The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)- Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester Inc. The Beacon Issue 3, 2006 LEADERSHIP BEYOND SIGHT Jarret Lobb is an avid bicyclist, respected businessman, supporter of ABVI-Goodwill and, most recently, the elected Chair of the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries International. He is a role model for overcoming obstacles and maintaining independence regardless of a visual impairment. In 1993, Jarret began experiencing problems with his eyesight and after new trifocals failed to help, he was diagnosed with vasculitis of the retina. His first step after the diagnosis was to contact ABVI-Goodwill, and that simple phone call grew into a long-term relationship. Once he completed his rehabilitation, Jarret was so impressed with the work of ABVI-Goodwill that he asked Gidget Hopf, President and CEO, how he could help the agency. He soon joined the Board of Directors where he served nine years, including two as Chair. His leadership brought tremendous insight to the work and mission of ABVI-Goodwill and after leaving ABVI-Goodwill’s board he took that leadership to the Goodwill Industries International board in 2003. He quickly moved from a member of the board to Treasurer, Vice Chair and now the Chair. “Jarret is a tremendous asset to the Goodwill network. As a former recipient of Goodwill services, he has a unique perspective on our work and will keep the board’s focus on a ‘people first’ basis,” said George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. While Jarret was dedicating his free time to the organizations that helped him overcome his vision loss, he still maintained an active lifestyle and a demanding job as Vice President of Systems Development for Monro Muffler Brake & Service, which has 702 stores across 17 states. Jarret did not let vision loss control his life, instead he just found new ways to do the same things he had done before. Bicycling was always an activity he enjoyed, and he was determined to not let his vision loss take that hobby away. In 2001 Jarret pedaled from Seattle to Rochester, a distance of 2,984 miles in just 39 days. Accompanied by his son and close family friends, the group traveled across the country and made memories with every pedal. It was a physically demanding challenge, but turned into a trip of a lifetime. Jarret’s visual impairment did not stop his quest for success and an independent lifestyle. He is an inspiration for other people who are blind or visually impaired who struggle to overcome the challenges of vision loss, and ABVI-Goodwill is grateful for his continued leadership and support. EXPANDING OUR GOODWILL STORES, EXPANDING OUR MISSION Ground has broken and plans are underway for a new Goodwill retail store in Brockport, New York. This new 27,000 square foot store is approximately four times larger than any of the current Rochester Goodwill stores. In fact, it is larger than all four stores combined! This increase in size brings about many things: more merchandise for sale, numerous job opportunities and, most importantly, increased opportunities to enhance the mission of ABVI-Goodwill. The new Brockport Goodwill store model will have more floor space for larger displays of quality merchandise. With over 11 individual departments, there will also be the typical wide variety of quality merchandise. Four cash registers will help with a speedy checkout of purchases, and the new store will continue the color of the week tickets for 50% off and 99 cent items. The Brockport store will continue to provide high-quality merchandise at affordable prices to make your shopping experience a positive one. The new Brockport Goodwill store will also contain a “Community Room” which is an opportunity for ABVI-Goodwill to give back to the community and expand our programs and services. The Community Room will be available for use by area non-profits and small groups who need a location for meetings or other events. The Community Room is also a future site for Project Eye Care, our outreach program that offers routine eye exams for adults and children of all ages who are uninsured or under-insured. Everyone at ABVI-Goodwill is excited about this expansion and the plans for more brand-new Goodwill stores around Rochester. With several more stores projected to be opened within the next several years, the “Goodwill” in ABVI-Goodwill will be coming to many more communities throughout the region. Stay tuned to The Beacon for more updates on the progress of the new Goodwill stores. FROM THE PRESIDENT In July, ABVI-Goodwill welcomed a record-setting number of guests to our Annual Celebration, Monte Carlo Night at Locust Hill. One of the highlights of the evening was the gaming tables and the opportunity to take a gamble and have fun, all to support a good cause. Here at ABVI-Goodwill, the only time we truly gamble is for fun, because the stakes are too high to take chances on risky bets. However, while not willing to gamble with the lives of those we are entrusted to serve, we certainly are willing to take risks. And the reason we are willing to take risks is because we believe the odds are in our favor. Consider that the odds are in our favor when more than 300 people come out on a warm sultry night to support ABVI-Goodwill and the work we do for people who are blind or visually impaired. Consider that the odds are in our favor when we have talented and dedicated employees who know what they are doing and do it so exceptionally well. And consider how our odds improve when a board of directors like ours is engaged, knowledgeable and serious about its stewardship. Consider that our chances of success are always increasing based on a sound history, solid track record and unwavering commitment to our mission. So, with the odds in our favor, I’m excited to share with you what is about to happen at the agency. After 20 years of steady, incremental growth, ABVI-Goodwill is about to embrace revolutionary change. In fact, this revolutionary change has already begun with several efforts we’ve initiated over the past several months. In this edition of The Beacon, you’ll read about our exciting new retail venture in Brockport with the ground breaking for the first of many new generation retail stores. These stores will be beautiful new retail venues and will result in nearly 200 new employees, a need for increased technological and human resources support, expanded warehousing and trucking, and much more. Our revolutionary change doesn’t stop there. This past year we implemented new Medicare billing procedures that represent a major shift in the way we view and provide vision rehabilitation services. With the advent of Medicare, we are able to serve more people, get paid for our services and create a professional medical model that fits with today’s current medical environment. Stepping up to revolutionary change is not a gamble. It is a necessity. In five short years we will begin an 18-month centennial celebration that honors our proud first century of service. But more than symbolism, by the time of that celebration, ABVI-Goodwill will have conducted a capital campaign, renovated its main and satellite facilities, more than doubled its employees and the people served, and have put in place a succession plan for the next century of leadership. Many of you have been an integral part of our proud past, and I ask that you join now in embracing our future – a future that requires your support, your commitment, your dedication and your resources. Our goal is to enter our second century of service stronger than ever. We will be an agency that empowers people who are blind to contribute to this grand vision and to be an integral part of serving our constituents and making our communities better places to live. I can promise you that this is a very safe bet! FROM THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR If you live to be 80, your chances of developing cataracts are greater than 50:50. Cataracts affect over 20 million Americans over the age of 40 and they are a leading cause of blindness in some parts of the world. In this country, the availability of modern surgical technology means that for most Americans, cataracts do not lead to a permanent loss of vision. A cataract is a cloudy area in the eye’s normally clear lens. Clouding of the lens prevents light from passing though to the retina in the back of the eye. The only treatment is surgical removal of the diseased lens; medications, changes in diet, and exercises are not helpful. Doctors have been removing cataracts since the second century, but most of the major advances have come in the past 40 years. If you are 80 now, your cataract surgery will be vastly different from that of your grandparents; patients in their day spent a week in the hospital on bed rest, their heads immobilized with sandbags. When I first learned to operate on cataracts, sandbags were no longer en vogue, but patients were still hospitalized for their surgery. You could instantly recognize anyone who had undergone cataract surgery because of the thick glasses that were necessary to tell the place of the lens that had been removed. Today, cataract surgery is done on outpatients and doctors are able to place a permanent replacement lens implant inside the eye at the time of surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most frequently performed operations in the United States. After surgery, vision is improved in most patients. Laser treatment is sometimes used after surgery to remove a film that can occasionally grow behind the lens implant. Although cataracts develop as part of the normal aging process, they can also result from eye injuries, diabetes, inherited disorders, certain medications, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light and smoking. Cataracts start out small and have little effect on vision at first. As the cataract becomes larger and denser, visual symptoms develop. Affected patients experience painless blurring of vision, sensitivity to light and glare, double vision, poor night vision, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in their eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. Cataracts should be removed when the symptoms they cause interfere with the patient’s daily activities. The decision to operate is up to the individual patient. ABVI-GOODWILL RECEIVES TWO NATIONAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE ABVI-Goodwill is very pleased to announce that the agency has received two highly prestigious national awards from Goodwill Industries International (GII) at their most recent Delegate Assembly held in St. Louis in June. CALL CENTER We’ve always known ABVI-Goodwill’s Call Center is a winner and we are pleased to have that opinion shared by more and more organizations across the country. Most recently, the Call Center’s focus on adaptive technology and quality training has earned it GII’s 2006 Technology Connections Award. The Technology Connections Award is given to a Goodwill program that helps achieve GII’s goal of using technology training and resources to help people achieve economic independence. The Call Center provides the opportunity for employees to use their skills in a competitive environment and hold a job that is challenging and meaningful. Employing over 25 people who are blind or visually impaired, the Call Center has made use of adaptive technology like screen readers and magnification programs to achieve a 98.3% accuracy rate in the calls it fields. This is even more impressive when you consider that the Center’s call volume nearly tripled in one year, from 2004 to 2005. By investing in the newest technology and ongoing training for employees, ABVI-Goodwill’s Call Center has been successful in the results it achieves and in helping its employees gain self-sufficiency and important job skills. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE ABVI-Goodwill’s acquisition of the 2-1-1/LIFE LINE program in 2005 provided the agency with an excellent opportunity to enhance its mission while also maintaining a vital, local resource in the community. The successful integration of the 2-1-1/LIFE LINE program into the ABVI-Goodwill mission has been recognized with GII’s 2006 Stewardship Excellence Award, an award given to honor a Goodwill program, activity or process that has resulted in more efficient use of Goodwill and/or community resources. The 2-1-1/LIFE LINE program is a prime example of community organizations pooling their unique resources to meet community and employment needs. This important collaborative effort will continue to make vital community information and referral services available to those most in need, and will also provide a number of new employment opportunities for people who are blind and visually impaired. NEW FACES AT ABVI-GOODWILL Alison Martinez has joined the ABVI-Goodwill team as the Annual Giving and Marketing Manager. She was previously the Manager of Special Campaigns and Planned Giving at the George Eastman House, and spent a semester in ’05 teaching English with WorldTeach in the Galapagos Islands. She will be responsible for the annual giving program, as well as the annual celebration, and will support the marketing and development departments. Karen McFarland is the new Accounting Manager at ABVI-Goodwill. She graduated from RIT with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting, and has a strong background in finance. She previously owned KLM Business Services, which provided accounting services to small companies, and worked at Xerox Corporation as a financial analyst. Karen is responsible for managing the daily accounting, payroll, and billing operations and the preparation of financial statements, in addition to managing the accounting staff. LEAD HOTLINE ANSWERED LOCALLY Anyone in the United States, Canada or Mexico can call the EPA’s national lead center hotline with questions or concerns about lead poisoning. They will speak to one of four information specialists who are trained to answer questions and provide technical, lead-related information. All four of these specialists are blind or visually impaired and work right here at ABVI-Goodwill’s Call Center. They work as part of the $2 Million contract, over 5 years with the Environmental Protection Agency. The Lead Information Center Hotline is designed to educate and inform the public about lead poisoning and available resources to help prevent it from occurring. Through the use of adaptive technology, our information specialists have fielded over 130,000 calls and 20,000 electronic inquiries since the program was introduced. This partnership with EPA not only enhances the mission of ABVI-Goodwill by providing rewarding jobs to people who are blind or visually impaired, but is also an invaluable community resource. With over 2,000 children in the Rochester area affected by lead poisoning, having a place to turn to with questions is vital to fighting this serious problem. DONATE FOR A DISCOUNT! Through a unique and exciting partnership between Goodwill and Bon Ton stores, you can turn your donations of gently-used clothing and household items into big savings at local Bon Ton retail department stores! Eight area Bon Ton stores are partnering with ABVI-Goodwill this September to collect clothing donations to support the mission of ABVI-Goodwill. From September 14 through September 25, Bon Ton customers who donate clean, gently-used clothing at participating stores will receive 20% off coupons toward the purchase of new merchandise. One coupon is given for every item donated, and all donations support ABVI-Goodwill’s programs, services, job training and employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. The more items of clothing you donate, the more coupons you will receive– donate ten items and receive ten 20% off coupons! And the discount coupons can be used to buy almost all new merchandise, including rarely discounted products such as cosmetics, perfumes and name-brand items. Bon Ton customers can drop off donations at any of the stores listed here, or at the local four Goodwill stores or two attended donation centers. Marketplace Mall, 15 Miracle Mile Drive, Rochester NY Medley Centre, 101 Irondequoit Drive, Rochester NY Greece Ridge Center, 98 Greece Ridge Center, Rochester NY East View Mall, 7979 Pittsford-Victor Road, Victor NY Carousel Center, 9570 Carousel Center Drive, Syracuse NY Camillus Mall, 5300 W. Genesee, Camillus NY Arnot Mall, 3300 Chambers Road, Horseheads NY Pyramid Mall, 40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca NY This is more than just another coupon or promotion. It’s a way for you to support ABVI-Goodwill’s mission and say thank you to the generosity and caring of Bon Ton for this exciting new partnership. NEW DISPLAY AT GOODWILL The next time you visit your local Goodwill retail store, make sure to stop and see the new display of low vision aids. This display highlights some of the many non-optical low vision aids and products for sale in the ABVI-Goodwill Low Vision Center. Large print playing cards, talking alarm clocks and large button telephones are just some of the useful items displayed at Goodwill and available for purchase at our Low Vision Center. For more information on Low Vision Aids and Vision Rehabilitation Services call (585) 232-1111 or visit ABVI-Goodwill at 422 South Clinton Avenue. ANSWER THE DOOR, OPPORTUNITY IS KNOCKING For some people the perfect job is one where you could do something different everyday, have the opportunity for personal and professional growth and really make a difference with your work. That is exactly what you’ll find with a career at ABVI-Goodwill. And with the expansion of our Goodwill stores, there are more opportunities to work for this great organization. The new Goodwill stores will be bigger and brighter than before, making it a fun place to shop, and also a fun place to work. Brand new teams are needed for each new Goodwill location, so there are many openings available. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Goodwill retail team there are many positions available, including: • Store Team Leader • Associate Team Leader • Assistant Team Leader • Team Member Goodwill is much more than just a retail store. The hard work from each and every member of the team helps ABVI-Goodwill fulfill its mission. With the expansion of Goodwill and more locations opening in the near future, there are great opportunities for growth. If you are interested in taking advantage of these exciting opportunities, visit www.abvi-goodwill.org or call Jennifer Suppe at (585) 697-5751. Call today and join our winning team at ABVI-Goodwill! DON’T BE SCARED BY COSTUME PRICES THIS YEAR The amount of money that Halloween costumes cost these days can be frightening. According to research by the National Retail Federation, people spend almost $1.2 billion on Halloween costumes each year, with the average person spending $31 each! If you want a little help easing your fear this year, start hunting for a costume at your local Goodwill store. With a little creativity, it’s easy to turn an everyday accessory or piece of clothing into part of the perfect costume. With the unique selection you always find at Goodwill, the possibilities for costumes are endless. A suit and hat quickly become a mobster outfit, or a football jersey the main piece necessary to become your favorite sports hero. You can turn an old bridesmaid dress into a princess costume, or find a long black dress and broom to become the perfect witch. With the one-of-a-kind choices you will find at Goodwill, you’ll never see another costume just like yours. So this Halloween, find that special costume, complete with fantastic prices, at your local Goodwill. Costumes You can Find at Goodwill… Tourist: Wear a camera around your neck, a button up Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses and white sunscreen on your nose and you are ready for some fun in the sun. Sherlock Holmes: Grab a mystery book, magnifying glass, brown cape, tan pants, vest and a sleuth hat to transform into this mystery solver. Cowboy or Cowgirl: Saddle up in a pair of blue jeans, red button-up shirt, boots, a bandanna and you are ready for the wild, wild west. Magician: Appear in a black tuxedo jacket, black pants, white dress shirt, with a top hat and stuffed bunny and no one will believe their eyes. Farmer: Dig up a pair of overalls, white t-shirt, straw hat and you are ready to harvest a lot of candy. These are just a few of the many costume possibilities at your local Goodwill! ABVI-GOODWILL’S 2006 ANNUAL CELEBRATION: A WINNING NIGHT FOR EVERYONE With close to 300 guests in attendance on July 12 for our 2006 Annual Celebration, Monte Carlo Night at Locust Hill Country Club, this year’s celebration was the biggest yet! Guests had the chance to gamble the night away in true Monte Carlo fashion at one of our six gaming tables, try their luck at the exciting live and silent auctions and dine on authentic French cuisine. All in all, it was a lucky night! With another stroke of luck, guests at Monte Carlo Night also got to hear testimonials from two special individuals who have benefited from the services at ABVI-Goodwill. Peter Roomian and Albina Grum reminded us of what the real prize is; helping others to have a better and more independent life. Thanks to all of our sponsors, guests, and auction donors, Monte Carlo Night at Locust Hill Country Club was a big winner, netting over $76,000. The proceeds will benefit vision rehabilitation & career and training programs for people who are blind or visually impaired in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. Stay tuned to future editions of The Beacon for details on next year’s celebration! SUMMER SIZZLE IS A SUCCESS Ten children between the ages of 8 and 14 who are legally blind enjoyed a week of skill-building while having fun at the fifth annual Summer Sizzle. The week began with a bowling outing and a day at Camp Abilities. At camp, the children tried horseback riding, tandem biking, team building activities and roller blading. The children also had two opportunities to cook lunch for the group where they made grilled cheese on the stove and heated hot dogs in the microwave. The week also included a trip to the Strong National Museum of Play via a Regional Transit Authority city bus which included a workshop on orientation and mobility. This program drew children from as far away as Geneva, providing opportunities they would not otherwise have in a traditional camp or at home. Many of the same children return for Winter Chill, a similar event held in the winter that also includes a trip to Camp Abilities as well as other activities to improve the lives of children with visual impairments. ABVI-GOODWILL’S CAFETERIA TRANSFORMATION September will mark the beginning of a long-awaited cafeteria renovation. Crumbling flooring, peeling paint, and an inefficient layout for those who are blind or visually impaired will be replaced with a functional, modern, more accessible facility. This cafeteria is not your ordinary cafeteria. It plays an important role in providing programs, services and jobs to those who are blind or visually impaired. It’s an “entrepreneurial” cafeteria: a home to our catering business, a source of funds for our vision rehabilitation programs, as well as a place to gather twice a day over a hot meal. In fact, our cafeteria makes a difference in the lives of people all over the community in many ways. Specifically, it enables ABVI-Goodwill to: Provide training programs to help people overcome barriers to employment and gain work experience that leads to competitive jobs. Provide low-cost meal and snack service for 12 daycares and 25 senior centers across Rochester – more than 2,500 meals a week. Create jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. To date, $154,000 has been raised from generous donors such as the Golisano Foundation, Shirley Skinner, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation and National Institute for the Blind. Our goal is to raise $225,000 for the renovation. Highlights of the renovation include increased seating capacity with booths, tables and bar stools; a new floor and ceiling, and new lighting; a barrier-free setup with stainless steel appliances and a modernized style; and windows that look out onto the main corridor. The cafeteria was built more than 30 years ago when Monroe County asked ABVI-Goodwill to cook and deliver meals to Rochester-area senior centers. Monroe County funded the start-up of the cafeteria by providing cooking equipment. Since then, the cafeteria has not been renovated. We are looking forward to a better place to dine that meets the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired, fosters independence, creates jobs and raises funds to support our mission. Stay tuned for future editions of The Beacon for updates and progress. VALUABLE TRAINING FOR LASTING JOBS ABVI-Goodwill has a long history of successfully preparing people who are blind or visually impaired for meaningful careers. And now the agency’s expertise in employment services will be shared with people who have other barriers to employment thanks to a new program. ABVI-Goodwill recently began providing job readiness training and job placement support for individuals who are transitioning from welfare to work. Program participants, who are referred to ABVI-Goodwill by the Monroe County Department of Human Services, develop important life skills that will help them find and retain employment. During the program, individuals sharpen their skills while working at jobs in ABVI-Goodwill’s retail division. Upon the completion of this fourteen week long program, participants are given support to find and retain ongoing employment. Whether job placement is at ABVI-Goodwill or with another area agency or business, the program provides a helping hand for people going through this transition with the goal of placing them in lasting employment opportunities. The program began its first session in July. Ongoing sessions will be held quarterly, beginning in September. Anyone wishing for more information about this program may call (585) 697-5748. INCREASED ACCESS TO LOW VISION EVALUATIONS ABVI-Goodwill ensures access to Low Vision exams regardless of insurance coverage through its charity care policy. However, a new partnership with The Monroe Plan offers additional coverage for many individuals who previously did not have insurance that included Low Vision exams. The Monroe Plan for Medical Care is a not-for-profit managed care organization that provides Blue Choice Option, Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus insurance in Monroe and surrounding counties. The Monroe Plan now covers the costs of Low Vision evaluations at ABVI-Goodwill for members with eligible insurance plans. “The Monroe Plan and ABVI-Goodwill have similar missions and visions, and this is a perfect opportunity to join forces to reach some of the under-served populations in the area,” commented George Hughes, Manager for Contracting and Provider Relations at The Monroe Plan for Medical Care. The Monroe Plan currently insures roughly 90,000 members and is the largest Medicaid, Child Health Plus and Family Health Plus program in the region. This partnership with ABVI-Goodwill will broaden the reach of Low Vision awareness and promote good eye-health in the Greater Rochester community. CARING FOR YOUR VISION The Wayne County Caring for Your Vision program, which offers older adults information on age-related vision loss, is being offered for a second session! If you live in or around Wayne County and were unable to attend the previous presentations, now is your chance to learn about the many resources for low vision and vision rehabilitation services. The Caring for Your Vision programs include information on age-related vision loss and the many resources available to older adults who are faced with the challenge of gradual or unexpected loss of sight. The presentations will include demonstrations and expert advice on the variety of vision rehabilitation services available through ABVI-Goodwill. Mark your calendars and bring a friend to one of the three remaining presentations! MONDAY, OCTOBER 2ND, 10:00 AM Palmyra Senior Center Village Park & Club Rooms 149 E. Main Street Palmyra, 14522 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10TH, 1:00 PM Ontario Senior Center Brown Square Village Apartments 2100 Brown Square Ontario, 14519 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11TH, 11:00 AM Clyde Senior Center St. John’s Church Hall 43 DeZeng Street Clyde, 14433 MAKING A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY BY RUTH PHINNEY A few years ago, WXXI Public Broadcasting adopted the positioning statement “Making A Difference Every Day.” Although we never doubted that we made a difference in the lives of our listeners and viewers, the positioning statement eventually “went away” because it seemed almost too obvious to have to state on the air and in our marketing. However, sometimes the volunteer readers who faithfully sit in a small voice booth, reading and never see or meet the listeners who benefit most from the service, begin to wonder. In July they got their answer! The station needed to do some work on the radio transmitter which ended up being more significant than we had expected. So without any notice to Reachout Radio listeners, the service went off the air for three days. Wow! Did the listeners call! In three days we spoke with nearly 100 listeners – many of whom we had never talked to before. Listeners wanted their newspaper! They repeatedly told us about their favorite shows and how much they depend on the daily news from their part of town. Volunteers and staff alike were encouraged by the overwhelming show of support. We got to “meet” new listeners and find out what the service means in their lives. If you’d like to stay in touch with what’s going on in your town, tune to WXXI Reachout Radio. And if you don’t have a Reachout Radio, call us today at (585) 258-0333. TECHNOLOGY UPDATES, THE CLASH BETWEEN THE NEW AND THE OLD BY KIM KLINE As summer draws to a close, the seasons are changing quickly and so is the technology. In early summer Freedom Scientific released updates to their JAWS speech software and their Magic magnification software. JAWS 7.10 introduces new features for Internet Explorer, the Firefox web browser and Microsoft Office 2003, to name a few. Magic version 10.0 delivers on a long promised feature— to be able to set specific color, magnification and pointer enhancement settings for each individual program, similar to JAWS. This is an exciting addition because it can make the magnification settings for programs like Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel “set and forget.” Should everyone rush right out and upgrade? Not necessarily. Freedom Scientific has stopped supporting Windows 95 and Windows NT, with their newer versions of JAWS, so if you have one of these operating systems and you are not planning to upgrade your operating system in the immediate future, you should probably wait to upgrade your JAWS software. If you are contemplating buying a new computer and you have existing adaptive technology, there are some important items to consider. The prospective buyer should make sure that any computer that they buy, at least for the next six months, uses a 32-bit operating system. Also, if you have a Braille embosser or refreshable Braille display that does not have a USB connection, make sure that the new computer has a parallel port. Otherwise, you are going to have the hassle of either trying to get a USB to parallel converter to work, or you will have to pay to have a parallel port expansion card installed. Surprisingly, most of the currently manufactured Braille embossing equipment still does not support the USB port technology that has been embraced by the rest of the computer industry, which means that some very pricey hardware is going to become obsolete far too quickly. If all this seems too intimidating, then you might wish to show this information to a computer-savvy friend and take them along when you go to shop for that shiny new computer. If you have questions, you can feel free to call us in the Adaptive Technology Center at ABVI-Goodwill, and we will be glad to help you. For questions, call Kim Kline at (585) 697-5753. GOOGLE AND YAHOO! LEAD THE WAY IN ACCESSIBLE INTERNET SEARCHES Major players in the online world have recently made a point to make the Internet more easily accessible for people who are blind or visually impaired. In the past, it was difficult to surf the internet because, despite ADA mandates, many commercial websites do not follow the proper accessibility guidelines. As a result, searches often ended in frustration because they turned up long lists of information that were unusable due to the way they were presented. Key changes are now underway to change this. For example, Yahoo! has renovated its own site by adding headings so that users can effortlessly navigate the site with a screen reader. Google has taken it a step further, and created a new search tool called Accessible Search. To get to the accessible search, just click on ‘more’, right above the search space. This will give you the entire list of search options. Under the Explore and Innovate category, click on Labs, and then Accessible Search (http://labs.google.com/accessible/). Now anything you search for will be ranked according to how easily accessible it is. It is still a work in progress, but the ultimate goal is to help people who are blind or visually impaired find relevant, useful and comprehensive information. The sites are judged on criteria such as easiness to read, lack of visual clutter and accessibility with keyboard navigation. The results are shown according to their score, as well as their relevance to the search. This is a big step in terms of web accessibility, and hopefully soon many other companies will follow the example of these online giants. WHITE CANE SAFETY: TIPS FOR SHARING THE ROAD To people who are blind or visually impaired, the white cane is a symbol of independence and a means to travel about safely and freely. To other pedestrians and motorists, it is an alert that the person using it is blind or visually impaired, and a warning to take the proper care and caution when approaching them on the road. With White Cane Safety Day approaching on October 15, we have provided some tips and laws to follow for the safe travel of everyone involved. NEW YORK STATE WHITE CANE LAWS • Anyone carrying a white or metallic cane is granted protections and the right of way. • By law, only people who are blind or visually impaired may use a white cane. TIPS FOR SAFE TRAVEL • Be on the lookout for people outside the crosswalks who can’t see the street markings. • Come to a complete stop at stop signs and then proceed with caution. • Stop before the crosswalk, not in it, because it is confusing for a person who is blind or visually impaired to find his/her way around your car. • Don’t honk or shout at someone if it is safe to cross. • Offer to help someone cross a busy intersection, but never pull or push them; if they accept your help, offer them your elbow and guide them across. Remember, people who are blind or visually impaired count on YOU to follow the rules of the road, so drive safely! AWARDS HONOR ACHIEVEMENTS Every year the ABVI-Goodwill staff and the Annual Celebration Committee work to identify organizations and individual members of the community who’ve given of themselves to ABVI-Goodwill in a remarkable way. At this year’s Annual Celebration, there were six awards given to individuals and community organizations who have provided inspiration and support for ABVI-Goodwill. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who is blind and whose contributions to ABVI-Goodwill and the blindness community over a lifetime truly exemplify a spirit of independence and achievement. This year’s recipient was Mr. Carl Augusto, President and CEO of American Foundation for the Blind. The Visionary Award is given annually to a person who exemplifies the spirit of ABVI-Goodwill by promoting a partnership with the organization and supporting its mission through a personal commitment of time and resources. This year’s recipient was Dr. Ellis Gruber. The Foresight Award is presented to an individual whose contributions truly demonstrate a commitment to our mission and to preserving the future of ABVI-Goodwill. This year’s recipient of this award was Mr. Ben Kendig. The Community Partner Award is given annually to an organization or individual that has supported ABVI-Goodwill in promoting its mission. The three recipients this year were United Way of Greater Rochester, Cypress Financial Consultants and Dr. Lauren Lieberman and Camp Abilities. TRULY A VISIONARY “Don’t deny patients the privilege of low vision services.” That may sound like a phrase that embodies the very mission of ABVI-Goodwill, but it is also the lifelong directive of Dr. Ellis Gruber, this year’s recipient of the ABVI-Goodwill’s Visionary Award. Dr. Gruber has vast ophthalmologic and low vision experience, which translated into well over 40 years of quality eye care treatment in Rochester alone. After studying medicine at Liverpool University in England, Dr. Gruber began his rotating internship, which led him down the path towards ophthalmology. During his residency, he gained the skills and determination he needed to further his career, and did so by finishing his residency at New York Hospital. Never losing sight of his goal to be an eye care specialist, Dr. Gruber began serving in the United States Air Force as an ophthalmologist, which eventually led Dr. Gruber to Rochester and ultimately, the place he would call home, both medically and personally. In January of 1958, Dr. Gruber began a local private practice where he saw patients with low vision, making his practice the only one in Rochester at that time that focused on low vision issues. In fact, Dr. Gruber may even be considered the “founding father” of low vision services in Rochester. His Low Vision Clinic was located at the Eye Department of Strong Memorial Hospital and he saw patients once a month. As the number of patients grew, the space at the hospital wasn’t always guaranteed and Dr. Gruber moved the clinic temporarily to his private office. In 1972, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired moved its headquarters to its current location on South Clinton Avenue. This move provided the opportunity for Dr. Gruber to also relocate his low vision services to ABVI-Goodwill, where they have remained ever since. Dr. Gruber was in charge of the low vision clinic at ABVI-Goodwill during those first few years of its development. His guidance made a truly lasting impression, not only in the fact that the Low Vision Center at ABVI-Goodwill is still in operation, but that it remains one of the highest staffed low vision facilities between Buffalo and New York City. After retiring from his private practice, Dr. Gruber wanted to give back to the community he had served for so many years and ABVI-Goodwill is very fortunate to still be the beneficiary of his “goodwill.” Currently, Dr. Gruber serves as our “Goodwill ambassador” to spread the word regarding low vision services available at ABVI-Goodwill. He travels around to area eye care specialists’ offices with his low vision kit, equipped with magnifiers, referral forms, brochures on low vision and information about what ABVI-Goodwill can provide to both doctors and patients alike. BEQUESTS, MEMORIALS AND HONORARY GIFTS A bequest to ABVI-Goodwill is truly the gift that keeps on giving. It is a way to create your legacy by giving a gift that ensures services will always be available for future generations. ABVI-Goodwill would like to thank those who named us in their will. We are honored to carry on our work in their names. 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 our Foresight Circle. If you have planned or are planning to include ABVI-Goodwill in your estate plans, please contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, Director of Development at (585) 697-5780. By giving to ABVI-Goodwill in memory or in honor 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 May 13, 2006 to August 18, 2006. In Honor of Sindy Cantor: A. Gidget Hopf In Honor of Steven J. Rose: Nancy and Bruce Bates In Memory of Mildred Adriaansen: Ned Davis Research, Inc. In Memory of Nancy Bates: Bruce Bates In Memory of John R. Bauer, Sr.: Jennifer DePrez In Memory of John Z. Dozier: Helaine McMenomy In Memory of Clinton O. Gotham: Janet Olexy, Richard H. Repka, Cathy Schaffron, Ruth K. Scherberger, Donald J. Schneider, Anna M. Van Doren, Marian Wenthe, Walter L. Westling In Memory of Fredrick Kier: Robert A. Ainsworth, John M. Bodak, Lynda S. DeFriess, Gleason Works Elder Statemen’s Club, Laverne D. Pierson, Audrey Pugsley, Russell R. Roberts, Jeanne Schlegel, Virginia P. Smith, Town of Walworth In Memory of A. Ross Kitt: Richard R. Jamison In Memory of Charles C. Marvel: Patricia Shipley In Memory of Harry McCrea: Fairport Municipal Commission In Memory of Angela Panepinto: Roger Dennis In Memory of Ruth Strassberg: David M. Schrier In Memory of Harriet Warth: Patricia Warth NEW “VISION CARE FOR KIDS” LEGISLATION PROPOSED Vision disorders are considered the fourth most common disability in the United States, and they are one of the most prevalent handicapping conditions in childhood. As many as 10 million children suffer from vision disorders in this country. Since approximately 80% of all learning during a child’s first 12 years comes through vision, problems that are not diagnosed and treated can significantly hinder learning and cause permanent vision loss. In the near future, Congress will have the opportunity to consider important legislation aimed at making it a national priority to combat undiagnosed and untreated vision problems in school-aged children. The “Vision Care for Kids Act of 2006” (S. 3685) was introduced earlier this year by Senator Christopher Bond, a leader in Congress who still suffers from permanent vision loss due to his own undiagnosed amblyopia, or lazy eye, as a child. This legislation would establish a grant program focused on helping children receive the vital care they need. It would work with existing efforts, and encourage partnerships with non-profit organizations such as ABVI-Goodwill who are already committed to improving vision care for children. The proposed “Vision Care for Kids Act” is a timely reminder of what needs to be done to help concerned parents and teachers ensure that no child is left behind in the classroom due to an undiagnosed or untreated vision problem, and its implementation will improve vision care for children to better equip them to succeed in school and in life. To lend your support to this important legislation, contact your United States Senator or House of Representatives member. TOUCHING LIVES… CHANGING LIVES ABVI-GOODWILL’S ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS PAST YEAR ABVI-Goodwill is proud to present the 2005-2006 Annual Report, Touching Lives… Changing Lives. This report summarizes our last fiscal year, and the many people whose lives have been touched by ABVI-Goodwill’s programs and services. The Annual Report highlights six people who are blind or visually impaired or are employed by the agency, and have been touched by ABVI-Goodwill. The stories focus on these inspirational people and the role ABVI-Goodwill played in helping to create many of the positive changes in their lives. If you haven’t yet received a copy and wish to read about the lives that ABVI-Goodwill has touched and changed through our programs and services, please contact the agency at (585) 697-5713.