Tina Prichard turned another year older on Oct 2, HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM DISTRICT 12.

On October 9 we had a district staff meeting at Grayson Lake State Park to celebrate the closing of another successful fiscal year. Allison Jessee was asked to attend share her thoughts on the Hispanic population in Kentucky and the effects this will have to our agency. She was very informative and helpful.

On October 28 we had Windmills Training. The Ashland district would like to congratulate Rita Vest and Tina Prichard for the excellent training session they provided. We all became more knowledgeable about “Attitudes & Disabilities.” Thanks Rita & Tina.

Submitted by Kim Blanton

Submitted by Anna Link


Florence

Melissa (Lisa) Lewis was born in Ft. Thomas and was raised in Laurel County. She graduated from Union College with a BS in Psychology and Sociology and an AS in Office Administration.. She joined the United States Air Force in 1995 and served until 2002, when she separated from active duty and joined the Air Force Reserves. Lisa joined the DVR team in Covington in September.

Kristen Mansfield is from Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from Grace College and Theological Seminary with a BS in Psychology. Kristen owns two horses and participates in horse back riding competitions. Kristen joined the DVR team in Florence also in September.

Two ladies in the Somerset office recently celebrated birthdays. Happy birthday to Carol Weber-November 9, and Jane Ann Botzman, November 11.

Jeanette Hawkins will soon be celebrating. She will graduate from Lindsey Wilson, with a BS in human services. Way to go Jeanette.

District 11, composed of the Harlan, Middlesboro, and Somerset offices, recently participated in staff training on rehabilitation technology.

Carol Weber, M.S., ATP, Rehabilitation Engineer, conducted a “hands-on” approach entitled “Rehab Technology You Can Do.” Counselors and assistants were actually involved in building their own assistive devices. Weber explained that many assistive devices needed by consumers could actually be built from items readily available in the local community at a large savings to the caseload budget. Jeanette Hawkins, Shirley Harber, and Carla Morrison were selected as having produced the best assistive devices. The group actually produced the following devices:
-- sock puller -- envelope holder
-- muscle massager -- mousepad for persons with carpal tunnel
-- book stand -- lap desk/tray
-- page turner -- alarm clocker winder
-- pressure point massager -- epoxy screws
-- epoxy tacks -- crutch-cane holder
-- file folder holder

Along with rehab tech training, other topics included:
-- Multiple Sclerosis
-- Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation
-- Documenting vocational goals
-- More effective case documentation

The training was considered to be a huge success. All staff was present and participated in the training. CRC and PRA credits were given.

Tracy VanHook of the Somerset office attended the Windmills training in Lexington, on September 3rd and 4th. Nationally known presenter Richard Pimentel conducted the training. Windmills is a high-impact, attitudinal training program developed by the California Governor’s Committee for Employment of Disabled Persons. Approximately 40 persons from the Department for the Blind and Department of Vocational Rehabilitation including the DVR commissioner, central office staff, field administrators, counselors, job placement specialists, and assistants, attended the “train the trainer” training (quickly say that three times).

Quotable quotes:
“Courage is the greatest of all the virtues, because if you haven’t courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.” - Samuel Jackson

“The only thing faster than the speed of light is the word of mouth.”

Submitted by Tracy VanHook

Several staff from our district attended the KRA Conference in Louisville on November 17, 18, and 19.

We hope everyone has a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

Submitted by Becky Horn