Consumer Stories

A composer, a detective, a teacher of the visually impaired - these are just a few of the possible careers Nicholas Miller wants to pursue. Ask him about a challenge he faces each day and he'll tell you using a cane to get around his school, but ask him about a personal success and he'll tell you learning how to run on the treadmill!

Nicholas has optic nerve hypoplasia and has been blind since birth. There are challenges, but A.V.R.E. staff have worked with him to acquire skills that help him to overcome them. Like many nine-year olds, he's not fond of homework, but he knows it's important to his success. "My biggest enemy is me," says Nicholas. His positve attitude, not his vision impairment will determine who he becomes. Go, Nicholas!

When Mike Waters, A.V.R.E.'s Quality Coordinator, applied to A.V.R.E., he wanted more than a job - he wanted to fulfill a personal goal. Working with A.V.R.E. staff, Mike arranged for vision rehabilitation services, Orientation and Mobility training, and job placement. He aspired to combine these skills with his extensive background in quality control.

Mike's new and improved skill set makes him an ideal fit for his position. He is confident he can help A.V.R.E. improve production systems and grow business sales. In fact, he envisions his position expanding into a department of its own! Be assured, A.V.R.E. will support Mike's efforts!

Independence means everything to Marguerite Allen. She loves to cook, shop and dine with friends, so when Macular Degeneration significantly reduced her vision, she called on A.V.R.E. for help. Her husband passed away four years ago, so living on her own meant she needed to relearn day-to-day skills. Marguerite uses everything she's learned!

Marguerite continues to enjoy her Dachshunds, Duffy and Dolly, making raspberry jam, and summers on Seneca lake. Discovering A.V.R.E. was "like a miracle in disguise! I can live on my own!"

Following a stroke of the optic nerve in 2008, Dan Davis retired after 43 years with the same company. Being independent has been a priority throughout his life, so Dan came to A.V.R.E. to acquire some adaptive living skills that would enable him to find new employment.

Dan now works at A.V.R.E. and is thrilled about being employed again! His free time is important, too. He sings and plays drums in his band, the Dirig Brothers. He'll retire some day, but working and staying active are key to Dan's independence and quality of life.