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| September 9, 2003 | |
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ASB Visions Newsletter |
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December 2003:
Louis Braille Awards recognize the remarkable Associated Services for the Blind (ASB) held its 44th Annual Louis Braille Awards Ceremony on October 22nd at the Hyatt Regency at Penn's Landing, honoring those who have made significant contributions to people who are blind and visually impaired. Patricia C. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and President of ASB, commenced the ceremony by thanking the dedicated supporters of the agency. Corporate sponsors for the event included Verizon Communications, Glenmede Trust Company and KPMG LLP. Governor Edward G. Rendell served as Honorary Chairperson for the event. Although he was unable to attend, the governor did send a videotaped message, praising the work of ASB and congratulating this year's Louis Braille honorees. Carl Augusto, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Foundation for the Blind, received the Individual Award for his accomplishments and contributions to the blindness field. Verizon Communications received the Corporate Award for its commitment to a literacy campaign that ensures that blind and low-vision school children receive braille textbooks in a timely manner. Christina Lurie, President of the Philadelphia Eagles Youth Partnership, presented Wills Eye Hospital with the Special Recognition Award. In presenting the award to Ophthalmologist-in-Chief, William Tasman, M.D., Mrs. Lurie stressed the importance of the relationship between Wills Eye and ASB. "Wills Eye works vigorously to correct eye related diseases while Associated Services for the Blind helps people with visual disabilities live independent lives," she said. "Together Wills Eye and ASB work to positively impact the lives of people with visual disabilities." The event helped raise funds for ASB programs, which include Radio and Recording, Computer Technology Center, Rehabilitation, Hands-on Gardening, Latino Outreach and Braille. Braille Literacy Week - January 26-30, 2004 Celebrate Braille Literacy Week with Associated Services for the Blind by taking a tour of ASB's Braille Division. Learn about the brailling process and see books and magazines being brailled from start to finish. Call 215-627-0600, ext. 3214 for more information and to schedule your tour! ASB expands services with Drop-in Center opening ASB opened the doors to its new Drop-in Center on October 28th, which will provide daily recreational activities to people who are blind and visually impaired. Patricia C. Johnson, ASB's Chief Executive Officer and President, conceived the idea for a drop in center after seeing a need for a place where people who are blind and visually impaired could enjoy recreational activities. Activities at the center include descriptive movies, arts and crafts, and various games including chess, checkers, backgammon and bingo. "The drop in center is an opportunity for people to get out and get involved," Johnson said. Fifty-five clients attended the grand opening of the center. Entertainment was provided by BBS Productions, which is headlined by ASB client, Sam Saunders. Refreshments were donated by Wawa, Herrs, and very generous members of ASB's staff and volunteers. Call 215-627-0600 to request the weekly schedule of activities at the drop in center. Thank you to all supporters of the 44th Annual Louis Braille Awards Ceremony. We would like to recognize our corporate sponsors, in-kind donors, table sponsors, benefactors, and patrons from the event.Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsors Corporate Donors In-Kind Table Sponsors Benefactors Patrons
Your ongoing support helps us continue to provide the most comprehensive programs and services to people who are blind and visually impaired so they are able to live independent lives. First step towards independence - asking for help Richard Morton has spent his life helping others, so when it was he who needed help after losing 90% of his vision to Diabetic Retinopathy, he had a difficult time asking for it. Not comfortable asking people to help him with everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning, he envisioned a very bleak future, since he believed he would never be able to do these things on his own without vision. Fortunately Richard discovered ASB while walking down Walnut Street eight months ago. Not familiar with the organization, he decided to go in. He explained his situation to the receptionist and soon found himself enrolled in ASB's Personal Adjustment to Blindness Training (PABT). ASB's instructors taught him how to cook, clean and live independently. Because he had such limited vision, he had to use a cane, which he resented. However, with the help of ASB's mobility specialist, his attitude completely changed and he now can travel, independently. He felt so confident, he traveled to New York City this summer by himself. "I was so excited that I cried half of the way there," he said. "I couldn't believe I was doing it myself." After successfully completing PABT, he enrolled in ASB's Computer Technology Center, where he is learning to use adaptive programs, which will help him pursue a career in social services or customer service. Richard encourages other people who are visually impaired to take the first step towards independence by contacting organizations like ASB. "You are not in this alone," he said. "There is help out there for you." Although much of Richard's vision has been restored due to surgery, he will always be grateful to ASB for the help all of the programs, services and staff have given him. |
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| Copyright 1995-2003. All rights reserved. Associated Services for the Blind, 919 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Phone: (215) 627-0600 | Fax: (215) 922-0692 |
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