Welcome to ASB’s Participant Newsletter
Welcome to Connections, ASB’s participant newsletter! This newsletter is a monthly resource for all things ASB. Read on for upcoming events, program schedules and other opportunities to explore. Feel free to forward this email along to anyone who may be interested in our programs and resources.
September Education & Training Programs
Our September virtual program schedule is now updated on the ASB website!
If you are interested in signing up for these programs or have any questions, please contact our Director of Participant Engagement and Outreach, Lexi Jones, at ajones@asb.org.
SEPTEMBER 8: Comcast Internet Essentials Partnership Program Q&A Session
ASB is hosting a Q&A session on its Comcast Internet Essentials Partnership Program, which offers free internet access for individuals who are living with vision loss. This Q&A session will be held on Wednesday, September 8 at 10:30 a.m. and will answer all questions individuals have about the program and eligibility. If you are interested in signing up for this session, register for FREE on ASB’s Eventbrite page.
You can get more information about the program and determine their eligibility by contacting ASB’s Director of Participant Engagement and Outreach, Lexi Jones, at ajones@asb.org or by calling 267-551-0561.
ASB Training for Family, Friends and Professionals
Associated Services for the Blind (ASB) is offering two workshops for friends, family, professionals or anyone interested in learning more about supporting or working with individuals who are blind or experiencing vision loss. Learn more about the workshops below!
ASB Family, Friends and Professionals Workshop
Starting the first week in October, on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., ASB is offering an eight-week series of workshops for friends, family and professionals interested in gaining more information about supporting those living or working with individuals who are blind or experiencing vision loss!
These workshops are also available to health care providers, employers, social service workers and anyone who would like to learn more about the social and emotional effects of blindness and vision loss.
ASB Sensitivity Training
ASB is offering free two-hour sensitivity training on the second Tuesday of each month! Sessions will include general information about blindness and vision loss, preferred language and practical tools to better work with friends, family or clients who are blind or experiencing vision loss. There will be time to ask questions and engage in activities to help illustrate real-world examples. Bring your desire to learn, and we’ll help guide you to a better understanding.
- Next Session: September 14, 2021 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Where: Online via Zoom (meeting link and call-in number to be sent upon registration)
If you or anyone you know is interested in participating, please email the Community Training Specialist Lynn Heitz at LHeitz@asb.org or leave a message at 215-627-0600 Extension 824.
ASB’s Speaker Series – New September Date
ASB welcomes professionals from health care and other fields to speak about topics such as health and welfare, insurance and finances, legal assistance and much more!Review the upcoming September schedule below, and contact ASB’s Director of Participant Engagement and Outreach, Lexi Jones, at ajones@asb.org if you are interested in attending this session.
Topic: Liberty Resources, Center for Independent Living in Philadelphia
Presenter: Liberty Resources
Date: September 24, 2021
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Learn more about Liberty Resources, which advocates for and works with people with disabilities to ensure their civil rights and equal access to all aspects of life in the community.
October 30: Philadelphia Ballet
On October 30, the Philadelphia Ballet is offering an opportunity to enjoy live arts again with a program of contemporary works by Choreographer Juliano Nunes, Artistic Director Angel Corella and the Philadelphia Ballet’s Choreographer in Residence, Matthew Neenan. Click here to learn about Nunes’ work “Connection.” Corella and Neenan’s new work will be premiering along with “Connection” on October 30 at Performance Garage.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Beth Deering at bdeering@asb.org.
ASB is sharing the events below as a courtesy to ASB participants. These are non-ASB events. Please be mindful of any requirements, including COVID-19 requirements, that may apply.
4to24 App is Now Available!
The 4to24 app, created by The National Research & Training Center (NTRC) on Blindness & Low Vision, is now available to the public on all formats, including iPhone, Android and on the web!
This free app is designed for parents of children and youth who are blind or experience vision loss from ages 4 to 24 and youth living with vision loss from ages 16 to 24. Focusing on building skills for future success and employment, the 4to24 app provides age-appropriate information and resources for parents and youth to help build independence over time, setting students up for future career success.
If you are interested in more information, they can visit the NTRC website.
Be Ready! Preparedness Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released new emergency preparedness resources for people living with disabilities. For people living with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.
There are four steps you can take to be prepared for disasters:
- Stay Informed
- Make a Plan
- Build a Kit
- Get Involved
People living with disabilities should consider the items they use on a daily basis, as well as life-sustaining items such as medications or batteries for assistive devices.
Find more examples and resources for people living with disabilities in these Preparedness Disaster Preparedness Public Service Announcements (PSAs):
Share with your Communities
Share these important messages with your community by using our new Personal Preparedness for People with Disabilities Social Media Toolkit.
Prepare and Protect with a COVID Vaccine
The most important thing you and your family can do to prepare for a disaster is to make sure you are vaccinated. Watch and share this new PSA with important information for people with disabilities:
Additional Resources: