Good Works Wednesday
A newsletter celebrating ASB progress, programs and people
At Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, we work every day to help individuals build skills and gain access to the information, experiences and resources they need to live the lives they wish to lead. We are an agency for anyone, anywhere on the vision loss continuum and offer education, training, community-based enrichment opportunities and referrals to help them achieve their individual goals.
TODAY: Comcast Internet Essentials Partnership Program Q&A Session
This morning at 10:30 a.m. 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 answer all questions individuals have about the program and eligibility. If any of the participants you work with are interested in signing up for this session, they can register for FREE on ASB’s Eventbrite page.
Participants 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 267-551-0561.
FRIDAY: ASB’s Speaker Series
Every week ASB welcomes professionals to speak with participants about topics such as health and welfare, insurance and finances, legal assistance and much more! This week, participants can join us on Friday, November 5 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. for a session on the Feinbloom Low Vision Center.
The William Feinbloom Center, housed in The Eye Institute, Oak Lane campus, provides low vision and rehabilitative services. The multidisciplinary staff provides adaptive equipment, rehabilitative services, and information to patients who have experienced vision loss from congenital ocular conditions and diseases such as age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma.
If any of the participants you work with are interested in signing up for this session, please contact our Director of Participant Engagement and Outreach, Lexi Jones, at ajones@asb.org or at 267-551-0561.
NOVEMBER 9: ASB Sensitivity Training
ASB is offering another training session on Tuesday, November 9 at 10 a.m. to assist professionals who work with or provide services to people living with vision loss. The training will discuss questions such as:
- How do I know if someone needs help crossing the street?
- When should I offer assistance versus getting out of the way?
- Is it okay to pet a guide dog?
- Are my services or programs accommodating to participants living with vision loss?
- What else can I do to enhance my services?
The session 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. More information is listed below.
- When: The second Tuesday of each month, at 10 a.m.
- Next Session: November 9, at 10 a.m.
- Where: Online via Zoom (meeting link and call-in number to be sent upon registration)
- Cost: This event is free
To register for this upcoming training or for information about scheduling individualized training for an organization, please contact Community Training Specialist Lynn Heitz at LHeitz@asb.org or leave a message at 215-627-0600 extension 824.
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.
UNTIL NOVEMBER 7: Wilma Theater offering Audio Description of “Minor Character”
Now through Sunday, November 7, the Wilma Theaterwill offer audio-described digital presentations of its recent production, “Minor Character.”
“Minor Character” tells the story of Chekhov’s masterpiece Uncle Vanya, but uses six different English translations – including Google Translate’s ridiculous one – to bring it into 2021. The story centers around a few residents and workers in a Russian estate in the early 20th century. Like most Chekhov plays, the characters foolishly (and recognizably) love all of the wrong people. Plus, tensions are high because the estate is running out of money! This is a link to the WilmaBill for more information about the play.
Participants can purchase tickets to experience the digital format here. Wilma Theater will send a link to stream the production anytime from now until November 7.
If any of the participants you work with have any questions, they can reach out to the box office at 215-546-7824 or message Wilma Theater here.
SEPTA For All: Survey Participants Needed
Our partners at Art-Reach have been selected as a finalist in the SEPTA For All challenge. Art-Reach is designing a transit app to address some challenges individuals living with disabilities face on public transportation. Before moving on to the development stage, Art-Reach would love to get feedback on its design from ASB participants!
Art-Reach is currently designing a mobile application that will notify passengers of the next stop during transit via audio, visual and sensory notifications. The application also alerts the passenger of any detours, delays or service changes that may impact their route while providing live updates of the arrival time. The design plans to address inconsistent and inaccurate bus stop announcements and inaccessible real-time information during transit. It will also provide passengers living with disabilities more time to disembark.
Art-Reach is looking for participants to do a 30-45 minute in-person interview at Drexel University or a virtual Zoom interview. Participants who attend the interviews will receive a $20 thank you gift card for their time. If any of the participants you work with are interested in signing up, they can email tb939@drexel.edu.