Winter 2012 Newsletter

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... Continue Reading

Spring / Summer 2011 Newsletter

This newsletter is dedicated in memory of Robert Crouse for his years of service to The Iris Network.

He will be remembered for his strong advocacy for people who are blind or visually impaired, his teaching skills, as well as his compassionate and innovative ways. He strongly felt that with proper training there are no limits as to what an individual facing the challenges of vision loss can achieve. He was a great leader and will be missed!

A visit to the Low Vision Clinic brings hope!

Alice at her video magnifier

Alice "Rusty" Jackman, legally blind because of diabetes, recently visited The Iris Network's Low Vision Clinic at our Portland facility. About her two hour assessment... Continue Reading

Winter / Spring 2011

Growing Up Is All About Experience!

Jacob is a typical high school student – he loves sports, music and school dances. Like most high school students, he wanted a summer job to earn some money of his own and to get some work experience for the future. In this tough economy, many young people are having a hard time finding work, particularly students like Jacob who have total blindness.

Judy Wolfe, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor at the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI), knew Jacob needed some assistance in finding a summer job. Judy referred him to the Job Training Project at The Iris Network. "Summer jobs are so important in helping us all learn what we like... Continue Reading

Fall 2010

Back to Work!

Charlene Ouellet wanted to get her life on track and get back to work!

Charlene was experiencing dual sensory loss, an impairment of both vision and hearing. She received vision rehabilitation therapy and orientation and mobility training from The Iris Network and our partners at Maine's Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, but knew she needed more. At her request, Charlene took part in rehabilitation training at the Helen Keller National Center in Sands Point, New York, recognized throughout the world as the best place to learn to live with dual sensory impairment. The Iris Network helped her to prepare for this rigorous program and, upon her return, introduced... Continue Reading

Spring 2010

Bangor Savings Bank Gives Back to Maine Communities

Cast your vote for The Iris Network!

Bangor Savings Bank Foundation will be awarding $100,000 to 68 local non-profit organizations and they are asking the community to help decide how to best distribute the funds. The charitable organization getting the most votes will receive a $5,000 grant. The Iris Network has been included in the Bangor Savings Community Matters More poll and we ask that you consider casting your ballot for The Iris Network. As  we plan ahead to better serve our consumers, this gift would assist us greatly in supporting our efforts to meet the needs of those we help, providing every opportunity to improve their... Continue Reading