Iris Network Launches Technology Initiative

   “Assistive computer technology is the most important development for blind people since the invention of Braille,” says Jerry Newbury, Chair of the  Advisory Board. “I could not have continued my law  practice without it. I also use my ‘talking computer’ for personal business, music composition, and more.”

    Jerry has not only relied on assistive computer technology for more than 20 years, but has also adopted other new technology. For example, he uses GPS, or Global Positioning System, handheld technology for  support in navigating while walking. “GPS technology allows blind people to orient themselves through satellites,” he says. “My system talks my position on my Maine community island to me and allows me to go from point A to B with  an accuracy of about 30 feet.”  

   Jerry is a passionate believer in assistive technology for people with vision loss. “It is essential for me and  just as essential for others,” he states. The Iris Network is committed to promoting access to usable, low-cost assistive technologies and to developing and offering the most helpful technological training. Toward that end, in July 2007, we launched a three-year Technology Initiative.

 In the next 12 months, we will achieve the following:

• Investigate assistive GPS technology and training;

• Develop and launch assistive computer training;

• Make low-cost, highly usable assistive technology more
  available in Maine;

• Integrate more assistive technology in Iris Network programs.

We are conducting an assessment of the technology needs of our constituents. We ask you to help us by responding to the survey available at www.theiris.org/techsurvey.asp.  The survey can be filled out on line or printed and mailed to Steve Kelley, The Iris Network, 189 Park Avenue, Portland, Maine 04102. Or to conduct the survey by phone, contact Steve Kelley at 774-6273/800-715-0097. Thank You!

 

Master Gardeners Team with Tenants 

Randy Bellavance and Sarah Rosenblatt, Iris Park

Apartments tenants,  cultivate their raised-bed garden.

 

   The Iris Network warmly salutes new volunteers  Jamie Standish, Ryan Bullock, and Bob Murray, gardeners and friends extraordinaire. For most of this summer,  Jamie, Ryan and Bob have collaborated with the tenants  of the Iris Park Apartments to plant and cultivate gardens in the raised beds on the lawns. Where there was once dull soil and weeds, there are now marigolds, petunias, and ripening radishes, cucumbers, and string beans.  

 

   Jamie works at Maine Med and is studying nursing.  Ryan is a fulltime gardener who studies horticulture at Southern Maine Community College. Bob is founder and president of the Organization for Transformative Farming, www.OTFinc.org, which promotes locally grown food and the alleviation of hunger worldwide.

 

   The Iris Network greatly appreciates the vision, warmth, and commitment shown by these friends. Thank you for your volunteerism, your vision, and for teaming up with residents to make the gardens of the Iris Park Apartments a bright reality!

 

 

Meaningful gifts to support our work come in many shapes and sizes. For example, Swardlick Marketing Group of  Portland donated designs for new signs for the Iris Network campus. We sincerely thank them for our bold new look.  You, too can make a big difference for Mainers who will be challenged by vision loss in the years to come by creating a  bequest to support the Iris Network in your will or by making any kind of planned gift.  To find out more, contact our  development office at  774-6273