A.V.R.E. InSight Newsletter
Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc.
Winter 2005, Volume 30, Number 1
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. Employee Wins National Award!
The Peter J. Salmon National Employee of the Year award is given each year by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) to a visually impaired individual who has shown a determination to become the best he or she can be in the workplace. Agencies for the blind, like A.V.R.E., are encouraged to choose one employee who works for their organization to be nominated for this prestigious award, and this year, for the very first time, one of our team members has been selected!
We are delighted to announce that Ms. Penelope Simon, who is A.V.R.E.'s Melvin L. Rosendale Employee of the Year for 2005, has been chosen for this National recognition. Penelope is one of our Veterans Administration hospital switchboard employees in the Mid-Hudson Valley. A.V.R.E. operates the hospital switchboards under a JWOD service contract. Penelope came to the U.S. from Antigua in 1985 and became a citizen in 2000. She received customer service training at the New York Lighthouse and worked in customer service at a hardware store and as a baby sitter before coming to A.V.R.E. in 2001.
Penelope's dedication to her job is outstanding. "Neither rain nor sleet nor snow" definitely applies to Penelope! Regardless of the weather, she commutes five days per week from her home in the Bronx to the VA campus in Montrose, New York, a two-hour commute each way, by bus, train and taxi. On a number of occasions when snow storms were expected, she has stayed overnight to make sure the switchboards were covered the next morning.
VA switchboard positions are not for the timid! The positions are extremely tension-filled, as operators must handle multiple calls coming in to a very busy switchboard, switching the calls to the appropriate person. In addition, the operators must respond to emergency alarms, thinking quickly to dispatch the correct response team, and correctly record each event and the response. Penelope handles all of this accurately and adroitly, and never seems to "lose her cool." In fact, Penelope's personnel file is full of quotes and comments from doctors, patients, customers, and hospital staff who have everything good to say about her.
Penelope will be honored at A.V.R.E.'s 18th Annual Awards Banquet in March, and she will receive her National award in October at the annual NIB Conference. We are extremely proud of each of our VA Hospital switchboard employees, who were honored to receive the Shining Star Award in 2004, presented by the Mid-Hudson Veterans Administration Medical Center. Penelope Simon epitomizes them all. Congratulations, Penelope!
Photo of Penelope Simon at her switchboard terminal.
The President's Corner
By Robert K. Hanye, President and CEO
It is the Customer Who Counts!
There are two very important, but very different, topics I would like to address in this issue. Even though they are different, they do have one thing in common. The common element is that they are both about feedback, about listening to the customer and responding to what the customer wants. Listening, I mean really hearing what is being said, and then responding so the customer is satisfied is what we try to accomplish in everything we do. It is just as important to make a file folder that results in customer satisfaction as it is in hearing what a person with low vision wants in the way of training or guidance. The trick, and I hope we are successful, is to have a customer who knows that he or she got something of value from the contact with A.V.R.E.
Customer satisfaction leads me to my first point. It is truly great news! Penelope Simon is an employee at our switchboard operation for the Mid-Hudson Veterans Administration Medical Center along the Hudson River. This year, A.V.R.E. has chosen Penelope as the 2005 Melvin L. Rosendale Employee of the Year. She was then nominated for the most prestigious Peter J. Salmon National Employee of the Year Award, of National Industries for the Blind (NIB). Jim Gibbons, the CEO of NIB, has informed us that Penelope is the 2005 National Employee of the Year!
Penelope is on the cover of this issue and more detail about the award is included. But, I must tell you that what really won this recognition for Penelope was her devoted attention to switchboard customers. Her personnel file is replete with unsolicited comments from doctors, business people, veterans, administrators and other staff of the hospital about the quality of her service. To boil it all down, Penelope listens and provides the help that is needed. When you work in an operation that can receive up to 1500 calls per day, patience really is a virtue. Congratulations, Penelope!
My second point has to do with comments from readers of this newsletter. We really do appreciate being told that people find the information of value. Our last issue on macular degeneration received unusually high reader comments. Most told us that it was chock full of valuable information and was our best issue ever. In fact, one reader from Florida sent a donation and asked for multiple copies to pass out to other retirees. Of course, we responded and would have done so even without the donation. But the feedback was important to us.
Just as importantly, we need to hear when we missed something or can improve, and we value feedback that can help make us better. Such was the case when two leading optometrists in our area pointed out that our definition of Optometry was, at best, outdated. In this issue, we are including an apology for this misinformation, and a better definition of what an optometrist does. We hope this more accurately describes the scope of optometry services and presents the profession appropriately.
So, please keep the comments coming. Good, bad, or something else, we need to know if we are presenting information you find helpful. You can always contact me directly by calling 607-724-2428, or send an email to editor Joyce Bucci at jbucci@avreus.org. Thank you for your interest!
Robert K. Hanye, President and CEO
What Is An Optometrist?
In our last issue of InSight, which focused on macular degeneration, we offered some very brief definitions of several types of eye care professionals. For the definition of "optometrist," we were a little too brief and gave some incorrect information. We apologize for this error and would like to offer a much fuller definition.
Optometrists are also known as doctors of optometry, or OD's. The American Optometric Association defines optometrists as "independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures, as well as diagnose related systemic conditions."
Although they are not medical doctors, optometrists are required to complete an extensive and specialized educational program. Optometrists today most often complete a four-year bachelor of science degree with very specific requirements, followed by an optometry degree program that requires from four to eight years to complete. They must then pass written and clinical state board examinations prior to receiving a license to practice optometry.
Optometrists examine the internal and external structure of the eyes to diagnose eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal disorders; they test eyes for visual acuity (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia), depth and color perception, and the ability to focus and coordinate eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses, provide vision therapy, and may provide low-vision exams and therapy; they analyze test results and can develop a treatment plan; they may administer drugs to patients to aid in testing and diagnosis, and may prescribe drugs to treat some eye diseases.
Optometrists often provide preoperative and postoperative care to cataract patients, as well as patients who have had laser vision corrective or other eye surgery; they also diagnose conditions due to systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, referring patients to other health care practitioners or rehabilitation specialists as needed.
Sources: American Optometric Association, www dot a o a net dot org; U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Statistics.
Goodbye To A Friend
Ida B. Rosendale was a true lady. She lived her life, and left it last October, with grace. Ida was very active in her community for many years, and A.V.R.E. is proud to say that she was a generous and wonderful friend.
Ida and her husband Melvin L. Rosendale both became very active with the Lions and Lioness Clubs in Binghamton soon after WWII. And through those groups, they came to be associated with our agency, then known as the Blind Work Association, and both became valuable friends.
Melvin served on our board of directors, and on various committees, for years, until his death in 1989. He enjoyed checking on things at the agency, had his own key, and filled in whenever and wherever he was needed. If the bushes around the building needed trimming, Melvin trimmed them. If a new car or van was needed, Melvin made the best deal possible. These reasons, and more, are why our Employee of the Year Award was named after Melvin.
Through her activity in the Lioness Club, Ida always helped at picnics that were held each summer for people who were blind. She assisted at the agency booth at Home Shows. If someone who couldn't drive due to poor vision needed a ride to an appointment, Ida was there. In her later years, she was always an honored guest at our annual Awards Banquet, accompanied by her daughters, Kristine Valashinas and Linda Griffin. Linda carries on the tradition begun by her parents, by serving on our board of directors.
A testament to Ida's popularity in our community was given when A.V.R.E. received well over $1,000 in memorial donations for Ida. Yes, we will miss her greatly, for Ida was our friend and a true lady!
Photo of Ida and Richard Sprague preparing to get into a car in 1969. Photo of Melvin at new addition dedication in 1968.
Congressman Honored
U.S. Representative Sherwood Boehlert is a "JWOD Champion." This distinction is awarded by National Industries for the Blind (NIB) to elected policy makers who demonstrate an ongoing support of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) program and of participating non-profit agencies for the blind (like A.V.R.E.) in their district or state.
The JWOD program organizes government agency purchases of products and services that are manufactured or provided by non-profit agencies that employ people with a vision disability. A.V.R.E. manufactures and sells a number of blind-made products under the SKILCRAFT brand name, through NIB and the JWOD program.
Congressman Boehlert received his award last August in Utica, New York, where he was cited for being a long-time advocate for people who are blind, focusing on the need for jobs. Congressman Boehlert's district, the 24th, includes Chenango and Cortland counties, and parts of Broome, Otsego, Tioga, and Tompkins counties, which are in A.V.R.E.'s service area.
How Can I Give?
Honors, A Living Tribute
Show your love and appreciation for someone special in your life by giving A.V.R.E. a gift in their honor. Whether the occasion may be a birthday, an anniversary, Valentine's Day, Christmas or Hanukkah, a gift of cash can help provide services to someone who is blind. A notice of your gift will be sent to the person honored and a card of appreciation and thanks to you.
Memorials, A Loving Remembrance
What greater way to remember a late loved one than by assisting the living to learn and grow with a memorial gift to A.V.R.E.? The family of the remembered person will be notified and you will receive a card of thanks.
Bequests, A Lasting Legacy
By including A.V.R.E. in your estate planning, you will help to ensure that we can continue to provide our valuable services to those who are blind and visually impaired. Trusts, appreciated securities, real estate, and other properties are other ways you can give to our future.
A.V.R.E. Vision Program Services: The Journey To Independence
What do Billy, Ed, and William have in common? The answer to that is several things: they are all visually impaired, they are all eager to learn new things, and they are all receiving A.V.R.E. Vision Program services.
William (Billy) Dengler is an active, inquisitive five-year old who was born with detached retina and is totally blind. The manager of our Infant and Children's Services Program, Diane McMillan, has been working with Billy and his parents in their home. Diane's goal is to increase all of Billy's tactile and sensory learning experiences to prepare him for independent living. Skills such as learning how to button his shirt, zip his pants, peel a banana or a hard-cooked egg are things that every child learns to do, but require different teaching techniques for a visually impaired child.
This program serves infants and children from birth to 14 years of age. With our larger service area of nine New York counties plus three in Pennsylvania, A.V.R.E. has recently more than doubled the number of children being served who are under five years of age. The need for even more children's services is apparent and A.V.R.E. is moving forward with plans to further expand this service program.
Ed Roorda, Jr. managed his family's dairy farm until his vision loss due to retinopathy of prematurity began to worsen. He began receiving rehabilitation training through A.V.R.E. and was in the community workforce until a change in technology made his job inaccessible to a blind person. Alycia Harris, manager of our Employment and Career Services Program, began working with Ed to provide him with resume' and interview skills, as well as assistance using adaptive visual aids and assistive technologies. Through Alycia's job placement efforts, Ed now works in the Purchasing Department of Raymond-Hadley Corp. in Spencer, New York.
This program, designed for both teens over the age of 14 and adults, provides job readiness training, job search networking and employer consultation, social and communication skills, and job placement. Our goal has always been to create quality jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired, and with as much as 70 percent of the blind population not working, there is still a great need. We are looking forward to expanding this department even more.
William Pitcher has age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In 1995, at the age of 79, he began receiving low vision services and some rehabilitation teaching from A.V.R.E. Rehabilitation Teacher Loni Cordilione. Like so many people in his situation, he was preoccupied with looking for a cure, so he did not pursue extensive skills training. After his wife of 50 years passed away about a year later, Mr. Pitcher resumed services to begin his journey to regain independence. He learned orientation and mobility using a long white cane and gained skills in meal preparation, laundry, managing his home and finances, and communication. He now uses a closed-circuit television (CCTV) for a variety of things including reading labels and instructions, signing his name and balancing his checkbook.
The Senior Vision Services Program is our newest division, although A.V.R.E. has been providing assistance to people who are 55 or older and have a severe vision loss for many, many years. However, with this new program, we can now also assist those with low vision who are not legally blind. Presently, 65-70 percent of people over the age of 65 have vision related disabilities. As the baby boomer generation ages, we will have record numbers of people dealing with low vision. In addition to offering our traditional services of travel training, rehabilitation teaching, and low vision services, we now offer social peer group meetings and seminars in conjunction with county Offices for the Aging and other senior service providers.
The Journey Into The Future!
As A.V.R.E. looks to the future to continue growing our Program Services, we realize that there are many more services we need to offer our community. Our Future Vision is a "Center of Excellence in Vision Rehabilitation and Employment." This center would be a place of growth, new technology, and learning. It would include: A comprehensive low vision center, An accessible technology training center, Modern manufacturing areas, A center for visually impaired seniors, A learning center for children and parents, A sensory stimulation program, Training facilities for other service providers and caregivers, An employment exploration and training center, An adapted independent living training area, A center for adapted and accessible media, Room for growth and expansion. This is a goal worth envisioning! Photo of Billy and his Mom at his Braillewriter, photo of William Pitcher at his CCTV.
The Spotlight Is On…
Rick McCarthy is our new Director of Program Services. He is a native of Horseheads, New York, and he and his wife Kirsten have two daughters, Lauren and Madeline.
Rick graduated from Cortland College with a BA in Sociology, and also has a Master of Public Administration from the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany, New York. Rick most recently worked for the American Cancer Society as Director of Cancer Control.
As Director of Program Services, Rick is in charge of our entire Program Services staff, which includes our Core Vision Services staff, Senior Vision Services staff, Infant & Children's Services staff, and our Employment & Career Services staff. Welcome Aboard, Rick! Photo of Rick McCarthy.
Laure Griffis is our new Flex Vision Rehabilitation Assistant. She is originally from Syracuse, New York and now lives in Vestal with her husband Rich.
Laure has an AS degree in Human Services from Broome Community College and recently received her certification as a Flex VRA from the Lighthouse Foundation. Additionally, she has received a certificate for completing a Grade I Braille course from the Hadley School. Prior to coming to us, Laure worked in the insurance industry for 14 years.
At A.V.R.E., Laure divides her time between two departments. She works closely with our Manager of Employment & Career Services Alycia Harris, and with our Manager of Infant & Children's Services Diane McMillan. Welcome Aboard, Laure!
The Kids' Corner
By Diane McMillan, Manager of Infant & Children's Services
A New Vision Category
Functions at the Definition of Blindness (FDB) is a new category accepted by the American Printing House for the Blind when registering students for federal quota funds. It is used to indicate blindness due to a brain injury or dysfunction called Cortical Visual Impairment or CVI. A child whose vision is reduced by a brain injury or dysfunction may be considered blind for educational purposes when the actual visual function meets the definition of blindness as determined by an eye care specialist or neurologist.
Just what is Cortical Visual Impairment? Quite simply, it refers to a brain condition, not an eye condition, that causes a vision impairment. This is a term used to describe instances where a child's vision is not normal, even though there is nothing wrong with the eyes. The cause is assumed to be a lack of function in the visual cortex of the brain, brought on by circumstances such as a brain injury, insufficient oxygen in the blood, hydrocephalus, and infections of the central nervous system.
Children in this category may manifest unique visual or behavioral characteristics, such as: Eye exams that are normal or minimally abnormal; eye movements that are most often normal; vision may be variable; changing day by day; poor depth perception, shown when reaching for an object; either gazing at lights, or avoiding strong light sources; viewing an object closely to magnify it; preferring old objects to new ones; "crowding phenomenon" - difficulty distinguishing objects in the foreground versus the background; looking away when reaching for an object.
Due to improved medical care, children with severe brain injuries have increasingly begun to survive over the last 30 years. Cortical Visual Impairment now accounts for 40 - 50% of blindness in children. Traditionally, we assisted only those children whose vision loss was associated with an actual eye condition. Now we are able to offer services to children whose vision loss is due to brain damage. Vision stimulation is proven to help most children with vision impairments improve the way they use their vision and this is especially true of children with CVI. To be effective, it must happen in everyday life situations, not only in therapy. Strategies that can be adapted to the specific needs of these children include: use familiar routines; avoid visual clutter and extra, unnecessary visual stimulation; use real objects rather than abstract symbols (an orange vs. a drawn circle); use bright colors rather than dull; use lighting cues (shine a flashlight on an object); pair visual information with other sensory cues (looking at and touching objects); reduce noise clutter and other distraction; move the object you want the child to see.
In the absence of other abnormalities or conditions, the prognosis is good for regaining some degree of visual function in young children with Cortical Visual Impairment, using ongoing vision therapies.
Are you having trouble remembering our phone number? Call to request our free refrigerator magnet! 607-724-2428.
Scholarships Awarded For 2004
The Charles V. Costello Memorial Scholarship for the 2004-2005 academic year has been awarded to two deserving visually impaired students. The presentations were made by Mrs. Beverly Costello at a small ceremony in September, 2004.
Aaron Baier received a scholarship to continue his studies at SUNY Cortland, after earning a 2-year Liberal Arts associate's degree at Broome Community College. He works in the manufacturing division of A.V.R.E. part time while attending school and during the summer months.
Terry Kozak is employed full time at A.V.R.E. as a file-folder machine operator. His scholarship is being used to continue pursuing courses in finance through a distance learning program at Herkimer County Community College.
The scholarship program was established in 2002 to honor the memory of Charles V. Costello, who was a dedicated member of the A.V.R.E. board of directors for many years and firmly believed in the pursuit of higher education.
Scholarship applicants must be legally blind or visually impaired and be attending or accepted to an accredited training school or institution of higher education. They must be residents of, or attending a school in, any of the New York and Pennsylvania counties served by A.V.R.E. For more information, or to apply for a scholarship, email avreinfo@avreus.org or call 607-724-2428. Photo of Mrs. Costello presenting checks to Aaron and Terry.
Our Wish List
A very special "Thank you" goes to two generous friends who have responded to our Wish List! Mrs. Beverly Costello has given a cash donation of $100 to be applied to any item we choose, and Ms. Kathryn Shaw gave $257 to purchase the "Beginning Braille for Young Readers Series" SAL software for our Infant and Children's Services Program. Thank you so much to both of these donors!
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.
New Items:
Color Identifier. We recently featured this item in our Aids For Living column. It is a talking device that reads, identifies and speaks the color of the object it is held against. Our Program Services staff would use this to show consumers how it works. The color identifier costs about $125 to $150.
Voila! Talking Label Reader. You can read more about this item in this issue, in the Aids For Living column. It is a talking barcode reader that reads labels that have been attached to items. This would also be used by Program Services staff to demonstrate to consumers. The Voila! costs $200.
Still Needed:
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 be a great item to have for agency use and for demonstration and try-out purposes. The Traveller costs $1895.
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 Accu-Check Voicemate costs $495.
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.
Need A Gift Idea?
The Holidays have just ended and already many of us are thinking about gift ideas for next year. Or perhaps you need ideas for an unusual birthday or anniversary gift. Well, how about Braille Jewelry?
That's right, jewelry you can read with your fingers! You can get a bracelet with the alphabet in Braille, or a personalized necklace pendant with someone's name or initials, or a tie tack with the man's initials. What about a butterfly pin that says "Free Spirit" or a ring that spells out "Love"? There are even key chains and wind chimes with Brailled words.
There are a couple of sources where you can order Braille jewelry directly from the designers. At First Sight Braille Fashion Jewelry is owned by a woman in Texas who has a blind child. In an effort to promote Braille literacy, she has begun creating and selling Braille jewelry. For more information about her line of jewelry, call 1-800-630-6650 or visit her website at www dot braillestone dot com.
Kim Christiansen is in England and is the owner of Christiansen Designs. Her Braille Collection is quite extensive, very lovely, and is a bit higher priced. Her items can be purchased online at www.braillejewelry.com using a credit card through PayPal. For more information, you can call a number in Vermont, 1-802-738-3846, or email Kim directly at kim.christiansen@valley.net.
Braille jewelry is a unique and fun idea for giving a special gift to someone who is either visually impaired or sighted.
Gifts For Kids
If you are searching for a gift for a visually impaired child, or if you would like to show Braille letters to a sighted child, we have the perfect answer: Braille Alphabet Blocks.
This interesting twist on the classic ABC blocks features the usual design, but adds indented lower-case style letters on one side, along with the appropriate raised Braille cell symbol. The set contains 27 blocks that are 1-3/4 inches square and are made of lightweight basswood. The designs are attractive and feature both lower and upper case letters, plus an animal picture on each block.
A great companion to the ABC set is the Braille Math Blocks. These come in a set of 16 blocks, also 1-3/4 inches square, that are embossed with numbers and math symbols using the Braille Nemeth code. On two sides of each block, a number or symbol is impressed into the block along with the corresponding Braille cell and a series of dots to represent the number.
The Braille blocks are manufactured by Uncle Goose Toys and are available through PlayChild. The ABC blocks cost $29.95 and the Math blocks are $19.95. They can be ordered online at w w w dot play child dot com, or by phone at 1-866-407-8697.
Aids For Living
Voila! Voila stands for Voiced Labels Reader. This is a small (6 inches long), hand-held device that reads barcoded labels that you have recorded and attached to items. It comes with 50 self-adhesive labels which can be stuck, tied, or sewn onto items to be identified.
Operation of the Voila is simple. The device is swiped along the label. The user then speaks the name they wish to give the item into the built-in microphone. After the name has been recorded, the label is attached to the item. When the user wants to identify an object, the Voila is swiped along the label, and it will speak the previously recorded name. Names can be changed or deleted so labels can be re-used many times. The VolLa can hold up to 250 label names in its memory.
There are many ways this handy label reader can be used. For example, labeling canned or bottled food items, medicines, household products, music CDs, video cassettes and DVDs, audiocassettes, garments, and so many more! The VoiLa uses two standard AA batteries and is very user-friendly for sight-free operation, having only 3 buttons. The natural-voice recordings can't be erased by mistake.
The Voila is available from MaxiAids and costs about $200. Extra label kits are available for $14. To order, you can go to w w w dot maxiaids dot com or call 1-800-522-6294.
New AMD Clinical Trial
In our previous issue of InSight, we focused on age-related macular degeneration. In one of the articles, we talked about ongoing research and clinical trials to look at causes, treatments and a cure for AMD. We would like to tell you about a new study that is looking for participants.
Alcon Research Ltd. is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of treatment with the investigational drug Anecortave Acetate for stopping the progression of dry AMD to wet AMD. Wet AMD is the most severe stage of the disease and the one that causes the most vision loss.
To participate in this study, a person must be 50 years of age or older, currently have (or previously had) wet AMD in one eye and have dry AMD in the other eye, with a risk of having the dry AMD progress to wet AMD.
After an initial screening visit, eligible, accepted subjects will visit an eye doctor two times per year for four years to receive the treatments and examinations. Participants enrolled in this study will not know whether they are receiving the actual drug treatment or a placebo treatment, although the chance of receiving the actual drug is 2 in 3. The treatments and study-related eye exams, including specialized photos of the retina, will be given at no cost.
For more information about this clinical study, please call toll free 1-866-692-5959 or email wetamd@inveresk.com. You can also visit w w w dot alcon labs dot com. Source: w w w dot a m d dot org.
Publishing information.
InSight is published quarterly by the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc. (Formerly Blind Work Association), 55 Washington St., Binghamton, New York, 13901. Phone: 607-724-2428, FAX: 607-771-8045. Email: avreinfo at avreus.org. Website: w w w dot a v r e u s dot org. Editor: Joyce Bucci
A.V.R.E. is a local, private, non-profit organization that is managed by 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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