www.vrcberks.org

For People- A ected by In Sight Check out Blindness and Low Vision the new l k Proud ly serv to our ing Berk s County since 1929 website!

SPRING | 2017 Vision Resource Center of Berks County Inside this I ue and Berks Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services President’s Message ...... page 2

In-Sight Awareness ...... page 4

Meet our Intern ...... page 5

Welcome Jim Welde, our Workshop Coordinator ...... page 5

Tips for Assisting People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision ...... page 6

Helen Keller Day 27 ...... page 7 Wednesday, May 17, 2017 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Services Provided by VRC ...... page 7 Meet potential customers face-to-face Dine in at Berks County’s only gathering of the Dark ...... page 8 vision and hearing experts!

Vision Resource Center of Berks County | 2020 Hampden Boulevard, Reading, PA 19604 | 610-375-8407 Chairperson, Board of Directors Steve Bobick President/CEO Lori Schermerhorn Editor Carolyn Krick Advertising Carolyn Krick In-Sight Printed by Reading Eagle Company Calendar of Events APRIL President’s Me age Tuesday, April 4: Insight on BCTV at 10:00 a.m. Lori Schermerhorn, President/CEO Tuesday, April 5: Social/Recreational Activity Saturday, April 8: Child Client’s Spring Activity from 1 to 3 p.m. at VRC 2020 Hampden Blvd, Reading 19604 Happy Spring, everyone! Mother Nature sure has been giving us a run for our money this past winter, hasn’t she? Here at VRC we have Wednesday, April 19: Lunch Bunch at 11:30 a.m. at Deluxe been ready and looking forward to the warmer weather months Restaurant, located at 2295 Lancaster Pike, Shillington, 19607 coming up! Our second egg hunt for blind and visually Wednesday, April 26: Sight Loss Support Group with Mark impaired kids and their siblings is just around the corner (complete Levengood from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the VRC, located at 2020 with “talking” eggs that say “Yoohoo!! I’m hiding!” providing audible Hampden Blvd. Reading 19604 clues to help the kids locate them) which was a lot of fun for the Wednesday, April 26: Caregiver’s Support Group from 2:00-3:00 kids and us last year! Our annual Vision and Hearing Expo is coming p.m. at the VRC up again on May 17th at the Reading Crowne Plaza (see ad on front page for more info)! June ushers in summer and even warmer MAY weather as we plan activities and day trips for our adult clients, and Tuesday, May 2: Insight on BCTV at 10:00 a.m. then it’s time for Kids Camp again in July! Busy days ahead but that’s Wednesday, May 17: Lunch Bunch at 11:30 a.m. at Prime Steak and the way we like it! Wine Restaurant, located at the Crowne Plaza, 1741 Papermill Rd, We also recently gave our website a facelift! Check it out when Wyomissing, 19610 you have a chance to see what we’re up to (www.vrcberks.org) and Lunch-Learn at 11:30 a.m. like us on Facebook to get more information going on at our agency Wednesday, May 24: as well as inspirational stories about the blind and visually impaired! Wednesday, May 24: Sight Loss Support Group with Mark Until next time… Levengood from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the VRC, located at 2020 Hampden Blvd. Reading 19604 Wednesday, May 24: Caregiver’s Support Group from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the VRC Our Mi ion JUNE Our mission is to strive to prevent blindness and visual Tuesday, June 6: Insight on BCTV at 10:00 a.m. impairment, and to advocate and provide quality education, support services, and rehabilitation to enrich the lives of blind and visually Wednesday, June 21: Sight Loss Support Group with Mark impaired persons and their caregivers. Levengood from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the VRC, located at 2020 Hampden Blvd. Reading 19604 Wednesday, June 21: Caregiver’s Support Group from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the VRC, located at 2020 Hampden Blvd., Reading 19604 Contact us at 610-375-8407 Monday, June 26th through the 29th: Adult Activity Week for Lori Schermerhorn President and CEO ext. 112 clients. Carolyn Krick Vice President of Operations ext. 110 ursday, June 29: Lunch Bunch picnic at VRC, located at 2020 Rosann Strauss Director of Workshop Services ext. 118 Hampden Blvd., Reading 19604 Ann Heiser Caseworker for Vision Screenings ext. 114 *All questions, registrations, and transportation requests for Mark Levengood Counselor ext. 120 Lunch Bunch, Lunch-Learn, Sight Loss Support Group, and Social/ Alicia Santiago Social Worker ext. 122 Recreational Activities should be directed to Mark Levengood at Joyce Morgan Activities/Transportation Coordinator ext. 125 610-375-8407 ext. 120 The Caregiver’s Support Group is dependent upon caregivers actually attending and/or requesting support. Please do not register for events more than one month in advance. VRC Services Center Hours Please feel free to consult the VRC Activity Line at 610-375-8407 ext. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 123 for an audio recording of that specifi c month’s events.

2 | Monday, April 4, 2017 Eye care excellence has a home at Granite Point.

Adam J. Altman, MD AT EYE CONSULTANTS OF , providing the best possible patient Helga S. Barrett, OD care begins with a commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care. Our Leslie P. Brodsky, OD Jennifer H. Cho, OD ophthalmologists and optometrists are respected for their experience, and as important, Michael Cusick, MD for their genuine compassion. In fact, our physicians and specialists are some of the best that Gary L. Dietterick, OD David S. Goldberg, MD you’ll find anywhere, and that’s one reason why Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania is regarded Dawn Hornberger, OD as the leading ophthalmology practice in the region. Bottom line: where you get your care Y. Katherine Hu, MD Lawrence E. Kenney, MD matters. Insist on the experienced eye specialists at Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania. Barry C. Malloy, MD Michael A. Malstrom, MD For an appointment, call 610-378-1344. Martin F. Miller, OD Mehul H. Nagarsheth, MD Abhishek K. Nemani, MD Jonathan D. Primack, MD Kevin J. Shah, MD Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Optometry | Cataract Surgery and Premium IOLs | Diabetic Justin M. Shaw, MD Retinopathy | Low Vision | Macular Degeneration | Vitreo –Retinal Surgery | Glaucoma Eye Care | Monica Wang, OD Corneal Transplants | Bladeless Custom LASIK | Laser Vision Correction | Pediatric Ophthalmology Denis Wenders, OD and Optometry | Contact Lenses | Cosmetic and Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery

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Monday, April 4, 2017 | 3 2017 O cers and Board of Directors: April: National Sports Eye O c e r s Steve Bobick Safety Month Chairman Kelly Kline Vice Chairman/Legal Counsel • Prevention is the key and sport-specifi c eye protection can save your vision. Eye protection during Chad Johnson any activity with potential for injury can also save vision. Eye protection is more than eyeglasses Treasurer but specifi cally safety or sports glasses. Board Members • For all age groups, sports-related eye injuries occur most frequently in baseball, basketball and Sherm Barto racquet sports. Client Representative • If you already have reduced vision in one eye, consider the risks of injuring the stronger eye Steve Bobick before participating in contact or racquet sports, which pose a higher risk of eye injury. Check Utilities and Telecom Consultant with your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) to see if appropriate eye protection is available and whether Gary Brown or not participating in contact or racquet sports is advised. Berks Digital Inc. For more information: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries-sports Joe Capozello R. M. Palmer Thomas Devlin Client Representative Chad Johnson May: Healthy Vision and Customers Bank Ultraviolet Awareness Month Kelly Kline Law Offi ces of Kline & Nadirov Jennifer Mish • Healthy Vision Month is sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology to promote Comfort Keepers awareness of eye health, prevent eye diseases and reduce vision loss. Gary Rothermel • Ultraviolet Awareness Month is sponsored by Prevent Blindness America to increase awareness Shoemakersville Lions Club of how UV rays can damage your eyes, increase your risk of cataracts and cancers of the eye Heidi Sensenig, OD especially in high-risk patients. Wyomissing Optometric Center Inc.. • Simple daily measures can prevent vision loss such as wearing sunglasses with UV protection, wearing safety glasses when working outside or in the home, taking care of your contact lens, eating healthy, not smoking and regular eye exams with your eye physician. For more information: http://everharteyes.com/disordereyecare/eye-calendar/1027-healthy-vision- Thank you and-ultraviolet-awareness-month.html to District 14P Lions Clubs June: Cataract Awareness VRCBC Insight Advertising Policy Month All ads submitted to VRCBC Insight for publication will be reviewed by staff for suitability. If there is a question concerning the content of • Cataract Awareness Month is a time to bring attention and awareness to a condition any proposed advertisement, a staff that is the most common cause of blindness worldwide. member will contact the advertiser to see if any adjustments can be made. • Cataracts are essentially the clouding of the lens inside the eye – the part VRCBC Insight reserves the right to behind the iris that focuses light to the retina in order to produce clear refuse any advertisement deemed images for us to see. Although this clouding can be caused by certain inappropriate for VRCBC Insight. medications, diseases (diabetes), or trauma, the most common cause is The publication of any advertisement the normal aging process. in VRCBC Insight does not imply endorsement of that product, service • You can reduce or delay your risk of developing a cataract by or company/organization supplying doing the following: wear uv protection, stop smoking, their product/service by VRCBC control blood sugar if diabetic, eat adiet with more Insight. leafy, green vegetables and foods rich with Contact Carolyn Krick for advertising antioxidants. information at [email protected] In-Sight For more information: VRCBC In-Sight is published quarterly and is funded by advertising revenues https://www.bardoptical.com/ and other donations. You will receive cataract-awareness-month/ Awareness your next VRCBC Insight in July 2017.

4 | Monday, April 4, 2017 Welcome Jim Welde, Our Workshop Coordinator! Our new intern Anyone who knows the VRC knows one of our goals is to Emily Palermo continually provide quality workshop services to an ever I am currently attending growing community need! Kutztown University where I That said, we’re happy to welcome Jim Welde to our Workshop will be graduating in May 2017. Services team! I will be receiving a bachelor’s Jim comes to us as a volunteer with over 30 years of sales degree in Education with an experience and lots of enthusiasm for fi nding new business emphasis on Visual Impairments and a minor in Psychology. partners for the VRC Workshop! I have always had a passion Having worked for Procter and Gamble in various sales for working with individuals capacities, he brings a wealth of experience and sales intuition with disabilities, so going into to the table. Jim and his wife, Nancy have been married for 30 Kutztown I knew I wanted to years and have two children, Kelly and Ryan. learn more about the fi eld of special education. Through out SOME OF THE SERVICES OUR WORKSHOP my college career I was given CAN PROVIDE HELP WITH INCLUDE: the opportunity to work with • Mailing & Collating students with visual impairments in and outside of the classroom. • Packaging • Light Assembly When I go back home to Long Island, NY during summer break, I get to incorporate the lessons Anyone interested in seeing what our workshop can do for your business, I’ve learned at Kutztown when please contact Jim at 610-375-8407 ext.113 or email at [email protected] volunteering at Camp Abilities Long Island. CALI is a four day sports camp for children with visual impairments where we adapt sporting equipment and teach them how to play sports specialized for their impairment. Become a Supporter! These experiences at Kutztown and camp have been the biggest Yes, I would like to support the programs and services of VRCBC in prevention of blindness. infl uence when choosing want I Enclosed please fi nd my tax deductible gift: __ $100 __ $75 __ $50 __ $25 __ Other $______want to do with my career. Designate your gift: It is a privilege to be able to complete my internship at __ Unrestricted Support - __ Care Givers Support Group __ Building Fund Use Where Needed __ Sight Loss Support Group __ Workshop Services the Vision Resource Center __ Children’s Vision Screening because it is opening my eyes to the diff erent resources that Name ______are available for people with a Address ______visual impairment of all ages. City ______State ______Zip ______During my time as an intern I am In Memory/Honor of (please circle one): Please acknowledge my gift to: working hands on with clients at activities, such as Lunch Bunch, Name ______Sight Loss Support Group and Address ______Bowling Club. I am also learning City ______State ______Zip ______about what it is like to work at a __I would like my gift to remain anonymous __ I am interested in learning more about Planned Giving __VRCBC is already in my will non-profi t organization. I know that the experience and the Thank you for your support! Make checks payable and mail to: knowledge I gain from being Vision Resource Center of Berks County, 2020 Hampden Blvd., Reading, PA 19604 an intern will open up so many or donate on-line at www.vrcberks.org The offi cial registration and fi nancial information of Vision Resource Center of Berks County a 501©3 may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State doors for me while working with by calling toll free (800)732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. people with a visual disability.

Monday, April 4, 2017 | 5 Tips for Assisting People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision

• Address people who are blind or have limited vision by their names so they know you are speaking to them. Approach… • Let the individual know that you have entered, or are leaving the room. Ask… • Let the person take your arm rather than you grabbing their arm. Assist… • Do not relocate objects or furniture without telling the person. • Do not fi ll glasses or cups to the brim. APPROACH: • Use ordinary language such as “look” and “see” as they are part of everyone’s If you suspect someone vocabulary. may need a hand, walk up, greet them and • Describe the surroundings and obstacles in a person’s pathway, remembering to identify yourself. look up and down. Warn of over-hangs such as kitchen cupboards, side mirrors on cars and trees. ASK: “Would you like • Do not leave doors ajar. Close them or open them fully. some help?” • Be aware that the person who is blind or has low vision will be at a disadvantage by The person will accept not seeing what is going on. Therefore talk about what is happening. your o er and tell you how you can help, or will • Ask the individual directly what they want or need. Do not direct questions tell you they don’t need through their companion. assistance. • When helping them to a seat, put their hand on the back of the chair and they will ASSIST: seat themselves. Listen to the reply and assist as needed. • Don’t interfere with a person’s cane. Don’t pet, talk to or feed their guide dog. The person’s safety can be put at risk by distracting their dog when the dog is working. • When in doubt….ask.

APPROACH • ASK • ASSIST

6 | Monday, April 4, 2017 Day June 27 Many people know the story of Helen Keller and her teacher , and are familiar with the movie written about their lives, entitled  e Miracle Worker. But do you know about Helen’s many accomplishments in life? Helen Keller was born June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. At in over 50 languages. Helen published four other books of her the age of 19 months she lost her sight and hearing from an illness personal experiences, as well as books on religion, contemporary now believed to be scarlet fever. At age 7, Helen began receiving social problems, and a biography of Anne Sullivan. instruction from Anne Sullivan, a 20 year old teacher at the Perkins Helen Keller lectured in over 25 countries, as well as writing in Institute for the Blind. Anne taught her to read and write Braille and support of women’s rights and other causes. In 1924 she became to communicate through sign language. an advisor and major fundraiser for the American Foundation With Anne Sullivan’s help, Helen graduated cum laude from for the Blind, helping to improve services to individuals who are Radcliff e College in 1904, and was the fi rst deaf blind student in deaf and blind. Because of her great personal and professional the US to earn a bachelors degree. At age 12 Helen published an accomplishments, and the way in which she altered the world’s autobiographical article in a children’s magazine called “The Youth’s perception of the capabilities of individuals who are deaf and blind, Companion”. In her junior year at Radcliff e she produced the fi rst President Jimmy Carter proclaimed June 27, 1980 as Helen Keller of several books, entitled The Story of My Life, which is still printed Day.

Services provided by Vision Resource Center of Berks County Vision Screenings The Prevention of Blindness program targets Assistive Devices A variety of assistive devices are available for the children of Berks County. This is a free screening service that is individuals to purchase or lease. These items are available to assist provided to children between 3-5 years of age. This service is provided an individual with vision issues to lead a more productive and at day care centers, preschools, nursery schools, Head Start Centers, independent life. and kindergarten registrations. These screenings are designed to Spanish Speaking Sight Loss Support Group This group meets detect eye issues at an early age because the earlier the detection, the monthly to provide support for those within Berks County who are earlier treatment can begin. Adult vision screenings are provided at blind or have vision loss that feel more comfortable within the Spanish various health fairs and community events throughout the year. These speaking community. This group meets to discuss problems and screenings are designed to assess an adult’s vision changes. possible solutions for diffi culties they are having dealing with everyday Sight Loss Support Group This group meets monthly to provide life with their visual impairment. support and problem solving for clients. This meeting is open to Education Programs Several education programs are available for individuals who are blind or are visually impaired and their family diff erent age groups of children. These programs are designed to members, friends, and caregivers. This meeting is designed to discuss discuss eye health and eye safety rules. Adult education programs can the latest technology and medical breakthroughs that may be of also be performed concerning specifi c eye issues or ideas for continued interest to the attendees. independence within the home with a visual impairment. Caregivers Sight Loss Support Group This group meets bi-monthly Information and Referral Services Following an individualized home to help other caregivers be a support for their visually impaired family visit, information and releases are obtained to discuss the best way to member. Caregivers need the support of others that have experienced assist the client. If further assistance is necessary, referrals are made to the diffi culties with complete or partial vision loss and the changes that the appropriate agencies to best address the client’s individual needs occur in everyone’s life. for success with their visual impairment. Counseling Is available for individuals who are struggling with the Workshop Services Employing over 50 visually impaired, blind, or adjustment of a visual impairment or blindness. Counselor and client challenged individuals, the workshop promotes developing skill sets will work together to reach goals that are obtainable. The meetings will unique to each person’s abilities and interests. Pride in work done be adapted for each client’s needs and desires. produces a quality product for the customer. Each employee is paid for Lunch Bunch This group meets monthly at various restaurants their specifi c amount of work performed. All work is done specifi c to throughout Berks County as a means of socialization. This group is the customer’s specifi cations. open to those with visual impairments or who are blind and their family For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 610-375- members, friends, and caregivers. 8407 or visit our website at www.vrcberks.org

Monday, April 4, 2017 | 7 U.S. Postage PAID Return Service Requested Non-Profi t Org. Permit No. 122 Reading, PA 2020 Hampden Boulevard Reading, PA 19604

For PeopleIn A ected by Blindness- andSight Low Vision New Location for 2017 Crowne Plaza Reading

Thursday, September 28 Come join us for an 6:00 p.m. enlightening dinner experience to increase awareness of Crowne Plaza Reading living with visual impairments!

For tickets please call VRCBC 610-375-8407