The Beacon Issue 2, 2007 A publication for the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc. Low Vision Outreach Services For more than 10 years, ABVI Goodwill’s partnership with regional eye doctors and eye care practices has enabled the agency to bring its services to surrounding communities where access to vision rehabilitation and low vision services has been difficult. In communities such as Geneva, Canandaigua, Newark and Hornell, local eye care professionals have donated office space and equipment so ABVI-Goodwill can reach out with low vision services to individuals outside of Monroe County. This outreach effort, an ongoing priority for ABVI Goodwill, has many benefits. First and foremost, it helps address one of the primary challenges for people who live in these outlying areas – access to services. Through these partnerships, ABVI-Goodwill is able to bring services directly to these communities. It reduces the need for and cost of transportation, and adds a level of convenience and access to families who are already dealing with the many other issues related to their own or their loved one’s vision problems. ABVI-Goodwill has worked closely with the Eye Associates of Finger Lakes in Geneva for almost 14 years, and beginning in July we will see patients at the new office of Dr. Harold S. Ross. In Canandaigua, we have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Eye Care Center. As these partnerships develop and strengthen, ABVI-Goodwill is given the opportunity to enhance the availability and accessibility of low vision services in outlying counties. Recently, ABVI-Goodwill has developed similar collaborative relationships with existing eye care professionals in Newark and Hornell. Through partnering with the Wayne Regional Eye Center in Newark and Robbins Eye Associates in Hornell, ABVI Goodwill is able to bring vision rehabilitation and low vision services to people in these communities. To learn more about our outreach to outlying communities, or to find out more about the variety of programs and services available through the ABVI Goodwill Low Vision Center, please call (585) 697-5722. The Honorable James Walsh Receives JWOD Champion Award ABVI-Goodwill and National Industries for the Blind (NIB) have honored U.S. Representative James Walsh (NY-25) as a JWOD Congressional Champion. The Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Program provides employment and job training for people who are blind or who have other severe disabilities. The JWOD Champion Award is presented to elected members of Congress who have demonstrated a commitment to and support of the JWOD Program and the training and employment opportunities it provides for people who are blind or disabled. Congressman Walsh becomes only the fourth elected official from the State of New York to receive this national distinction. “Congressman Walsh has been a strong supporter and advocate for ABVI-Goodwill, the JWOD Program, and for people who are blind or visually impaired or who have other disabilities,” said A. Gidget Hopf, Ed.D., President and CEO of ABVI-Goodwill. “He has embodied the very spirit of the JWOD Champion Award, and it is a pleasure to present him with this prestigious honor in recognition of his efforts on behalf of people who are blind or visually impaired.” Through the JWOD Program, more than 40,000 people who are blind or have other severe disabilities are employed or receive job training through qualified community-based non-profit organizations such as ABVI-Goodwill. The results are high quality products and services for the federal government and greater independence for people with disabilities. “It is our responsibility to ensure that every individual - regardless of color, creed or physical impairment – has equal opportunity to attend school, learn a trade and obtain meaningful employment,” said Congressman Walsh. “ABVI-Goodwill and National Industries for the Blind are to be commended for their advocacy and efforts to promote and facilitate employment opportunities for those with visual impairments and other physical disabilities. Our community is better with their involvement in the local job market, and I am honored to be recognized for my small part in their success.” From The President The great architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, was once quoted as saying, “I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.” As I reflect on our past and look ahead to our future, that very insightful definition of “success” is particularly appropriate for us here at ABVI-Goodwill. For almost 100 years, our success, in whatever ways one wants to measure it, has been a result of dedication, hard work and a devotion to the things we want to see happen. The dedication can be found through our board of directors who selflessly give their time and talent to help lead this organization in a progressive and highly responsible manner, as well as our many volunteers who work tirelessly to help support a wide variety of our programs and services. The hard work comes from an outstanding group of employees who choose to be here because they care passionately about ABVI-Goodwill and our mission and want to make a real difference in the lives of others. There is a devotion, inherent throughout this organization, to the things we want to see happen, and a relentless spirit with which we pursue those dreams and make them realities. The measure of our success can be found in all of these things. But our success is also your success. We wouldn’t be what we are today without the generous support and philanthropy of friends like you who continue to believe in us and the work we do. Our caring and generous ABVI-Goodwill “family” is truly the lifeblood of this organization, and our future depends on our ability to sustain your trust by continuing to do the best job we can for people who are blind or visually impaired in our community. So as we move forward, let us remember the price of success, and let us never lose that devotion to the things we want to see happen. Indeed, it’s the foundation upon which ABVI-Goodwill’s past, present and future is built! Glaucoma: Detection for Protection Glaucoma can cause a painless, progressive loss of vision with no warning signs. Over four million people in the United States have glaucoma and two million of those affected are unaware that they have the disease. Glaucoma causes the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) to rise, “pushing” back against the blood flow that provides oxygen and nutrients to the optic nerve. When the intraocular pressure is chronically higher than it should be, it slowly robs patients of their sight by damaging the optic nerve. The side vision may deteriorate over time narrowing the visual field. Eventually, if left untreated, the disease can cause blindness with loss of central vision as well. Some people are at higher risk of getting glaucoma and should have a dilated eye exam yearly. These include people with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans over 40 years of age, and everyone, especially Hispanics, over age 60. Patients with vision loss from other causes are at risk of additional vision loss due to glaucoma and need to maintain routine eye exams to preserve the vision they have. During the routine eye exam, the doctor measures the intraocular pressure with a device called a “tonometer” which is held gently against the front surface of the eye. A dilated eye exam allows the doctor to examine the optic nerve for signs of nerve damage. Some patients with normal intraocular pressures may still develop advanced glaucoma with loss of vision and blindness. Loss of vision from glaucoma can be prevented, by medications and surgical procedures that control the intraocular pressure. All people at risk are asked to have eye exams that include dilation. Protect your vision and the vision of your loved ones. You may get more information by visiting the National Eye Institute’s website at www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma. ABVI-GOODWILL’S INFORMATION SHARING POLICY It is our policy to provide information and resource referral to anyone who contacts us. Interested parties may contact us Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm by telephone at (585) 232-1111, or by TTY at (585) 232-1698 or by email at info@abvi-goodwill.com. ABVI-Goodwill Selected as Monroe County “Business of the Month” Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks selected ABVI Goodwill as Monroe County’s “Business of the Month” for April 2007. The County Executive visited ABVI Goodwill in March as part of her Business Outreach program. “ABVI-Goodwill is an impressive organization that provides critically important and comprehensive services to the blind and visually impaired in our region,” said County Executive Brooks. “ABVI-Goodwill provides good jobs through its call center and manufacturing and retail divisions, greatly benefiting our local economy. Their work is also impacting our world, as the agency makes the training uniforms for the U.S. Air Force and the running pants worn by our soldiers in Iraq.” ABVI-Goodwill values its partnership with the County on efforts such as our food service program which provides meals to thousands of seniors each month, and the 2-1-1/LIFE LINE program which connects people in need with community-based human service programs to address those needs. “We are honored to have been chosen by the County Executive for this prestigious recognition and be among the other businesses in our region who have worked diligently and successfully to create, enhance and maintain jobs,” said Gidget Hopf, Ed.D., President and CEO of ABVI-Goodwill. To support ABVI-Goodwill in its growth, Monroe County has provided assistance through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and COMIDA. Touch and See a Masterpiece Typically in museums you are discouraged to touch the artwork on display. However, at ABVI-Goodwill you are encouraged to touch, feel and experience a unique sculpture that is now found in the main lobby of the building. A Salvador Dali sculpture on extended loan from the Memorial Art Gallery is now at home at ABVI-Goodwill. The sculpture, entitled Triton, was inspired by the mermaids and mermen in ancient Greek mythology that populated the oceans. While it is recognizable as a human figure, the fin-like extensions on its arms and legs suggest the movement of the appendages in the water– part arms and legs, part fins and tail. Displaying this piece at ABVI Goodwill offers employees, consumers and visitors who are blind or visually impaired a unique and highly tactile art experience. This art appreciation goes beyond sight and relies on the feel of the piece of art, so everyone can enjoy this unique sculpture. The sculpture was unveiled on Wednesday, April 4 with the help of Susan Dodge-Peters Daiss, a representative of the Memorial Art Gallery. Visitors, employees and community members are encouraged to visit the agency, to touch and experience this masterpiece. DISCLAIMER The products, services and programs of other organizations mentioned in The Beacon are not endorsed by ABVI-Goodwill. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Megan Hogan at (585) 697- 5712, or send an email to mhogan@abvi-goodwill.com. Helpful Hands and Generous Donations Help the Community This past March, the helpful hands of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, supportive parents, New York State Army National Guard and numerous community volunteers collected donations as part of the 2007 Scouting for Food and Clothing Drive. Thanks to the generous donations made by people in the community, we were able to enjoy another successful community-wide event. “Once again, this community showed its generosity and caring by supporting the Scouting for Food and Clothing program in an exceptional way, “ said Gidget Hopf, Ed.D, President and CEO of ABVI-Goodwill. “Year after year, through the generosity of our friends and neighbors and the hard work and effort of participating boy scouts, girl scouts and thousands of volunteers, individuals and families who are hungry are fed, and people who are blind or visually impaired are given a chance at independence.” The generous donations of food help to meet the needs of more than 90 local food cupboards throughout Monroe County. The donated clothing is used by ABVI-Goodwill to generate revenue to support and enhance programs, services and jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. Thank you to all who donated during the 2007 Scouting for Food and Clothing Drive. We would like to extend a special thanks to: Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Open Door Mission New York State Army National Guard Southern Tier Express UPS Conway Bean Tops Markets Mark’s Pizzeria in Gates, Greece, Penfield, E. Ridge Road and Lyell Ave Birds Eye Foods Cross Brothers Company, Inc. Graebel Van Lines Family First Federal Credit Union Frontier Jamestown Container Company RG& E, an Energy East Company Wendy’s Restaurants The Newest and Largest Goodwill Store: Brockport Celebrates Grand Opening Everyone knows that our local Goodwill stores have always been the perfect place to find high-quality merchandise at great prices. Now, this unique and affordable shopping experience is even bigger and better! After years of thoughtful and deliberate planning, the next generation of local Goodwill stores has become a reality! On Wednesday, June 6, 2007, ABVI-Goodwill was joined by officials from the Town of Sweden and Village of Brockport and other guests to officially cut the ribbon on the newest and largest Goodwill store, located in Brockport. On Saturday, June 9, 2007, the celebration continued! Our day-long Grand Opening event featured a live radio broadcast with our friends at WBEE, and a very special guest appearance by the one and only Spider-Man! Spider-Man was in Brockport to meet the kids, sign autographs and take pictures. Over 1,000 individuals and families joined us that weekend to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Brockport store and help us step into the future of Goodwill in our community. Goodwill. Good Clothes. Good Prices. Good Cause. Goodwill Week: Celebrating Success! ABVI-Goodwill joined with our sister Goodwill agencies across the country to celebrate the week of May 6-12, 2007 as National Goodwill Week. Many people hear “Goodwill” and might immediately think, “time to clean out the closet.” Please do! Thousands of people throughout our community are struggling to find and keep good jobs, and Goodwill is here to help. ABVI-Goodwill does that by selling the generous donations of household items and gently-used clothing we receive in our Goodwill stores and using the proceeds to provide programs, services and jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired or have other barriers to employment or independence. Goodwill Week was our opportunity to say thank you to the thousands of people in our community who clean out their closets for the benefit of ABVI-Goodwill and those we serve. It was our chance to say thank you to local businesses that offer training opportunities and partner with us to provide unique and creative programs to respond to unmet needs. And it offered us the opportunity to say thank you to our volunteers and staff who dedicate themselves every day to empowering people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and contribute to their families and communities. Girl Scouts Create Projects for Children with Vision Loss Eight Girl Scouts from troop 722 earned their Bronze Award by completing a project that focused on helping children who are blind or visually impaired. The girls worked together to create a “little room” for infants who are blind or visually impaired, complete with stimulating toys, textures and colors for the orientation and mobility instructors to use during their visits. Additionally, each Scout sewed a square for a quilt that featured different animals and different textures. The blanket is proudly hung in the Children’s Center at ABVI-Goodwill. We appreciate the hard work and creativity of the Pittsford Girl Scout troop 722. Employees are Stepping Up to a Challenge ABVI-Goodwill employees are taking steps to eat healthy and exercise more by participating in the Eat Well, Live Well Challenge sponsored by the Rochester Business Alliance. During this 8-week challenge, over 100 employees from ABVI-Goodwill will be striving to take 10,000 steps daily and eat 5 cups of fruits and vegetables. Each participant in the challenge wears a pedometer to monitor steps and the participants who are blind or visually impaired have talking pedometers so they can independently track their progress. The goal of 10,000 steps a day is roughly equivalent to the Surgeon General’s advice to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity daily. In the first four weeks, ABVI-Goodwill participants recorded a total of 17,821,895 steps. That is equal to about 8,911 miles! ABVI-Goodwill is truly “stepping up” to the challenge. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE receives AIRS Accreditation ABVI-Goodwill’s 2-1-1/LIFE LINE program recently received a five year accreditation of the Alliance of Information & Referral Systems (AIRS). This in-depth accreditation process included a review of the organization’s standards, data collection methods, cooperative and collaborative relationships, service quality improvement and 46 service standards addressing the connection of people in need to available human service agencies and programs. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE met each of these high national standards for delivering quality information referral services to the community. “To be accredited by AIRS means that our call center program meets the highest standards in the industry. This reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff at 2-1-1/LIFE LINE to provide quality resources to those in need,” commented Carol Borsa, Director of Business Services at ABVI-Goodwill. Join the Book Club Reading is a great way to let your imagination soar to new places and experience something new. Book clubs encourage you to read new books and share thoughts and observations with others. ABVI-Goodwill’s Book Club is the perfect place to share your thoughts and enjoy some conversation with other readers who are blind or visually impaired. The first Monday of every month, ABVI-Goodwill hosts a Book Club that travels to various coffee shops and hot spots around Rochester. Participants share their thoughts on a variety of different books with other avid readers. The books are chosen by the group and all the selections are available in accessible formats such as large print, audio cassette and Braille so everyone can enjoy them and participate in the thought provoking dialogue. Upcoming Book Club Meetings Date: Monday, July 9 Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Book: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant Location: Simply Crepes, Rundel Library Date: Monday, August 6 Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Book: Buffalo Soldier by Chris Bohjalian Location: Spot Coffee at 200 East Avenue Call Rene Latorre at (585) 697-5721 for more information. New Faces at ABVI-Goodwill JoEllen Cowger has joined the ABVI-Goodwill team as the Human Resources Manager. She has a strong background in human resources with a master’s degree in Human Resources Development from RIT and practical experience at the Hertz Corporation and Global Crossing Telecommunications. JoEllen will be responsible for recruitment, employee relations, administration of benefits and communication among employees. Debbie Furlong, who joined ABVI-Goodwill in November as our Clinton Avenue Call Center Manager, has accepted the new expanded role of Call Center Manager for both our call centers. Debbie will now manage our Clinton Avenue and 2-1-1/LIFE LINE centers. Her leadership and dedication to the mission of ABVI-Goodwill will help to support the growth and development of our call centers. Summer Fun for Children Summer Sizzle is ABVI-Goodwill’s summer day camp for children ages 8 to 14 who are legally blind. This year the camp will be held at ABVI-Goodwill from Monday, August 20th through Friday, August 24th with exciting activities planned every day. During the five days of Summer Sizzle, the children will learn valuable skills, try new things and meet new friends. The camp includes field trips, arts & crafts projects, adaptive computer techniques and a cooking lesson. The children have an opportunity to learn skills they will use beyond the summer camp, including cooking skills like how to measure ingredients, set the oven temperature and safe ways to cut fruits and vegetables. To find out more or to sign up your child, call Sarah Favro at (585) 697-5746 or email at sfavro@abvi-goodwill.com. If transportation to and from the camp will be a problem, talk to Sarah about possible transportation arrangements so your child won’t miss out on one minute of fun! GII Award Recognizes a Strong Advocate for others Rene Latorre is a person who rises above challenges, looks for new opportunities and puts the mission of ABVI-Goodwill first. Now, that hard work, caring nature and personal commitment to our mission and values will be recognized with a national award from Goodwill Industries International, the 2007 Edgar J. Helms Award. The Edgar J. Helms Award for Graduate Staff is named in honor of the founder of Goodwill Industries who was motivated by spiritual values to improve the lives of those in need. This award recognizes a Goodwill Graduate Staff who exemplifies the mission of Goodwill Industries and Helms’ values, while maintaining or increasing his or her own self-respect and self-reliance. Rene currently serves as Consumer Affairs Coordinator and has had that role since joining ABVI-Goodwill in 1997. In this role, she actively advocates for and enhances the quality and dignity of life for others who are blind or visually impaired. She is the lead person at ABVI-Goodwill for employees and consumers who are blind, sharing information about community resources and encouraging them to advocate for themselves. Rene also coordinates the Consumer Advisory Committee, ensuring that our consumers have regular input and serve as partners for planning new programs and services. Rene also recently began an adult social/recreational program to encourage participation and integration of older adults who are blind or visually impaired into the community. Above all, Rene is an exceptional example of an individual whose strength and perseverance, ability to maintain a positive outlook in the face of personal challenges and willingness to extend herself to other employees as a mentor and friend, all combine to make her an exceptional role model. Congratulations Rene on this tremendous honor. ABVI Goodwill Recognized for Efforts to Reduce Unemployment among Blind Adults National Industries for the Blind (NIB), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing opportunities for economic and personal independence for people who are blind, has recognized ABVI-Goodwill’s outstanding efforts to grow employment opportunities for blind adults and retain current blind employees. “In the United States, seven out of ten Americans who are blind are unemployed,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of NIB. “ABVI-Goodwill has demonstrated its commitment to reducing the unacceptably high unemployment among blind Americans by growing and retaining employment opportunities and enabling people who are blind to obtain and maintain independence and improve their quality of life.” In 2005, to assist in reducing the high unemployment among working age blind adults, NIB challenged its 88 associated non-profit agencies around the country to grow and retain employment opportunities. To assist its associated agencies, NIB provided resources and support, along with a financial incentive to each agency that met or exceeded those employment goals. As a result of its exceptional efforts, ABVI-Goodwill was awarded the NIB Employment Retention and Growth Award for the second consecutive year. “Creating and maintaining jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired is a goal that we take very seriously, and we will continue to maximize our efforts to develop meaningful employment opportunities in a variety of diverse and challenging work environments,” said Gidget Hopf, Ed.D., President and CEO of ABVI-Goodwill. So What IS WXXI Reachout Radio? By Ruth Phinney Sometimes we assume that everyone who comes through the offices of ABVI-Goodwill knows about WXXI Reachout Radio. But that’s not always the case. So we decided that The Beacon would be a perfect place to make sure you know all about Reachout Radio and the programs that this service provides. WXXI Reachout Radio is a closed-channel radio reading service that provides readings of daily print news and information for people who are print-handicapped due to vision loss or physical disability that prevents the reading or holding of a newspaper or book. This free service is available to eligible applicants through a specially-tuned radio that is provided on a long-term loan basis, as long as it is needed or enjoyed. So now, while others may be reading the Democrat & Chronicle with their morning coffee, WXXI Reachout Radio listeners can tune in to enjoy the same. Throughout the day listeners will hear readings from the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and the Christian Science Monitor, as well as local newspapers including the D&C, all of the Messenger Post town newspapers, and newspapers from surrounding towns and counties. In addition, specialty papers like the Catholic Courier, Jewish Ledger, City Newspaper and the Rochester Business Journal are read. Since news isn’t the only thing our listeners want to hear, they can also enjoy readings from a variety of magazines, including AudioFile Magazine, which provides reviews of books that are available in an audio format. Between programs, WXXI Reachout Radio provides spot information about services, support groups, activities and products that are particularly suited to people with visual impairments. And, so you can keep up with what’s going on at ABVI-Goodwill, on the first Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m. you can hear New Beginnings, a program produced in partnership with ABVI-Goodwill. Each month a special guest is interviewed about a program or service available to people with visual impairments, and information is shared about resources that can help you live independently or participate more fully in your community. At the end of each show, a brief update highlights what’s going on at ABVI-Goodwill. So there’s always “News You Can Use” on WXXI Reachout Radio. For an application or to find out more, call our office at (585) 258-0333 or go online at wxxi.org/ Reachout. Project Eyecare By Kimberly Lawrence Project Eye Care is one of ABVI-Goodwill’s major community outreach programs. Webster defines outreach as, “an organized effort to extend services beyond usual limits.” It’s a fitting definition for a program that extends its services well beyond usual limits by serving hundreds of uninsured and underserved adults each year. Individuals like Mr. Pann. Mr. Pann recently arrived in the United States from Cambodia. He currently lives in a Buddhist Temple and is applying for United States citizenship. Because of his immigration status, he is not yet able to work in this country, so health insurance is not available to him at an affordable cost. While he doesn’t yet speak English and has no family here, he is active, energetic and interested in the quality of life that he sought by coming to America. And Mr. Pann is also almost totally blind! In fact, Mr. Pann’s vision problems were leaving him feeling helpless and frustrated until he was referred to Project Eye Care through a friend. The free eye exam showed Mr. Pann had a severe visual impairment – severe enough that eyeglasses would not have a significant impact. The Project Eye Care staff immediately referred him to the Low Vision Center at ABVI-Goodwill. The Vision Rehabilitation team at ABVI-Goodwill is working with Mr. Pann on a variety of rehabilitation and socialization skills to empower him to be self-sufficient and maximize his independence. He has learned to recognize and understand numbers, is using a talking watch and our rehabilitation teachers are showing him ways to differentiate currency and manage his own money. Our Orientation & Mobility instructors are helping him with mobility skills to navigate his environment and the surrounding community, and learn to use public transportation independently. “ABVI is helping me learn how to navigate around the Temple,” he said. “Now I have some confidence in getting from room to room by myself.” Mr. Pann also had difficulty reading print of any size but could not afford to purchase the assistive reading devices that could benefit an individual with low vision. Through the Dorothy H. Green Low Vision Fund at ABVI-Goodwill, a digital magnifier was purchased for Mr. Pann, which allows him to have written material magnified 30 times the size of the original print. This device will also assist Mr. Pann in learning English, taking another step toward self-sufficiency and independence. Mr. Pann is one of many individuals over many years that have directly benefited from the services of Project Eye Care. If you know someone who is uninsured or underserved and needs an eye exam, the place to start is Project Eye Care. Call us at (585) 697-5738 – it could literally change a life. Technically Speaking by Kim Kline The spring of 2007 has brought a myriad of new technical developments in the adaptive technology industry. GW Micro has just released Window-Eyes Version 6.1 which provides full support for Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. Window-Eyes is designed to take full advantage of new accessibility features that have been built into the Windows Vista operating system, according to GW Micro. Freedom Scientific posted their first beta test version of JAWS for Windows Vista, and followed it up with a second release on April 2, which is intended to provide enhanced support for existing Windows XP applications, in addition to allowing access to the Windows Vista operating system. During the release, they also posted Magic 10.5 which contains enhancements to the Magic speech engine and provides better support for Internet Explorer 7. Freedom Scientific is promising the release of Magic 11.0 in a few weeks which will provide full support for Windows Vista. They have also just announced a new edition of their Magic magnification software called Magic Pro Scripting Edition. This variation of their long-standing magnifier now incorporates a scripting language, making it customizable for the workplace in much the same way that JAWS has been for a few years. Serotek’s System Access is another quickly up and coming screen reading package. The emphasis with System Access is portability and simplicity. This software has no complicated installation—in fact, it can be run from a USB key, making it possible for someone to walk up to a computer, gain access with speech and then walk away, leaving no trace of the System Access software behind. Serotek has also announced their Remote Access Manager and Remote Incident Manager packages, which are designed to allow computer professionals who are blind to troubleshoot and repair software problems remotely through the computer network, thereby opening new professional employment opportunities for workers who are blind. Perhaps one of the more interesting recent developments is a new product that is being distributed by Next Generation Technologies which allows access to i-Tunes by a JAWS user. The i-Tunes Accessible Interface makes the popular Apple i-Pod Shuffle fully accessible to JAWS users. This software can be used to download tracks from the i-Tunes store, manage play lists, burn your own CDs, and much more. This is an exciting time for adaptive technology as more software is being made accessible than ever before. Watch the web sites for your favorite adaptive technology manufacturer as there are a number of new product releases anticipated in the coming weeks. Agency Wish List The kindness and generosity of our donors help us to offer the best and most up-to date services possible. The following items are much needed items that are not covered in ABVI-Goodwill’s budget. To donate funds to purchase any of the items, please contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, at tschleyer@abvi-goodwill.com or (585) 697-5780. Our Vision Rehabilitation staff is in need of a PAC Mate, which is an accessible, powerful, on-the-go computer for people who are blind or visually impaired. The PAC Mate is lightweight and portable which allows note taking, studying, working and reading e-books easier. Cost: $3,795 We have an immediate need for a Reichert Tono-Pen XL to measure intra ocular pressures. Our Low Vision eye doctors will use this to measure eye pressures during low vision evaluations. It will enable the doctors to provide state of the art comprehensive care to individuals who are blind or visually impaired and to prevent further loss of vision. Cost: $2,925 Computer software that magnifies or speaks text that appears on a computer screen are used by people who are blind or visually impaired at ABVI-Goodwill. We need to purchase computer software licences for the JAWS, Magic and Zoomtext programs. Total Cost: $1,900 Five JAWS user licenses, $900 Five Magic user licenses, $500 Five Zoomtext user licenses, $500 In 2002, ABVI-Goodwill began production in our CDROM replication business and we have fulfilled CD-ROM replication orders for many federal government agencies. To expand this line of business, we are in need of a table top shrink-wrapper. This will help create jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired, and also create revenue to assist those in our community with vision rehabilitation services. Cost: $4,000 Goodwill cashiers who are blind or visually impaired need bill readers at the registers to handle the cash tendered from our customers. These bill readers assist cashiers in determining what denomination of bills a customer is handing them. We are in need of five bill readers, each reader costs $1,500. Total Cost: $7,500 Providing in Many Ways More than a decade ago, a special friend of ABVIGoodwill had the foresight to support the good work of ABVI-Goodwill for many years to come. She made a decision to establish a Charitable Lead Trust to benefit ABVI-Goodwill. This decision has helped us serve thousands of people who are blind or visually impaired, and she recently renewed her commitment to ABVIGoodwill with another lead trust. People who wish to make a substantial gift over a period of years, while ensuring that their property is returned to their loved ones, may be interested in a Charitable Lead Trust. The lead trust is a way to control exactly when an inheritance is received, while reducing or eliminating taxes and probate expense that might otherwise be due on assets left to your children, grandchildren or others. How It Works: 1. You contribute securities or other appreciating assets to a charitable lead trust. 2. The trust makes annual payments to ABVI-Goodwill for a period of time. 3. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal is distributed to your heirs. Benefits: + The present value of the income payments to ABVI-Goodwill reduces your gift estate tax. + All appreciation that takes place in the trust goes tax-free to your heirs. + The payments and the term of the trust can be set so as to reduce or even eliminate transfer taxes due when the principal reverts to your heirs. + You have the satisfaction of making a significant gift to ABVI-Goodwill now that reduces the taxes due on transfers to your heirs later. Our special friend who has established these Charitable Lead Trusts for ABVI-Goodwill has a sincere admiration for the work of ABVI-Goodwill in helping people to deal with their vision loss by offering them the hope of a new beginning. Her positive attitude, personal dedication and her own foresight in supporting our mission are invaluable to those in our community who are blind or visually impaired. If you would like information on giving through trusts, please contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, at (585) 697-5780 or tschleyer@abvi-goodwill.com. Thank you to the following friends who made contributions from February 2, 2007 to May 2, 2007. In Memory Of: Mary K. Beer Daniel and Elaine Riley Marian M. Bentley Daniel Meyers Catherine Carnes Anonymous William Day James and Barbara Brayer Eleanor DeClerck Russell and Jeanne Phillips James and Susan Selvek Anonymous Claire Ernst Gerald and Sharon Ernst Phillip and Anita Gwara Gregory and Mary Hollis Doris B. Kerber Ann Kupferschmid Bryan and Helen Laughlin Warren and Barbara Lenhardt J. William Shields Dr. and Mrs. Robert P. Weis Anonymous (2) Joseph George Robert and Jean Ferris Frank Gollon Harry and Vivian Brewer Colby and Jean Chandler Virginia and Richard Eisenhart Wilbur and Helena Hilfiker Cindy Larson and Family Elsie E. Maslyn William and Patricia Murray Alec and Nancy Newlands Abby Rogers Mrs. Edward Ruth Peggy Savlov Mary C. Spaker Mary and Jack Staley UnumProvident David and Judith Ververs Anonymous (5) Harold S. Hacker Joan Hacker George and Shirley MacAninch Betty J. Dobler Edward McLellan Datacolor, Inc. New York Trailways David and Sharon Ryan Audrey W. Munn Dorothy and James Green James and Christy McKinney Patricia O’Neill Pyle John E. O’Neill Joyce M. Pena Todd Colbeck Roger and Doreen Drexler William and Teresa Gleason Catherine B. Willis Norbert L. Ruf Anonymous Robert Schicker Anonymous Joseph G. Vetromile Judy M. Angie Leo Bernabi School Anne N. Pellicano Lisa Vogel Anonymous William Zimmer Timothy J. Beecher Edward and Donna Blasko John Campione Mr. and Mrs. A. Cerone Joe and Shelly Comfort Frank and Dorothy Crippen Mrs. Vincentine T. Dinolfo Linda and Gaylen Enochson Thomas and Theresa Foster Paul and June Gizzi Ray and Mary Lanzafame Catherine, Frank and Jeffrey Latoy Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Leathersich Jennie Mancuso Rose Mulla Thomas M. O’Neil Joseph and Emily Petronio Phillips Lytle LLP Angela Popowich Elaine A. Prestifilipo David and Cynthia Rosbrook Nick Rotolo and Marianne Fiorella Mary Vallo Geraldine Vinci Dr. and Mrs. S. Wolfe Scott and Sandra Yancey Anonymous (3) Max J. Zuckerman Anonymous In Honor Of: Eli Eckman Charlotte D. Woodall A. Gidget Hopf James T. Briggs Carolyn Friedlander Samuel A. Halaby Pati Johnson Tracy L. Schleyer Dr. Gwen K. Sterns Marvin J. Hoffman and Nancy Yanes Hoffman Gold Rush at Monroe Golf Club Grab your boots and hat and join the crowd at ABVI Goodwill’s 2007 Annual Celebration, Gold Rush at Monroe Golf Club. Gold Rush is our annual fundraising event that gives guests an opportunity to make a difference in our community while kicking back with a gold mine of friends, colleagues and community leaders. All the proceeds from this event fund vision rehabilitation and career & training programs for people who are blind or visually impaired in the Greater Rochester area. This year, the Annual Celebration will feature a $10,000 hole-in-one contest, gaming, silent and live auctions, live music and western fare. Some auction items include four one-day park tickets to Walt Disney World, horseback riding lessons, original artwork, a backstage tour of the newsroom at 13WHAM-TV, tickets to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and much more! Try your hand at our gaming tables which include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Texas Hold ‘Em, and if you’re really feeling lucky, try for a hole-in-one and win $10,000! The Annual Celebration will take place on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 from 5-8 pm. Tickets may be purchased by contacting ABVI-Goodwill’s Marketing Department at (585) 697-5713. Guest tickets are $60 per person and patron tickets are $100 each. The Beacon Contributors: A. Gidget Hopf, Ed.D. Gwen Sterns, M.D. Kim Kline Ruth Phinney Kimberly Lawrence Editors: Tim Gleason and Megan Hogan Layout: Megan Hogan Marketing Communications Specialist mhogan@abvi-goodwill.com The Beacon is published four times a year. For additional copies in print, in Braille, by email or on tape, contact ABVI-Goodwill’s Marketing Department at (585) 697-5713.