BWA InSight Newsletter
Blind Work Association, Inc.
Binghamton, NY
Winter 2003; Vol. 28 No. 1

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."

"Created With Pride by Americans Who Are Blind."

In 1995, Americans held their breath while Air Force Captain Scott O’Grady waited for six days to be rescued after his plane was shot down over Bosnia. We all know the happy ending to his story, but did you know that the sponge Capt. O’Grady used to soak up the rainwater that helped keep him alive was made by people who are blind? From ballpoint pens, to cleaning products, to components for the US Army’s Kevlar helmet, agencies for the blind across the country manufacture, produce, and distribute for purchase more than 2,000 different products. Americans who are blind even supply the instrument panel lighting used on Air Force One!

These products are made and sold under the brand name SKILCRAFT, through the federal Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) program. (See The President’s Corner article, "New York’s Gift to the Nation" in the Winter 2002 issue of InSight.) The SKILCRAFT brand was introduced by National Industries for the Blind in 1952, and in 1964, NIB publicized the capabilities of people who are blind and the quality of SKILCRAFT products at the New York World’s Fair.

Over the years, BWA has manufactured a variety of items that have been sold to the federal government through the JWOD program, including pillowcases and pressboard binders. Currently, we have contracts for manila file folders of various cuts and sizes, continuous form tractor-fed computer paper, a heavy-duty type of file folder for the Farmers Home Administration; and we are the sole producer of a special Social Security Administration paper. All of these items are sold under the SKILCRAFT brand. Congressman Maurice Hinchey proudly uses our manila file folders in his Washington D. C. offices.

In addition to our SKILCRAFT items, we manufacture, for commercial sale, cut sheet paper for printers and copiers; we also do custom cutting of several types of paper, including photo paper for use with Inkjet printers. But, no matter what we do… we do it with pride. And who knows? Perhaps the plans for the rescue of Capt. O’Grady were printed on computer paper that was manufactured by employees at BWA. Now that would really be something to be proud of!  End of article.

The President’s Corner: "Surveys, surveys and more surveys!"

Every organization needs to know what people think of it. Does the general public believe that the organization has value and it is worthy of support? Do people who use its services think they are receiving quality services and are they satisfied? Can customers rely on the organization for quality products, strong customer service and timely delivery? Do employees believe that the organization values their contribution and do the employees think positively about their jobs? The best way to find out is to ask! That is just what we have done and will continue to do in the future.

BWA recently asked a group of marketing students to conduct a community and business survey. Five hundred questionnaires were sent to individuals in our community and 200 to local businesses. Better than 30 percent responded! We asked questions about who, what and where we are as well as what we do. The results are very interesting and are printed in the article titled "Survey Says." Most people have heard of us and think our services are valuable. But the responses get a little fuzzier beyond that. A large number of people think we are on Court Street and confuse us with another organization. Many people think that we receive direct government support. We receive no direct government support. The number of people the public thinks have a vision disability is significantly underestimated. There are over 8,500 people in Broome County alone and about 30,000 in our ten service counties. The survey shows that we have a lot of work to do in "Enhancing our image, visibility and reputation" in the community. This was one of the key results of our strategic planning process that I wrote about in our last newsletter.

We have some great news too! BWA took part in a national Employee Opinion survey conducted by ISR and sponsored by National Industries for the Blind (NIB). ISR is an internationally renowned research organization and NIB is our national organization. Twenty-six agencies across the country took part with over 2,300 employees responding. Employees were asked their opinions about working conditions, quality of management and supervision, value of their job, compensation and benefits, and other areas. All questionnaires were confidential. The results were then reported by organization, by all agencies for the blind as a group, and compared to general business and manufacturers in particular. Agencies for the blind outperformed both business categories and BWA outperformed them all! There are some areas we need to improve on, but the positive results are a credit to the board of directors and all employees for working hard to make this a place where people choose to work.

More good news! We regularly ask people who have a vision disability and receive our services what they think of us. Are the services of high quality, do they meet the expectations of the consumer, are they treated with respect and dignity, and are the services timely? We continue to have better than a 98% satisfaction rate! We are shooting for 100%.

Lastly, what do the companies and agencies that are our customers of products and contract services think? Again good news! For the past four years, the Federal General Services Administration, our biggest single customer, gives us a 99 percent satisfaction rating on quality, delivery, and customer services. That is the highest possible rating! Our service contract customer for our switchboard operation is talking with us about doubling the size of the contract. That could only happen if we are exceeding their expectations. Other customers tell us similar things.

We still have work to do. We will continue to ask to make sure we get even better. What do you think of us? Let us know. Robert K. Hanye, President and CEO.  End of article.

BWA Receives Grant

We are very pleased to tell you about a grant that we have received from the Roger L. Kresge Foundation. We received a total of $9200, to be used specifically for our Infants and Children’s Program. This program was begun in 1981, and has not had a major upgrade in equipment since then. With the advances in technology of all types, we were really "behind the times" in this area.

The grant will enable us to purchase new teaching equipment and tools, including a "Speech Assisted Learning System" (SAL), which is the newest device available for teaching pre-Braille and Braille skills to children as young as three. (See the article Parent to Parent.) Because we strongly feel that Braille is the key to literacy, we have also begun a lending library. We have storybooks for ages 0-5, that feature large print, Braille, and tactile illustrations that children can feel with their fingers. For ages 5-12, we have 10 new Braille books. For our youngest children and infants, we will be purchasing toys that will assist them in learning daily living and pre-mobility skills, using audio, motion, and visual stimulation.

We are extremely grateful to the Kresge Foundation for this wonderful grant, which will enhance our Children’s program for many years to come.  End of article.

The Survey Says…

These are some of the questions that were on the Community Awareness Survey, and the results. (Please see The President’s Corner, above.)
1. Have you ever heard of the Blind Work Association, Inc. before this survey? Yes: 74% No: 26%.
2. Have you ever had any contact with BWA? Yes: 47% No: 53%.
3. BWA is on which of the following Binghamton streets: Washington St.: 58%; Court St.: 38%; State St.: 4%. (The answer is: We’ve been on Washington St. since 1949, although we maintained a retail store on Court St. until 1968.)
4. Where do you think BWA receives its funding? a. State & Federal Funding: 68%; b. Manufacturing & Service Contracts: 68%; c. Fees charged to individuals: 17%; d. Donations & Contributions: 79%. (The answer is: b. and d. BWA receives no government funding and does not charge fees to individuals.)
5. What types of services do you feel BWA provides to the blind or visually impaired? Rehabilitation: 71%; Job Placement: 86%; Child Services: 34%; Craft & Activity Centers: 43%; Services for Older Persons: 44%; On-site Manufacturing employment: 80%. (The answer is: We provide everything except the Craft & Activity Centers.)
6. Have you known, or do you know someone in the community who is blind or visually impaired? Totally blind: 19%; Severely visually impaired: 46%; None: 44%.
7. How many people in the Binghamton-Broome County area do you think are totally blind or visually impaired? Less than 500: 17%; 500-999: 24%; 1000-1999: 27%; 2000-3999: 21%; 4000-8000: 11%. (The answer is: over 8,500!)  End of article.

Transportation Survey

The American Council of the Blind is taking a look at transportation problems for visually impaired people. Their Transportation Task Force is currently conducting a survey, and they want to hear "Just how personally and how negatively has inadequate transportation affected your life?" Surveys need to be completed and returned by April 28, 2003. If you would like to take part in their survey, go to their website www.acb.org  or call them at 202-467-5081.  End of article.

BWA Wish List

We are extremely grateful to an anonymous friend who has responded to our Wish List with a generous cash donation. This gift is being used to purchase mini-blinds for an office window. 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. You will receive a letter of receipt and thanks from us and a public thank you in our next newsletter. We still need the following items.

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.

Accessible Computer Software: Our new computer lab will be made available for the personal use of our visually impaired consumers and employees. The special software to make the computers more accessible costs about $1200.

Computer Desks: The computer lab also needs computer desks.

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.

Conference Room Furniture: We need nicer looking tables and upholstered, stackable chairs for our large conference-meeting room. Used items are OK, if the condition is good and clean.  End of article.

Aids For Living: A "Talking Pill Bottle!"

Attempting to read the tiny print on prescription medication containers can be difficult for everyone, and it’s a major problem for someone with a vision disability. For many, it is impossible and creates a dangerous possibility of taking either the wrong dosage or the wrong medication.

The ASKO Corporation, located in Stamford, NY, has developed an Audio Labeling System called "Aloud." Simply put, Aloud is a "talking pill bottle" that verbally speaks the prescription instructions. Medication instructions are recorded into an audio label that is attached to the medication container. When the container, containing the audio label, is placed into the Aloud player unit, the recorded information is replayed.

There are two Aloud models available. For the Model 100, the pharmacist records the instructions and attaches the label; for the Model 200, any qualified caregiver can record the information on the label. The system has three parts. Either your pharmacist or your caregiver will need an Aloud Recorder Unit. You will need one Aloud Audio Label for each of your medications and one Aloud Player Unit. The labels are re-playable and reusable, and with proper use they can be reused for many years.

The Aloud systems range from about $89.00 to $128.00, and extra audio labels are $11.95 each. Our sister agency in Utica, the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, will be assembling and testing the Aloud systems in their Industries division.

If you would like more information about the Aloud Audio Labeling System, you can contact ASKO Corporation toll free at 877-732-9227, or visit their website: www.askocorp.com.   End of article.

From Our Archives, By Joyce Bucci

With the close of WWII and the completion of a new, large building to house the "workshop", BWA was ready to face the changes that come with a time of prosperity. By its 25^th Anniversary in 1954, the Association had grown from its modest beginnings of a few employees doing hand-craft work to a fully-fledged manufacturing plant with 55 visually impaired employees. A second floor was added to the building, as well as a 2-story annex that housed a fully-staffed cafeteria where workers could enjoy a hot cooked lunch.

Eyecare America

It is claimed that by age 65, one in three Americans has some form of vision impairing disease. Many do not seek treatment because they assume it is a natural part of the aging process; others simply cannot afford to. A call to the EyeCare America – Seniors EyeCare Program could mean the difference between sight and blindness.

The program is designed for seniors, age 65 and over, who are U.S. citizens or legal residents, and have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years. It provides a comprehensive medical eye examination and up to one year of treatment for any condition diagnosed during the initial visit. There is no cost to the patient, even those who are without insurance.

The program, which is co-sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., will match callers with a participating volunteer ophthalmologist in their area. If you, or someone you know, needs medical eye-care assistance, call 1-800-222-EYES (3937).  End of article.

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

Question: Our child is going to go to kindergarten next year and she will begin to learn Braille. I have heard people talking about the SAL in connection to learning Braille. What is it?

Answer: The SAL is Speech Assisted Learning System, a multimedia Braille station. The courses introduce students to correct formats, spelling, mathematical sequencing, and special Braille symbols. Through a synthesized speech feature, the student listens to spoken tutorials and then is asked questions. The student indicates an answer by pressing on the Braille page or by typing it on the 8-dot note taker style keyboard. The SAL will then provide spoken feedback on the accuracy of the answer. A slight press on the worksheet prompts SAL to speak what is under the student’s finger. Press a word to hear it spoken, press the same word again and hear it spelled with the correct Braille contractions.

The exercises with the SAL will improve reading speed and help minimize Braille reading and writing errors. Beginning Braille readers of all ages learn to read more smoothly by not stopping at the spaces between words. Experienced Braille readers, who want to improve their skills, also benefit from these tracking exercises.

We are very fortunate to have the SAL through a grant from the Roger L. Kresge Foundation, and we will be taking it to many of our children in the next couple of months.

Whatever Works! Color and Contrast.

Using color and contrast can provide the right help for some children. Simple changes can improve a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Contrasting colors such as black and white, yellow and black, red and white, or light and dark, help objects or shapes stand out. Put a dark place mat under the child’s light-colored dinner plate or bowl. Use a dark switch plate on a light-colored wall, or make sure the doorknob contrasts with the door. Solid colors work best. Patterns, stripes or checks can blend visually and be confusing. Some children can see certain colors and not others, depending on their vision. Determine which colors work best for them.  End of article.

Santas, Santas Everywhere!

A couple of years ago, BWA employees decided that rather than exchange gifts among themselves at Holiday time, they would give gifts to children in the community. Last year, each employee brought a toy, and all were donated to Toys For Tots.

This year, we did something a little different. We became part of the Holiday gift program with the Broome County Social Services Foster Care Unit. We were provided with a list of children (first names only), their sex, age, clothing size, and what they wanted or needed the most. The Association became a building full of enthusiastic Santas! The tree in the cafeteria was nearly dwarfed by the piles of gifts. When all gifts were in, we had joyfully helped in providing happy Holidays for a total 45 local children.  End of article.

Macular Degeneration, By Rachel Agen, BWA Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Macular Degeneration (MD) is an eye condition which causes the macula (the center of the retina) to deteriorate, resulting in a gradual loss of clear central vision. It is the most common cause of vision loss in the U.S., in people over the age of 60. MD can be caused by a variety of factors, age being the most common, followed by smoking, genetics, high cholesterol, and sunlight exposure. There are several fairly rare forms that affect children and teenagers. More accurately called Macular Dystrophies, these are hereditary. Since MD only affects the central vision, it rarely causes total blindness. It varies in severity, from only a slight distortion to a total loss of central vision, making reading and driving very difficult or impossible.

There are two types of MD: dry and wet. Dry MD is the most common, affecting 90% of those with this condition. This type deteriorates gradually and is less severe. It usually occurs in one eye first and may eventually affect the other. There are no treatment options for dry MD.

Wet MD affects only about 10%, but it is responsible for about 90% of all severe vision loss from MD. It is characterized by the formation of new blood vessels in the retina, which are fragile and break and bleed. This causes damage to the macula. There are two proven treatments for this type: laser treatment and photodynamic therapy, which is a cold laser used along with a light-sensitive drug. In both treatments, the attempt is made to seal and slow the progression of the abnormal blood vessels.

It is important to see your eye-care specialist once a year to protect and preserve your sight.  End of article.

Look What They Did! By Annie van der Wal, BWA Social Caseworker

When someone is faced with a vision impairment, life can be lived to its fullest. You can have independence, equality, and an active role in society. Many people who experience vision impairment or blindness have "reached for the stars" and caught them. It may or may not surprise you to know that those who experience vision loss can do almost everything that those with normal sight can do. It is possible to be musicians, teachers, lawyers, writers, politicians, parents, students, athletes, painters, business men and women, machine operators, and more. Here is a short list of people you might have heard about.

Helen Keller was 19 months old when she lost both her sight and hearing, due to an illness. She went on to graduate from Radcliffe College, becoming the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Helen wrote many books about her life, gave lectures, and campaigned for better working and living conditions for the blind worldwide.

Louis Braille became blind at the age of three, due to an accident, and later developed the Braille alphabet and reading system.

Claude Monet, the French impressionist painter, began to lose his sight as he grew older, because of cataracts, but continued to pursue his painting career.

Fanny Crosby was blinded by an illness at the age of six weeks. She became a famous hymn writer (composing over 3,000) and was a teacher at the first school for the blind in New York City.

Jacobus Ten Broek lost his sight in a bow and arrow accident when he was a young boy. He earned a doctorate degree in law, taught law at the University of Chicago, and was recognized as a national authority in the field of Constitutional law. Mr. Ten Broek began the National Federation of the Blind.

Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Ronnie Milsap are all current, well-known musicians who compose music, play instruments, sing, and make recordings.

Steven King is a popular writer of horror-suspense fiction who has macular degeneration.

Marla Runyan is a runner who has Stargardt’s disease and a very limited ability to see what is in front of her. Yet, she became the first legally blind athlete to compete in an Olympic event in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Australia. Marla placed 8th in the 1500 meter track event, a mere 3.2 seconds behind the gold medalist.

Erik Weihenmayer was born with a degenerative eye disorder that left him blind by the age of 13. He has accomplished what many sighted people could not: He has climbed to the top of Mt. Everest! He plans to climb the highest mountain on each continent, and there is little doubt that he will do it.

All of these people had a dream and worked hard to achieve it. In our own community there are quite a number of successful people who have a vision impairment and continue to live life to the fullest. Possibilities can be realized, goals can be met, and dreams can be achieved.  End of article.

Leave The Driving To Them

Both Greyhound and Trailways bus companies offer some special services to their traveling customers with disabilities, as required by the Americans With Disabilities Act. Whether you are traveling alone, with a Personal Care Attendant, or with a service dog, they will provide assistance with boarding and deboarding buses, luggage transport, transfers, and stowage and retrieval of mobility devices.

If you require assistance of a personal nature, which bus company personnel are not required to provide, you may travel with a Personal Care Attendant. Your attendant may be issued a free ticket to travel with you; however, the program does have strict guidelines and a doctor’s statement may be required.

If you plan to travel by bus, and will need assistance, there are several key things you must do:

1. Contact the bus company at least 48 hours prior to your departure. This gives them time to make any necessary arrangements. It is always a good idea to call again, one to two days after the initial call, to confirm the arrangements.

2. Provide the phone operator with information about your specific travel needs and your schedule. The operator can arrange assistance at your departure station; meal, rest, and transfer stops; and at your final destination.

3. Inform bus company employees of your needs during your trip. Even though you have phoned in advance, you must make busline personnel aware of your needs throughout your trip.

For more specific details on traveling with mobility aids, such as walkers and wheelchairs; breathing aids, such as portable oxygen and respirators; or with service/guide dogs, you may contact the bus companies. For information, or to schedule assistance with Greyhound Lines, call toll-free: 1-800-752-4841. For New York Trailways, call toll-free: 1-800-858-8555. Our thanks to Kay Rhinebeck for telling us about these advantages.   End of article.

Employee News

BWA’s Safety Committee has been hard at work on updating our safety plans and practices to enhance a safe work environment for the entire facility. As part of this, four employees recently completed and passed a formal, in-house fork-lift training program. Among those who are now certified fork-lift driver-operators is our President and CEO, Bob Hanye!

We were pleased to have Bethany Warner here with us for about a month. She is studying Occupational Therapy at Keuka College, and was fulfilling an internship requirement for her studies.  End of article.

Welcome Aboard!

BWA extends a warm welcome to the following new employees: Michael Kirk, who is employed at one of our VA Hospital switchboards in the Hudson Valley; and George Carris, our new employee in our on-site Industries manufacturing department.  End of article.

It’s A Strike!

Are you looking for a way to get some winter-time exercise, while staying warm? Are you looking for a way to socialize with others who have a vision impairment? Bowling may be the answer. Yes… Blind Bowling!

Bowling is an extremely popular indoor sport in this country, and the American style of bowling, or 10-pin bowling, was derived from the British sport of lawn bowling. About the middle part of the twentieth century, indoor bowling became popular among blind and visually impaired individuals. The first national tournament for blind bowlers was held in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1947, and today the American Blind Bowling Association has over 2,000 members in more than 125 leagues across the U.S. and Canada.

Broome County has had a Blind Bowling League since 1949, and currently there are two. The "American Legion Post #80" League is a singles league that has about 15 members and actively takes part in State and National tournaments. They bowl at the Legion Post in Binghamton. The "Triple Cities Blind Bowlers" is a smaller singles league, having about 6 active members. They bowl at Laurel Lanes in Binghamton, and last year they won a 1st place award at the State tournament. Both teams are made up of both visually impaired and sighted bowlers.

Most of us know that the key to bowling a good game is to keep the ball on the lane and out of the gutter, hopefully knocking down some pins in the process. Blind bowlers use a guide to orient them to the position of the lane and the gutters. An aluminum or wood guide rail, approximately hip-height, is placed in line with the left gutter. The bowler stands next to the rail and slides a hand along the rail, as the approach steps are taken. Like all bowlers, blind bowlers vary in their approach and throwing style. Seasoned blind bowlers can make the slightest adjustments in their placement and consistently pick up the "spare." There are even some long-time bowlers who say they can tell what pins are still standing by the sound of the ball’s impact.

Sighted spotters generally tell the blind bowler which pins are still standing, and the bowler can then determine where to aim. Many spotters bowl right along with the blind bowler; in fact, sighted bowlers are very welcome.

Bowling is a good form of moderate exercise that can be enjoyed year round, and the nature of blind bowling promotes social and competitive interaction among blind, visually impaired, and sighted bowlers. So if you are visually impaired and would like to bowl, come on out. And bring a sighted friend. It’s lots of fun!

If you would like more information about joining a Blind Bowling League, you can contact Nancy McGovern, for the Triple Cities Blind Bowlers League; or Florence Milne, for the American Legion Post #80 League.  Both can be reached through BWA at 607-724-2428.  End of article.

Alternate Billing Formats

If you have difficulty seeing and reading your utility bills, there are alternatives available to help you. Most utility companies offer the option of receiving your bills in large print format, and some even offer them in Braille.

Verizon offers both large print and Braille bills. You can contact your local Customer Service Center to request the service or call 1-800-974-6006. If you are an AT&T customer and would like to have your monthly statement in Braille or large print, call toll-free 1-800-222-0300. If you use another telephone company, you should call them to ask if they offer these options. NYSEG offers "Sight Saver Billing" in large print but not in Braille. You can call 1-800-572-1111 or 607-762-7200 to request it.  End of article.

Directory and Dialing Assistance

Many phone companies, such as Verizon, provide free directory assistance and dial-operator privileges to customers who are blind. Call your phone company to ask if this service is offered.  End of article.

Thanks For Caring

BWA would like to thank the following individuals and organizations who went above and beyond the call of duty to assist us in our efforts: Mr. Mike Colesten of Don’s Automotive Mall, Mr. David French of French’s Interstate Auto Parts, and Mr. Gary Vegell of Gary’s U-Pull-It, Inc. for their thoughtful and generous donations of Thanksgiving turkeys for our Industries employees. Also to Ms. Diana Rhynehart of Lander Co., Inc. for generously donating an assortment of personal care products to our Industries employees during the holidays.  End of article.

Fact or Fiction?

Statement: "All blind people read Braille."

Fiction! It is estimated that only about 10% of people who are legally blind read Braille. Because of the differences between Braille and print, as well as the need to be able to distinguish fine detail by touch, some who lose their vision later in life find it difficult to learn. But it can be done! Many use large print or audio-taped publications as an alternative.  End of article.

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, Diane McMillan, Annie van der Wal. 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."
End of newsletter.

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