Committee Meetings

Mission Statement of the NCBVI Board of Commissioners:

Empowering blind individuals, promoting opportunities, and building belief in the blind.

Commissioners shall:

1. Employ an Executive Director who is the administrative officer of NCBVI and who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.
2. Annually evaluate the Executive Director using a specified performance tool created by the Board and approved by State Personnel under the Department of Administrative Services.
3. Provide guidance to the Executive Director in carrying out the mission of NCBVI.
4. Seek input from both consumers and staff through public meetings, correspondence, surveys, etc.
5. Approve rules, regulations and policies adopted and promulgated by NCBVI.
6. Have a working knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act (WIOA), rules and regulations, and other materials necessary for the operation of NCBVI.
7. Serve as a liaison between the public and NCBVI.
8. Annually elect a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and an Executive Secretary.
9. Attend and participate in NCBVI functions whenever possible, meeting with the entire staff as often as feasible.
10. Receive, read and respond in a timely manner to materials from the Executive Director, NCBVI staff, consumers and fellow Commissioners, asking for follow-up materials and/or clarification as needed.
11. Receive both written and in-person agency reports from NCBVI staff, asking for follow-up materials and/or clarification as needed.
12. Receive and read NCBVI budgetary information and monitor that process, asking for follow-up materials and/or clarification as needed.
13. Answer questions from consumers, NCBVI employees and the general public about NCBVI programs, processes, policies and procedures, seeking input from appropriate staff in order to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
14. Receive, only for purposes of her/his evaluation and guidance, reports from the Executive Director on unresolved personnel matters, including a description of the situation, a synopsis of progress toward resolution, and a summary of any policy changes implemented to address the problem, only when such matters reach a level requiring her/his intervention. The Board will not intervene in personnel issues, recognizing that there is a labor dispute process for State employees in place in the State of Nebraska.
15. Make suggestions and recommendations to NCBVI that will improve its operation and that will lead to better services to its consumers.
16. Communicate as a body only after reaching a consensus and only over the signature of the Chairperson.
17. When Communicating as an individual Board Member, a Board Member should use good judgment and discretion, and with a clear indication that they are speaking for himself/herself rather than as a spokesperson for the Board.
18. Develop and maintain a Commissioner Information Packet that will facilitate training of new Board Members.
19. See that new Commissioners become familiar with the materials in the Commissioner Information Packet, that they become familiar with the programs and office locations of the Commission, and review Commission Reports and Board motions involving NCBVI operations.

Bio

I moved to Nebraska in 1993. I spent a few years working in various jobs, nurse aid, housekeeper and dishwasher before deciding to pursue a college degree. I attended McCook Community College, graduating in 1997 with an Associate of Art degree in Sociology. I then attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where I graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology.

I then relocated to Lincoln where I attended the Nebraska Center for the Blind and later worked there as the Apartment resource Counselor. In 2002 I left that position to attend graduate school at Doane College.

In 2004 I left Lincoln to live in York, where I still live with my husband and family. I enjoy reading, crocheting, sewing, traveling, my dogs and spending time with my family. I am the Juvenile Diversion Services Coordinator for York County. I also own my own business, providing products and information to blind people.

Julie Johnson

Bio

My name is Jim Jirak.  I was born early spring in the early hours of the morning.

Having been born with both cataracts and glaucoma, I was mainstreamed in the public school system and provided the necessary equipment to successfully complete my high school education.

During my high school tenure, I became actively involved in vocal music and drama.  Being cast in numerous theatrical productions ranging from Godspell my sophomore year to Annie my senior year and several other plays in between, I also took part in the All State choir.  Additionally, I performed solos in the All State District Music Contest.  I also was a member of the Ambassadors, our high school swing choir.  

Graduating with scholarship in hand and a predetermined major in radio broadcasting; I attended college for three months then dropped out.  It was my realization that college wasn't for me.  Not only does high school not teach you how to study, but going to college for everyone else but yourself is the wrong reason to attend.  

In April 1989, I began my employment with a major hotel chain, where I made reservations for potential hotel guests.  After 10½ years, I, in September of 1999, was then promoted to the customer service department.  Then in October 2002, I returned to the entry level position of confirming reservations then left the company in January 2014.  

I was referred to the Nebraska Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired when the agency was known as the Services for the Visually Impaired.  Receiving a telephone call from a rehabilitation counselor, I was explained the reason for the call and suggested I develop the skills necessary to deal with my blindness.  Dan Hill was my initial rehab counselor with George Binder my orientation and mobility counselor.

During the summer of 1985, I took part in Project Independence.  As a participant, I remember loathing the mandatory use of sleep shades as Nancy's spaghetti sauce stained never worn again white dress can attest.

In the fall of 2004, I was approached by Nancy about the possibility of maintaining NCBVI's Website.  Having been given proper training, I re-designed the site making it more user friendly for JAWS users.  I served as volunteer Webmaster from October 2004 to February 2007 when it became obvious that the pending re-design requested was too much for one person to handle.  However, because of this developed skill, I have maintained several Websites, including the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska's.

I became involved with the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska, (ACBN), in May of 1989.  I had been approached by a member about the idea of a cab subsidy program that was talked about in earlier years but never acted upon.  It was the intention of the member to meet to not only discuss the feasibility of a program but to get the concept launched.  As a result, my first ACBN meeting was at the League of Human Dignity Saturday, May 20, 1989 where it was decided surveys should be conducted to gage consumer participation.  We discussed potential funding and grant opportunities.  The cab subsidy kicked-off June 14, 1995.  I currently serve as vice-chair of this now established not-for-profit.

During my tenure as a member of ACBN, I have held numerous positions both on the local and state levels.  I've held the position of local chapter as well as state treasurer, local and state secretary, local and state vice-president, local president and my current position as state president.

I have attended countless national conventions of the American Council of the Blind, (ACB,) since 1990.  Serving as our delegate for many of those years, I, in 2000, with thanks to the coordinated efforts of our then vice-president, oversaw the ACBN sponsored first combined caucus for smaller state affiliates.  Now several ACB affiliates have adopted this practice.  I am also a life member of the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, (CCLVI), and served as its nominating committee chair at our 2007 national convention.  And at the 2008 ACB national convention, I was elected to its board for a 3-year term.  Choosing not to seek another term, in 2011, I relinquished my board position and then served as chair of the constitution and by-laws committee before being elected president for a one-year term in July 2012.  I am now both its convention and membership chair for the 2014/2015 calendar year.

Other organizations I still affiliate with, or have in the past, include the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, the Nebraska Association of the Blind, (NAB), where I served one term as secretary and the Omaha Association of the Blind, (OAB), where I served two terms on its board from 2012-2014.  I also served one term on the Radio Talking Book, (RTB), Board and did some volunteer work for them during the summer of 1987.  Additionally, I held the positions of treasurer and secretary for the Nebraska Council of Organizations for the Visually Impaired, (NCOVI).

My hobbies include listening to light rock from the 70's, 80's, 90's and today, spending time at our cabin, discussing politics with those having differing points of view than I, socializing with friends and college football, with special emphasis on the Cornhuskers.  I also enjoy Nebraska baseball, too.

I am pleased to have been appointed to serve as the ACBN representative to the NCBVI Board of Commissioners.  It is my goal to make myself available to listen to the concerns of staff, clients and consumers alike by fulfilling our organizational motto "people first - causes second."  It is important to remember that I can't address any concern not raised.  I look forward to the opportunity in assisting in any way I'm able.

Jim Jirak

Bio

Senator Jim Jensen
Chair, Health and Human Services Committee
Room 1402
State Capitol
Lincoln, NE 68509

Dear Senator Jensen:

I submit this letter to you and the Health and Human Services Committee on behalf of Dorothy Westin-Yockey. Governor Mike Johanns has appointed Mrs. Westin-Yockey as Commissioner for the Commission on the Blind. I have met Mrs. Westin-Yockey on several occasions, and it is with great pleasure that I submit this letter in support of her confirmation.

Mrs. Westin-Yockey is more than qualified to serve on the Commission on the Blind. She was appointed to the Commission for Handicapped Accessibility by Governor Nelson in 1992 and 1996 and by Governor Johanns in 2000. She has previously been a client of the Commission on the Blind. She earned her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1984. She has served on numerous boards in the South Sioux City area, including the Board of Directors for South Sioux Community Center and the Counsel on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. She has made quite a career for herself, and her employment history includes working at the First Norfolk Regional Center and Marian Health Center. Currently she is employed by Siouxland Mental Health as a clinical social worker.

Mrs. Westin-Yockey firmly believes that her role as a Commissioner is to ensure that blind Nebraskans have access to the best services available. She views her role as that of a policy-maker and a watchdog. She is very proud of the work of the Commission, and she feels that the Commission is in the best position to provide quality services to the blind. Blind people make up a very small group in Nebraska, and she feels that they would be easily overlooked if they did not have the Commission protecting their interests.

Mrs. Westin-Yockey does not believe that she would face a conflict of interest by serving on the Commission. She does not have any family members working for the Commission.

In conclusion, I believe Mrs. Westin-Yockey is highly qualified and would serve as an excellent asset to the Commission and to the State of Nebraska. I ask the Committee to confirm the appointment of Dorothy Westin-Yockey as Commissioner for the Commission on the Blind. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Senator Pat Engel
District #17
LPE/ikd

Bio

I would like to take this time to introduce myself as the newest commissioner to the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired board. My name is Darrell Walla.
I was born on Aug. 20, 1955 and grew up on a small farm four miles north of Valparaiso, NE. I attended the Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped in Nebraska City through the tenth grade. My last two years of high school were spent at Bishop Neumann High School in Wahoo, NE.

I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with certification to teach Social Studies. Following this accomplishment, I received my Masters in Special Education.

I taught high school Special Education in Aurora, NE from 1980 to 1995. I worked with students on developing their basic skills, as well as developing a job training program for them. I also had the opportunity to serve one student who was blind.

From 1995 to 2000, I served as a resource teacher at Raymond Central High School. I continued to work in the area of serving students with special needs.

From 2000 to 2005, I had the opportunity to return to my old high school (Bishop Neumann) to teach students with special needs. I am currently teaching at Omaha Burke High School, where I serve as an English and American Government teacher in the Academic Achievement Center. The Academic Achievement Center serves students who are receiving Special Education. In addition, I co-teach two regular English classes, where students are mainstreamed.

I was chosen by the Governor to serve on the Commission Board in December, and am honored to do so. The Commission continues to be a vital force in the lives of all blind Nebraskans, and I hope to serve in any way that I can.

Darrell Walla

Bio

I was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and attended public schools in that community until sustaining a blinding injury in a playground accident at the age of eleven years. I attended the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, Ogden, Utah, and the Oregon School for the Blind, Salem, Oregon, before enrolling at, and graduating from the Nebraska School for the Blind; subsequently renamed The Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped, now known as the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired. I next attended and graduated from The Creighton University College of Arts & Sciences with a major in History and minors in Political Science and Philosophy, and The Creighton University School of Law with a Juris Doctor Degree.

Following my admission to both the Nebraska and Federal Bars, and after a short sojourn in the world of private practice consisting, for the most part, of legal work for an Omaha Hospital, I applied for and secured an appointment as Assistant Attorney General of the State of Nebraska, and was assigned to the Department of Roads. During the next 38 years, I provided legal services to the Department of Roads, State Patrol, State Claims Board and various other agencies, specializing in the areas of Workers' Compensation, Automobile Negligence, and Claims by and against the State, etc.

I was heavily involved in career development and family matters during the early years of the American Council of the Blind (ACB); therefore, although I was extremely interested in the origin and growth of the organization, I did not participate directly in its advocacy programs for and on behalf of the blind and visually impaired. I became a member of the ACB approximately twenty years ago when it became apparent that it had developed into a strong and positives grass-roots organization consisting of approximately seventy state and special interest affiliates dedicated to promoting and advocating for the social and economic independence and welfare of all blind and visually impaired people.

I am a life member of both the American Council of the Blind and Guide Dog Users Inc. (GDUI), and a member of the American Blind Lawyers Association (ABLA). I have served four terms as President of the ACB of Nebraska, five terms as President of its Lincoln Chapter and one term as President of Guide Dog Users of Nebraska. I HAVE, ALSO, SERVED AS DIRECTOR, SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT AND FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT OF guide Dog Users Inc., but declined nomination as president because of the press of other matters. I am presently serving my second term on the Nebraska Statewide independent Living Council (SILC), and have served two terms as its chairman. In addition to my advocacy activities, I am a member of the Bethany Lions Club and recently completed a term as its president.

My wife, Mary Sue, is a graduate of the West Virginia School for the Blind, and is currently employed by the Nebraska Department of Revenue. We have two daughters, Barbara, a member of the State Bar, and Gloria, a Media Buyer for a local advertising agency.

I am honored to have been appointed to serve on the Board of Commissioners of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired as the representative of the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska. I am pleased to have received appointment for a second term in order to continue my work with the other members of the Board to develop policies, which will enable the Executive director, supervisors, counselors, teachers and other employees of the Commission to serve the needs and occupational desires of all qualified blind and visually impaired residents of the state.

Bill Orester

Bio

Nancy previously worked as a Medical Transcriptionist for various employers, including at Mary Lanning Hospital, Medical Park Diagnostic Center, and for Dr. Ichtertz. She was honored as Employee of the Month at Mary Lanning Hospital, and was a final nominee for their Caring and Kind award.
Nancy studied music education at Hastings College, and attended the Minneapolis Rehabilitation Center for the Visually Impaired. She pursues opportunities to speak to grade school children about blindness, and encourages senior blind in daily activities that are routine to the sighted.

Nancy enjoys: computers, cooking, crocheting, music, and traveling. Her interest in cooking has led to several awards for recipes, and she has had some recipes published in cookbooks. She enjoys teaching others to crochet, and giving pointers on alternatives to those who crocheted prior to losing their sight.

Nancy has served on the board of the Senior Blind of the National Federation of the Blind. She is the former Second Vice-President on the state board of the National Federation of the Blind and Vice-President of the Grand Island Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. She is also serving as Secretary of the Tabitha Society at her church.

Nancy is happy to be a member of the Board of Commissioners for NCBVI. She is looking forward to the opportunity to help blind people become more fully integrated into society and helping them to reach their goals of education, employment, and equal status with sighted people.

Nancy Oltman

Bio

My name is Wesley Majerus, and I am serving as the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska's designee on the NCBVI Board of Commissioners. I grew up near Wolbach, NE, a small town in central Nebraska. I attended Wolbach Public Schools and graduated as class valedictorian in 2000. After a summer attending the Nebraska Orientation and Training Center, I studied for five years at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. In 2005, I graduated from the University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration emphasizing management and Management Information Systems. I also have a minor in Computer Science.

I currently work for the State of Nebraska - Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) as an Internet Applications Developer. My duties include writing web pages and Java code. In addition, I test systems for Section 508 compliance, which means that I test them for accessibility by the blind and disabled. I have held this position for, all told, almost five years as it grew from a part-time, two-day-a-week internship to a full-time position in November of 2006. In my spare time, I enjoy learning how things work, watching sports, traveling, and reading. On occasion, I have assisted with group teaching activities for blind adolescents. Recently, I completed a two-year commitment mentoring a blind youth in a program sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind's National Center for Mentoring Excellence.

I joined the National Federation of the Blind in 2000, soon after beginning college. I served as the Vice President of the Nebraska Association of Blind Students from 2000-2005. From 2004 through 2006, I served as National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska - Lincoln Chapter board member. Currently, I serve as the secretary of the Lincoln Chapter. I am also Second Vice President of the NFB of Nebraska. I am honored to serve on the Board of Commissioners and to lend my expertise in giving direction to the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Wes Majerus

Bio

Barbara Loos
2742 Scott Ave
Lincoln, NE 68506
Phone: (402) 486-3679 or (402) 477-7711

I, Barbara Loos, grew up in Weeping Water, Nebraska City, and Lincoln, Nebraska. My formal schooling took place at the Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped (NSVH), now the Nebraska Center for the Education of Children Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired (NCECBVI); Nebraska City High School (NCHS); and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln (UNL). I graduated from NSVH, having attended some classes at NCHS, in 1968. I graduated with distinction from UNL in 1973 with a BS Degree in Education, majoring in English and minoring in Spanish.

My employment includes Braille transcription and library work At NSVH in the summer of 1969; print transcription from tapes for Selection Research Incorporated (SRI) in 1973; positions at Nebraska Rehabilitation Services for the Visually Impaired (NRSVI), now the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI) from 1973 to 1981, beginning on contract as an Aide and ultimately Becoming Supervisor of the statewide Orientation and Adjustment Center in Lincoln; data entry work from tapes, Braille, and occasional live readers, some formatted for Braille transcription, from 1993 to 2001; instructing blind adults in the use of computers and adaptive equipment from 2001 to the present; and tutoring a blind youth.

I have served on advisory committees to NSVH and NRSVI and on the Board of Directors for Radio Talking Book (RTB). I was a member of the original Planning Team for Statewide Services for Educating Children Who are Blind or Visually Impaired and served on the follow-up team in 2004. I served on the National Advisory Group on Collection-Building Activities at the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) of the Library of Congress from 1998 to 2000. For over 15 years, I have remained President of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults. In 2000, Governor Mike Johanns appointed me (then Barbara Walker) to the first Board of Commissioners for the newly established Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI) and he reappointed me in December 2003. I have served as its chairman since its inception. I have contributed articles to The Braille Monitor, the National Federation of the Blind's Kernel Books and News From Blind Nebraskans. In November of 2000, I presented a speech on Employment Creation to the Fifth General Assembly of the World Blind Union in Melbourne, Australia. As a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, my responsibilities have included, Secretary of the United Methodist Women unit, President of my adult Sunday school class, Chairperson of Circle III, member of the choir, leader of a book group, Bible school teacher, guitar accompanist, etc. I have also been an informal mentor to a blind child since 1998 and, in 2005, made a two-year commitment to a blind youth as a mentor through the National Center for Mentoring Excellence. I was widowed in 1989 and remarried in 2003.I have two biological children, three stepchildren, and two-step grandsons.

I have received several awards from the NFBN, including the Richard Parker Memorial Award, our state affiliate's highest honor. In November 2001, the League of Human Dignity presented the Ken Lyndhurst Volunteer of the Year Award to me. In August 2003, I received the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award from the Lincoln East Rotary Club. In 2005, I was presented the Jacobus tenBroek Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member by the National Federation of the Blind.

Barbara Loos

Bio

I would like to take the time to introduce myself. My name is Carol Jenkins, and I am the newest board member serving on the NCBVI Board of Commissioners as well as being the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska’s designee.
I was born on May 21, 1983 and was raised in Troy, Kansas, where I grew up on a farm with my parents and two siblings. After graduating with honors from Troy High School in 2001, I was determined to attend college. I enrolled in classes at Highland Community College and set out to work my way through school. By this time, I was living with my new step-family in Atchison, Kansas, where I worked at Long John Silvers and became a team leader and manager.

I graduated from Highland Community College, with honors in 2003, with an Associate of Arts Degree in Mathematics and an Associate of Science Degree in Science. After graduation, I took some time off from school and worked at a local casino to save money for furthering my education. This is where I met my husband, Brett, whom I married in the summer of 2006. Up to this point, I had planned to become a veterinarian, but I soon realized I had a calling to educate others. I knew this would be a difficult task, but I told myself I could do anything I set my mind to. In the fall of 2004, I enrolled at Peru State College, where I decided to become an education major.

After completing the Fall 2006 semester, at Peru State College, I determined it was time for me to obtain rehabilitation training from the Nebraska Center for the Blind, to further enhance and aid in the accomplishment of my goals. I graduated from the Nebraska Orientation Center for the Blind in June of 2007 just in time for my student teaching experience in the Fall 2007 semester at Peru State College. I sailed through my student teaching experience, the Federal No Child Left Behind Testing, and Teacher Certification through the State of Nebraska. I graduated, Summa Cum Laude, from Peru State College in December of 2007 with my Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development.

Currently, I reside in Lincoln, Nebraska, where I am employed through Family Service. I work in the Preschool room at the Early Childhood Center as well as in the Youth Development Program at Riley Elementary School. I am a member of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska-Lincoln Chapter and have been the recipient of a state and national scholarship through the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska and the National Federation of the Blind. I have attended Washington Seminar, participated in the first Junior Science Academy and the National Federation of the Blind’s Mentoring Program, and plan on running for office on the local and state levels in 2009.

I care about the service and success of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired because I have participated in many of the programs offered as both student and volunteer staff I am one who has truly been helped by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and will help to ensure that other blind individuals will be aided so they too can become independent members of society.

Carol Jenkins