Rotary Club of Carmel by the Sea for their $2,500 contribution to the Visually Impaired Student Technology Assistance (VISTA) Program.
2006 Membership Drive – This year we celebrate our 35th year of service to Monterey County.
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
Helen Keller
Membership is open to all; the young & old, working & retired, visually impaired & sighted. Your membership shows you believe in what we do. Your membership means you support us in helping others reach their greatest potential and improve the quality of life through the services we offer. Your membership means you care. If you are already a member it’s time to renew your membership. If you aren’t a member yet we would love to have you join. We appreciate our early birds who have already sent their membership and thank you in advance to our members,
together we can do so much.
Building Update
We are proceeding forward with our renovation plans for a New Low Vision Clinic, health library and rehabilitation area at the BVIC. We are actively seeking funding for the $150,000 project (which includes construction & furnishings) through grant writing and donations and are delighted to report that we have already received $12,500 in contributions. We have established a challenge or match fund for our project. Construction is expected to begin this spring and July 1 is our target completion date. We will try our best to have as little disruption as possible to services and appreciate your understanding with any inconvenience.
Thank your for the generous
There’s a new scanner/reader in town…
The Auto Book Reader’s innovative technology combines the benefits of a scanner and reader for an affordable price of $699.00. A one button operation transforms text to near human speech.
The simple scanning device connects with a computer, but requires minimum computer skills. Call Moonset to schedule an appointment to try out this easy to use device.
Classified – New condition barely used video magnifiers for sale
Original cost $2,995. Please contact Moonset for info.
Since its inception CHARIOTS FOR CHARITY has found over 300 donated vehicles good homes and provided donors with valuable tax deductions for their donations while generating funds for the blind and visually impaired. The Chariot for Charity Program operates different than other car donation programs. Vehicles are made saleable, adding value to the donation, by insuring they run properly and are smogged. For info or to donate a vehicle call Russ Hatch at 659-5360.
New Low Vision Support Group
The BVIC has partnered with the Carmel Foundation to offer a day time support group held every other month at the Carmel Foundation. Janet Wilson will lead the next meeting on Friday, March 3rd from 1:00 to 2:00 at the Blanchard A Building located on the corner of Eighth and Dolores. The group will be held upstairs (don’t worry there is a ramp).
Dr. Diana Case and Janet also look forward to resuming the evening meetings at the BVIC. The next meeting is Monday, February 13th from 5:00 to 6:30. Start the New Year by participating in one or both of the groups. Please call Jeannie if you have any questions.
Our Annual Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday February 21, 2006 at 1:00. The meeting will be held at the BVIC and the public is invited to attend. There will be a public comment period. Please note that only paid BVIC members can vote at the meeting.
We applaud our 2005 Board of Directors for their efforts and support. We would like to offer a special thank you to Betty Hendricks (and her dog guide, Ukiah) for her service to the BVIC. Betty has served as a board member since 1997 and will be stepping down this year.
The Slate of Officers for our new 2006 Board of Directors is:
Three million people throughout the nation are affected by Glaucoma yearly. There are no symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. By seeing your eye doctor each year for a complete exam, including eye dilation and a pressure check (the eye puff test) Glaucoma can be diagnosed early to prevent vision loss.
Things just got a whole lot clearer with ZoomText 9.0 (magnification & reading software for the visually impaired). ZoomText’s xFont technology has high definition clarity. Its new Neospeech read all applications & documents in human sounding voices. Call Moonset to receive a free 30-day trial.
The BVIC will be closed in observance of Presidents Day on Monday March 20, 2006.