Jim and Ginger Kutsch, now residents of Damariscotta, met at The Seeing Eye, the world’s oldest guide dog school in Morristown, NJ. In a frank and informal conversation, they will share their observations about adjusting to the mental, physical, emotional, and social challenges they faced becoming blind and how they perform day-to-day tasks without sight. These experiences, and the Kutsch’s explorations of their new hometown with guide dogs Easton, Willow (now retired), and Emma, are instructive and inspirational for all of us who may be confronting changes in our bodies, lifestyles, and outlooks.
Jim Kutsch retired in 2019 from his work as President and CEO of The Seeing Eye. As a teenager in West Virginia, he lost his eyesight as the result of a backyard chemistry experiment. His doctoral studies at the University of Illinois included designing the first talking computer for blind computer users. Throughout his work in computer science, telecommunications, college teaching, leading The Seeing Eye, and in his lifelong ham radio hobby, Jim has campaigned to correct misimpressions about blind people and has developed technology to enhance their lives.
Ginger Kutsch, blinded as a result of a rare genetic eye disorder that causes progressive vision loss, has spent a lifetime working in both the business and nonprofit worlds. She owned and operated a snack bar, taught food safety for the State of Maine, and worked in fundraising. After completing her master’s degree in public relations, she has been engaged in volunteer service as an access advocate for those who use guide dogs and currently serves as newsletter editor for the Pine Tree Guide Dog Users nonprofit organization.
Jim and Ginger will briefly discuss several topics, intermixed with robust Q&A periods for audience participation, providing a relaxed forum to answer anything you ever wanted to know about living with blindness.