The BEACON Issue 4 2004
(585) 232-1111
“Don’t deny your patients the privilege of low vision services” is a phrase that not only embodies the mission of ABVI-Goodwill, but also the lifelong direction of Dr. Ellis Gruber, a name that is no stranger to the Rochester medical community. Hailing from Liverpool, England, Dr. Gruber has vast ophthalmologic and low vision experience, which translates into more than 40 years of eye care in Rochester alone.
After studying medicine at Liverpool University, 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 take his career further and did so by finishing his residency at New York Hospital in New York City.
Never losing sight of his goal to be an eye care specialist, Dr. Gruber began serving in the Air Force in 1955 as an ophthalmologist. This service is what eventually led Dr. Gruber to Rochester and ultimately the place he would call home, both professionally and personally, since January of 1958.
In January of 1958, Dr. Gruber began a private practice where he saw patients with low vision, making his practice the only low vision center in Rochester at that time. In fact, Dr. Gruber may even be considered the “founding father” of low vision services in Rochester. This 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 Ave. This move provided the needed space and opportunity for Dr. Gruber to move 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 its first few years of infancy. His guidance made a lasting impression in that not only is the Low Vision Center at ABVI-Goodwill still in operation but it is also the highest staffed low vision facility 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. Currently, he is acting as a “Goodwill Ambassador” to spread the word regarding low vision services available at ABVI-Goodwill. He is traveling 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.
On behalf of the entire community of low vision doctors and patients, we would like to thank Dr. Gruber for his contributions, both past and present. His dedication and pioneering spirit afford him the authority to make sure his colleagues “don’t deny their patients the privilege of low vision services.”
ABVI-Goodwill’s Call Center Receives Rave Review
In the Summer 2003 issue of The Beacon, you may recall an article about ABVI-Goodwill’s Call Center contract with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For this
contract, we answer calls for the National Lead Information Center hotline. Our one-year evaluation is in, and we are pleased to report that we received very favorable marks from the EPA!
Overall, our rating was “excellent.” The government also felt that we exceeded their contractual expectations in the categories Quality of Product or Service, Timeliness
of Performance and Business Relations.
Some of the feedback we received:
“Substantially exceeded the contract performance requirements without commensurate additional costs to the Government.”
“ABVI is timely in their response time back to the consumer. All new materials provided by EPA are incorporated into ABVI reference material.”
“Response to inquiries and/or technical, service, administrative issues exceeds Government expectation.”
We take great pride in answering various types of lead-related calls for the federal, state and local governments, as well as the private and public sector. An “excellent” rating for quality is one that we take very seriously. As with all of our programs, services and jobs, we strive to provide the best service possible. Receiving such high marks from the government after our first year of service is a wonderful testament to all that the Call Center at ABVI-Goodwill has to offer.
Quality, timeliness and business relations are all essential elements in any successful undertaking. We are pleased to provide such high-quality service to the government and are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate the skills of our trained Information Specialists.
Congratulations to all the EPA staff at our Call Center for such a successful year of service to the EPA. If you would like more information about our Call Center services, please contact Carol Borsa at (585) 697-5755.
FROM THE President
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our donors, consumers, community partners and all who support the mission of ABVI-Goodwill. We view your contributions as an investment in the future of our organization and our ability to serve people who are blind or visually impaired in years to come.
It is important to us that our donors know how important we think it is to be good stewards of their gifts. Since investing in ABVI-Goodwill is such an important financial commitment and one that has the power to change lives, I would like to use this article to explain what we
do to insure financial stewardship, whether funds are provided by donors, through sales of products and services, or from government support.
Recent corporate scandals such as those that occurred at Enron and World Com, and even some not-for-profit organizations, can destroy the confidence of donors even if their organization isn’t directly affected. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is a federal law that protects investors by insuring that publicly traded companies have accurate financial records or face criminal penalties. Currently the act only applies to publicly traded companies, however states like New York are already considering similar legislation to cover not-for-profit organizations. However, the board of directors of ABVI-Goodwill is not waiting for legislation. We have already incorporated several important aspects of Sarbanes-Oxley into our everyday affairs. This includes establishing an independent audit committee of the board to insure that internal financial procedures provide sufficient controls against fraud and theft. The board insures that there are strong financial experts on the committee to be able to ask the tough questions and to advise the full board.
As president and CEO, I adhere to a strict code of ethics and ensure that policies and procedures are in place to maintain financial integrity at all levels. In fact, I feel so strongly about this code, that a signed, poster-sized statement is displayed in our lobby. In addition, we have a strong conflict of interest policy, requiring each board member to annually disclose any and all potential conflicts of interest. At this time, the board is also considering the development of a whistle-blower policy that would enable any employee to report to the board any suspicion of wrongdoing.
When you give a gift to ABVI-Goodwill, you can be certain that there will be a return on your investment in the form of enhanced services, increased numbers of people served, ever-expanding programming, and many other ways that improve the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired in our community.
With so many seemingly reputable organizations vying for your dollars, it is sometimes difficult to tell which organization is the best to contribute to or if their fundraising is as credible as it seems. One way to ensure that your gift is going to a credible organization is by going online to www.guidestar.com and viewing a financial history of the organization in question. You can also call the New York State Office of the Attorney General and get information about any company or organization that sends you fundraising materials.
At ABVI-Goodwill, we consider every donation a direct investment in our organization and our mission. We view each gift as a statement of trust and support for our mission. It is my duty, and the duty of all staff, employees and Board members to make certain that every donor’s personal commitment to ABVI-Goodwill is invested wisely with a return for people who are blind or visually impaired, by way of greater independence and economic self-sufficiency.
As always, thank you for your generous support of ABVI-Goodwill and our mission “to assist people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve their highest level of independence in all aspects of their lives.”
FROM THE Medical
Recently, I had the privilege of addressing the New York State Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired on the importance of a “Multidiscipline Approach to a Multigenerational Population.” In that presentation, I stressed the importance of establishing supportive relationships for patients who are blind
or visually impaired to maximize the quality of care and individual results.
At ABVI-Goodwill, we believe it takes a team to meet the needs of patients who are blind or visually impaired. Regardless of age, the best health care services are delivered collaboratively where everyone plays a role. Some members of the team may include: the Low Vision Provider, Rehabilitation Teacher, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Occupational Specialist, Physical Therapist, classroom teacher and vision teacher, parents, siblings, children and other family members. Each team depends on the individual and his or her situation, but categorically, specific age groups have specific needs.
When treating a child for example, our treatment plan goes far beyond the doctor’s appointment. We must understand the goals and expectations of the parents and make them part of a team that includes eye care professionals, schoolteachers, specialized instructors, caregivers and family members. This is the heart of collaboration—a multidisciplinary approach—and what we stand for at ABVI-Goodwill.
Our goal must be to expose the child to as much visual stimulation as possible as early as possible to create a lifelong “visual memory” that the child may draw from later in life. We must help families see that there are options and that the child can learn, be successful and achieve. The family learns to advocate for the child and to teach the child to advocate for him or herself.
As the child gets older and demands in school change, the goals of vision rehabilitation change as well. Developing and cultivating a collaborative exchange is crucial to providing quality care over time. As the child grows and matures and his or her visual impairment or needs change, families must be encouraged to return to ABVI-Goodwill for additional services. The “fine tuning” we can offer is crucial. Relationships built over time serve the child best.
At ABVI-Goodwill, the team approach focuses on the whole child, not just the visual impairment. This approach, however, doesn’t just apply to children; treating the whole person with a strong support team will produce positive results in the quality of health care and the patient’s overall well being.
Stay tuned to the next issue of The Beacon to find out what happens to the team approach when the child gets older and transitions onto high school and adulthood.
Intercon Associates and ABVI-Goodwill Team Up
In 1998, the Rehabilitation Act was amended to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. This law applies to all Federal agencies when developing, procuring, maintaining, or using electronic and information technology. Under Section 508 Legislation, agencies must give employees and members of the public who are disabled access to information that is comparable to the access available to others.
Intercon Associates Inc. developed Accessible FormNet software for the Federal Government to meet Section 508 requirements and was awarded a five-year contract for this software from the General Services Administration’s Office (GSA). What this contract means is that all other Federal agencies are authorized to purchase the software from Intercon Associates. Accessible FormNet has the potential to be purchased by any and all departments within the Federal Government.
What This Means for ABVI-Goodwill
Intercon approached ABVI-Goodwill to form a partnership to provide their customers with a service to validate the accessibility and usability of electronic forms. This certification is the first of its kind in the industry and one that the GSA highly supports. GSA said that Intercon’s “ultimate goal is to be able to disclose on a website that this form was validated by ABVI-Goodwill (by an individual
who is blind or visually impaired).”
Accessible FormNet integrates existing forms by accepting images from all major form design software. ABVI-Goodwill’s role is to act as an external validation facility offering electronic form testing administered by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Each form will be reviewed three times and result in a “validation” seal and/or report with documented findings.
ABVI-Goodwill is pleased to offer such a validation service and to help make on-line forms and documents accessible to everyone. Future plans for partnership with Intercon include offering other valuable services such as field mapping and scripting for Section 508 Legislation compliance.
New Employee Spotlight
The following have joined the team at ABVI-Goodwill since August 4, 2004:
Nan Stoling Finance 8.04.04
Barbara MacDonald Manufacturing Division 8.09.04
Allen Burns Goodwill Store, Henrietta 8.16.04
Tireka Kimbrough Goodwill Store, Henrietta 8.16.04
Ivys Aguilar Manufacturing Division 8.17.04
Sherianne Pancho Vision Rehabilitation 8.18.04
Amanda Reed Goodwill Store, Webster 8.21.04
Priscilla Hauser Manufacturing Division 8.23.04
Meghan O'Brien Vision Rehabilitation 8.23.04
Erin Vincent Goodwill Store, Henrietta 8.25.04
Jessica McTiernan Manufacturing Division 8.26.04
Jeffrey Hodson Goodwill Store, Downtown 9.06.04
Joseph Bellamy Goodwill Store, Greece 9.11.04
Miray Mongeon Goodwill Store, Henrietta 9.14.04
Xin Edwards Manufacturing Division 9.20.04
Chastity Pray Manufacturing Division 9.20.04
Steven Johnson Goodwill Store, Henrietta 9.21.04
Yvonne Barajas Goodwill Donation Center 9.22.04
Rhonda Harris Goodwill Store, Henrietta 9.25.04
Gary Bovenzi Goodwill Store, Greece 9.27.04
Mary Livingston Manufacturing Division 9.27.04
Lavonia Horton Goodwill Store, Henrietta 9.29.04
Maura Casademunt Ramirez Manufacturing Division 9.30.04
Olivia Rodriguez-Sanchez Manufacturing Division 9.30.04
Stephen Drummond Goodwill Donation Center 10.04.04
Philip Haberek Information & Technology 10.06.04
Richard Roman Goodwill Store, Henrietta 10.09.04
William Hou Manufacturing Division 10.18.04
Zhen Hu Manufacturing Division 10.18.04
Angel Sanchez-Collet Goodwill Store, Downtown 10.27.04
Welcome aboard! We’re so glad you’re with us.
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 info@abvi-goodwill.com.
Honoring More Than Three Decades of Service
With thirty-three years of rehabilitation teaching experience at ABVI-Goodwill, Carolyn Smith Christian is no stranger to the community and consumers alike. In fact, she is one of the longest standing employees at ABVI-Goodwill. Even through building changes and personal struggles, Carolyn has remained positive, optimistic and deeply committed to her job and her church. In fact, her commitment to the church and her community is what ultimately led her to ABVI-Goodwill.
Growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida, Carolyn’s path to Rochester came about almost by accident. A two-week visit to her sister led to more than thirty-three years of residency. She liked it here so much that she stayed. Her first job was doing piecework at Bausch and Lomb, but Carolyn soon realized that manufacturing was not her life’s work. She always thought she wanted to be a school counselor after seeing how so many people struggled in her school. Carolyn is a faith-filled people person and she knew that something was going to come along for her.
Carolyn’s giving nature led her to work on a neighborhood project with her church; a project that turned out to be a life-changing turning point for her. The woman who was heading up this neighborhood project happened to be married to the Director of Vision Rehabilitation at ABVI-Goodwill. She mentioned to Carolyn that her husband,
Les Rivkin, was looking for a “field worker” to join the ranks at ABVI-Goodwill. This position was home-based and covered a six county area. With two small children, Carolyn was delighted at this opportunity.
As luck may have it, 1971 was a great year for Carolyn because she got a job that she loved and continues to love thirty-three years later. While her title may have changed over the years, her work has remained fairly consistent. Carolyn is a Rehabilitation Teaching Assistant which means she goes to see consumers in their home to assess their rehabilitation needs and teaches such skills as cooking, maintaining a household, learning Grade 1 Braille and communication skills such as letter writing. Carolyn helps teach skills that enable older adults who are blind or visually impaired to live safe, productive and independent lives.
Carolyn’s love of people was evident in her work as she was responsible for beginning a crafts group at ABVI-Goodwill called the “Eager Beavers.” This group met monthly to learn crafts and also teamed up with the agency’s social group for a yearly “Jubilee.” Providing socializing and crafts to those who are sometimes isolated due to age and/or vision loss is a way to help the whole person. Carolyn’s commitment to her consumers shines through in all she does.
Deciding to retire was a difficult decision and one that she has been putting off for awhile now. Carolyn feels so blessed by all she has received from the consumers she has worked with over the years. She said that she feels that “the Lord gave me this job. It is so rewarding to help someone with simple things like signing their name. At the end of the day I’m left with the feeling that ‘wow, I did something today.’ I am so very blessed.”
Carolyn Smith Christian has a contagious zest for life, which she imparts on all whom she meets. Her service and dedication to ABVI-Goodwill and people who are blind or visually impaired will be missed. While she will greatly miss all those who have touched her life at ABVI-Goodwill, she looks forward to spending time with her six grandkids and three great grandkids as well as traveling, sewing, reading and visiting dear friends.
Best of luck in the future and thank you for thirty-three years of enthusiastic, heartfelt community service.
If you would like to express your appreciation of Carolyn Smith Christian’s service to ABVI-Goodwill in the form of an honorary donation, please contact Cindy Semrau at (585) 697-5713.
Saying Goodbye to a Friend
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lisa Vogel on Wednesday, November 3, 2004. Lisa is survived by her mother, Shirley, her siblings Debbie, Cheryl, Linda and Kevin, aunts, uncles and her cat, Scooter. Lisa was an ABVI-Goodwill employee since June of 2002, where she brought manufacturing experience and perseverance with her. Even through health struggles, she stuck with her goals and carried them out. She helped encourage others to do the same.
Lisa was a close friend to many at ABVI-Goodwill who remember her positive attitude and warm smile very fondly. Her untimely passing is a huge loss to all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her. As part of her commitment to people who are blind or visually impaired, donations in her memory can be made to ABVI-Goodwill by calling Cindy Semrau at (585) 697-5713.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lisa’s family and friends at this time and in the weeks and months to come.
ABVI-Goodwill Offers Two New Training Courses
By Kim Kline
With 2005 quickly approaching and new opportunities on the horizon, ABVI-Goodwill’s Adaptive Technology Center is also moving forward by offering new training courses in adaptive computer technology. We think these courses will provide useful information as well as new opportunities for those using adaptive technology.
Our first workshop entitled “Learning Windows With Enlargement” will be held Tuesday, January 18th, and Thursday, January 20th, 2005, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at ABVI-Goodwill’s Skinner Career and Training Center. This workshop will feature instruction on the basic use of Zoomtext® with Microsoft Windows®. Participants will learn how to set the magnification level, navigate around the screen, use the Windows Desktop to start programs, and edit a simple document using the WordPad® application included with every copy of Microsoft Windows. The workshop teaches techniques that are generally applicable to all versions of Windows except for those released prior to Windows 95.
The second workshop entitled “Learning to Use E-mail With Enlargement” will also be held at ABVI-Goodwill’s Skinner Career and Training Center on Tuesday, February 15th, and Thursday, February 17th, 2005, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. This workshop will teach basic techniques for sending and receiving e-mail as well as training on how to compose a message, and read, reply to, and forward incoming messages. Workshop participants will also learn how to delete messages that are no longer needed.
The techniques taught in the second workshop will generally apply for users of Microsoft Outlook® and Outlook Express. It is suggested that those participating in this workshop should have working knowledge of the topics covered in the “Learning Windows With Enlargement” course.
There is a nominal fee of $50.00 for each workshop and attendance is limited to six participants. For more information regarding the workshops and to register please contact Brenda Nasso at (585) 327-5505 no later than January 4, 2005.
Winter Is More Than Just Snowballs!
ABVI-Goodwill’s Children’s Program has some exciting events planned for your child this winter. All programs are open to any child who is legally blind or has low vision. A nominal fee may apply to each event based on your child’s level of sponsorship.
NEW! A Christmas Carol at Geva Theatre
Sunday, December 12, 2004, Noon
Join us at Geva Theatre for an audio-described performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Any child between the ages of 5 and 21 who is legally blind or has low vision and their family are welcome to participate in this holiday favorite.
If you’ve never been to an audio-described play, here’s what to expect: a live narrator describes key elements such as action, the set and costumes. The narrator fills in these visual cues when there is a break in the dialogue so you don’t miss anything.
Geva Theatre is located at 75 Woodbury Blvd., Downtown.
NEW! Gymnastics
Saturday, January 8, 2005, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Any child between the ages of 2 and 21 who is legally blind or has low vision is able to participate in our new gymnastics event at the Gymnastic Training Center in Penfield. Trained gymnastics coaches will help your child with various gymnastics techniques in a safe, supervised environment.
Gymnastics Training Center is located at 2051 Fairport Nine Mile Pt. Road in Penfield.
Please RSVP no later than Monday, January 3, 2005.
Saturday, February 26, 2005, Noon to 2:00 pm
Calling all bowlers between the ages of 4 and 21 who are legally blind or have low vision. Come to Clover Lanes for fun, food and bowling. Pizza is provided.
Please RSVP no later than Friday, February 18, 2005.
If your child is interested in participating in any or all of these fun winter events, please contact Sarah Favro, Children’s Specialist, at ABVI-Goodwill by calling (585) 697-5746 or by e-mail at sfavro@abvi-goodwill.com.
Braille Transcription Service Available
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance’s Office of Affirmative Action now offers a free Braille Transcription Service for state employees, and participants in New York State programs and services. The purpose of this Braille service is to provide business documents for Braille users who need them to do their jobs, to participate actively in state programs or to benefit from services provided. Materials to be Brailled must be published and copyrighted by New York State. Document(s) may be submitted via e-mail to michael_durocher@tax.state.ny.us. Editing is required. Call Michael Durocher at (518) 485-5627 for further information.
Voice Your Choice
As an RG&E electricity customer, you can select either a fixed or variable price for your electricity supply through RG&E’s Voice Your Choice program. You can also choose
to purchase your electricity supply from RG&E or another energy supplier (called an energy services company or ESCO). Voice Your Choice before 8:30 pm on December
30, 2004. Your choice takes effect January 1, 2005 and continues through December 31, 2005.
For more information about how you can Voice Your Choice, visit RG&E at www.rge.com, call (800) RGEVYCNow, (800) 743-8926, or contact an ESCO.
Large Print RG&E Bills
Did you know that you can get your RG&E bill in large print? If you are interested in this free service, please call RG&E at 1-800-743-2110.
Bridge Club
ABVI-Goodwill is looking for anyone interested in joining a newly formed Bridge club. The club, which is made up of players who are visually impaired, is in need of new players to play on a regular basis, or people interested in being subs. If you would like to play Bridge, please call Cathy Schaffron at ABVI-Goodwill at (585) 232-1111.
Do you have vision loss or are you progressively losing your vision? Are you feeling alone and looking for ways of increasing your independence? ABVI-Goodwill’s Counseling Groups may be right for you. If you are interested in participating in our January 2005 session, call Rene Latorre (585) 697-5721, or Crandall LaPlante (585) 697-5722. Come share and grow with us.
Champions of Community
By Jen Enright
The giving spirit of the Rochester community never ceases to amaze me.
People are so willing to give of themselves to help others in a time of need. As ABVI-Goodwill’s Volunteer Coordinator, I see this dedication and commitment come to fruition every day. Recently, however, I was able to share the fruits of our volunteers’ labor, so to speak, with the community at large.
At the end of October, the United Way of Greater Rochester and Frontier sponsored an award entitled the Community Champion Award to recognize outstanding volunteer efforts in four categories: Youth, Senior, Business/Organization and Individual. I am pleased and honored to say that our very own Library Ladies were the recipients of the 2004 Community Champion Award for Business/Organization.
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the Library Ladies, allow me to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about what they do. The Library Ladies spend every Wednesday morning in our media center at ABVI-Goodwill creating Braille materials for people who are blind or visually impaired. Not only do they add 60 to 75 new
titles each year, but they also maintain nearly 1,000 Braille titles, in addition to books on tape and audio-described videos.
These Ladies, who have a minimum of 15 years experience each, ship Braille materials to the local community as well as internationally. If the media center has more than one copy of a title then the Ladies will ship the extras off to places such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Africa, to name a few. Promoting Braille literacy is their passion and they do everything in their power to make sure that Braille materials are available to all.
On behalf of ABVI-Goodwill, and the local and international community, I would like to congratulate the Library Ladies on receiving this honorable award. Even without the recognition of the community, they deserve the title of Community Champions because of their dedication and commitment to Braille literacy. Thank you for your love of literacy and your dedication. Without your time and energy, the media center at ABVI-Goodwill would not exist and hundreds of people would not have the opportunity to read their favorite book. Your service is truly priceless.
If you would like to show your appreciation for the work that the Library Ladies do, please consider making a donation in their honor. Contact Cindy Semrau at (585) 697-5713.
Project Eye Care Couldn’t Stop Diabetes But Literally Saved A Life
By Kimberly Lawrence
For those who may not know, Project Eye Care is a preventive outreach program at ABVI-Goodwill designed to provide free eye exams and links to follow-up treatment for those without adequate medical insurance. Local eye doctors volunteer their time to visit Rochester-area community health centers on a monthly basis where they see patients free of charge. Patients are given comprehensive dilated eye exams, as well as prescriptions for glasses, vouchers for free glasses, and referrals to local ophthalmologists for testing and follow-up treatment. As a result of Project Eye Care, many uninsured individuals have received the exams they needed to prevent blindness. “Anna” is one example of the saving treatment Project Eye Care can provide.
Anna is a 56-year-old female who came to Project Eye Care in May of 2001. Anna was suffering from vision loss, which she believed was caused by an untreated illness the year before. Since being denied Medicaid due to her husband’s small salary, Anna had no insurance. She heard about free eye exams being given at a community center by Project Eye Care and made an appointment, six months after suffering significant vision loss.
At her eye exam, the doctor suspected diabetes so Anna was immediately examined by a nurse practitioner at the community center and tested for diabetes. Anna’s glucose levels of over 400 confirmed the diagnosis. She was given a follow-up appointment with a doctor for her diabetes, as well as a referral to an ophthalmologist for her diabetic retinopathy. Anna had signs of significant hemorrhaging in her left eye as well diabetic retinopathy in both eyes. It was recommended she have laser treatment in the right eye and a vitrectomy in the left eye.
During pre-op testing prior to vitrectomy surgery, Anna was found to have an abnormal EKG. Her eye surgery was put on hold, and she was referred to a cardiologist (at no charge), who recommended testing that resulted in an angiogram and angioplasty; Anna had a blocked artery and heart muscle damage. She was put on heart medication and aspirin right away. Had she not received a free eye exam from Project Eye Care, she would not have learned about her heart problems. In a way, her eye exam saved her life.
Anna is still being treated for her right eye and through several treatments has had some success. Unfortunately, going without medical care for diabetes for so long resulted in Anna losing her left eye. She has been referred to ABVI-Goodwill’s Low Vision Center, and is trying to adjust to having only one good eye. Fortunately, in the Rochester area there is free medical care available for those who need it, and there are caring doctors willing
to see patients such as Anna for free. A call to Project Eye Care is all it takes.
Not Just Your Average “Reading” Service
By Ruth Phinney
One of the things that people miss the most when vision fails is the ability to read. That’s where radio reading services, or audio information services, come in. There are over 100 reading services throughout the United States, of which WXXI Reachout Radio is the one that covers the Greater Rochester Area and surrounding areas. Certainly the bulk of our programming features readings of local, regional and national newspapers, but access to the printed word is not all WXXI Reachout Radio provides.
In recent years, Reachout Radio has been broadening its mission to include interviews and discussions on topics of relevance to its audience, special programs about community happenings, and audio descriptions of regional art and visual exhibits. Some of Reachout Radio’s recent specials included a five-part series of programs on the elections, which covered legislative issues of importance to listeners, a comparison of the candidates, and
a reading of the voting ballot.
In October, Reachout Radio welcomed the president of the Association for Macular Diseases to its studios to talk about recent research and advances in the treatment and recognition of macular diseases. In November, WXXI Reachout Radio took listeners on an audio-described tour of the exhibit at the George Eastman house to celebrate the 150th anniversary of George Eastman’s birth.
More audio-description projects are in the works for the new year, along with a specialty program reviewing audio books that are commercially available, and a catalog shopping program of products and devices that make independent living easier. If you haven’t tried Reachout Radio, or haven’t tuned in for a while, we encourage you to give it a try. With the variety of programming available, there’s something for everyone on WXXI Reachout Radio.
Contact WXXI Reachout Radio at (585) 258-0333 for more information, or visit our web site at www.wxxi.org/reachout/ to view our current schedule.
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.
Reachout Radio Celebrates 20 Years of Community Service
In 1984, Reachout Radio was born in the basement of ABVI-Goodwill. Since then, Reachout Radio has evolved into the state-of-the-art facility that it is today at WXXI’s studios at 280 State Street. Even though the location has changed over the years, the quality and care of this reading service has not. For twenty years, Reachout Radio has received funding from ABVI-Goodwill to provide high-quality radio reading services for people who are blind or visually impaired or have other print disabilities that make reading print difficult.
This WXXI and ABVI-Goodwill partnership provides convenient access to the Democrat and Chronicle, books and magazines, and informative programming for 3,600 people in the Rochester area and surrounding counties. The dedicated staff coordinates programming on issues such as adjusting to vision loss, resources for people who are blind or visually impaired, and news on ABVI-Goodwill and other community agencies of interest.
Reachout Radio heightens a listener’s ability to live a satisfying, independent and productive life through the dedication of over 200 volunteer readers who read the morning newspaper, the latest best seller, the grocery ads and much more to listeners each day. Reachout Radio broadcasts 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, across Monroe County and the ten surrounding counties, on a unique radio frequency only accessible via a
special receiver.
Reachout Radio is not only a wonderful resource for its listeners, but for its volunteers as well. Jack O’Neill, a past volunteer for more than 15 years, said that his experience reading the Democrat and Chronicle on Saturday mornings was one of the best things he’d ever done. He loved every minute of his volunteer reading and said that Reachout Radio was his “pride and joy.”
ABVI-Goodwill is pleased to have been a partner with WXXI over the past twenty years to deliver a high-quality radio reading service to people who are blind or visually impaired. If you would like to contribute toward the $40,000 that ABVI-Goodwill provides each year to operate Reachout Radio and the approximately $2,000 in radio receivers, please contact Tracy Schleyer, Director of Development, at (585) 697-5780.
To learn more about WXXI Reachout Radio, please call WXXI at (585) 258-0333, or visit them on-line at www.wxxi.org/reachout/.
The following items have been received since our last issue of The Beacon:
American Printing House for the Blind game kit
Disney read-along DVDs
SureSight Vision Screener
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 these necessities or the items themselves, 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.
Money Readers for Goodwill Stores. Note Teller 2 is a portable device that enables someone who is blind or visually impaired to read the denomination of any U.S. bill. By simply inserting the bill into the reader, the Teller will “read” the denomination through speech output. Each Note Teller 2 costs $300. We need four, one for each of our Goodwill store locations.
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. A refrigerator would allow employees to bring their own meals during long Call Center shifts. Estimated cost: $500.
Video Eye Magnifier. This flat-screen magnifier will allow a person who is blind or visually impaired greater ease when working on our new Textile Employment Initiative. The magnifier has a flat screen that displays an image from the movable camera and sliding platform. This device shows stitching detail and will serve as a useful tool for quality control. The cost for one Video Eye is approximately $4,000.
Autofocus Telescope. This item has appeared on our wish list for many issues now, but we are in great need of this valuable device. An autofocus telescope enables a person who is visually impaired to see better by magnifying objects much like a set of binoculars. The cost of the entire kit is $1,995.
Braille Printer. Our Vision Rehabilitation Department and Adaptive Technology Center are in desperate need of a new, up-to-date Braille printer. This new printer would not only benefit our employees but we would be able to train students as well, which is something we can’t do on our old equipment. A new printer would cost around $4,000.
Charitable Gift Annuity Versus Certificates of Deposit
It used to be that you could count on a savings account for reasonable earnings. Then, Certificates of Deposits (CDs) became a solid investment with a reliable return for those wishing to minimize their risk. Now, you may find yourself searching for options that produce a higher, more stable rate of return amidst the volatility of today’s financial markets.
Perhaps you’ve wished that there was a safer and more secure way to increase your rate of return and minimize income taxes—at the same time making a significant gift to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc. Depending upon your current financial needs, we may have a solution that’s a perfect fit.
Charitable gift annuities could be the answer. Depending on your age, you can earn a substantially higher rate of return than many other non-charitable plans—an important consideration in these days of economic uncertainty. Compare the current rates for a charitable gift annuity and a Certificate of Deposit and see the difference.
Gift Annuity Rates Certificate of Deposit
Age Rate Years Yield
70 6.5% 5 4.40%
80 8.0% 3 3.70%
90 11.3% 1 2.85%
Your rate of return on a charitable gift annuity is further enhanced because you are allowed a charitable contribution deduction on your income taxes.
For additional information on how this life income plan might serve your needs, please call Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, Director of Development, at (585) 697-5780.
This information is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are based on current rates at the time of printing and are subject to change.
BEQUESTS
ABVI-Goodwill would like to thank those who named us in their will. We are honored to carry on our work in their names.
Estate gifts have been received from the following between February 20, 2004 and November 5, 2004:
Ann B. Simpson
It is always our pleasure to welcome those who choose to provide for ABVI-Goodwill through bequests, trusts and other life income gifts to become members of ABVI-Goodwill’s Foresight Circle. If you have planned or are planning to include ABVI-Goodwill in your estate plans, and would like more information, please contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, Director of Development, at (585) 697-5780.
In 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 August 19, 2004 to November 5, 2004:
Helen J. Brown
Betty Barber
Suzanne V. Beale
Malcolm A. Beers
Dawn Brown
Mary G. Hay
Dorothy C. Hirschler
Alan N. Holcomb
Bettie H. Lynch
David McHaffie
Gladys D. McQuatters
June E. Parlato
Gail A. Price
Marion J. Rother
Pat Carr
Virginia R. Quimby
Carmen Dorscheid
Angelo Magagnoli
Joseph Guisto
Guido DeFeo
Roberta Hazen
LeeLee Muesebeck
Evelyn T. Jaeger
Shirley A. Bagdon
Joanne F. Case
Susan Riker
V. H. Rockwell
Dorothe Thomas
Cindy L. Vranich
Virginia A. Warney
Patricia A. Woods
Ellethra S. LaValle
John C. Landon
Michael LeBeau
Lucia Piccirilli
James G. Lennox
Archer Communications
Ralph P. Moser
Sharon Schaller
Mary L. Pfeil
Kathleen A. Thomas
Robert H. Raymond
Geraldine S. Burger
Sharon Cantleberry
Gay M. Carroll
Erling A. Dalaker
The Dorschel Automotive Group
Pete J. Weaver
Ann Weckesser
Mary E. Wegman
Stella Skalny
Anna R. Skalny
John Spitz
LeeLee Muesebeck
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 August 19, 2004 to November 5, 2004:
James Prinzi
Louise Whitney
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 who 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.
It’s now easier than ever to donate to ABVI-Goodwill through our new Monthly Giving Program. With the stroke of a pen, you can set up an automatic, tax-deductible monthly donation through your checking account, savings account or credit card. With your regular support, ABVI-Goodwill can continue its work of assisting people who are blind or visually impaired right where we live.
Simply complete the form by designating a donation amount of $5, $10, or $20 per month, or whatever you can afford, and we’ll do the rest. Best of all, your gift will allow ABVI-Goodwill to continue with confidence, providing the programs, services and jobs on which people who are blind or visually impaired in the Greater Rochester Area have relied for more than 90 years.
As a member of the Monthly Giving Program, you will receive an annual receipt acknowledging your generosity, as well as recognition in our annual report. You’ll also receive exclusive invitations to our special events in addition to regular updates on how your support helps us fund our work.
Please complete and return the pledge form. For more information on our Monthly Giving Program, contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, Director of Development, at (585) 697-5780 or email tschleyer@abvi-goodwill.com.
Our Apologies!
In the last issue of The Beacon (Issue 3, 2004) there was an error in the article “Goodwill Gets A Makeover.” We inadvertently printed the wrong address for the newly remodeled Jefferson Goodwill Store.
The Jefferson Plaza Goodwill is located at 376 Jefferson Road and can be reached by phone at (585) 427-7140.
We apologize for the error and any inconvenience this may have caused.
The BEACON Contributors:
Paul H. Bush Kimberly Lawrence
Jen Enright Ruth Phinney
A. Gidget Hopf Gwen Sterns, MD
Kim Kline
Editors:
Paul H. Bush, 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.