Get Involved - Volunteer Profile

"Making Life Easier"

Photo of Don NelsonHave you ever wondered how a person who is blind enjoys a favorite book or magazine, or how they read their medical prescriptions or safety instructions? Think of the piles of mail you receive every week at your home. It’s difficult enough for sighted people to sift through it all but can you imagine the struggle it must be for a person who is blind?

At the New Hampshire Association for the Blind, we have a special volunteer who has been making life a lot easier for so many people who are living without their sight. His name is Don Nelson. Don, who lives in Jaffrey with his wife Jean, has been a Recording Studio Volunteer for seven years. He provides narration and recording of printed text so that people who are blind and visually impaired will be able to receive and process information that sighted people read every day.

At the Recording Studio, located at the McGreal Sight Center, many printed documents are produced in “alternate format” for clients and businesses. Don is one of the volunteers who “makes this happen.”
Recording Studio volunteers create alternative format materials for our clients thereby allowing them to listen to ideas, think about options, mull over information and make informed personal decisions about their health care. This volunteer work is often indirect, people know Don through his voice, but that voice brings them dignity and independence. It is invaluable.
Amplification, diction, enthusiasm and an easiness of listening are important qualities for a Recording Studio Volunteer. According to Lynne Saltonstall, former Volunteer Coordinator, “With Don’s vast experience in radio and his deep voice, he certainly met all of the criteria when I recruited him in September of 2002”.


Anne Aubertin, Volunteer Administrator

Photo of Anne AubertinOn April 7, 2008 Anne Aubertin arrived at the New Hampshire Association for the Blind to serve as our Volunteer Administrator. Anne replaced Lynne Saltonstall who retired this past spring.

For over two years, Anne worked as an Americorps VISTA volunteer. VISTA, a federally funded program, stands for Volunteer In Service To America. VISTA volunteers work in communities throughout the country in programs that serve low-income individuals and families.

As a VISTA volunteer, Anne worked for an Adult Literacy Program in Manchester, and at the Hills­borough Country Department of Corrections. Both positions involved working with the respective agency’s volunteers. She marveled at their perspective, their talents and their passion. Little did she know that her volunteer experience would generate dramatic, positive changes in her own life.
Anne grew up in Hudson and now lives in Goffstown. She is a member of Toastmasters where she is learning to master her skills at public speaking. She has two “super” sons, age 18 and 22. Anne enjoys gardening, reading travel adventures and visiting farmers markets.

Anne is honored to work at the New Hampshire Association for the Blind. She enjoys all aspects of her job, but the most rewarding part is meeting and getting to know our clients and volunteers. This is always uplifting and reminds her how much there is to learn from others.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Volunteer Program at the New Hampshire Association for the Blind please contact Anne at aaubertin@sightcenter.org.


 

Are You Interested in Volunteering ?

For more information please contact Anne Aubertin, Volunteer Administrator at aaubertin@sightcenter.org or by calling 1-800-464-3075 or 603-224-4039 ext. 317.

Your skills and experience can have a dramatic impact on another’s life. Volunteer opportunities are available statewide, within your own community and at the McGreal Sight Center in Concord.

Make a Donation

This past year, the New Hampshire Association for the Blind made a difference in the lives of over 1500 people who are blind or visually impaired.

As our population ages, the number of people needing our services is dramatically increasing.

Your financial support will help ensure the continuation of our important services and help hundreds of individuals maintain their independence.

Make a Donation Today