Iowa Blind and Visually Impaired Childrens Support Group

01/29/2026

Since Zachary graduated high school. I don't get any information on events or activities through IDB or IESBVI. If you have any information on events that you would like me to share. Please let me know. Iowa Braille Challenge 2026 information is shown. We always enjoyed going to the braille challenge. In addition to the the Challenge, there was a huge effort to put on special events afterwards. These events were very special to the attendees and parents- allowing them to explore and learn about new topics - focused on them. It is a very special day. Good luck to all those participating in the Iowa Braille Challenge 2026!

2026 Iowa Regional Braille Challenge Saturday, February 14, 2026at the Iowa Department for the Blind524 ... Read more

09/28/2025

Zachary was back home from college for the weekend. Went exploring at Pipestone national park in Minnesota.

09/18/2025

New monthly video series from IDB

09/17/2025

News about IDB.

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/16/iowa-department-for-the-blind-orientation-center-policy-change-protest/86152516007/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM3khdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFpT2lBTkpXVVpKV1NGM01uAR5p4WJG_KZRbacyZzRgJ5C4HO2QNDd5D822pLMm-fi6YGfPFVBj1I4ZUPUCFQ_aem_Tiso3HLZnDatY2g9r_kYFw

An advocacy group for blind Iowans protested the Commission for the Blind's changes making learning shades optional in Iowa's blindness training.

09/15/2025

I just try to share the news and events that relate to blind individuals in Iowa. I am posting this for information - not taking sides - Brook Nolin

https://nfbi.org/blind-iowans-protest-misguided-leadership-iowa-department-blind-september-16?fbclid=IwY2xjawM1AkpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFyT0hSR3JGRDJhbnFQdUtXAR4td34coFKc8KcmQLSyHOtvp3Y_7nlzvfVpwO-L7sL3nCwiTMX1-NwnBs0IGQ_aem_F6XX4xAdAUIDrnnZdgTBVQ

09/06/2025

Happenings atIDB

06/09/2025

Ok, little bit of a ramble story here. We will see if you read to the end. How do you explain a casino to someone that can not see? You go to one and start explaining how things works. Zachary is now 18 and casino gambling is 21 in Iowa. Casino gambling is 18 in Minnesota. So we took a short drive up to Jackpot Junction in Minnesota to see what a casino is all about. Casino's have lots of sights, lots of sounds, lots of smoke and lots of unique people. There is a lot to explain about what a slot machine is, what the screen is showing, how to put money in, how to take out money, what buttons to push, what does a win sound like...etc. We stayed for an hour, walked around and had fun. Part of doing this is to have experiences just like everyone else. The second part of the story is not so great. On the way home from our trip we stopped at Kwik Trip in Windom MN. While there Zachary heard somone say that there was a "re**rd" over there (referring to Zachary). He told me once outside. To him it was no big deal - he says it happens all the time. To me it still aggravates me - I'm not as tough. Even after all these years I have to learn it's their loss to have such an opinion of people they have never met. Picture shows Zachary smiling in front of a slot machine.

05/08/2025

News on Iowa Department of the Blind

https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/2025-05-08/gov-reynolds-appoints-stacy-cervenka-lead-iowa-department-blind?fbclid=IwY2xjawKJ--FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFaelF2TWdrSDhZbXlvV011AR5-2ck710WyvWiB5UNUIYAt901unagCFBnsZMtjuot5BludI14STuoCeFKo-Q_aem_OtdL49mDH1ExL0aHkuLHTA

Today, Governor Kim Reynolds announced she has appointed Stacy Cervenka as Director of the Iowa Department for the Blind.

04/01/2025

Happy 100th birthday to Iowa Department of the Blind!

https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-department-for-the-blind-celebrates-100-years-of-empowerment/64330541?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&fbclid=IwY2xjawJY7ZRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdolc0TG3vMLKcE7drO9AaDKJFD6ADY6jo2fpG4txOS6EUbXC7kpealzjg_aem_qeuJgiHMlqN8LoRf8b2Xhg

The Iowa Department for the Blind is celebrating a special milestone this week. The agency has been making a difference for Iowans with blindness or low vision for 100 years.

03/13/2025

Don't forget about the Spring family conference coming up soon. Please see information in the link.

https://www.iesbvi.org/parent-resources/spring-family-conference/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI_pkRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZcZDI2krJtb8kFI-gNNj5FBe71E2WtT-g2YkJGDnWIzqRDQkI209FY_5A_aem_rlnZAuaXEzgVM_nEx5EKwg

Spring Family Conference (SFC) is an annual event hosted by IESBVI for the parents & families of Iowa students with visual impairments. Learn more.

03/13/2025

Thanks to the staff at IESBVI for making difference in kids lives. Brandon came up this evening for a swim lesson for swim team.

03/10/2025

If you see Zachary today. Wish him a happy 18th birthday. Just improvising a little piano.