a PDF version of The Beacon

www.SeeGreatThings.com
All About
WHAT’S
THE
LATEST
On Page 3
Issue 2
Spring 2014
The Beacon
Contributors
A. Gidget Hopf, Ed.D.
Nancy Nealon, LMSW
Rene Latorre
Editor &
Layout
Todd Pipitone, APR
The Beacon
is published several
times a year.
For additional copies
in print, in Braille, by
email or audio, or to
be removed from our
mailing list, contact
ABVI’s Marketing
Department.
(585) 232-1111
www.SeeGreatThings.com
ABVI is accredited
by the Commission
on Accreditation of
Rehabilitation Facilities
(CARF).
Funding is provided
by the New York State
Commission for the Blind
and the United Way of
Greater Rochester.
ABVI Earns
CARF Accreditation
ABVI has once again earned accreditation for a period of three
years by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation
Facilities (CARF). Three surveyors were at ABVI from February
10 –11. They conducted a thorough review of: ABVI’s business
practices and also applied governance standards; Vision
Rehabilitation service delivery; and employment/job placement
services. CARF is an independent, not-for-profit accrediting
body whose mission is to promote the quality, value and
optimal outcomes. CARF accredits more than 5,000 human
services agencies worldwide.
Moving Forward by
Adapting Physical Activities
Children with vision loss, and those with
vision loss and additional disabilities, often
lag behind their peers in motor skills, fitness,
and sports performance. Teachers, parents,
and other members of the multidisciplinary
team must work together to support them
in gaining skills equivalent to their same-age
peers.
ABVI partnered with Dr. Lauren Lieberman
from The SUNY College at Brockport to
present “Moving Forward: Physical Activity
Programming for Children with Vision Loss
and Additional Disabilities.” Lieberman,
who is the founder and Director of Camp
Abilities lead the workshop. The intent of
the workshop was to help K-12 physical
educators, special educators, teachers
of the visually impaired, orientation and
mobility specialists, recreation personnel,
OT/PTs, para-educators and parents learn
how they can adapt physical activities and
strengthen their instruction of children with
vision loss and additional disabilities.
“The workshop was an overwhelming
success. We had over 80 people attend,”
Nancy Nealon, VP of Vision Rehabilitation at
ABVI said.
A publication of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)
1
Challenging CHANGE:
A Letter From GIDGET
It seems that businesses rarely use the word
“problems” anymore. Problems are things to be
solved, like a puzzle, where there is always just one
piece that fits. Today’s problems cannot be solved so
easily.
Rather than problems, we face challenges. When
we talk about challenges, we acknowledge that
our environment is too complex to have one simple
solution for every problem. It makes sense. Social,
economic, and political issues impact all businesses
today whether they are for profit or not-for-profit.
That these issues occur at a local, regional, national
and global level, add even greater complexity.
The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(ABVI) is not immune to the forces that all businesses
face today. Take our tried and true employment
program. For decades we have employed people
who are blind under the Javits-Wagner O’Day Act,
more commonly known as the AbilityOne Program.
By producing products like self-stick notes, uniforms
for the military, cleaning products and other items
for our Federal Government, our employees have
enjoyed job stability, great wages, benefits, and
a great quality of life. Through the years we have
weathered many changes to the program including
how the government purchases its products.
This past year was especially challenging due to
sequestration and the unexpected government
shutdown. We have been agile and progressive,
even earning ISO accreditation to maintain our
leading edge and to stay on top of major shifts in
government buying patterns and requirements.
We are proud of the fact that we have avoided
permanent layoffs.
All of this is being threatened today because of
a significant Government decision. The General
Services Administration (GSA) intends to privatize
its long-standing distribution business, which is the
primary way our products get to our customers. The
AbilityOne Program by law is a mandatory program.
Government customers do not have legal leeway to
bypass the program. Once approved for the program
(a rigorous vetting process), AbilityOne Products are
mandatory purchase. AbilityOne Program participants
are concerned that this privatization will result in the
loss of thousands of jobs of people who are blind or
have other disabilities. While the GSA understands its
requirements to purchase and distribute AbilityOne
Products, we are concerned that a private company
will not understand and support the program even
with the law as it is. For years the law has not been
strongly enforced and over time more and more
government customers and private distributors have
been bypassing the program with the result of many
jobs being lost.
We are working at all levels of government to insure
that the AbilityOne Program is preserved. We need to
make sure that GSA builds in strong protections for
the sale and distribution of our products. Thousands
of people who are blind across the country are
depending on us.
Everyday ABVI is making a difference in the lives
of hundreds of individuals in our community; in
fact, we are changing lives. At ABVI we believe
that not only is there life after blindness, but
there is happiness as well. It is this core belief
that drives us to overcome our challenges,
whatever they may be.
Multimedia Center at
The Multimedia Center at ABVI features a large selection
of materials in multiple formats, including braille and large
print books, audio described movies, and audio books.
Tactile children’s books are also available. All of the items
in the library are available to borrow free of charge.
ABVI
The Multimedia Center at ABVI operates on only the
power of volunteers – a small group of very skilled and
dedicated women – affectionately known as the Library
Ladies. The Library Ladies staff the Multimedia Center
every Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
If you are interested in learning more, please call (585)
697-5798 and leave a message that will be returned as
soon as possible, or visit http://www.seegreatthings.
com/Resources/MultiMediaCenter.aspx.
A publication of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)
2
ABVI Plans Future Filled with
EMPOWERING Events
By Nancy Nealon, LMSW
Vice President of Vision Rehabilitation
placement opportunities for paid
Since our last Beacon newsletter,
work experiences for teens with
everyone in ABVI’s Vision
vision loss. Vision Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Center of Excellence
Teachers, Orientation and Mobility
has been busy planning and
Specialists, along with many others
carrying out various activities and
from the department are planning the
events to provide you with the
8th year of our week long residential
world-class vision rehabilitation and
experience for teens with vision loss
related services ABVI is known for.
at Nazareth College. Children 10 to
Listed below are a few of the major
13 years old have a special program
highlights for the coming months:
that offers them an introductory look
at jobs and careers through our
Construction has begun on the
Career Explorer’s Program. And lastly,
much-anticipated Outdoor Mobility
we will once again hold our longTraining Area and Children’s
time children’s day camp program,
Playground. This exciting addition
Summer Sizzle, in our new Children’s
to our campus will provide an
Center with the above-mentioned
entirely new level of programming
Children’s Playground, right outside
possibilities right outside of the
the door.
new Vision Rehabilitation Center.
We will now have our own private
New and innovative technologies
garden and play area. We will also
are an area we work hard to keep
have a private, specially designed
up with. We will be hosting our 3rd
training space as a starting point for
annual “What’s the Latest” on June
learning safe white cane travel.
3rd. More details are available within
the newsletter. We invite you to join
Our Employment and Technology
us and check out new devices and
Team is working hard to locate job
technologies that provide more
accessibility for individuals with vision
loss.
The Vision Rehabilitation Department
also considers education for staff,
the individuals we serve, and
the community as an important
priority. With that in mind we will
be launching a new community
education series in the fall.
Professionals, volunteers, neighbors,
family members and others interact
with individuals who are blind or
visually impaired on a day to day
basis. The more information and
sensitivity building we can do for the
communities, the more we do to
promote our mission.
We thank you for taking the time
to read the Beacon. This is an
important communication vehicle for
all our stakeholders. We welcome
your comments and suggestions.
Don’t Miss ABVI’s
What’s the LATEST
The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
(ABVI) is encouraging everyone to learn from
technology experts and tech vendors about the latest
in adaptive technology at the 2014 What’s the Latest
expo.
The What’s the Latest expo takes place from 2:00 to
6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, at The Association for
the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) at 422 South
Clinton Avenue in Rochester.
Learn more about adaptive technology – like
recording devices, screen readers, and braille displays
– from the people that know the products the best.
The event is free and open to the public. For more
information, please call (585) 697-5754 or visit ABVI’s
web site at www.SeeGreatThings.com.
We look forward to seeing you there!
A publication of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)
3
Upcoming EVENTS
Registration is required for participation in all ABVI recreational
programming. To register for any of the following events, please contact
JoAnn Vaccaro at (585) 327-5520.
May
30 GUIDED TOUR OF THE
HIGH FALLS CENTER AND
INTERPRETIVE MUSEUM
High Falls Center
60 Brown’s Race
Time: 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
What: Located in the heart
of the historic Brown’s Race
neighborhood, the High Falls
Visitors Center and Museum offers
something for everyone. Whether
you’re visiting Rochester for the first
time or are a long-time resident, the
interactive museum and welcome
center provides and inviting place
to learn something new about
local history through interpretive
displays, artwork, photographs, and
artifacts. The beautifully refurbished
19th-century waterworks building
that houses the center is a living
museum in its own right. Visitors
begin their journey in pre-historic
Rochester at the base of a simulated
glacier and end it by returning to
the present day. Discover how
the city was settled and the ways
in which people employed water
power to transform the region into
an industrial boomtown. Weather
permitting, this tour will include a
quarter mile outdoor walk.
Cost: There is no fee for this event.
If needed, transportation can be
arranged for $10 (within Monroe
County)
RSVP: By Friday, May 23
Space is limited, and reservations
will be taken on a first come, first
served basis.
Please RSVP
to
JoAnn Vaccaro
at
(585) 327–5520
or
[email protected]
June
2
THE PAGETURNER’S
BOOK CLUB
Colie’s Sidewalk Café
Pittsford Plaza
3349 Monroe Ave.
Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
What: The Pageturner’s Book Club
is a once monthly club that accepts
members on an ongoing basis.
Please call about transportation
options, and assistance with
obtaining audio books. The book the
group will be discussing this month
is The Witches of Eastwick by John
Updike.
RSVP: by Monday, May 26
ARE MERRY SENIORS
11 WE
(WAMS)
Lindburgers
2157 Penfield Rd.
Time: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
What: This lively over 60 club
meets monthly for lunch and a
special program. The programs
include health and wellness, music,
community resource presentations,
games and much more. In June,
the group will be dining out at
Lindburgers.
Cost: Participants are responsible
for bringing their own money to
cover the cost of their lunch plus
gratuity.
RSVP: by Wednesday, June 4
CAN YOU NAME 5? (GAME)
12 ABVI
500 S. Clinton Ave.
Time: 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
What: Can you name 5 things that
could make a person sneeze? How
about 5 TV dads, or horror movie
monsters? Come play Name 5 an
outrageous party game that is sure
to have you racking your brain for
at least 5 of the right answers. This
game will be adapted to be played in
teams. Pizza will be served.
Cost: $3 for pizza. If needed,
transportation can be arranged
within Monroe County for an
additional $10.
RSVP: by Thursday, June 5
SERIES: EAT SMART
17 M.I.N.D.
NEW YORK!
ABVI
500 S. Clinton Ave.
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
What: Learn how to stretch your
food dollars, plan and prepare quick
meals, and learn to make healthy
choices for you and your family!
Presented by Rose Sweeney of
the Cornell University Cooperative
Extension of Monroe County.
RSVP: by Thursday, June 12
A BRACELET OF
19 CREATE
WOOD OR STONE (JEWELRY
MAKING)
Let’s Bead
349 West Commercial St.
Time: 10:15 am - 11:45 am
What: Create your very own
bracelet using a combination of
semi-precious stones, wood beads,
brass spacer, and accent beads on
thick brown elastic chord that can
be slipped on and off the wrist. This
class will be taught by a professional
at Let’s Bead.
Cost: $10 for the class and
materials. If needed, transportation
can be arranged for an additional
$10 (within Monroe County).
RSVP: by Tuesday, June 3
Space is limited and reservations will
be taken on a first come, first served
basis.
LISTENING ROOM
27 2014
CONCERT SERIES FEATURING
KINLOCH NELSON
ABVI
500 S. Clinton Ave.
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
What: Kinloch Nelson performs live
at ABVI. Nelson, a solo finger style
guitarist/singer, creates a synthesis
of folk, jazz, classical, American pop
music, and original compositions.
His programs range from Bach to
the blues and everything in between.
Cost: $5 (includes concert and
dessert) Registration is required.
If needed, transportation within
Monroe County is available for an
additional $10.
RSVP: by Friday, June 20
This concert series is made
possible by a generous donation
from the Joseph Rippey Trust.
A publication of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)
4
Upcoming EVENTS
Registration is required for participation in all ABVI recreational
programming. To register for any of the following events, please contact
JoAnn Vaccaro at (585) 327-5520.
July
7
DESCRIBED MOVIE
18 AUDIO
NIGHT: THE ADJUSTMENT
BUREAU STARRING MATT
DAMON AND EMILY BLUNT
THE PAGETURNER’S BOOK
CLUB
ABVI
500 S. Clinton Ave.
Colie’s Sidewalk Cafe
Pittsford Plaza
3349 Monroe Ave.
Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
What: The Pageturner’s Book Club
is a once monthly club that accepts
members on an ongoing basis.
Please call about transportation
options, and assistance with
obtaining audio books. The book the
group will be discussing this month
is Gilead by Marilynne Robinson.
RSVP: by Monday, June 30
9
Time: 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
What: Do we control our destiny,
or do unforeseen forces manipulate
us? A man glimpses the future Fate
has planned for him and realizes he
wants something else. To get it, he
must pursue – across, under, and
through the streets of modern-day
New York – the only woman he’s
ever loved.
Pizza and refreshments will be
served.
Cost: $3 for pizza. If needed,
transportation can be arranged for
an additional $10 (within Monroe
County).
RSVP: by Friday, July 11
WE ARE MERRY SENIORS
(WAMS)
Cracker Barrel
2075 Hylan Drive, Henrietta
Time: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
What: This lively over 60 club
meets monthly for lunch and a
special program. The programs
include health and wellness, music,
community resource presentations,
games and much more. During
July, the group will be dining out at
Cracker Barrel.
Cost: Participants are responsible
for bringing their own money to
cover the cost of their lunch plus
gratuity.
OF THE NEW
23 DEBUT
OUTDOOR MOBILITY
TRAINING AREA AT ABVI AND
LUNCH!
ABVI
500 S. Clinton Ave.
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
What: Come be the first to tour the
new Outdoor Mobility Training Area
at ABVI and enjoy a summer lunch
under the outdoor pergola. Lunch
will be boxed lunches from the ABVI
Food Services department.
Cost: $5 for lunch. If needed,
transportation can be arranged for
an additional $10 (within Monroe
County).
RSVP: by Wednesday, July 16
RSVP: by Wednesday, July 2
15
M.I.N.D. SERIES: MEMORY
ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES
ABVI
500 S. Clinton Ave.
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
What: Take a look at the mechanism
of memory and learn easy
techniques to improve your memory.
Learn how to stimulate your brain to
keep it sharp now and in the future.
We will also discuss the difference
between normal forgetfulness and
Alzheimer’s disease. Presented by
Cheryl Minchelle of MVP Healthcare.
RSVP: by Thursday, July 10
Please RSVP to
JoAnn Vaccaro
(585) 327-5520
or
[email protected]
August
4
THE PAGETURNER’S BOOK
CLUB
Colie’s Sidewalk Cafe
Pittsford Plaza
3349 Monroe Ave.
Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
What: The Pageturner’s Book Club
is a once monthly club that accepts
members on an ongoing basis.
Please call about transportation
options, and assistance with
obtaining audio books. The book the
group will be discussing this month
is The Elegance of the Hedgehog by
Muriel Barbery.
RSVP: by Monday, July 28
6
CONCERT BY THE SHORE
FEATURING THE INVICTAS
Ontario Beach State Park
180 Beach Ave.
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
What: Bring a lawn chair and enjoy
an evening at Ontario Beach State
Park listening to the original rock n’
roll of the Invictas, a rock n’ roll show
born in the 60s.
Cost: There is no charge for this
concert. Participants are responsible
for bringing their own money for
food vendors, if desired. If needed,
transportation is available for $10
(within Monroe County).
RSVP: By Wednesday, July 30
ARE MERRY SENIORS
13 WE
(WAMS)
The Olive Garden
532 Jefferson Rd., Henrietta
Time: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
What: This lively over 60 club
meets monthly for lunch and a
special program. The programs
include health and wellness, music,
community resource presentations,
games and much more. During
August, the group will be dining out
at the Olive Garden.
Cost: Participants are responsible
for bringing their own money to
cover the cost of their lunch plus
gratuity.
RSVP: by Wednesday, August 6
SERIES: ALL ABOUT
19 M.I.N.D.
APPLES!
ABVI
500 S. Clinton Ave.
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
What: Learn all about apples – how
they really CAN keep the doctor
away, different varieties, and tips
for cooking and baking. Delicious
recipes will be provided. Presented
by Suzanne Feather of MVP
Healthcare
RSVP: by Thursday, August 14
PICNIC
23 SUMMER
Buckland Lodge
1341 Westfall Rd., Brighton
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm
What: Enjoy summer with a picnic
and games. Hot dogs, hamburgers,
potato salad, salad and dessert will
be served.
Cost: $5 per person for lunch.
If needed, transportation can be
arranged for $10 (within Monroe
County).
RSVP: by Monday, August 11
A publication of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)
5
Strategies for
Effective Advocacy
By Rene Latorre
Director of Advocacy & Consumer Affairs
What is advocacy?
Advocacy is the act of pleading or arguing in favor of
something, such as a cause, idea, or policy. You can
advocate on behalf of yourself or for another individual or
group of individuals.
Why is advocacy important?
Advocacy is important because it is important to speak
up for yourself and to stand up for what you believe in.
Advocacy educates the public, often resolves the issue, and
sets the stage for others who follow in your footsteps.
There are many different styles of advocacy and selfadvocacy. It is common to feel very passionate about the
issue you are advocating for, so it is easy to get caught up
in the heat of the moment and act out of anger or hostility.
Although the squeaky wheel get the grease, there are many
ways to be a squeaky wheel. Some may disagree, but it is
my opinion that advocating aggressively or in anger rarely
works. It may seem effective at the moment, but many times
it puts others on the defensive, potentially erupting into an
unnecessary battle. It is possible to be assertive, polite and
professional without backing down from your position.
Everyone advocates for themselves or someone else at
one time or another. Whether you are an individual with a
disability advocating for your rights, a parent advocating for
your child at a CSE meeting, or a constituent contacting
your elected representative about a legislative issue, there
are some general strategies to keep in mind for effective
advocacy.
Effective Advocacy Strategies
– Do your homework
– Document by writing a letter or email
– Be prepared to provide justification
– Be specific
– Make your position personal
– Be confident
– Always respond honestly
– Practice good communication skills
– Go through proper channels
– Choose your advocate carefully
– Be sure to say “Thank you!”
– Be patient
Advocacy can be very exhausting and feel like an ongoing struggle that never ends. It is actually a good sign that
change is about to happen when your position is challenged
or you are asked to provide more information or proof. You
should be more concerned when your policy maker is quick
to offer support without asking questions. It is also common
to feel like the fight is not worth it. Keep in mind that your
cause is worth the work, and that with perseverance you can
achieve your advocacy goals.
“You will face your greatest opposition when you are
closest to your biggest miracle.”
– Shannon L. Alder
A publication of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)
6
FALL Prevention is A Matter
Of Balance at ABVI
Many older adults experience concerns about falling and
restrict their activities as a result. A MATTER OF BALANCE
is an award-winning evidence-based program designed
to manage falls and increase activity levels. In particular, it
emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls.
“It is a great program to strengthen your core, which will
help with your balance,” says Lois, a participant in the first
session ABVI held during the spring.
“The exercises are easy
to do at home.”
– Lois
ABVI, in partnership with Lifespan, will host another session
of the 8-week program beginning on September 15. The
program will be held once a week for eight weeks, until
November 3. It will take place at ABVI’s Vision Rehabilitation
Center of Excellence at 500 South Clinton Avenue.
Anyone who is concerned about falls or has fallen in the
past; is interested in improving balance, flexibility and
strength; or who has restricted activities because of falling
concerns is encouraged to attend the session beginning in
September.
Attendees will learn to: view falls as controllable; set goals
for increasing activity; make changes to reduce fall risks at
home; and exercise to increase strength and balance.
Participants in the spring session commented that they had
learned so much during the sessions. They said they are
no longer afraid to fall and that they learned how to prevent
falls, and what to do in the event that they do fall.
The cost for the upcoming session is $20. Interested
individuals should RSVP by Monday, September 8 to
Lauri Bradstreet at (585) 697-5739. Low vision and audio
materials will be available.
A publication of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)
7
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Rochester, NY
Permit No. 867
The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired –
Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, INC
422 South Clinton Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620
Vision Rehabilitation
EVENTS HOTLINE
Have you ever wanted to find out what upcoming adult recreation events were
scheduled, or where the next Parent Support group was going to take place; or even
who to contact for information about the Adjustment to Vision Loss Support Groups?
Well now you can call in to ABVI’s Vision Rehabilitation Events hotline to find out!
(585) 327-5553
Follow the voice prompts to
listen to all of the upcoming
events hosted by the Vision
Rehabilitation Department.
The
InSight
SHOP
Open Monday through Friday
from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
(585) 232-1111
ABVI’s InSight Shop offers a large selection of talking and large print timepieces, kitchen aids, large button
telephones, large print calendars and check registers, lamps, writing guides, games, and much, much more!
The InSight Shop is located in ABVI’s Vision Rehabilitation Department, 500 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY.
Have a question about adaptive equipment, or are you in need of a large print calendar? If so, call the InSight Shop
or stop in, and one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff members will be more than happy to help you.
A publication of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)
8