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New Hampshire Association for the Blind
To advance the independence of persons who are blind and visually impaired

News

The Citizens Bank Foundation Awards NH Association for the Blind $15,000 for Statewide Outreach of Going Blind-Going Forward Movie Screenings

Citizens Bank Foundation announced today that it has awarded the New Hampshire Association for the Blind a $15,000 grant in support of its statewide outreach effort to increase awareness of the issue of blindness and low vision. The New Hampshire Association for the Blind will be conducting public screenings of Joseph Lovett’s, Going Blind-Going Forward which offers a hopeful look at the world of blindness and vision loss. Aging populations and lifestyle changes mean that chronic blinding conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration are projected to rise exponentially. One problem is that without effective, major intervention, the number of blind people is projected to increase to 76 million by 2020. Through low vision therapy and rehabilitative training individuals are given opportunities to remain independent.

With offices in Portsmouth and Concord the New Hampshire Association for the Blind provides vision rehabilitation services for New Hampshire residents of all ages who are blind and visually impaired. Founded in 1912, it delivers assistance in virtually every community statewide, including social work, rehabilitation teaching, orientation and mobility instruction, low vision services, adaptive technology support and public education. For more information on the New Hampshire Association for the Blind’s programs and services, call 603-224-4039.

About the Citizens Bank Foundation
Citizens Bank Foundation is a subsidiary of the Citizens Charitable Foundation, which is a charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., RBS Citizens, N.A., and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. The foundation’s support is focused on human services, affordable housing and economic development.

IRS Commits to Making Tax Forms Accessible

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is committed to making every document on its World Wide Web site accessible to the widest possible audience. We work with skilled accessibility contractors and our own accessibility specialists to ensure that our documents are, to the maximum extent feasible, accessible to persons using special assistive technology, including screen reading software, refreshable Braille displays, and voice recognition software.

The IRS Alternative Media Center has prepared hundreds of its most popular tax forms and publications using full text descriptions where needed and is making these files available for download through IRS.gov. Most of the files prepared in this manner are in ASCII text format, a few were prepared in HTML and all have been transcribed for Braille. The Braille print files are in .brf format and can be sent directly to an embosser for high quality Braille output.

Talking Tax Forms

The IRS Alternative Media Center is working to make IRS tax forms and publications fully accessible and Section 508 compliant. These "talking tax forms" work with MSAA compliant screen readers as well as Dragon Naturally Speaking Voice Recognition Software. We are using the Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) as a means of distributing government forms as well as other documents. The IRS has made over 650 tax forms available in accessible PDF format.

Links:
www.irs.gov

Advocacy Committee Making a Difference

The New Hampshire Association for the Blind’s Advocacy Committee has been aggressively monitoring the work of the NH State Coordinating Council (SCC) and the Regional Coordinating Councils (RCC) to ensure everything possible is being done to enhance transportation options for seniors and persons with disabilities.

In mid-October 2011 we learned that the NH Department of Transportation had removed $800,000 from their budget, that would have been used to create new opportunities for public and private transportation. A motion to have this money reinstated was taken to the Department of Education, Services for Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) and on to the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) for action.

As a direct result of this strong advocacy effort the Department of Transportation reinstated the funds into their 10 year plan.

The Roger R. & Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund Awards $16,000 to NH Association for the Blind

Trustees of the Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund for the Benefit of Charities recently awarded $16,000 to the New Hampshire Association for the Blind to help blind and visually impaired residents of the greater Seacoast area. The grant will be used to increase volunteer capacity in the region and build public awareness in order to better serve the growing blind population. The Association’s Seacoast office provides a low vision resource room, monthly peer support groups and numerous educational presentations provided throughout the community. This generous grant will enable more individuals who are struggling with blindness to receive vital vision rehabilitation services to ensure their continued independence.

Board Officers Elected at Annual Meeting of the Directors

The New Hampshire Association for the Blind’s Board of Directors have elected Michelle Arruda, Contoocook as Board Chairperson, Susan Manchester, Amherst as Board Vice Chairperson, Tom Pare, Salem as Board Treasurer and Doreen Manetta, Nashua as Secretary. Collectively the officers of the Board have served more than 20 years as board members. Their leadership will strengthen the organizations mission to advance the independence of persons who are blind or visually impaired. The NH Association for the Blind has been serving NH residents for 100 years throughout all communities.

Bob Cholette Elected as Board Emeritus

Robert Cholette of Merrimack, New Hampshire was elected Director Emeritus by the Board of Director’s of the New Hampshire Association for the Blind at their 2011 Annual Meeting in appreciation for his many years of dedicated service and leadership. Cholette served three consecutive board terms from 1999 – 2008, and as board chair from 2006 to 2008. He continues to be a loyal patron of the Association’s mission to advance the independence of persons who are blind and visually impaired.

Cholette began his work with the blind and visually impaired back in the 60’s when he became the first professionally trained peripatologist hired by the Association. An active member of the community, Cholette has many years of management and investing experience and has served in numerous volunteer positions. He served on the National Easter Seals Executive Association, NH Charitable Foundation and the American Association of Individual Investors. The Association achieved much success under Cholette’s board leadership.

Governor Lynch Proclaims October 17, 2011 White Cane & Dog Guide Users Awareness Day

The New Hampshire Association for the Blind wants all drivers to be aware of the law, as it relates to blind and visually impaired travelers. Having this knowledge will save lives on New Hampshire roadways.

SHARING THE ROAD WITH VISUALLY IMPAIRED/BLIND PEDESTRIANS

When you encounter a pedestrian who is blind or visually impaired, there are legal and practical things to consider. A great majority of persons with visual impairments have remaining vision, which can be quite helpful in travel. A person who is visually impaired may be using a White Cane (the international symbol of blindness) or a harnessed Dog Guide. The White Cane and Dog Guide are tools that assist in locating barriers, potential hazards and in gathering information about their surroundings. Motor Vehicle law requires drivers to come to a complete stop whenever a person who is carrying a White Cane or using a Dog Guide is attempting to cross a roadway. Before continuing drivers must use caution and be aware that they play a very important role in how the person safely negotiates his or her route of travel. The person who is blind listens to hear that the vehicle has stopped moving before proceeding. For most people a 10 foot distance is sufficient to gain the needed information.

While listening to the traffic flow and other auditory information, the person who is visually impaired approaches an intersection and locates the best place to make a safe crossing. Drivers should be aware that the person will begin to cross the street when he or she has determined that a safe crossing can be made. This might not be at the same time that the driver would expect a sighted person to cross.

Remember drivers must come to a complete stop and use extra caution when proceeding or turning right on red. As tempting as it may be, it is not at all helpful to honk or yell at a person who is blind or visually impaired.

Through this proclamation Governor Lynch encourages all citizens to participate in the effort to bring awareness and support to those in our community who struggle with vision impairment.

The Byrne Foundation Awards $5,900 to the New Hampshire Association for the Blind

The Byrne Foundation recently awarded $5,900 to the New Hampshire Association for the Blind for the creation of a 7 minute high definition video that will clearly illustrate the types of vision rehabilitation services provided by the professional staff at the NH Association for the Blind. Blackfly Media of Portland, Me. has been selected to produce the video using the Association’s 100th year anniversary theme of “Living Better with Vision Loss”. The DVD will feature compelling testimonials from many of the clients who the Association has helped over the past few years. In the coming months the DVD will be used statewide at various service clubs, ophthalmic practices, medical offices, health fairs, libraries and other appropriate venues. The Association’s overriding goal as it enters its 100th year is to increase awareness about who we serve and what we do; sending the message that help is available.

Headquartered at the McGreal Sight Center in Concord, the New Hampshire Association for the Blind provides vision rehabilitation services for New Hampshire residents of all ages who are blind and visually impaired. Founded in 1912, it delivers assistance in virtually every community statewide, including social work, rehabilitation teaching, orientation and mobility instruction, low vision services, adaptive technology support and public education.

About The Byrne Foundation
The Byrne Foundation was established in 1994. The Foundation’s primary concern is to improve the quality of everyday life of everyday people living in the Upper Valley communities of NH.

Lincoln Financial Foundation Awards $5,000 to the New Hampshire Association for the Blind

The Lincoln Financial Foundation recently awarded $5,000 to the New Hampshire Association for the Blind for its vital peer support programs. Since 1996 the Association has found that group peer support is the most effective strategy to help people who are losing their sight or have lost their sight. The overall goal of the program is “to advance the independence of persons who are blind and visually impaired”; the Association’s mission for nearly 100 years. The group model is based upon sharing experiences, mutual respect and empathy. The Association offers Peer Support Groups in Concord, Portsmouth and Manchester. The groups are facilitated by counselors, clients and social work interns and made possible with the support of the Lincoln Financial Foundation.

Hospital Association Applauds New Training Video

The New Hampshire Hospital Association is pleased to announce its strong support of a new training video produced by the New Hampshire Association for the Blind and Concord Hospital.

“The men and women of New Hampshire’s hospitals strive to treat all of their patients with the highest amount of caring and respect,” said Steve Ahnen, president of the New Hampshire Hospital Association. “This new resource developed in collaboration between Concord Hospital and the NHAB will help volunteers, caregivers and staff members at all New Hampshire hospitals to better serve those patients and family members who are blind or visually impaired.”

“The Advocacy Committee identified the need and sought out the assistance of Concord Hospital,” added Amy Nichols, who serves as treasurer for the NHAB. “This wonderful collaboration produced this educational/training DVD. Our hope is that this common-sense approach will enhance the lives of our clients whenever they use a health care facility.”

“Concord Hospital was pleased to collaborate with the NHAB and New Hampshire Hospital Association in an effort to increase awareness of the special needs of blind and low vision community members,” noted Mike Green, Concord Hospital president and chief executive officer. “Our hope is that the training video, which we helped produce, will be used by healthcare facilities and providers in New Hampshire to improve medical care and services.”

The NHAB is making this training video available at no cost to any health care provider in New Hampshire. For more information about the training video or to receive a copy, please contact Guy Woodland at the NHAB at 603-224-4039 x310.

Hospitals have been collaborating through the New Hampshire Hospital Association since 1934. The association's mission is to provide leadership through advocacy, education and information in support of its member hospitals and health care delivery systems in delivering high quality health care to the patients and communities they serve. Click here to view the video.

Non-Profit Director Receives Prestigious Award

Photo: From Left to Right - Guy Woodland, Nancy Druke, Cammy Moraros Nancy Druke, Director of Social Work for the New Hampshire Association for the Blind recently received the prestigious Thomas Caulfield Award at the annual meeting of the Northeast Chapter of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (NE/AER). The Thomas Caulfield Award is awarded every other year to someone who demonstrates outstanding personal efforts in assisting persons with visual impairment to adjust to their disability and to attain responsible goals in their communities. Ms. Druke has been with the Association since 1999 and is responsible for the oversight of the rehabilitation and education services that are provided by the New Hampshire Association for the Blind. Ms. Druke serves as Chair of the NE/AER Division of Psychosocial Services and has hosted many workshops. For the past 12 years Ms. Druke has taken a leadership role in NE/AER at the board and committee levels and is currently Past President. She has coordinated and supervised a social work intern placement at the Association through UNH for the past 10 years as well as establishing several peer support groups for persons who are newly blind. “Over the past decade Nancy has directly impacted the lives of hundreds of NH residents living with vision loss. Her background is very similar to the late Thomas Caulfield, who this award is named after. Nancy reaches out to help people in crisis every day.” Guy Woodland, Vice President for the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.

Gracie Cilley joins NH Association for the Blind’s Board of Directors

Michelle Arruda, Board Chair of the New Hampshire Association for the Blind announced today the election of Gracie Cilley of Laconia, to its Board of Directors. Cilley, VP for commercial lending with Meredith Village Savings Bank will support the Association’s efforts in raising awareness of services available in Central NH regions.

President's Letter: "Living Better with Vision Loss."
August 2011

“Living Better with Vision Loss.” This is the new theme that we plan to use as we prepare for our 100th birthday next year! What do you think? Members of the 100th Anniversary Committee crafted the phrase because it quite simply sums up the amazing work we do at the New Hampshire Association for the Blind. Our professionally trained staff really does help people “live better” – regardless of the extent of vision loss.

“Living Better” means different things to different people. Ten year old Gabby, born with retinopathy of prematurity, is now a 4th grader in Londonderry. Gabby is living better because, with the training she received through the Association, she mastered the use of her white cane. She now travels safely and confidently around her school and neighborhood.

Lynn, a woman in her 40’s from Derry is living better too. Lynn suddenly went blind in October of 2009. At the recommendation of her retinal specialist, Lynn called the Association and took advantage of all the help available including vision rehabilitation therapy, orientation and mobility instruction and counseling. These supports, along with the help of her vocational rehabilitation counselor, and some good “old-fashioned grit” made it possible for Lynn to return to the job she loves as a Plant Specialist for Home Depot.

Margie from Canterbury is living a better life too, despite having advanced macular degeneration. At 99, she is also getting ready to celebrate her 100th year! I had the privilege of meeting Margie about 4 years ago when I gave her a tour of the Sightcenter. She was so impressed and in awe of the special devices that were available to her. I showed her how to use a CCTV, a device she ended up purchasing, in addition to an illuminated hand-held magnifier and Max TV goggles for viewing some great Red Sox baseball!

In 1912, two blind friends from Hancock started what we now know as the New Hampshire Association for the Blind. Our Founder, Emma Adelia Coolidge Weston, had been blinded by whooping cough before the age of five. As a little girl she learned “her letters” by tracing the raised letters on the family’s cold kitchen stove. Hoping to restore her sight, her parents tried many useless nostrums. They had Emma wear gold earrings, put talcum powder into her eyes and blistered her temples with poisoned flies (we learn of insect-related fakery in the early 1900’s, when strange nostrums we sold to a gullible public as scientific cures). How far we’ve come in 100 years!

Today, the New Hampshire Association for the Blind remains the only statewide, non-profit organization to provide vision rehabilitation services to people of all ages who have vision loss. Our mission “to advance the independence of persons who are blind and visually impaired” drives our work from year to year.

I am proud to report that by the time you receive this letter, the professional staff at the New Hampshire Association for the Blind will have touched the lives of close to 2,000 people this fiscal year. Our staff, traveling from Berlin to Nashua, Portsmouth to Claremont, reached out to people all over the state. While the numbers and locales are impressive, I continue to be concerned about those people who need help, but aren’t getting it because they are unaware of the services we provide. We need to do more, and we will!

The need for vision rehabilitation is on the rise as is the need to increase awareness about vision loss. Visual impairment affects 1 in 28 (3.57%) Americans age 40 and over. This number of people is projected to increase 60% by 2020 (National Eye Institute, October 2008). Aging populations mean that chronic blinding conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration will rise exponentially. New Hampshire mirrors national trending.

The incidence rate for vision impairment and blindness increases significantly with age. When people reach age 75 years and over, the percentage of Americans with vision loss reaches 22%! (American Foundation for the Blind “Special Report on Aging and Vision Loss – 2008)

As we move toward our 100th year, we are determined to get the message out that there is hope; there is help. We aim to tell as many people as possible that there is hope beyond sight and that there is help available at the New Hampshire Association for the Blind. Toward this end, in a number of communities across the state, we have already begun to run complimentary screenings of the movie Going Blind, a documentary by award-winning producer/director Joseph Lovett.

This film is a hopeful look at the world of vision loss & blindness. Joe Lovett is living and working with glaucoma- a disease that robs 4.5 million people of their vision worldwide. Going Blind interweaves Joe’s story, his mission to slow down the course of his glaucoma through medication and surgeries, with the stories of others to whom he looks to for guidance in a darkening world.

We have plans to continue to show the movie statewide with the Going Blind, Going Forward outreach initiative. We want to reach as many people as possible. Each showing will be followed by a panel discussion with community ophthalmologists, optometrists, low vision therapists and clients.

In addition, we will be making presentations at service clubs, workplaces, community centers and retirement communities statewide to get the word out about the important work we do.

As we approach our 100th year, we have so much to celebrate - not so much our years of service as the thousands of people who, like Gabby, Lynn and Margie, are truly living better with vision loss.

There’s a reason we’ve been around for almost 100 years and that reason is YOU! Thank you so very much for your loyal and generous support. Together, we’ll continue to work towards a future of “Living Better with Vision Loss” as we celebrate a century of service.

Sincerely,

George F. Theriault
President & CEO

WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY OCTOBER 15, 2011

SHARING THE ROAD WITH VISUALLY IMPAIRED/BLIND PEDISTRIANS

While listening to the traffic flow and other auditory information, the person who is visually impaired approaches an intersection and locates the best place to make a safe crossing. Drivers should be aware that the person will begin to cross the street when he or she has determined that a safe crossing can be made. This might not be at the same time that the driver would expect a sighted person to cross.

WHAT IS THE SIGHTED WORLD’S PERCEPTION OF VISION LOSS?

On Monday, March 21, 2011 the third showing of the documentary "Going Blind" was shown followed by a panel discussion. It was held at the Portsmouth Public Library in Portsmouth. Thirty-two people came out in the snow/rain to experience this educational event. "I was especially pleased when 2 days later a woman with low vision contacted the Association for services, as a direct result from attending the movie and panel. If we have reached even one person, then it was truly a success." (Stephanie Hurd, Coordinator of Volunteer Services) The Seacoast showing was collaboration between the Portsmouth Lions, the Portsmouth Public Library, and the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.

Funny Guys, Naughty Girls & Great Sax” A Great Success!

Jimmy Dunn's "Funny Guys, Naughty Girls & Great Sax" benefit show held on February 12 at the Palace Theatre was a huge success, with more than 600 people attending! What a great evening of comedy by Jimmy Dunn, Frank Santorelli, Mike Whitman and Susan Prekel! The Bliss Burlesque Dancers were incredible and Deric Dyer and his band rocked the house with some great rock & roll! Thank you to all who attended the show and contributed to our Silent Auction. We raised much needed funds for the Association. Special thanks to our Concert Chairperson, Bob Werner, and our amazing sponsors!

Advocacy Committee Hard at Work

Advocacy Committee members are focused on three major issues facing people who are visually impaired. They are:

Access to Health Care Settings. The Association has partnered with Concord Hospital to produce an education training DVD for health care workers. The DVD focuses on how to assist a person who is visually impaired when being admitted or visiting a health care office or hospital. The title of the DVD is How Can I Help You? Helping People Who Are Visually Impaired in a Health Care Setting.
Transportation Needs. The Advocacy Committee is providing feedback to the Regional Coordinating Councils on the critical need for additional transportation options for people who are visually impaired.
Access to Voting. The Association is partnering with the NH Secretary of State to provide orientation and training on New Hampshire’s Accessible Voting System.

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