Good Works Wednesday: October 28, 2021

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.

ASB Remote Programming October – December 2021

Our October – December 2021 virtual program schedule is now live on the ASB website!

If any of the participants you work with are interested in signing up for these programs or have any questions, they can contact our Director of Participant Engagement and Outreach, Lexi Jones, at ajones@asb.org.

SATURDAY: 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 any of the participants you work with are interested in attending, they can contact Beth Deering at bdeering@asb.org.

NOVEMBER 3: 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, November 3 at 10:30 a.m. and 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.

NOVEMBER 9: ASB Awareness 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’s Speaker Series – November Dates

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 schedule below, and contact ASB’s Director of Participant Engagement and Outreach, Lexi Jones, at ajones@asb.org if any of the participants you work with are interested in attending any of these sessions.

Topic: Hadley
Date: October 29, 2021
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Topic: Feinbloom Low Vision Center
Date: November 5, 2021
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

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.

NOW – NOVEMBER 7: Wilma Theater offering Audio Description of “Minor Character”

Now through November 7, the Wilma Theater will 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. 

Parks & Rec: Carousel House Programs Taking Place at New Locations

The Carousel House is currently closed for repairs and rebuilding, but will be reopening in the future! In the meantime, it has set up temporary locations.

Here is a list of Carousel House programs and where they will now take place:

Interested participants can sign up for the Carousel House newsletter to receive information about the adaptive and inclusive recreation programs. If any of the participants you work with have any questions, they can contact carouselpa@aol.com.

DECEMBER 3: Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind FREE Blindness and Diabetes Webinar

On December 3 from 12 – 4 p.m., participants can join Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind to discuss blindness and diabetes with expert presenters. This FREE, live webinar will include presentations from healthcare providers, diabetes experts and leaders in the blind community. Participants can expect to learn about vision loss and diabetes, nutrition, diabetic retinopathy, accessible glucose monitoring systems and medication, insurance, exercise, real-life self-management tips and more!

Agenda Topics:

  • Diabetes & Nutrition
  • Diabetic Policy & Insurance
  • Accessible Diabetes Monitoring Devices & Medication
  • Real-World Solutions for Managing Diabetes & Blindness
  • Diabetic Retinopathy

A full agenda and speaker details will be emailed to attendees before the webinar. If any of the participants you work with are unable to attend, they can still register to receive access to the webinar audio and video in their inbox!

Participants can register for FREE here and visit www.AccessiblePharmacy.com or call 215-799-9900 for more information.