Hadley Connection The Hadley School for the Blind Student Newsletter Spring 2010 Hadley celebrates 90 years! The Hadley School for the Blind proudly celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. William Hadley might never have imagined how far his concept of “braille by mail” would progress. But here we are—the leading braille educator and the largest provider of distance education for individuals who are blind or visually impaired throughout the world. The ability to engage in lifelong learning certainly has advanced since Mr. Hadley founded the school in 1920 with his neighbor and friend, Dr. E.V.L. Brown. “Braille by mail” is now also “braille by email.” The school boasts 100 courses, one-third of which are online as part of our eHadley Initiative. In addition, Hadley is utilizing new technologies such as digital talking books. We are responding to our students’ needs for new curriculum focused on finding employment, entrepreneurship and leadership while continuing to provide the highest quality braille instruction. Our free, online Seminars@Hadley is expanding in popularity with timely new topics each month. Several are now available for continuing education credit for blindness professionals. From our first student—a Kansas housewife—to the more than 10,000 students we serve each year in more than 100 countries, Hadley has thrived by meeting its mission to promote independence and lifelong learning. We are confident that you, as a Hadley student, are thriving as well—studying different subjects, mastering new skills, gaining confidence from your experiences and, for some of you, earning a high school diploma. Help us celebrate our anniversary by continuing to take advantage of all that Hadley offers—and take a moment to encourage others to learn how they can benefit from our incredible school that began with just one student 90 years ago! Best regards, Charles E. Young, President Inside 2-4 Meet Hadley’s 2009 Student Award Winners 4 Hadley Receives RSA Commissioner’s Award, Federal Grant for Braille Training 5 Hadley News Briefs Dr. Dean Tuttle Honored 6-7 Curriculum Corner: New Ways to Listen to Hadley Courses 7 Bits & Bytes: Digital Talking Book Courses Hadley Bids Adieu to Joan Binder 8 Family Matters: Right for the Eyes and Right for the Fingers 9 FAQs Hadley Receives American Express Grant for New Executive Leadership Institute 10-11 A Matter of Course: A Conversation with Hadley Instructor Ed Haines 11 Hounds for Hadley Has Its Best Year! The articles in Connection are for information only and in no way endorse one service or product over another. Meet Hadley’s 2009 Student Award Winners President’s Award Urban Miyares, California Urban Miyares, a blinded Vietnam veteran and founder of the Disabled Businesspersons Association (DBA), was the recipient of The Hadley School for the Blind 2009 President’s Award for his service to the blindness community. An entrepreneur for more than 40 years and one of the nation’s leading authorities on self-employment for individuals with disabilities, Mr. Miyares helps people maximize their potential in the business world. Since 1985, the DBA, an international nonprofit organization, has helped more than 12,000 people with disabilities develop and implement successful business practices. Mr. Miyares also provides business information, assistance and networking opportunities through his involvement with the Veterans Business Resource Center. In 2009, Mr. Miyares and Chuck Young presented a free online seminar for Hadley students and community called “Successful Business Ownership.” “Hadley was one of the first resources introduced to me by the Veterans Administration after I went blind,” says Mr. Miyares. “To be recognized by the school shows me how far I have come in the blindness and business communities.” Brenda Rice, Tennessee STUDENT OF THE YEAR Brenda has worked as an animal behavior expert and clinical therapist in private practice. She hosted a PBS show called “Training Your Dog” that aired in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina. She also hosted numerous four-minute spots on pet tips called “Top Dogs, Fat Cats” that aired on PBS. In addition to her television work, she wrote a monthly column for Dog World Magazine and a weekly column about pets for the York Observer. She recently lost her vision and discovered Hadley through Human Services for the Blind in Tennessee. “Hadley’s courses have strengthened my resolve to be independent and given me a new perspective on life,” Brenda says. “I have now created new goals, whether it is projects I am working on or emotional issues to overcome. With the school’s innovative ideas and use of current technology, people who are blind have so many opportunities to advance themselves, both personally and professionally.” Brenda is currently working on a cookbook and a mystery novel. She enjoys teaching and speaking on various subjects, as well as conducting Bible Study classes. Arpit Jain, India INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR Arpit works as a teacher in a government-owned school. He holds B.A. degrees in history, political science and economics, as well as an M.A. in Hindi literature. Arpit was born blind and began taking Hadley courses in 2002. “Braille was not available to me in mainstream schools,” he says. “My mother made recorded textbooks for me and devotedly helped me prepare my notes.” One of Arpit’s many goals is to join the Indian Administrative Service. He plans to learn technology for producing audio books in regional languages. He also aspires to start a braille library. Jacqueline Anderson, Illinois BRAILLE STUDENT OF THE YEAR Jacqueline was diagnosed at 21 with retinitis pigmentosa, but worked as a nurse and elementary school teacher’s aide for many years before her vision began to significantly deteriorate. She began taking Hadley courses in 2006 with a focus on braille literacy. “When I started learning braille, my goal was to become more aware of the ways I could use my tactile sense to function efficiently in daily life,” she says. “It wasn’t long before I was captivated by the fun of it. It was like a puzzle, just waiting for me to work out. My goals changed when I realized that I could eventually learn to read stories to my grandchildren. The courses I have taken through Hadley have reinforced the concept that with perseverance, one can accomplish goals that may have seemed unattainable. That is probably the most valuable thing that I have learned at Hadley.” Jacqueline volunteers at the Spectrios Institute for Low Vision, the DuPage Center for Independent Living and her church. Supriya Desai, Colorado ROBERT J. WINN FAMILY EDUCATION AWARD Supriya was selected for the Family Education Award for her efforts to educate herself and her family about her daughter Ayushi’s visual impairment. Ayushi, now 5, was diagnosed with cataracts and cerebral palsy as an infant. Supriya heard about Hadley from the Anchor Center for Blind Children in Denver when Ayushi was six months old. She enrolled in 2004 and has completed seven courses in Hadley’s Family Education Program, which offers coursework free of charge to individuals with family members who have a visual impairment. “Hadley courses touched on every aspect of life with a child with a visual impairment,” Supriya says. “It was helpful to get tips on how to bond with Ayushi and develop her social skills. I can do coursework at home at my own pace and the courses are very easy to understand and follow. Hadley instructors go above and beyond to help you overcome any obstacle.” In Supriya’s spare time, she creates accessible toys and brailles labels and simple children’s books for Ayushi. She also works from home as a freelance graphic designer. Faye Miller, Oklahoma DEAN W. TUTTLE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AWARD Faye began working at the Oklahoma School for the Blind, in Muskogee, as a math teacher 10 years ago. She felt overwhelmed by the challenges of teaching students with a variety of needs. As she progressed through the curriculum for the first time, she searched for resources to help her stay ahead of her students. She found Hadley’s Abacus courses and enrolled. “In every Hadley course I’ve taken I have learned skills specific to teaching students with visual impairments,” Faye says. “The information I learned from Hadley kept me two steps ahead of my students. Paraprofessionals, special education teachers and others can all benefit from the increased knowledge offered through Hadley.” Faye believes in Hadley’s mission of lifelong learning and encourages her students to do the same. In addition to her teaching duties, she co-coaches the school’s Academic Team, giving students the opportunity to compete against their non-disabled peers. Last year, her school placed 7th out of 95 class A schools. Patricia Ann Bulko, Michigan RICHARD KINNEY CHALLENGE OF LIVING AWARD Patricia has taken Hadley courses since 2002, when she was diagnosed with macular degeneration. In addition to her visual impairment, she has Meniere’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear, and wears two hearing aids. The Richard Kinney Award is given each year to a student with multiple disabilities who displays outstanding courage and educational initiative. Patricia worked for years in a variety of careers including legal assistant, librarian and music teacher. She also enjoys writing poetry. Her Hadley coursework reflects a wide variety of interests, including braille courses, “Internet Basics” and “Container Gardening.” “Hadley courses have enriched my life,” Patricia says. “I recommend that anyone interested in taking a Hadley course enroll today. You will be so pleased.” Teresa K. Wilson, Ohio DONALD WING HATHAWAY LIFELONG LEARNING AWARD Teresa began taking Hadley courses in 1982 when multiple sclerosis began to affect her vision. She was referred to Hadley by the Cincinnati Association for the Blind. Through that program she met Dave Lewis, a reading volunteer, who would serve as her tutor for Hadley coursework. Teresa’s favorite subjects are science and history. “The teachers at Hadley have always been just a phone call or email away,” she says. “They always have their students’ interests at heart. Julie Kay is one such instructor. I have taken many history courses under her close scrutiny. She is a gem and I wouldn’t know what to do without her helpful attitude and assistance. The coursework is hard, but fun, and very satisfying.” Teresa lives in the Beechwood Home, a beautiful wheelchair community. She enjoys Tai Chi, assisting with musical programs and calling Bingo once a week for her friends. She continues to explore new frontiers of learning and is always enrolled in a Hadley course. “Hadley has turned me into a lifelong student,” she says. “I have benefitted from new knowledge which has made continuing education an activity that I truly enjoy.” Hadley Receives RSA Commissioner’s Award, Federal Grant for Braille Training The Hadley School for the Blind has received the prestigious Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Commissioner’s Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation Education and Training. The award was given in recognition of Hadley’s ongoing commitment to braille instruction and its innovative braille teaching and training. “Hadley has been teaching braille reading and writing for 90 years to students around the globe,” said Hadley Senior Vice President Dawn Turco, who accepted the award on behalf of the school. “By offering braille instruction at a distance with personalized attention from highly qualified instructors, we are doing something unlike any other organization.” Hadley also received another five-year government grant to continue providing braille education to professionals in the field. Thanks to the grant, Hadley’s “Introduction to Braille” and “Contracted Braille” courses for professionals will remain free of charge. To learn more about Hadley’s braille courses, visit www.hadley.edu. Hadley News Briefs Hadley and ACVREP Team Up to Offer Courses and Seminars for CEUs You’ve long known the value of Hadley’s distance education courses. Did you know about the wealth of ACVREP-approved Hadley courses available for continuing education credits leading to your professional VRT certification? Hadley has partnered with ACVREP to offer the following courses (by category) to help you remain current in the field, upgrade your skills and obtain important certification credits. Braille Introduction to Braille Contracted Braille Basic Nemeth Code The Eye and Eye Diseases The Human Eye Diabetes: Toward Self-Management Glaucoma Macular Degeneration Independent Living, Adjustment and Employment Independent Living Self-Esteem and Adjusting with Blindness Self-Help Groups: Advanced Topics Finding Employment Archived Seminars@Hadley approved for ACVREP credit Accessible GPS Overview and Comparison Age Related Macular Degeneration: Current Research and Treatments The Braille Literacy Crisis Courses are accessible in one or more of the following formats: large print, audio, braille or online. To learn more or to enroll, call 800-323-4238 or visit www.hadley.edu. Hadley is applying for a continuation of ACVREP credits, and more courses and seminars will be added. Visit the ACVREP Web site at www.acvrep.org for the most up-to-date listing of Hadley courses offered for credit. Hadley Hosts Reaccreditation Team On September 23, 2009, Hadley was host to a six-member Reaccreditation Examining Team, a visit that takes place every five years. This on-site review is a key component of the school’s reaccreditation bid. The Hadley School is a fully accredited member of the Distance Education and Training Council and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. The school has maintained uninterrupted accreditation since 1958. Hadley-USU Course Development Near Completion In partnership with Utah State University, Hadley has completed five of its six courses for college-level credit for professionals and paraprofessionals working with visually impaired children in the classroom. For more information, visit www.hadley.edu/utahhadley.asp. Dr. Dean Tuttle Honored Congratulations to Dr. Dean Tuttle, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field in October at APH’s 141st Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. Tuttle has been a longtime advisor to the Hadley School. Curriculum Corner By Michael Rydel, Dean of Curricular Affairs New Ways to Listen to Hadley Courses Hadley offers courses online and in braille, large print and audio. For students who love to listen to their courseware, the school uses a variety of new technology, including: DAISY Digital Talking Books (DTB) Online Audio Files Seminars@Hadley and Podcasts These methods of automating sound allow Hadley to deliver courses in an accessible format. DAISY Digital Talking Books DAISY stands for “Digital Accessible Information System” and is a way of creating digital talking books for people who wish to hear and navigate written material in an audible format. There are two types of DTBs. The first is a tagged text file that works on a computer with a DAISY navigation program and has a “Text to Speech” capability, or on a DTB device. The second is a “real voice” audio DTB, usually in an MP3 format, which is tagged for navigation. Both types of DTBs can be played on a device like the Victor Reader Stream or the new NLS player. You can also play the “real voice” DTB on a computer. Hadley uses “real voice” audio DTBs. What makes digital talking books so special is that users can navigate through the text using a sequential and hierarchical structure of marked-up text. In other words, the DAISY format allows you to jump to specific pages marked by page headers. It also gives you the ability to navigate an audio DTB based on your specific device’s navigational programming. DTB books are superior to regular audio books because they use embedded navigation levels to present either human voices or synchronized text to speech to read text aloud. As a result, DTB books enable the listener who is blind to go to the next or previous sentence, paragraph, page or lesson. You’ll notice that many of our courses have new media codes. DTB stands for “Digital Talking Book.” Courses in this medium are mailed to the student on an NLS cartridge or via a standard USB thumb drive. DTB-DL stands for “Digital Talking Book – Download.” Courses offered in this medium are available for download to a student’s computer from the Hadley Web site. As of February 2010 these Hadley courses are available in DTB format: COM-101: Business Communications BUS-101: Business Fundamentals BBS-202: Business Writing CRE-091: Chess for Beginners GAR-101: Container Gardening EMP-101: Finding Employment LDR-401: Leadership and Management 1 (Study Guide is download only) (Special Entrance Permission Required) EIL-411: Foods: Meat, Poultry, and Fish EIL-451: Foods: A Social Perspective GDG-101: Guide Dogs LIT-101: Literature: Fiction ENG-121: Punctuation KEY-101: Typing and Keyboarding HST-101: U.S. History: Discovery to the Jacksonian Era HST-111: U.S. History: The Nineteenth Century For students with access to a computer, Hadley offers other formats that emphasize audio. Online Audio Files In many of our new eHadley courses, we have embedded audio files that present real-life and enhanced audio experiences for our students. For example, you’ll find audio files in our “Blindness Basics,” “Business Writing” and “Business Communications” courses. These eHadley courses use audio files to make the learning experience realistic and enable students to apply what they learn to real-life situations. The third and fourth Hadley audio offerings are Seminars@Hadley and Podcasts. Seminars@Hadley and Podcasts Hadley is now using the new version of Talking Communities tcConference software to deliver live audio lectures and discussions to students with access to the Internet. Anyone can simply register to hear one of our live Seminars@Hadley and tune in at the scheduled time. Past Seminars@Hadley are archived on our Web site as podcasts, digital audio files that can be streamed or downloaded to your computer. For a complete list of Hadley’s audio courses, seminars and podcasts, visit www.hadley.edu or contact Student Services at 800-526-9909. Bits & Bytes Using Digital Talking Book Courses To keep pace with today’s changing technology horizon, Hadley is now offering many of its courses in DAISY Digital Talking Book (DTB) format, available for download from the Hadley Web site. These courses are also available on removable media such as USB flash drives and NLS cartridges. DAISY DTB format enables a student to navigate audio content as they would a print book. For example, students can navigate the course by lessons and sections or use a table of contents, as opposed to relying on tone indexing as on audiocassettes. Before enrolling in one of our DTB courses, you will need a digital talking book player or a software program capable of playing a digital audio book. Hadley DTB courses are tested with the HumanWare Victor Reader Stream hardware and APH BookWizard Reader software players, as well as the NLS Talking Book Player. For additional DTB resources and information about software and hardware players, visit www.daisy.org. Once you obtain a player, you can download a small sample digital talking book at www.hadley.edu/dtb. If you can play this sample, you should be able to play our DTB courses. If you wish to enroll in one of our DTB courses, contact Student Services at Student_Services@hadley.edu or via OASIS. Because DTBs are comprised of several files, Hadley DTB courses are distributed in a compressed or zipped format, which produces a single file for easier handling. You will need to decompress (or unzip) the books and then load them into your DTB player. For DTB-Download media, we recommend a high-speed broadband Internet connection, due to the large DTB file size. Detailed instructions for downloading and using DTB files are provided upon enrollment. Help desk assistance is also available to students taking Hadley courses in digital formats. For a complete list of Hadley’s DTB courses, visit www.hadley.edu. Hadley Bids Adieu to Joan Binder On October 31, 2009, Joan Binder retired from Hadley after 37 years as a braille instructor. Binder made her mark at Hadley writing braille courses such as “Relevant Braille” and “Essentials of Nemeth.” In 1975, Hadley named her “Teacher of the Year” for her work on the Nemeth Course. Binder says she will miss working with the Hadley students and instructors she has befriended. “Hadley students are wonderful people,” she says. “Many of them are so desperate to learn, and I’ve given them everything I’ve got.” Family Matters Martha Pamperin, Instructor Right for the Eyes and Right for the Fingers Ms. Markem struggled to read the labels on her family’s music albums. As her vision continued to deteriorate, she decided it was time to make braille labels so she could easily locate the albums she wanted. She bought sheets of clear plastic with self-adhesive backing and, as a friend read the titles to her, brailled the information on the plastic. After placing the labels on the album covers, they congratulated each other on a job well done! Trouble began when other family members began to listen to music, too. After they returned an album, Ms. Markem could not find the braille label on it and often had to remove each album and turn it around in order to find the one she wanted. Of course, her family members then accused her of replacing the albums incorrectly—causing frustration throughout the household! So, Ms. Markem decided to redo many of the album braille labels using the following procedure. It is one that she highly recommends because it is “right for the eyes and right for the fingers.” She is also happy to report that it restored peace in the family. First, put the albums on a shelf or in a storage bin or rack, so that the titles are right-side up and easy for a sighted person to see. Then, using your preferred reading hand, grasp an album as if to pick it up. Stop right there! Notice where your reading fingers are. That is the side of the album where the braille label should be placed. If your fingers are on the left side, attach the label along the front edge of that side. The bottom of the letters will be near the front edge. Read the label by moving upward along the front edge with fingers pointing away from you. If your fingers are on the back, place the label on the back with the bottom of the letters near the top edge. Read left to right with palm toward you and fingers pointing down. If your fingers are on the right side, place the label along the front edge of the right side with the bottom of the letters near the front edge. Read by moving the fingers down with fingers pointing away from you. Being of a certain age, Ms. Markem began braille labeling by marking vinyl record albums and books. Now that she has grandchildren, her shelves are full of CDs, DVDs, videos and even video games. She labels these and many other items in braille, placing each where it will be readily found by her fingers! Below are sources for braille label-making materials: American Thermoform Corp. 800-331-3676 www.americanthermoform.com Future Aids: The Braille Superstore 800-987-1231 www.futureaids.com Independent Living Aids, LLC. 800-537-2118 www.independentliving.com Maxi-Aids, Inc. 800-522-6294 www.maxiaids.com Family members, consider enrolling in these free Hadley courses: DPF-101: Independent Living URM-111: Using Raised Markers IBR-111: Introduction to Braille FAQs Answers to frequently asked questions by our students Q: Can I email lessons to my instructor? A: Absolutely! We encourage the submission of email assignments. All Hadley instructors have email addresses to ensure direct delivery and expedited receipt of student assignments. Visit www.hadley.edu for a listing of instructor email addresses, or contact Student Services at Student_Services@hadley.edu. Q: What is my user name and password for OASIS? A: When you register for our Online Automated Student Information System (OASIS), you will be prompted to create a user name and password. This password protection ensures that your school records remain confidential. Before you begin the registration process, contact Student Services to provide your current email address. Then, you may register at www.hadley.edu. Q: Are all Hadley courses offered online? A: Although more and more courses are being offered online, not all Hadley courses are available in this format. Most courses are available in large print, braille and audio. However, you are encouraged to submit assignments directly to your instructor using email. For a complete listing of our online courses, visit www.hadley.edu. Hadley Receives American Express Grant for New Executive Leadership Institute The Hadley School received a $20,000 grant from the American Express Foundation for a new Executive Leadership Institute that kicked off this winter. Fifteen applicants were selected to participate in this intensive training program. A collaboration between Hadley and the World Blind Union, the initiative is a two-year academic program designed to address the potential for blind individuals to assume leadership positions in government, nonprofits and private sector organizations. The program includes tips, testimonials and best practices from blind and visually impaired CEOs and others who have grown in their careers to the highest level. “The Leadership Institute represents a new direction for Hadley. It is the first time we are offering such advanced education and professional training,” said Hadley President Chuck Young. “With American Express’ support, we are providing emerging leaders with an opportunity to learn and grow in their fields and also spotlighting future leaders who will model the way by showing the world the capabilities of individuals who are blind.” In addition to general research-based leadership training, the program addresses leadership issues that are unique to the blindness field. The Institute features distance education courses, online seminars and discussions. Each student will also identify a personal mentor for coaching and support. A world- class advisory group comprised of national and international leaders in the blindness field will help guide the students and serve as adjunct faculty. “American Express is pleased to support the Hadley School’s Executive Leadership Institute,” said Timothy McClimon, president of the American Express Foundation. “A major focus of our philanthropic program is developing the leaders of tomorrow, and we look forward to the powerful impacts the Executive Leadership Institute alumni will have on the public and private sector.” A Matter of Course A Conversation with Hadley Instructor Ed Haines Q: When did you begin teaching at Hadley, and what is your professional background? A: I joined the Hadley School as a part-time instructor in July 2003. Having worked in the field of rehabilitation for more than 20 years, I began my career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the State of Indiana. Currently, I serve as both a vocational rehabilitation counselor and a vision rehabilitation therapist for the State of Michigan. My master’s degree is in Rehabilitation Teaching from Western Michigan University. Q: You teach “Safety in the Home” and “Personal Safety: Self-Defense Strategies.” Why should someone enroll in these courses? A: Everyone should, at some time, enroll in Hadley’s safety courses. Most of us know something about emergency preparedness—most disaster preparation is a matter of common sense. But, for the majority of us, there is a gap between what we know about home safety and what we put into practice. “Safety in the Home” does a terrific job of assisting students in assembling and organizing the safety information they already have available. They also learn to create a plan to form their own comprehensive emergency preparedness strategy. Planning is the key to safety at any level. This course helps the student design important and diverse strategies, such as preparing an emergency contact list, assembling a first aid kit, identifying fire precautions and preparing for such natural disasters as earthquakes, tornados or floods. “Personal Safety: Self-Defense Strategies” is based upon an excellent textbook, “Safe Without Sight: Crime Prevention and Self-Defense Strategies for People Who Are Blind.” The course offers a progression of concepts ranging from general safety practices to specific self-defense techniques. It is exciting to teach because I believe it has made a difference for many people in how they approach issues such as assertiveness, boundary setting and personal confidence. I do a lot of supplemental training with students to make sure they have mastered the concepts. Knowing what to do when confronted with a harmful situation can often make the difference between becoming a victim or being a survivor. Q: You also teach “Container Gardening.” What is covered in that course? A: “Container Gardening” is a wonderful, fun new course. The text engages my students, and the course is brimming with information and presents gardening as a fun, relaxing and rewarding pastime. Gardening is a different experience for each student, and one of the interesting aspects of teaching this course is observing how much variety and creativity each student brings to his or her own vision of this terrific hobby. I teach a range of students, from those who live on farms complete with fruit orchards and truck gardens to those who live in nursing homes and proudly cultivate tomatoes in a few pots on a patio. The text completely covers the basics and gives students the tools they need to plant and grow their own vegetables, flowers and herbs. If students are particularly interested in one aspect of gardening, I work with them to identify additional resources that can enhance their growing project. Q: What do you most enjoy about teaching? A: I have the opportunity to directly represent Hadley’s values to the students we serve. I provide a voice and human contact to students all over the world who are looking to expand their levels of independence. As a long-time student of martial arts, an avid gardener and a blindness professional, I bring a unique set of skills to the courses I teach, while conveying my enthusiasm for each subject. Students who take my courses look for professional and compassionate instruction, and Hadley provides me with the necessary support to accomplish this. I want my students to finish their courses with a sense of pride in the realization that they have mastered new skills and have become part of the Hadley community of learners. Nothing gets in the way of our teacher/student relationship despite the many miles between us. My experience with Hadley carries over to my full-time job, and I am a better vocational rehabilitation counselor and vision rehabilitation teacher because of it. An added advantage of teaching for Hadley is the opportunity to work with the Hadley faculty and staff. I am always impressed by their level of professionalism. Q: What have your students taught you? A: I am often amazed at the depth of knowledge and experience my students bring to their coursework. I always encourage them to contribute any insight or material that I can pass along to future learners. In this way, they take part in the instructional process and help keep the course material vibrant and interesting. Taking a Hadley course is a commitment of time and energy, and my students teach me over and over again that dedication to lifelong learning is a priceless investment! Hounds for Hadley Has Its Best Year! Our 4th annual “Hounds for Hadley” dog walk, presented by Harris Bank Winnetka and Hadley’s Young Visionaries, brought costumed dogs and their owners out on October 24 for a two-mile walk complete with trick or treating, raffle prizes, refreshments, vendor booths and more. In addition to 110 registrants, the walk attracted 20 sponsors, double that of previous years. Congratulations to Stephanie Miller and Andrea Conner for being our “Top Dogs” (largest fundraisers), and thanks to everyone who joined us. With community support, we raised more than $17,000 toward Hadley’s distance education programs. Mark your calendars for the 5th annual Hounds for Hadley walk October 23, 2010! Go online and go green! Hadley is trying to save paper (and trees) and reduce printing costs so that our resources can go further on your behalf. If you currently receive a hard copy of Connection and would prefer to receive it electronically, please send an email to student_services@hadley.edu. Please include the word “Connection” in your subject line. Thanks! Have you recently moved or changed your email address? Please send an email to student_services@hadley.edu with your new contact information. The Hadley School for the Blind 700 Elm Street Winnetka, IL 60093-2554 USA Phone: 847-446-8111 Toll-free: 800-323-4238 Fax: 847-446-0855 www.hadley.edu email: info@hadley.edu Our mission: To promote independent living through lifelong, distance education programs for people who are blind or visually impaired, their families and blindness service providers.