2006 Annual ReportFront Cover: Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired 2006 Annual Report Expanding and Growing to Meet the Need Photograph: A man using a white cane walks beside a pond in a city park. Inside Pages: Message from the President and the Executive Director Since 1911, The Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) has been expanding and growing to meet the increasing needs of people in our community with vision loss. CABVI continues to provide exceptional services and employment in order to advance our mission of: “Offering blind and visually impaired people the opportunity to seek independence.” CABVI’s outstanding services continue to evolve to meet our clients’ needs at the highest performance levels. We received state recognition from the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission for most efficient provision of rehabilitation services to people over age 55 who are having trouble functioning due to vision loss. With support from the Lions of District 13-H and Lions Club International Foundation, CABVI has also opened its fourth satellite low vision clinic in order to offer easier access to services for people who live in the outlying areas of southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky. During 2006, we provided a record 784 low vision evaluations. Expansion and growth requires that we keep pace with the latest advances in technology. Our Computer Access Service celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2006 with its well-equipped computer lab used for evaluations and training. In response to constantly changing access technology, we are expanding services to individuals, families, employers, school districts and other professionals who use adaptive technology in their daily lives. CABVI strives to provide maximum employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. The American Foundation for the Blind reports a 68 percent national unemployment rate for working-age people who are blind. Locally, CABVI employs approximately 118 people with 41 percent of these positions filled by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. During 2006, our Industries Program hired 7 new employees who are blind or visually impaired. Additionally, 3 staff members who are blind or visually impaired joined our service team. We are proud to have established such a strong foundation of loyal employees with an average tenure of more than 18 years. Our Industries Program continues to excel at so many levels. CABVI is part of the National Industries for the Blind program that provides employment opportunities through contracts with the Federal Government. CABVI is one of the largest manufacturing suppliers of tape products to the United States military. CABVI relies on a diverse group of funding sources in order to serve the needs of our community. We are pleased that Greater Cincinnati United Way accepted three of our proposals for a three-year funding period. Additionally, Office Runway, CABVI’s base supply center located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, celebrated its five-year anniversary with 300 percent growth in annual sales since it opened in 2001. Office Runway also expanded its original product line of office supplies to include uniform and individual equipment supplies for Air Force personnel during 2006. We are so grateful for the generous contributions of time and talent from our board of trustees, committee members, volunteers, and donors who make it possible for our staff to excel in so many ways by providing outstanding services. Thank you to all of our community supporters who have contributed to CABVI’s successes during 2006. They truly make it all possible. Photographs: Portrait-style photos of Bradley A. Kindem, President, Board of Trustees, and John H. Mitchell, Executive Director. Low Vision Service A World War II veteran who fought valiantly in the historic Normandy Invasion, Madison Todd lives much more relaxed today. He has learned a lot about appreciating life’s finer moments since retiring from his business in 1989. Now he and his wife, Helen Lois, stay close to their Florence home. It is a great place to be, just a stone's throw from a daughter and son, and a short distance from another son’s employment. All together, the 80 something couple have four children, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. There is no better reason to look forward to each day. Family has even deeper meaning as they have come to depend on one another for everyday moments. Madison has taken on more of the home responsibilities since his wife began using a wheelchair for mobility about three years ago. However, he has had to stop driving since noticing a wave in the road’s center line about a year and a half ago. As it turned out, the curve was not a painting error at all. Madison was diagnosed with macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Today he relies on his children for transportation. He sees well enough to get around and take care of chores around the house, but details like numbers, words, and expressions on faces are difficult at best. For help with those skills, he relies on the low vision aids he received from CABVI. Hand held magnifiers help him to read labels and price tags at the grocery store, and see settings on home appliances. He uses his closed circuit television every day to enlarge books, newspapers, mail, and anything else he wants to read. “They were so nice and so helpful to me at the Association,” he said. Madison, like so many other seniors living outside of the Cincinnati area, is especially appreciative that CABVI has expanded to include satellite locations. Located at the Elsmere Senior Center, CABVI’s Northern Kentucky Low Vision Service is just minutes from his neighborhood. “Everything I received has made all the difference in the world to me,” he added. Photograph: Madison Todd sits at a desk reading a newspaper using a closed circuit television. Early Childhood and Youth Services When Colin Rosenow goes for a walk around his neighborhood, he does not recognize his house by appearance or address. Instead he knows how far he is from home by counting driveways. His mom, Kathy, said teaching him to navigate their street with a cane is one of the coolest things Dede Ackerman, CABVI orientation and mobility specialist, has done with him. Actually, even before they took a step outside, Dede was teaching Colin about concepts of a residential neighborhood by building a tactile map. Colin still uses the map they built and he is starting to learn about cardinal directions with a Braille compass. These are just some of the creative methods CABVI staff use to work on new skills. Colin, now almost 9, became part of the Rosenow family 7 years ago. Born in Bolivia, he is one of ten adopted siblings – all of whom differ by ability but not by potential. Kathy and her husband, Scott, had contacted CABVI for support even before he arrived. CABVI quickly became a valuable resource for them when they came to realize staff of the agency’s Early Childhood and Youth Services are just a phone call away. No matter what the question, the Rosenows know they are not in this alone. Less than 3 years old, Colin was a shy little boy when Paula Jordan, CABVI early intervention vision/music specialist, began using music to impact his world. Now a growing boy, he still enjoys his voice and piano lessons. Colin wasn’t the only Rosenow child to have benefited from CABVI. Kathryn came to the family from Guatemala as an infant with cerebral palsy. They were told their little girl was blind and deaf, and would never respond to anyone, but she responded to Paula. A little ingenuity went a long way. Using music, Paula tore down the invisible walls that separated Kathryn from her environment. It encouraged movement and interaction. It opened up communication. Kathryn stretched to reach instruments, and began making eye contact when Paula would sing. The three year old is exploding with learning. She was just a little girl, who, as an orphan, shut the world out. Now, thanks to Paula’s creative nurturing and the family’s love, Kathryn is inviting the world in. “I can not imagine going through this without CABVI,” said Kathy. Photograph: Kathy, Kathryn and Colin Rosenow sit at their dining room table. Colin is showing his little sister, Kathryn, how he makes use of a tactile map of their neighborhood while mom, Kathy, looks on. Industries Program Providing employment opportunities to people who are blind and visually impaired has been a priority of CABVI since its beginning. Today, CABVI’s Industries Program is one of the largest manufacturing suppliers of tape products to the United States military. Its success means more jobs for hard working, motivated people, who traditionally have had a difficult time finding employment. Through The Javits-Wagner-O’Day Program (JWOD), government contracts are assigned to agencies employing people who are blind. In 2006 CABVI became the Transportation and Security Administration’s sole source for packaging and sealing tape at more than 400 airports. CABVI also added three new waterproof tapes to the Federal Procurement List. The expanded products have allowed CABVI to hire more employees and increase the need for work hours. All of this is great for employees like Dennis Runyan, who was named 2006 Industries Employee of the Year. Dennis has worked for CABVI’s Industries Program for nine years. Skilled and competent, he is the first person without any vision to handle the important job of packaging tape products into cartons and stacking them onto pallets for shipping. “My award was a huge honor,” said Dennis, “especially since I was grateful to have been given the opportunity to fill a new position that no one who is totally blind had ever done before.” Unused pallets and other packaging materials are now recycled by CABVI, helping to conserve natural resources. The Industries Program is headed by Fred Newman, a newly appointed director with more than 30 years of process manufacturing management and leadership. “Fred has a great deal of knowledge and experience with manufacturing and new product launches. That, combined with his strong sense of community and desire to give back will be a great asset to us moving forward,” said John Mitchell, CABVI executive director. Photograph: Dennis Runyan prepares a carton for packaging while his supervisor, Clarence Brooks, looks on. Volunteers Shirley Moore and Sylvia Ward may not share the same last name any longer, but the two sisters will always share an innate thoughtfulness of others. They are happily married retired school teachers, active church members, volunteers, and best of friends. They and their husbands are among the growing number of adults who give selflessly of their time to CABVI. It began in 1990. Shirley and Howard and Sylvia and Ray heard about the agency’s need through an outreach of their church, and together, they made a commitment. Both couples began working with CABVI’s Talking Book Machine program. Every other Wednesday, Shirley and Howard packaged up machines returned or in need of repair. Then Sylvia and Ray came the next day to transport them to the GE Elfuns, who would repair them. Shirley always remembers some of the notes they would find attached. They made her very aware of how much their work is appreciated. She recalls one woman asking them to please return her machine as soon as possible. According to Shirley, “the woman said when she started listening to books, she felt like she died and went to Heaven.” Through the years, the couples have shifted and expanded their volunteer roles. They have helped with glaucoma screenings, manning booths at area events, and serving lunch at the annual canoe outing. Every other week, they still maintain their regular volunteer responsibilities. Sylvia and Ray continue to transport the talking book machines, while Shirley and Howard now assist with general office work. “We look forward to our work at CABVI because we know we are helping other people,” said Sylvia. Photograph: Two couples, Howard and Shirley Moore and Ray and Sylvia Ward, sit at a table that has a talking book machine sitting in front of them. Office Runway It has been six years since CABVI opened its Office Runway base supply center at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and sales continue to grow. Carrying more than 3,500 items including products manufactured by CABVI and other National Industries for the Blind agencies, the store has become a valuable resource for military personnel. So much so that CABVI was asked to expand its service to include the selling of Air Force uniforms, which required a 4,000 square foot addition. That has meant great news on all fronts. With the new merchandise came a need for an additional staff member. Office Runway managers were committed to filling the position with someone who has a visual impairment. Richard Volkerding, a referral from the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, was hired and has been a great asset. “Richard is very outgoing and always willing to learn,” said Andy Dobrovolc, Manager BSC Retail Sales. “We feel very fortunate to have found him.” The feeling is mutual. “This is a great job. I enjoy working with the customers,” said Richard. With the expansion, more than $4.8 million of merchandise was sold through Office Runway in 2006, an increase of 30 percent over the previous year. The result was greater demand for CABVI products, and about $148,000 in net margin that came back to CABVI to support valuable programs and services. Photographs: An in-store display of military uniforms and an in-store display of Skilcraft office products at Office Runway. Rehabilitation Teaching Sarah Gardner remembers like it was yesterday. It was a joyous time, one of the proudest of times for any mother. Her oldest son was preparing a new life chapter and close family had flown in from Scotland to help them celebrate. They were sitting in the Gardners' family room, reminiscing of old times, looking forward to the future. The wedding was just days away. Suddenly, without warning, it was as if a piece of black fuzz landed in her eye. Surely something was there because it did not seem to go away. What followed was a series of seven laser surgeries to stop bleeding and control the path of vision loss. At 58, Sarah had to stop driving and took a disability leave from her job as a quality assurance manager. After supervising 150 people day in and day out, staying at home was quite an adjustment. Still, she said, what was the most difficult was not being able to read or see people’s faces. Sarah came to CABVI to find hope. What she found was a new beginning. Through Low Vision Services, she received a variety of magnifiers and other aids such as a talking clock and modified watch. Now she has tools to read food and medicine labels, watch television, and check the mail. Thanks to CABVI, Sarah is back to reading three books a week except now she listens to the plots on her Talking Book Machine. A CABVI rehabilitation teacher applied tactile dot stickers on the Gardners' appliances and assisted Sarah in learning to rely on touch for household tasks like cooking and doing laundry. Simple tasks like writing checks with a stencil and putting dollar bills in a wallet were also practiced. Sue Guagenti, CABVI orientation and mobility specialist, taught Sarah how to use a cane in and around the neighborhood. The Gardners' lives were changed when Sarah lost her vision. Now they have changed again as Sarah has regained her confidence and independence. “I do not have the words and never will to explain what they have done for me at the Association,” she said. “They gave me back my life.” Photograph: Sarah Gardner sits at a desk writing out a large print check, with a large print check register sitting nearby. Highlights from the Year 2006 CABVI introduced a new line of program services brochures that were created and contributed by laga, design and innovation. CABVI received recognition from the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission’s independent living program for being the top producer for fiscal year 2005-2006, exceeding goals of people closed successfully, and having the second lowest cost per closure in the state. The grant helped provide services and equipment to older people (over 55) needing help to remain independent. Group classes in knitting, holiday crafts, cooking, and “dining out” were held during the year by rehabilitation teachers. These group classes made a difference, especially in enabling those participants to share in an experience and to share their own experiences with vision loss. Two music recitals for CABVI’s music program drew a large number of proud families and friends, and received media coverage. Funding for these recitals came from a Dater Foundation grant for the music program. The early childhood family room was established with a grant from the Delta Pilots Foundation. The room is equipped with furniture, a therapeutic swing, darkening window shades, as well as educational videos and equipment for use with families/children. Three program proposals for funding from the Greater Cincinnati United Way were accepted for a three year funding period. Programs funded include early childhood intervention services, provision of rehabilitation services for adults who wish to be successfully employed, and rehabilitation and independent living services for older adults. A “Motion” group of 5 teenagers participated in a group experience in travel skills and community travel options in June, 2006. This group was funded by a grant from The H.G., H.F., and L.T. Dornette Foundation. A Moving to Music group in summer 2006, provided 8 school-aged children the opportunity to build skills used for mobility and for orientation to ones environment through special activities set to music. Computer Access Service hosted a BrailleNote workshop for nine teachers and school aides, focusing on the MPower, which is the latest version used by students. Computer Access Service and Orientation and Mobility Service staff worked together to develop a process for client training on the Maestro Trekker GPS (global positioning system), as requests for this training have increased. Computer Access Service staff held a Cincinnati Reds Workshop for seniors in September 2006, which included instruction and practice on accessing the Cincinnati Reds website, and then an actual trip to the Reds Hall of Fame. In partnership with the Lions of District 13-H, CABVI benefited from a Lions Club International Foundation grant that will help sponsor two low vision satellite services in Butler and Warren counties, as well as establish a Clermont County site in early 2007. Approximately 120 people benefited from 7 support groups held at senior centers, and at CABVI during the year. WRRS was awarded an Ohio Public Broadcasting Award for the following category: PUBLIC INFORMATION, Division B – Short Promotions; Rafting on the River Promo – WRRS, Steve Ledwin - Voice-over Talent, Mark DeWitt - Engineer. OFFICE RUNWAY, the base supply center operated by CABVI at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, added retail sales of the Individual Equipment Elements (uniforms, safety equipment and other clothing items used by Air Force personnel) in April, 2006 resulting in sales of $728,000 in 2006. The Industries Program added three new tapes for the General Service Administration. The Industries Program hired seven new employees who are visually impaired. Awards from the Year 2006 Bryan and Becci Crist, 2006 One on One Award Jack Atherton, 2006 Caroline F. Fibbe Award Dennis Runyan, 2007 Bradley L. Kaylor Blind Employee of the Year Holly Smith-Conway, 2006 Paul Silverglade Youth Volunteer Award Alan Arend, 2006 Samuel S. Sheffield Volunteer of the Year Pete LaPresto, 2006 Moser Award Faye Rice, 2006 Ronald J. Ott Award Thank You! Our caring community provides the financial resources that make it possible for the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired to offer quality services. We are grateful to all who support our work. $10,000 or more - 18 companies, individuals and organizations $5,000 or more - 6 companies, individuals and organizations $1,000 or more - 46 companies, individuals and organizations $500 or more - 45 companies, individuals and organizations $100 or more - 250 companies, individuals and organizations $25 or more - 560 companies, individuals and organizations In Honor Of 21 individuals were honored by 31 gifts. In Memory Of 148 individuals were memorialized by 486 gifts. Gifts In Kind 72 companies, individuals and organizations made gifts in kind. Estates and Trusts 21 individuals remembered CABVI with a bequest. Suggested wording to remember Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in your will or estate plan: "I give to the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired the sum of (number) dollars. This bequest is unrestricted and the Board of Trustees or other governing body may use and expend the same for the benefit of the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in any manner it deems appropriate." Opportunities for Giving CABVI's Annual Campaign raises funds that are used to provide rehabilitation, counseling and information services. Members (donors of gifts of $25 or more) receive our newsletter, Viewpoint, our Annual Report and an invitation to our Annual Meeting. CABVI also accepts memorial or honorary gifts to honor friends for special occasions or to commemorate friends through a memorial gift. For more information about giving opportunities, contact Kathy Gottschlich, director of development and community relations, at 513-487-4233. Spring Light 5K The 2006 Spring Light 5K, held on August 13, 2006, was the most successful ever! We thank our sponsors for their financial support: Gold Sponsors - National City Bank, OXO International, Inc., Shurtape Technologies, Inc., Tri-State Centers for Sight, Inc., Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP. Silver Sponsors - Cincinnati Eye Institute, Corporate Express, Intertape Polymer Group, Procter & Gamble Volunteer Support Program, Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. Bronze Sponsors - Frost Brown Todd LLC - The Personal Planning and Family Business Department, L'Oreal USA, Inc., Messer Construction Co., Miami Valley Paper Tube Co., Milford Printers, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Zeta Sigma Chapter of Delta Gamma, Northern Kentucky University. We also wish to thank the 30 companies, individuals and organizations that supported this event with in-kind gifts. Visionary Society CABVI has established the Visionary Society to recognize planned gifts. Planned gifts include bequests in a will, charitable trusts, charitable gift annuities or gifts or bequests of life insurance or retirement plan assets. Planned gifts help ensure that services are available in the future to meet the needs of people who are blind. In addition, planned gifts may provide income and estate tax benefits. As of December 31, 2006, there were 49 members of CABVI's Visionary Society. Volunteers We thank all our volunteers for their generous donations of time and talents. Programs such as Radio Reading Services, One on One and Personalized Talking Print would not exist without volunteers. In addition, volunteer staff drivers, office assistants, and interns enable us to offer more unique services to our clients. We also thank the following organizations for providing outstanding volunteer support: Cincinnati Bell Pioneers, The Cincinnati Woman's Club, Cincinnati Women's Society of CPAs, Ohio Center for Broadcasting, RSVP, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Senior Elfun Society of GE Aircraft Engines, Walnut Hills High School, Zeta Sigma Chapter of Delta Gamma Staff as of December 31, 2006 John H. Mitchell, Executive Director Virginia L. Backscheider, Director of Program Services Jennifer M. DuBois, Director of Administration Kathy Gottschlich, Director of Development and Community Relations Fred Newman, Director of Industries Program Dennis J. Weber, Director of Finance Denise D. Ackerman, Keith Baich, Patsy Baughn, Mark Braunstein, Clarence Brooks, Gina Carroll, Robyn Clemons, Marianne Denning, Mark DeWitt, Kevin Dobens, Andy Dobrovolc, Donna Durham, Gary Ensing, Todd Farmer, Mark Foersterling, Cheryl Frost, Sonja Grace, Sue Guagenti, Judy Hale, Brian Haynes, Jennifer Holladay, Jeanne Horton, Paula Jordan, Sue Kimbrough, Cynthia Kreis, Sharon Linde, Katja Lundgren, Mary McKee, Keith Merritt, Elizabeth Moore, Steve Morgan, Pamela S. Muirheid, Juanita Niceley, Darrell Nordling, Janet Papin, Reid Post, Katherine Roberts, Charles Rosenblatt, Janice Roth, Vicki Roth, Sheryl Rottenberger, Anna Ruhmkorff, Carla J. Schatzman, Judy Schermer, Peggy Segal, Jody Shank, Patricia B. Strube, Megan Tallman, Cheryl S. Thomas, Candia Thurman, Heather Wigle, Michael Wigle, Patty Willits, Bill Wilson, Janet Wilson, Michelle Woods. Optometrists - E. Thomas Flinn, O.D.; Sarah Loper, O.D.; Michael J. Lyons, O.D.; Wallace Young, O.D. Committee Members as of December 31, 2006 Garold Barnhart, Terry Industrial Bruce Berno, Berno Financial Management, Inc. Patti Weller Bresler, laga Michael D. Eagen, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Tripp Eldredge, President, DMR Dave Ellington, Calvary Baptist Church of Covington Paul A. Feller, Ph.D., FAAPM, FACMP, The Jewish Hospital Gail F. Forberg, Civic Leader Jenny Franta, Fifth Third Bank Stephen L. Keckeis, Messer Construction Company David C. Kelly, Prologis Trust Steven T. Kenat, AIA, GBBN Architects John E. Laufenburg, Jr., The Procter & Gamble Co., Retired Gail Moore, The Procter & Gamble Co., Retired George T. Moore, Ph.D., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Norma Rashid, Community Volunteer Jerry C. Reichert, Aurora Casket Company, Inc. John P. Roos, Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Retired Richard K. Tuten, GE Aircraft Engines, Retired Raj Uttamchandani, ADP Employer Services David D. Wilder, CFP, CTFA, MST, Financial Management Group, Inc. Board of Trustees as of December 31, 2006 President - Bradley A. Kindem, The Procter & Gamble Co., Retired Vice President - Susan S. Friedlander, Civic Leader Vice President - Deborah K. Kendrick, Author/Columnist Vice President/Secretary - John W. Tolos, Lions Club Vice President/Treasurer - Glen G. Vogel, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Rosemary H. Bloom, Civic Leader Dan Braun, Cintas Corporation Roger G. Caldwell, Fidelity Institutional Retirement Services Co. Michele Hoffman Carey, Smith Beers Yunker and Company Inc. Rick Delewski, Greater Cincinnati Health Council J. Harry Dornheggen, Sibcy Cline Realtors Stephen S. Eberly, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP Jerry E. Klein, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Patricia D. Laub, Frost Brown Todd LLC Michael Lichstein, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist Thomas J. Long, Long Architectural Sales, Retired Rev. Norman Macon, Bond Hill-St. Mark United Methodist Church, Retired James A. Murray, The Procter & Gamble Co., Retired Ronald J. Ott, Consultant Cynthia C. Padilla, Michelman, Inc. Michael R. Petersen, M.D., Ph.D., Cincinnati Eye Institute Mary L. Rust, Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP Reuben Shaffer, The Kroger Company Paul L. Silverglade, Federated Department Stores, Inc., Retired Lynda Thomas, Civic Leader Hale W. Thurston, Ph.D., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Robert J. Watkins, The Procter & Gamble, Co., Retired Trustees Emeriti as of December 31, 2006 Arthur R. Ehrnschwender Janice C. Kirby Ralph J. Waldvogel Back Cover: Photography by Mark Burgess and Omar Boraby An Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider An Affirmative Action Employer Affiliations Funded by United Ways of Greater Cincinnati, Butler County and Warren County Member, National Industries for the Blind Accredited Member, National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving People with Blindness or Visual Impairment Member, National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind Member, National Council of Private Agencies for the Blind and Visually Impaired Member, National Vision Rehabilitation Association Member, Ohio Radio Reading Services Member, International Association of Audio Information Services Photograph: The front of the CABVI building as seen from Gilbert Avenue. Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Offering Blind and Visually Impaired People the Opportunity to Seek Independence 2045 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Phone: 513-221-8558 Toll Free: 1-888-687-3935 Fax: 513-221-2995 Email: info@cincyblind.org Web site: www.cincyblind.org
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