Time certainly passes quickly these days. I was reminded of this fact when I received my Notice of Successful Closure of my rehabilitation training program from Rehabilitation Teacher Sharon Luka. The notice also reminded me that eight months had passed since I attended the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (RCBVI) in Topeka. Therefore, I think it is time to report on how things are going with me.

My stay at the RCBVI was a wonderful learning experience. The staff members at the Center are a marvelous group of people. They showed me the assistive technology skills needed for me to maintain maximum independence and they taught me how to use them. I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive this training.

Following my return home from the RCBVI Sharon Luka scheduled regular visits with me for further training. I appreciated her help with my computer.

Also, following my return, a new company in McPherson named Out Front Technology offered to help me obtain a computer equipped with JAWS and Word programs. They also provided the technical service needed to get the software running. Since they are planning to open a training program for professional people who are employed but have become blind they offered to try their 12 week beginner's course on me to test it. I graduated head of the class, but I have to admit I was the only one in the class.

My next goal is to obtain a scanner and the software for the Open Book program from the veterans Affairs Administration.

Before I conclude this report I must acknowledge all of the help provided to me by my most significant person, my wife Joyce. Without her patience and strong encouragement all of this could not have happened.

It takes a lot of kind, wonderful people to rehabilitate the blind and visually impaired.

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