BWA InSight Newsletter
Blind Work Association, Inc.
Binghamton, NY
Spring 2003; Vol. 28 No. 2

Our Mission: "To assist people who have a vision disability enhance life quality through attaining or maintaining personal and economic independence; and help remove obstacles imposed by vision disabilities."

Extra, Extra, Read all about it!

We’re making change happen: We will have a new agency name. We’re making growth happen: We have a new mini-technology center. We’re making new things happen: We have our own website. Are you curious? Read all about these exciting new things in this issue. Our new agency name will be: "Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment." (A.V.R.E.) Read "The President’s Corner" for more detail.

BWA Employee of the Year

Life has not necessarily been a bed of roses for Rosemarie Peed. She was born with a profound hearing impairment and has a progressive eye condition which has now taken nearly all of her eyesight. Rose also has major health issues that cause her physical pain. Recent knee and ankle surgeries took her out of commission, but not for long!

As her vision decreases, it becomes increasingly difficult for Rosemarie to communicate with her co-workers. She speaks fluent sign language, but her vision impairment prevents her from seeing others who may be able to sign to her. By placing her hand over the signer’s hand, she very capably participates in the conversation. Those who do not know sign can print the words into the palm of her hand, using an index finger.

None of these issues have interfered with Rose’s good spirits, wonderful sense of humor, or her dedication to her job and her friends. Even when she is in pain, she comes to work and continues to be an excellent and most productive employee. Even when she has problems of her own, she always has time to give good advice, counsel and support to others. She says, "I like to help people." As one of her co-workers said when nominating Rose for the award, "She is the best!"

And so, we congratulate Rosemarie Peed for being chosen as the BWA Employee of the Year, and winner of the "2003 Melvin L. Rosendale Award." The award is named in honor and memory of Mr. Rosendale, a long time Board member and outstanding supporter of the Association.

The President’s Corner: What's in a name?

On April 23, 2003 the Board of Directors formally approved the changing of our name to the "Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment." It will take a few months to make it official, but we want you, our readers, friends and supporters, to be the first to know!

Now to the question, "What's in a name?" Well, the answer depends on who is asked. But, most of us recognize that a name sets us apart. Think about the process of naming a newborn infant. Very often, months of agonizing search for the right name precedes the birth of the child. Relatives and friends might be consulted; books of names and historical meanings might be researched. Creativity in coming up with a brand new name is more common than ever. Sometimes an infant is named to honor a loved one.

Regardless of what the final choice is or how we got there, there are certain things we all look for in selecting a name. Does it convey strength, character, individuality, honor and integrity? Does it say something from the heart? Does it sound right?

Basically the same holds true for an organization, especially for a non-profit. The Association went through a very long process to first decide it was important to change our name, and then figure out what the name should be. We asked for ideas in this newsletter and received some excellent suggestions and comments. We talked with employees and consumers of services. We looked at names of organizations like ours across the country and especially in New York State. We held discussions with board members. We bounced possible new names around to see what kind of a reaction they created. We conducted a community survey that raised the question about a name change and asked for suggestions. Lastly, we held an intense 2 1/2-hour working session with board members and employees to come up with a final recommendation. That group is to be complimented for its teamwork, patience and dedication!

Let me say here that the name "The Blind Work Association, Inc" has served this organization well since 1950! It is not easy to change something so many people are used to, but it is time to move on!

During this whole process, there were some key questions we kept in mind all the time when thinking of a new name.

Does it convey all of what we really do, and not just a part of what we do? Is it consistent with the mission of the organization? Does it treat consumers, employees and others with dignity? Is it up to date and modern? Does it sound like it might last another 50+ years like the old name? Is it short enough to say and to remember? Does is distinguish us from other organizations in the mind of the public? We think that the "Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment" answers all of these in a very positive way.

What can you call us? How about any of the following? A.V.R.E.; The Association; The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired; The Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment. No matter what you call us, if you know someone who has a serious vision impairment, just call us. We will respond to any name even if we like the new one best! Robert K. Hanye, President and CEO.

Give a lasting gift.

You can bestow a truly lasting legacy of dignity and independence for whose who are blind or visually impaired by including our agency in your estate planning. By doing this, you will help to ensure that we can continue to provide our valuable services to those who are blind and visually impaired for many years to come.

You can name the Association in your will for a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your net residual estate. If you already have a will, a simple amendment, called a codicil, can be added. Unrestricted bequests are always welcome, as they can be used for any immediate purpose or reserved for future use.

You may also wish to consider a variety of other planned giving options, such as a charitable trust or gift annuity. These are gifts of cash or stocks that can provide you and/or a loved one with additional income for life. It may also provide you with an immediate tax advantage and may ultimately reduce estate taxes.

Other ways to establish a lasting legacy may be in the form of property, real estate, and life insurance. Your lawyer, tax, or financial advisor can discuss with you all of these ways of giving.

We hope that you will consider the Blind Work Association when you plan your estate. We would like to express our gratitude to those who do, so we invite you to please let us know if you have honored us in any of these ways. Thank you!

Congratulations go to…

Our 16^th Annual Recognition Banquet was held on April 12, 2003, at the Binghamton Regency Hotel. This event gives us a chance to get together for our major social event, to have a good time together, and to honor people who have done special things throughout the past year.

Ms. Rosemarie Peed was selected to be the 2003 recipient of the Melvin L. Rosendale Employee of the Year award, and was presented with a plaque and a gift. When presenting her award, President and CEO Bob Hanye mentioned her "belief in herself and the Association; her unique sense of independence, dedication to work, and her infectious good spirit."

Mrs. Beverly Costello received the "2003 BWA Citizen of the Year" award, for her caring thoughtfulness in creating the Charles V. Costello Memorial Scholarship for visually impaired college students, in memory of her late husband. Mrs. Costello was featured on the front page of our Fall 2002 issue of InSight.

Mr. Patrick Doyle accepted the "2003" Outstanding Community Service" award on behalf of the Broome-Tioga Workforce Development Service. The group was honored for its spirit of cooperation and partnership with BWA, and for its willingness to accept visually impaired individuals on an equal basis with its other customers.

Several BWA employees were recognized for their years of service. Louis Trimarchi, David Harding and John Maciejewski were all honored for 25 years of employment. Also honored were Loni Cordilione for 15 years; and John Cooney for 5 years. Each employee received a special gift and a certificate.

New Braille Terminology

The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) has announced a change in Braille terminology. What has been traditionally known as "Grade 1" and "Grade 2" Braille will now be referred to as "Uncontracted" and "Contracted" Braille, respectively.

BANA believes that the change will more accurately differentiate between the two types of Braille and will end the possibility of confusion with 1st and 2nd grades in elementary school. It should also increase awareness and improve the overall understanding of how Braille is learned, read, written and transcribed. "Braille is the Key to Literacy."

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Come one, come all!

The 10th Annual B. C. Bicycle Race For Sight will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2003, in the village of Windsor, New York. Racers from all over the area will come and participate in a 26 mile long bicycle road race, beginning and ending in the village. It’s fun, it’s colorful, it’s exciting! For more information, check out our brand new website, www.avrebinghamton.org  or call us at 607-724-2428. Be a participant, be an observer, or be a sponsor. Come on out and join us as we Race For Sight!

Parent To Parent, by Diane McMillan, BWA Child & Youth Specialist

Question: What is Vision Stimulation? Answer: "Vision Stimulation" is a group of activities that are used to help young visually impaired (VI) children develop or better use any vision they may have. The idea is that by performing activities that use light or high-contrast image patterns, combined with physical interaction, the visual center of the brain is triggered. These activities can be as simple as drawing a picture with a wide-tip black marker that is large enough for the child to see, or more complex with the use of devices such as a Light Box, which can increase awareness of light and objects by contrast. Some VI children can see moving or flashing objects better than stationary ones.

Because it is important for children to be aware of their surroundings and to learn eye-hand coordination, materials can be adapted and enhanced to make them more appealing. Items or toys the child can feel, smell or hear, as well as see, aid in creating a positive "visual experience" to make sense of what is seen and how to use vision within the context of daily learning activities.

Whatever Works! Identifying Money.

Paper money can be sorted and placed in different sections of your wallet, and folded according to different denominations. A one dollar bill remains unfolded in the wallet; a five dollar bill is folded in half with short ends together; a ten dollar bill is folded in half with long sides together; a twenty dollar bill is folded in half and then in half again.

Coins can be identified by touch. Pennies and nickels have smooth edges. You may want to use your fingernail to check the edges of the coins for easier identification. The coins also have differences in size. For smooth edged coins, the nickel is larger than the penny. For rough edged coins, the quarter is larger than the dime.

When making a purchase, try to use a bill that is closest to the amount of the sale. Tell the cashier what bill denomination you are using to pay and ask the cashier to state what bills they are giving back to you in change. Fold each bill appropriately as you place it into your wallet.

Would you like to help us by giving a donation? You can call Contribution Supervisor Joyce Bucci at 607-724-2428.

Summer Employment Wanted, By Alycia Harris, BWA Employment Specialist

Could your business use some extra help during the summer months? Would you like to hire one or two young people who are eager to work? BWA can connect you to several young people, between the ages of 16 and 21, who are legally blind and are looking for the opportunity to work and gain experience in a possible career field. Your business may be eligible for internships and possible tax credits.

If you think you may have openings that can provide valuable work opportunities for young visually impaired adults, please call Alycia Harris at 607-724-2428.

Radio Reading Service, By Loni Cordilione, BWA Rehabilitation Teacher

The International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS), formerly known as The National Association of Radio Reading Services, was started in 1977. It is an organization of services that provides access to audio information to people who are reading disabled (blind, visually impaired, learning disabled, and physically disabled). The organization has grown to over 100 members and there are radio reading services all over the world and throughout the U.S. There are at least 8 in New York State, but our area is one of the few that does not have access to this service.

Services can be affiliated with state, voluntary or private nonprofits that serve those who are reading disabled. They can also be associated with public broadcasting, commercial FM carriers, colleges and universities, or libraries.

The information that is broadcast comes from newspapers, books and magazines and can include news, features, sports, business, opinions, advertisements, etc. There can also be informational public affairs programming, and some provide audio description of visual events such as parades, museum exhibits, and live theater. Services can be provided over the radio, TV, phone lines or internet.

With the help of IAAIS, I have been doing some research on how to get started. Services can start very small, but it is still a major undertaking. Volunteers and funding are the backbone of a Radio Reading Service. Are you interested in this service? Would you like to volunteer to serve on a board that would address such issues as fund raising (an ongoing necessity), affiliations and transmittal methods? Would you like to be committed to making a Radio Reading Service a reality in our area? Please contact Loni Cordilione with your feedback, at 607-724-2428.

Cataracts, By Rachel Agen, BWA Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss for adults age 55 and older, and are the leading cause of vision impairment worldwide. Removal of cataracts is the most common surgery for Americans over the age of 65. The most common symptoms of a cataract may include cloudy vision, lights that seem too bright and bothersome, colors that look faded, double vision, poor night vision, and frequent changes in your eyeglasses. Cataracts may be congenital (present at birth), caused by trauma, medications, diseases (such as diabetes and alcoholism), or age-related.

Cataracts are a progressive clouding of the lens of the eye, preventing a clear image from forming on the retina. The lens is inside a sealed "capsule." As we age, the old lens cells may die and become trapped in the capsule, while the eye continues to make new cells. These dead cells build up in the capsule and create the cataract, making objects look blurry and fuzzy.

In the early stages of cataract growth, treatment may simply be stronger eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, or more lighting. If none of these help, and if the cataract interferes with everyday activities, surgery may be performed. Cataract surgery is no longer the risky, debilitating experience our grandparents had to endure and now has a 90% success rate. Using modern techniques, the lens, along with its cataract, is removed and is usually replaced with a tiny, permanent, plastic lens implant. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and the patient is usually released to go home immediately. Complete visual recovery usually occurs within about 3 months.

If you suspect you may have a cataract, and have not seen your eye-care professional during the past year, make an appointment immediately. Sight is precious. Take care of your eyes!

All About Guide Dogs, by Joyce Bucci.

The concept of using a dog as a guide for a blind person is not a modern one. A fresco exists among the ruins of Pompeii showing a dog leading a blind man across the forum. Guide dogs are shown in ancient Chinese paintings, as well as in 17th Century Rembrandt etchings. The formal training of guide dogs apparently began in the 18th century, and in 1819 an Institute for the Blind was founded in Vienna, where dogs were trained as guides. But it wasn’t until around the time of WWI that the guide dog movement really took hold, and the first dedicated guide dog training school was founded in Germany. In 1928, guide dogs came to America when a young, blind American man named Morris Frank came home with Buddy, a trained German Shepherd.

A visually impaired person and her guide dog have a special bond that enables them to work together effectively as a team. In fact, they are partners and are committed to each other as such. This partnership takes about two years to achieve.

Guide dog puppies are bred from carefully selected breeds and bloodlines. At the age of 8 weeks they are placed with a volunteer family to be raised in a loving home environment, where they are exposed to all kinds of social and environmental situations. The puppy returns to the guide dog agency at about 18 months of age, to undergo an intensive 4 – 6 months of formal training. At the end of that period, the dog is matched with its human partner, and the two undergo a month-long training together in preparation for a long and rewarding partnership.

What to do when you meet a guide dog team.

Please don’t pet, call out to, or otherwise distract a working Guide Dog. Allow the dog to concentrate and perform for the safety of its partner. A dog "in harness" is on duty, even when sitting or lying down.

Please don’t honk your horn or call out directions. Handlers listen to traffic flow and other sounds to decide when it is safe to cross a street. Guide dogs can’t read traffic lights.

Always give the right of way to a Guide Dog team, whether you are in a car, on a bicycle, or on foot.

Please don’t feed a Guide Dog. Diet and feeding times are strictly monitored for good health and reliable schedules.

Never grab the harness or leash from the handler. If you want to offer assistance, ask the handler if he would like it. If you feel the team is in a dangerous situation, quickly but calmly tell him so.

Sometimes a Guide Dog will make a mistake, and a correction is necessary to maintain training. This could be a verbal reprimand or a leash correction. Handlers have been taught the proper and humane training techniques to maintain their dog’s working standards. You may not always hear it, but Guide Dogs get loads of praise for a job well done!

Remember that Federal and State laws allow a Guide Dog the right of access everywhere the public is allowed, even in restaurants and grocery stores.

Fact or Fiction?

Statement: Guide dogs always know where their handler wants to go. Fiction! Guide dogs will get used to a route that is used repeatedly; however, it is the job of the handler to know where she is at all times and to tell the dog to go right or left. A guide dog can’t be told to "go to the post office."

Mini-Tech Center Opens!

Put together three IBM computers, four adaptive software programs, and internet access and what do you have? A Mini-Technology Center! It is now fully operational and is available for anyone who is visually impaired to come in and use, by appointment. Whether you want to take a look at the job market, create a resume’, or do some internet research, now you can.

The computers, which were donated to us by IBM, are loaded with various adaptive software programs, and will soon have a resume’ writing program. The adaptive programs are: ZoomText Xtra; Jaws Professional; MAGic 8.0 Professional; and Window-Eyes Professional. If you are thinking of purchasing one of these programs, but would like to try them out first, now you can.

We are very grateful for the expertise of Mr. Les Kriegler, of the NY State Commission for the Blind in Rochester. Les willingly gave us his knowledge and advice on which programs would be the most beneficial and compatible with other programs.

If you would like to have more information, or would like to make an appointment to use the Tech Center, you may call Laura Henry at 607-724-2428.

From Our Archives, By Joyce Bucci.

The Blind Work Association was growing and changing during the early 1950s. The Community Services Program was off to a good beginning by 1954, with one social case worker and a registered nurse on staff to provide services to about 600 people. By 1957, the on-site work force had grown to about 70 blind, visually impaired and multi-handicapped employees, plus a number of people who did craft work in their homes.

But BWA wanted to do even more by adding new service programs and professional staff, so more office space was needed. In 1968, a new addition was added to house staff offices, a large social meeting room and a gift shop. About that time, the retail store on Court Street was closed, and all blind-made items were sold at the new gift shop.

In 1972, the Orientation & Mobility program was begun to provide training in white cane travel and maneuvering skills, followed in 1975 by the hiring of a Volunteer Services Coordinator. In 1980, the Rehabilitation Teaching program was implemented which provides valuable independent living skills training. And in 1981, the legacy of Mrs. Josephine Vastbinder Fisher enabled BWA to begin its Children and Youth Services program. In 2001, our employment services programs were enhanced by the addition of an Employment Specialist, made possible by a NY State grant.

Today, all of these programs continue to grow as we constantly seek to enrich the services we provide to those who have a vision impairment.

Two Heads Are Better Than One! By Loni Cordilione, BWA Rehabilitation Teacher

Joining and participating in a group can be a rewarding and beneficial experience. Groups can be social, educational, self-help, support, therapeutic or some combination of these. A group can be a place for you to meet new people and perhaps make new friends. It can be a place to learn new things and share ideas. Feelings can be expressed and shared, and often you learn that your feelings are really not so different from others sharing your same concerns and problems. Solutions to day-to-day problems are also shared.

Currently, there are at least two groups for people with a vision impairment in our service area. One group meets at Wilson Hospital in Johnson City on the 3^rd Monday of each month. It has been successful and active for several years. The other group meets in Delhi at the Office for the Aging on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. This one is also successful and has been active for approximately two years. Both groups are basically autonomous, but are welcome to call on BWA staff for support if needed.

For more information about existing groups or for help in getting a group started, please contact Loni Cordilione at 607-724-2428.

BWA Wish List.

About a year ago, we began our BWA Wish List column. We are so pleased at the immediate and generous responses we have been getting from people who want to help us with our Wish List items!

We would like to thank Mrs. Ida Rosendale for her gift of cash that was used to purchase an adaptive software program for the computers in our brand new Mini-Technology Center. We also extend our thanks to Dr. Charles Rubin and the Independent Practice Association of the Southern Tier for their recent donation of a computer desk unit, which went into the Center. We also received a donation of the ZoomText Xtra adaptive software program from "Ai Squared." All of these gifts helped in enabling us to complete the center, which is now open for use by anyone who is visually impaired. Thanks so much!

If you would like to help us out by donating an item or the funds needed to purchase it, please calll Joyce Bucci  at 607-724-2428. The dollar value of your gift would be an eligible tax deduction. You will receive a letter of receipt and thanks from us and a public thank you in our next newsletter. We have a couple of new items that have been added to our list:

Laminator. We frequently need to post signs or documents on walls and bulletin boards within our building. The ability to encase them in plastic would help them to stay cleaner and last longer. The cost ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the width of the machine.

PIAF (Pictures In A Flash). This is a very handy piece of equipment that could be used by our Rehabilitation Teachers and our Orientation & Mobility Instructors. It produces raised, tactile graphics, such as maps, drawings, graphs, even cursive handwriting. It is an excellent tool that can be used to show visually impaired children (and adults) what many printed things "look like." The PIAF costs $1295. and the special paper it uses costs $110 - $240 per box.

Reminders:

Mini-Blinds. We still have several more office windows needing to be covered. Due to their large size, the cost ranges from $100 to $250.

Safety Equipment. The BWA Safety Committee has created a list of items needed to make certain that all of our employees are kept at a minimum risk of accidents or injury. They include certain kinds of personal protective equipment and safety training videos, among other items.

Lobby Furniture. We need 4 new upholstered chairs (about $200-$300 each) and 2 small, low side-tables (about $150 each).

Refrigerator. We are in need of a larger refrigerator for our lunch room, to accommodate all lunches, sodas, etc.

BC Transit Update.

Beginning June 2, 2003, people who are blind or visually impaired will no longer be able to ride free of charge on Broome County buses. The yellow ID card will no longer be valid.

You can take advantage of a discounted fifty-cent fare during "off peak" hours by obtaining a "BC Transit Handicapped Photo Bus ID." Off peak hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and after 6:00 p.m., and all day on Saturday and Sunday.

To obtain an I.D., go to the Broome County Security Office located on the street level of the Broome County Office Building on Hawley Street. The office is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. If it is not possible to go during these hours, call the Security Office at 778-2107 to make an appointment.

For any questions about BC Transit bus fares, please call 763-4435.

The Wonderful World Wide Web.

A while back, we said that we would occasionally be telling you about a website or webpage that we think is particularly interesting. Our featured website this time is, our own! We are pleased to announce that www.avrebinghamton.org is now online.

The site was designed by Cyber City, in Binghamton, with creative input from Bob Hanye, Kenny Fernald and Joyce Bucci. The site has several pages, complete with photos, which give information about who we are, the services we provide, products we manufacture and sell, our agency history, our Race For Sight, and how you can help us by making a donation. When the site is fully operational, it will also have a text-only version of InSight, which can be read online with Text-reader programs.

We are excited about our website, and hope that you will be too; and we welcome any comments and-or suggestions. You can contact Joyce Bucci at 607-724-2428.

The Helen Keller Quarter.

The first U.S. coin to have Braille embossed on it is now in circulation. The Alabama state quarter was released on February 17, 2003, and is the 22nd one to be minted in the 50 State Quarters Program. The quarter design features an image of Helen Keller, who was born in Alabama, seated in a chair, reading from a Braille book on her lap. Her name appears in English and in a reduced-size version of Braille. Under her image is a banner that reads, "Spirit of Courage."

The design concept was chosen out of thousands that were submitted by students, during a statewide school competition. U.S. Mint Director Holsman Fore said, "This new quarter honors a citizen of Alabama whose exceptional courage and commitment to education provide enduring inspiration to the world."

Helen Keller’s life story is well known. She was born at "Ivy Green" in Tuscumbia, Alabama in 1880, and lost both her sight and hearing as a small child. She learned to speak using both sign language and vocalization, and to read using Braille. She graduated with honors, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from Radcliffe and went on to publish numerous books, articles and essays. She devoted her life to addressing social issues for disabled people and for women.

InSight is published quarterly by Blind Work Association, Inc.
55 Washington St.
Binghamton, NY 13901
607-724-2428, FAX: 607-771-8045
 

Contributors: Rachel Agen, Robert Hanye, Alycia Harris, Diane McMillan, Loni Cordilione. 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 new 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."

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