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| September 9, 2003 | |
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ASB Visions Newsletter |
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March 2004:
Thank you for your continued support... "I'd like to express my sincerest thanks to everyone who has supported our efforts this year. Your generosity allows us to continue to provide essential services to people who are blind and visually impaired in our community. You have enabled us to provide superior services in Computer Training, Radio Information Center for the Blind (RICB), Recorded Periodicals, Braille, Rehabilitation, Latino Outreach, and counseling services. On behalf of everyone at ASB, thank you so much!" - Patricia C. Johnson Volunteer receives local and national accolades Longtime ASB volunteer, Dr. Joseph Gephardt, was recognized by two organizations recently for his contributions as a volunteer reader of Scientific American and Smithsonian Magazines. In December, Gephardt was selected as one of ten finalists for the Philadelphia Eagles Community Quarterback Award, which recognizes volunteers for the exceptional work they do in the community. Last month, Gephardt was named the "Nation's Volunteer of the Day" through the Daily Points of Light Program, which dates back to the administration of former President George Bush, Sr. The Daily Points of Light Award honors individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities. Each weekday, one volunteer or volunteer effort in the country is recognized on the website, www.pointsoflight.org. "Joe represents the hundreds of volunteers that make it possible for us to provide such exceptional service to people who are blind and visually impaired," said Patricia C. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and President of ASB. "Joe is an asset to ASB and we are very proud of him." ASB clients get connected through dance On Saturday, February 14th, clients of ASB were treated to a dance seminar presented by Gene Russo, founder of Connecting Through Dance. Connecting Through Dance, a non-profit organization started in 1999, bridges diversity with partner dancing. It provides the physical activity for people who are blind and visually impaired that gives a better sense of balance, relaxation and enjoyment in the company of others on the dance floor. The 40 people who participated in the instructional class were taught the waltz, rumba, salsa, cha-cha, swing, tango and fox-trot. Connecting Through Dance calls Oakland, California home, but Russo travels to different cities across the United States to promote the program. He is hoping to start a summer program in Philadelphia if there is enough funding and community support. "This is a wonderful recreational activity for people who are blind and visually impaired," said Patricia C. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and President of ASB. "Promoting independence is our top priority, and working with organizations like Connecting Through Dance helps make that possible." ASB selected as Savoy Company beneficiary ASB has been selected as a beneficiary for the Savoy Company's 2004 production of Trial by Jury and The Sorcerer at Longwood Gardens on Saturday, June 5th. The Savoy Company is the oldest amateur theater company in the world dedicated solely to the production of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Each year, the Company supports local charitable organizations with the donations of tickets and net proceeds. Along with all day admission to Longwood Gardens, tickets will include a picnic reception preceding the 8:30 pm production. Trial by Jury is played in one act and is sung throughout, with no spoken dialogue.In Trial, a jilted bride sues for breach of promise of marriage: the Defendant has found a new love. The Sorcerer satirizes early Victorian customs and various theatre devices. It is based on a favorite operatic theme, to create a plot about a magic love potion that would result in everyone falling in love with the wrong partner. For tickets or more information, contact ASB's Public Relations Department at 215-627-0600, ext. 3242. A closer look...age-related macular degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition of the macula (the central retina) that blurs the sharp, central vision you need for "straight ahead" activities such as reading, sewing, and driving. It is the most common cause of vision loss in the United States in those 50 and older, and its prevalence increases with age. AMD causes no pain. In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and causes a complete loss of central vision. Fortunately, macular degeneration does not cause total blindness since it does not affect the peripheral vision. AMD occurs in wet and dry forms. With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly and is considered to be advanced AMD. It is more severe than the dry form. An early symptom is that straight lines appear wavy. With dry AMD, the most common symptom is slightly blurred vision. You may have difficulty recognizing faces and may need more light for reading and other tasks. ASB employee makes horticultural history Peggy Garrett, who is the Garden Coordinator for ASB's Hands-on Garden Program, made history on February 10th, as she became the first blind person to receive a Certificate of Master Gardening from Penn State University. As the Garden Coordinator, Garrett oversees a group that maintains a 900 square foot community garden at Fairmount Park's Horticultural Center. This "sensory garden" features fragrant plants and flowers with unique textures, so people with and without vision can enjoy the garden's beauty. "This is a great accomplishment for Peggy, and our garden program will certainly reap the benefits of her hard work," said Patricia C. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and President of Associated Services for the Blind. The Master Gardening Course is part of Penn State's Cooperative Extension Service and gives students an overview of gardening with the purpose of giving them the tools to go into the community and share gained knowledge. This course has given Garrett the opportunity to interact with other gardeners in the community, something she feels will greatly benefit ASB's program. "Interacting with so many different people really adds to our network and enables us to share materials and ideas with other gardeners," Garrett said. Graduating from PABT equals independence On February 20th, Lillie Matthews graduated from ASB's Personal Adjustment to Blindness Training (PABT), a milestone that she is not only proud of, but one that has changed her life. For the last twenty years, Lillie has been slowly losing her vision to Retinitis Pigmentosa (R.P.), a progressive degeneration of the retina that affects night vision and peripheral vision. As it progresses, it can lead to blindness. With it becoming more and more difficult to do everyday tasks because of her diminishing vision, Lillie was referred to ASB by her vocational rehabilitation case manager. In the fall she enrolled in PABT, and over the last three months, she has successfully completed the course that has taught her many things so she is able to live independently. When she first came to ASB, Lillie did not use a cane when traveling because she did not think she needed one. After her mobility instruction she realized that traveling with a cane was much easier than without. "I'm not afraid to go out anymore," Lillie said. Lillie has also learned kitchen safety techniques and tips. She has put raised markings on her oven and stove dials so she is able to differentiate between the settings. She also learned how to type, which she never thought she would be able to do. "ASB has helped me with my self confidence and has let me know that I am not alone and not the only person going through this," she said. Lillie said she knows she can always come back to ASB if she ever has a problem or needs anything. "I feel like I've gotten a new extended family." |
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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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