THE BEACON EDITION 4, 2005 A PUBLICATION OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED (ABVI)- GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF GREATER ROCHESTER, INC. 2-1-1 EMPLOYEES AID WITH HURRICANE DISASTER RELIEF Hurricane Katrina destroyed communities throughout Louisiana and left many people without homes and in need of help. Evacuees needed somewhere to turn for information to help rebuild their lives. Many dialed 2-1-1 to learn where to go to have their needs met. As more people called, the phone lines became increasingly busy and needed more trained professionals to respond. Shye Louis, operations manager, and Cathleen Kelly, coordinator of information services, at ABVI-Goodwill’s 2-1-1/LIFE LINE volunteered to travel to Louisiana, assist with relief efforts and answer phone calls at the 2-1-1 Call Center. In conjunction with an effort led by the United Way of America, Shye and Cathleen utilized their expertise to help staff a 66-seat, 24-hour emergency 2-1-1 Call Center. The objective of the trip was to work with the 2-1-1 program in Louisiana to provide a centralized resource for matching needs with aide for victims of the disaster. Experienced volunteers with information and referral and crisis counseling backgrounds were recruited by the United Way from 2-1-1 programs throughout the country. Shye and Cathleen were chosen from the 2-1-1/LIFE LINE program at ABVI-Goodwill because of their experience and willingness to serve. As a result, the 2-1-1 program in Louisiana increased from four people to 60 people in under two weeks. A small, one-room office quickly transformed into the main function of the entire building. Shye assisted with crisis intervention and counseling, as well as telephone information and referral. Cathleen assisted with resource maintenance and development, research and telephone information and referral. Each volunteer worked 12-hour shifts and the long shifts were demanding, but both Shye and Cathleen knew that they were helping and giving hope through each answered call. Many of the callers to 2-1-1 were very grateful to talk to a person instead of an automated service or dial tone. The reassuring voice from a 2-1-1 representative helped hurricane survivors learn where the nearest shelter was, how far away other resources were located, and to verify the correct numbers for the Red Cross, FEMA and other resources. Shye answered numerous telephone calls and gave callers a reassuring voice. By the end of the week she had become overnight supervisor due to her crisis experience. Shye remarked, “The most rewarding part of the experience was knowing that you were making a difference for people that had just lived through a devastating natural disaster. Being a human voice for people to connect to and offer helpful information was what callers were looking for, and I was happy to be able to provide that for them.” There were a record number of calls during one of the first days that Shye and Cathleen arrived, where roughly 8,000 calls were answered in a 24-hour period. Cathleen described this trip as one of the most positive and challenging experiences that she has ever had, and both Shye and Cathleen remarked that it was great to see 2-1-1 being used effectively after a natural disaster— another example of why 2-1-1 is an important and valuable community service, not only here in Rochester, but across the country. GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND THE MISSION It’s a frightening thing to lose your vision. It’s harder still to regain that vision only to lose it again…and then again. This is precisely what happened to Tyrone Graham. Tyrone was born with corneal dystrophy, a condition that robbed him of his sight at an early age. Although he could see shadows and discern colors, a traumatic accident in his early teens resulted in total loss of vision in his right eye. Tyrone was fortunate enough to receive two different corneal transplants that restored some vision for a few years, but eventually the disease caused the transplants to fail leaving him blind once again. Tyrone then turned to ABVI-Goodwill for help. For Tyrone, that help began with our Low Vision Center. “As my vision declined,” he says, “the Low Vision Center helped me to adjust. Later, I took advantage of orientation and mobility services where I learned, among other things, how to use the bus to get to and from church, work and even picking up my daughter from camp. But it was ABVI-Goodwill’s career & training services that gave me a real foothold in the future.” To help Tyrone achieve that “foothold,” we customized a program to help him meet his career goals. He learned how to manage and work with adaptive technology and then landed a job in our Call Center where he has enjoyed great success. In fact, he was recently promoted. On the home front, Tyrone’s independent skills are equally important. His wife, who is partially deaf and visually impaired, relies on him heavily when it comes to managing the household. And when it comes to their seven year old daughter, it’s daddy who takes the bus to drop her off and pick her up from camp, doctors appointments or evening school activities. Tyrone Graham leads a rich and full life. His wife and daughter are the lights of his life. He has a guide dog named Enya, who enables him to enjoy complete independence. He’s active in his church and is an avid drummer. As Tyrone says, “I’ll be forever grateful to ABVI-Goodwill and the people who so generously support their work. As advocates, teachers and even friends, they’ve done so much for me. They’ve gone above and beyond their mission.” Yes, losing his sight, not once but twice, was frightening for Tyrone, but with the services and support of ABVI-Goodwill, he is no longer afraid. To the contrary, Tyrone is embracing life with happiness and zeal. Please help us play an equally important role in the lives of many others who are blind or visually impaired by making a contribution today. Your support will help thousands of people who turn to us each year to overcome the obstacles associated with blindness or visual impairment. To make a donation to ABVI-Goodwill, please call (585) 697-5711 to charge by phone. FROM THE PRESIDENT… With the holiday season upon us, I thought I would take this opportunity to share with you some of the many things for which I am so grateful. As another year comes to a close, it’s important to pause for just a moment and think about those things that make us so thankful every day. First and foremost, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this exceptional organization and this wonderful community. As president and CEO, I get to see first hand how our efforts truly make a difference in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. Being able to use my leadership skills, my talents and my abilities in ways that affect people’s lives is an opportunity and a gift for which I am deeply appreciative. I am also thankful for the outstanding employees that comprise the team here at ABVI-Goodwill. Every one of our team members chooses to be here because they care passionately about our mission and want to impact the lives of others. They are a tremendously talented group of people who make coming to work everyday a real joy. I am grateful for the dedicated members of our board of directors who selflessly give their time and talent to help lead this organization in a progressive and highly responsible manner. They are mission-driven and community-focused, and we would not be as effective an organization as we are without their commitment and hard work. I have deep appreciation for our many volunteers who work tirelessly to help support a wide variety of our programs and services. Volunteers who assist consumers with rides to medical and other appointments, shopping, reading mail, operate our multi-media center, assist in our retail stores, run our Consumer Shoppe and support outreach efforts like Project Eye Care and Vision Care for Kids. I am genuinely grateful for the eye doctors in the community who understand how our Low Vision Center can help patients who have lost their sight. We depend on their referrals to ensure that people who can no longer be helped medically or surgically have access to vision rehabilitation to maximize their remaining sight and understand that they can continue to live independently. I am especially grateful for the entrepreneurial spirit that exists throughout our organization. This spirit enables us to research and develop new opportunities that fulfill the dual purpose of supporting our mission while generating revenue to support our programs, services and employment opportunities. Recent projects like our acquisition of the 2-1-1/LIFE LINE program, the tremendously successful efforts in our manufacturing division, the unique collaborative effort of the Scouting for Food & Clothing Program that supports our retail operation, and the many new employment opportunities being created, are all examples of the entrepreneurial initiative that is demonstrated each day at ABVI-Goodwill. And finally, I am so thankful for our generous donors who continue to believe in us and the work we do. In spite of our entrepreneurial spirit and our successful business efforts, the costs to run an agency like ABVI-Goodwill continue to rise. Government support for the vision rehabilitation programs and career and training services we offer pays only a fraction of the real cost. It is our donors to whom we turn to help us meet the financial needs that cannot be met by other sources. It is our donors who help provide opportunities for people like Tyrone Graham, whose story you can read about in this edition of The Beacon. Our donors are truly the lifeblood of this organization, and our future depends on our ability to sustain their trust by continuing to do the best job we can for people who are blind or visually impaired in our community. On behalf of everyone here at ABVI-Goodwill, please accept our best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a healthy and happy new year! FROM THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR… “Worldwide, One New Blind Child Every Minute.” That was the attention grabbing title of a symposium I attended and participated in at our recent American Academy of Ophthalmology’s annual meeting in Chicago. Worldwide 1.4 million children are severely visually impaired or blind. Several issues were discussed at this symposium. My presentation focused on the “Surviving Blind Child: Improving Quality of Life.” Many blind and visually impaired children are in need of a simple refraction. One study showed that 1% of children in Bangladesh had a significant refractive problem. Correcting this would eliminate low vision and blindness in hundreds of children. Another study from India revealed that of 585 students in schools for the blind, 13% had low vision and 93% of those with low vision improved with optical and non-optical aids. These children would have been able to participate in a local school if these aids had been provided. Vision 2020, a global initiative of the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness aims to help eliminate avoidable blindness by the year 2020. The Oslo Workshop, held in October 2004, was a meeting of 25 geographically and professionally diverse experts who met to incorporate goals within Vision 2020 to reduce visual impairment worldwide. The workshop established a framework for low vision service delivery which includes training more professionals to provide service, increasing resources for research and development, and raising awareness of low vision. Participants encouraged the development of low cost low vision devices which would be widely available, even in low income countries. They also urged that a network of specialized “child eye care” tertiary centers be established. Preparing for this symposium made me realize that the goals proposed by Vision 2020 and the Oslo Workshop apply to those of us in the United States as well. We are fortunate to have a multidisciplinary low vision rehabilitation program at ABVI-Goodwill. We try to provide for all those in need, from our children to our elders. For children, our goals are the goals of those worldwide: to improve the quality of life of blind and visually impaired children by helping those in need to develop appropriate social skills to become independent of self and government, to be productive and to be able to contribute to society and be able to access information and education. We want what everyone around the world wants— we must help provide these services to our population and support others in need. TEAM ABVI-GOODWILL WAS UP TO THE ROCHESTER RIVER CHALLENGE Seven representatives of ABVI-Goodwill paddled through the Genesee River in a 30-foot, double hulled Hawaiian outrigger canoe during the 9th Annual Rochester River Challenge hosted by the South Wedge Planning Committee. Tracy Schleyer, captain of Team ABVI-Goodwill, was joined in the canoe by Kevin Calos, Sindy Cantor, Craig Hughes, Bruce Cavallaro and Cindy and Joe DeFalco. The team paddled in two 500-meter sprints on the river to raise funds for the South Wedge Planning Committee. A special thank you is extended to all Team ABVI-Goodwill participants for their time and commitment, all for a good cause. EXPERIENCING ART BEYOND SIGHT Everyone is not an artist, but everyone can create art. Everyone including children who are blind or visually impaired that “see” art differently than sighted friends and family members. The Creative Vision Program, a new and unique program offered by ABVI-Goodwill, provides children who are blind or visually impaired the opportunity to experience art through painting, sculpting and crafting a variety of projects. The program allows a child to understand art beyond the use of sight, focuses on abilities rather than disabilities, and uses art as a guide for self-expression. “Art therapy programs have been found to increase capabilities, self-confidence, self-sufficiency and independence in children who are blind or visually impaired,” said Sarah Favro, children’s specialist at ABVI-Goodwill. “Our Creative Vision Program will focus on developing those skills, as well as improving sensory awareness and motor coordination and enhancing visual memory, concentration and imagination.” The Creative Vision Program is available to children over the age of four who are blind or visually impaired. Through a generous grant from the Dorothea Haus Ross Foundation, the program is being provided free of charge and is held at the Sage Arts Center on every other Saturday afternoon throughout the year. With no cost and a long list of benefits, the Creative Vision Program offers tremendous opportunities for children who are blind or visually impaired. GOOD NUTRITION MAY HELP PREVENT SOME AGE-RELATED EYE DISEASES Recent studies on the impact of vitamins and minerals on the eyes suggest that a variation of the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” may in fact be true. Researchers have found that age-related eye diseases might be slowed by a daily dose of fruits and vegetables or dietary supplements. These findings are especially significant for members of the baby-boomer generation, who face an increased risk of developing age-related diseases that can affect their vision as they grow older. Researchers now believe diets rich in fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants and other nutrients might help to prevent certain age-related eye conditions, or at least slow their progress. In a major clinical study sponsored by the National Eye Institute, high levels of antioxidants and zinc were found to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a condition in which the macula, or the light sensitive cells of the eye, degenerates over time. Other studies have found that people with glaucoma or who are at-risk for developing cataracts also may benefit from antioxidants. Key vitamins and minerals that help to prevent these conditions appear to be Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Folic Acid and Zinc. These vitamins and minerals are found in fruits and vegetables such as melons, citrus, carrots, spinach and kale. However, people who are considering changing their diet to include more antioxidants should first consult their physician, as other health conditions could be affected by these dietary changes. It is important to remember that, while antioxidants may slow the progress of age-related eye diseases over time, they cannot restore vision that has already been lost. Source: Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION RELATING TO LOW VISION? ASK THE EXPERT! Beginning with the next edition, The Beacon is welcoming a new column, “Ask the Expert.” The column will contain questions our readers have about low vision, and answers will come from one of our five Low Vision Specialist Doctors at ABVI-Goodwill. Simply write-in, phone-in or email a vision related question to ABVIGoodwill then look for the answer in the next edition of The Beacon under the column “Ask the Expert.” Please direct your questions to Megan Hogan at mhogan@abvi-goodwill.com, (585) 697-5712 or 422 South Clinton Avenue Rochester, NY 14620 END THE YEAR WITH A DONATION TO GOODWILL Is the holiday season leaving your wallet a bit lighter? You can get a little money back from Uncle Sam by donating gently used clothing and other household items to Goodwill for an end-of-year tax write-off. By cleaning out your closets, attics and garages of your gently used items before December 31st, you get more than a tax deduction because your donations help support the programs, services and employment opportunities offered by ABVI-Goodwill. When donations are dropped off at our Goodwill stores or attended donation centers, they are sorted and sold in our stores. Revenue from the sale of donated items supports ABVI-Goodwill’s mission to assist people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve their highest level of independence in all aspects of their lives. We welcome you to drop off your tax deductible donations to any of our Goodwill retail stores or attended donation centers located throughout the Rochester area. ABVI-Goodwill accepts clothing, household goods, toys, antiques, and other items – even those holiday gifts that weren’t quite right. Donors who are interested in claiming tax deductions should keep itemized lists of their donations. As the year comes to an end, think of Goodwill as you discard your old items to welcome the new ones. HOLIDAY SHOPPING MADE EASY Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list isn’t an easy task to accomplish, and with the holiday season upon us, it is time to start thinking creatively about gift giving. Once you have your list in hand, head to the one store where you can find something for everyone— Goodwill. Goodwill is the perfect place to complete your list this holiday season. Our stores are filled with a variety of merchandise that would be perfect for any person on your list including reliable household appliances, fashionable dresses, durable winter coats, artwork and much more. Department stores often carry comparable merchandise complete with long lines, crowds and higher prices. Goodwill offers new merchandise every week with a friendly and helpful staff that will make your shopping trip successful and easy. As your gift list grows and money is already stretched thin, shop where you will get great gifts at a reasonable price. Goodwill offers 50% off selected items every day, which stretches your money even further. Goodwill provides convenient shopping, name-brand merchandise and reasonable prices so you don’t break the bank. Plus, gift certificates in any dollar amount are always available to give to those “hard to shop for” friends and family members. With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why Goodwill should be on your list of where to shop this holiday season. GOODWILL SHOPPERS LOVE WHAT THEY SEE! All the great changes that are taking place at our local Goodwill stores seem to be exactly what the customers ordered! The following are just a few of the many customer comments we’ve received at some of our retail stores. “I love this store! The people are always so friendly, courteous, helpful and appreciative.” “Seems like a different store. Easy shopping. Good prices. Just wonderful.” “I love the reorganization by size – it saves me a ton of time! And everyone is so friendly and helpful. Keep up the good work.” “Great lamps at more than reasonable prices. I got a real steal. Thanks!” “I thought I couldn’t afford much for Christmas gifts, but I found some very nice items that I will give as gifts. Thank you!” If you haven’t been to one of our stores lately, what are you waiting for? Come in now and see what these people have known for a while … at Goodwill, it’s always about Good Clothes … Good Prices … Good Cause! GOODWILL SHOES FIND A “HOME” ABVI-Goodwill has taken part in a local project to raise awareness of the importance of foster care and adoption, as well as highlight the growing number of children in our own community in need of a loving home. The Shoe Project, commissioned by the Adoption Resource Network, Inc. and Hillside Family of Agencies, features a sculpture created by two local artists from Artisan Works made out of children’s shoes donated by ABVI-Goodwill. The sculpture is shaped as a house, and every pair of shoes that make up that house represents a child in need of love and support who is waiting for adoption or placement into foster care. The Shoe Project will be on display throughout the region at area malls, hospitals, and museums and was made possible through a collaborative effort between Hillside, ARNI, ABVI-Goodwill and Artisan Works. GET READY FOR SCOUTING FOR FOOD & CLOTHING Be on the look out this coming spring for thousands of boy scouts and girl scouts who will be canvassing our community to collect non-perishable food and gently used clothing to support the work of ABVI-Goodwill and local food cupboards. Scouting for Food & Clothing is a unique collaborative effort that has become one of Monroe County’s largest community service projects. Last year, more than 13,000 youth and adult volunteers from the boy scouts, girl scouts and ABVI-Goodwill collected more than 105 tons of food and in excess of 101 tons of clothing. Joining the volunteers from ABVI-Goodwill were members of the New York State National Guard who provided 14 trucks and 30 volunteers to assist with the collection efforts. These results also made it the single most successful donation drive in the history of Goodwill in Rochester, and we’re looking to make it even bigger this year! On Saturday, March 18, 2006, eager and dedicated boy scouts and girl scouts will deliver food and clothing bags to hundreds of thousands of homes across Monroe County. Residents are asked to fill the bags with non-perishable food and gently used clothing and then leave them on the doorstep for the scouts to pick up one week later on Saturday, March 25, 2006. Your generosity and help will provide food and clothing to people most in need. So when you see those empty bags hanging on your door, don’t throw them away. Fill them up … and you will help fill the hearts of many people in our community! The New York State National Guard was presented with one of ABVI-Goodwill’s 2005 Community Partner Awards for their efforts in helping with the 2005 Scouting for Food & Clothing program. Our friends at the National Guard demonstrated their true community spirit by volunteering personnel and trucks to help ensure the success of the program. Pictured above is John Rhodes, vice president of operations and business development at ABVI-Goodwill, presenting the award to Rich Goldfarb and Brig. General Frederick D. Sheppard of the New York State National Guard. NEW MEMBERS OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS HELP SHAPE ORGANIZATION’S FUTURE ABVI-Goodwill is pleased to announce the appointment of six new members to the agency’s Board of Directors. Richard Baum, Julie Gutch, Cecil Lee, Phyllis LeFrois, Sam Marroquin and Marty Quinn have joined the board and each will serve a three-year term with the agency. “Each of these professionals and community leaders bring a unique blend of talent and experience to help lead this organization into the future,” said A. Gidget Hopf, Ed.D., president and CEO. “Collectively, the Board is poised to continue the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to our mission that has been the driving force of this organization for over 93 years.” We welcome all the new ABVI-Goodwill board members and we look forward to new ideas and continued growth in the upcoming years. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE REQUIRES AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMMUNITY As service needs in our local communities evolve, so must the service offerings. And as ABVI-Goodwill continues to plan for the future, we look at ways to enhance our mission and continue to be a responsive, caring community partner. Gaining a full understanding of the needs of our community is a helpful first step. With that goal in mind, ABVI-Goodwill partnered with Goodwill Industries International to conduct a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment. A Community Needs Assessment is a method for gathering practical information and insights in a community about service gaps and redundancies, collaboration and partnership opportunities, the local labor market outlook, and broader perceptions of ABVI-Goodwill and the work we are doing. Our Community Needs Assessment was conducted at the end of October by a representative of Goodwill Industries International. By providing a third-party involvement, we ensured the integrity of the project and its outcomes, and it provided us with an objective, validated base of information. Key community stakeholders from throughout the area representing government agencies, elected officials, local businesses, other non-profit organizations, community, civic and charitable organizations were interviewed over the course of four days. ABVI-Goodwill will use the results of the Community Needs Assessment as a tool to help assess our programs and services. We will also assess the populations we serve, funding sources, partnership and collaboration opportunities, and general perceptions of ABVI-Goodwill’s services in the community. This information will be a vital resource for us as we strive to enhance programs, services, job opportunities, and partnerships— all for the benefit of those in our community. More detailed information about the results of the Community Needs Assessment will appear in future editions of The Beacon. NEW FACES AT ABVI-GOODWILL Krista Jagoda, O.D. is the newest low vision specialist at ABVI-Goodwill. She is a 2004 graduate of the Southern College of Optometry with a post graduate residency in low vision rehabilitation. She began seeing patients on Monday, November 7th and will continue seeing patients on Mondays, both in the morning and the afternoon. With the addition of Dr. Jagoda, the low vision specialists at ABVI-Goodwill have grown to five, and there is now a doctor available every day of the week. ABVI-Goodwill is pleased to welcome Dr. Jagoda. Nancy Nealon, LMSW, has joined ABVI-Goodwill as the new Director of Clinical and Community Services. Nancy has a solid background in clinical services as well as new program development and leadership, and has familiarity working with non-profit organizations. She previously served as Executive Director of Pittsford Youth Services. Nancy is responsible for the oversight of the vision rehabilitation programs at ABVI-Goodwill and she is excited about the potential to build on our current services and make what is already great, even better. ABVI-Goodwill offers a warm welcome to Nancy Nealon. MILLION DOLLAR RECORD-SETTING SALES IN MANUFACTURING The months of July, August, September and October were particularly busy months for the many dedicated employees in the manufacturing department of ABVI-Goodwill. And all that hard work clearly paid off— we were able to end four consecutive months with more than $1 million per month in sales! This is a tremendous accomplishment and is a reflection of the talent, commitment and enthusiasm of the individuals who work in our manufacturing program. Many hours of work were put in to make this happen. In fact, more than 7,640 hours were logged by manufacturing employees who are blind or visually impaired. Our manufacturing division fabricates, assembles, packages, and distributes a diverse range of high-quality products, including self-stick note pads, cleaning products, physical fitness training pants for the U.S. Air Force, sneakers for the NYS prison system, and CD-ROM replication. This kind of success in our manufacturing division, as well as the hard work being done in all our business centers, enables ABVI-Goodwill to generate revenue to support and expand programs, services and employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Everyone at ABVI-Goodwill is genuinely proud of each and every individual in our manufacturing division who helped make this success a reality. Thank you, and keep up the excellent work! MEDICARE ACCEPTED FOR VISION REHABILITATION ABVI-Goodwill is pleased to announce that the Low Vision Center is now a participating Medicare provider. This designation allows the agency to accept Medicare for the services of our low vision specialists and occupational therapy services, providing another option for coverage of the cost of vision rehabilitation. “In order to provide more comprehensive services for our consumers, we became a participating provider of Medicare. We can now bill Medicare for the cost of the vision rehabilitation provided through the Low Vision Center,” commented Lorraine Northrup, Low Vision Center manager. There are a wide range of Medicare-covered low vision rehabilitation services provided through the agency’s new Occupational Therapy program. These services involve training and orientation for activities of daily living including reading, writing and mobility using optical and non-optical devices, as well as information on resources available in the community. While Medicare covers the cost of professional services, it does not pay for the cost of devices or low vision aids. Medicare participation is another way in which ABVI-Goodwill seeks to enhance the availability and accessibility of our services to those in need, and to make those services affordable to everyone. REACHOUT RADIO TEAMS TO MAKE TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBLE BY RUTH PHINNEY Time changes and technology changes even faster. For people who are blind, changes in technology aren’t always easy. That’s what happened in 2004 when WXXI radio made the conversion to digital audio consoles from the older analog consoles. Board operator Andy Shields, who is blind, suddenly was faced with a console with blinking lights, LED indicators and knobs with no starting and stopping point. Suddenly Andy was no longer able to do his job independently and with confidence. With the goal of keeping Andy as a valuable member of WXXI Reachout Radio, we immediately turned to ABVI-Goodwill and the NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH). Jen House, one of ABVI-Goodwill’s ATC Instructors, visited Reachout Radio to evaluate the requirements necessary to make the console accessible. This assessment showed that more specific experience was necessary and recommended that an experienced consultant be retained to guide the station through the process. After several months of searching, planning, designing, testing, retesting, installing and training, Andy is once again independent at his job. A company called CompuSult has designed custom software and hardware that will speak each of the settings on the digital audio console. Rudy Roberts travelled from Newfoundland to install and customize this unique equipment which uses their Vindicator system. This is something that has not been done anywhere before, and we are certainly breaking ground for other radio reading services or radio stations that employ operators who are blind. Thanks to ABVI-Goodwill, CBVH and CompuSult for supporting, funding and working to make new technologies accessible for blind radio operators like Andy. TECHNICALLY SPEAKING BY KIM KLINE It’s that time again—the time when temperatures fall, leaves fall, and the adaptive technology companies parade their new wares. Freedom Scientific has released new versions of its magnification software and its screen reading software. JAWS 7.0 features improved support for roaming profiles on network systems, and support for using a “jump drive” to temporarily carry JAWS settings to another computer. An innovative new FS Clipboard that allows multiple items to be placed on the clipboard and support for the Fire Fox web browser are other improvements to the software. It also now includes a mode for navigating Microsoft Word documents with single letter commands. Magic 9.50 now supports Internet License Manager technology for authorizing software installations, replacing its old floppy disk-based copy protection scheme. It allows personalized settings to be saved with a network user’s profile, permitting multiple users to share a computer without forcing everyone to use the same settings. GW Micro has introduced Window-Eyes 5.5, which features greatly enhanced support for Microsoft Excel, along with support for the Fire Fox web browser. GW Micro is designing Window-Eyes to support every feature of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel with 100% accuracy. Zoomtext 9.0 has been released and features a redesigned user interface. The Level 2 version of the software now provides a new speech software that sounds more natural than in previous versions. Dolphin Computer Access has introduced the Supernova Pen Drive, which allows a user to walk up to a computer, plug a jump drive into a USB port, and have speech and magnification running on the computer in a couple of minutes. Perhaps one of the most innovative technologies is Serotek’s Key To Freedom screen reader, which can run on any Windows XP machine simply by plugging its jump drive into an available USB port. The speech starts running automatically in a matter of seconds, and when the Key To Freedom is unplugged, there is no trace of the software on the computer, making it completely portable. Serotek also offers the Pass Key, which loads in the CD drive and provides the same great features as the Key To Freedom for users of older versions of Microsoft Windows. The Key To Freedom and Pass Key products emphasize simplicity, greatly reducing the training time required to be able to use the computer. For more detailed information on these products, you may contact the Adaptive Technology Center at ABVI-Goodwill at (585) 697-5753. LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL GIFT TO GIVE THIS SEASON? DONATE TO ABVI-GOODWILL Often times a store-bought gift doesn’t truly reflect how special a person is to you, so what better way to show that affection than to make a donation to ABVI-Goodwill in their name. This generous gift will help provide vital programs and services to people who are blind or visually impaired in the Greater Rochester area. Your friend or loved one will receive a hand-signed acknowledgement of your donation along with the numerous ways this gift will keep on giving to thousands of people who are blind or visually impaired that seek our help each year. This holiday season give a gift that is unique and special to your family & friends by donating to ABVI-Goodwill. To make a donation please call (585) 697-5711. A. GIDGET HOPF, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ABVI-GOODWILL, EARNS DOCTORATE DEGREE A. Gidget Hopf, Ed.D., president and chief executive officer of ABVI-Goodwill, has completed the doctoral program in the Department of Human and Organizational Studies at George Washington University. She received her doctorate degree at a graduation ceremony held at the University’s Washington, D.C. campus earlier this year. Dr. Hopf’s research interest included leadership and her dissertation focused on executive coaching. Dr. Hopf has served as president and CEO of ABVI-Goodwill for 19 years. Through her leadership, ABVI-Goodwill has become one of the premier providers of comprehensive vision rehabilitation services in the country. We congratulate Dr. Gidget Hopf on her Doctorate Degree and we are proud of her personal and professional achievements on behalf of ABVI-Goodwill. EYE CARE WITHOUT PREJUDICE BY KIMBERLY LAWRENCE Project Eye Care often sees first-hand the challenges that many people in our community deal with on a daily basis; homelessness, poverty, inadequate or no health insurance, and poor access to needed services. Fortunately, we live in a community with resources to help those in need and where services are provided without judgment or prejudice. One of these resources is Project Eye Care, where our volunteer eye doctors provide free eye exams to individuals who are uninsured or under-served. Individuals like Elsie, who faces a variety of challenges, but does so with self-respect and dignity. Elsie is a 50-year old woman who has been working at a local library for over 20 years. She works part-time and, as a result, is not eligible for health insurance through her employer. Her husband has worked for a local auto repair shop for almost 20 years, and while his employer offers health insurance, the cost exceeds the family’s budget constraints. Instead, their priority was putting a child through college. It’s a difficult choice, but one that many in our community face all the time. When I first met Elsie, she had not had an eye exam since she was 35 years old— almost 15 years ago! She had been suffering from blurred vision for years and noticed increasing troubles with reading. Since she works at a library, this had serious implications for her job performance. Elsie received a free eye exam through Project Eye Care earlier this year. She knew about the free eye exam program through a friend who worked at the library, but was hesitant to call and make an appointment. “I have a lot of pride,” Elsie explained. “I didn’t want anyone to know I was struggling, and I try to keep my appearance as such.” In fact, Elsie arrived for her exam dressed very nicely and professionally. When she started to tell me of her and her family’s struggles, I was surprised and told her so. “That’s why I hate to ask for help. I don’t want people to think I am needy,” she said. After her eye exam, Elsie was given a voucher for free eyeglasses. She called me immediately afterwards with the great news. “I can’t believe how well I can see now! I wish I had come to Project Eye Care years ago. Thank you so much for helping me.” Project Eye Care meets the needs of many people just like Elsie who need help but are sometimes hesitant to ask for it. If you haven’t had an eye exam in over two years, you’ve waited too long. Don’t wait any longer. Call Project Eye Care today and let us help. It’s what we’re here for! PLAN FOR THE FUTURE WITH A GIFT ANNUITY TODAY! A gift annuity is a gift of cash or stock that provides you and/or a loved one with income for a lifetime. Gift annuities also offer numerous other benefits including: Additional income for you and/or a loved one Payments that may be partially tax-free A federal (possibly state) income tax deduction Fixed income, regardless of the economy or interest rates Elimination of capital gains on transfer of appreciated securities The opportunity to create a legacy with your gift, both to ABVI-Goodwill and to a loved one For more information on gift annuities, please call Tracy Schleyer, Director of Development, at (585) 697- 5780. Or send an email to tschleyer@abvi-goodwill.com. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED SINCE OUR LAST ISSUE OF THE BEACON: Thiel Brailler Mr. Shirley Skinner The kindness and generosity of our friends and donors help us offer the best and most up-to-date services possible. Thank you for your support! There is always something that needs fixing at ABVI-Goodwill and every dollar we spend on major repair items takes away from our ability to fund programs, services and jobs. Piano Tuning The piano used for the WAMS senior recreation program is in desperate need of a good tuning, and a donated piano tuning would be greatly appreciated. If you or someone you know can donate the dollars or service to fund the necessities or items above, please contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, director of development, at (585) 697-5780. BEQUESTS ABVI-Goodwill would like to thank those who named us in their will. We are honored to carry on our work in their names. Estate gifts have been received from the following between August 20, 2005 and November 17, 2005: Olga C. Ritchie It is always our pleasure to welcome those who choose to provide for ABVI-Goodwill through bequests, trusts and other life income gifts to become members of ABVI-Goodwill’s Foresight Circle. If you have planned or are planning to include ABVI-Goodwill in your estate plans, and would like more information, please contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, director of development, at (585) 697-5780. IN HONOR OF In honor of Shelley Falitico’s commitment to ABVI-Goodwill Lorraine Northrup In honor of Louis Tassi’s 50th birthday Anonymous In honor of Pat Lavigne, volunteer driver Anonymous By giving to ABVI-Goodwill in memory of a family member or friend, many generous people have found a way to express their caring spirit while helping to ensure the success of ABVI-Goodwill. Thank you to the following friends who made contributions from August 20, 2005 to November 17, 2005: Richard F. Aquilina Laurie Ashodian Anonymous Patsy P. Capizzi G. Davis Michael DeLaus Edward Fox Joan M. Hager Lee Hager Shirley Kozlowski Kenneth R. Link Van E. Nettnin Mary A. O’Neill Nancy Sanza Frank Bartolotti, Sr. Rodney Harris John R. Bauer, Sr. Catherine Connaughton Ruth Blum Elizabeth J. Bauer Richard W. Bauer Beverle E. Benson Marie Cole Vicki A. DeDee Charles DeGraff Gleason Works Elder Statesmen’s Club Carolyn LaDieu Mary E. Sandy Paula Schenk Alice R. Shayler Robert C. Tolhurst Agnes L. Wehner George J. Frederick Michael Fredericks Ralph W. Jones Kathleen Beiswenger Harriet S. Buckley Diane Craddock James Dailey Ruth Dailey June Hettler Doreen S. Hilbert Chuck Lembo Irene Leveson Virginia M. Moffett Betty Moss Ray Niedziela Gary A. Osman Terry Osman Ray Pierce David B. Quinn Anonymous Robin A. Schmid Peggy E. Slyck Anonymous Anonymous Shari A. Warner Don Zimmer William R. Kash Paul Warchal Warren J. Larsen Iva Larsen Esther Less Irene Galinsky Concettina Marinaro John Speranza Mary Ottalagana Margaret Dellapietra Helen D. Seely Russell R. Lane Mary Steers Richard C. Barker Ruth Strassberg David M. Schrier VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Every one of our volunteers truly makes a difference to ABVI-Goodwill’s mission, and we value the time and commitment they continue to give to the agency. All of our volunteers who selflessly give of their time and talents were honored at the annual volunteer luncheon and awards ceremony on Wednesday, October 12, 2005. Two awards were also presented at the luncheon: the Shining Star Award and the Volunteer of the Year Award. Dr. Omar Hanuch was honored with the 2005 ABVI-Goodwill Shining Star Award in recognition of his expertise, commitment, and genuine and kind-hearted caring and concern for those we serve at ABVI-Goodwill. Flossie Kerr was given the 2005 ABVI-Goodwill Volunteer of the Year award for her wonderful and enviable spirit and dedication to make a real difference in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. Congratulations to both Dr. Omar Hanuch and Flossie Kerr. CONSUMER SHOPPE VOLUNTEER NEEDED ABVI-Goodwill is looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to spend a few hours a week in the Consumer Shoppe. Experience first hand the latest and greatest non-optical aids and devices while labeling them with price tags and ordering new merchandise. Call the Volunteer Coordinator at (585) 697-5718 to learn more about this wonderful volunteer opportunity. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME AND TALENTS TO ABVI-GOODWILL ABVI-Goodwill assists people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve their highest level of independence in all aspects of their lives. When you volunteer at ABVI-Goodwill, you make a difference and help us open up many opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. The variety of volunteer opportunities at ABVI-Goodwill can fit into any schedule, and long-term and short-term volunteer assignments offer flexibility to fit into anyone’s daily routine. To learn all about the volunteer opportunities at ABVI-Goodwill call the volunteer coordinator at (585) 697-5718.