Winter 2012

OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

Paul Featherson at the computer, with instructor, Bonnie Gouzie.

Paul Featherson of Westbrook needed to re-tool himself for the job market following a long career at a major supermarket as a shelf stocker. “As my vision loss became more severe, I just could not be as fast and accurate as I wanted to be for the company.” Knowing the importance of computers in the workplace, Paul decided to acquire some new skills but he was not sure where to go. “I could not go to the local Adult Education computer classes because I could not see the screen and the teachers did not know how to help,” said Featherson.

The Iris Network’s newest program, Access Technology and Employment Services (ATES, pronounced AT Ease) stepped in to help. Bonnie Gouzie, Program Director, worked with Paul at home as he learned the basics of the computer and JAWS, a screen reader that allows a person with blindness to know what is on the screen. Paul jumped at the chance to become the first student to receive training at the ATES training center when it opened in October. “Paul is putting all the basics together and learning business applications necessary to compete for a good job. Our training center is designed with work stations exactly like what is found in business so people learn to deal with limited space for business tools and adaptive devices,” said Gouzie. Paul’s guide dog, Snyder rested quietly under the desk during the class.

In January 2012, ATES is launching accessible technology classes (advertised elsewhere in this edition of Insight). Limited to four individuals at a time, your current ability will be determined through a telephone assessment and every effort will be made to match people with similar skill sets. Each class will be two hours long and will meet at least twice a week. “ATES teachers believe that computer skills are best learned in a focused supportive environment. After a quick review of the previous lesson, we will slowly but surely build on your knowledge,” said Gouzie.

Classes are open to all age groups and goals. “Computers are a basic tool in our personal lives as well as in career aspirations,” she continued.

Steve Kelley, Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, offers classes in cell phones as well as e-readers. “These devices have become much more accessible to people with visual impairment. We will spend some time looking at the many choices, select the one best for your need and learn how to use it,” he said.

Through well designed classes and instructors knowledgeable in access devices, you will learn what you need with ease. Please call 518-5080 to register for a class. If you are interested in learning something not covered in our introductory classes, contact us with your suggestion!

Trouble seeing the screen?

The ATES (called AT Ease) program at The Iris Network is offering:

Introductory technology classes for people with
less than perfect vision starting in January!

Computer classes in Portland:

Windows 7 Basic	3 Two hour sessions	$120.00
Word 2010 Basic	4 Two hour sessions	$160.00
Internet Explorer Basic	3Two hour sessions	$120.00

Two FREE Introductory Workshops offered in Portland and Saco:

Exploring Screen Magnification on a Windows PC, Macintosh Computer or iPad
Choosing an E-Reader

For more information call the ATES Hotline 518-5080

In Memoriam

We are saddened to announce that Mr. Roland Drew of Arundel, ME passed away on November 25, 2011. Mr. Drew, a successful businessman and community minded individual possessed a great sense of humor. He served on The Iris Network, formerly the Maine Center for the Blind, Board of Directors for over 20 years and was chairman of the board for three terms. In recent years, he was a member of The Iris Network Advisory Board. Mr. Drew will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

The 2011 White Cane Awareness Walk was our biggest and best walk yet!

As you know, awareness is always our primary goal with The Walk and this time visibility was greatly enhanced by relocating the Walk's start and end point to Portland's Monument Square. The Walk route changed too, and our participants were greeted with tooting horns and waves from people in passing cars, and friendly comments from other pedestrians as they trekked along a one mile course incorporating Congress Street and the top of the Old Port.

The weather was perfect and the crowd on hand, with a large and enthusiastic contingent from USM's Sigma Nu fraternity, was energized as grand marshal, Bob Crowley kicked things off. With nearly 200 participants, 8 sponsors and record net revenue, The Iris Network's White Cane Awareness Walk has steadily grown in every way and we know we couldn't do it without help from people like you.

A special thanks to our sponsors:

Maine Eye Center, Eyecare Medical Group, GHM Insurance, Drummond and Woodsum, IDEXX, Martins Point Healthcare, EZ Diabetic Supplies and the Portland Lions.

We would also like to thank everyone involved with the Walk and encourage everyone to save the date, October 13, for our 2012 Walk -- and tell your friends too! Watch for more information in our spring newsletter or visit our website at www.theiris.org

Activity Phone Line

The Iris Network is pleased to announce a new phone number where you can hear recorded messages about what’s happening at The Iris Network around the state for the upcoming month. You can also leave an RSVP to a specific event*. Information will be updated monthly, until demand for this number increases. The phone number is 518-5060. If Portland is long distance, you may call 1-800-715-0097 and ask the receptionist for extension 3360. Please call often. *Please note: if you are calling about a service or need to have a question answered, please do not use this extension, call 774-6273.

Maine Airs on the Android
and Apple Devices

Steve Kelley, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

One of the most common frustrations I hear from clients with vision loss is that they are unable to read the newspaper. One of the easiest ways to access newspapers in Maine is through The Iris Network’s Maine AIRS (Audio Information and Reading Service) Program. Maine AIRS offers selections throughout the day and evening from Maine’s major daily and weekly newspapers, plus many other features including the weekly local supermarket ads.

Until recently the only way to receive Maine Airs was using a special SCA radio receiver. These are still available by calling the Iris Network and requesting one. Maine AIRS is also available on the Internet, or by using the iBlink Radio App for Android or Apple devices. The great advantage of listening over the Internet or on your smart phone is that you always get great reception!

To access Maine AIRS over the Internet with your computer, go to http://www.theiris.org/maine-airs/programming and Maine AIRS will begin playing live. You may also download individual selections as podcasts to listen to at your convenience on any mp3 player. For a quick tutorial of how to do this go to http://www.theiris.org/news/43/53/Maine-AIRS-Tutorial on the Web.

If you have an Android tablet or phone, or an Apple iPhone, iPad, or iPod, you may download iBlink Radio free of charge from either the Android “Market” or Apple’s “App Store.” For more information about iBlink, check it out on the Web at http://www.serotek.com/iblink.

For more information about SCA receivers, call Maine AIRS at 989-0058 or Steve Kelley at 774-6273.

Making Planned Giving Easy

There is one planned gift that is easy to make and has no cost associated with executing it – naming The Iris Network as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy that has outlived its original purpose. It only involves filling out the change-of-beneficiary form obtained from your insurance agent. While making changes to a will or adding a codicil can involve legal costs, insurance forms are straight-forward “fill in the blank” documents that we can all manage, at least with the help of an insurance agent.

Many employers provide a basic life policy to each employee worth one or two times one’s annual salary. One of dozens of forms signed on the first day of work, this type of life insurance is easily forgotten since the employer is often responsible for paying the premiums.

When we’re young we often buy life insurance to protect an income for a spouse or for supporting children. Once the kids are grown, educated, on their own, and once one’s career has fully matured, the original motivation for the insurance coverage may no longer be valid. If that life insurance is the whole life variety and has a current cash value, there are several options to consider (this also applies to retirees).

Name The Iris Network a beneficiary to the policy: By doing so, you are making a major contribution to our organization, a legacy gift to be realized at the time of your death. Policies typically provide for one or more primary beneficiaries and one or more contingent beneficiaries, indicated by a percentage or dollar amount.

Donate your whole life, paid-up policy to The Iris Network now: To make a significant gift with immediate impact. The Iris Network may have the option of surrendering it for its current cash value, converting the policy to paid-up insurance, or paying premiums from then on to keep the policy in force. In any event, you generally gain an immediate charitable deduction for that gift.

Taking out a new life policy to benefit The Iris Network: You can take out a new life insurance policy, naming The Iris Network as the owner and beneficiary, and then make the regular premium payments as your annual gift. Those premium payments would be tax deductible. Then upon your death, the realization of the policy creates a second, significant legacy gift.

As with all planned gifts, it is sensible to discuss what you are considering with your estate planning or financial advisor. Life insurance is regulated by the states so consult your state registered insurance advisor. Depending upon the complexity of your estate, your advisors may have additional alternatives for you to consider. As they look at the three intertwined goals of estate planning – providing for one’s family, fulfilling one’s charitable intentions, and maximizing tax savings – advisors direct the disposition of assets to take advantage of both immediate and future tax benefits and life insurance is an important tool in their arsenal.

Interesting Fact: Life insurance has been around since Roman times when “burial clubs” helped members cover burial expenses and provided care for remaining family members.

Helping Others! A meaningful investment!

Alice Germaine Laweryson was born in 1913 in St. Simeon, P. Q. Canada and was the eldest of 16 children. In November of 1935, just 21 years old, Alice moved to Bingham, Maine unable to speak English, with a third grade education and only $2.00 in her pocket. She found work, first cleaning houses, then at the Shank Mill and finally at the Quimby Veneer Mill where she worked for 19 years.

It was while working at the Quimby Veneer Mill in 1968 that Alice was injured by a fork lift, ending her career. Shortly thereafter she lost vision in both eyes for a two year period due to retinal hemorrhages, which she attributed to the industrial accident. However, after many treatments and surgery she regained enough of her sight to be able to drive again.

Alice cared deeply for her family and maintained a home in Canada for her parents their whole life. She also was very active in the community; her church and numerous civic organizations benefited from her leadership and support. As a result of her life experiences, Alice recognized the diverse aspirations and abilities of people who are visually impaired, blind, or have other physical limitations. She dreamed of dedicating her life’s savings to helping the blind and disabled to achieve full and meaningful lives with dignity.

Alice made that dream a reality through thoughtful estate planning and life-long savings. As a resultThe Iris Network and SKILLS, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities in Kennebec and Somerset Counties, were the beneficiaries of a generous gift from Ms. Laweryson’s estate.

To honor the gift and more importantly the life of Alice Laweryson, The Iris Network has named the Maine AIRS studio in Portland theAlice G. Laweryson Studio.

Road to Independence continues…...

You may recall in our spring 2011 newsletter we featured a wonderful story on Alice “Rusty” Jackman illustrating her successful visit to The Iris Network’s Low Vision Clinic. As a follow-up to her low vision experience, Alice, a retired school teacher and legally blind due to diabetes, has since received help from Vision Rehabilitation Services.

Montress Kenniston, Iris Network Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist, worked with Alice to introduce adaptive devices such as a talking glucometer which helps with her diabetic management. Alice also finds the large print calendar and 20/20 pen extremely beneficial in keeping track of her appointments independently, and the high contrast/tactile markings on her washing machine and toaster oven have allowed her to resume doing her own laundry and food preparation. These adaptations have all proven extremely helpful in maintaining Alice’s independence and quality of life.

Staff from the Low Vision Clinic, Vision Rehabilitation Services, as well as other Iris Network programs, work collaboratively to meet the needs of our clients. As in Alice’s case, the various departments refer to each other in order to meet consumer goals, thereby assisting in the continuation of independence of people who are blind or visually impaired. We are happy to report that Alice continues to live independently in her own home.