InFocus
A publication of the Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc.
For members, donors, volunteers, consumers and friends
Summer 2010
Connecting Children and families to New Skills and Opportunities
Javon is a typical curious and energetic five year old boy. He enjoys reading and loves to sing and dance to music of any kind. Johntell, his proud mom states that “he amazes me every day!”
At about 3 months old, Javon’s mom began noticing a delay in his hand eye coordination. The next two years of Javon’s life had his family coordinating endless doctor appointments, tests and evaluations. Finally, Javon and his family were left with the realization that he was not able to see. Shortly after, his grandmother discovered the Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children. It was there where his family found a valuable resource of information, training and support that has provided the direction and answers they were seeking. At the Center, he has learned how to manage his emotions, develop speech, and overall catch up physically and cognitively with his sighted peers. His mom credits his accomplishments and success to the dedicated work of the team of teachers and therapists who provide physical, speech and occupational therapies, pre-braille skills and orientation and mobility training for children from birth to six years of age.
Research shows that approximately 90 percent of what typically developing children learn in the first three years of life is acquired visually, primarily through watching their environment. Trained staff engages each child and family to learn how the child can access information and accomplish tasks in a different way and meet their maximum potential. “I have been very connected with Javon’s team of therapists at the Center. They showed me techniques that we could then work on at home like new methods of feeding and organizing his
things,” Johntell remembers.
Mary Keefe, Children’s Program Director, remarked, “Javon absolutely lights up when he is in gymnastics and music therapy. His confidence really shines through as his development continues through participation in these activities.”
For Javon, being visually impaired is all he knows and he doesn’t realize how inspiring his daily accomplishments are. When asked what his biggest challenges have been, his mom responds, “It’s me that can be his biggest obstacle.” As a mother, she wants to protect and take care of him. She now knows that he needs her to push him to succeed and expect him to learn to do things for himself so that he can lead a self-sufficient life. Javon will soon graduate from the Center’s programming. As Johntell prepares Javon for kindergarten in the fall, she now wonders, “What does this next stage mean for Javon? What services and help will be available? Will I still be able to rely on the Center for guidance and support”?
Thankfully, the answer we can now give is “Yes”. One of the important priorities of the merger of the Badger Association and the Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children is to identify additional needs and create new programming to supplement the work of the school systems for children who are blind or visually impaired. So families like Javon’s will have one resource to turn to in each new stage of his life.
The Badger Association is embarking on a new era. With the recent merger of the Badger Association and The Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children, the two nonprofit agencies are now poised to become Wisconsin’s only vision resource center to provide a continuum of services to individuals of all ages and visual impairments.
From the President and Executive Director
Embarking on a New Era
Shortly after the merger, elections were held and we are proud to announce the following directors were elected to the 2010 Board of Directors — Becky Williams, President, Michael J. Aprahamian, Vice-President, Kathleen Brockman, Secretary, Tim Harris, Treasurer — Dr. Deborah Costakos, James Dobrinska, Lee Anne Eddy, Yvonne Itson, Tia Lancaster, Bob Richter, Paul Schroeder, Jerry Selber, and Edward Weiss.
The Board of Directors have already kicked off their integration process with a retreat to discuss leadership priorities and define our governance structures.
One priority of the merger was to identify the needs of school-age children who are visually impaired. Work has already begun to research local, state and national needs of children, as well as best practices and successful programming we can replicate in Milwaukee.
We have set up an integration committee comprised of staff from the two previous organizations. They have created a plan that identifies integration needs as a combined and larger organization. Our goal is to continue providing our quality children and adult services throughout the integration process.
Together it is our vision to offer lifelong services for people who are visually impaired. We are now positioned to better serve people with vision loss and their families. We are grateful for an exceptional staff, a passionate board and very committed donors and volunteers in our community, all supporting our newly combined and emerging Association.
Life Skills Class Contributions Make A Difference In The Lives of Others
Every Thursday morning, the Life Skills “Knitting and Crocheting” class meets to work on projects and to socialize. The class started in the 1970s and is one of the longest running classes at the Badger Association.
Karen Wilson echoed a common sentiment when she said, “I love knitting because it gets my mind off me, and onto doing something for others.” Most of the items created by the participants are either for family and friends or are donated to hospitals, nursing homes or to children.
In February, Pat Keating, a long time knitter, and Badger Association staff visited the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin to donate handmade blankets, baby hats and booties that the class created. At Children’s Hospital, participants and staff met with Rachel Hietpas, Child Life Assistant, who explained how much the children and families appreciate the donated items.
Rachel said, “the hats go to patients with cancer, and babies who are going home from our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The donated blankets are given to kids who are having an especially hard time with their hospital stay and are missing home. We couldn’t do what we do without the help of generous donors like you! The families and staff really appreciate your generosity.”
A big part of this class is getting together to socialize and learning how to knit with friends. You do not need to be an expert knitter to take part in the fun. There are many experienced knitters and everyone helps each other out. Rosy Goodrich, one of the more experienced knitters and a leader of the class, is skilled at helping others to begin knitting or fix their mistakes. If you are interested in learning more about the class, contact Rose Visser, Life Skills Manager at 414-615-0115.
Meet New Member Peter Walecki
Peter Walecki has become a strong self advocate since a near fatal motorcycle accident left him legally blind. After spending four months in a local hospital recovering and going through rehabilitation, Peter knew he had to get out in the real world and connect with the resources that would help him to get back on track.
For Peter, life is a journey where overcoming challenges has made him stronger. When he lived in California, he learned adaptive daily living training and braille. “I can make a pretty good cheesecake,” he says. Peter has relearned how to do most things in his life working around the vision loss. “Repetition has been the key,” recalls Peter. He discovered that to learn to accomplish a new task without vision, it is necessary to practice the task repeatedly to memorize the new skill. Peter wants others to know that they need to use the help that is available for people with vision loss. He believes, “It is important to stand up for yourself, ask questions and get the services that you need to remain independent.”
Peter recently became a member of the Badger Association in Milwaukee. He learned of the Badger Association’s membership when he was at the Association for an evaluation with the Low Vision Services program. Peter has returned to work this past winter at Wiscraft in Milwaukee as a machine operator. A Wisconsin native, Peter learned about the job at Wiscraft from a representative that spoke at an Association membership meeting.
The Association would like to welcome Peter as a member and wishes him the best of luck in all his future endeavors, wherever they might take him!
Wish List
To donate any of the following new or gently used items,
call 414-615-0120.
• Riding garden tractor
Daily Living Skills Program
• Yoga mats
• Clear plastic storage containers with covers (small, medium and large)
• Ice cream makers (large capacity)
Children’s Program
• Boppy Pillows
• Wooden puzzles for 1 ½ to 3 year olds
• Children’s music CD’s – Movement encouraging
• Board Books for infants/toddlers
• Model Majic
• Wide crayons
• Wooden ABC letters
• Water toys
Daily Living Skills Program
• Crochet & knitting needles
• Adjustable floor lamp on wheels
• Large faced low vision clock
Special Thanks to…
The West Milwaukee Lions Club for their generosity to the Badger Association. The Club’s donation helped to purchase a grill pan, can opener and knife set for our Kitchen lab. It also covered the cost of a Kindle wireless reading device to use in our Vision Rehabilitation Services program.
Information + Support = Success
Over the past few years, we have recognized a need to develop programming to enhance how we address the emotional aspects of vision loss. After clients complete services, we see that there is a need for an ongoing atmosphere of peer support for themselves as well as their friends and family. We wanted to create an outlet of information and resources for these clients to stay engaged with the Badger Association.
The Badger Association is offering two new programs to address these needs. Changing Vision: Meeting the Challenge is a monthly group for individuals living with changing vision, their family, and friends. Participants will be able to network with others as they learn strategies and resources for successful living. The program is on-going, every third Friday of the month from 1:30 to 2:30 pm at the Badger Association, 912 N Hawley Rd, Milwaukee.
The second program is called Introduction to Getting Around. Individuals living with changing vision can feel isolated and fear traveling in their homes, communities and unfamiliar environments. They can also be at risk for falls. This program will help participants learn the basics about getting around safely with changing vision, increase safety and confidence.
Introduction to Getting Around will be offered every second Friday of the month from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon, also at the Badger Association.
Please contact Rob Buettner at 414-615-0121 or r.buettner@badgerassoc.org to learn more.
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Art and Ed Fink
Another tax season is complete and many Badger Association members are grateful once again for the assistance they received from Art Fink. Art has been helping Association members complete and file their state and federal tax forms for 20 years. As a teen he befriended a couple who was blind at the Sunrise Home. When the VISTA program gave him an opportunity to volunteer, he selected the Badger Association.
Art graduated from Marquette University High School, went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree at Marquette University and after a tour of duty in the Marine Corps, he returned to pursue his law degree there. Art has been working in private practice as an attorney in Milwaukee ever since.
Art is a family man, and has been married to his wife Ann for 50 years. One of Art’s six children, Debbie, shares her dad’s passions, practicing law with him and volunteering at the Badger Association. Art is like most volunteers – he is very modest. He doesn’t think that what he does is extraordinary. Especially, when he compares himself to his older brother, Ed.
Ed Fink, is also a long time volunteer at the Badger Association – 17 years. He too has been married for 50 years, has a handful of adult children, and even more grandchildren. Life after retirement in the early 1990s left Ed looking for something to occupy his time. He responded to an ad from the Badger Association seeking volunteers, and after learning sighted guide techniques became a volunteer driver. Ed is now known for being one of the Association’s most dedicated volunteer drivers for the Life Skills program.
The Fink brothers continue to volunteer because of the good people they’ve met and now consider friends. We extend our thanks to the Fink family for another year of their selfless and valuable service as volunteers!
What To Expect With Low Vision Services
A Conversation with Our Changing Vision Expert, Heather M. Hinson, O.D.
There isn’t a week that goes by when I am not asked, “Why do I need to have you check my eyes again? I just saw my doctor, and he said new glasses won’t help.” A low vision evaluation does not duplicate an eye exam. It is an extension of it.
The primary purpose of an eye exam is to check for changes in glasses or contact lenses and to prevent, diagnose, or manage ocular health issues. The eye care professional will use medical and surgical options to maintain or improve vision. If these interventions do not improve vision and the person is having problems with daily activities, a low vision evaluation is the next step.
The purpose of a low vision evaluation is to assess what a person can do right now, and determine what tools, techniques or devices will enhance the ability to function effectively with the remaining vision. Patients learn that although we cannot restore the vision, there are devices and techniques that can significantly improve a person’s ability to do daily activities like reading, writing, and leisure time activities. Improvement in function often leads to improvement in one’s outlook and quality of life with vision loss.
A comprehensive low vision evaluation begins with developing specific goals and ensuring the patient understands their eye disease. It will include an extended trial frame refraction and an assessment of response to magnification. Once the appropriate level of magnification is determined, then the process of comparing and contrasting various tools begins.
Every level of magnification is available in various forms, such as hand held, stand, electronic, spectacle, with lights or without lights. It is necessary to compare these various forms to determine the right tool for what the patient wants to do.
A comprehensive low vision evaluation will also include task lighting assessment, glare assessment and introduction to non-optical tools and techniques like bold lined paper, check writing guides and access to large print materials. If use of low vision devices and techniques are not appropriate, patients are encouraged to explore non-visual options. Sometimes using non-visual tools and techniques like talking watches or the Talking Books program are better options than low vision devices.
I am also often asked when is a good time to have a low vision evaluation. My response is as soon as you are having difficulty doing the things you used to do before experiencing changing vision.
It is our goal as low vision specialists to educate our patients about all the tools that will enhance their vision. It is our patient’s job to be willing to learn to use their eyes in a new way to be successful. To learn more about low vision evaluations at the Badger Association, contact us at 414-615-0158 or stop in at the Outlook Shoppe.
Taking A Closer Look At The Outlook Shoppe
The Outlook Shoppe is southeastern Wisconsin’s only store selling products designed for people with changing vision. We carry a large selection of magnifiers, talking products, and products with large print. Our store holds over five hundred products all with a person with changing vision in mind.
We take great care in making our store as accessible as possible for our customers. With so many products to choose from, this is not always an easy task. We believe a person should be as independent as possible and we have taken great strides to create a store that fosters this belief. The majority of our products are displayed in a manner that makes it easier for someone with vision loss to find what they are looking for. We also have Braille labels on most of our products with the item number and price. Besides Braille labels, we utilize a piece of technology called the Omni ID-Mate Talking Barcode Scanner. This scanner allows us to record voice labels for the majority of our products. A customer can walk in and ask to use our barcode scanner and independently identify products and find out their prices. Besides our customers using this technology, our staff does as well.
Cory Ballard, Outlook Shoppe Manager, has been blind for seventeen years. “The talking barcode scanner has made my work so much easier,” says Cory. The ability to easily and quickly identify products has increased our overall customer service. Not only do we utilize the barcode scanner and Braille labels in our store, but we also use them in our stock-room. Both the Braille labels and talking barcodes make it possible to find a product quickly out of our inventory.
The Outlook Shoppe does not use a traditional cash register but uses computer software to run our sales. This too has been made accessible by installing a screen reader on the computer. With the screen reader installed, a person who is blind can run sales, refund sales, or look up past sales. Although the credit card machine does not talk, with some simple memorization of buttons, it too is used successfully by someone who is visually impaired.
The Outlook Shoppe is a great example of how a store can be made accessible to its shoppers and also to its employees. With a little thought and problem solving, most job sites can be made fully accessible. Visit the Outlook Shoppe, Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday 8:30 am – 8:00 pm, or the first Saturday of each month from noon – 4:00 pm. You can also find us online at www.outlookshoppe.org or call 414-615-0111.
Infocus is available in alternative formats by contacting 414-615-0120.
2010 Board of Directors
Becky Williams, President
Michael J. Aprahamian, Vice-President
Kathleen Brockman, Secretary
Tim Harris, Treasurer
Dr. Deborah Costakos
James Dobrinska
Lee Anne Eddy
Yvonne Itson
Tia Lancaster
Robert Richter
Paul Schroeder
Jerry Selber
Edward Weiss
Interested in receiving your own copy of Infocus?
If you, your organization, or someone you know would benefit from receiving this publication, please let us know. Help the Badger Association trim its expenses and extend its resources by receiving the InFocus by e-mail.
Contact us at:
Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired
414-615-0120 or info@badgerassoc.org
Mission Statement
To create a resource center providing a continuum of services to people who are visually impaired of all ages and their families.