A.V.R.E. InSight Newsletter
Fall 2005; Volume 30, Number 3
Published by the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc.
Diabetes And Your Eyes
Diabetes mellitus is the 5th deadliest disease in this country and there is no cure. It is estimated that over 18 million people in the U.S., or 6.3% of the population are affected by this disease. About 13 million of these have been diagnosed and the other 5 million are not yet aware they have it. Most of the people with the disease are age 20 and over, but approximately 210,000 (1 in every 400 – 500) children and adolescents have juvenile-onset diabetes.
Most patients with diabetes mellitus have Type 2 diabetes. With Type 2, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not use it properly. This form of diabetes is most often diagnosed in adults and is not insulin-dependent. It can usually be controlled with oral medications and diet or with diet alone. The rest have Type 1, or insulin-dependent, diabetes. This was previously known as juvenile-onset diabetes, as it is usually diagnosed in children and young adults; however, it can occur in older adults too. With this form of diabetes, the body does not produce insulin and daily insulin injections are necessary to regulate blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is characterized by high levels of blood glucose, or sugar. This usually begins as an insulin resistance, a disorder in which the cells of the body do not properly use the insulin produced by the pancreas. The pancreas can eventually lose its ability to produce insulin, resulting in the need for insulin injections. Type II diabetes (adult-onset) can be caused by family history, obesity, physical inactivity, ethnicity, and the natural aging process.
What makes diabetes so deadly is the complications that can happen as a result. The list is a long one: heart disease and circulatory problems; high blood pressure and stroke; kidney disease and failure; nervous system damage, resulting in decreased tactile or “touch” ability; toe, foot and leg amputations; dental disease; complications during pregnancy (including spontaneous loss of the fetus); and last, but certainly not least, vision problems and blindness.
And that leads us to the focus of this issue of InSight. We will be telling you all about an eye condition called diabetic retinopathy. (Photo of a rose as would be seen by a person with normal vision; photo of the same rose as would be seen by a person with diabetic retinopathy.) End of article.
The President’s Corner
November has the distinction of being both Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month and Diabetes Awareness Month. This might seem to be duplication but the consequences for A.V.R.E. are real. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision disability in America today and is a direct result of diabetes. Glaucoma and cataracts can also result from diabetes as well as a host of other health related issues.
This issue of In-Sight addresses diabetic retinopathy in some detail. A previous issue of InSight focused on macular degeneration. A.V.R.E. joins the American Diabetes Association and others as we work to educate the public about the growing incidence of diabetes and its health consequences that include eye disease.
A.V.R.E. is all about vision rehabilitation - coping with vision loss and leading a productive, engaging and active life style despite vision loss. However, we would much prefer that someone who has a medical or health condition that might result in vision loss - like diabetes - engage in a healthy life style and prevention activities so that our services do not become needed. Eat healthy, do not smoke, get regular medical and eye exams and, if diagnosed with diabetes, follow the prescribed regimen!
It is becoming more and more obvious that A.V.R.E. is as much a health related organization as it is a social service agency and a manufacturer. In fact, A.V.R.E. is unique in that it is all three at one time! Consider the following points please: 1. Most of our consumers do have health issues that either caused vision loss or are in addition to vision disability. We need to understand these health issues and include them in our plans as we provide services. 2. Many of our services, both current and new, are provided in more clinical settings. 3. More and more of our contracts for services are switching to health related sources and agencies. 4. The compliance reports we are required to fill out are looking more “health related” all the time. 5. A fair number of our referrals come from Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. 6. A low vision eye examination is one of the most important services that can be provided for someone with a vision disability. 7. Part of our mission is to educate the public about prevention of eye disease. 8. Most importantly, consumers themselves generally view vision disability as a health related issue.
We understand that thinking of A.V.R.E as a health related organization is a “new way” to look at ourselves but that it makes sense for our future. It is a big part of the reason we are creating our “Center of Excellence in Vision Rehabilitation and Employment.”
Robert K. Hanye, President & CEO (Photo of Mr. Hanye.) End of article.
Our Scholarship Winners
Each year, A.V.R.E. awards one or more scholarships to qualified visually impaired individuals who are pursuing a college education. The 2005 Charles V. Costello Memorial Scholarships went to four students.
Michael Byce, a 2005 Chenango Valley High School graduate, is excited to begin his studies in engineering at Broome Community College. Kirstin Lauther graduated from Andes High School, also in 2005, and plans to take courses in the field of graphic arts and animation at Mohawk Valley Community College. Peter Zarubin is continuing his college career at Tompkins Community College and is pursuing a degree in Computer Information Systems.
The 4th scholarship recipient is one of whom we are especially proud: Terry Kozak is an employee in our Industries Manufacturing division. Although having been out of high school for many years, Terry decided to continue his education. He is currently working toward a certificate in small business management at Herkimer Community College, via long distance learning. He takes classes online over the internet. “My reasons for taking this course are to prove that a blind person is only limited by his or her own ambitions, and to prove to myself and my children that I can further my education and enhance my independence through learning,” Terry said.
Terry’s college career has been outstanding, with a current grade point average of 3.68. In May, he was notified that he had been placed on the National Dean’s List. This fall, he also became the recipient of a $1500 scholarship from the National Federation of the Blind. When finished with school, Terry plans to work with blind and visually impaired people in some way.
Congratulations to all of our very deserving winners! Each one of you epitomizes the commitment of the late Charles Costello to continuing education and life-long learning. Mr. Costello was an outstanding community leader and A.V.R.E. board member who also experienced a vision disability in his later years.
The memorial scholarships are funded by individual donors, A.V.R.E., and the Binghamton Lions Club. If you know of a deserving student and would like more information about qualifications for this scholarship, contact us at 607-724-2428 or email avreinfo@avreus.org. End of article.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy, much like macular degeneration, affects the retina. This is the inside back layer of the eye that records the images we see, converts them into electrical impulses, and sends them to the brain via the optic nerve. Diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels inside the retina and can eventually cause them to leak. There are four stages of diabetic retinopathy:
1. Mild Nonproliferative Retinopathy. This is the earliest stage, and the time when microaneurysms occur. These are small areas of swelling, or ballooning, in the tiny blood vessels within the retina. 2. Moderate Nnproliferative Retinopathy. As the disease progresses, some of the blood vessels that nourish the retina are blocked. 3. Severe Nonproliferative Retinopathy. At this stage, more blood vessels become blocked, which deprives more areas of the retina of their blood supply. At this point, signals are sent to the body to grow new blood vessels to provide the needed nourishment to the retina. 4. Proliferative Retinopathy. This is the advanced stage, when new blood vessels are growing along the retina and on the surface of the clear vitreous gel that fills the inside of the eye. However, far from being helpful, these new blood vessels are abnormal and fragile. Their thin walls can leak blood, clouding the vitreous gel. When this happens, severe vision loss or even blindness can result. End of article.
How Does Vision Loss Occur?
The tiny blood vessels in the retina that are damaged by diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss in two ways: 1. Fluid can leak into the center of the macula (the part of the retina where sharp, central vision occurs). This condition is called macular edema. The fluid causes the macula to swell, which causes blurred vision. As this progresses, other damage can occur, such as swollen nerve fibers called cotton-wool spots because they look like fluffy wisps of cotton. Also, blockage or closing of the capillaries in the retina can reduce the blood flow to the macula. When the macula cannot function properly, central vision decreases. These kinds of damage can occur in any stage of diabetic retinopathy, although it is more likely to occur as the disease progresses. 2. In the fourth and most advanced stage of the disease the fragile, abnormal blood vessels that have grown in the retina can leak blood into the center of the eye, or the vitreous gel. This can cause a cloudiness or even a complete blockage of the vision.
Other possible and very serious complications include detachment of the retina due to scar tissue formation, and a form of glaucoma that is associated with the growth of abnormal blood vessels on the iris.
Additionally, temporary blurring of the vision can be brought on by rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Prolonged periods of high blood sugar can cause sugar and its breakdown products to accumulate in the lens of the eye. This accumulation attracts water and makes the lens swell, resulting in nearsightedness. This usually subsides once the blood sugar level is brought under control. End of article.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
Often, there are no early warning signs for diabetic retinopathy. The disease can even progress to an advanced stage without any noticeable change in your vision. This is why it is very important that anyone, but especially people who are diabetic, should have a comprehensive, dilated eye exam at least once each year. Symptoms may include: floaters, “spiders” or “cobwebs” appearing in the vision; dark streaks or a red film that blocks vision; vision loss or blurred vision; a dark or empty spot in the center of vision; poor night vision; difficulty adjusting from bright light to dim light.
The earlier these symptoms are found, and the earlier treatment is received, the more likely the treatment will be effective. End of article.
Diagnosis
Diabetic retinopathy is detected during a comprehensive eye exam. The optometrist or ophthalmologist will perform a visual acuity test, using an eye chart to evaluate vision at various distances. A dilated eye exam will also be done. Drops are placed in the eyes to dilate, or widen, the pupils, enabling the doctor to closely examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage. Additionally, a tonometry test is done to measure the pressure inside the eye.
After the eyes have been dilated, the doctor will use special instruments to look into the eye and check the retina for leaking blood vessels, retinal swelling (macular edema), fatty deposits on the retina, damaged nerve tissue, and changes to the blood vessels in the retina. If any of these problems are found, the doctor may recommend a flourescein angiogram. In this test, a special dye is injected into the patient’s arm. As the dye passes through the blood vessels in the retina, pictures are taken that will help to identify any leaking vessels.
After the problems are identified, the doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment. End of article.
Treatment Options
During the first three stages of diabetic retino-pathy, treatment is not usually given unless macular edema is occurring. The eyes will be checked regularly and watched carefully for any sign of change, so that treatment can begin at the earliest possible time.
Focal Laser Treatment, or Photocoagulation. Macular edema – when the center of the retina (the macula) swells due to fluid – is treated with laser surgery. During this procedure, which is called focal laser treatment, a high-energy laser beam creates small burns, or “spot welds” in the areas of the retina near the macula where leakage is occurring These burns slow the leakage and reduce the amount of fluid in the retina. Focal laser treatment can stabilize vision loss, and can actually reduce the risk of vision loss by 50%.
Scatter Laser Treatment, or Panretinal Photocoagulation. Proliferative retinopathy - the 4th and most severe stage when newly formed blood vessels are leaking - is treated by a laser procedure called scatter laser treatment. During this procedure, which may require several sessions, the entire retina except the central macula is treated with between 1,000 and 2,000 randomly placed laser burns. This causes the abnormal blood vessels to shrink and disappear, reducing the chances of bleeding and retinal detachment.
Scatter laser treatment may cause some loss of side (peripheral) vision, but it may save the remaining central vision. It is more effective if done before the fragile new blood vessels have started to bleed, but even if bleeding has started, if it is mild this treatment may still be possible.
Vitrectomy. If bleeding into the center of the eye (the vitreous gel) is severe, a vitrectomy may be needed to restore sight. Under anesthesia, the gel that is clouded with blood is removed and replaced with a salt solution.
The important thing to remember is that while these treatments can be very effective in reducing vision loss, they do not cure diabetic retinopathy. The risk of new leakage and bleeding is always there and more treatments may be necessary. This is why it is so important for anyone who has diabetes to have that yearly, comprehensive, dilated eye exam. End of article.
Protecting Your Vision
In the United States, diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 20 - 74 years of age. Each year, between 12,000 and 24,000 people lose their sight because of diabetic retinopathy. If you are diabetic, there are steps you can take to help prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy, some of which may involve a major lifestyle change. 1. Stop smoking. Along with all of the other health risks, smoking promotes the closure of blood vessels, which is particularly bad for diabetics. 2. Control stress. Stress causes swings in blood sugar levels. Simply being too busy to eat properly or exercise may affect your ability to control blood sugar levels. 3. Control blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure may slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. 4. Exercise regularly. A daily routine of gentle exercise, such as walking, can go a long way toward controlling both blood pressure and stress levels, as well as weight. 5. Control blood sugar. This is probably the most important rule. Keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible is a necessity. For people with Type II diabetes, it may be possible to do this with a careful diet, or diet in combination with oral medications. 6. Watch your vision. Be alert to any sudden changes in your vision. If your vision becomes blurry, hazy or spotty, see your eye doctor immediately. 7. Eye exams. Everyone should have an annual eye exam, and people who are diabetic should have a full, dilated exam annually, if not more often.
Remember... though the above steps will not totally eliminate the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, they can go a long way toward ensuring that people with diabetes are able to maintain healthy eyes and have good vision throughout their lives. End of article.
Our Sources
American Diabetes Association. National Diabetes Fact Sheet. www.diabetes.org (October 2005).
Diabetic Retinopathy. Freund, K. Bailey, M.D. Vitreous-Retina-Macula Consultants of New York. www.vrmny.com (October 2005).
Diabetic Retinopathy: What You Should Know.
Bethesda, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Eye Institute, 2003.
Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.com (October 2005). End of article.
Aids For Living
We have told you about the importance of watching your blood sugar levels to help protect your vision. Now we want to tell you about some important devices that can help you do this and administer your insulin.
Large Screen and Talking Glucometers. A blood sugar (glucose) monitor, also called a glucometer, is a small, hand-held device that is used on a regular basis to check the blood. A tiny needle called a lancet is used to pierce the top layer of the skin, usually on a finger, and a drop of blood is placed onto a special sensitive strip. The device “reads” the blood sample and displays the results in a small window. If one is visually impaired or blind, it can be impossible to check this reading without assistance.
There are now several monitors on the market that have a larger screen for results that are easier to see. Two of these are the OneTouch SureStep, made by LifeScan, and the Accu-Chek Advantage System. Both also feature a larger, easy-to-use blood application area, and both sell for around $70.
Talking glucometers have been around for a number of years, but until recently they were large and a bit heavy, so they weren’t easily portable. Now there are two available that are about the size of a large cell phone and weigh less than 1 pound. The Talking One Touch Basic System has two parts: the glucose monitor unit and a separate voice box that plugs into it. Both are included for around $225.00. The Accu-Chek Voicemate System is a 1-piece unit that is neat and compact. It has a few more features, such as clear voice prompts that give a step-by-step guide, snap-in code key calibration, and a talking insulin vial identification dock. The Voicemate sells for about $495.
These are all great choices, but it is best to work with a diabetes doctor or educator, or with your vision rehabilitation therapist to pick the one that will work best for you.
Test Strips. There are now test strips that can make testing easier: strips that can be touched so you don’t have to worry about how you handle them; strips that require a smaller drop; strips that are curved to help guide your finger; strips that have a larger spot that contrasts with the rest of the strip. Since most monitors use specific strips, you will need to investigate which ones will work with the monitor you purchase or already have.
Assistive Syringes. The Count-a-Dose uses a click wheel mechanism to assist in filling the syringe in single unit increments up to 50 units. The Autopen insulin pen is used with pre-filled insulin cartridges and has a one-step dose selector. The Syringe Support features calibrated screws with tactile guidelines for drawing up varying doses.
Syringe Magnification. The BD Magni-Guide works as both an insulin syringe scale magnifier and a needle guide. The guide is helpful for centering the syringe needle when inserting it into an insulin vial. The TruHand magnification device works with 25 to 100 unit syringes.
Record Keeping. A large print register for recording your blood sugar readings is also important. Maxi-Aids sells a record keeping system for blood sugar, mealtimes, injections and pills. End of article.
Some Food For Thought. By Leloni Cordilione, A.V.R.E. Rehabilitation Therapist
Coping With Vision Loss
Communication is Key. It is my observation that people with a recent vision loss can be quite self-absorbed. They either shut down to those around them, feeling that no one can possibly understand what they are going through, or they want to talk about their vision loss and what it means to them all of the time. Both reactions can be difficult for those closest to them, who may feel as though they are being pushed away. It is important to remember that significant others are experiencing a loss too -- the loss of the “you” that they’ve always known. They may be feeling sad like you, angry like you, scared like you, or they may be feeling different feelings than you are, but you’ll never know if you don’t reach out. So, reach out. It’s healthy and it’s helpful. Think of it as pooling your coping resources.
Help That Is Helpful. It is my observation that most people want to help and be helpful. It is also my observation that people want to help the way they want to help and often forget entirely about asking what it is that would be most helpful to the person they are trying to help. Here again, communication is key on both sides. If you’ve put your heads together and come up with a plan and the plan fails, that doesn’t mean that the helper or the helpee are failures. It merely means that you need to try something different and chalk the first attempt up to a learning experience.
Have Patience! People with recent vision loss often complain of being frustrated and fatigued. They cite being slowed down as the biggest effect on their daily routine. Learning to slow down and incorporate the expectation that things will take longer can really cut down on frustration and fatigue. This requires exercising patience with oneself. Family members also have to learn to exercise patience. It is downright painful to watch a visually impaired person do something when you know you could do it twice as fast and perhaps better. If one constantly jumps in to help, the person is robbed of the opportunity to learn and will probably end up feeling undermined. The helper may begin feeling overwhelmed because he or she feels the need to do everything. Helpers shouldn’t jump in unless asked or unless what is being done looks unsafe. If watching is difficult, try moving away to do something else.
Have a Sense of Humor! Humor can go a long way toward relieving stress and frustration. So, learn to laugh at yourself, and along with your loved ones, about the inevitable fixes you’ll get yourself in as you learn to cope with the vision loss you’ve experienced.
In summary, communication, help that is helpful, patience and humor are some coping strategies worth thinking about as you and those closest to you move forward in accepting vision loss. End of article.
Awards Received at NIB Conference.
On October 31, 2005, a contingent of A.V.R.E. employees and board members attended the annual National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Conference, which was held this year in Baltimore, Maryland. At the awards banquet, A.V.R.E. and its employees were presented with three awards.
As we told you in the Winter 2005 issue of InSight, A.V.R.E. employee Penelope Simon was chosen as the 2005 winner of the Peter J. Salmon National Employee of the Year that is given each year by NIB. As she received her award, Penelope was praised for her outstanding dedication to her job at the Veterans Administration Hospital switchboard in the Mid-Hudson Valley, and for her competence in handling the many calls that come through a very busy switchboard. Penelope was also the 2005 recipient of A.V.R.E.’s Melvin L. Rosendale Employee of the Year award at our annual banquet in March.
Ken Fernald, A.V.R.E. Vice President of Operations, recently completed an 18-month Business Management Training Program that was presented in conjunction with the University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business Administration. Ken was honored to be chosen as one of 28 blind and visually impaired individuals from across the country to participate in this newly developed Business Leaders program for people who are blind. At the conference, Ken was given his “Certificate in Management.”
The third award went to our agency! A.V.R.E. was awarded the “2005 Employment Achievement Award.” This award is “Given to the NIB-associated agency that demonstrated outstanding contract performance under the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Program and created the most new employment opportunities for people who are blind during the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2004.”
Congratulations to Penelope and Ken for their successes! (Photo of board members and employees who attended the conference: Mel Rhinebeck, board chair; Beverly Majka, Foundation board chair; employees Ken Fernald, Penelope Simon and Robert Hanye.) End of article.
A.V.R.E. Employees Aid Katrina Victims.
Natural disasters can strike everyone. It doesn’t matter whether we are healthy or ill, rich or poor, sighted or blind, anyone can be affected. When hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast recently, this held true.
There are five agencies that provide employment and services for the blind located in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Three of these sustained little or no damage. However, the Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans and the LC Industries operations in Gulfport and Natchez, Mississippi weren’t so lucky. In New Orleans, many of the Lighthouse employees lived in the 9th ward, which was flooded twice and sustained severe damage. The whereabouts and safety of some of these employees is still unknown and the Lighthouse is making every effort to locate them.
The Board of Directors of National Industries for the Blind quickly established a Hurricane Relief Fund for NIB-affiliated agencies and employees who are affected by this disaster. Even before word reached us about this fund, our own employees were eager to help their colleagues, and A.V.R.E. Shipping and Receiving Clerk James Keeler sprang into action.
“As most others were, I was shocked at what I saw in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Asking around our agency, I learned that NIB was taking up a collection to help the employees of facilities... severely affected by the hurricane and subsequent flooding,” Jim said. So Jim and A.V.R.E. Accounting and Human Resources Manager Lorie Chapman began a collection and once again, our employees emptied their pockets and pocketbooks. Jim added, “I am proud to say that we were able to raise $870 in a matter of two weeks.”
All of us at A.V.R.E. want to extend our most sincere prayers, thoughts, and good wishes to all of our colleagues who are experiencing hardships as a result of Katrina. We hope you are safe. End of article.
Advocacy News – Blind Pedestrian Safety
In the last issue of InSight, we told you about “Accessible (Audible) Pedestrian Signal” (APS) systems. We also told you about a forum that was presented at A.V.R.E., and facilitated by Erin Duguay, one of our Orientation & Mobility Specialists. We want to keep you updated about this very important technology and about our continuing advocacy.
Erin has been working very hard on issues relating to automobile traffic and visually impaired pedestrians. She is now officially a part of the New York State Department of Transportation Region 9 Bicycle-Pedestrian Committee. Region 9 includes Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie and Sullivan counties. Every DOT project within this region that has anything to do with pedestrians is reviewed by this committee.
Erin has also been chosen as one of three Orientation and Mobility Instructors, nationally, to take part in the review of newly developed guidelines and training materials for the implementation and use of APS systems. This is a pilot program that has been developed at the offices of the Highway Safety Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in response to the need for a standard approach to the selection of locations for, and the installation and operation of, Accessible Pedestrian Signals. (More on this in Erin’s article below. End of article.
White Cane Safety
Susan Jones, A.V.R.E. Director of Development and Communications, has been involved with a plan to promote White Cane Safety for blind pedestrians, by running Public Service Announcements through the media. White Cane Safety Day is observed each year on October 15th. This year, A.V.R.E. President & CEO Robert Hanye appeared on a Binghamton TV news program to remind drivers of the importance of giving the right of way at all times to people who are blind or visually impaired.
APS Forum Update. By Erin L. W. K. Duguay, A.V.R.E. O & M Specialist.
A group of traffic engineers, rehabilitation service providers, and visually impaired/blind travelers at the APS Informational Forum on September 22nd decided that APS technology is something that is desired within the Greater Binghamton region. Participants’ comments were positive and supportive of this initiative. Many promised to review and evaluate the crossings they make regularly, toward identifying possible intersections that could best utilize this technology.
I will be attending a pilot APS training course in December in North Carolina, in order to gather more information about the many different forms of APS systems. I am planning to present the information gathered from this pilot program at a follow-up forum to be held locally in the spring. At this next forum, the community will be invited to present their thoughts on where to install Accessible Pedestrian Signals, and which particular version of this technology will best suit our needs. Please stay tuned for more information about the upcoming forum! End of article.
Our Wish List
Our wish list was created a few years ago and we have received marvelous responses from our
readers. When a non-profit, charitable agency that is working with a tight budget needs some special equipment, the funds often are just not there. We are grateful to everyone who has responded so overwhelmingly to our requests!
If you would like to make a cash donation toward any of the items on our list, or if you have something you think we might be able to use, you may call Joyce Bucci at 607-724-2428 or email jbucci@avreus.org. The dollar amount of your donation will be tax deductible, and you will receive a letter of receipt and thanks from us and a public thank you in our next newsletter.
Talking Glucometer. One of the items that was featured in our Aids For Living column was a talking glucometer. A number of the consumers we serve are diabetic and have vision disabilities typically associated with this condition. We would like to have a talking glucose monitor that could be made available for consumers to try out to see if it is helpful to them. The cost range is from about $225 to $495, depending on the model.
Voila! Talking Label Reader. This device was featured in our Aids For Living column in the Winter 2005 issue of InSight. It is a talking barcode reader that reads labels that have been attached to items. This would be used by Program Services staff to demonstrate to consumers. The Voila! costs $200.
Clearview Traveller. The Traveller is a lightweight, portable, flat screen video magnifier or CCTV (Closed Circuit Television). It can be taken to the supermarket, the library, or school to be used for reading labels, books, or for writing checks and signing forms. This would also be a great item to have for agency use and for demonstration and try-out purposes. The Traveller costs $1895.
Miniguide. This is a little, but powerful, hand-held, electronic mobility aid that is used along with a white cane or a guide dog. It detects objects in the user's path using ultrasound, and is helpful to people who are blind or deaf and blind. The audio version emits a tone and the tactile version vibrates to alert the user when an object is detected. This device would be used by our Orientation & Mobility Specialists to assist in O & M training. The cost is $359. End of article.
Welcome Aboard
We would like to extend a hearty welcome to our two newest A.V.R.E. team members! Wayne Cleveland.
Wayne works in our Industries Manufacturing Department at various tasks in the manufacturing of manila file folders, FmHA folders, and carbonless paper forms. Gumbo. Gumbo is a gorgeous yellow Labrador Retriever who serves as a guide dog to A.V.R.E. Manufacturing employee Lewis Lysak. End of article.
From all of us at A.V.R.E. - HAPPY HOLIDAYS! And a Safe, Healthy and Happy NEW YEAR!
InSight is published quarterly by the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc.
(Formerly Blind Work Association) 55 Washington St., Binghamton, NY 13901. 607-724-2428 FAX: 607-771-8045 email: avreinfo@avreus.org www.avreus.org Editor: Joyce Bucci
A.V.R.E. is a local, private, non-profit organization with a volunteer board of directors. We serve visually impaired individuals of all ages who live in the New York counties of Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins and Schuyler, as well as the Pennsylvania counties of Bradford, Susquehanna and Tioga.
A.V.R.E. is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. If you would like more information about A.V.R.E. or its services, please feel free to contact us.
Our vision is to be the first in choice and quality with respect to vision rehabilitation and employment
services in the Twin Tiers, and to be a model for the broader community in understanding vision disability.
End of newsletter.