristen , who says, programs like this show art is accessible and for everyone.
Kristen Applebee:I think InSights provides a way for people to realize that art is for one , everyone on the planet has this innate desire and need to create, and people with vision impairments are no exception. So we're pretty creative in , in creating tactile opportunities for students to make art at Georgia Academy for the Blind. And it's opened up doors. A lot of students who've come here in years past that it was the highlight of their life. It has changed everything for them.
Sara Brown:That's so heartwarming to hear. And one last question. Can you just talk about the importance or just what it feels like to see your students create art that's on display that people are wanting, people are buying and purchasing?
Kristen Applebee:I would've given anything as a high school student to be able to receive recognition like this on a national level. So , uh, I take that as a badge of pride myself to see them succeed and shine. I live to see them have opportunities to be their best.
Sara Brown:Kristen , thank you so much for coming on and talking to me. And same to you, Linda.
Kristen Applebee:Thank you.
Linda Smith:Thanks <laugh> .
Sara Brown:Moving on from the InSights Art to the Special awards, we're gonna hear from the Wings of Freedom Horizon Award and Navigator award winners. I also spoke with the Hall of Fame Inductee. The Wings of Freedom Award is the highest honor presented by APH. The award is not annual, but given periodically and only as deserved. The Wings of Freedom Award was established to honor individuals who have shown extraordinary leadership in the blindness and low vision field. This year's award was presented to Larry Skutchan. All right , just let me get you to introduce yourself for anybody who does not know because he got the loudest applause tonight at this annual event.
Larry Skutchan:Oh, wow. Uh , hey, I'm Larry Kuan , uh, retired from APH <laugh> <laugh> ,
Sara Brown:And you won a major award here tonight. You won the Wings of Freedom. What does that award mean to you?
Larry Skutchan:Well, I , I hope it means , um, to bring some attention to some of the things that I was talking about in the , uh, in the acceptance speech. Like , uh, you know, a more inclusive mindset and equal opportunities for everyone. I'm , uh, you know, I'm not with a company anymore. I'm just retired , uh, living the good life. So I, I really hope that , uh, I mean, it , it doesn't do anything for any company I'm working for. I just hope it does something for John Q Public to , uh, like I mentioned in the , uh, in the address there, not to fear blind people and to , uh, have greater expectations. And , uh, I know it's a long road, but you know, we , we see it slowly happening. So I , I hope this contributes to that just a little bit.
Sara Brown:And another , I have two more questions. Uh , Dr. Meador said you, you came up with some creations and apps and designs and technology that was way ahead of its time. What does that feel like hearing that, that you were creating technology that the world just was not ready for? That's huge.
Larry Skutchan:I mean, I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging or anything, but that's, that's normal for me. Some of that stuff I was talking about up there tonight is people are thinking, well, that's crazy to be able to use , uh, AI for navigation. But it's coming. It , it , it , it
Sara Brown:It is coming. And my last question , um, what do you have to say to anybody out there listening that's, you know, thinking about creating apps and technology for the future? What would you say to them?
Larry Skutchan:I would say go with your gut. Anything is possible. Uh , that , and that's it. And I've always said that. <laugh> . Alright ,
Sara Brown:Larry, thank you so much for talking to me tonight. Have a wonderful night.
Larry Skutchan:All right , thank you. Nice meeting you too. You too.
Sara Brown:The Horizon Award recognizes individuals who continually pursue innovative ideas that result in the development of products designed to improve the quality of life for people who are blind or low vision. This year's award was presented to Deane Blazie. All right . So if I can just get you to say your name and what you're doing here at APH's Annual Meeting. Uh , my name is Deane Blazie and I'm just hanging around. You're also doing way more than just hanging around. You're also getting an award tonight. You're getting the Horizon Award. Can you just tell us what that, that award means to you?
Deane Blazie:Well, it means a great deal. I've been sort of retired for the last 20 years, and finally , uh, I get a call and someone wants to give me this Horizons Award, which I assume it means that because I'm so old, I'm going "over the horizon" and I won't be seen much anymore.
Sara Brown:Oh, no, no, no, no. Absolutely not. And we're not even gonna put that out there. But no, we're just honoring you for all of your achievements that you've made in the world of blind and low vision. Do you wanna talk about some of those, some of those things? Let the let the listeners know some of the amazing things you've contributed.
Deane Blazie:Well, thank you. I made the Braille and Speak, which is probably the what made me more famous than I famous. And , um, from that it just took off. And we had the Braille Light and , uh, braille printers we made. And just so many things. It really helped kids in education more than anyone else. And it's been, it's been a great life and a great career for me to, to have spent my life doing things that help other people and making a living and enjoying it myself too.
Sara Brown:Yeah, that's the best, when you can enjoy what you're doing, it doesn't feel like work. Um, one last question. What would you say to somebody that's going to engineering school? Because you are a distinguished University of Kentucky alumni (go Cats!) and <laugh>. And what would you say to, you know, those aspiring engineers that are wanting to make a difference in the world of blind in low vision?
Deane Blazie:Look around, watch people, look at people that might need help, and think of ways to use your engineering to help them. I was fortunate to have a , a great mentor, Tim Cranmer, and it was his ideas. They gave me ideas about what to build that might solve their problems. So keep your eyes open and watch for people that need help.
Sara Brown:Very well said. Thank you so much. And again, congratulations on your award.
Deane Blazie:Thanks Sara. Appreciate it.
Sara Brown:The Navigator Award recognizes the collaborative efforts and partnerships necessary to remove barriers and provide pathways ensuring that individuals have full access to education and life. This year's award was presented to Be My Eyes. I spoke with the Chairman and CEO, Mike Buckley. Um, can I just get you to introduce yourself to our listeners?
Mike Buckley:Hi, it's Mike Buckley. I'm chairman and CEO of Be My Eyes. Hello listeners. <laugh> .
Sara Brown:And can you talk about what Be My Eyes is for those who might not be aware?
Mike Buckley:Sure. Be My Eyes is a free service for people who are blind or low vision that , uh, was started initially to connect them with a sighted volunteer to help with just about anything. Get through an airport , uh, get the expiration data on your milk, find your green sweater. Um, since our inception now, we've also launched a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence product that will help people who are blind and low vision identify a multitude of things in their environment , um, whenever they want, if they don't wanna talk to a person or bug someone or, or just they wanna do things on their own.
Sara Brown:And tonight, you're being honored with The Navigator Award for what Be My Eyes is, and all the, the lives that it helps change , that it changes and impacts. Can you talk about what the Navigator Award means to you and Be My Eyes?
Mike Buckley:Well, I , I think what I would say is , um, I have immense respect for APH. So anything from APH is an honor, and I, I don't, I don't say that lightly. I think about the history of APH and the lives you've touched and the impact that you've had , uh, over your history. And so that means a ton to me. I think it also means hopefully Be My Eyes is headed in the right direction and doing the right things. But I, I promise you, I I also think about our failures much more than our successes. And while I'm incredibly grateful to APH, there's so many things we need to do and so many more things we need to build. And , um, I'm looking forward to doing it. But , um, I feel like we , uh, I thank you to APH, but we got a lot more we have to do.
Sara Brown:Well, we're excited for the future. And before I let you go receive that award, is there anything else you would like to say? Whether it be about APH, Be My Eyes, anything in the future coming down the pipeline? Anything you wanna share?
Mike Buckley:Look, our our mission is to make the world more accessible for our community, right? And so we're committed to doing that, but we always want your feedback. We had 19,000 people test our AI product from the Blind and Low Vision community. And that , uh, that was wonderful. So give us your feedback. Try the products, please let me know. Uh, call me, text, email me at mike@bemyeyes.com.
Sara Brown:Awesome. Mike, thank you so much for coming on Change Makers and talking to me and enjoy the rest of your night. Thanks
Mike Buckley:A lot for having me. Take care.
Sara Brown:The next day was another special day of recognition. It was the Hall of Fame inductee ceremony for Leaders and Legends in the Blindness Field. This is an honor that is organized by leaders in the field established in 2001. The award is dedicated to preserving, honoring, and promoting the tradition of excellence manifested by the specific individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame. And through the history of outstanding services provided to people who are blind or low vision. This year's inductees were Carl Augusto and the late Dr . Verna Hart. Augusto served as the executive director of the American Foundation for the Blind from 1991 until his retirement in 2016. Under his leadership, AFB became the world's premier content provider for the blind on the web. Here's what he had to say about being inducted.
Carl Augusto:And I worked in the Blindness field, which I call the Blind Biz. Incidentally, for the 45 years I've worked and started as a rehabilitation counselor. And , um, then I got involved in administration and I figured I'm a better administrator than a rehab counselor. And all of my clients were , were my clients at rehab counseling. Agree with me. But anyway, then I became an administrator and I've worked , um, several organizations. And the last 25 years that I worked , uh, I was the president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, which was my dream job, Sara. Mm-hmm.
Sara Brown:<affirmative>.
Carl Augusto:So , um, I'm retired , uh, seven years ago.
Sara Brown:Wonderful. And you're getting an award here tonight. We are getting inducted into the Hall of Fame, which is huge, and the Legends and Leaders in the Blind Field . Can you talk about what that award means to you? Sure ,
Carl Augusto:Yeah. I, I feel that , um, I'm a student of the history of the Blind Biz. So , uh, I know the people that paved the way for , um, the field of blindness to be such an important part , uh, of the mainstream of life here in the United States and throughout the world. So, you know, I've learned so much about Helen Keller , um, and those who preceded me , uh, and the legacy that they , uh, made. So it's, it's a thrill to be included in the pantheon of those legends and leaders. Um, that , uh, it's , it's a wonderful honor and I'm thrilled to to be included in that group.
Sara Brown:And is there anything else you wanna say to out there, to anyone out there listening that's a future hall of famer in themselves or to anybody out there that's also in the Hall of Fame? It's an , it's a pretty elite club you're getting inducted into.
Carl Augusto:Yeah, I , I , I , I love the Blind blindness field and I hope more people get involved in serving blind and visually impaired people. Any from , uh, paraprofessionals to teachers, to administrators , um, making a career in the blindness field is a wonderful thing and I hope , uh, others , uh, will follow me and , um, and serve blind people the way I did.
Sara Brown:Awesome. Carl , congratulations and thank you so much for talking to me. Thank
Carl Augusto:You. Thanks Sara.
Sara Brown:And Dr. Verna Hart passed away in November of 2021. She was a special education teacher and administrator in various Michigan public school districts. She also joined the faculty of George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee as an assistant professor in 1967, where she coordinated programs on multiple handicaps in deaf-blind education. In the later phase of her career, she served as the project officer with the United States Department of Education, office of Special Education Programs and Division of Personnel Preparation. Her impact on thousands of students and teachers in these positions was profound. As we conclude this Annual Meeting recap, I would just like to say thank you to all who attended and thank you. If you agree to let me interview you for this podcast, we could not do it without you, and we're looking forward to seeing everyone again next year. If you're interested in submitting a piece of artwork for insights or you want more information or you'd like to nominate someone for the Hall of Fame, or you want to email Mike Buckley at Be My Eyes , I've put links to all of that information in the show notes, so be sure to check that out. Thank you so much for listening to this special episode of Changemakers and as always, be sure to look for ways you can be a changemaker this week.