Spring 2006
6/1/2006
A.V.R.E. InSight Newsletter
Spring 2006; Vol. 31 No. 2
Published by the Association for Vision Rehabilitation & Employment,
Inc.
Our mission is “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.”
A.V.R.E. Will Be Moving To a New Home!
By Robert K. Hanye, President & CEO
We have done it! A.V.R.E. has found a new home! On April 26, 2006
the Board of Directors approved the purchase of 174 Court Street,
Binghamton, New York, from Doron Precision Systems. This location is
directly across the street from the Broome County Public Library. It is
ideally situated for bus transportation for our employees and
consumers. It will also be much easier for trucks for our manufacturing
operation to move in and out of the site when compared to our current
location on Washington Street. With almost 95,000 square feet on about
4 acres, there is a lot of room for us to grow! Just watch us!
This new home will solve many of the problems of our outdated
current facility. But most importantly, our new home will allow us to
create a Center of Excellence in Vision Rehabilitation and Employment.
In this new Center, we will be able to: Double the number of blind and
visually impaired people we employ and train; double the number of
people who receive vision rehabilitation services at any one time; offer
the same range and quality of services that are available to visually
impaired individuals in other upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania
communities.
Our plans for this new home over the next few years include offering
many more jobs and a greater diversity of employment and training
opportunities. We will also be creating many “Center Based” services.
These will include our own low vision clinic, a modern and adapted
training apartment for independent living skills training, a special
place for little ones and parents to learn together, a computer room so
visually impaired people can learn how to use special access technology
and try out their options, and areas for learning independent travel
skills. Other new programs will also be added as we grow. We expect
that we should be able to complete the needed renovations and be in our
new home near the end of 2006 or early in 2007.
In order to make all of this happen, we announce that we are engaged
in our first-ever Capital Campaign: Invest in the Vision. Inside this
newsletter is a card with more information about this $3.1 million
campaign. We will be delighted to answer any questions you might have
or send you more detailed information. At this time we are just over one
third of the way there. We hope you will consider an “extra” gift to
A.V.R.E. to help us make our vision a reality.
A.V.R.E. serves 9 New York and 3 Pennsylvania counties covering
9,000 square miles. There are almost 30,000 people, infants through
elders, in this region who have a vision disability and who can
potentially benefit from A.V.R.E. vision rehabilitation services.
Please help us help them live, learn and work independently. Thank you
for your support. (Photo of Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan speaking at a
joint press conference with A.V.R.E. and Doron executives on May 24,
2006.) End of article.
A.V.R.E. Receives Grant
By Richard McCarthy, A.V.R.E. Director of Program Services
A.V.R.E. has been awarded a grant by the Reader’s Digest Partners
for Sight Foundation to launch its Community Senior Vision
Rehabilitation Program (CSVRP). “This award represents a significant
advance in the availability of vision rehabilitation services in this
region,” said Robert K. Hanye, A.V.R.E. President and CEO. Traditional
reimbursement streams generally do not cover vision rehabilitation
services until someone is legally blind. “That approach misses the
opportunity for coping skills to be learned before large pieces of an
individual’s independence, self-confidence, interest and energy in
learning new techniques have been lost while waiting to become blind,”
said Hanye.
Ten to fifteen percent of people who are over age 65 have a vision
disability. For these individuals, everyday tasks can become seemingly
insurmountable obstacles. Vision Rehabilitation cannot restore lost
vision, but it can equip people who are visually impaired with the
skills and confidence needed to function independently. Research has
shown that timely and good vision rehabilitation helps people stay in
their own homes and remain independent longer.
The Community Senior Vision Rehabilitation Program allows A.V.R.E.
to reach people in need of vision rehabilitation services long before
they become legally blind. With this Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight
Foundation support, A.V.R.E. will provide vision rehabilitation to
individuals age 55 and over whose vision is between 20/70 and legal
blindness (20/200 or worse).
The Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation is “dedicated to
increasing the self-reliance and dignity of blind and visually impaired
persons. We believe these individuals should have the tools and
resources necessary to lead independent, productive lives.” This
philosophy echos that of A.V.R.E., and we are pleased to be a part of
this partnership.
If you suspect you or someone you know may have low vision, contact
A.V.R.E. at 607-724-2428. End of article.
New Support Group Begins
Recently, we told you about our Peer Support Groups for Seniors who
have a vision disability. This service is rapidly growing in
popularity, and we are now adding a sixth group to our lineup.
With the assistance of Roxanne Stanko, a nutritionist at the
Schuyler County Office for the Aging, Ralph Gedeon (A.V.R.E.
Rehabilitation Therapist) has begun a new Support Group in Schuyler
County. This group meets on the third Monday of each month at the
Schuyler County Office for the Aging. Participants are invited to come
at Noon for lunch and stay for the meeting, which begins at 1:00 PM.
The purpose of our Peer Support Groups is to provide a forum for
members to express their views, share their concerns, difficulties and
solutions, and to have a good time connecting with each other. Group
members learn to educate themselves, family members, friends, and others
about living with vision loss. Professionals in the vision field will
be invited, at times, to present programs. Group participants are
welcome to suggest possible program topics.
In addition to the new Schuyler County group, we have groups that
meet in Broome, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego and Tompkins Counties. In
rural Tioga County, there is a Telephone Buddy System in place. For
information on any of these Senior Peer Support Groups, call us at
607-724-2428. Or you may contact Roxanne Stanko at Schuyler County
Office for the Aging, 607-535-7108. End of article.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals: More Good News!
By Erin L. W. K. Duguay, A.V.R.E. Orientation & Mobility Specialist
It’s spring, and as I’m sure you’ve noticed, construction is popping
up everywhere. In downtown Binghamton there are a number of
intersection projects which are already underway, and so it’s with great
joy that I report the possible installation of Accessible Pedestrian
Signals at some of these intersections.
Traffic Engineers from the City of Binghamton and the Binghamton
Metropolitan Transportation Study (BMTS) have welcomed the idea of
collaborating with Orientation & Mobility Specialists, as well as blind
and visually impaired travelers toward the proper installation of APS.
To date, I have been consulted on three specific intersections, and even
more exciting, the BMTS and the Association of Metropolitan Planning
Organizations are hosting a day long training session about APS right
here in Binghamton. The training is designed to provide guidance for our
local Traffic Engineers and Technicians on the proper location, design,
and installation of APS. Janet Barlow, a national expert in APS, and a
Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist, will be the instructor.
The word is spreading and things are happening! Stay tuned for more
updates and a special invitation to check out the new APS once they are
installed. End of article.
Nancy Keeps On Smiling!
Nancy McGovern has a sunny smile and she loves to use it. It
doesn’t matter if she is working at a task, passing through the hallways
at break times, or stopping in an office doorway to say hello. She
always has time to flash her smile and exchange a few pleasantries. In
fact, one of her co-workers stated, “Nancy possesses and utilizes many
work skills and has the ability and desire to get along with everyone.
She always has a pleasant smile and a few kind words.”
Nancy was nominated by her peers, recommended by A.V.R.E. Senior
Management and selected by the Board of Directors as A.V.R.E.’s 2006
Melvin L. Rosendale Employee of the Year. She was chosen because of her
dedication to both the quality and quantity of her work, as well as for
her calming demeanor and her support of her colleagues. Nancy received
her award at our annual banquet in March.
Nancy had surgery on her eyes at the age of 5 to correct an
eye-muscle condition. She is legally blind and is able to make
excellent use of the vision she has. She lives at home with her parents
and she enjoys many hobbies to keep herself active. She loves to bake
cookies and listen to Western books on tape. Her less quiet activities
include bowling, fishing and horseback riding.
Nancy worked for Universal Instruments in Binghamton for 23 years as
a stock keeper in the Shipping and Receiving department, until corporate
downsizing eliminated her job. In 2002, Nancy came to work at A.V.R.E.,
in our Industries Manufacturing Program. Her primary job is as a packer
in our manila file folder department; however, she can always be counted
on to do other tasks in other departments as needed. “I really like
working here. The people are really nice,” Nancy said.
In May, she was invited to attend the first-ever banquet to honor
all award winners within the State, at Industries for the Blind of New
York State in Albany. Nancy was nominated for the Peter J. Salmon
Employee of the Year award that is given each year by National
Industries for the Blind (NIB). This fall, she will be among the
honorees from around the Nation at the annual NIB conference in
Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo of Nancy receiving her award in Albany from
NYS Senator Thomas Morahan and NYS Department of Civil Service
Commissioner Daniel Wall.) End of article.
More VIPS!
Jim Keeler. Jim is our 2006 recipient of the Amy J. Lateer
Citizenship Award and was honored at our annual Employee Appreciation
banquet in March. He was cited for “his recognition that people who are
blind along the Gulf Coast suffered, along with thousands of others, as
a result of Hurricane Katrina, losing jobs, homes and security, and for
his success in generating over $800 from the employees of A.V.R.E. for a
direct relief fund to assist these blind persons through National
Industries for the Blind.” Jim works in our Industries Manufacturing
department, where he is our Shipping Clerk.
Terry Kozak. Terry is a machine operator in the manila file folder
department at A.V.R.E., who has been taking distance learning courses
from Herkimer County Community College. In May, Terry graduated cum
laude, and has earned a Certificate in Small Business Management.
John Maciejewski. Johnnie, who is another Industries Program
employee, recently competed in the Special Olympics in Chenango Bridge,
New York and a gold medal for the softball toss and a bronze for
Frisbee.
Tom Addley. Tom, A.V.R.E.’s receptionist, and his team recently won
1st place in the Partially Sighted Team category at the Up-state Blind
Bowling Tournament in Buffalo, New York.
Congratulations to all of these employees for jobs well done! End
of article.
Welcome Aboard!
We would like to welcome several new employees to A.V.R.E. James
White is a driver for Certified Rehabilitation Therapist Loni
Cordilione. Steve Commency, Pamela Hyde and Eric Martin have recently
joined us in our Industries Program. Steve and Pamela work at various
tasks in our FmHA folders department and Custom Packaging department.
Eric helps produce our manila file folders.
Interns: through a partnership with Binghamton University, we have
had two students serving internships with us through the spring
semester. Anthony Young and Hai Tran are both accounting majors who
came to us through the Off Campus College Internship Program. End of
article.
What Is A Vision Rehabilitation Therapist?
By Ralph Gedeon, A.V.R.E. Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Throughout history the treatment and perception of blind and
visually impaired people has continuously changed. In early history,
the blind were viewed as defective and were often institutionalized and
kept away from society. Today, blind and visually impaired individuals
are fully integrated and productive members of society. This change is
the result of the desire of blind and visually impaired individuals to
overcome both perceived and tangible obstacles in partnership with this
unique and specialized therapeutic discipline of Vision Rehabilitation.
This partnership between those with a vision impairment and the Vision
Rehabilitation field evolved at the close of World War Two, when the
need to have qualified and specialized professionals to rehabilitate new
visually impaired veterans and civilians had greatly increased. Those
who choose the field of Vision Rehabilitation must complete a rigorous
training and preparation program, as well as a separate certification
program. In the field of Vision Rehabilitation, certification by the
Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education
Professionals is the generally accepted standard for ensuring knowledge,
skill, professionalism, and quality in Vision Rehabilitation service.
Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRTs) teach individuals who are
blind and visually impaired to maintain a maximum degree of independence
to live life to the fullest. Therapy is delivered in a variety of
settings including the home, community centers, the work place, and
specialized vision rehabilitation clinics. Therapy participants
identify individual goals to tailor skill development to their
priorities and needs. Therapy sessions expose participants to adaptive
methods and strategies in any or all of the following areas: meal
management, home and financial management, and communication skills.
Technology advances continue to add to the array of strategies and aids
available to access and organize information. Successful integration of
many of these skills is important for vocational aspirations. VRTs also
work cooperatively with Low Vision Specialists (eye doctors who
specialize in low vision) to follow up on proper usage of low vision
aids dispensed.
In addition to the need for skill acquisition there is also the
psychosocial and emotional aspect of vision loss. VRTs are trained to
detect and help individuals cope with these through support groups,
one-on-one discussion, and with appropriate referral to other resources
in the community to help establish support systems outside of the
individual’s family circle.
The specialized instruction, support and connection provided by
Vision Rehabilitation Therapists results in a growing number of
individuals who are blind or visually impaired becoming equipped with
the skills and strategies necessary to lead a high quality life pursuing
the hopes and dreams of work, leisure, home ownership, financial
independence, that most in our society aspire to. End of article.
What Is O & M?
By Erin Duguay and Eric Bohn, A.V.R.E. Orientation & Mobility
Specialists
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is training for someone who is blind
or visually impaired toward the end goal of being a safe traveler.
Orientation involves knowing where you are in space, which way you are
facing, and where you wish to go. Mobility is the ability to carry out
or travel a route, and arrive at the planned destination. O&M
instruction is designed to maximize safety while increasing
independence.
The field and practice of O & M instruction began after World War
Two when returning blinded veterans needed and wanted training to travel
independently. Since that time, the field has grown and expanded to
address the needs of blind and visually impaired people of all ages and
abilities. Today, many O & M instructors work solely with school age
children, while others continue to work with only adults.
To be an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, a Bachelor’s or
Master’s Degree in Orientation and Mobility from an approved program is
necessary. Approved programs require prospective O & M instructors to
spend significant periods of time under blindfold, learning both to use,
and how to teach, the mobility skills necessary to be a safe and
effective traveler. O & M Specialists are also required to complete an
internship which involves time on the job under the supervision of a
certified O & M Specialist. There are a number of universities across
the country and internationally which provide Orientation and Mobility
programs, though many more instructors are needed to meet the growing
demand.
The field of Orientation and Mobility is very closely related to two
more well known professions: Physical Therapy (PT), and Occupational
Therapy (OT). A PT generally works with people to help regain strength
and flexibility throughout the body to improve mobility, balance,
endurance, and coordination. An OT is generally interested in
improving gross and fine motor skills, such as moving your arm to turn
the pages of this paper, or techniques for safely getting in and out of
the tub. O & M Specialists often collaborate with OTs and PTs,
providing alternative methods - methods which do not require vision for
accomplishing the goals set.
The tools of the O & M profession include such items as long white
mobility canes, support canes, canes for identification, guide dogs, and
the skills involved in creating a human guide team. The white cane is
an international symbol identifying blind and visually impaired people.
Only those diagnosed as being legally blind may use a white cane in
North America. Long mobility canes are used to probe the ground
immediately in front of a traveler in order to locate and avoid
obstacles and drop-offs such as curbs and stairs. Not all people who
are legally blind need a mobility cane, but many are still interested in
the symbol of the white cane to communicate their disability. The
identification cane can be used for this purpose, as can support canes
that are white.
The field of Orientation and Mobility does not encompass training
guide animals, though some O & M Specialists may later become guide dog
trainers after further training in that arena. When applying for a
guide animal, a professional reference from an O & M Specialist is
required by most guide dog schools, a process which usually involves an
assessment. Once a guide dog team is established, O & M instruction may
include such things as learning a new route, identifying landmarks in a
new neighborhood, or locating a bus stop for the first time. Once the
guide animal learns the new route, there is usually no longer a need for
O & M services.
For more information about Orientation and Mobility (the field, the
specialists, or the services), please contact A.V.R.E.’s O&M
Specialists, Eric Bohn or Erin Duguay at 724-2428. End of article.
Food For Thought
By Loni Cordilione, A.V.R.E. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Vision Loss – Hearing Loss: Twice The Challenge
I once had a totally blind woman, with whom I was working, ask me,
“How come this blindness thing was so easy when I was in my 30s and has
become so difficult now that I am in my 70s?” I thought about it a
moment and realized that she had a multitude of health issues, not the
least of which were diabetes and obesity. I suggested to her that onset
of disabilities and health issues have a cumulative effect on one’s
ability to function.
Given the fact that the chance for both vision impairment and
hearing impairment tend to increase with age, it is not unusual for an
older person to be dealing with a significant loss of both. This poses
special challenges for the individual, loved ones, helpers, and
rehabilitation professionals.
Generally, vision loss and hearing loss don’t occur at the same
time. Therefore, if the hearing loss occurs first, one may compensate
by using vision more. An example of this might be reading lips to keep
up with a conversation. If the vision loss occurs first, one will
probably compensate by using hearing more. An example of this might be
listening for cars while crossing the road to the mailbox. So, when the
other disability comes along, not only does the person lose another
sense, but he or she loses some established coping strategies. This can
feel like a definite setback until new coping strategies are learned.
A.V.R.E.’s rehabilitation professionals specialize in helping people
develop those new coping strategies. Our rehabilitation staff are
sensitive to the unique needs of individuals with both a vision and a
hearing impairment and are skilled in introducing new techniques and
adaptive equipment where needed. For example, the individual may now
need a big-button phone with amplification or an alarm clock with big
numbers that is very loud or vibrates. A.V.R.E. staff can help with
making these decisions.
As vision deteriorates, reading becomes more difficult –
particularly with fiction where speech is generally used. There are
several options available, including: amplification for the talking
book cassette player, use of headphones, playing the machine extremely
loud, or asking for books with male or female readers. If none of the
above work, magnification may be the next best alternative, and there
might be more justification for investing in a Closed Circuit TV. The
goal of rehabilitation professionals is to help the individual identify
the strategies that work best for them.
Hearing aids present a unique challenge for individuals who are both
vision and hearing impaired. Many people who use hearing aids often
look for a reason not to wear them or for them not to work. Also,
hearing aids are small so visually impaired people may be worried about
losing them and have difficulty changing the batteries. Using a tray or
something with edges is a good strategy for not losing the aid or
batteries when working with them. Additional strategies include
practice touch when working with the aids or having a designated person
to help with changing the batteries. If hearing aids help, it is
extremely important to use them. After all, decreasing the cumulative
effect of both the vision and the hearing deficits would be the goal.
Safe orientation and mobility are extremely important to
independence. Using a white cane, at least for identification, is
particularly important. A.V.R.E.’s O & M Specialists are trained to
work with both disabilities.
With both diminished vision and hearing, household tasks may also
become more difficult. I am currently working with a woman who cannot
hear the hiss of the gas to regulate the burners on her gas stove and
cannot see the flame even with the light turned off. Using the face of
the clock for positioning the dial is helping some.
There are also definite social and psychological challenges, such as
isolation, depression and occasional paranoia. A person with hearing
and vision loss may stop going places and disengage from family
gatherings, feeling there is no point if he or she can’t see or hear
what is happening. The person may experience depression, wondering why
he or she is still alive, and feeling useless and a burden to loved
ones. Occasionally, a person with a vision and hearing impairment may
become preoccupied with what people are saying. This leads to thinking
about the deficits even more. It is very important to stay engaged and
not let these patterns become too well established. The burden falls
mainly on the person experiencing the losses, but support from others
goes a long way in helping to lessen the burden.
While this article certainly does not cover every challenge or every
solution, it highlights some of the challenges faced by individuals with
both a vision and a hearing impairment, offers some solutions, and
demonstrates that A.V.R.E. rehabilitation professionals are sensitive to
the needs of, and are skilled in working with, individuals with both
vision and hearing impairments.
If you or a loved one has a severe vision impairment or a combined
vision and hearing impairment, A.V.R.E. Rehabilitation Therapists can
help. End of article.
Deaf-Blindness Awareness
Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week is celebrated each year
during the last week of June, in recognition of Helen Keller’s birthday
on June 27th. Created in 1984 by Presidential Proclamation, this
anniversary is celebrated each year with a campaign highlighting a
particular aspect of deaf-blindness. This year’s theme is “Achieving
Exceptional Careers.” It will highlight the abilities of deaf-blind
workers, as well as the people who hire them. Many deaf-blind people
are highly skilled, highly motivated and highly productive, and pursue a
variety of vocations. End of article.
This Month Is:
April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Did you know that
women are more likely to be blind or visually impaired than men? It’s
true. Two out of three people who are blind or visually impaired are
women. Of the four leading causes of blindness in older Americans,
age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic
retinopathy, the rate of women’s cases outnumbers the men in all four
categories.
Why is this true? It may be due to several factors: statistics
show that women live longer than men and many eye and vision problems
are age-related; some eye diseases or conditions are more common in
women; social or economic factors may limit women’s access to good eye
health care.
What can women do to protect their vision? Schedule an eye
appointment for yourself, as well as for your entire family; maintain a
healthy body weight with a good diet and exercise; if you smoke, quit!
May is Healthy Vision Month. Healthy Vision Month is an annual
observance that is coordinated by the National Eye Institute each May to
encourage Americans to make vision a health priority. The theme of this
year’s observance was “Eye Safety at Work is Everyone’s Business.” Each
day, more than 2,000 workers in the U.S. must receive medical treatment
due to work-related eye injuries. That means more than 800,000 eye
injuries occur on the job each year!
Unfortunately, many eye injuries occur because workers are not
wearing proper eye protection. Common workplace hazards include
airborne fragments and objects, such as dust, metal, nails, concrete,
wood; splashes of chemicals and molten metal; hot sparks and optical
radiation. Most of these injuries can be prevented by simple
improvements in workplace conditions, and by the use of appropriate,
properly fitted safety eyewear.
Stopping eye injuries at work should be everybody’s business!
June is Vision Research Month. What do cataracts, age-related
macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy have in common, besides
causing serious vision loss? To date, there is no cure for these eye
diseases. But researchers around the world hope to change that. New
ideas for treatments and drugs are constantly being developed and tested
through clinical trials. Millions of people have benefited from eye
disease research, and one day, these blinding eye diseases will be
curable. End of article.
Our Wish List
Once again, our thanks goes out to Kristine Valashinas who donated
$125 for the purchase of Capability Switches. With her generous gift,
we were able to get several different types of these switches for our
Infant and Children’s Program. These switches will help our young
children who have difficulty turning on toys or devices using the
standard knobs and switches that require good manual dexterity. Thanks
so much, Kristine!
If you would like to follow Kristine’s example and make a cash
donation toward something on our list, you may email Joyce Bucci at
jbucci@avreus.org or call 607-724-2428. 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.
Items Still Needed:
Video Camcorder. Our Orientation & Mobility (O & M) Specialists
often have circumstances, when giving white cane travel lessons, in
which the use of a camcorder would be helpful. Ideally, we would prefer
to have a new or used digital camcorder that would eliminate the need
for tapes. However, a new or used VHS camcorder would also work well.
If used, it would need to be in good working condition and use tapes and
batteries that are not obsolete.
Talking Glucometer. A number of the consumers we serve are
diabetic. The associated vision disabilities make reading a regular
glucometer difficult or impossible. 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.
Miniguide. This electronic mobility aid would be used by our O & M
Specialists to assis in white cane travel training. It detects objects
in the user’s path using ultrasound, and is helpful to people who are
blind or deaf and blind. The cost of the Miniguide is $359. End of
article.
The Spotlight Is On:
Jennifer Cubic, Director of Development & Communications.
Jennifer (Jenn) is a Broome County native and currently resides in
Binghamton with her two teenage children. She holds a Masters degree in
US History from Binghamton University, with a major in women’s social
and political movements. Her earlier work experience includes research
grant projects with the SUNY Research Foundation and financial
administration. For the two years prior to coming to A.V.R.E., she held
the position of Interim Director with the Broome County Urban League.
We think Jenn’s many talents and experience will be great assets to
A.V.R.E. as we move forward in expanding our programs in our new home.
Welcome, Jenn! (Photo of Jennifer Cubic sitting at her desk.)
Debra Carson, Manager of Career & Employment Services.
Debra is a native of Buffalo, New York and moved to Binghamton six
years ago. She attended college at Fredonia State College, where she
earned her BA in Sociology. She went on to gain her Master’s Degree in
Social Sciences from the University of Buffalo. Debra has 14 years of
experience working in youth employment training programs. In
Binghamton, she worked for the Urban League for three years as Director
of Education, and just prior to coming to work at A.V.R.E., she was the
Site Manager for the “About Face” program at Broome-Tioga Workforce.
Debra is a great addition to our Program Services Staff and we welcome
her as well! (Photo of Debra Carson in her office.) End of article.
Senator Libous Honors Laura.
A.V.R.E. Industries employee Laura Gale has been selected as an
“Achiever of the Year” by New York State Senator Thomas Libous. The
Senator saw an article in the Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin about
Laura and was impressed and moved by her story.
Laura has Type One (insulin-dependent) diabetes and eight years ago,
she developed diabetic retinopathy. Laura had spent many years as a
successful floral designer, but her vision loss prevented her from
continuing in this line of work. She did not think she would ever work
again. Then Laura’s sister put her in contact with A.V.R.E. where she
received assistance with mobility training and was provided with crucial
visual aids. She now works for A.V.R.E. in its manufacturing division,
but she has plans to go back to school to study sign language and to
receive training as a Vision Rehabilitation Assistant. Laura’s goal is
to help others who are facing similar obstacles to obtain
self-sufficiency.
Laura was honored, along with about a dozen other people with
various disabilities, on May 23, 2006, in Albany, New York. There,
Senator Libous presented Laura with a plaque. Senate Disabilities
Awareness Day is an annual event sponsored by the New York State Senate
to raise public consciousness of the efforts and accomplishments of
citizens with physical disabilities.
In March, Laura also represented A.V.R.E. in Washington D.C. by
telling her story to members of Congress. (Photo of Laura receiving her
award from Senator Libous in Albany.) End of article.
Bowling League Needs Bowlers!
By Nancy McGovern, A.V.R.E. Industries Employee
Come one, come all! Join our singles bowling league at Laurel Bowl
in Binghamton!
We are currently looking for people who are visually impaired, hearing
impaired, or sighted who are interested in being part of a fun, family
atmosphere and in meeting new people. We bowl every Saturday at Noon.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a good bowler or a not-so-good bowler,
all are welcome. Please join us! For more information, call A.V.R.E.
at 607-724-2428 and leave a message for Nancy. End of article.
Thanks For Helping!
One of our valuable community partnerships is with the Retired
Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP. For many years, senior members of
the community have come to A.V.R.E. to volunteer countless hours doing
various tasks. Over the past year, 25 volunteers gave a total over 230
hours of their time collating mailing materials, stuffing envelopes,
filing, and entering data. Thanks so much to you all! End of article.
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.
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