First graduate of guide dog program to share experiences with organization

DAMARISCOTTA — The Chats with Champions program is set to present Jim Kutsch at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 14, in the Porter Meeting Hall at Skidompha Library, 184 Main St.

Kutsch will speak about The Seeing Eye, the pioneers and innovators of guide dog services in North America that just celebrated its 95th anniversary. In addition, his presentation will include the background of The Seeing Eye, and his experiences with the organization, both as a student and professional.

Jim Kutsch and his Seeing Eye dog Easton. Submitted photo

Kutsch was the first graduate of The Seeing Eye Inc., the oldest guide dog school in the U.S., to serve as its president and CEO (2006-19). Prior to assuming the role of president, Kutsch served on the Board of Trustees for 10 years, according to a news release from Meghan Hawkes with the library.

His relationship with The Seeing Eye began in 1970 as a teenager, when he was matched with his first seeing eye dog after being blinded as a result of a backyard chemistry experiment gone awry. During his tenure at The Seeing Eye, he also served on the following boards in various capacities: International Guide Dog Federation, Morris Animal Foundation, Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools, and National Industries for the Blind. In addition, Kutsch was a member of the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

Prior to joining The Seeing Eye, Kutsch was a professor of computer science at West Virginia University. He then worked for three decades in telecommunications, including at Bell Laboratories as a distinguished member of technical staff, at AT&T Universal Card Services as vice president of Computing and Network Services and later as chief information officer, and at Convergys Corp. as vice president of strategic technology.

Kutsch has lectured nationally on disability awareness, adaptive technology and advocacy. He has made extensive contributions in product accessibility and authored several publications.

A native of West Virginia, Kutsch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and Master of Science degree in computer science from West Virginia University. He received his doctorate in computer science from the University of Illinois. In 1975, as part of his doctorate program, Kutsch not only designed the first talking computer for blind users but also developed one of the earliest screen readers. In 2008, he was recognized with an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Rowan University for his lifetime service to people with disabilities.

Upon retiring in 2019, Kutsch relocated to Damariscotta. During the pandemic, Kutsch taught Morse Code online.

Chats with Champions is a free community offering sponsored by Skidompha Library and Sherman’s Maine Coast Bookshops.

For more information, call the library at 207-887-0919.