BWA InSight Newsletter
Blind Work Association, Inc., Binghamton, NY
Winter 2002, Vol. 27, No. 1

Our Mission: Assisting people who have a vision disability attain or maintain personal and economic independence.

MAKING NEW FRIENDS, By Robert Hanye

On November 8th and November 15th, 2001, the Association had opportunities to publicize one of the "best kept secrets in town" -- the Association! We held open houses on each date and invited community leaders in, to learn what we do here at the Association. Nearly forty community and business leaders attended and almost to a person, they were astounded!

A wonderful display of pictures recounting our history and our current activities was posted in the conference room, where refreshments were served. Displays of products manufactured by our Employees, as well as aids and devices used by people with a vision disability, were also on display. Staff members were available to answer questions and provide detailed explanations, including two Industries employees who described our manufactured goods and our customers.

After welcoming comments from the Association and Foundation boards and a quick overview of the agency, our new friends were escorted on a tour of the facility. While not direct quotes, typical comments went something like: "I never knew this place was so big!", or "I had no idea about the scope of services provided by the Association!"

While a good time was had by all, a special thanks must go to the employees who prepared the refreshments, planned the event, guided the tours, answered questions, polished the agency, or otherwise worked behind the scenes to make the open houses so successful. Onward to others in the Spring!   End of article.

NEW YORK’S GIFT TO THE NATION, by Robert Hanye, President-CEO.

How many of you know what JWOD or the Javits-Wagner-O’Day act is? Probably only a few, so let me tell you a little about this wonderful gift from New York to the Nation.

In the mid-1930’s a man named Peter Salmon was the head of the Industrial Home for the Blind (IHB) in Brooklyn, NY. IHB was one of the largest agencies in the world, serving people with a vision disability. Mr. Salmon himself was blind. Robert Irwin was the head of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) in New York City. AFB is our national leadership organization in the field of assisting people who are blind or have a vision disability. Peter Salmon and Robert Irwin had a wealthy, well-connected friend named M.C. Migel who was also a New Yorker. All three were very interested in ways to create really good jobs for people who are blind so that they could be economically and personally independent. Mr. Migel had also funded nursing assistance for Veterans blinded in World War One and was a board member of AFB.

Salmon, Irwin and Migel thought that the purchasing power of the Federal government might create an opportunity for good jobs. The three worked closely with New York Senator Robert Wagner and New York Congresswoman Caroline O’Day. If only there was a way for qualified agencies that employed people who are blind to sell high quality products to the federal government at fair prices, then good jobs would result. This group of New Yorkers worked hard on getting legislation to do just that passed in Congress. They also had the support of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, another New Yorker. Finally, in 1938 Congress passed a law that was known as the Wagner-O'Day act. This law gave agencies, like the Blind Work Association (BWA), access to the Federal market place where we now sell our file folders and computer paper. More than 80 agencies, like BWA, across the country sell to the Federal government, creating over 4,000 jobs!

In 1971, New York Senator Jacob Javits amended the law to include agencies serving people with disabilities other than blindness, and to allow agencies to provide services to the Federal government. Now it is known as JWOD or the Javits-Wagner-O’Day act. The Javits amendment allows BWA to employ people who are blind, in the service of operating the switchboards at the Veterans Administration hospitals in Montrose and Castle Point, New York.

Since 1938, the JWOD program has created powerful jobs for hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities. It has allowed people to work full or part time, be promoted, move on to other jobs or careers, go to school, raise families, and all of the other things a good job provides. Many of the great options we see today for people with disabilities have some roots in the JWOD program and the work of all those New Yorkers. Just thought you might like to know!  End of article.

FROM OUR ARCHIVES, By Joyce Bucci.

In 1930, the "Blind Craft Association, Inc." had moved to an upper floor at 91 State Street in Binghamton, with about eight blind employees in the "workshop" program. In 1932, the group moved down to the first floor and a salesroom was opened for the purpose of selling blind-made products. Monthly sales were also held, using space provided by local merchants in their stores. Because another agency in California was already using the trade name of "Blindcraft", it was necessary to change the name once again and the agency was reincorporated in 1933 as the Blind Work Association, Inc. To be continued.  End of article.

BWA PRESENTS EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Blind Work Association was pleased to present a seminar recently, which was specifically designed for young people with a vision disability and their parents. The purpose of the program was to better equip these young people for going about the task of finding jobs.

One of the toughest problems faced by young adults with a vision disability is getting good information about what prospective employers expect, and how to go about getting that "just right" job. On Saturday, November 3, 2001, a total of about 15 young adults and parents gathered at BWA to participate in several sessions which were designed to tell them just that.

BWA Employment Specialist Alycia Harris put together a well-designed and informative program which addressed such issues as: "What Do Employers Look For in an Application?", "Factors of Success", and "Style for Success." Special guest speaker Jim Tait, of F.Y.I. Image, was very well received as he spoke about correctly filling out a job application, the process of obtaining an interview, as well as what to do and not to do during an interview.

Kenny Fernald, BWA Director of Industries, spoke about Work Ethics -- being prompt and responsible on the job. He also explained about BWA's Industries Program and the kinds of jobs and training it offers. Robert Hanye, BWA President-CEO, spoke about a variety of issues that face a blind or visually impaired person on a job interview: what to do with a cane, how to ask for assistance, how to shake hands correctly. Bob and Alycia also spoke about appearance issues: appropriate attire, how much jewelry to wear, and concerns with personal hygiene.

Parents attended separate sessions, which included open discussions about such subjects as parent networking and resources for parents. Parents and their children joined for the final discussion of the day on "Delicate Issues During an Interview", which addressed such issues as whether or not to volunteer disability information on an application. The seminar was very well received, and BWA looks forward to presenting more of this type of program in the future.  End of article.

BWA YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS

BWA recently began a brand new group for visually impaired young people from age 14 to 21. The young people meet once a month, usually on a Saturday, at various locations around the Southern Tier for a meeting and a "fun" activity. The focus of the meetings is on employment issues. However, Alycia Harris, coordinator of the group, and Candie Stiles, the facilitator, have already organized some really fun activities. The group has gone bowling and in February they went skiing at Greek Peak. Plans for a March shopping trip to Ithaca are underway. For more information, call  Alycia Harris at 607-724-2428.  End of article.

ATTENTION!

Blind Work Association has immediate and future job openings in our Industries Program for legally blind individuals. If you are interested in working either full or part time, please call Kenny Fernald at  607-724-2428.  End of article.

NEW YORK’S BRAILLE LITERACY LAWS, By Joyce Bucci

Children who are blind or visually impaired have the same right to a quality education as any other child. For many years, common procedure was for these kids to live at and attend a school for the blind. This has been changing gradually, and now the trend is for kids to stay at home with their families and attend community schools.

However, this can create a whole new challenge: that of competing on a par with sighted classmates, but without having specially formatted instructional materials available for them at the same time as their classmates’ textbooks. Braille, large print or audio recorded materials often arrive very late or not at all.

Gov. Pataki signed a bill into law in October 2001, which will change that. The Alternate Format Legislation will go into effect in May 2002, and will begin a process which will ensure that students with a disability will receive their instructional materials at the same time as their classmates. This legislation is a great addition to the Braille Literacy Bill that was passed in 2000, which ensures that all visually impaired students are given the opportunity to learn to read and write in Braille, within the public school systems. In the interest of our consumers, BWA was active in supporting both of these measures. "Braille Equals Literacy"  End of article.

EMPLOYMENT TIPS

One of our valuable Community Partners, the Broome County Office for Aging, has a program which can help all Senior Citizens in our community (regardless of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, marital status, or disability) find a job. The Senior Community Service Employment Program assists workers age 55 and older. This program enables workers to receive training and pay while working at a community agency. This is a great opportunity to become part of the labor force, working 20 hours per week, while upgrading old skills or learning new ones. For more information, call the Broome County Office for Aging at 778-2092.  End of article.

WELCOME ABOARD!

BWA gives a warm welcome to the following new employees:

Diane McMillan, Child and Youth Specialist. Diane is a new member of our Rehabilitation and Community Services staff, working with visually impaired infants, children, young people, and their parents. She comes to us from North Carolina where she worked for the Rainbow Center.

Candie Stiles, Child and Youth Specialist Assistant. Candie is a new Rehab. Teacher who also works with children and youth. She is a native of Binghamton and recently received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy.

Nancy Moore, Driver-Assistant. Nancy is a driver assistant for Ralph Gedeon, a member of our Rehab. and Community Services staff. Nancy worked for many years in the medical field as a Mental Health Counselor.

Ray Rowley, Driver. Ray is a driver for Loni Cordilione, another Rehab. and Community Services staff member. He is a retired truck driver, who says this job is "right up his alley."

Tracy Ann Lawrence, Switchboard Operator. Tracy joins us as a switchboard operator at a VA Hospital in the Hudson Valley.

Lewis Lysak. Lew returns to BWA as an employee in our Industries Program.  End of article.

BWA RECYCLES!

Your computer printer could help BWA! If you use a Hewlett-Packard DeskJet or a Canon Bubble Jet printer in your home or in your business, your used, empty Inkjet cartridges can earn BWA some money through a Cartridge Recycling Program. It’s easy, doesn’t cost you anything, helps the environment by keeping used ink cartridges out of the landfills, and it helps BWA! Call Joyce Bucci at 607-724-2428, for details.  End of article.

PARENT TO PARENT, By Diane McMillan, Child and Youth Specialist.

Question: The doctor has just said that our son is legally blind and that we might want to get in touch with NAPVI. What is that?

Answer: NAPVI is the National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. It is a non-profit organization of, by, and for parents, committed to providing support to the parents of children who have visual impairments. I think three of the best things they do are: to provide an information and referral service, conduct workshops and conferences, maintain a national support and information network through phone and mail correspondence. Membership dues are $25. You can find more information on them at www.spedex.com/napvi  or call 1-800-562-6265.00 per year. 

ACRONYMS LIST

The dictionary defines "acronym" as a word formed from the initial letters of a series of words. The following is a list of some of the most commonly used acronyms that you may hear.

ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act; BOCES, Board of Cooperative Educational Services; BWA, Blind Work Association; CBVH, Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped; CPSE, Committee on Preschool Special Education; CSE, Committee of Special Education; DME, Durable Medical Equipment.

SQUEAKY BABY SHOES

Walking down a busy city street in China, you may hear a toddler or two because their feet squeak. Squeaky baby shoes have been around in China for a long time, their main purpose being to amuse babies. Squeaky baby shoes not only are fun, but could actually be of benefit to both parents and babies with vision and mobility impairments. "Pip Squeakers" can serve as motivation for blind and visually impaired babies and toddlers, who learn that moving their feet causes the amusing sounds. As a result they are encouraged to move, explore and take their first steps. Blind and visually impaired parents use squeaky shoes to track their baby’s movements by sound. For more information check out the website www.pipsqueakers.com.  End of article.

CARING FOR YOUR EYES, By Joyce Bucci

Americans are sun-loving people, spending many hours each year in the sun, working, exercising and playing. The growing need to protect our skin from the harmful rays produced by the sun is well known, but perhaps less known is the importance of also protecting our eyes.

Ultraviolet-B rays are the invisible, harmful rays produced by the sun that burn our skin and have the potential of causing serious conditions, such as skin cancer. These same rays, when combined with cold wind and snow, can cause a temporary, but painful, condition commonly called snow blindness.

Recent research has suggested that daily exposure, over many years, to the UVB rays in very bright sunlight may cause cataracts. For this reason, it is becoming more important to protect your eyes by wearing good UV-blocking sunglasses. To best protect your eyes, look for sunglasses that provide at least 98% protection from both UVB and UVA rays.

There are a wide variety of styles and types that can provide the added benefit of controlling glare, an additional safety factor, especially when driving or walking. It is now a routine procedure to have the appropriate type of protective eye-wear prescribed during low vision exams. Your eye-care specialist can offer advice about sunglasses that are right for you. Sight is Precious – Take Care of Your Eyes!  End of article.

AIDS FOR LIVING, By Laura Henry

Cooking can be a challenge for a person who is visually impaired. Some people who lose their vision as they grow older have a difficult time relearning how to cook safely. Our featured device can help with that.

The double spatula is a neat little piece of equipment that provides the user with much more control when trying to "flip" items while cooking, such as a grilled cheese sandwich. It is essentially two spatulas that are attached. This enables the user to slide one side of the spatula under the item to be turned, and to gently "clamp" down with the topside and retain a grasp on the item, while gently turning it over in the pan.

The double spatula is provided to our consumers through Rehabilitation Teaching or can be purchased by anyone at BWA.  End of article.

LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

Are you having a difficult time adjusting to the limitations associated with vision loss? Would you like to socialize with others who are blind or visually impaired, to receive support and encouragement? If so, this group, which was begun by two BWA staff members, may be helpful.

Meetings are held every third Monday of every month, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., in the Picciano Building in Johnson City. This is located across from Wilson Hospital on Baldwin St., and is the same building where the hospital cafeteria is located. Take the elevator to the fourth floor and go to Conference Room 5A. There are no fees or membership criteria to be a part of this group, and family and friends are welcome. For more information, you may call BWA at 607-724-2428 and ask for Laura Henry.  End of article.

TIOGA COUNTY PARTY

The Lions and Lioness Clubs of Tioga County will be hosting a party for the blind and visually impaired residents of Tioga County. This will include a dinner, blind bingo and other entertainment and is free of charge. It will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2002 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Owego Elks Lodge in Owego, NY. If you are interested in attending, please call Donna Henry at 607-659-3113 or Jack Zimmer at 607-687-5847, by Monday, March 18, 2002. Transportation is available, if needed. Please come for a great day of fellowship and fun!  End of article.

BRAILLE WRITER REPAIR

If you have a Braille Writer, such as a Perkins Brailler, that needs cleaning or repair, you can contact Williams Office Machines, 1 Lewis St., Binghamton, NY, phone: 607-772-6113. If you bring it into the store, they will gladly take a look at it. If they cannot repair it, there is no charge for the exam.  End of article.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

Ms. Elaine Rink has asked us to ask you, if you might be interested in joining her to start a local chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). This is a national organization of people who are blind, and it has many state and local chapters. If you are interested or would like more information, Elaine would be pleased to talk with you.  Call BWA for contact info.  End of article.

NEWSPAPER ON TAPE

The Ithaca Journal is available on audio cassette tape. This paper is distributed every other week and contains news local to the Ithaca area. To inquire about receiving it, please call the Finger Lakes Independence Center at 607-272-2433, and ask for Jeff or Debby.  End of article.

FREEBIES

BUS PASSES: If you are certified as legally blind, you may obtain a bus pass that will allow you to ride the Broome County Transit Buses anywhere within Broome Co., free of charge. BWA is the only agency where you can obtain a pass. If you would like more information, please call Tammy Swinamer at BWA.

NY STATE PARKS: If you are a resident of New York state and are certified legally blind, you are entitled to free admission to most NY State Parks. You will have free access to parking, swimming, tennis, and greens fees for golf. You will also be entitled to reduced fees for camping sites and cabins. To obtain an Access Pass you must fill out an application and send it in, along with a small, full-face photo and proof of legal blindness. The proof can be either a certificate from the NYS Commission For The Blind or a statement from a physician. It will take about 10 weeks for them to process your application and mail your pass to you. You can call the New York State Parks Department in Albany, at 518-474-0456, to request an application. Or you can write to them at: NY State Parks, Access Pass, Albany, NY 12238.  End of article.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS, By Robert Hanye