49th Annual Louis Braille Awards - Associated Services for the Blind

ASB thanks Open Gate, a consulting and technology
marketing company, and owner Alec Elmore, for
awarding us a service grant to re-develop and construct our
new website. ASB saved an estimated $20,000 in costs. The
site is beautifully designed, offering many new features
including a Members Only section which allow users access
to news feeds, forums, a community builder, and newsletters.
Pictures and stories are larger
and easier to view. The new site is
easily accessible to both sighted
and blind users allowing braille
and audio books to be easily
purchased online.
Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired
919 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
49th Annual Louis Braille Awards
Inside this issue...
• From the desk of Patricia C.
Johnson .............................. page 2
• Client spotlight:
Lavera Diggins - Client Success
Story .................................... page 2
• ASB News .........................page 3
• Volunteer Voice ........ pages 4-5
• Development News ..... page 6
Recorded Periodicals  Custom & Production Braille  Radio Information Center for the
Blind  Computer Technology Center  Philadelphia Lighthouse of the Blind  Latino
Outreach  Specialized Services & Rehabilitation  Volunteers  Hands-on Gardening
ASB VISIONS
VISIONS
FREE MATTER
FOR THE BLIND
• Events calendar ............ page 7
FAST FACTS:
 368,885 people in the
state of Pennsylvania are
blind or visually impaired.*
 40,000 people are
blind or visually impaired
in Philadelphia County.*
 ASB serves 20,000
blind and visually impaired
people annually.
ASB Visions is available in braille, cassette,
or on the web at www.asb.org.
 1/3 of ASB's staff is
blind or visually impaired.
*Source: National Health Interview Survey
on Disability
ASSOCIATED SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
February 2009
newsletter of associated services for the blind and visually impaired
www.asb.org
Visit Our New Website!
www.asb.org
(Left to Right) WHYY Host, Ed Cunningham; Master of Ceremonies, Connie Colla; Singing Sensation,
Timmy Kelly; ASB President and CEO, Patricia C. Johnson; Keynote Speaker and Individual Award
Recipient, Isaac Lidsky; ASB Chairman of the Board, Dr. Roy Fitzgerald and Honorary Chairman,
Dr. Robert L. Barchi, President of Thomas Jefferson University
The 49th Annual Louis Braille Awards Ceremony was held at the
Union League on Friday, January 30th, 2009. Honorary Chairman
Robert Barchi, M.D., Ph.D., President of Thomas Jefferson
University, welcomed attendees saying, “Through a range of
services and community partnerships, Associated Services for the
Blind helps people with low vision cope, adapt and live, so that
blindness is no longer a barrier.”
The crowd was awed by singing sensation Timmy Kelly,
performing the Star-Spangled Banner. U.S. Supreme Court law
clerk, Isaac Lidsky, was the Individual Award Recipient. The
Honorable Lynne Abraham introduced Lidsky, with appreciation
of Timmy’s moving rendition of the National Anthem. “When
I hear Tim Kelly, my heart sings, when I listen to Mr. Lidsky,
my soul will fly.” WHYY host and producer Ed Cunningham
presented a very surprised MC, Connie Colla, with a Special
Recognition Award, for her many years of dedicated service to ASB.
Lidsky summed up the event in his acceptance speech. “Our goal
today is nothing short of meaningful, independent, fulfilled lives
for the blind: a world in which blind people can achieve anything
that they want to do, anything that a sighted person could do.”
With the applause Lidsky received, all of the Louis Braille Awards
Ceremony attendees were in agreement.
ASSOCIATED SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
From the desk
of Patricia C.
Johnson...
I would also like to congratulate Connie
Colla on receiving the Louis Braille
Special Recognition Award. We thank her
for her many years of service to ASB. The
supporters of the Louis Braille Awards
Ceremony help promote independence and
self-esteem for our nearly 20,000 clients.
I am very happy to
announce the success
of ASB’s 49th Annual
Louis Braille Awards Ceremony! The true
essence of the Louis Braille Awards is the Thank you to all Louis Braille participants
opportunity to recognize those who have and attendees!
exceeded expectations and embraced
opportunities to provide a better quality of
life for individuals who are blind or visually
impaired.
Honorary Chairman, Robert L. Barchi, M.D.,
Ph.D., is a true visionary and a genuine asset
to both Thomas Jefferson University and
to the larger community. Performer Timmy
C. Johnson, ASB
Kelly is an inspiration to individuals who Patricia
President and CEO and Dr. Robert
are blind or visually impaired. It was a L. Barchi, President of Thomas
Jefferson University
privilege to be on the same stage with this
year's Individual Award Recepient and
Patricia C. Johnson, ASB President and
Keynote Speaker Isaac Lidsky. His energy is
CEO, Ed Cunningham, WHYY Host and
as contagious as his accomplishments are
Connie Colla, Special Recognition Award
Recipient
impressive.
Lavera Diggins: Client Success Story!
Lavera Diggins of Philadelphia, PA came to Associated Services for the
Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB) as a client in 1978. Thirty years later,
Lavera is still an active participant in ASB’s programs and services.
Lavera Diggins taking a break
at the "Hands On" Garden.
While attending classes at ASB, Lavera wanted to be actively involved
in all she could. Most importantly, Lavera realized she wanted to help
– help those going through similar situations and help those who wanted
to regain their independence. Raising children gave Lavera experience
teaching, and she found it was something she enjoyed. Lavera began
volunteering to teach braille to individuals who wanted to learn.
Lavera is also a member of ASB’s multi-award winning "Hands On"
gardening club.
In her spare time, Lavera is a member of the Nevilaires, a group
of blind and visually impaired individuals who travel within the
community to sing for those in nursing homes and community centers.
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ASSOCIATED SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these
exciting events happening at ASB in
the months ahead!
March 27, 2009
15th Annual Guide Dog Appreciation Day
ASB pays tribute to the tireless and hard-working canine
companions who make it possible for so many people
- including ASB clients and staff members - to lead
independent lives. Visiting Guide Dogs are treated with
extra TLC on Guide Dog Day.
April 24, 2009
26th Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
To express our gratitude to ASB's 200 hard working
and dedicated volunteers, we will host the 26th Annual
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at the DoubleTree
Hotel located at Broad and Locust Streets as a way
to say "Thank You". The luncheon will be held from
11:45AM to 2PM. Call 215.627.0600, x3275 or visit
our website at www.asb.org for more information.
June 16, 2009
5th Annual Vision Cup Golf Tournament
The 5th Annual Vision Cup Tournament will be held at
The ACE Club in Lafayette Hill, PA. Space is limited so
be sure to reserve your spot early! Call 215.627.0600,
x3242 or visit our website at www.asb.org.
Estate Planning
Prepare for the future, organize the present
and take care of the past with Estate Planning.
Your generous donations will help to provide services
to our clients. By writing a bequest for ASB through
wills, annuities, life income planning, life
insurance or other vehicles, you can collect tax
deductions. The blind and visually impaired
clients of ASB will continue to be cared for,
through your thoughtful Estate Planning.
Board of Directors
Dr. Roy G. Fitzgerald
Chairman
Patricia C. Johnson
Chief Executive Officer & President
Kevin E. Brown
Cynthia Fastman
Frank Gable
Francis R. Grebe
Deborah Groeber, Esq.
Robert Groom
Joanne Malatesta-Davidoff
Patrick McGuigan
Constance C. Moore
Albert E. Piscopo
Russell G. Redenbaugh
Brent Roehrs
Leonard P. Sayles
Arthur Seidner, Esq.
R. Thomas Unkefer
Robert Winthrop
Leonard Wolberg
Advisory Board
Sanford Bruck
Patricia Clutz
Connie Colla
Ed Cunningham
Robert Fitzgerald
Ted Hill
Joseph Munnelly
Richard W. Nenno, Esq.
Jim Swed
Jane Unkefer
Visions Editor
Terry Hagan
[email protected]
ASSOCIATED SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Page 7
Kareem Dale Visits ASB
Recently, Vice President Joe Biden announced Kareem Dale as Special
Assistant to the President for Disability Policy, stating, “This is our first step to
ensure that we have a strong advocate for people with disabilities at the highest
levels of our Administration.” Dale, who is partially blind, previously served as a
volunteer for the Obama campaign on the Disability Policy and Arts Policy Committees.
In his new position, he will report directly to President Barack Obama,
coordinating efforts to ensure the disabled are on a level playing field with all Americans.
"Disability issues will be the front and
center and will be considered on the front
end and not the back end."
In October 2008, Dale toured ASB with President
and CEO, Patricia C. Johnson, visiting and speaking
with ASB clients. In an interview with Board Member
and RICB volunteer, Connie Moore, Dale explained,
"This position [of Special Assistant to the President
for Disability Policy] will be close to the level of
cabinet level positions, like the Secretary of
Education."
TD Bank Awards Grant For Purchase of Revolutionary Software
Local TD Bank Managers, Kevin Murphy and George Bi, visited ASB in
November for a demonstration of the DAISY Digital Software which was
funded by TD Charitable Foundation. DAISY, which stands for Digital
Accessible Information System, revolutionizes the reading experience for the
blind community by making recordings of printed materials more
accessible and user friendly.
“We are extremely appreciative for the TD Charitable Foundation’s
donation,” said Patricia C. Johnson, ASB President & CEO. “The
capability this software provides is remarkable. Before DAISY, the only option
for users was to listen to a recorded piece of text in its entirety. Now in the
DAISY format the piece is broken into sections, so the listener can skip to the
section in which they are most interested. For more info, visit www.asb.org.
Timmy Kelly Sings
At Louis Braille Awards
Prematu at 26 weeks, Timmy
Premature
Kelly was born blind and
diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Today, despite his disabilities,
Timmy is living life as an
average child---except for the
fact that he’s Philadelphia’s
own singing sensation.
Patricia C. Johnson, President and CEO, and Kareem Dale in
ASB's Braille Department
Deborah Groeber Receives Eagles Community Quarterback Award
The Eagles Community Quarterback Award honors individuals who
exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their
communities. The ceremony was hosted on December 16, 2008.
Deborah G. Groeber, was selected among hundreds, as one of the top three
candidates for the Eagles Community Quarterback Award. Thanks to
Deborah’s incredible work, the Philadelphia Eagles awarded ASB a $1,000
donation and an additional $1,500 for placing in the TOP THREE!
Deborah Groeber and
Philadelphia Eagles Fullback,
Kyle Eckel, at the Eagles
Community Quarterback
Award Ceremony.
Deborah is a remarkable individual who happens to be deaf-blind. Born a
fully sighted and hearing child, Deborah became deafblind by the age of twelve. Despite her disabilities, Deborah has
achieved many accomplishments. She was the first deaf-blind
individual to graduate from an American accredited law school and
has been featured on ABC News as the "PERSON OF THE WEEK."
Deborah is an ASB Board Member and Chairperson of the Gilles Estate Fund Committee. As
Chairperson of the Gilles Estate Fund Committee, Deborah helped provide over 100
items totaling in costs of over $100,000 to 28 deaf-blind individuals living under the
poverty line. Some of the items were computers, doorbells, alarm clocks and smoke detectors.
Page 6
ASSOCIATED SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Timmy Kelly singing the
National Anthem at the
Louis Braille Awards
Ceremony.
After seeing Beauty and
the Beast and receiving
encouragement from Andrea
McArdle, the star of the
show, Timmy began singing
lessons.
Timmy has performed for many people,
including former President George W. Bush and
for stadiums full of fans at Philadelphia Eagles
games. Timmy’s most recent performance was
at ASB’s 49th Annual Louis Braille Awards
Ceremony, where he serenaded us with The
National Anthem.
“We have watched Timmy grow from an
amazing child into an extraordinary young
man,” said Patricia C . Johnson, ASB President
and CEO. “His singing talent has developed
.significantly and as always, I am in awe.”
Kevin Murphy, TD Bank Manager,
Patricia C. Johnson, ASB President
and CEO and George Bi, TD Bank
Manager, visiting ASB.
Dr. Roy Fitzgerald becomes ASB's
Board Chairman
Dr. Roy Fitzgerald has been
a member of ASB’s Board of
Directors since its inception in
1983. He was recently
re-elected to be Board Chairman
having previously served in this
capacity for two consecutive
two-year terms from October
2002 - October 2006.
Dr. Roy Fitzgerald
ASB Board Chairman
Currently retired, Dr. Fitzgerald has been a
member of the Medical Staff at Crozer Chester
Medical Center and an Associate Clinical
Professor of Psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson
University. Dr. Fitzgerald earned his A.B. cum
laude from Amherst College in Massachusetts
and his M.D. from Case Western University
in Cleveland, Ohio.Throughout his career, he
has written numerous publications regarding
blindness related psychological reactions and
disorders including Reactions to Blindness: An
Exploratory Study in Adults with Recent Loss
of Sight and The Newly Blind: Mental Distress,
Somatic Illness and Disability.
As Chairman, he participates in all ASB events and
recently delivered the closing remarks at this year’s
49th Annual Louis Braille Awards Ceremony.
ASSOCIATED SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
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VOLUNTEER FAST FACTS
ASB Volunteer: Judy Johnson
On average, Pennsylvania’s
2.8 million volunteers dedicate
347.3 million hours of service
per year.*
Philadelphia has an
average annual volunteer rate
of 25.1%, with 1.1 million
volunteers serving 135.9
million hours per year.*
Judy working at her desk at ASB.
Judy Johnson of Philadelphia became a
volunteer for Associated Services for
the Blind & Visually Impaired (ASB)
after undergoing three brain surgeries,
one of which has left her partially blind.
She has also survived a life threatening
illness known as Stevens-Johnson
Syndrome, which has left her with light
sensitivity. Some might have thought
that Judy, or anyone, would have given
up – but then they would not know Judy.
Philadelphia’s volunteers make
an estimated annual economic
contribution of $2.7 billion.*
With ASB’s mobility training, clients gain independence and
expertise navigating the outside world. By teaching clients how to
maneuver using a white cane to orient themselves, and to use public
transportation, they regain independence and confidence.
Source:
http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov*
“I can’t feel pity for myself, I look around and I get my
strength from just being here.”
By donating time to serve,
Volunteer News
SAVE THE DATE!
The 26th Annual Volunteer
Recognition Luncheon will be
held Friday, April 24, 2009.
For details visit www.asb.org
VOLUNTEER
WALL OF FAME
Visit the Volunteer Lounge on
the 4th Floor and view ASB’s
Lifetime Volunteer Wall of Fame.
Volunteers with 10 or more
years of service are honored.
If you are interested in
sharing your skills with ASB
clients, contact Volunteer
Coordinator, Linda Gaffney, at
215.627.0600, x3275 or e-mail
[email protected].
Page 4
“My time at ASB wasn’t just important, it was necessary,” Judy
says. “Last night I went to the Opera, but we couldn’t find a cab. I
was the one who suggested we walk and we did! This may not seem
like a big deal but a year ago, I would not have been able to do that.
I have the ASB staff to thank for the training I received.”
To gain more experience before going back into the
working world, Judy started volunteering at ASB as an
administrative assistant in the Human Services Division. “I felt so
comfortable here. It was like I was coming home,” explains Judy.
“Judy exemplifies what ASB encourages all of our clients to achieve –
independence and freedom,” says Patricia C. Johnson, ASB President
and CEO. “Judy has overcome incredible odds and yet, she’s
concerned with helping others and empowering current clients.”
In Judy’s free time, she hangs out with her children Kenneth,
Christopher, Alexandria, and her dog, Papi. She also likes to watch
"Storm Stories", the show about filming from the eye of a tornado.
“I like the unpredictability of the storm. No one knows exactly how
it’s going to go or when it’s going to stop.” Like the tornados she
watches, Judy is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
ASSOCIATED SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
ASB's Client Holiday Party
A Big Thanks to
New Volunteers!
Braille
Ronald Benson
Erika Mayer
RICB
"La Latino Life Skills Group" performing Feliz Navidad
at the Client Holiday Party.
On December 15, 2008 ASB hosted our Annual Client
Holiday Party. Clients enjoyed Christmas carol
sing-a-longs, musical entertainment performed by
other clients and a visit from Santa who presented
each client with a goody bag. Dedicated to the
spirit of giving, ASB gave out holiday goody bags with
wallets, gloves, umbrellas, cologne and makeup by
Mary Kay. Clients also received 10 lb. turkeys that were
generously donated by United Way. Everyone seemed to enjoy
the festivities!
Ron O’Neil
Tyrone Ferguson
Barbara Letven
Specialized Services
Erika Mayer
Sarah Dyer
Anna Muniz
ASB's 5th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony
ASB celebrated its 5th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony on November 13, 2008.
Volunteers were treated to refreshments including a catered lunch with desserts. Attendees were
also entertained by ASB clients. Performers from La Latino Life Skills Group, with instrumental
ties to Indian, Spanish, and African cultures performed music from Puerto Rico. It was an island
celebration in appreciation of our wonderful and dedicated volunteers.
Four volunteers, Jean Simpson, Maryanne Kaufman, Judy Thorpe, and Bryon Fink received
ASB's Lifetime Volunteer Award for 10 years of service.
La Latino Life Skills Group
Jim Sheridan holding the door
prize that he won.
ASSOCIATED SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
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