The Beacon Issue 1
(585) 232-1111
CD-ROM Business Replicates
ABVI-Goodwill’s CD-ROM replication business continues to thrive. Our customer base has expanded to include jobs for the State of New York in addition to our federal government contracts. This expansion has allowed us to take on more complex jobs and provide more work for people who are blind or visually impaired.
In the past few months, ABVI-Goodwill has taken on new CD-ROM replication customers. Some of these new customers are: Health Now, New York State Department of State, New York State Taxation and Finance, Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and Staples. Each project, while different in quantity and specific tasks, was completed by skilled workers who are blind or visually impaired.
One of our projects for the Department of State was a 500 count 3-disc set. The project, which featured a four-color mailer, provided assembly line employment for six people who are blind or visually impaired. We set up two lines with three employees each to insert the different discs. Not only is this an efficient use of time but it also ensures quality control, which is very important in our business.
Staples has increased their contracts with us thanks to our successful completion of their product catalog for the federal government. Since then, we have taken on multiple projects for them, the largest of which was 100,000 CDs and a tri-fold mailer. While still remaining in the government vein, we have broadened our customer base as a result of our past experience and what we can offer now and in the future.
Our customer and base is growing, and so is our technology. Because we’re now handling more complex jobs, and customers that work on very tight deadlines, we use File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to get information to our customers in a faster, more reliable manner. Previously, we relied on mail couriers. FTP technology allows us to send things instantly, which speeds up our production time.
Since beginning in September of 2001, our CD-ROM replication business has undergone extraordinary growth. The CD-ROM Business Replicates speed, quality and efficiency of our CD-ROM replication and shipping services are another shining example of the high quality, skilled labor that people who are blind or visually impaired can produce.
If you would like to learn more about our CD-ROM replication division, please call Joe Kells, Director of Sales, at (585) 697-5787.
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Losing your vision doesn’t mean you lose the desire to help others. Giving back by volunteering is something that has been part of who Hugh Hill is for the past 74 years. When he slowly began losing his sight at age 35 due to retinitis pigmentosa, he knew his life would be different, but he stayed positive and pushed on.
Hugh was very active in the food service industry; in fact, this was his career. He worked at Curtis Burns, which today we know as Birds Eye Foods. After he retired as an Executive Vice President, he served as a lobbyist in Albany part time for six years on behalf of the food service industry. As his eye disease progressed, such long trips to Albany became difficult and Hugh eventually decided he needed to give his time to something else a bit closer to home.
For the past 12 years, Hugh has found his volunteering niche as a member of the Red Cross’ Red Kettle campaign. He also decided he was able to do more, so for the past few years, he has been a bell ringer for the campaign. With his guide dog, Queisha, by his side, he battled the harsh Rochester winters and collected money for the
Red Cross.
You may be wondering how ABVI-Goodwill fits into all this. Well, as Hugh’s sight began to fail, he turned to us for services. He had orientation and mobility training, which helped him travel safely as a lobbyist in Albany. He also had rehabilitation teaching to help label his clothing and other items around the house to keep him independent. Most important though, Hugh gained confidence in himself and was able to continue helping others and giving back to his community.
Hugh doesn’t let his visual impairment slow him down. He and his wife have a cottage in Sodus where he loves to spend his summers fishing. He also is a spokesperson for the services he received at ABVI-Goodwill by encouraging others to call us to find out what programs and services are available to help them. Also, on behalf of Upstate Guide Dog, Hugh recently gave a presentation to the For Whom the Bell Tolls
Gates Lions Club to help educate others on guide dogs and how they assist people who are blind or visually impaired.
Hugh Hill is an inspiration to others who are losing their sight and may feel like their options are limited or they can’t do the things they once enjoyed. With Queisha’s help, Hugh’s positive attitude and can-do spirit, he proves that no matter what your age or obstacle, there is always possibility if you’re willing to find it.
Employee of the Year – Ismael Ortiz
ABVI-Goodwill and Department 16 are pleased to announce Ismael Ortiz as the 2005 Direct Labor Employee of the Year and nominee for the Peter J. Salmon award, sponsored by National Industries for the Blind (NIB).
Ismael Ortiz was born in Puerto Rico where he lived until the age of 19. He had two brothers living in Rochester, New York, so he and his future wife came here to live. Like many coming to a new place, Ismael faced some struggles, but unlike other immigrants, he also was experiencing progressive vision loss.
Ismael’s story begins in 1974 when he was working at a restaurant and started losing his sight. After seeing an eye doctor, he was referred to the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (NYS CBVH) where he received employment services. Through CBVH, Ismael came to work at ABVI-Goodwill in our manufacturing division. Except for a nine-year gap when he returned to Puerto Rico, Ismael has worked at ABVI-Goodwill ever since.
Over the years, Ismael has worked in several different departments in our manufacturing division, but his favorite is his current position manufacturing self-stick note pads. Even though he prefers note pads, Ismael says that he’ll gladly work in whichever department he is needed in and he’ll do the best job he can regardless of the task.
His positive attitude is one that not only helps him but also is contagious. Ismael likes to consider himself an unofficial “on-the-job trainer” because he is often found helping his fellow co-workers by showing them techniques he has learned over the years to make a job easier. He teaches fellow employees to focus on how an object feels in order to orient them to the task on which they are working. With sight in only one eye, working by feel is a technique that has served him well in many different jobs.
In between everything he has to do every day, Ismael is an excellent “ambassador” for the work we do at ABVI-Goodwill. He recommends people who are blind or visually impaired to come to ABVI-Goodwill and learn what we can do to maximize remaining vision. A friendly face and good ear, he also spends time talking with others about struggles they are having with their vision loss.
When he isn’t working on note pads at ABVI-Goodwill, Ismael spends time with his wife and four children. Ismael Ortiz also helped raise two other children from his neighborhood in addition to his own. In his spare time, he likes watching television, doing yard work and working in his basement because the dim light is better for his eyes.
Ismael is a wonderful resource here and for the Hispanic community. His positive outlook and willingness to extend himself to others in need is what makes him a vital employee and recipient of the 2005 Direct Labor Employee of the Year award.
Congratulations, Ismael!
Employee of the Year – Scott Davis
ABVI-Goodwill is pleased to announce Scott Davis as Department 11’s 2005 Employee of the Year. Scott has been an employee at ABVI-Goodwill since 1994. In those ten years, he has worked on several different projects in our manufacturing division such as tube washing, film recycling and film striping, which is his current position.
Whether working at ABVI-Goodwill, going to church, listening to blues music or playing Quick Draw, Scott has a positive attitude toward everything he does. This great attitude is what helped Scott graduate from Webster High School in 1992 where he enjoyed math, Spanish and world history. Before going to school, Scott knew of ABVI-Goodwill because he received rehabilitation ser-vices from us such as cooking and other daily living skills.
Scott was born with cataracts that destroyed his retinas and quickly, and completely, took his sight by the time he was 14. He didn’t let his visual impairment slow him down though. Since 1996, he has been going to summer camp at Camp Winnekeag where he and others participate in water skiing, horseback riding, arts and crafts and much more. Camps such as Winnekeag are designed for people who are blind or visually impaired to promote a fun and safe camp experience. Scott can often be found around town at an Amerks game cheering for his favorite hockey team from his season ticket seat, or at bible study or another church function.
Scott is quick to credit three people at ABVI-Goodwill who have positively influenced his life and helped him make wise choices. Scott is thankful for the help of Paul Bush, former Director of Marketing and Communications, and Scott’s supervisors, Hubert Philips and Vi Thompson, who’ve helped him make good decisions. In addition to personal choices, Hubert Philips has also inspired one of Scott’s personal mottos to be “flexible, flexible, flexible.” Scott says that he “really enjoys working here and will work another 200 years, good Lord willing.”
Scott’s advice to someone who is blind or visually impaired is to “strike while the iron is hot. If you have a golden opportunity, go for it. Don’t waste it.” This mind-set and positive attitude has served him well and is what earned him the title of 2005 Employee of the Year.
Congratulations, Scott!
The following article appeared in the Friday, January 21, 2005 e-mail newsletter of Zig Ziglar. This reprint comes courtesy of the author, Cathy Alfieri, in an effort to share her story of strength, hope and life after vision loss.
Seeing With the Heart
By Cathy Alfieri
One of the most difficult and devastating losses one can experience is that of physical disability. Of these, one of the ones that is most feared is blindness, due to its impact on major life functions.
In the past year, I have had ample opportunity to learn about this first hand as I have experienced acute visual loss due to medical errors. Ironically, while the diagnosis for my condition was made at the same medical center that caused the vision loss, no rehabilitation services existed there for visual loss as such services are not reimbursed by health insurance. Instead, a referral was made to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill.
Through their efforts and those of so many other “angels” in my life, I have been able to learn to see in new and different ways, to be healed both physically and spiritually, one day at a time.
My first guide on this journey was a cheerful, empathetic social worker who stirred the cocoon of my isolation and apprised me of the many services available to attend to daily life functions, to communicate and move freely and independently. Through her kind ministrations, she helped me sort through the confusion and organize and chart the course of my rehabilitation.
My next visitor was a vision rehab specialist who assessed my home from top to bottom, customizing appliances, labeling clothing, and procuring such helpful devices as a talking watch. As I had been an avid reader, she introduced me to Braille and low vision magnifying devices. As the weeks passed, I slowly and laboriously worked my way up from nursery rhymes to Aesop’s fables and now today am working through a full-length novel.
One challenging facet of physical disability is the isolation imposed. For me, this problem was attended to by a marvelous mobility instructor. Her cheerful, can-do attitude was infectious. Again, very slowly, I learned with my long cane to perceive changes in pavement gradients, develop echo location skills and solidify an inner compass with other senses to assess direction, obstacles, etc. My efforts were reinforced by a bevy of friends who patiently guided me as I repeatedly walked familiar byways to form mental maps of my surroundings.
One major lifeline for those with disabilities is the advances in technology. With training sessions at ABVI- Goodwill and the efforts of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH), I received adaptive computer equipment. Through the loving encouragement of friends I kept in continuous contact via email, the Internet and began writing my experiences reflectively.
Throughout the process of acquiring these new skills, I was sustained and propelled by the loving encouragement of family and friends, who cheered on the small, incremental achievements, sent cards, gifts, took me with them to dinners, movies, etc. These let me know that while physical disability may change one’s life, it does not end it.
As I have progressed through my rehabilitation, I have had the opportunity to learn much. Through the caring support of ABVI-Goodwill staff, my faith, my family, friends, former colleagues and most of all, a loving husband, I have learned that while visual loss can have a major effect on one’s life, there are many different ways to see. For each new skill acquired confers restoration of confidence and self-worth. With my long cane I have explored the nuances of how and where that sidewalk ends, inhaled and received inspiration and guidance from the scent of a rose, shared the interpretation of a novel with its reader and caressed an author’s words with my fingertips.
While I do not for one minute minimize the problems physical disability can pose, I also know that there is only one truly profound disability—that of the spirit. It is also one that each of us has the capacity to cure—through seeing and speaking to each other lovingly with our hearts—to look within ourselves and to one another each and every day.
If you would like to contact Cathy, you can e-mail her at calfieri@rochester.rr.com.
For more information about the programs, services and jobs available at ABVI-Goodwill, call (585) 232-1111 or e-mail info@abvi-goodwill.com.
Applause for ABVI-Goodwill
In December, we received the following letter from a consumer. We wanted to share her success with you.
Dear Ms. Hopf:
I would like to express my appreciation for the help given to me by ABVI-Goodwill, particularly Cathy Schaffron and Kathleen Griffith. Holly Bibens, in a highly professional manner, has given me training and practice making it possible for me to travel on my own with confidence. She has given me courage.
You and your able staff are to be congratulated for the fine work ABVI-Goodwill accomplishes in our community.
Enclosed is a contribution to help ABVI-Goodwill keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Jeannette Graham
CAREER AND TRAINING
News...
Career Vision Gives Back
Career Vision is a program that provides young people ages 14-21 the experiences and skills needed to succeed after high school. The Career Vision students meet with professional staff at ABVI-Goodwill to prepare for secondary education or employment. This year, the group decided to give back to the community.
The following poem tells the story of their holiday journey.
Months before Christmas and all was too plain
The Career Vision students wanted something to gain.
During a meeting, we heard such a clatter
It was the idea to give back that really seemed to matter.
The idea was shared and all the students agreed
This is a project we could do indeed
So we decided to help a family in need.
Months of preparation and the time had arrived
We said, “let’s adopt a family of five!”
We traveled to the North Pole, burrr was that cold
But giving back was worth more than gold.
We visited Santa’s workshop and spoke with the elves
Who were able to direct us to the toys on the shelves.
At the clothing center, we met Seamstress Jo
Who presented us new clothes for a family we didn’t know.
We completed our trip to the North Pole
Now it was time to achieve our goal.
We gave gifts to a family of five
And think it’s a goal for which all should strive.
They were very pleased with our giving spirit
So we’re spreading the word to all who’ll hear it.
Career Vision would like to express our thanks
To the nameless elves who reached in their banks.
They provided us with a financial gift
Funds for the spirits we were able to lift.
The Career Vision Crew: Sherry Ortiz, Linda Lewis, Jen Mohr, Christine Eldridge, Laura Sudillo, Emily DuFresne, Brenda Nasso, Brianna Van Parys, Jeff Hodson, Brandon Packard.
CHILDREN’S
Programs & Services...
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean the fun stops! ABVI-Goodwill’s Children’s Program has tons of fun things to do this winter and spring. The following is a sample of the good things to come in 2005. Be sure your child doesn’t miss out!
Children’s Playgroup
This weekly program runs Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. The Children's Playgroup is designed for children age birth to 5 years who are blind or visually impaired. The Playgroup is a place for children and parents alike to learn new skills, network and have fun. The group is held at ABVI-Goodwill.
The B.E.A.T. Program
Starting in March, we are again collaborating with the Hochstein School of Music and Dance to provide a music program for children 18 months to 6 years who are blind or visually impaired. Classes are held at the Hochstein School on Tuesdays or Wednesdays depending on the child's age. The children will learn skills such as keeping rhythm and how their body moves through space, which are building blocks for orientation and mobility training.
Computer Camp
Children sponsored by NYS CBVH between the ages of 10 to 14 are invited to apply to participate in a new Computer Camp at ABVI-Goodwill this spring. Your child will learn computer basics that he or she can use at home or school. Upon successfully completing camp, your child will receive a computer to take home. There will be an application and selection process to enroll in the course.
Mark Your Calendars
ABVI-Goodwill’s Children’s Program is offering art programming, ice skating and self-defense classes during March, April and May. These events are for children in different age ranges who are blind or visually impaired. Families are welcomed to join in on the fun so be sure to call Sarah Favro for more details.
If you would like more information or if your child is interested in participating in any or all of the recreational activities listed, please contact Sarah Favro, Children’s Specialist, at (585) 697-5746 or e-mail her at sfavro@abvi-goodwill.com. A nominal fee may apply for an event based on your child’s level of sponsorship.
Rays of Light...
Spreading Goodwill
By Jen Enright
The true nature of a volunteer is to give: to open their heart, their arms, their homes, and their lives to help someone else. In other words, a volunteer shows his or her “good will” to others. At ABVI-Goodwill, our volunteers not only help people who are blind or visually impaired, but they also spread the excess wealth around to others in need.
A perfect example of sharing good will is with one of our retail volunteers. Sharon Feldman is a volunteer at our Stone Ridge Plaza Goodwill location. Sharon was helping sort through our children’s book section at the store, removing books that have been on the shelves for a while to make room for the new books arriving. Typically, these books would have gone to salvage, where they would have been recycled and disposed of. However, because of Sharon’s “good will,” these books still had a lot of life left in them.
Instead of recycling them, Sharon donated the books to two local city schools. In one class, each child was allowed to pick one book to take home. For many, this was the first book that they have ever owned. In the other class, the students kept the books in the classroom for all to share.
The students were extremely grateful for Sharon’s thoughtfulness and created a book full of thank you letters. Here are a few excerpts:
• “I rilly loved the ark, space and all the books about Nowa, and Eve, and God.”
• “Oh I really liked the book called cat poems with the poems in it.“
• “My favorite book was Rugrats Blast Off.“
• “My favert book is Batman.”
Many thanks to Sharon Feldman who was able to share our goodwill with some students from the City School District. Also, many thanks go out to all of the volunteers who tirelessly work at our four Goodwill store locations. We are grateful for their dedication and their spirit of “good will.”
WE’RE UPDATING OUR MAILING LIST
We apologize if you have received this newsletter in error, if your name is incorrect, or if you do not wish to receive The Beacon. A quick phone call to Cindy Semrau at
(585) 697-5713 would be most appreciated. We will give your concern our immediate attention.
“One Day at a Time”
Reaching Out to Rochester and Beyond
By Ruth Phinney
WXXI Reachout Radio is a service that provides reading of local and national newspapers, magazines and books in the Greater Rochester Area for people who can no longer read standard print. Our broadcast serves residents in Monroe, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Wayne, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Allegheny and Steuben counties.
If you love to travel, have a summer or winter home somewhere else, or know someone in another area that might benefit from a radio reading service, you should know that there are radio reading services like Reachout Radio all across the United States. Although your Reachout Radio receiver won’t work outside of the 11 broadcast counties mentioned above, Reachout Radio can help you locate a service anywhere in the United States.
In addition, there is a web listing of services throughout the United States at the International Association of Audio Information Services’ web site at www.iaais.org. Many of these radio-reading services also provide streaming audio of their service so you can listen on-line. So, wherever you go, you can be connected to the daily news of the region and not miss out on the world around you.
If you would like more information for yourself or someone you know with a visual impairment, call Reachout Radio at (585) 258-0333. We’ll happily refer you to a service in another region or tell you what’s available to you right here in Monroe and surrounding counties.
UPCOMING Events
Estate Planning Seminar
... hosted by the Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill.
Join us for Afternoon Tea on
Learn about tax-efficient retirement planning and how you may be able to include your favorite charities, like ABVI-Goodwill, in your plan.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE at (585) 697-5780 or tschleyer@abvi-goodwill.com.
Tours of ABVI-Goodwill will be available after the seminar and Tea.
Vision Quest
Are you experiencing progressive or sudden vision loss? Are you feeling alone and looking for ways of increasing your independence? Begin your quest towards feeling like yourself again. ABVI-Goodwill’s Vision Quest may be right for you. Beginning on March 1 and running every Tuesday through April 12, you can share experiences, stories and techniques with other people who are blind or visually impaired.
Won’t you join us on Tuesday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at ABVI-Goodwill? It’s not too late to sign up. If you are interested in participating, call Rene Latorre (585) 697-5721.
Come share and grow with us.
The BEACON Contributors:
Cathy Alfieri Kim Kline
Jen Enright Kimberly Lawrence
Jeanette Graham Ruth Phinney
A. Gidget Hopf Gwen Sterns, MD
Editors:
Jen Enright and Michelle Mastrosimone
Design:
Archer Communications, Inc.
(585) 461-1570 • www.archercom.com
The BEACON is published four times a year.
For additional copies, in print, in Braille, by email or on tape, contact Cindy Semrau at (585) 697-5713, or email csemrau@abvi-goodwill.com.
Save the Date
ABVI-Goodwill is holding our 2005 annual celebration on Wednesday, July 13 at a new location, the Country Club of Rochester. Please join us for this year’s event, African Safari, which is sure to be a roaring good time. As in the past, we will feature authentic food and drink, as well as live entertainment and our popular silent and live auctions!
Remember, this is our only fundraiser so be sure you don’t miss your chance to attend this Out of Africa experience. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 13, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Country Club of Rochester.
If you are interested in purchasing tickets for you or your company, or would like more information on the event, please contact Cindy Semrau at (585) 697-5713.
Preferred Format
Do you prefer to receive reading material from ABVI-Goodwill in large print, email, tape, or Braille? If you are not receiving information from us in your preferred format, please call Cindy Semrau at (585) 697-5713.
Calling all Golfers
Cypress Financial is hosting its third annual golf tournament to benefit ABVI-Goodwill.
This year, the tournament will be held on August 22nd at Midvale County Club. Stay tuned to the next issue of The Beacon “fore” more information. It’s not too early to start thinking of your foursome for this great event!
FROM THE President...
Happy New Year! 2005 has arrived along with its typical cold weather. Despite the frigid temperatures outside, things inside ABVI-Goodwill have been heating up and continue to get better each year.
Here’s a question to start off my winter column: What do textiles, sewing, the U.S. Air Force and children who are blind or visually impaired have to do with each other?
Here at ABVI-Goodwill, they have a lot to do with each other. Thanks to our most recent employment initiative, sewing physical training pants for the U.S. Air Force, we are able to generate surplus revenue that supports the expansion of our children’s programming! The best part is that we also provide exciting new employment opportunities to a large number of people, many of whom are blind or visually impaired as well as those who have immigrated to our country.
This year, our children’s programming continues to flourish as we provide new and expanded opportunities for children who are blind or visually impaired. Part of our expansion in children’s services includes serving a fairly new population to ABVI-Goodwill: children who have low vision and do not have a diagnosis of legal blindness.
In the past we only had funding for kids who were legally blind and provided limited services to children with low vision.
Our expanded services include exciting new recreational activities that help foster independence, friendships and an ability to try new things. In addition to some old favorites such as bowling, our programming now includes gymnastics with trained professionals, as well as indoor rock climbing, art therapy and self-defense programs. We are offering our weekly Children’s Playgroup as well as Summer Sizzle this August.
Also returning, thanks to a renewed grant from the Theim Foundation, is the B.E.A.T. program (Body awareness, Exploring your environment and Auditory development Through music). This program, which is offered in collaboration with the Hochstein School of Music and Dance, is a way for youngsters to learn basic orientation and mobility skills and hone their listening skills at an early age. These are valuable skills for any child who is blind or visually impaired and will serve him or her later in life. I hope you will turn to the Children’s Program and Services section in this issue of The Beacon to learn about all the other events planned for winter and spring.
The expansion to our children’s programming is a wonderful testament to ABVI-Goodwill’s outstanding staff that is continually looking for ways to expand and offer enhanced opportunities to help fulfill our mission. Our commitment to serving people who are blind or visually impaired is not limited to just children; it extends to all areas of ABVI-Goodwill.
From the President
Due to the success of new endeavors such as our Textile Employment Initiative, ABVI-Goodwill is able to seek creative ways to expand and fulfill its mission. The future of ABVI-Goodwill lies not only in the hands of generous donors but also in our ability to take advantage of new opportunities. I look forward to the opportunities that 2005 has in store for us!
FROM THE Medical Director...
Vision rehabilitation should always be thought of as a work in progress. As such, you may recall in the last issue of The Beacon that I discussed the team approach for treating a child who is blind or visually impaired. Like this child, our approach toward treatment must grow and develop as the child’s needs and demands grow and change.
For a preschooler, a simple magnifier may suffice. When the child first goes to school, a single, electronic magnifier in the classroom may be added. Because children in elementary school spend most of their time in one room, it may not be necessary for larger devices to be replicated at multiple sites.
However, when a child becomes a teenager in middle school or high school, he or she usually moves from room to room for different subjects. This is when an orientation and mobility instructor comes heavily into play. The instructor must spend time with the student to help him or her develop mobility skills and learn landmarks so the teenager can be independent in school. The instructor may also teach the adolescent how to navigate streets near school and home to permit independent use of the school bus.
In the classroom, a teenager who is blind or visually impaired may have a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), who will assess the classrooms and materials to determine the seat in the room that best meets the student’s needs. For some students, that seat may be at the front of the room; for others it will mean a position away from disabling glare. The TVI, a valuable resource for the student and the school in general, will make the classroom teacher aware of the specific needs of the student.
As low vision specialists, we also need to be aware of the patient’s classroom needs and adjust the aides we prescribe to meet those needs. Large, electronic devices that work well in the elementary classroom may need to be replaced by smaller, portable devices in middle school or high school. Portable computers can now provide magnification and contrast equivalent to larger devices and can be invaluable in some situations. As the teenager matures, aides that were once embraced may become a rejected, “ugly” object. In that case, smaller telescopes may be substituted, sacrificing better acuity to assure that the student will use something to magnify the blackboard.
As providers of low vision care, we must be aware of un-stated requests. We need to understand what a teenager wants to do and how to provide the best aides to support those wishes. We must be cognizant of peer and parental pressure. Driving may be a big concern to teenagers and this must be addressed. Discussions about driving may lead to conflict, and it is our responsibility to broker a successful solution, bringing compromise and under-standing to each participant in the debate.
From the Medical Director
Our goal as a team is to teach and enable the teenager to become an independent adult and an advocate for him or herself. Collaborating with low vision specialists, teachers, orientation and mobility instructors, and parents and siblings, enables us to help teenagers reach their goals. Working together is our best road to success.
Lang Lilley Goodwill Store, Henrietta 11.03.04
Barbara Smith Goodwill Store, Henrietta 11.03.04
April Green Manufacturing Division 11.08.04
Deborah Roberts Goodwill Store, Downtown 11.09.04
Kira Chatfield Goodwill Store, Henrietta 11.15.04
Wayne Santiago Food Service 11.15.04
Gabriel Martinez Goodwill Store, Webster 11.26.04
Erin Vincent Goodwill Store, Greece 12.01.04
Andrea Castillo-Rojas Manufacturing Division 12.03.04
Jennifer Judge Career and Training 12.06.04
Jessica Pyhtila Vision Rehabilitation 12.06.04
Janice Smith Food Service 12.06.04
Marlene Barrera Manufacturing Division 12.07.04
Michelle Cavalli Retail Administration 12.13.04
Xiu Mei Sun Manufacturing Division 12.13.04
Antonio Medina Goodwill Donation Center 12.14.04 Jeanette Daniels Goodwill, Webster 12.20.04
Chanxian Liou Manufacturing Division 12.27.04
Craig Hughes Manufacturing Division 01.12.05
John Simmons Goodwill Store, Downtown 01.12.05 Yin Wah Chu Manufacturing Division 01.24.05
Welcome to the team!
AGENCY News
Announcing 2-1-1 in New York State
What is 2-1-1?
2-1-1 is a number available to all New Yorkers to provide easy access to information about a full range of health and human services programs provided throughout New York State. This easy-to-dial number is a local faction of a national program whose vision is to provide easy access to needed human service resources.
According to the 2-1-1 web site at www.211ny.org, the 2-1-1 call center provides direct personal assistance. After an interview with a caller to gain an understanding of specific needs, information and referral specialists provide detailed information about and referrals to appropriate agencies, programs and services.
This multi-lingual service was launched in early 2005. ABVI-Goodwill is listed as one of the hundreds of service providers available through the 2-1-1 call center.
Be sure to spread the word about the wealth of human service information that will be available through 2-1-1. For more information about 2-1-1, contact Susan Hager at (518) 463-2522 or e-mail hagers@uwnys.org or Michael Daugherty at (518) 462-6531, or e-mail mdaugherty@fcscapitalregion.org.
Sharon’s Success
On October 18, 2004, ABVI-Goodwill’s Sharon Schwalm, Rehabilitation Teaching Manager, won the New York State Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (NYSAER) Rehabilitation Teacher of the Year Award. This is an outstanding honor and a real testament to Sharon’s hard work and dedication in the field of vision rehabilitation and rehabilitation teaching.
According to Shelley Falitico, Director of Vision Rehabilitation, “this award is a highly recognized professional acknowledgement of Sharon’s expertise as a professional in the field of vision rehabilitation. ABVI-Goodwill’s standard of excellence is built on employees like Sharon and their skill to provide specialized services to a unique population.”
In the nine years that Sharon has been an ABVI-Goodwill employee, she has been providing much needed in-home visits to assess the service needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. Sharon helps people learn how to cook safely, organize clothing to create matching outfits, keep a clean, healthy home and any other task someone who is blind or visually impaired may need to accomplish. Sharon says that she helps people with “the things they do from the time they get up in the morning until they go to bed at night.”
In addition to providing direct service, Sharon has continually assumed greater responsibility. She now manages the rehabilitation teaching discipline at ABVI-Goodwill. Plus, she mentors staff members who are participating in distance learning programs for vision rehabilitation.
Sharon is also participating in National Industries for the Blind (NIB)’s Business Management Training. This two-year- long training program, in conjunction with the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business, will enhance her management and leadership skills, as well as increase her overall knowledge of the business world. Training sessions take place through electronic reading material as well as on-site at the University of Virginia’s facility in Washington, D.C. Sharon will complete her training this fall and will earn a Certificate of Management, an NIB Certificate of Completion, and continuing education credits.
Congratulations, Sharon!
If you would like to learn more about rehabilitation teaching or any of the other services available at ABVI-Goodwill, please call our Information and Referral Office at (585) 697-5722.
TECHNICALLY Speaking...
New and Improved Products for 2005
By Kim Kline
It’s been an exciting winter in the adaptive technology world. Both Freedom Scientific® and GW Micro® have released new versions of their popular screen reader programs. If your New Year’s resolution was to update your old software, then this may be the one resolution you can stick to.
In late December, Freedom Scientific released JAWS® Version 6.0. This version has completely revamped support for refreshable Braille displays, which provides users more information with greater flexibility. JAWS 6.0 also enhanced Internet access by adding the ability to label form fields and graphic links on the web. This enhancement is good news for the workplace because it is now possible to set up a web site for one person and copy the settings out to other JAWS users in the same work environment.
In addition, JAWS now has the ability to tie individual user settings to user accounts, making it possible for multiple JAWS users to share the same computer and still have individualized settings. Further support enhancements have been made to Office® 2003, which specifically benefit Outlook® 2003 users.
Additionally, features have been added to support remote access through CITRIX®, Metaframe®, and Microsoft® Terminal Services. The improvements to remote access will expand job opportunities for people who are using screen readers and need to access information from outside the office.
GW Micro released Window-Eyes® version 5.0 in mid-January that boasts 100% text accuracy in all office documents. GW Micro improved their accessibility for Microsoft Office, but it also comes with a couple of conditions: the user must run Microsoft Office 2000 or newer with all available service packs installed. GW Micro also added support for Mozilla®, which is an alternative web browser to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer®. Mozilla is considered by many to be more secure than Internet Explorer.
Another noteworthy product release is Freedom Scientific’s FS Reader®, which is a DAISY® book reader that allows DAISY formatted talking books to be played on a computer.
Finally, the Street Talk® Global Positioning System (GPS) accessory for the Pac Mate® allows a person who is blind or visually impaired to use a Pac Mate to guide them through city streets until they reach their destination.
You can check out the new products that Freedom Scientific has to offer at www.freedomscientific.com.
GW Micro has information on their new release of Window-Eyes at www.gwmicro.com.
KUDOS Corner
You’ve Got To Have Heart
By Kimberly Lawrence
As we have read in the newspaper or seen on TV, thousands of people in Southeast Asia are suffering from the terrible results of the tsunami that hit this past December. We’ve heard of people from all over the world rushing to their aid, by way of sending money, prayer vigils or pitching in to help to rebuild homes, lives, and communities. These “volunteers” who are sending money, praying, or traveling to provide help are doing so for people they don’t even know. Many are thousands of miles from the comforts of home helping people they have never met before!
Giving to those in a time of need can be seen here at home. Project Eye Care thrives and exists because of volunteers who are willing to sacrifice their time to provide eye care to those who are uninsured. Although a free eye exam here in Rochester cannot compare to a free, life-saving immunization in Asia, the intention is the same. People’s lives have been enriched and made a little bit better, which is something they otherwise would not have gotten but for the generous heart of a volunteer.
Whether here in Rochester or around the world, a good volunteer can be anyone with a willing, generous heart: a heart for the less fortunate or for helping anyone in need. A volunteer can be anyone wanting to give to those who go without. A volunteer is someone who has been blessed with an ability and desire to share with others. A volunteer is someone who envisions a better, healthier community.
Project Eye Care is always seeking more volunteers, particularly doctors, who can provide free eye exams for the uninsured in our community. These eye exams are crucial because so many of our clients have potentially blinding eye disorders that would otherwise go untreated. We are in need of Spanish-speaking interpreters as well to assist us with our Hispanic outreach efforts.
If you’d like to help, please contact Project Eye Care today by calling Kimberly Lawrence at (585) 697-5738. Remember, volunteers don’t need extensive training to be effective; they just have to have a generous heart!
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, by TTY at (585) 232-1698 or by e-mail at
CREATIVE WAYS To Give...
The following items have been received since our last issue of The Beacon:
Video Eye Magnifier
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!
If you or someone you know can donate the dollars to fund the necessities or items below, please contact Tracy Schleyer, Director of Development, for more information at (585) 697-5780.
There is always something that needs fixing here and every dollar we spend on major repair items takes away from our ability to fund programs, services and jobs.
Lobby Display Cabinets. Have you noticed the display cabinet in the main lobby at ABVI-Goodwill? If you haven’t, then that is the exact reason why we need new ones. We are looking to purchase two (2) new oak curio cabinets to display some of our low vision aides as well as other products and information about ABVI-Goodwill. Estimated total cost: $1,000.
Volunteer Eye Doctors. Volunteer doctors are worth their weight in gold. If you or someone you know can spare even a half-day once a year, we’d like to hear from you. We promise to use your time wisely. Call Kimberly Lawrence at (585) 697-5738.
Refrigerator for Call Center. ABVI-Goodwill’s Call Center employees are in need of a refrigerator. This high-pressure job makes it difficult for employees to leave the facility for lunch or dinner. Estimated cost: $500.
We would like to extend a special acknowledgement to Olivia Case, a sixth grade student at Spencerport Cosgrove Middle School. As part of a school project, Olivia read the book Heaven by Angela Johnson, which featured a character who was visually impaired. For her project, Olivia read this book on to tape and donated it to ABVI-Goodwill for use in our Children’s Program.
Thank you, Olivia, for your generosity and for donating your project to share with a child who is blind or visually impaired.
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 Jen Enright at (585) 697-5718, or send an email to jenright@abvi-goodwill.com.
MEMORIAL AND...
In Memory of
By giving to ABVI-Goodwill in memory of a family member or friend, many charitable 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 November 6, 2004 to February 11, 2005:
Lucy Carnevale
John Kehrig
Ladies Association of Webster
Webster Golf Club Member Association
Anonymous
Carolann Wilson
John Creamer
Carol W. Worden
Mary DeStephano
Louise Benjamin
Buckmans Car Wash
Anonymous
De Maria Law Offices
Mary DiLullo
Rosemary W. Eichenlaub
Steven E. Feldon
Greece Central School District
John R. Justice
Joanne McNerney
Julia A. Peek
Peter A. Pizzutelli
Carol Ann Podgorski
Ann W. Randazzo
Theresa M. Randazzo
George Scheil
Laureen Sortino
St. Joseph's Villa
Gary W. Vanscoter
Amanda R. Vito
Anonymous
Vincent DiNatale
Peter Rao
Ruth Etter
Virginia Rice
Erika Hass
Ralph Cordaro
William R. Kash
Paul Warchal
Lucille Keegan
Kathy Moses
Matthew Kim
Hwaok Kim
Dorothy Knoll
Monroe County Water Authority
Edward Koester
Anonymous
Emelia Maiorana
Anonymous
Lou Cianciola
John Collins
Donald DeGeorge
Anonymous
Robert L. Stolze
Chester McDonald
Anonymous
Michael J. Montagno
Robert A. Miller
Jane M. Varley
Marion W. Neun
Doris Corrigan
John C. Hecker
Patricia R. Hill
Dorothy L. Malcolm
William A. McCormick
Lucinda G. Nestor
Mary Ellen Parry
Phoebe Shallcross
Marian L. Wheeler
David J. Whitbeck
Anonymous
Patricia O'Neill Pyle
John E. O'Neill
Jane F. Peoples
Donald S. Peoples
Bess Podgainy
Louise Barber
Frances P. Schilling
Dominic R. Quattrocchi
Thomas M. Backofen
Mary Jo Casale
William H. Davis
Ralph J. DeCaro
Eleanor J. Froehler
Irondequoit Lions Club
Enrica Lippa
Anonymous
Paul Mancini
Rose Matina
Anonymous
Richard Menaldino
Alan R. Miller
Anonymous
Gaetana Quattrocchi
Earl Sweet
Catherine Virgo
Robert H. Raymond
Susan M. Dundon
Lisa Vogel
Diane D'Alessandro
Joseph A. Fererico
Josephine V. Guida
Ronald D. Harris
Lisa Vogel continued
Debra A. Hebing
Tracy T. Miraglia
Donald J. Watters
Walter E. Wiggins
Robert J. Brookhiser
Jeanette M. Felice
Emma F. Hale
Home Properties
Phyllis H. Masters
Marie E. Roth
Kathleen Sclamo
Eleanor G. Serron
Trumansburg Central School
In HONOR of
Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary or other momentous occasion by making a donation in honor of a special person. The following people have been honored by family or friends from November 6, 2004 to February 11, 2005:
Paul J. Caito
Christine Stewart
Cindy S. DeFalco
Anonymous
DePaolis & Ryan, O.D. PC
Jean Brown
Eli Eckman
Steve Ashton
Byron Frisbee
Jill Heidrick
John Jacobs
Beverly Sheldon
Charlotte D. Woodhall
Ruth Phinney
David W. Smith
Howard I. Shenker
Deborah Sikora
Gwen Sterns
Eric Rennert
A memorial or honorary gift is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions, honor a loved one, or pay tribute to the memory of deceased family or friends. Your name and the names of those you are honoring will be listed in The Beacon. ABVI-Goodwill will also send a note acknowledging your gift according to your wishes.
For more information about making a memorial or honorary gift donation for a family member or loved one, please call (585) 697-5713.