Assembywoman Donna Lupardo
Supports Licensure!

In recognition of Vision Rehabilitation Advocacy Day, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Assemblyman Joseph Griffo held a news conference on April 17, 2012 to promote legislation that would require the licensing of vision rehabilitation professionals (VRP). Licensure protects consumers by specifying the scope of practice and education requirements. It also elevates the field and provides incentives for others to consider careers in vision rehabilitation. For more detail, read the article on Newschannel34.com.

A.V.R.E. Attends 2012
Public Policy Forum in Washington, DC

This was an exciting year for A.V.R.E.! Accounting Associate, Stephen Comency, was a member of the inaugural class of NIB's Advocates for Leadership and Employment. Advocates were nominated by affiliate agencies to champion the AbilityOne Program on Capitol Hill, as well as throughout the year. Advocates participated in special training sessions as part of the Forum and joined other attendees for the main program. During the year, the group will work with the NIB Public Policy team to further hone their advocacy skills!

Stephen joined A.V.R.E. colleagues Jenn Cubic and Rick McCarthy for Hill visits with staff from Rep. Reed's and Senator Schumer's offices. They were honored to actually meet Rep. Richard Hanna from the 24th district (pictured above with Stephen). A significant portion of our service territory is in the 24th district. Rep. Hanna has been a long time supporter of the AbilityOne Program and a good friend to our sister agency, Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Utica. We're proud of Stephen's accomplishments and look forward to his continued work for the AbilityOne program.