BWA Insight Newsletter
Blind Work Association, Inc.
Binghamton, NY
Fall 2001; Vol. 26, No. 1
Our Mission: Assisting people who have a vision disability attain or maintain personal and economic independence.
MEET THE "VOICE OF BWA"!
If you have come into the lobby of Blind Work Association, Inc. recently, or have called on the telephone, you have most likely spoken with her. If you have spoken with her, you are already aware of her cheerful greeting and sunny smile, as well as her sincere courtesy and desire to please. You may even have experienced her sense of humor and heard her joyful laugh. All of these things are Amy Lateer. But she is more than this and that is why she was chosen, last fall, to be the 2001 recipient of the Melvin L. Rosendale Employee of the Year award.
Amy came to work at BWA in 1998, beginning in the Industries Program and was promoted to the position of receptionist in April, 2000. Through the use of adaptive equipment and an excellent memory, Amy is able to determine which of four telephone lines is ringing and transfer calls to the appropriate extension. She uses a handheld recorder to record messages, then types them into her computer which is equipped with a voice program which "talks" to her.
Amy has been totally blind for 8 years, as a result of Diabetes. Along with a number of other complications typically associated with this disease, Amy's kidneys began to fail and in 1998 she became the recipient of a double transplant, receiving both a kidney and a pancreas. When a rare and extremely dangerous virus attacked her new kidney she was placed on the waiting list for another one. In May, 2001, Kathy Kozak, wife of BWA employee Terry Kozak, came forward and selflessly gave one of her kidneys to Amy. The recovery period was not easy for either one of them, but both are now doing well. Amy's buoyant nature and bubbly personality has seen her through many health crises during recent years and there are still days when Amy does not feel well but comes to work regardless.
Amy has a way of making everyone around her feel comfortable. She is more than competent in what she does and she is willing to try anything. She is, along with her guide dog Huey, a great addition to our front office staff. For all of these reasons, and more, Amy was nominated by her fellow employees and selected by the Board of Directors to be the BWA Employee of the Year for 2001. End of article.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES, By Joyce Bucci.
Blind Work Association, Inc. has been in existence in Binghamton since 1926, beginning as the Broome County Association For The Blind.
In February 1929, the first "workshop" for the training and employment of the blind was opened on Henry Street. It had one blind employee, Mr. Hiram Rogers, who worked for many years. Soon others came to work, learning to re-cane chairs and to weave rugs, among other crafts.
By 1930 larger quarters were needed, with eight employees on board and the group, now known as the "Blind Craft Association, Inc.", moved to State St. To be continued. End of article.
THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Welcome to our brand new newsletter! A little color, a little splash, a few pictures, lots of useful information. We hope you like it. We intend to have this to you about four times each year. Quite a few people had a hand in the new design and the information, but I want to offer a special thanks to Joyce Bucci, our Contributions Supervisor. Joyce does not have a background in publishing, yet she plunged ahead with this project. Kudos to Joyce for a superb job.
We are very interested in hearing your thoughts about what should be in this newsletter--after all it really is your newsletter! Are there articles or information that you would like to see? Is there a better way to present the information? Tell us what you think. Contact information is located at the end of this newsletter.
I am very pleased to tell you that the Association has a new "Innovative Training and Employment" program to help people who are legally blind connect with training programs, find jobs, explore careers and work related information. The program will be initially funded through a grant from the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped. The program is also a partner with the Broome-Tioga Workforce development board. If you or someone you know would like to participate, call Alycia Harris at 607-724-2428.
We are also working hard to tell the community and especially anyone who can use our services that we are here! As one example, we all want to thank the various Meals on Wheels programs around the Twin Tiers for putting our flyer in their meal delivery packages. Help us get the word out to your friends, acquaintances and family. Happy reading! Robert K. Hanye, President-CEO. End of article.
QUOTABLE QUOTES: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller
FAREWELL TO A FRIEND
All of us at BWA were deeply saddened at the passing of Charles Costello, on September 23. Charlie, as he was affectionately known to us, was a dear friend of the agency and served on our Board of Directors for many years. As he became older and his vision decreased, he also became a consumer of our services. Charlie served his community and his country well and will be remembered by us as a warm, cheerful person who always had the Association and its people in his heart. We will miss you, Charlie. End of article.
BWA EMPLOYEES ARE CARING
Following the horrible and tragic events which took place on September 11, 2001, employees of Blind Work Association were anxious to help out in some way. A very impromptu collection was taken and employees emptied their pockets and purses. A total of $332.00 was collected and was personally delivered to the local, Binghamton chapter of the American Red Cross by BWA Receptionist Amy Lateer and her guide dog, Huey. They were accompanied by Executive Secretary Chris Dorunda, who also coordinated the collection. Thanks everyone. You're the greatest! End of article.
MEDICARE EXPANDS PREVENTIVE SERVICES
People with Medicare can now receive expanded coverage for certain screening tests. These include annual mammograms as well as tests for cervical and colorectal cancers. In addition, effective January 1, 2002, an annual glaucoma screening for people at high risk and medical nutrition therapy for people with certain diet-related diseases will be covered. Other Preventive Services now mostly covered by Medicare include bone mass measurement, prostate cancer screening, and certain immunization shots. If you have questions regarding these new services, you may call toll-free 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or speak with your healthcare provider. End of article.
THE 8TH ANNUAL B. C. RACE FOR SIGHT
What a day for a bicycle race! July 21, 2001 was a beautiful, sunny, but not too hot day. It also marked the first time the Association joined forces with the Binghamton and Windsor Lions clubs to sponsor the annual B.C. Race for Sight!
Over 60 amateur bicycle racers, men and women of all ages, showed up from all over the Northeast to race the 26 mile course through beautiful eastern Broome County. The race raised over $3,500 for the Association and Lions Charities. We are deeply indebted to our sponsors (listed below) who supported our efforts with financial or product support. We are also most grateful for the volunteers from the Lions who monitored the course. Of course, we also deeply appreciate the cooperation of the Village of Windsor for allowing us to use the Village green and having Trustee Bill DePersis welcome the racers.
Next year on to a bigger and better race! More sponsors, more racers, more publicity! We have opened talks with the United States Association of Blind Athletes about the possibility of including a tandem bicycle race for blind racers and are looking into hosting a hand-cycle race as well. Right now these are just ideas, but we hope to "make it happen". Stay tuned!
Our Sponsors for the Race For Sight were:
The H. Richterman Gold: BSB Bank, Newman Development Group.
The P. J. Salmon Silver: Lockheed Martin.
The R. B. Irwin Bronze: Aeros Cyclery, Babcock Bicycles, Michael and Diane
Costello, Robert and Susan Hanye, Inland Paperboard & Packaging, NYSEG, FYI
Image, Rogers Service Group.
Corporate-Organizational: APA Transportation, B.C. Bicycles, Binghamton-Ithaca
Express, Chenango Point Cycles, PRL Associates, Sentry Alarms.
Products & Services: Dunkin Donuts of Front St., Giant Markets, InPeake
Packaging, Inc., Pepsi Bottling Group, New Milford Bike Shop, Price Chopper of
Binghamton. End of article.
OUR DISTINGUISHED VISITORS
During the past year, BWA has been honored by visits from some of our leading local elected officials. NYS Senator Thomas Libous, NYS Assemblymen Jay Dinga and Bob Warner, as well as Binghamton Mayor Richard Bucci all responded to our invitations and visited us on separate occasions.Each one was given a guided tour of the agency, including the Industries Program where they were able to see our manufacturing departments in operation. Each met and spoke with a number of our employees, and learned more about our products. All were very impressed by what they saw and with whom they talked.
BWA President, Robert Hanye, also took the opportunity to describe all other agency programs and services for visually impaired people that are currently available, as well as issues that must be addressed in the future.
We are grateful to them all for their time and interest, as well as for their expressed support. End of article.
AIDS FOR LIVING
Periodically we will let you know about aids, devices or techniques that assist someone with a vision disability in living or work. This first time we start with a tried and true, simple device that many of you know about but which has an interesting story. The "Say When" is a small device that can tell you when the glass or cup is full of liquid, by giving off a beeping sound. It is especially helpful when pouring hot liquids.
A totally blind gentleman named Tim Cranmer in Louisville, Kentucky invented the "Say When". Mr. Cranmer was an inventor who saw problems and solved them. Kentucky Industries for the Blind, an agency something like the Blind Work Association, Inc. took over the production of the "Say When". So, we have a gentleman who is blind, inventing a device that assists people who are blind, being made by people who are blind! What a great story about self help!
The "Say When" is regularly provided to people who receive BWA services and is available for purchase through the Association. End of article.
BWA RECEIVES GIFTS
BWA was the recipient of two very generous gifts from the Broome Co. NY Association of Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors. A check in the amount of $1,000 was presented to fund the purchase of Braille translation software. This computer program makes it possible to change a text document into a document which can produce actual raised Braille dots using a Braille printer-embosser.
BWA was also given a $500 check for the purpose of purchasing a digital camera. This camera was quickly put to good use recording special BWA events, visitors and even Broome Co. Transit bus passes.
We are extremely grateful for these two very valuable gifts to our agency. End of article.
THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON…
Beverly Docteur recently came to BWA to fill the newly created position of Controller. She comes to us with 15 years of experience as a controller, and has a very strong accounting and auditing background with a B.S. degree in Accounting. In fact, we think of Beverly as an "old friend" because while working for a local accounting firm, she conducted BWA's annual audit for three years. Most recently, she worked as the Assistant Controller at E. J. Footwear.
As Controller, Beverly works closely with the BWA President and other management staff members in the tracking and management of all financial aspects of the agency.
She is originally from Niagara Falls, New York and has lived in the Binghamton area for 10 years. She is married and has grown, twin daughters. End of article.
WE ALSO WELCOME
Alycia Harris, Employment Specialist. Alycia came to us recently from the Defense Contracts Management Agency located at Lockheed Martin in Owego. She is working, through a New York State grant, to locate
employment situations for people who are visually impaired both on the local job scene and on the national.Ralph Gedeon, Rehabilitation Teacher. Ralph is a new member of our Rehabilitation and Community Services staff and will be working with our consumers in the New York counties of Cortland, Tioga and Tompkins. He is from Far Rockaway, New York.
Nathan Southern. Nate is employed in our Industries Program. He comes to us from Unadilla, New York.
Tammy Benjamin. Tammy, who is originally from Candor, New York, is also a new Industries Employee. End of article.
EYE ON JOBS
F. Y. I. Image and BWA have partnered to create employment opportunities in Binghamton. Hard copy scanning positions exist for part-time and full time employment. Future employment will be increased through our new partnership with the Broome-Tioga Workforce Development Board. BWA is now also a partner with the Broome-Tioga Employment Centers and is a member of their Business Services Team. If you have a vision disability and are interested in working, please contact Alycia Harris, BWA Employment Specialist, to find out what may be available for you. End of article.
RECOGNIZING SPECIAL PEOPLE
Each year Blind Work Association recognizes some very special people, both within the agency and in the community, with our awards. At our annual Employee Recognition Banquet in April, we had the honor and privilege of recognizing three more. Amy Lateer received the Melvin L. Rosendale Employee of the Year award.
We also honored employee Lorie Swawola, Manager of Accounting and Human Resources, as the 2001 Citizen of the Year. She was recognized for her outstanding support of employees, as well as her contributions to our community. Lorie began working at BWA 16 years ago, as bookkeeper. She is currently attending Broome Community College part time, majoring in Accounting, where she plans to obtain her associate's degree.
Also recognized was Senator Thomas Libous, who was presented with the 2001 Outstanding Community Services Award. Senator Libous was honored for his continuing support and advocacy for New Yorkers with disabilities and for his overall commitment to the betterment of our community. The Senator has received numerous recognitions for his work on behalf of people with disabilities and it was an honor for the Association to also be able to note his accomplishments. End of article.
NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY!
The Association recently got some great news. We will be supplying the U.S. Department of the Interior with 100% recycled copier paper! We expect to supply about 13 skids a month. The new project will diversify our customers and create new work opportunities in our manufacturing program. We hope that we will be able to interest other government and commercial customers in this product. The paper is 100% post consumer and is certified as Process Chlorine Free.
The new work not only helps the Association, but is also a boost to the environment. According to recent information, every skid of this kind of paper saves: 12 trees, over 1,000 pounds of solid waste, almost 1,200 gallons of water, 1,500 kilowatt hours of electricity, nearly 2,000 pounds of greenhouse gases and 3 cubic yards of landfill space.
Create jobs, diversify customers, help the environment: Win-Win-Win! End of article.
CARING FOR YOUR EYES
Computers can be a blessing, making our personal and work lives a lot easier. But they can also cause us discomfort. Back, neck and wrist problems are common, but did you know they can also be hard on your eyes?
Headaches and eyestrain can be a complaint of people who work at computers for long periods of time. Discomforts include dry, red or watery eyes, heavy eyelids, achiness around the eyes and forehead, difficulty focusing, and a general tiredness. Some people even experience the McCollough Effect, in which black and white objects seem shaded with color.
These symptoms are usually not dangerous to your eyes, annoying as they are,
and there are things you can do to relieve them. Adjust the lighting levels in
the room, if it is too bright. Keep your back to windows and reduce glare on the screen. Keep
the screen clean and the work area dust-free, with good ventilation. Make
certain the screen is about 22-26 inches away from your eyes and about 20
degrees below eye level. If necessary, visit your eye care specialist to get
corrective lenses that enable you to "keep your distance". And
finally, take frequent breaks to get up and move around. Your whole body will
thank you!
Sight is precious. Take care of your eyes. End of article.
FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND
Did you know that some mail can be sent through the U.S. Postal Service for free if it is marked "Free Matter For The Blind"? And did you know that there are certain very stringent rules and guidelines which have been set by the Post Office for using this service?
Only an individual who has been certified as "unable to read normal reading material" can qualify. This certification can be issued by any licensed medical doctor, ophthalmologist or optometrist. Once certified, the individual must contact their local postmaster and ask to be placed on an eligibility list. The postmaster may require written proof from the eye care provider.
After the individual has been placed on the postmaster's list, only the following types of letters can be mailed free: letters which have been produced in Braille, letters which have been typed either on a typewriter or a computer using 14 pt. or larger type, letters which have been recorded on audio or video tape.All of these must be left unsealed for postal inspection and must have the words "Free Matter For the Blind and Handicapped" written in the stamp (upper right) corner. Letters that are handwritten or are printed or typed in type that is smaller than 14 pt. cannot be sent free and must bear regular postage.
Mail which is sent to a visually impaired person is also strictly controlled. The following items may be sent free: reading matter other than letters, musical scores, sound reproductions, Braille writers, tape cassette players or talking book machines, other miscellaneous items. There must be no advertising.
Letters written in any form by a sighted person may not be sent free.
If an individual is unsure whether they are on the qualifying list, they may call their local postmaster to find out more information. Information taken from Domestic Mail Manual, published by the U. S. Postal Service. End of article.
SEND A LETTER.
If you have a friend or relative who reads Braille and you would like to send them a letter or note, there is a way! You can visit www.hotbraille.com which has a free Braille transcription service.
After you register, at no charge or obligation, you may type in the person's name, mailing address and your message. A few days later your friend will receive, in the mail, a Brailled letter from you! Since the letter can be mailed "Free Matter For The Blind", there is no charge for postage.
You may write up to about 250 words, which equals two Brailled pages. Letters are usually transcribed and mailed within one day and should take as long to reach their destination as regular mail. If your friend speaks another language, no problem. This service will translate into 23 different languages.
If you don't have access to a computer, but would like to send a Brailled letter to someone, you may call BWA for information about our Braille transcription service. Please see contact information below. End of article.
A NEW NAME?
For about 70 years, our Association has been the Blind Work Association. Although that name has served us well it may be time to consider a new name. Many things have changed since our founders first called us the Blind Work Association.
Now the Association offers a range of services for people of all ages, from infants to elderly persons.
Many of our services are now for living independently. While work is still a focus, the types of jobs and where they are located is much different. Quite a number of people who are legally blind do not want to be connected to "blind". We really want to assist people who have a vision disability which includes many more people than just those who are legally blind. We are working hard to be even more of a resource for the whole community. End of article.
THANKS FOR CARING!
BWA would like to thank the following organizations and individuals who went above and beyond the call of duty to assist us in our efforts: Broome Co. NY Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors for their checks which provided for the purchase of a digital camera and Braille translation software; members of the Binghamton and Windsor Lions Clubs for their invaluable assistance during the B.C. Race For Sight; The Village of Windsor for hosting the Race; all of the organizations and individuals who sponsored the Race; our volunteer Braillists who have given countless hours of their time; the many, many caring contributors who regularly give gifts of money for our work. End of article.
YOU CAN HELP US BY PLANNING AHEAD
You can bestow a truly lasting legacy of dignity and independence for those who are blind or visually impaired by including Blind Work Association in your estate planning. If you have not already remembered BWA in your will, won’t you please consider doing so?
Other ways to give are through a trust or with deferred gifts of life insurance, real estate, appreciated securities and other properties. These methods can enable you to help a cause you believe in while providing you with tax advantages and life income.
If you would like to remember BWA in your estate planning, consult your tax accountant and your attorney for advice. End of article.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO DONATE?
BWA receives its funds from the sale of our manufactured products, contracts with State agencies for providing services, gifts from local foundations and trusts, legacies and bequests, and from contributions from the public.
If you have never given a donation to BWA and would like to do so, you may contact us using the information listed below.
We will gladly accept your gift in the form of cash, personal check, or if you wish, you may use your VISA or MasterCard. All donations are fully tax deductible. End of article.
DO YOU KNOW...
a visually impaired person who needs our assistance? We can assist that person
with a variety of things, including counseling, job opportunities, low vision
services and others. If you know of someone, please contact us
through the information listed below.
Publishing Information:
InSight is published quarterly by Blind Work Association, Inc. 55 Washington
St., Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: 607-724-2428, FAX: 607-771-8045.
Contributors: Robert Hanye, Laura Henry, Kenny Fernald, Alycia Harris. Editor: Joyce Bucci. BWA is a local, private, non-profit organization which is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
We serve legally blind individuals of all ages who live in the NY counties of Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga and Tompkins, as well as the PA counties of Bradford, Susquehanna and Tioga. If you would like more information about BWA or its services, please feel free to contact us.
Our vision is to be the first in choice and quality with respect
to vision services in the Twin Tiers.
End of newsletter.