Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired -

Renee Reinhardt came to ASB for services in 2003 due to her visual impairment from optic neuropathy. Optic neuropathy refers to damage to the optic nerve due to any cause, with the main symptom being a loss of vision.

Renee's daughter heard about ASB from the staff at the Overbrook School for the Blind.

They recommended she obtain services to help her cope with activities of daily living through ASB. Renee wanted to continue on with her life as she had before her vision loss, and soon found that ASB was the ideal place to offer her the programs that would help her to do so.

Randy Foxwell, of Mount Airy, PA, has been coming to ASB for services for a little over a year now. Randy has suffered from Glaucoma as well as Diabetes, and came to ASB to help him with his loss of vision.

Randy was told by his Ophthalmologist, whom he had been seeing for over 20 years, that he was going to lose his sight. His doctor recommended Randy to ASB, and after meeting with the ASB Director of Human Services was accepted as an ASB client.

Gregory Vann, from Southern Philadelphia, came to ASB for services in 2009 for help with a variety of visual impairments. Among Gregs’ visual impairments are low vision, retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.

Initially Gregory had a difficult time dealing with his visual impairments, and was resigned to staying at his home and detaching himself from the outside world. Mr. Vann credits his sister with discovering ASB for him and motivating him to get out of the house and learn to adjust to this new life.  

Michele Zimmaro, became a member of the ASB family in June 2008 after being laid off from her medical transcription and call center dispatcher jobs at a local hospital where she worked for 13 ½ years.  Michele, a trained DOS and basic Windows user, realized the importance of computer technology in employment and shortly after being unemployed sought to enhance her technological skills.

Michele, who was born completely blind, heard about the ASB Computer Technology Center (CTC) through an independent contractor who works at ASB’s headquarters. She had been searching for a credible computer class and asked The Pennsylvania Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) to refer her to the program. Michele began her classes with David Goldfield, the teacher of the CTC, shortly after.

Michele found that ASB’s computer course would equip her with the necessary computer skills that are vital in the employment world.

ASB client, Iris Nieves is a strong believer in continuing education and overcoming life’s many obstacles. Born with congenital cataracts and presently living with myopia degeneration, Iris has persevered with ASB’s help and succeeded in gaining independence.

Working with her visual impairment remains a priority to Iris. Using the Life Skills classes taught at ASB, Iris acquired the confidence and independence necessary to achieve goals she preset and created along the way.