ICUB is starting the new year with a strong focus on advocacy. A few weeks ago, we formed a new group to help represent the interests of our membership and to stay connected with legislators and partners on the issues that matter to our community. The group has already been active, identifying priorities for our upcoming Day at the Capitol and organizing the event. We also received a grant from the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council to support the cost of transportation, lunch, and legislative training for that day.

Our advocacy priorities include advocating for accessible absentee ballots, promoting accessible prescription labeling, supporting Work Without Worry legislation, and emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Department as a stand-alone agency, as well as securing its funding. The resolutions related to accessible absentee ballots and accessible prescription labeling were passed by our membership at our State Convention last August. These issues directly affect independence, safety, and equal access.

In collaboration with NFBI, ICUB’s advocacy group organized a conference call with Democracy Live, a provider of remote voting technologies. This session was open to anyone who wished to attend, giving them a platform to ask questions and participate in a live demonstration of the Democracy Live system. The call helped attendees become more informed about accessible voting technology.

In summary, our other priorities include: Work Without Worry, which ensures that individuals who rely on essential benefits can pursue employment without putting those supports at risk. Additionally, as lawmakers work toward balancing the state budget this year, it is especially crucial that they understand how important the Iowa Department for the Blind’s services are to blind Iowans and why both its resources and stand-alone structure are critical.

In addition to these efforts, Carrie Chapman, Paulette Hezeltine Monthei, a Certified ADA Coordinator, and Kolby Garrison, ACB Accessibility & Training Services Coordinator, have been working with the Hy Vee technology team to improve accessibility within the Hy Vee grocery app. While this will be a long term process, we are already beginning to see changes that allow blind and low vision users to access the same features and benefits available to all consumers.

Following our ICUB State Capitol Day, we will shift our attention to preparing for the ACB Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., taking place March 6-10. Approximately six of our members are planning to attend. ACB’s national level priorities will remain the same as last year with continued progress being made. These priorities include the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act; the Website and Software Applications Accessibility Act; and the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act. We will also be holding a conference call in February, open to all, to review these priorities and discuss how members at home can participate in and support these national advocacy campaigns.

If you are interested in becoming involved in our advocacy efforts or would like to learn more about our activities, please reach out to us at our website: president@icublind.org .

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Save the Date

By the ICUB Convention Planning Committee

The 2026 Iowa Council of the United Blind Conference and Convention will be held August 28 and 29, 2026.

It will take place at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 4800 Merle Hay Road, Urbandale, Iowa.

Hotel reservations can now be made by calling 515-278-4755. Room rates are $109.00 per night plus tax. Be sure to mention you are attending the ICUB Convention to receive the group rate.

Watch for additional information coming soon. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

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Discover the Joy of Movement with Team Run Free And the Synergy Program

By Bettina Dolinsek

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be part of a team that celebrates movement, community, and pure joy, I’d love to introduce you to something close to my heart: Team Run Free and our growing Synergy Program. Team Run Free began with a simple but powerful mission: making racing accessible to everyone. Using adaptive run carts, the program opens the door to people who might not otherwise be able to participate in racing events. Over time, that mission expanded and the Synergy Program was born.

Synergy pairs blind and low vision athletes with volunteer guides, creating partnerships that make running not only possible but fun, empowering, and something which builds deep connections. I’m honored to help lead this program, and I can tell you firsthand that the energy in this group is something special. Many of our athletes want to keep moving long after race season ends, and our community has grown into a space where people train together, cheer each other on, and build friendships that stretch far beyond the finish line.

And here’s the best part—you don’t have to be a runner to join us. We welcome walkers, aspiring runners, seasoned athletes, and anyone who simply enjoys being active with others. Some members are working toward running their first mile, while others prefer a relaxed guided walk. Every pace and every goal has a place here.

We recently launched a weekly run club on Tuesday evenings at 5:00 pm. During the colder months, you’ll find us at the downtown YMCA, warming up together and then heading out (or staying inside) for about an hour of movement, conversation, and plenty of laughter.

Want to join us? If you’ve ever thought about guiding, getting more active, or just connecting with a fun and supportive group, we would love to have you. Truly, our community grows stronger with every new person who joins. Feel free to reach out to me if you’re curious, excited, or interested, but just a little bit unsure. I’m always happy to chat and help you find your place in the group.

• Bettina Dolinsek – Dolinsek.bettina@gmail.com

• Kevin Hurcock – teamrunfree@gmail.com

Come run, walk, or hang out with us. You might be surprised by how much joy you find along the way.

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Gratitude

By Norma Boge

My heart today, and every day, is filled with gratitude for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). Specifically, I am so grateful for the HumanWare eReader.

I live in Iowa, and the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled was among the first to distribute the eReader. It was the summer of 2020, and I remember thinking the timing was perfect, given the uncertainty and anxiety that came with life during a pandemic.

I was so excited to unpack the device and start exploring its features. Although I’ve been a Braille user for thirty plus years, the eReader was my first refreshable display. As I learned how it worked, I recall thinking that now I really did have the world at my fingertips.

My eReader is my constant companion. For me, reading Braille really makes time fly. Doctor’s appointments, ride shares, and any other time I have to wait, I’m always grateful I can so easily read wherever I am.

This past summer, I was on my way to the airport for my flight to Dallas when I discovered I had forgotten my cherished eReader. I couldn’t believe I had left it behind. I had documents on it I had specifically prepared to use at the annual ACB Conference and Convention, like which exhibitors I wanted to visit and which meetings I wanted to attend. What to do? Would I be able to fall asleep without reading Braille? I felt like I had left part of me behind. Not having my eReader was particularly difficult while waiting in airports. I managed with my VR Stream and phone, but time did anything but speed by.

I’m always amazed at the growing array of assistive technology available to us as blind and low vision persons. We now have more access to the world around us than ever before. And I love all of it! But again, much of my gratitude goes to the NLS for providing us with the eReader. I read more and have gotten quite a bit faster reading Braille in the five years I’ve had the device. I enjoy reading in public, and I’m especially proud to show off the eReader and how I can now read virtually anywhere.

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A Beautiful Place

By Karen Keninger

I was recently asked this question: “What is one of the most beautiful places you have ever been?”

I hesitate to answer. I’ve been a lot of places considered beautiful in the conventional (usually visual) sense. Do I choose the dunes of the Sahara or the rainforest of Costa Rica? Or the Rocky Mountains, or the sunrise over the ocean? What makes a place beautiful? And more to the point, what makes a place beautiful to me?

It’s the stories, the understanding, the details, the touch, the smell, the taste, the sounds of a place--all contribute to my experience.

When I travel, I want to know as much as I can about the places I go. What is the history of this place? What are its unique stories? Who lives here? How do they live? What forces have shaped their lives? And my stories. Who am I with? What is the vibe?

I can’t take in the entirety of a scene, but I can focus on a piece of it. That particular strangler fig enclosing that particular tree with that exact orchid clinging to it and that bird in its upper branches. This specific pillar of rock sculpted by the desert wind.

It’s the sounds of a place--thunder in the mountains, a train whistle echoing off a canyon wall, wind in the trees, a bird calling, a mosquito buzzing. It’s the feel of the wind on my face, the sensation of a wooly bear caterpillar on my palm, a soft, beautifully knit sweater.

It’s the taste of luscious figs, Turkish coffee, borsht, local wine. It’s the authentic smell of a pine forest in Mississippi, the ocean at Half-Moon Bay or the smell of corn ripening.

Kinetic experience adds another dimension to the place. Bouncing along on a dog sled, Feeling a little monkey grab my cane. Climbing a path to a waterfall, walking on a lava field, leaning over a railing to feel the wind rising from the canyon below.

It’s the words and the voices of my companions giving me their impressions of the place as well, and their hands guiding me to further discoveries.

What makes a place beautiful for you?

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Winter Programming

at the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

By Sarah Willeford

This winter, the Library is excited to announce some new programs, along with some returning favorites. Check out these offerings.

Shake off the winter chill and brighten your day with our cozy Virtual Coffee Hour held on Zoom! Join us for a relaxing, conversation-filled break where you can sip your favorite warm drink, connect with others, and enjoy a little lift during the colder months. This informal gathering is the perfect chance to unwind, share stories, meet new people, and feel part of a friendly community—all from the comfort of home.

Bring your coffee, tea, cocoa, or whatever warms your hands and heart. Whether you’re looking for company, conversation, or just a cheerful way to start your day, our Virtual Coffee Hour is here to help you beat the winter blues.

Virtual Coffee Hour will be held every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and Friday at 2:00 p.m. until the end of February. Contact the library to get the Zoom link or the call-in number. No registration is necessary. We can’t wait to see you there!

Peek-A-Box is returning! Get ready to explore the globe one city at a time. We invite you to travel through the pages of exciting books set in Olympic host cities from around the world. Each month, participating patrons will receive a cartridge of specially curated books set in that month’s Olympic host city. As the year unfolds, readers will build their passports, fill them with stamps, and discover new cultures, iconic locations, and inspiring stories connected to the legacy of the Olympic Games. Peek-A-Box encourages reading, exploration, and a sense of adventure—no plane ticket required.

It’s never too late to sign up to participate in Peek-A-Box. Contact the library to begin your adventures.

Music Introduction and Exploration classes have begun for our young patrons, ages eight to fourteen. Throughout January and February, instructors from the Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School have joined us for an eight-week course that includes a mix of theory, listening, analysis, and performance. Students are engaging with music that interests them while also exploring new genres.

Save the date for the Twentieth Annual Iowa Regional Braille Challenge on February 14, 2026! The theme this year is “Love, Braille.” The Braille Challenge is a program sponsored by the Braille Institute of America, Inc., and is the only academic competition of its kind for students who are blind or visually impaired. Developed by the Braille Institute twenty-five years ago, the program inspires students to practice and strengthen their Braille literacy skills, which are vital to academic and career success. Again this year, there will be the Foundational Group which welcomes students at any grade level, including preschool and kindergarten, to participate.

Following the competition, there will be a Valentine’s Party that will include crafts, snacks, and fun. We will also be celebrating our twentieth year as a Regional Braille Challenge host site. Check out our Braille Challenge page for more information.

To learn more about Library services, programs, events, and activities, check out the Library’s blog at iowalibrary.blog . And don’t forget to keep up to date with all the Library‘s happenings and get some great book recommendations by listening to the our biweekly Library News podcast. It can be found on the Library blog, Spotify, YouTube and on audio cartridge. For more information, contact the Library at library@blind.state.ia.us or 515-231-1323.

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News You Can Use

By Norma A. Boge

Rosemary Russell of Altoona is the winner of the fifty-dollar Visa gift card, drawn as part of this year’s membership drive. Congratulations, Rosemary!

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has updated the resources section of its website. It includes a helpful list of tools, services, and organizations for people who are blind or low vision. You’ll find options for technology, reading, mobility, daily living, and places to connect with community support. It’s a simple way to explore what’s available and pick out what works best for you at https://tinyurl.com/48rxppwk .

Starting in Spring, 2026, Drake University is launching a new Bachelor of Science in Disability and Rehabilitation Services to address a critical nationwide workforce shortage in the rehabilitation field. Housed within the School of Education, the program combines academic coursework with hands-on training in advocacy, employment, and business. It will offer both full-time and part-time tracks with customizable emphasis areas, such as deaf culture and human resources. Graduates will be prepared for roles in government agencies, mental health facilities, and corporate Human Resource divisions. The program will also offer advanced graduate studies in occupational therapy and counseling. See more at: https://www.drake.edu/rehabilitation/ .

Amazon has introduced a new feature to the Kindle iOS app called “Ask This Book,” allowing users to ask questions about the book they are reading for spoiler-free information on the plot and characters. Currently available only in the United States on the iOS app, it is expected to be extended to the Kindle and the Android app in 2026, providing users a way to find information quickly and without spoilers.

A new Alexa Plus feature revolutionizes online shopping by allowing users to set price thresholds for items in their carts. When prices drop to specified levels, Alexa Plus automatically makes purchases, enhancing budgeting control and accessibility while navigating fluctuating market prices. See: https://tinyurl.com/56s4ewvp .

Southwest Airlines has embraced the new boarding pass feature in Apple Wallet, joining Delta and United Airlines. The feature enhances accessibility for travelers with such tools as real-time flight tracking, integrated airport maps, and luggage tracking, making air travel more convenient and inclusive.

Episode 48 of the Blind Life podcast features Mike Iannelli, co-founder of ABLR, and Heather Buster, a graduate of the workforce training program, as they share insights into Ablr’s impactful initiatives aimed at fostering job opportunities for the blind. The discussion highlights the program’s structure, the significance of digital accessibility testing as a career path, and personal success stories that showcase the transformative power of determination and skill development. Go to: https://tinyurl.com/2vup5339 .

Vispero (Freedom Scientific) no longer accepts tech support requests via direct email. You can complete the online Support Request form at https://www.freedomscientific.com/Forms/TechSupport or call tech support at 727-803-8600, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST.

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Donating Your Vehicle to Benefit ICUB

Do you need to dispose of a used vehicle? ICUB's Used Vehicle Donation Program offers a perfect solution. Your vehicle will be picked up from your home and sold at auction. A portion of the proceeds go directly to ICUB. You can claim a tax deduction equal to the dollar value of the vehicle. Call 866-616-6266 for more information.

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Selecting ICUB as a Beneficiary

If you or a friend would like to remember the Iowa Council of the United Blind in your will, you may do so by using the following language: “I grant, devise, or bequeath unto the Iowa Council of the United Blind, a non-profit charitable organization, the sum of ______ dollars, ____ percent of my net estate, or the following stocks and bonds (please list them) to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind persons.” If you have questions or your wishes are more complex, you or your attorney can contact ICUB by calling 866-436-0141 or through the webpage at: www.icublind.org.

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IDB Director’s Report

By Stacy Cervenka

The past few months have brought many exciting opportunities, partnerships, and innovations to our agency. From strengthening our relationships with state and community agencies to developing new programs and services for our clients, these new initiatives underscore our commitment to innovation, partnership, and results. Here are just some of the examples of work we've undertaken.

Vocational Rehabilitation: We are currently serving 593 blind and low vision Iowans in our vocational rehabilitation program, which provides consumers with the tools, training, and resources they need to enter, remain, and advance in the workforce.

Independent Living: We are currently serving 267 clients in our independent living program, which provides tools, training, and resources to blind Iowans who do not have vocational goals. Many of these clients are retired, older, homemakers, or have family care responsibilities.

Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled: Our library currently provides Braille, audio, and large print reading materials to 5,807 patrons, including those served by our Instructional Materials Center, which provides textbooks, worksheets, in-class materials, and other academic resources for students from preschool through college and university. The Library also runs many innovative hybrid (in-person and remote) book clubs, pen pal programs, Makerspace Mondays, and our new Braille Babies program for blind and low vision infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Orientation Center for the Blind: Our orientation center experienced significant growth in the final months of 2025. For several years, the program averaged 3 to 5 students. In September, we implemented changes that increased consumer choice and flexibility. The program now serves 16 students, including 7 in the Comprehensive Program and 9 in the Specific Skills Track—more than triple the enrollment of recent years. We anticipate reaching full capacity of twenty students by the end of January. For the first time in at least a decade, the Center will have a waiting list. In practical terms, this means more blind and low vision Iowans will receive high-quality instruction in cane travel, Braille, technology, home management, and industrial arts that will result in better employment and community participation outcomes for blind Iowans.

Retreat Programs: In September, IDB launched a statewide retreat team which now provides two retreats each month in communities throughout Iowa:

3-Day Youth Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Retreats- These retreats are being held one weekend a month in communities across Iowa. Students explore college and career options, learn about the importance of internships and apprenticeships, engage in volunteer opportunities, and participate in sports and recreation in collaboration with Paralympic athletes and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Seven-Day Adult Skills Retreats- These retreats take place one week each month in communities around the state, focusing on alternative techniques of blindness, including cane travel, Braille, technology, and home management. Participation continues to grow, and retreats have been well received.

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization: We are working with Des Moines MCO to advocate for expanded bus service, more innovative paratransit programs, and travel trainers for people who need assistance learning to ride the bus. We will be providing some additional training for their staff on the challenges blind pedestrians face and what we find helpful while traveling in the community.

Running Club: We are now partnering with Team Run Free and the YMCA on a running club for any interested IDB clients, staff, and blind community members. Team Run Free is providing guides for running club members. The YMCA is allowing us to use their indoor track on Tuesday nights during December, January, and February for only one dollar in exchange for two social media posts a month. Governor Reynolds’ office reached out to Des Moines Area Community College, and they are now allowing our runners to use their indoor track on Thursday nights.

Independence Science: IDB is collaborating with Independence Science, an organization founded, led, and staffed entirely by blind scientists and others in the STEM field. Independence Science has assisted with our January 2026 weekend youth retreat. They will also be participating in our library’s STEM Fest in the fall of 2026. In addition, they will be designing and leading two weeks of summer programming for our youth. The first week will have a CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) theme. Students will use scientific and forensics techniques throughout the week to solve a crime. The second week will teach students about the science behind nutrition and physical fitness, which will provide both science education and inspire students to incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their lives.

Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School (FMDG): IDB is partnering with FMDG and is offering group music classes through our library. They will also be designing and staffing a two-week music performance and production camp for our youth program participants.

Easter Lake Park: Orientation Center students, staff, and I worked with the Great Plains ADA Center and Uncurbed to provide recommendations for making signage and park information accessible to blind and low vision visitors at Easter Lake Park.

As we look ahead to 2026, we are energized by the progress we’ve made and the partnerships we’ve strengthened. The programs, collaborations, and innovations I've discussed above represent just a portion of the work underway to empower blind and low vision Iowans to live the lives they choose. We remain committed to expanding opportunities, deepening community engagement, and delivering high-quality services that make a tangible difference in the lives of blind people throughout Iowa.

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Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

By Carrie Chapman

Ingredients:

32 ounces frozen corn

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

1 ½ tablespoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 stick of butter (cut into pieces)

1 8 oz. block cream cheese (cut into pieces)

Directions:

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir about halfway through the cooking time. Cook two hours on high or four hours on low.

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Des Moines Chapter Report

By Cody Dolinsek, Chapter President

The final months of 2025 saw both happy and sad events for the Des Moines Chapter. In November, the Chapter elected Carrie Chapman as vice president, MO Carpenter as treasurer, Norma Boge-Conyers as secretary, and Steve Hagemoser as one of our directors. We are grateful for the service Lori Trujillo Roush had provided as secretary and continues to provide on the Board as past Chapter president. We also thank Linda Gonzalez for her past work as treasurer and Carrie and Steve for their continued service to the organization. Finally, we are thankful to Mo and Norma for agreeing to fill their present roles.

At our November meeting, we had another opportunity to test accessible voting machines for Iowa State. In addition, a student from Iowa State University presented a project he is working on to provide more detail to blind people as they are walking outside, particularly when crossing streets. He is trying to develop an app that will alert blind people to changing traffic light colors.

In December, our holiday party was unfortunately

cancelled. We had planned to have it at Felix and Oscar’s, but the weather was too cold to cooperate with our plans. We have, however, rescheduled our party for February 9.

Karly Prinds, the current director of the Orientation Center, will be our guest speaker for the February meeting. Please join us in person or through Zoom.

Our sad news is that long-time dedicated member Donna Seliger had a stroke in early November. She had been undergoing physical therapy, but complications with her health made it necessary for her to be hospitalized in early December. She is now at the Taylor House under Hospice care. We are immensely grateful to her for her many years of service to ICUB and for being such a wonderful mentor and friend to many of us.

The Des Moines Chapter will continue this year to maintain its public presence in the community, support its members, and have fun while doing it all.

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Across Iowa Chapter Report

By Don Wirth, Chapter President

The Across Iowa Chapter continues to meet on the first Thursday of each month via the ICUB Zoom link.

In December we had our holiday party with members

sharing stories about holiday memories.

In January we talked about New Year’s Resolutions for the Chapter. We came up with a number of topics for future meetings as well as possible plans for the State Convention.

In February, Leslie Spoon will join us to talk about the Get Up and Get Moving fitness campaign from ACB. We are still making plans for March.

In April a member of the ACB Community leadership will join us to talk about the plethora of community events available to members every day.

To obtain a current list of State Board members and Chapter Presidents, including their contact information, go to our website, icublind.org, and click on the “Who We Are” ink. You can also get this information by emailing us through the form at the bottom of our website page.

The ICUB Bulletin is available in large print, via e-mail, and on an NLS-compliant digital audio cartridge. To subscribe to the cartridge edition, please contact the Iowa Department for the Blind Library at 515-281-1323 or 800-362-2587, option 2. Please direct other questions about format choice and address changes to Co-Editor Sandy Tigges.

ICUB offers a BIG thank you to Catherine Witte for so meticulously proofreading each issue, as well as to everyone else who plays a part contributing to and in producing the Bulletin.

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ICUB BULLETIN Winter 2026

Table of Contents

President’s Report

Save the Date

Discover the Joy of Movement with Team Run Free And the Synergy Program

Gratitude

A Beautiful Place

Winter Programming

at the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

News You Can Use

Donating Your Vehicle to Benefit ICUB

Selecting ICUB as a Beneficiary

IDB Director’s Report

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Des Moines Chapter Report

Across Iowa Chapter Report

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