Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Braille Handbook for Boy Scouts

Not too long ago KBTI was contacted by a local Boy Scout troop that wanted to include a visually impaired boy.  Apparently there are no copies of the Boy Scout Handbook in braille which makes it difficult for blind boys to follow and achieve without great assistance.  

So we've created the first official Braille Boy Scout Handbook. 

Earlier this year our Institute teamed up with the National Headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America to produce a Braille version of one of their handbooks.  Next week we will begin mass producing them and assisting with getting them into the hands of current blind boy scouts, and young boys that are blind and are wanting to become a boy scout.

We're exited about this and can't wait to present the handbook to the the local Boy Scout who inspired this journey and we know it will open doors to young men across the United States. 

Watch here for upcoming photos and videos about this exciting event!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Although Blind, this Veteran Keeps Giving

Today, the day that would live in "infamy" when Pearl Harbor was bombed, we at KBTI launch our blog with a wonderful story of sight beyond what can be seen and service beyond the call of duty.
Retired Sergeant 1st Class Walt Peters served 3 tours in Vietnam and was doused with Agent Orange on several occasions but thought nothing of it. But in 1977 his eyesight began to deteriorate and was diagnosed with chemical diabetes.  Thirty surgeries later his eyesight has been reduced to mere silhouettes. Click here to view the video by CBS on YouTube.


Despite being visually impaired, Sgt Peters still takes the time to say hello and good-bye to troops at Hunter Air Force Base in Georgia.  He's there three hours before flights arrive or leave and organizes volunteers to greet the troops, make coffee and hot chocolate and hand out American flags to the troops.  View the video

Attired in his Red Cross vest, one of his many volunteer activities, Sgt Peters works tirelessly to make the troops feel welcomed and loved, unlike the greeting he received upon return from Vietnam.  Peters does this with enthusiasm and love in his heart telling people that there is a lot of love and kindness in the world, he's doing his part to pass that along.

Several years ago, a stranger asked Peters, “Now that you are losing your eyesight, what are you going to do?” Peters replied, “If I can’t see with my eyes, I’ll have to see with my heart!”

It is the active and retired military service men and women that we honor today and say "thank you" for your gift of service.

Read more about Sgt. Walt Peters on the Red Cross website: "Retired Veteran Keeps on Serving"