2010 Annual Report

Centennial Annual Report 2010 Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh

Changing the lives of persons with vision loss and other disabilities by fostering independence and individual choice. ontents

Letter from The President and Chairman ...... 4

Statements of Activities ...... 5

Service Statistics ...... 6

100-Year History ...... 7

Today ...... 9

Our Future ...... 12

Board of Directors ...... 13

Contributors ...... 14

100ofVision Years 3 etter from The President and The Board Chairman

2010, with its challenges and oppor- methods, this is the time to think inno- tunities,L has certainly been a year to vatively and proactively. We are en- remember – it was the gaged in a strategic year that Blind & Vi- plan for the future so sion Rehabilitation Ser- that we can continue vices of Pittsburgh to weather difficult marked its 100th anni- economic times. This versary. process will help to en- While BVRS experi- sure that we are effec- enced many difficult tively and efficiently changes in 2010, the providing the most agency remained resil- needed programs to ient and dedicated to our clients. our mission. The staff We are blessed to Erika Arbogast Michael A. Romano continued to serve our have dedicated board President Chairman clients with passion, members, volunteers, love, and individualized attention de- employees, and donors that provide spite losing President Stephen Barrett both time and financial support to the to cancer in April 2010. At a time when organization. Without these giving indi- many of them were hurting, staff mem- viduals, the agency could not have en- bers funneled their pain into care and dured the last 100 years. We are ex- compassion for the individuals that we tremely grateful to these individuals for serve. the assistance that they provide to the Because of this care and compas- agency and pledge to steward their dol- sion, 10,281 preschoolers were lars in the most effective way. screened for potentially life-altering eye We are excited about the future and diseases, 37 individuals who were for the opportunities that will arise out newly blind or experiencing vision loss of challenging times. The theme of our learned how to be more independent 2010 annual report is ―100 Years of Vi- through our Personal Adjustment to sion.‖ By studying our past and updat- Blindness Training, and 252 youth and ing our current programs to meet the adults with disabilities learned skills to needs of consumers, we will ensure help them secure employment. that Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Ser- Although we continue to face fund- vices of Pittsburgh continues to flourish ing cuts and changes in service delivery in the next 100 years of service to our community.

100ofVision Years 5 ervice Statistics

SEach year, Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh provides programs and services that enable greater independence for thousands of people with vision loss. BVRS training and employment services help clients to resume their lives, enjoy hobbies, continue working and care for themselves and their families. COMMUNITY SERVICES include Preschool Vision Screening, Transportation Ser- vices, Group Training, Information and Intake, Case Management and Public Edu- cation. REHABILITATION PROGRAMS offer Personal Adjustment to Blindness Training, Low Vision, Computer Access Technology, Career and Community Adjustment, Col- lege Preparation and Community Based Training. VOCATIONAL SERVICES include Community, Senior and Employment Transi- tion, along with Employment Support for adults and teens. BVRS accomplishes all of these services with its dedicated staff and hundreds of faithful volunteers. Below are the numbers of individuals served in 2010.

6 ne Hundred-Year History

OIn 2010, we have been celebrating the this was oph- 100th anniversary of one of Blind & Vi- thalmia neo- sion Rehabilitation Services of Pitts- natorum, a burgh’s founding agencies, the Pitts- condition that burgh Blind Association (PBA). PBA was newborns incorporated in 1910 to prevent blind- contracted ness and to provide jobs for people with when ex- vision loss. posed to At the same time we’ve been com- harmful bac- memorating the rich history of the teria in the Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind, birth canal. BVRS’ other founding agency that was Few people incorporated in 1959 to teach rehabili- knew that a tation techniques to vision-impaired few drops of silver nitrate placed in a clients. baby’s eyes would kill the bacteria and The work of both agencies— prevent blindness. consolidated in 1997 to become BVRS— Three private citizens stepped up to has led to greater independence for confront these problems. Phoebe J. thousands of people with vision loss Ruslander, a prominent Pittsburgh com- who, due to training and/or employ- munity leader, responded to the call of her ment services through BVRS, have been organization, the National Council of Jew- able to resume their lives, enjoy hob- ish Women, who sought to address the bies, continue working and care for needs of adults who were blind. William themselves and their families. Wightman Blair, a Pittsburgh ophthalmolo- The story of the agencies that became gist, wanted to do something about the BVRS began 100 years ago when immigra- growing number of blind people he was tion was booming and rapidly expanding seeing in his practice. Thomas McAlo- industrialization was fraught with unsafe ney, Superintendent of the Western conditions. For workers who were dis- Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, abled or blinded on the job, the choices and his Board of Directors were in- were few. creasingly concerned about the difficulty An estimated 7,000 blind adults lived that the school’s graduates had in in Pennsylvania and no social safety nets finding employment. existed: no job retraining, no workers’ From their efforts, the organiza- compensation, no social security, and no tion that became the Pittsburgh Asso- welfare. Injured workers relied on the ciation for the Blind was founded in kindness of their families or begged in 1910 to provide employment to per- the streets to survive. sons who were blind, and to promote

At the same time, preventable blindness blindness prevention. 100ofVision Years was growing rapidly. A leading cause of Nearly 50 years later, Father Paul (continued) 7 One Hundred-Year History (continued) Lackner learned that In 2005 the con- the U.S. Army and solidation was com- the Veterans Admini- pleted when the stration had developed buildings of both systematic training agencies were sold methods to rehabili- and the new agency tate blinded sol- was renamed Blind & diers. Father Lackner Vision Rehabilitation was the Director of Services of Pitts- the Catholic Guild for burgh. At that time the Blind and respon- our programs and sible for transportation administration of- and social services for fices were relo- adult Catholics without cated to our cur- vision. Under the leader- rent home, the for- ship of Bishop John mer Homestead Wright, a non- Hospital located denominational reha- one mile from the bilitation center called the Greater Pitts- Waterfront Shopping Center. Our In- burgh Guild for the Blind was formed in dustries programs were moved to a 1959 to bring training to blind adults in Pitts- North Side industrial park where there burgh. Its mission was Independence is easy shipping access and room for through Rehabilitation. growth. With PAB and the Guild, vision- impaired Pittsburghers were well served. Many thanks to Dr. Richard L. Welsh, for- mer Pittsburgh Vision Services president, Over time, however, the ability to sustain for his research for our centennial year. both agencies became an increas- ing chal- lenge. In 1997 the Boards of both agencies decided to consoli- date the two into one agency that became Pitts- burgh Vision Services.

8 VRS Today

BSince its inception in 1910, Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh has nur- tured a commitment to enhance the quality of life for persons with vision loss, including those with additional disabilities. This dedication has established a foundation affording the agency to grow and to meet the community’s changing needs with valuable services, effective programs, advanced technology and, ultimately, success stories.

PRESCHOOL VISION SCREENING – BVRS tation and escort service from their staff with the assistance of a team of up homes to their doctor’s office, grocery to 800 volunteers, screen more than store, bank, post office and other des- 10,000 preschoolers every year for a tinations. Staff also help with small variety of conditions, some of which household tasks. can save a child’s sight if caught early. CASE MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION & SUPPORTIVE SERVICES – Through this REFERRAL – BVRS’ case managers pro- program, people in the community vide information to clients and their who have vision loss receive transpor- families about BVRS programs, help create individualized treatment plans that include onsite and community services, help clients secure funding, and provide advocacy and support. The information and referral special- ists provide information to those who inquire about BVRS’ programs and services, and help facilitate en-

rollment in programs.

COMPUTER ACCESS TECHNOLOGY CEN- TER – Blind and vision impaired in- structors teach clients how to use screen reading software, screen mag- nification, Braille displays, optical character recognition, scanners, file 100ofVision Years management, CCTVs, and other (continued) 9 Today (continued) computer technology in our state-of-the dents age 16-21 explore a variety of vo- -art center. Students range from begin- cations while earning a paycheck. The ners to career professionals. Summer Personal Adjustment to Blind- ness Training Program provides instruc- LOW VISION PROGRAM – These services tion in independence techniques, house- are provided to people who have some hold arts, communication, orientation usable vision. A specially-trained op- and mobility, leisure time develop- tometrist performs an examination to de- ment, and more. termine a client’s level of vision. The doctor then prescribes optical aids that EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SERVICES –works range from hand-held magnifiers to to match employers who are looking to electronic devices and are designed to fill positions with qualified job seekers maximize any remaining eyesight. Certi- who have disabilities. The employer is fied Low Vision Therapists or Occupa- provided with technical supports, con- tional Therapists then train clients to sultation and financial incentives. The use the aids for daily tasks. job seeker is provided with instruction in work readiness skills, individualized PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT TO BLINDNESS job development, on-the-job training, TRAINING – This comprehensive immer- information about accommodations and sion program provides instruction in assistive technology and, in specific safe cooking, techniques of daily living, cases, follow-up services. communication, orientation and mobility, exercise, sensory PBA INDUSTRIES – training, leisure This manufacturing time activities and and assembly divi- more. The goal is sion of BVRS em- for people with vi- ploys blind or vision sion loss to develop impaired craftsmen the skills they need to create a variety to become as in- of products for both dependent as pos- public and private sible. sectors. Products

SUMMER YOUTH PRO- include construc- GRAMS – Through the tion safety prod- Career and Commu- ucts, portable high- nity Adjustment Pro- way signs, signage, gram, BVRS stu- textiles, (continued) 10 Today (continued) and silk-screened items. Custom work is provided through our contract manufacturing service. The division also provides brooms to support the fundraising efforts of non-profit organizations such as Lions Clubs throughout the country.

PBA PRODUCTS AND SERVICES – This BVRS company provides employment for skilled workers with disabilities through contracts for commercial cleaning and other services. EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION PROGRAM – EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES PROJECT – This program offers vocational training This school-to-work program is de- designed to prepare individuals for com- signed to prepare students for employ- petitive employment while they earn a ment. This is accomplished through a paycheck. We contract with a number of variety of services that include job businesses for labeling and sealing en- readiness classes, job shadowing, com- velopes, stapling and collating material, munity-based work experiences, men- price-tagging items, and re-packaging toring, and job coaching that help stu- bulk items into smaller parcels. dents develop the skills they need to secure and retain a job. SENIOR TRANSITION PROGRAM – This program offers structured and stimu- COMMUNITY TRANSITION PROGRAM – lating activities designed to enrich This program provides day activities for the lives of older adults with dis- people with multiple disabilities. The goal abilities. The highly specialized is to develop, improve, and expand life- and individualized services pro- long learning opportunities through mote independence and self es- creative and cognitive stimulating activi- teem and maintain and enhance ties that include arts and crafts, building the participant’s overall physical and assembly, shape and color sorting, and emotional well being. and scheduled outings. 100ofVision Years 11 ur Future

OBlind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh recognizes there are changing needs within the communities we serve. To effectively plan for the future, BVRS must determine what those needs are, the communities in which the helping them to remain independent in needs are most prevalent, and how to their homes. administer programs that meet those PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF needs through the provision of quality AND BLIND - BVRS has developed a cur- services. riculum to help individuals who are deaf BVRS is currently reviewing existing and blind to reach optimal independence programs to ensure they are operating through adjustment training, vocational in the most efficient manner and provid- preparation, and ultimately, employ- ing the highest quality of service. ment. Beginning April 2011, BVRS will con- ACCESS TECHNOLOGY - BVRS is commit- duct a needs assessment of Allegheny ted to remaining proactive with its state- and surrounding counties to determine of-the-art Access Technology Program, the unmet needs for individuals with and plans to reach out and train youth blindness, vision impairments, and other through summer camps and weekend disabilities. This assessment will serve as events. the basis for program additions or modi- MENTORING FOR TEENS - The Insights fications. Mentoring Program, funded by BNY In the meantime, new programs al- Mellon, matches young people ages 14- ready in the planning stages include: 21 who are blind or visually impaired with a successful and confident adult KEEPING SENIORS SAFE IN THEIR HOMES - The United Way of Allegheny County is who also experiences limited vision. We investing more than $2 million in grants want to pair young people with mentors to agencies that will help individuals with who have faced and overcome similar disabilities and elderly residents stay in challenges because visual impairment their homes. Through this three-year can be an isolating disability. partnership with Rebuilding Together The tradition of community service Pittsburgh, BVRS will provide community will continue to guide Blind & Vision Re- -based training, caregiver instruction habilitation Services of Pittsburgh to and home modification assistance to meet the challenges of the twenty-first more than 1,300 seniors each year, century.

12 oard of Directors as of July 1, 2010

BOFFICERS EMERITUS DIRECTORS Michael A. Romano, Chairman Chuck Noll, Chairman Emeritus Charles F. Mullen, O.D., Vice Chairman Judge John G. Brosky* Dennis Farkos, Treasurer Douglas D. Danforth Bonnie B. Anton, Secretary Mrs. Frederick N. Egler T. Dixon Holladay, Jr. Charles D. Horne BOARD OF DIRECTORS James C. Roddey Mary Anne Duranti Leo P. Russell Joe Gordon Mrs. Andrew G. Uram John A. Lemmex Frank E. Livorio ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Louis A. Lobes, Jr., M.D. President Elizabeth M. McCarthy Erika Arbogast Erin J. McLaughlin, Esq. Rev. Thomas R. Miller Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services Dan Rossi James D. Baumgartner Natalie M. Ruschell, Esq. Peggy Snavely Director of Development and Cynthia K. Troup Public Relations Mike Wagner Constance Schwartz-Bedo Evan L. Waxman, M.D., Ph.D. Director of Human Resources Jane K. Yallum Diane Pakler Michael J. Zaken

Director of Services SPECIAL MEMBERS Carol J. Nagle

Cheryl Akers-Stanton Director of PBA Industries Penny McKenna and Services Jeffrey P. Span

*deceased 100ofVision Years 13 ontributors

C THE CHUCK NOLL ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE SOCIETY Chuck Noll turned the Pittsburgh Steelers into a winning dynasty. When he retired from the Steelers, he joined the Board of Directors of The Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind, noting the similarity between his approach to success in football and the agency’s success in rehabilitation. When the Guild consolidated with Pittsburgh Blind Association, Chuck Noll became the first Chairman of the Board of the new agency, now called Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. The current board and staff developed the Chuck Noll Road to Independence Society in order to pay tribute to Mr. Noll and to honor agency donors who have joined him as leaders in supporting the agency. Members of this prestigious group pledge unrestricted gifts of at least $1,000 per year for five years. All members of the Chuck Noll Road to Independence Society also are members of the Visionary Society. Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. (Chuck) Noll Richard P. & Bonnie B. Anton Mrs. Olive Gilliand Mrs. Pert Pivirotto & Mr. & Mrs. Stephen S. Barrett Mr. & Mrs. Bobby A. Gordon Mr. Thomas Merriman Mr. & Mrs. James Baumgartner Mr. & Mrs. Joseph R. Gordon Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Riley Mr. George Bedo & Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Gordon, Jr. Mr. Michael Romano Mrs. Connie Schwartz Mr. Roy T. Johnson Mr. Leo P. Russell C. James Bond & Dr. & Mrs. Louis A. Lobes, Jr. Ms. Faye Sampson Deborah L. Kutzavitch David A. Lovejoy, Esq. & Miss Eleanor J. Schulz Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Buchanan Sandra L. Demas Mark & Marcia Sherwin Ray & Kathy Buehler John & Christine Lubimir Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Snavely Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Castelucci Mr. & Mrs. Denis McCarthy Sandy & Edgar Snyder Gerald & Jennifer Cathell Ms. Rita M. McGinley Mrs. Juliana J. Uram Lisa M. Cibik, M.D., FACS Paul & Penny McKenna Mr. & Mrs. Malachy Whalen Bob & Cathy Cornell Mr. & Mrs. Paul Mockenhaupt Dr. Mark & Roseanne Wholey Gus & Annie Hanna Engel James P. Mondzelewski, M.D. Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Wilhelm Dennis & Connie Farkos Dr. Karl Olsen & Ms. Ann P. Winkelstein Debra Fox & Dr. Jules Rosen Mrs. Martha Hildebrandt Michael & Judy Zaken Rick & Jessica Galardini Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Pagliari

VISIONARY SOCIETY Visionary Society members contribute $1,000 or more in a single year in unrestricted gifts for which no benefits from a special event were received. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Antonelli Mr. Samuel McClung Mr. & Mrs. Russell W. Ayres III Dr. & Mrs. Charles F. Mullen Mrs. Nadine Bognar Mr. & Mrs. Patrick M. O'Donnell Mr. Stacy A. Brovitz Mr. & Mrs. Charles Pfeiffer Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Holder Mrs. Nancy Schepis Mr. T. Dixon Holladay, Jr. Dr. Evan Waxman Mr. Robert Y Kopf Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Wiegand

Donations listed in this report were made during fiscal year 2010, which is July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Donations made after this date 14 will be recognized in next year’s annual report. Foundations Community Groups Barnyard Petting Zoo Anthony Fund of Center AARP Bayer MaterialScience Presbyterian Church American Legion, Mt. Lebanon #156 Beaverun Motorsports Complex Allstate Giving Campaign Association of Fundraising Professionals BNY Mellon Bayer USA Foundation The Auxiliary of Blind & Vision BNY Mellon Community Partnership Buncher Family Foundation Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh Bob O'Conner's Golf Course Combined Federal Campaign Beth Shalom Men's Club Bognar and Company, Inc. Rose Y. & J. Samuel Cox Fund Bethel Park Lioness Club Bombardier Transportation Elder Foundation Bethel Park Lions Club Brusters Ice Cream Federated Investors Foundation Braddock Lions Club Bucar Group Herbert G. Feldman Charitable Central Elizabeth Lions Club Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney P.C. Foundation Century Club of Wilkins Burns Scalo Fine Family Foundation Charleroi Lions Club BURT HILL, a Stantec Company Merle E. & Olive Lee Gilliand Foundation The Ciloets Calabro Tire Service, Inc. Hulme Charitable Foundation Clairton Lions Club Cambridge Investments Industrial Scientific Foundation Delta Gamma Alumni South Hills Camp Kon-O-Kwee/Spenser Earl Knudsen Charitable Foundation Chapter Capital Retirement Plan Services Liberty Mutual Foundation Delta Gamma Pittsburgh Alumni The Capital Grille Massey Charitable Trust Chapter Carabella Rita M. McGinley Foundation Dormont Women's Club Carnegie Science Center William B. McLaughlin Charitable Trust Elfin Wild Lions Club Centene Management Company LLC Merrill Lynch & Co. Foundation Forest Hills Lions Club Chatham University Network For Good Independent Order of Odd Fellows Children's Museum Joseph Elias Charitable Trust Grand Lodge of PA Chloe's Adornments Lewis A. & Donna M. Julia Ward Howard PTA Chubb Group of Insurance Companies Patterson Foundation Mariner Middle School Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania Norman Ray Trust Markham Elementary School City Theatre Company PPG Industries Foundation McKeesport Lions Club Civic Light Opera Norman Ray Trust Monaca Center Lions Club Clarion Ford Mercury Rossin Foundation Monroeville Lions Club Clear Connections, LLC Salvitti Family Foundation Most Holy Name of Jesus Church Coca Cola, N.A. Myles D. & J. Faye Sampson Mt. Lebanon School District Color Me Mine Family Foundation New Alexandria Lions Club Confluence Joseph & Violet Soffer Foundation Northern Allegheny Lions Club Crowne Plaza Three Rivers Combined Federal Oakland Lions Club Damons Campaign Oakmont Lions Club Dave & Buster's Tippins Foundation Pitcairn Lions Club Dean Patterson Chevrolet, Inc. Edith Trees Charitable Trust Pleasant Hills Lions Club Deckman Company United Way of Allegheny County Pratt Community College/AVS Dell Fastener Corporation United Way of Central Virginia Pumpkin Patch Preschool Dembert & Hoyne, CPA's United Way of Southwestern PA & Kindergarten, Inc. Desmone and Associates United Way Tri-State Ruthfred Lutheran Church Detroit Switch Inc. Robert & Mary Weisbrod South Park Lions Club Dick's Clothing & Sporting Goods Charitable Foundation St. Lucy's Auxiliary to the Blind Diocese of Pittsburgh Mark H. Wholey Family Foundation St. Peters UCC Sunday School Dollar Bank St. Vincent De Paul Society Duquesne University The Pittsburgh Foundation Funds Tarentum Lions Club Dynamic Building Corp. Bentimar Fund Upper St. Clair Lions Club Easter Seals of Western PA Joseph T. Bowser Fund Wallace Memorial Presbyterian Eat’n Park Hospitality Group Margaret Holdship Memorial Fund Nursery School Elizabeth Carbide Die Co., Inc. Jacob A. & Frieda M. Hunkele Fund West Mifflin Lions Club The Elmhurst Group Rita E. Kim Fund Family Development Center Lehner Family Fund Businesses Fazio Mechanical Services, Inc. Nelson Adult Blind Fund A to Z Communications, Inc. Federated Investors Anna L. & Benjamin Perlow Fund A. C. Dellovade, Inc. First Niagara James & Idamae Rich Fund AC Group Fox Learning Systems, Inc. Francis & Madeline Shane Fund Allergan Managed Markets Frank B. Fuhrer Holdings, Inc. Andy Warhol Museum Frito-Lay, Inc. Endowment Funds of the United Anker Company, Inc. Fuddruckers Jewish Federation Foundation Assist America Gateway Financial Rogalsky-Ringold Family Bailey & Bailey Giant Eagle, Inc. Rhoda & Seymour Sikov Bank of America Glengarry Golf Links Global-Pak, Inc. Oaks Cinema Tucker Arensberg, P.C. Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh Original Oyster House University of Pittsburgh Gordon Terminal Service The Original Fish Market UPMC Community Provider Services The Green Mango Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe UPMC Health Plan Greer Industries, Inc. Oxford Development Co. UPMC Passavent Hard Rock Cafe Paper Products Co., Inc. US Steel Corporation Health Dialog Pepper Hamilton LLP Valley Care Association Henderson Brothers, Inc. Phipps Conservatory Venture Outdoors Highland Financial, Ltd. Photo Depot Vision Benefits of America Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Pietragallo, Gordon, Alfono, Visionserve Alliance, Inc. The Hillman Company Bosick & Raspanti LLP Vista Metals, Inc. Hinkel-Hofmann Pittsburgh Opera Washington Wild Things Hoffman Electric, Inc. Pittsburgh Pirates Weaver Investigations, Inc. Holiday Valley Ski Resort Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park Western Pennsylvania School for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services University Blind Children I. P. Enterprises, LTD. Pittsburgh Public Theatre Willi's Ski Shop IBM Employee Services Center Pittsburgh Regional History Center Wilson-McGinley. Co. IkaSystems Pittsburgh Steak Co., Inc. Winchester Thurston School IKON Office Solutions Pittsburgh Steelers Yellow Cab of Greensburg Improv Pittsburgh Zoo Yokoso Japanese Steak House Janney Montgomery Scott, Inc. Pleiger Plastics Company John Hancock Financial Services PNC Bank Individuals Kennywood Quest Diagnostics $500 and Over Keystone Waterproofing, Inc. Ralph Destefano Consultants Mr. Ronald Antonelli LANXESS Corporation Reflexite Americas Mrs. Mildred Astorino Latrobe Specialty Steel Co. Repsource Mr. Edwin H. Beachler, III Lennon Smith Souleret Engineering River City Brass Band Mr. Harry Behling The Little Gym Romantine, Inc. Mr. James Bell Maher Duessel RR Donnelley Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bender Mainline National Bank S & T Bank Dr. Robert Bergren Maple Crest Golf Course Sandcastle Mr. & Mrs. Alan Boarts Matthews Bus Company Sarnelli's Corner Mr. & Mrs. Mark Brilmyer Mercer Sarris Candies Mr. William R. Caroselli Meyer Unkovic & Scott Small Arms Manufacturing Company Dr. Lisa M. Cibik Michael Baker Corporation Station Brake Cafe Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Cindrich Mosites Construction Co. Tennis Village Mr. William Coleman National Association for Traditions of Oakmont Mr. Walter Dollard Employment of the Blind Trunk Shows Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Donahue Nike, Inc. Truth Be Told Dr. Matt El-Kadi Dr. William Esper Mrs. Peg Fitchwell-Hill Mr. Richard Eddy Fuhrer Mr. & Mrs. Paul Giba Mr. John Gismondi, Esq. Mrs. Julia Gleason Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth E. Glen Mr. William Gray Mr. & Mrs. Michael Heneroty Mr. Dennis Huber Mr. & Mrs. David Jancisin Mr. & Mrs. David Kirley Mrs. Lois Kreitzer Ms. Laura Kreps Mr. & Mrs. J. Joseph Lackner Mrs. Michelle Lee Mr. & Mrs. James V. Lowden Mr. Randall G. McCombs Mr. Frank Mendicina Mr. Eric Merrill Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Neely Mr. Corry Novosel Mr. & Mrs. William F. Oxenreiter Dr. Laura Pallan Mr. & Mrs. Robert Glasser Ms. Nadia Pastor $100 - $249 Mr. & Mrs. Gary G. Glausser Dr. & Mrs. Allan Press Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Aiello Mr. & Mrs. Donald C. Goldbach Ms. Kathy Quigley Mr. Zack T. Ambrose Mr. David Gookin Mr. & Mrs. P. Jerome Richey Mrs. Sophia Anisko Mr. Judd Gordon Mr. & Mrs. Patrick R. Riley Ms. Lynda J. Anthony Ms. Becky Grindle Mr. William Roach Mr. & Mrs. Frank A. Ashbridge Mr. Steve Grohowalski Dr. & Mrs. Richard Russman Drs. Michael & Carol Azar Mr. & Mrs. Earl C. Haag, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Peter T. Schepis Mr. & Mrs. George Balker Ms. Roberta Hages Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Vankirk Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Baranowski Ms. Janette M. Hanchak Mrs. Janet Wannstedt Mrs. Debra Bates Mr. Michael S. Harrison Mr. Richard T. Weigel Ms. Dorothy Behm Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hernandez Mr. & Mrs. Dennis White Mr. Henry Beukema Mrs. Sharon Herrle Mrs. Diana Kay Bills Mr. & Mrs. Darrell Hess $250 - $499 Mrs. Helen Birkel Mr. & Mrs. Henry Hillman Mrs. Celeste Acinapura Mrs. Betty D. Blacka Ms. Monica M. Hosaflook Mr. & Mrs. William Alberts Mrs. Evelyn Block Ms. Karyn L. Hricik Mr. & Mrs. Paul Bildstein Mr. Mark C. Bope Mr. Elwood T. Hughes, Jr Mr. & Mrs. Jim Blint Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Boyle Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hughes Ms. Carol Ann Bowman Ms. Stephanie Bozic Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hunter Mr. & Mrs. John R. Brucker Mr. & Mrs. Roger Brown Mr. Thomas Hurley, Jr. Mrs. Cynthia Carrow Ms. Joan Brownstein Mr. & Mrs. Sanjeev M. Jegasothy Mr. & Mrs. Alan D. Citron Mr. & Mrs. Gibson Buchanan Mr. & Mrs. Francis D. Johnston Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Costanzo Mr. & Mrs. George Burditt Mrs. Roberta Jones Dr. & Mrs. Michael Culyba Ms. Martha Jean Burgoon Mr. David J. Kalson Mr. & Mrs. Andrei Didycz Mr. & Mrs. John Butler Mr. & Mrs. Russell Keith Ms. Ellen L. Donley Mr. Sheldon Catz Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kenny Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Donnelly Ms. Maryann Cavanaugh Mr. Joseph B. Kestner Mrs. Joan Faix Ms. Janet E. Chadwick Mr. & Mrs. Egon Klatt Ms. Elizabeth Gallagher Mr. Tim Chappell Mr. Irvin Klimas Ms. Denise Gipson Mr. Jeremy Clark Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Korsmeyer Mrs. Rachelle Glassmith Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Cohen Mrs. Stacey Oplinger Krainbucher Mrs. Marlene Gromis Mr. Eugene K. Connors Mr. & Mrs. Phil Krause Mr. George H. Kingsley, III Mr. Charles Corry Mr. Robert Kreisel Ms. Anne H. Kruczek Miss Ann Crilley Mr. & Mrs. William Kristan Dr. Karen B. Lauer Ms. Joan Clark Davis Mr. & Mrs. Karl Krobot Mr. John Lemmex Mr. & Mrs. Dan Delaney Ms. Heidi Kuehn Mr. & Mrs. Howard Lessman Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Delie Mr. Mark Landy, Jr. Mrs. Susan M. Lichtenfels Mr. & Mrs. Peter Demas Mrs. Elizabeth Lange Mr. Robert Maines Mr. David Demoise Ms. Mary Leinas Mr. Paul D. Marlowe Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Di Antonio Mr. & Mrs. Coleman Leppold Mr. John Martini Mr. & Mrs. Joe Difiore Jeff & Laura Liggett Mr. & Mrs. Kevin D. McClean Mr. & Mrs. John M. Dodson Mr. & Mrs. Mark Loevner Mr. & Mrs. A. McLaughlin, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Donaldson Ms. Bridget Loftus Father Thomas R. Miller Mr. & Mrs. James A. Donovan Mr. John G. Lovelace Mr. Francis Muracca, II Mr. & Mrs. Samuel L. Douglass Mrs. Karen Lucas Mr. & Mrs. Frederick P. O'Brien Mrs. Mary Duranti Mr. & Mrs. Hayden Lutz Mr. Robert Ondovik Mr. & Mrs. Earl Edwards Mr. & Mrs. Jack Lydic Mr. John Oxenreiter Mr. Robert Egan Mr. & Mrs. Heinz Machatzke Ms. Jennifer Peelor Mr. George Ehringer, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Michael Malakoff Mrs. Teresa Petrick Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Eller Mr. P.J. Maloney Mr. & Mrs. David Pferdehirt Ms. Carol S. Elvin Ms. Ramona Manning Mrs. Edyce Rizzi Mrs. Judith Englert Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Mars Mr. & Mrs. James Roddey Mr. & Mrs. Jim Faccenda Mr. & Mrs. Guy Mattola Ms. Joan Martin Siebart Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Farrell Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Matz Ms. Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Ms. Doris Fetter Ms. Roxann Mayros Mr. & Mrs. John Steimer Mr. Roger Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Mazerov Mr. D. Gregory Steliotes Ms. Leah Fitchwell Ms. Sandra McAnallen Mr. James Tamol Mr. Edward Flanagan Ms. Christine McClure Mr. & Mrs. William Troup Dr. Daniel Fleming Ms. Joyce McCoy Dr. Richard Welsh & Mr. & Mrs. John Fussell Ms. Patricia McKee Mrs. Mary Nelle McLennan Gerry D. Getman, Ph.D. Mr. Edward McKenna Mr. William McKinley Mr. & Mrs. James Stafford Ms. Carla Marie Corna Mr. Joseph McNally Mrs. Cheryl Stanton Ms. Cynthia E. Cruse Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Meade Mr. James E. Steen Mrs. Renee Cunningham Mr. & Mrs. Eric Mendel Mr. James Stoeckel Mrs. Christine L. Cusick Mr. & Mrs. David Mertz Mr. & Mrs. George Svaranowic Mr. Andrew Dacko Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Michaels Mrs. Donna Tatko Mr. Robert G. Datsko Ms. Marian Michaels Mrs. Margaret Todd Ms. Nancy Davidson Dr. & Mrs. Milton Michaels Mr. George Tomasic Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Delie Dr. John P. Michanowicz Ms. Catherine M. Townsend Mr. & Mrs. William Didycz Ms. Mary J. Milarski Mrs. Colleen Travis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Donehue Ms. Esther Miller Mr. Paul K. Vey Mr. Gene Dose Mr. & Mrs. Doug Milo Dr. Mohamed Virji Mr. George Driscoll Mr. & Mrs. Mele Milosovich Mr. Mike Wagner Mrs. Katherine Dzierski Ms. Judith Montibeller Ms. Elizabeth T. Wainwright Paul & Martha Eberhardt Mr. & Mrs. David M. Moore Mr. Greg Walz Mr. Frank Eibl Mr. & Mrs. Vince Mosesso, Jr. Mr. Helge H. Wehmeier Mr. & Mrs. John L. Elash Ms. Elizabeth Mucha Mr. & Mrs. Konrad M. Weis Dr. Leo Fatur Mr. & Mrs. Michael Murray Ms. Deborah H. Wells Ms. Joan L. Fazio Mr. & Mrs. Albert Murrer, Jr. Mrs. Blance N. Welsh Mr. & Mrs. Drue O. Fischer Mr. & Mrs. Glenn R. Myers Mrs. Rhonda A. White Mr. & Mrs. John Fischetti Ms. Carol Nagle Mr. & Mrs. William Wiseman Mr. Patrick Flanigan Dr. Robert Nicholson Ms. Polly O. Wright Ms. Karen Forsythe Ms. Alice Nourie Ms. Virginia M. Wright Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Gagorik Mrs. Susan Oberg Lane Mr. & Mrs. David Wykoff Mr. & Mrs. Charles W. Galbraith Mr. & Mrs. James J. O'Neill Mrs. Jane Yallum Mr. Denis Gallagher Ms. Shelly Pagac Mr. & Mrs. Robert Zeleznik Mr. James George Mrs. Diane Pakler Mr. Richard Zoller Mr. & Mrs. James Giardina Mrs. Bonnie Pantlik Mr. Martin G. Giglio Ms. Eileen Paul $50 - $99 Ms. Mary Beth Gladis Ms. Eleanor Paul Ms. Geailya Armour Ms. Rita Gould Mr. & Mrs. Douglas E. Peel Mr. & Mrs. Robert Atkins Mr. & Mrs. David Graziano Mr. & Mrs. John Peterman Mr. Richard Babicka Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Grealish Ms. Barbara Peterson Mr. K. Scott Baker Mr. & Mrs. Raymond D. Guidos Mr. & Mrs. Dick Peterson Mr. & Mrs. Charles Balkey Mr. David A. Haines Mr. Joseph Porco Mr. Richard Barney Ms. Dorothy J. Hambacher Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. Potter, Jr. Ms. Louise Bava Mr. & Mrs. William Hamilton Mr. & Mrs. Salvino Recrosio Mr. & Mrs. Michael Behe Mrs. Colleen Hanes Mr. & Mrs. Carl Reisacher Mr. & Mrs. Frank Beitel, Jr. Mr. Scott Hanley Ms. Donna Mae Rice Mr. & Mrs. William Bell Mr. William F. Hanselman Mr. & Mrs. James Rich Mrs. Agnes Benton Mr. Robert Holmes Ms. Margaret B. Robinette Mr. Joseph Beri Mrs. Lisa Honkala Mrs. Mildred Rolander Ms. Elizabeth Berkely Miss Courtney Hosaflook Mr. & Mrs. Richard Romig Mrs. Susan Bertenthal Ms. Lori House-Vinay Mr. Norman J. Roos Mrs. Gretchen M. Beynon Mrs. Katharine L. Hunter Mr. & Mrs. Charles Rothermel Dr. & Mrs. Albert Biglan Mr. & Mrs. Frank C. Irvin Mr. & Mrs. Roy T. Ruzika Mr. & Mrs. C. Bigler Ms. Hayley D. Jameson Mrs. Kathleen Sadler Tim McGuire & Donna Blackmon Ms. Carol B. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Anthony G. Sanchez Mr. Robert Bodnar Ms. Barbara Kautzman Mrs. JoAnn Scanga Mr. & Mrs. Peter Bonadio Mrs. Ann Kemp Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Scharf Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Booth Ms. Katie Kenyon Mrs. Penne Scheimer Dr. & Mrs. Albert Borelli Mrs. Eleanor Kissinger Dr. & Mrs. Melvin Schiff Mr. & Mrs. Peter J. Brown Dr. & Mrs. Milton Klein Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schneider Mr. James Brubaker Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Klug Dr. & Mrs. Joel S. Schuman Ms. Karen Caddizk Mr. John Kopelic Mrs. Sheri Sclabassi Mr. & Mrs. John R. Cammerata Mrs. Barbara A. Kowalski Mr. Raymond Sherer Mrs. Maria Carrieri Mr. James Kukurin Ms. Makenzie Alleen Shipley Mrs. Margaret Cartwright Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Kvorjak Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Sigety Mr. & Mrs. Henry G. Chiles, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Dan R. Lackner Mrs. Sue Smerdell Ms. Delphine V. Clemens Ms. Mary Ellen Lancaster Mr. & Mrs. Christian Snavely Mrs. Anne B. Cohen Ms. Teresa LaPlace Mrs. Lois Snowden Dr. & Mrs. Norman L. Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Gerry A. Leco Mr. John Sobczak Mr. John Conley Mr. Marc Levine Ms. Susan Lewis Ms. Loren H. Roth BVRS is especially Ms. Alice H. Lieb Mrs. Vicky B. Rumpf Ms. Anne Likarevich Mrs. Pauline Rutberg grateful to those individu- Mrs. Linda Liotus Mr. Irvin F. Sallach als who have in the past Mr. David Lombardo Mr. & Mrs. Alfred G. Sammel, Jr. or have a directive for the Mrs. Diana Long Mr. Ronald Savickas Mrs. Louise B. Lytle Mrs. Susan Scheiferstein future to make a gift to Mr. & Mrs. Richard Macurak Ms. Amy Schlesinger us. One of the easiest Mr. & Mrs. Michael M. Majcher Ms. Dorothy Schorin ways to make a planned Ms. Leslie G. Massey Ms. Stephanie Schreiber Mr. & Mrs. Edward Maziarz, Jr. Ms. Sherry L. Schroeffel gift is to include a provi- Ms. Gertrude E. McCrory Mr. & Mrs. F. George Scott sion in your will. Please Ms. Nancy McGough Mrs. Helen Sereno Mr. & Mrs. Arthur McLendon Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Sherer discuss this option with Mrs. Deborah Mendenhall Mrs. Kathie Sica your legal advisor when Ms. Minnie Mendys Mr. Daniel Siewiorek you are writing your will. Mr. Elijah Miller Ms. Glory Jo Smith Mr. & Mrs. Richard Miller Mr. Ross Smith Sample wording for a Ms. Jessica Montgomery Mrs. Violet Soffer bequest is as follows: Dr. & Mrs. J. Elton Moore Mr. & Mrs. Barry Sokolow Ms. Judy Morally Ms. Agnes Spagnol “I give, devise and be- Mrs. Dorothy Moss Mr. & Mrs. Jeff J. Spengler queath to Blind & Vision Mr. Louis Mottmann, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Ilario Spezialetti Rehabilitation Services of Ms. Sarah Murdock Mr. Vaughn Stalling Mr. Bryan Neft Ms. Cheryl Stauffer Pittsburgh, a Pennsyl- Ms. Amy L. Newcamp Mr. & Mrs. George E. Stoddard vania not-for-profit corpo- Mrs. Josephine Newman Mr. Harvey Stone Ms. Carmelle Nickens Ms. Janet Stroup ration with offices located Mr. & Mrs. Frank Niespodzianski Mr. & Mrs. James Sullivan at 1800 West Street, Mr. David Nimick Ms. Sandra A. Sweetland Homestead, Pennsylvania Miss Nancy Noyes Mrs. Mary E. Swinker Mr. William Oneill Mr. Kevin W. Tamol 15120, county of Alle- Mrs. Patricia Orringer Ms. Brandice Thomas gheny the sum of $___ to Mr. & Mrs. John R. Owen, III Mr. Eric Thomson be administered by the Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Park Mr. & Mrs. Emil Tomayko Ms. Lynn Pascoe Mr. Glenn Toney said Blind & Vision Reha- Ms. Maureen Perpetua Mrs. Beatrice H. Tumsis bilitation Services of Pitts- Mr. James Peth Ms. Elizabeth Turner burgh for persons with Mr. & Mrs. James & Karen Petrucelli Mr. Michael Twardy Mrs. Heidi Pierce Mr. Orlando Visconti disabilities.” Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Pingor Mr. & Mrs. Telfer L. Wales Please contact our De- Mr. & Mrs. Carl Potenziani Mrs. Angela Weaver Drs. Anil & Nalina Prabhu Mr. Marvin Wedeen velopment Director if you Mr. Lester Prince Ms. Grace Weilersbacher have questions concern- Mrs. Bernadine Rastoka Mr. & Mrs. Brian L. Wickenheiser ing a bequest or any other Mr. & Mrs. George Raynovich, Jr. Ron & Pam Window Mr. & Mrs. John Repcheck Mr. & Mrs. Peter Wolff type of planned gift. We Mrs. Mariam Richardson Mr. & Mrs. Charles Wright are happy to work with Ms. Carly Miller Robison Mr. Clyde Wynn your legal and tax advi- Ms. Hallie Robison Janine & Robert Yelenovsky Ms. Marcy Robison Mr. John Yokim sors to find a vehicle that Dr. & Mrs. James Rodgers Ms. Joan E. Young is mutually beneficial. Ms. Deborah Rosen Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Zullo

Every donation is appreciated. Due to printing costs, however, we regret that we can only acknowledge donations of $50 and above. To view this 2010 annual report electronically, please see our website at www.BlindVR.org. In the future, if you prefer to receive publications via e-mail, please no- tify us at [email protected]. Thank you. Helping People Who Are Blind And Vision Impaired Achieve Their Goals NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID Pittsburgh PA Permit No. 3061

1800 West Street

Homestead, PA 15120

Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh is a nonprofit agency that serves people who are blind or visually impaired or have other disabilities. The agency is an equal-opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate against anyone, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, eth- nic background, national origin, or disability.

A copy of the official registration and financial statement may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 800-743-0999.

AFFILIATIONS: National Accreditation Council, Pennsylvania Association for the Blind, Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind and Handicapped, National Industries for the Blind, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired

Phone: 412-368-4400

Fax: 412-368-4090 Toll Free PA: 800-706-5050 TDD: 412-368-4095 www.BlindVR.org

Editor/Designer: Debra S. Meyer