In-Sight Awareness - Vision Resource Center of Berks County

Proudly Serving Berks County Since 1929
Focusing on the prevention of blindness and
making it possible for visually impaired
Berks County residents to lead independent
and productive lives within their community.
For People Affected By Blindness and Low Vision
SUMMER | 2014
www.berksblind.org
In-Sight Awareness
Helping our readers to keep informed with important monthly vision awareness topics!
July
Eye Injury
Prevention Month
• Preventing injuries to eyes in the
workplace is primarily this month’s
focus.
• It is estimated that out of 2,000 eye
injuries each day, about 1,000 occur
in the workplace.
• According to the Bureau of Labor and
Statistics, almost 70% of eye injuries
on the job are caused by either falling
or flying objects, or sparks hitting a
worker’s eye.
Tips for Safety:
• Wear appropriate eye protection for
the job you do.
• Make sure that eye protection
is fitted correctly in order to be
effective.
• Continue to have regular eye exams
to retain healthy vision.
For more information:
www.foh.dhhs.gov
rating
Celeb
85
s
Ye ar e!
vic
of Ser
August
September
National
Eye Exam Month
National
Guide Dog Month
• The frequency of eye exams depends
on age, race, vision and medical
history, family history, and symptoms,
according to the American Academy
of Ophthalmologists.
• All children and adults over 50 or who
are diagnosed with diabetes should
have their eyes checked annually.
• Adults with no risk factors or
symptoms should still have eye exams
every two to four years.
• This month of awareness was
inspired by Dick Van Patten who was
“impressed by the intelligence and
training of guide dogs.”
Reasons to have an eye exam:
• Reasons to have an eye exam:
• Eye doctors may be able to find the
cause of recurring headaches.
• Vision problems can cause children to
have learning and reading difficulties.
• Many diseases can be discovered by
an ophthalmologist
during an
exam, such as
diabetes, high
blood pressure,
glaucoma, and
high cholesterol.
For more information:
www.ireport.cnn.com
• After learning that the cost to
raise and train a guide dog is over
$40,000 and takes more than two
years, Van Patten was committed to
raising money and awareness.
• National Guide Dog Month was
initially set in May, but was changed
due to conflicts with other national
fundraising drives.
• Beneficiaries of fundraising during
this awareness month include Leader
Dogs for the Blind and The Seeing
Eye, Inc. Fundraising is collected
and distributed by Petco Foundation,
Inc., a non-profit corporation.
For more information:
www.wikipedia.org
Vision Resource Center of Berks County | 2020 Hampden Blvd., Reading, PA 19604 | 610-375-8407 | www.berksblind.org
Our Mission
Our mission is to strive
to prevent blindness and
visual impairment, and
to advocate and provide
quality education, support
services, and rehabilitation
to enrich the lives of blind
and visually impaired
persons and
their caregivers.
President’s Message
School is out!
Bring on the warm weather! It seems like such a short time ago that we were all
wondering if the temperatures would ever warm up and melt the snow, but it happened!
Now it is time to turn our attention to summer and camp and fun! We started a new
adventure last summer with our kid’s camp and adult activity week. Both were very
successful and all the participants enjoyed themselves. Because of the overwhelming
success, we have brought both of them back again this year! Some of the activities for
the kid’s camp include: a trip to Shady Hollow Assisted Riding, a trip to the Reading Fightin’ Phils stadium, the
Berks Puppy Club presentation, various musical and dance opportunities, arts and craft projects, and ending
with a family picnic! For the adult activity week, we will also travel to Shady Hollow Assisted Riding and the
Reading Fightin’ Phils, enjoy a family picnic, plus make a special trip to Calvaresi Winery.
We are also planning other activities that involve our clients, their families, and the community! We are
providing education sessions for our clients before the Sight Loss Support Groups on various topics, Vision
Lunch sessions that are open to the public, our 3rd Annual Harvest Fest and 2nd Annual Run/Walk for Sight,
and our first ever Dining in the Dark in conjunction with Kutztown University. All of these activities are in
addition to our monthly sight loss support group, monthly lunch bunch, and social/recreation programs that
occur on a quarterly basis. We are very busy!
The clients at VRC are the main focus of our services and activities. They are the people who help us make
these services and activities happen! We listen to them and implement as many as humanly possible. If you
know of someone who is struggling with a vision issue, please encourage them to call VRC so we can help!
VRCBC In-sight is published quarterly
Until next time,
Lori Schermerhorn, President/CEO
Chairperson, Board of Directors Dennis E. Hafer
Calendar of Events
President/CEO Lori Schermerhorn
Editor - Karen Chandler
Advertising - Lori Schermerhorn
Printed by the Reading Eagle
Berks Insight is funded by
Advertising Revenues and other
donations. You will receive your next
VRCBC Insight in October 2014.
VRCBC Insight Advertising Policy
• All ads submitted to VRCBC
Insight for publication will be
reviewed by staff for suitability.
If there is a question concerning
the content of any proposed
advertisement, a staff member will
contact the advertiser to see if any
adjustments can be made.
• VRCBC Insight reserves the right
to refuse any advertisement
deemed inappropriate for VRCBC
Insight.
• The publication of any
advertisement in VRCBC Insight
does not imply endorsement of
that product, service or company/
organization supplying their
product/service by VRCBC Insight.
• Contact Lori Schermerhorn
for advertising information
at 610-375-8407 x112 or
lschermerhorn@berksblind.org
2 | Monday, July 7, 2014
AUGUST CONT.
27th11:30
JULY
Lunch and Learn,
7-11th Children’s Day Camp,
presentation by Blue Mountain
prior registration required
Wildlife, $6.00/person
14-17thAdult Activity Week,
1:00 – 3:00 p.m
prior registration required
Sight Loss Support Group
RSVP for both or just
16th11:30
Support group - Mark, x120
Client picnic at VRC pavilion,
$12.50 per person, 2:00
RSVP to Karen, x119 Caregivers Support Group
(no transportation provided)
SEPTEMBER
21th
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
16th12:00
Free vision screenings at VRC, Vision Lunch,
No appointment necessary. Topic is Life Care Planning
Call Ann with questions at x114.
(for people with vision or other
AUGUST
impairments) presented by Mike
Butterworth, Certified Special
6th
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m,
Care Planner and Chartered
Pool party College Manor Pool, SpeciaL Needs Consultant, 1635 Rockland St, Reading, 19604
light lunch will be served, Swimming, or board games and
RSVP - Carolyn, x110
fellowship in the pavilion,
$9.00/person for lunch and 17th11:30
admission, RSVP - Erin, x125
Lunch Bunch, Deluxe Restaurant,
2295 Lancaster Pike,
13th
Berks Elder Network (BEN)
Shillington 19607, meeting at VRC
RSVP – Mark, x120
8:15 a.m., RSVP – Carolyn, x110
18th
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Workshop Family Night,
20th11:30
RSVP – Rosann, x118
Lunch Bunch, Mimmo’s Restaurant & Pizzeria,
24th
1:00 – 3:00 p.m., 290 Morgantown Rd, Sight Loss Support Group
Reading, 19611, 2:00
RSVP - Mark, x120
Caregivers Support Group
RSVP Mark, x120
Please check our website for more information - www.berksblind.org
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
CONTACT US AT 610-375-8407:
Welcoming New and
Returning Interns
Tiffany Miller
Weiss Shabon
Lori Schermerhorn........ ext. 112
President and CEO
Karen Chandler............. ext. 119
Director of Social Services
Carolyn Krick................ ext. 110
Director of Support Services
Rosann Strauss............. ext. 118
Director of Workshop Services
Ann Heiser................... ext. 114
Caseworker for Vision Screenings
Mark Levengood........... ext. 120
Counselor
Alicia Santiago............. ext. 122
Social Worker
Erin Overley.................. ext. 125
Activities/Transportation
Coordinator
Hello! My name is Tiffany Miller and I am
the new intern here at the VRC. I am from
Hamburg, Pennsylvania; born and raised here
all my life.
I’m currently attending college at the
Pennsylvania State University, Berks Campus.
I’m in my senior year and am majoring in
Psychology. My future career goal is to be a
Clinical Psychologist specializing in children
and adolescents. Besides school I am currently
working full time at Sheetz and also teaching
classes to the children at the church I attend.
Outside of my jobs and schooling I enjoy
dancing, travelling, and horseback riding. I’m
a huge animal lover and have 4 dogs, a cat, and
a bird at home.
Thank you all for giving me the wonderful
opportunity to intern here, I look forward to
meeting everyone and helping out in whatever
way possible over the next couple of months!
I am glad to be returning to The Vision
Resource Center this Summer semester. Last
semester as an intern I completed 75 hours
and in that time I helped build and catalog a
new library for the clients as well as assisted
the staff with office work and client visits.
This semester I am scheduled to complete
150 hours and in that time I plan to expand
the library by creating a digital library offering
audiobooks through the internet. Along with
this project I assist in presentations, phone
calls, and other office work. Another project
I will be working on is researching the history
of the Vision Resource Center for its 85th
Anniversary. I am excited and glad to be back
at the VRC to expand the library digitally and
see some familiar faces!
Welcome to the team!
VRC Services Center Hours:
Monday 8:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm
Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm
Thank you to District 14P Lions Clubs
for their continued support through
eyeglass donations, monetary donations,
and volunteers
Vision Resource Center of Berks County needs
Specialized Transportation Services
Volunteer Drivers Needed
• A vehicle is provided, as well as a
cell phone and GPS.
• Insurance provided
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Needed on Mondays and Thursdays
between 9 am - 4 pm beginning 2014.
Volunteers would be transporting clients to doctors appointments, grocery shopping, shopping in general, and counseling appointments.
If interested please contact the Director of Support Services, Carolyn Krick, at ckrick@berksblind.org
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
Monday, July 7, 2014 | 3
Congratulations
from Vision Resource
Center staff and clients
to our client,
Amanda Simmons,
who married Irving Welch
on Saturday, June 21, 2014
photo courtesy of Vanessa Wanshop
Workshop News
On June 5, John Kauffman, Vision Resource Center Workshop
Sales Representative, and Rosann Strauss, Vision Resource
Center Workshop Director, attended the Greater Reading Chamber
of Commerce and Industry Reverse Trade Show. Both members
of the team felt that it was an extremely positive experience. The
show is designed to open doors and initiate contacts within the
business community to procure work. John and Rosann's goal was
to take advantage of the network of businesses aligned with VRC
capabilities. Both team members had five minutes with each
business to establish a benefit statement of the special services the
VRC workshop can provide.
John and Rosanne felt that they established five promising
contacts! The workshop is always striving to supply our employees
with job opportunities. The Vision Resource
Center workshop's constant mission is to grow, improve, and
service the community!
Vision Resource Center of Berks County’s
3rd Annual Harvest Fest and
2nd Annual Run/Walk for Sight
Saturday,
October 18th, 2014
Save
the
Date!
beginning at 9:00AM
Come and join VRC for the run
&walk and stay for the family fun!!
All festivities will be held at the VRC headquarters at
2020 Hampden Blvd. in Reading.
For more information please check our website: www.berksblind.org
4 | Monday, July 7, 2014
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
Vision Resource Center of Berks County held its
second “Dine for Sight” on Monday, June 2nd.
The locations for this event were the Blue
Marsh Canteen in Bernville and the White
Palm Tavern in Topton. Jim Meck added to
the ambiance at the White Palm by providing live music during dinner. Spearheading
the planning efforts for this fundraiser were
Caitlin Degler, VRC Advisory Board member
and Harvest Fest chairperson, and Chad
Johnson, VRC Board member and Development Committee chairperson.
Vision Resource Center appreciates the
support of the community in attending
“Dine for Sight” events and is grateful for the
hosts at the Blue Marsh Canteen and White
Palm for generously donating a portion of
the proceeds from the evening.
Caitlin Degler and Massimo Caloiero; he is
owner of Blue Marsh Canteen.
Upcoming ”Dine for Sight” dates and locations will be announced in the near future!
Chad and Dr. Erin Johnson at White Palm Tavern
1st Vision Expo a Success!
Our first annual Vision Expo was held on Wednesday, May 7th, at the Inn at Reading.
We had 39 vendors that participated this year, live
music by Jim Meck and Roy McCutcheon, and a live
remote with Mike Faust from WEEU. The vendors
were happy with the turnout and the ability to talk and
connect with the attendees. A professionals’ reception was held prior to the opening of the Expo which
was also successful for connecting with new people.
Six programs were presented throughout the day on
various topics. A special “thank you” to Eye Consultants of PA for being our event sponsor, Health Calls/
Low Vision Works for being our room sponsor, and
National Penn Bank and Knies Insurance for being
banner sponsors. Our clients and their family members became the greeters for the day, which we greatly
appreciated. Thank you to the Vision Expo committee
for all of their hard work and dedication to making this
event a success for Berks County residents as well as
in communities in surrounding areas. Please stay
tuned for details on next year’s event!
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
Monday, July 7, 2014 | 5
Celebrating the Past to Prepare for the
85th Anniversary
In 1929, the Reading Lions Club founded the Association for the Blind, which is now known as
the Vision Resource Center of Berks County, marking its 85th anniversary this year. The Lions Club
was told by the late Helen Keller at a 1925 Lions International Convention, “The blind don’t want
charity… they want to work and take their rightful place in the community.” May 16, 1929, is when
the Reading Lions agreed to sponsor and finance the organization. The first office for the Association
was in the old High Building in the 200 block of North 6th Street. It moved to 615 Walnut Street and
again to 45 North Carroll Street due to a lack of funds during the depression. In 1942, the agency
moved to 34 North 8th Street, serving as headquarters from March 1942 until November 1956.
During that time the association was known as the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind,
Berks County Branch. In 1956, the $150,000 building was complete, located at 2020 Hampden
Boulevard and funded by the Lions Club. During past years, the Association had a four phase
program that included placement of employable blind and sale of blind made goods, prevention of
blindness, home teaching, and broadening the social life of the blind. Until 1968, the Association
operated a nursery school for children ages three
through seven.
Mary Christman was the first executive director and led the Association for 36 years. Along the
way, leadership and programs may have changed, but the Vision Resource Center continues to be
inspired by the words of Helen Keller and works toward helping the visually impaired residents of
Berks County lead independent and fulfilled lives.
DINE IN THE DARK
to Raise Awareness for Visual Impairments
At this year’s Council for Exception Children Conference,
Kutztown University students, Tiffany Jones and Anna Tellis,
were chosen to be the student ambassadors of the Division on
Visual Impairments. As ambassadors, Tiffany and Anna are
going to work together alongside their professor and advisor,
Dr. Nicole Johnson, to connect other Teachers of the Visually
Impaired (TVI) programs across the country. They also plan
to implement a new mentor program which pairs new TVIs
entering the field with a TVI currently working to provide
guidance and resources for new teachers. Next April, Tiffany
and Anna will be traveling to San Diego to attend and speak
at the National Council for Exception Children Conference.
To make this trip possible, the team is pairing with the Vision
Resource Center of Berks County and holding a Dine in the
Dark event in a joint effort to raise funds. This event will be a
special way to show friends, family, and community members
what students learn on their journeys to become teachers, and
also give a glimpse into the world of what individuals with visual
impairments go through every day.
Anna Tellis is a senior at Kutztown University where she is
studying to become a TVI with a dual degree in Elementary
Education, PreK-4. This fall she will be completing her student
teaching and then graduating in December. Being a vision
major at KU has brought Anna many amazing opportunities
and has given her insights into the teacher she wants to
become. Anna grew up seeing first-hand how a visual
6 | Monday, July 7, 2014
impairment affects a person’s day-to-day life and the way
people treat these individuals. Her older sister, Katie, has lived
her life with a visual impairment but did not let that stop her
living a normal, happy, and very successful life. Anna feels
that she has found her true passion within this field and looks
forward to having a career, not just a job.
“As a teacher of the visually impaired, my goal is to help
children of all ages realize their true potential is not based on
their sight.”
Tiffany Jones is also a senior at Kutztown University and
is studying to become a teacher of the visually impaired.
Choosing this as her major requires Tiffany to obtain her degree
in Elementary Education Pre-K-4 and Special Education, with
a certificate in teaching the visually impaired. Tiffany chose to
become a teacher because she has always enjoyed helping
other people. In 2010, she moved in with family friends, one
of whom is blind and teaches adults with visual impairments
how to use computers, and one is an Orientation and Mobility
Instructor. They have a son who was born visually impaired
and will eventually go blind just like his father. Being around
the little boy has helped Tiffany to realize her passion is in
not only working with children, but specifically children with
disabilities. She hopes to change the lives of many children
through her career as a teacher of the visually impaired.
“I want to change the lives of many students who are visually
impaired just like many of them have already changed mine.”
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
Sherm Barto
Looking Back
Rick Michale
Rick Michale was first involved with Vision
Resource Center in the 1950s when he was about
twelve years old and it was still called the Association
for the Blind. Rick’s mother, Mary, was legally blind
due to cataracts, and had sufficiently poor vision
during her life that she attended the Overbrook
School for the Blind and learned to read Braille. Mary was a regular
attendee at multiple locations that the old Blind Association used,
even before moving to its current home on Hampden Boulevard. Rick
attended meetings as Mary’s companion. He recalls the Association
holding meetings in a church basement on Court Street with only ten to
fifteen people at the meetings. Rick’s mother got him truly involved with
Association by having him play his accordion at Christmas parties that
he remembers in a YMCA-owned building at 6th and Greenwich Streets
in Reading. When Rick turned 16, most of the members of the blind
Association were invited to his party!
The tables turned for Rick in 2007 when he had a heart attack and two
mini-strokes that caused him to have significant vision loss. He reached
out to the Berks County Association for the Blind in 2008, remembering
the support that they had given to his mother in her blindness. Rick
knows from firsthand experience throughout the years that “the agency
has gone through many changes. Things are turning around and muchimproved.” Rick and his wife, Doris, have become regular attendees at
Vision Resource Center and Rick mentioned that he has really enjoyed
picnics, Christmas parties and visiting local restaurants monthly at Lunch
Bunch. He and Doris also recently started attending the Lunch and
Learn programs combined with Sight Loss and Caregivers Support Group
and they find great value in sharing those experiences with the other
clients and caregivers.
Rick lives in Lyons Station with Doris, and their pets, Buster, a
chihuahua/terrier, and Lilly, a lab rescue dog. Rick is very involved in
ham radio operation and interacts with other blind ham radio operators
in a widespread area, as well as with blind clients from VRC. Rick has an
impressive control room for his operations, much of which he designed
and built himself after he lost his vision. Rick’s determination and
drive to create his control room should serve as inspiration for anyone
experiencing a vision loss and feeling as though they can no longer
participate in activities that they once enjoyed. Rick, with the support of
a caring wife, is not allowing his impairment restrict him in living his life
to the best of his ability.
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
Sherm Barto discovered through a look at his old
client file found unexpectedly at the Association
for the Blind that he was diagnosed with retinitis
pigmentosa and was originally a client in 1952.
Although Sherm has no memory of the agency at that
time, the documentation exists. Sherm says that as a teenager he could
tell that he didn’t see as well as his friends, but accommodated for his
vision loss and continued to play sports and live a normal life. He grew
up in northeast Reading as one of five siblings. His grandmother and
mother both no doubt had RP as well, but were described back in those
days as “going blind.” Despite her limitations, Sherm’s mother did the
best she could caring for a large family with her husband’s support.
Due to the hereditary nature of RP, Sherm states that not only were
the generations of his grandmother and mother affected, but he had a
brother who was diagnosed as well. Sherm’s son and daughter are also
diagnosed with RP, and it has moved to the current generation in one
grandson and one granddaughter.
Sherm had a full career in the field of finance, and despite being
legally blind in his 40s, continued working until retiring in 2000 as the
President/CEO of the credit union at Dana. Sherm’s value to Dana was
proven when they asked him to come back in 2005 between CEOs to
keep things on track until the position was filled
Sherm took night classes at Albright over many years, and graduated
with a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Management
at age 60 in a cap and gown. He was given his diploma by his son,
daughter, and son-in-law, all Albright alumni, who were no doubt very
proud of Sherm’s accomplishment, especially considering his vision
impairment.
Sherm lives in the Muhlenberg area with his wife, Gloria, who has been
crucial to provide Sherm with transportation in the past to work, and now
in their active retired life together. Sherm and Gloria are avid travelers,
and have only missed visiting five states at this point in their trips. Sherm
is a sports fan and hesitatingly admits to support the Dodgers and
Redskins! Together, Sherm and Gloria enjoy playing cards, walking, and
have enjoyed hiking as far away as on European vacations.
Sherm is a respected member of the Vision Resource Center Finance
Committee and the CEO-Client Council. He states that he is “very
glad of his involvement and maybe in some small way contributed to
the agency.” Sherm has “so much admiration for the staff,” and he
mentions how he feels like they are like a family. He has learned “how
many unique, talented, competent people” attend the Sight Loss Support
Group and that is serves a wonderful purpose. Sherm is indeed one of
these unique and competent people and a valued asset in many facets of
the agency’s operation.
Monday, July 7, 2014 | 7
the
gadget guru
corner
by Brian Wilson
A very useful gadget for me is the Tel-Temp Talking Thermometer.
This unit measures 3 and 1/2 inches by 6 inches by 2 inches, and
it is white with a large LCD display. The Tel-Temp is easily installed
on an indoor windowsill. A wire extending from the Tel-Temp is
placed under the window, extending to the outside to the ledge
Jim Meck
at the Piano
www.jimmeck.com
610-750-4526
Specializing in Billy Joel
covers, classic rock,
and jazz standards
between the window and the screen. The window is closed tightly
and the wire does not interfere with the window being locked. The
battery-operated unit can be set so it automatically announces
hourly indoor and outdoor temperatures in a female voice. This
function can be set for certain hours and volume. What I like about
Also performs
with the bandThe Guide Dogs
the Tel-Temp is the special alert system to announce when the
temperature is too hot or too cold. There is a button that can be
pressed anytime for a temperature check.
The Tel-Temp is from
Maxi-aids, and costs
$16.95.
Yes! I want to be a
for Vision Resource Center of Berks County
Find Jim’s latest
album Along the
Way on iTunes!
Please complete and return this form to:
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
2020 Hampden Blvd., Reading, PA 19604
Name____________________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone____________________________________________________________________________________
E-mail____________________________________________________________________________________
8 | Monday, July 7, 2014
I am available:
Monday.......... AM....... PM
Tuesday.......... AM....... PM
Wednesday.... AM....... PM
Thursday........ AM....... PM
Friday............. AM....... PM
Saturday......... AM....... PM
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
Facts about Vision Resource Center
Vision Screenings
During the 2013/2014 school year:
• 3010 children were screened from August to June
• 241 children were referred to a doctor due to screenings that
showed potential concerns
• 865 children received an educational program at the
time of their screening
• 113 sites received screenings (preschools, daycares, libraries,
and health fairs)
New sites for this school year:
• Four Berks County libraries
• Mothers of Preschoolers
and Homeschool group
• Three parochial schools
• BCIU Play and Learn Day
• New Story school for
children with autism
• Eight new preschools
Social Services Staff Provides Vision Screenings
Become a VRCBC Supporter!
Yes, I would like to support the programs and
services of VRCBC in prevention of blindness.
Enclosed please find my tax deductible gift:
m $100
m $75
m $50
m $25
m Other–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Designate your gift:
m Unrestricted support. Use where needed.
m Children’s Vision Screening
m Care Givers Support Group
m Sight Loss Support Group
m Building Fund
m Workshop Services
Name _____________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________
City _______________________________________________
State _______________ Zip ___________________________
In Memory/Honor of (Please circle):
__________________________________________________
Please acknowledge my gift to:
__________________________________________________
Left to Right: Ann Heiser, Vision Screening Caseworker, and Karen
Chandler, Director of Social Services at Vision Expo
Address ___________________________________________
Quotes from sites where screenings were performed:
City _______________________________________________
“A great service for the children. They have helped to find a few children in our care with vision problems that may not have been found
until much later otherwise.” - Vallone Child Care
“This is an awesome service for our families.” - Touching the Future
“We were amazed at the speed and accuracy of the
vision screening!” - Good Shepherd Preschool
“Thank you for this very valuable service!” - Little Angels Preschool
“Would love to do annual screening. Everything was wonderfully
and easily executed. Thank you!” - Riverview Christian Preschool
State _______________ Zip ___________________________
Doctors’ diagnoses on children referred
through VRC vision screenings:
Cataracts, Amblyopia (lazy eye), Strabismus, Astigmatism,
Hyperopia (far-sighted), Myopia (near-sighted)
m I would like my gift to remain anonymous
m I am interested in learning more about Planned Giving
m Vision Resource Center of Berks County is already in my will
Thank you for your support!
Make checks payable to:
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
2020 Hampden Blvd., Reading, PA 19604
Or donate on-line at www.berksblind.org
The official registration and financial information of Vision Resource Center of Berks County
a 501©3 may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free
(800)732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Potential vision problems screened for with
SPOT Pediavision screening camera:
Unequal pupil size, Astigmatism, Gaze deviation, Unequal
refractive power, Hyperopia, Myopia
Days on the road for vision screening caseworker, Ann Heiser – 149!
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
Monday, July 7, 2014 | 9
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
2020 Hampden Blvd, Reading
presents:
Vision Lunch
Eye Check!
VRC offers Adult Vision Screenings to test for myopia
(nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness),
astigmatism, and how well the eyes work together. Tues., Sept. 16th at 12-1pm
presentation by
Mike & Chris Butterworth of:
Life Care Planning & Consequences of Doing Nothing:
• Real Life Consequences of doing Nothing
• What is a Life Care Plan
• Common Misconceptions
• Life Care Planning Stages Timeline
• 10 Comprehensive Life Care Planning Steps
• Question and Answer Time
Mike is a 1982 Graduate of KutztownState College. He holds a
degree in education and is a Certified Special Care Planner as well
as a Chartered Special Needs Consultant. His son and business
partner, Chris, holds the designation of Chartered Special Needs
Consultant. Mike also has a daughter with special needs.
A light lunch will be served
Please RSVP to Carolyn Krick 610-375-8407 Ext. 110
Jump Start
Takes off at VRC!
The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services recently
held their first group Rehabilitation Teaching classes
in Berks County at the Vision Resource Center. The
classes consisted of seven two-hour lessons, which had
six participants ranging in age from 31 to 87 years old.
The classes included instruction on activities of daily
living, such as writing, cooking skills and safe cooking,
time management, cleaning, money management,
medication management and much more. The class
learned safe travel skills and even made their own
healthy lunch. The last class consisted of a catered
lunch and graduation ceremony. The classes were
taught by employees of Bureau of Blindness and Visual
Services – Erin Werner, Rehabilitation Teacher - Jamie
Pressmann, Social Worker, - and Freda Washington,
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. The
response was overwhelmingly positive and we look
forward to holding these classes again in the future.
10 | Monday, July 7, 2014
The process, including completion of paperwork prior to the
screening, takes only a few minutes. The screenings are free of
charge, but the result printout is priceless. The screenings are for
adults 18 and over. Adult Vision Screenings are held at
VRC, 2020 Hampden Blvd., Reading. 2014 Vision Screenings will take place 11 AM - 2 PM on:
July 21 • October 6
Appointments are suggested, but are not required.
For more information contact aheiser@berksblind.org
or 610-375-8407 x114 (Mon-Thu 8:00am-4:00pm) On the Road with
Vision Support Groups
Mark Levengood, VRC counselor,
is on the road through a partnership with
Health Calls/Low Vision Works to provide
monthly Vision Support groups for residents
in area assisted living facilities and
other senior groups. These support groups are an effort to help
attendees learn to adjust to vision loss, prepare for upcoming vision
impairment, and to put them in touch with the services that are
available to help.
Staff from Health Calls weighs in on this new service by saying,
“Health Calls is truly honored to have Mark Levengood from
the Vision Resource Center provide a new and beneficial Vision
Support Group to numerous facilities in Berks County. Mark
shares his personal story and journey concerning blindness with
positivity, gratitude, and hope! In doing so it enables those with
such challenges realize they are not alone and there is HOPE!
These Support Groups just started this month and after completion
of four I have received numerous emails of THANKS and countless
compliments of the Support Group’s HUGE Success! Thank you
Mark for ALL you do and ALL you will do for those challenged with
Vision Loss.”
For more information, contact Mark at 610-375-8407, ext. 120,
or email him at mlevengood@berksblind.org.
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
Vision Lunch Focuses on Vision Therapy
Health Calls/Low Vision Works were the presenters for Vision Resource Center’s June Vision Lunch.
Peg Stoudt, RN and Referral Liaison, and Tabitha Bailey, Occupation
Therapist, discussed the various programs for vision therapy available
through Health Calls. Information was shared in regard to the potential
increases in visual acuities experienced by recipients of vision therapy,
the possibility of an improved ability to read accurately, and help offered
to ease the struggles in the tasks of daily living.
Also presented at the Vision Lunch was a description of the home
safety evaluation that is performed as part of the program, as well as
the available training on assistive devices such as different types of
magnifiers.
Dr. Dawn Hornberger , OD, VRC Board member, talked about the
strong working relationship among Health Calls, the Bureau of Blind
and Visual Services, local low vision doctors, and Vision Resourc e
Center. She stressed how the common goal is to help people with vision
impairments to learn to continue to live their lives in a fulfilling way.
Vision Lunches will occur quarterly at VRC and will cover many
pertinent topics for anyone who experiences vision impairment or knows people who do. Tours of Vision Resource Center are enjoyed by attendees of Vision Lunches upon request. The next Vision Lunch
will be sponsored by Mike and Chris Butterworth of M.P. Butterworth
& Associates Financial Services on September 16, at 12:00 p.m. The
topic will be life care planing and the consequences of doing nothing.
Reservations can be made with Carolyn Krick, 610-375-8407, x110, or
email to ckrick@berksblind.org.
Top Row - Health Calls - Sue Davidson, Referral Liaison,
and Tabitha Bailey, OT.
Bottom row, Rick Michale, VRC client, Health Calls - Peg Stoudt,
Referral Liasion, Doris Michale
Services Provided by Vision Resource Center of Berks County
Vision Screenings The Prevention of Blindness program targets the
children of Berks County. This is a free screening service that is provided
to children between 3-5 years of age. This service is provided at day care
centers, preschools, nursery schools, Head Start Centers, and kindergarten
registrations. These screenings are designed to detect eye issues at an
early age because the earlier the detection, the earlier treatment can begin.
Adult vision screenings are provided at various health fairs and community
events throughout the year. These screenings are designed to assess an
adult’s vision changes.
Sight Loss Support Group This group meets monthly to provide support
and problem solving for clients. This meeting is open to individuals who
are blind or are visually impaired and their family members, friends, and
caregivers. This meeting is designed to discuss the latest technology and
medical breakthroughs that may be of interest to the attendees.
Caregivers Sight Loss Support Group This group meets bi-monthly to help
other caregivers be a support for their visually impaired family member.
Caregivers need the support of others that have experienced the difficulties
with complete or partial vision loss and the changes that occur in
everyone’s life.
Counseling Is available for individuals who are struggling with the
adjustment of a visual impairment or blindness. Counselor and client will
work together to reach goals that are obtainable. The meetings will be
adapted for each client’s needs and desires.
Lunch Bunch This group meets monthly at various restaurants throughout
Berks County as a means of socialization. This group is open to those with
visual impairments or who are blind and their family members, friends, and
caregivers.
Assistive Devices A variety of assistive devices are available for individuals
to purchase or lease. These items are available to assist an individual with
vision issues to lead a more productive and independent life.
Vision Resource Center of Berks County
Spanish Speaking Sight Loss Support Group This group meets monthly to
provide support for those within Berks County who are blind or have vision
loss that feel more comfortable within the Spanish speaking community.
This group meets to discuss problems and possible solutions for difficulties
they are having dealing with everyday life with their visual impairment.
Education Programs Several education programs are available for different
age groups of children. These programs are designed to discuss eye health
and eye safety rules. Adult education programs can also be performed
concerning specific eye issues or ideas for continued independence within
the home with a visual impairment.
Information and Referral Services Following an individualized home visit,
information and releases are obtained to discuss the best way to assist
the client. If further assistance is necessary, referrals are made to the
appropriate agencies to best address the client’s individual needs for
success with their visual impairment.
Workshop Services Employing over 50 visually impaired, blind, or
challenged individuals, the workshop promotes developing skill sets unique
to each person’s abilities and interests. Pride in work done produces a
quality product for the customer. Each employee is paid for their specific
amount of work performed. All work is done specific to the customer’s
specifications.
Visually Impaired Support Groups at Local Assisted Living Facilities These
groups are to assist residents within Assisted Living Facilities to maintain as
much independence as possible while living with their visual impairment.
This group is to be a support to help other residents with daily issues they
may face due to their visual impairment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call
610-375-8407 or visit our website at www.berksblind.org
Monday, July 7, 2014 | 11
Return Service Requested
2020 Hampden Boulevard
Reading, PA 19604
U.S. Postage
PAID
Non-Profit Org.
Permit No.122
Reading, PA
Proudly Serving Berks County Since 1929
Focusing on the prevention of blindness and
making it possible for visually impaired
Berks County residents to lead independent
and productive lives within their community.
SUMMER | 2014
Inside
This Issue
President's Message....... page 2
Welcome Tiffany Miller & Weiss Shabon................ page 3
Industry Reverse
Trade Show.................... page 4
Dine For Sight
Vision Expo.................... page 5
85th Anniversary
Dine in the Dark............. page 6
Client Spotlight
Rick Michale & Sherm Barto.................. page 7
Gadget Guru.................. page 8
Facts about Vision Resource
Center Vision Screenings... page 9
Jump Start
Mark Levengood........... page 10
Vision Lunch................ page 11
For People Affected By Blindness and Low Vision
www.berksblind.org
!
e
t
a
D
e
Save th
24 October 2014
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. • Dinner at 5:00 p.m. Or 7:30 p.m.
DINE IN THE DARK
a partnership between Kutztown University and Vision Resource Center of
Berks County to increase awareness of living with visual impairments
– $30.00 per person –
Call Vision Resource Center for more information. 610-375-8407
(proceeds from ticket sales benefit Student Ambassadors of the Council of
Exceptional Children, Division of Visual Impairments and Vision Resource Center of Berks County)