Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired -

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.

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.

Bruce Linsky of Philadelphia, PA, came to Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB) as a client in the early 1990’s after being diagnosed with cone and rod dystrophy which impaired his vision.

Not to be “dogged” by his visual impairments, Bruce sought a way to conquer his limitations and help others in similar situations.

In 1992, while taking Life Skills classes and participating in extracurricular activities at ASB, Bruce became involved in raising and training guide dogs for Seeing Eye and is currently training his 13th puppy, a German Shepherd named Davin.

In addition to raising guide dogs and taking classes at ASB, Bruce can be found at Fairmount Park on Tuesday and Friday mornings with 14 other clients, volunteers, and staff of ASB. They are all members of ASB’s multi-award winning “Hands-On” Gardening Program

Patricia Russell graduated from ASB’s Specialized Services class, Life Skills and Education in Diabetes, in May 2006.

Following her graduation, Patricia advanced to ASB’s Life Skills 3 class. Although she was initially unsure of herself and her abilities, Patricia has taken the training she received in independence and self-determination to heart.

When Patricia wanted to join a ceramics class at her local senior center, she was turned down because of her visual impairment.

Patricia was not about to let her vision impairment prevent her from participating in the activities that she loved. She persevered and is now enrolled in that ceramics class, serves on the SEPTA Advisory Committee, and is the group facilitator for ASB’s Inspirational group. She is an active member of ASB’s Ambassadors program and was extremely instrumental in helping ASB rectify a funding issue for its’ Specialized Services Program. Additionally, Patricia is a minister and teaches Bible Study and Sunday school at her church.

Patricia is doing what we wish for all of our clients - that is, getting back to business as usual.