Don Winiecki made a presentation at the annual convention of the Idaho chapter of the National Federation of the Blind in March. Winiecki reported his experiences earning Library of Congress certification in the transcription of braille, and described his plans for applying his new skills in support of students.
Winiecki also has been invited to attend meetings at the National Federation of the Blind national conference in Orlando, Florida, in July to contribute to efforts by the federation in producing legislation to promote standards for accessible instructional materials, especially as they relate to STEM education.
Since earning certification in braille transcription, Winiecki has transcribed three books of poetry and one book on Sargy Mann, a British Impressionist painter who continued painting after he lost his eyesight. He is currently transcribing a widely used computer science textbook. Winiecki also volunteers braille services for the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the International Committee for Robot Arms Control.