Untitled Document

Association for the Blind and
Visually Impaired (ABVI)—
Goodwill Industries of
Greater Rochester, Inc.
A Guide to ABVI-Goodwill
Programs & Services

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Mission

To assist people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve
their highest level of independence in all aspects of their lives.

“ I don’t exaggerate when I say ABVI-Goodwill
gave me my life back.”—Albina Grum

What We Do

ABVI-Goodwill is a resource for people who are blind or visually
impaired. Although we cannot restore sight, we can help maximize
a consumer’s remaining vision. We can help with visual aids to
improve the quality of life. We can also help consumers become
more functional in their own environment, which restores hope and
fosters independence. Our job is to change how consumers view
their vision loss. So it is important to us that we develop an
understanding of the whole person, his or her lifestyle, and
what the consumer needs to live a better life.

Who We Serve

Visual impairment affects people of all ages and backgrounds from
newborns to the elderly. For this reason, ABVI-Goodwill serves a
dynamic, ever-changing and diverse population. The services we
offer are for everyone, regardless of their similarities or differences.
The only true criteria for being served by ABVI-Goodwill is the
willingness to be served. We are here to help people who are blind
or visually impaired on a personal, social, and vocational level.
For Braille or audio-tape versions, please call (585) 697-5711.

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Table of Contents

Vision Rehabilitation Services 5
Support Services 5
Low Vision Services 5
Rehabilitation Teaching/Adaptive Skills Training 6
Orientation and Mobility Services 6
Consumer Shoppe 7
Multimedia Center 7
Community Education 7
WXXI Reachout Radio 8
Project Eye Care 8
Children’s Services 8
Kid Connect 9
Vision Care for Kids 9
Employment Services 10
Job Club 10
Prevocational Training 11
Training Services 11
Goodwill Works!™ Life Skills Training 11
Customer Service/Call Center Training 11
Adaptive Technology (Computer Training) 12
Retail Skills Training 13
Employment at ABVI-Goodwill 13
Manufacturing 13
Hospitality Group 14
Retail Stores 14
Call Center 15
Volunteerism 15

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Our History

The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) was
founded in 1913 in Rochester, New York by a small group of caring
and concerned citizens who were blind. In 1994, ABVI became a
member of Goodwill Industries International. Since then, our name
has been ABVI-Goodwill. Our affiliation with Goodwill Industries
International allowed us to expand our ability to provide
employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or
visually impaired, and to generate revenue to support
rehabilitation, employment, and training services.

Each year, ABVI-Goodwill and its staff provide much-needed
services to more than 2,000 members of the community,
including low-vision evaluations and eye examinations.
ABVI-Goodwill services are funded through United Way,
New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
(NYSCBVH), Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals
with Disabilities (VESID), health insurance, product sales,
contracts, retail sales, fees-for-service, grants, fundraising,
donations, and bequests.

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Vision Rehabilitation Services

“ It is a wonderful thing to be
understood by others.”—Hisako Hess
Support Services

ABVI-Goodwill assists individuals and their families in adjusting to
the loss of vision. Through informational sessions and counseling,
our social workers help consumers and their families address the
emotional aspects of vision loss and other vital issues, such as:
• benefits
• financial management
•housing
•transportation
• medical/legal advocacy
• socialization
• recreation

When an issue or concern is beyond the scope of our services, we
can refer consumers and family members to other helpful and
knowledgeable agencies in the community. For more information,
please call (585) 697-5722.

Low Vision Services

“ With special half-lens glasses,
I can actually see the ingredients
and can cook again.”—Cynthia Archbold

The Low Vision Center is often the first service offered for most
consumers visiting ABVI-Goodwill. The center is staffed by five eye
doctors who are certified low-vision specialists, making it the
highest-staffed, low-vision facility between New York City and
Buffalo. By appointment, our doctors evaluate individuals with
low vision to identify ways to maximize their remaining vision,
whenever possible. The center provides:
• low-vision evaluations
• special prescription lenses
• visual aids
For more information, please call (585) 697-5722.

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Rehabilitation Teaching/

Adaptive Skills Training

“ Until I went to ABVI-Goodwill,
I thought my life was over.”—Dominick Fiore

Consumers work closely with our Rehabilitation Teachers to meet
the needs and goals they want to achieve. A variety of practical
and life-enhancing programs and services are available to build
confidence, improve the quality of life, and foster independence.
Our Rehabilitation Teaching and Adaptive Skills Training programs
assist individuals to live more independently. During home visits
and small group training at our center, our Rehabilitation Teachers
help consumers master adaptive equipment and special methods
to accomplish household and other daily living tasks. For more
information, please call (585) 697-5722.

Orientation and Mobility Services

“ They showed me techniques for navigating
my new living space. And restored my confidence.
Now I go out every chance I get.”—Hisako Hess

The purpose of the Orientation and Mobility program is to teach
people who are visually impaired to travel safely and independently.
Training can take place at home, at work, on college campuses,
at our Vision Rehabilitation Center, or out and about in the
community. Skills may include:
• traveling with a sighted guide
• long-cane skills
• street crossing
• public transportation
• sensory development
For more information, please call (585) 697-5722.

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Consumer Shoppe

“ ABVI-Goodwill provided me with a large kitchen timer.
One that can hang on the wall. You can hear it
and see it.”—Cynthia Archbold

ABVI-Goodwill’s on-site Consumer Shoppe sells a wide variety of
non-optical aids for household and recreation use. Items include:
• large print and Braille playing cards
• signature guides
• low-vision and talking wristwatches
• kitchen aids
• low-vision and talking clocks
• self-threading sewing needles
For more information on products, please call (585) 697-5722.
Multimedia Center

“ I got some audio books, which began
to take my mind off myself.”—Hisako Hess

ABVI-Goodwill’s Multimedia Center loans books and magazines,
free of charge. These publications are available in Braille, large print,
and on cassettes. Audio-described videos are also available.

Consumers may visit the library, or call us to request materials
by mail. To verify library hours, please call (585) 232-1111.
Community Education and Outreach

ABVI-Goodwill’s Consumer Affairs Manager is available to provide
education and advocacy about blindness and visual impairment to
consumer, community, employer, and school groups. Presentations
include the following topics:
• description of ABVI-Goodwill program and services
• sensitivity to blindness training
• adaptive equipment demonstrations
For more information, or to make arrangements for your group,
please call (585) 697-5721.

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WXXI Reachout Radio

WXXI Reachout Radio is a radio reading service for people who have
difficulty reading print. We partner with WXXI, which provides
broadcasts that include:
• local and national newspapers
• consumer news
• best-selling novels
• children’s programs
• grocery store ads
• interview programs
• national magazines
• programs of special interest
For more information on how to access this service, please call
(585) 258-0333, or (585) 697-5722.

Project Eye Care

For a variety of reasons, many people in the Greater Rochester Area
and surrounding counties do not receive the professional eye care
they need to prevent vision loss. The goal of Project Eye Care is
to prevent future vision loss by reaching out to people in the
community who are underinsured or under-served, where they
live, work, and gather.

Project Eye Care provides routine eye examinations, prescriptions
or vouchers for eyeglasses, and referrals for further treatment.
The program places a special emphasis on diagnostic treatment and
follow-up care. For more information, please call (585) 697-5738.
Children’s Services

ABVI-Goodwill provides services for children through a variety of
programs, including our Low Vision Center, Rehabilitation Services,
Project Eye Care, Vision Care for Kids and Kid Connect. A Children’s
Specialist is available to coordinate existing services and to
implement new services for parents and their children. For more
information, please call (585) 697-5746.

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Kid Connect

Kid Connect, our newest program, sponsors year-round activities,
including our Summer Sizzle program. The five-day program, usually
held in August, focuses on age-appropriate skill development in four
major areas: Career Exploration and Planning, Life Skills, Computer
Training, and Social Recreational Activities. The program’s overall
goal is to build confidence and foster independence. Each session
integrates and builds on the knowledge and skills gained from
previous sessions. Program content focuses on fun, creativity,
and skill development, including:
• career exploration
• keyboard techniques
• using the Internet
• field trips
• role-playing and acting
• food preparation
• tactile mapping
• recreational activities
• art and painting
For more information, please call (585) 697-5746.

Vision Care for Kids

Teachers are almost always the first to notice when a child has
trouble reading or seeing the blackboard. So, teachers and school
nurses play a critical role in identifying children who may need
professional eye exams and eyeglasses. Vision Care for Kids ensures
that all school-age children in the Rochester City School District,
who are uninsured, receive an eye examination and are able to
obtain appropriate eyewear to maximize their sight.

Vision Care for Kids is a partnership between ABVI-Goodwill,
Monroe County School Health Nurses, and private eye care
professionals who volunteer their services. For more information,
please call (585) 697-5741.

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Employment Services

ABVI-Goodwill’s placement services are customized to meet the
needs of each consumer. Services are based on the consumer’s
individual placement plan, and organized to teach the skills
necessary to find a job. We also help consumers retain their jobs
and advance their careers. For more information, please call
(585) 697-5756.

Job Club

“ People don’t know the capabilities of people who
have disabilities. They don’t know what I can do.”
— Crandall LaPlante

Formed through a partnership between the New York State
Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (NYSCBVH) and
ABVI-Goodwill, Job Club assists vocational-age consumers who are
thinking about finding a job. The program focuses on:
• resume development
• confidence building
• job search skills
• guest speakers

When a Job Club participant is ready to take the next step, we
assist the candidate in finding a job. ABVI-Goodwill works with
local employer partners, New York State agencies, and other
rehabilitation programs to assist consumers in their search for
gainful employment. Over the years, we have added numerous
Job Club graduates to our workforce. For more information,
please call (585) 697-5756.

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Prevocational Training

Prevocational training prepares young people for employment and
career opportunities through focused skill-building activities. Many of
our participants move onto paid work experiences in the community.
Youth Job Club, one component of this program, meets once a
week during the summer months. Similar to the Job Club for mature
adults, the program focuses on the same skills and topics, modified
for younger audiences who may have little or no experience in
preparing for employment. Additional activities include:

• real-life experiences
• visiting college campuses
• taking care of personal needs
For more information, please call (585) 697-5756.

Training Services

Our training programs include career exploration, job search skills,
social and advocacy skills, adaptive computer training, and work
skills development. Mastering these skills empowers the consumer to
participate in a paid work experience or part-time work, eventually
leading to long-term placement.

Goodwill Works!™ Life Skills Training
As a national program for people with barriers to employment,
Goodwill Works! provides training and support services to promote
the development of basic skills for job readiness. For more information,
please call (585) 697-5756.

Customer Service/Call Center Training
ABVI-Goodwill provides specialized training programs to prepare
individuals who are blind or visually impaired for customer service
positions in the ever-growing call center industry. For more
information, please call (585) 697-5756.

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Adaptive Technology (Computer Training)

“ I learned Windows, Word, Braille translation
and other software.”—Ken Bremer

Computer skills are as much a necessity in today’s classroom as they
are in the workplace. Adaptive Technology training prepares individuals
to meet their personal, educational, and employment needs.

The program provides comprehensive training in the use of computer
and adaptive technology. First, we assess the adaptive technology
needs of the consumer. Then, we provide skill-building training to
develop familiarity and confidence with computers.

The Adaptive Technology Center houses the latest in adaptive
equipment, such as voice synthesizers, computers that produce the
screen text in Braille, and large screens that enhance computer text
and images.

Adaptive computer skills allow participants to keyboard, email,
understand software programs, communicate, and use the Internet
to their advantage. The training is designed to enhance an
individual’s ability to succeed at school, at work, or at home.
For more information, please call (585) 697-5722.

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Retail Skills Training

Our Retail Skills Training program provides professional training to
individuals who are ready to step into the exciting world of retail.
Upon completion of this program, we help place students in
retail positions where opportunities are available for growth and
development. For more information, please call (585) 697-5756.

Employment at ABVI-Goodwill

Manufacturing

Our Manufacturing division employs approximately 80 individuals
who are blind or visually impaired. ABVI-Goodwill’s manufacturing
employees fabricate, assemble, package, and distribute a diverse
range of high-quality products. Over the years, the division has won
numerous recognition and quality awards from its long-term
customers, including Fortune 1000 companies and the federal
government. For more information, please call (585) 697-5747.

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Hospitality Group

Employees in our Hospitality Group prepare and deliver hundreds
of thousands of meals, boxed-lunches, and snacks to senior centers
and day care providers throughout the Greater Rochester Area.
In addition to outside catering, our on-site cafeteria serves
employees breakfast and lunch. For more information, please call
(585) 697-5747.

Retail Stores

ABVI-Goodwill operates four Goodwill Fashions
stores, each with an attended-donation center.
The stores sell gently used clothing and household
items donated by the community. We also have a
new drop-off Donation Center, which serves the
western part of Monroe County.

Through the use of adaptive equipment, employees who are blind
or visually impaired, work as cashiers and clerks. Profits from
the stores help fund much-needed programs and services at
ABVI-Goodwill. Our locations are:
• Penfield-Webster (585) 787-1012
• Henrietta (585) 427-7140
• Greece (585) 663-5220
• Downtown-South Clinton Avenue (585) 262-3330
• Gates (Donation Center only) (585) 247-9320
For more information, please call (585) 697-5751.

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Call Center

ABVI-Goodwill’s Call Center employs customer service
representatives who have received their training at our facility.
These employees service both inbound and outbound calls for
organizations. For more information, please call (585) 697-5747.
Volunteerism

Volunteers are extremely important to us. They enable
ABVI-Goodwill to expand its ability to touch the lives of people
who are blind or visually impaired. We can always use more
hands to:
• drive consumers to medical appointments or to shop
• assist with events and fundraising
• serve as friendly visitors
• read to consumers

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering,
please call our Volunteer Coordinator at (585) 697-5712.
The coordinator will match your interests with an opportunity
that is mutually satisfying.

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Association for the Blind and
Visually Impaired (ABVI)—
Goodwill Industries of
Greater Rochester, Inc.

422 South Clinton Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620-1198

(585) 232-1111 Voice
(585) 232-1698 TTY

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