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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 appointment, Alice says, "I was so amazed to hear and see the many adaptive devices and equipment that are available to help people with vision loss."
John Majkut, Low Vision Clinic coordinator, demonstrated a video magnifier that has a camera attachment. With it, Alice was able to see the face of her seven-month-old great granddaughter for the first time. It was such an exciting, emotional and special moment for Alice, and everyone here at The Iris Network!
As a retired school teacher, Alice has always loved to read. Thanks to a video magnifier with flex arm and camera (see photo) that delivers magnification up to100x and with the assistance of a hand held magnifier, Alice is reading again. "I am now able to read my cookbook, telephone book, magazines and newspapers. Keeping up with current news and activities is very important to me. I can't tell you how excited I am to be able to maintain my quality of life and to continue doing the things that I really enjoy. I have hope now!"
Alice loves her home and wants very much to continue living there, leading a full and meaningful life. Thanks to assistive technology, staff at The Iris Network's Low Vision Clinic, her determination and a very supportive family she is doing it.
Alice is looking forward to her next visit to the Low Vision Clinic with much enthusiasm, greater hope and uplifted spirits! In her words, “Everyone should know about The Iris Network and about all the new technology that is out there. I am going to tell all my friends about The Iris Network and the services they provide.”
We wish Alice continued success!
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To Our Supporters - Thank you for your donations because without support from people like you, our clients’ successes would not be possible! |
In Memoriam |
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It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of former Iris Network Executive Director and friend, Robert Crouse, who passed away on April 5, 2011. Mr. Crouse was hired by our Board of Directors in 1979 to help rebuild and re-establish quality services to people who are blind or visually impaired. He served as Executive Director of The Iris Network, known then as The Maine Institution For The Blind, for approximately 15 years. In 1980, he was instrumental in restoring the Rehabilitation Center, an in-house program designed to provide intense rehabilitation services to people with vision loss throughout the state. Ruth Mlotek, Director of Vision Rehabilitation Services, states, "Bob's vision in seeing the need for this service, at that time, was revolutionary for Maine." He also brought back The Community Services Program. Both programs continued independently until 2001 when they merged. In 1980, he renamed the facility the Maine Center for the Blind to more accurately reflect the agency's mission. In addition to his many accomplishments, he redeveloped the sheltered workshop, providing jobs, job training and work experiences for people with vision impairment. In 1995, Mr. Crouse relocated to Georgia and served as Executive Director of The Blind and Low Vision Services of N. Georgia. He retired to Florida in 2006. Mr. Crouse will be remembered by those who knew him as a man of integrity, humor and someone with a great history and understanding about rehabilitation services for people with vision loss. His legacy endures and continues to resonate with the dozens of people he hired who are still active and working with The Iris Network here in Maine. A memorial service will be held this summer in Maine. |
New StaffIt is with pleasure that The Iris Network welcomes Bonnie Gouzie to our staff. Bonnie has more than 20 years of experience assisting people with vision loss and other barriers, who seek competitive employment. Bonnie is a skilled access technology instructor and employment specialist who has earned the respect of Southern Maine businesses by helping employees with vision loss to succeed in the work environment. Bonnie is pursuing employment servicesaccreditation, from the State of Maine, which will allow The Iris Network to offer Employment Development and Coaching Services. She is also offering access technology training to a growing number of individuals who strive for employment, education or independent living as a goal. Bonnie is pleased to be part of The Iris Network team of professionals. We look forward to offering more access technology and employment programs for Maine's citizens with vision loss. Future issues of Insight will announce these programs as they are developed. For moreinformation contact Bonnie Gouzie at 774-6273 or by email at: bgouzie@theiris.org. Welcome Bonnie! |
Phi Theta Kappa
Supports The Iris Network
Dina Wilford & Diane Dense take to the track
The Beta Lambda Rho Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at York County Community College held a White Cane Awareness Walk on April 9, 2011 at the Wells High School Track. The walk led by Diane Dense, past chapter president of Phi Theta Kappa, raised $700 in support of The Iris Network's programs and services.
The Iris Network is truly grateful for all their hard work, motivation and efforts in organizing the walk. In addition to raising funds, the group's willingness to help promote The Iris Network and increase public awareness of independent safe travel for people who use a white cane or guide dog is much appreciated.
Diane expressed her delight by saying, "I feel that our first walk was a success. Although the number of walkers was small, participants were excited and proud to be walking in support of a great cause. We hope to make this a yearly event with the goal of increasing participation as well as expanding community involvement."
Our sincere thanks to The Beta Lambda Rho Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at York Community College.
A weekend of Fun & Games! |
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The 13th Annual Camp Jack and Linda Beveridge is a free weekend of fun held at Camp CaPella in Holden, Maine on July 15, 16, & 17, 2011. Anyone who is visually impaired or blind as well as friends and family members are invited to attend this camp-out event, sponsored by The American Council of the Blind of Maine and The Iris Network. Expect merriment, games, food, bonfires, swimming and other outdoor activities. Come on out to relax, socialize, and have an enjoyable time without having to cook, clean or do the dishes at the end of the night! You can choose to attend the entire weekend or if you prefer come for only the Saturday festivities. For more information contact Mary Ellen Frost (207) 426-2651. |
Consider Living with Us!
Iris Park Apartments, located on the Portland Iris Network campus, seeks to build a waiting list of applicants who meet the blind or visually impaired preference to fill any apartments that become available. There are currently no openings, but vacancies are filled from a waiting list on a first come, first served basis with priority given to applicants with vision loss. Iris Park Apartments is a low income property with one and two bedroom units managed by Avesta Housing. Iris Park Apartments are not subsidized apartments, but subsidies such as Section 8 are accepted. Residential Support Services are provided by The Iris Network. If you would like an application, more information or a tour, please contact Emily Barker at The Iris Network. More information is also available at www.theiris.org |
Volunteers Make a Difference!
As part of National Volunteer Week, staff and tenants of Iris Park Apartments had the honor of hosting a reception for the many volunteers who have contributed hours of time, talent and interest in support of the residence recreation program. The theme for the evening’s gathering was cruising. Tenants showed their enthusiasm by utilizing their creative skills in making nautical themed decorations such as port holes , life preservers etc. As a special tribute and to express their appreciation to the volunteers, tenants serenaded the group by singing “Yellow Submarine”. As you can see from the photos, the festivities were enjoyed by all.
Tenants sing to volunteers, as Janet Taylor, Recreation Therapist and Volunteer Coordinator, looks on
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Our sincere thanks to all The Iris Network Volunteers for their dedication and support. Thanks for all that you do! |
Get Ready to Tee Off! |
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Please Join Us! The 13th Iris Network Monday, June 13, 2011 The Woodlands Club, Falmouth, ME Registration Noon, Shotgun Start 1:00 PM Go online for a Registration Form or Enjoy a great day of golf, network with friends and support a great cause! To learn more visit us at www.theiris.org |
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This event is organized each year to promote a better understanding of Maine’s White Cane Law and to increase public awareness of independent and safe travel for people who use a white cane or a guide dog. The walk raises funds for The Iris Network’s programs such as Vision Rehabilitation Services, Low Vision Clinic, Maine AIRS (a volunteer statewide service that broadcasts Maine’s daily and weekly newspapers), Resident Support Services at Iris Park Apartments and Job Training Program. |
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May is Healthy Vision Month One of the easiest ways to keep your eyes healthy is by getting a regular eye exam. Early detection and treatment are the keys to preventing vision loss. Tips for Healthy eyes
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