• 2006 Annual Report
  
  
• 2005 Annual Report

2005 Annual Report

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Celebrating 79 Years of Service

MISSION STATEMENT
VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a non-profit rehabilitation and social service organization whose purpose is to develop and implement programs to assist blind and visually impaired people of all ages to lead independent and active lives in their homes and communities; and to educate the public to understand the capabilities and needs of people who are blind or visually impaired so that they may be integrated into all aspects of community life.
The programs in the greater New York area by which VISIONS fulfills its purpose include: (1) in-home rehabilitation training, (2) community-based social services, (3) supported leisure and recreational activities, and (4) individual, group, and community education. VISIONS’ programs focus on those persons who are blind and visually impaired with special needs, including elders, people with multiple disabilities, and culturally diverse/limited-English speaking persons.

Reaffirmed — January 2003

FROM THE PRESIDENT
I am proud to report that VISIONS experienced sustained growth in 2005. VISIONS served 3,250 clients in Fiscal Year 2005, a 12% increase over Fiscal Year 2004.

The vignettes that follow exemplify the increasingly complex needs experienced by VISIONS’ clients. This year, over 8% of our clients requested services in more than one program area. VISIONS is dedicated to providing services that meet each individual’s unique needs. I am excited to see the growing integration of services in response to our clients’ requests and I am touched by the results of our efforts.

My fellow Board members again played a major role in the guidance of the agency in 2005. The Board has embraced a best practices approach and created separate Audit and Oversight Committees.

It is always a great pleasure to welcome new Board members. Mr. Shawn Creedon and Mr. Kenneth Gralak joined the VISIONS Board of Directors in 2005. I would also like to acknowledge the passing of Mr. Clarence Treeger, past president of the Board and member of the Board and Advisory Council for 49 years; and Mr. Richard Heller, member of the Board for 36 years.

I conclude by thanking the hundreds of people who volunteered with VISIONS in all of our programs in 2005. Your generosity of spirit helps ensure the success of our mission to promote the independence of people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Each year, VISIONS maximizes its resources and delivers high quality services for a growing number of people with vision loss. The growth experienced in 2005 would be impossible without the dedicated generosity of our supporters, the commitment of our staff and Board, and the contributions of our volunteers.

The wonderful support of the Lions Clubs again had an enormous impact in 2005. By providing both service and financial support, the Lions truly made a difference in the services we provided for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, particularly at Vacation Camp for the Blind (VCB). Whether it is through volunteer Work Days at VCB, fundraisers for camper scholarships, or donations of much needed items for camp, the Lions always come through! I give you all my heartfelt thanks.

I would also like to recognize the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Moses Parshelsky Foundation, Allene Reuss Memorial Trust, New York Community Trust, Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation, and Newsday Charities for their exemplary support in 2005.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the VISIONS Board of Directors. Their steadfast commitment to the agency and the clients we serve motivates us all. I would also like to thank the staff of VISIONS for their hard work, often going above and beyond expectations.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR (Oct. 1, 2004 - Sept. 30, 2005)
In keeping with its mission to promote the independence of people of all ages who are blind and visually impaired, VISIONS expanded programming for children, youth, adults and seniors in 2005. Through funding from the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, 27 blind children and their families attended Vacation Camp for the Blind in Summer 2005. VISIONS received a contract from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development to provide out-of-school time programs for blind high school students beginning in September 2005. Enrollment in the Senior Speak Out program at VISIONS at Selis Manor increased by 12%. VISIONS also worked closely with the New York City Department for the Aging to increase participation of blind and visually impaired seniors in 20 selected senior centers, with a total of 57 centers now affiliated.

All program areas saw an increase in clients served in 2005. Many of VISIONS’ clients have increasingly complex service needs. In 2005, there was a 25% increase in clients enrolled in more than one program area of VISIONS. The total number of people of all ages served by VISIONS grew to 3,250.

Rehabilitation and Community Services
In 2005, 2,543 clients received vision rehabilitation and community services from VISIONS. The number of clients receiving individual rehabilitation services increased by 25% in 2005 as compared with 2004. The services provided by VISIONS’ rehabilitation staff at Vacation Camp for the Blind and at Selis Manor further increased this year. The number of African-American and Hispanic client referrals increased in 2005 and there was a significant increase in the number of clients referred by the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) for employment-related services. VISIONS trained case managers in senior centers in collaboration with the New York City Department for the Aging. BlindlineSM opened its toll-free phone number and website to the public and began beta testing of its community bulletin board feature with funding from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind.

VISIONS is now the only agency in New York City with a commitment to serving youth who are blind and visually impaired in both after school and summer work programs. VISIONS successfully served 69 blind youth in Summer 2005, the largest number ever served in a summer work program funded by CBVH. VISIONS dramatically increased the number of blind youth receiving pre-vocational services from 24 in 2004 to 40 in 2005.

Vacation Camp for the Blind
During 2005, there were 400 participants who attended weekends and/or summer sessions at Vacation Camp for the Blind (VCB). This represents an increase of 9% over 2004. One hundred and twenty-four people were new participants in 2005, a 29% increase compared with 2004. There was also a 26% increase in the number of blind, multi-disabled children who attended with their families in 2005. VCB continues to serve primarily residents of New York City, with 76% of the camper population residing in the five boroughs and 16% from nearby Rockland, Westchester and Long Island.

A more mature staff was utilized at VCB in Summer 2005, which better met the needs of a camper population that is increasingly frail, multi-disabled, and has more health issues. The accessibility project, funded in part by the Lions Clubs International Foundation, provided new ramps and wheelchair accessible bathrooms throughout camp.

VISIONS at Selis Manor
A total of 525 clients accessed social services, educational and recreational classes, and volunteer services at VISIONS at Selis Manor in 2005. This represented a 10% increase over 2004. The majority of the consumers were from the five boroughs of New York City, with 5% from other nearby areas such as Nassau and Westchester, and New Jersey. Thirty-six percent of the consumers were age 60 and over.

VISIONS at Selis Manor experienced a 6% increase in seniors receiving services during 2005. The participating seniors are older, with a 10% increase in the age 75 and above category. The enrollment for the Senior Speak Out support group was increased by 12%. The number of blind people who receive registration materials for the VISIONS at Selis Manor programs reached 1,155.

In 2005, VISIONS at Selis Manor created a partnership with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York which included free blood pressure screenings and monthly workshops on health issues. VISIONS at Selis Manor also partnered with Art Education for the Blind to offer on-site visits from MOMA, The Jewish Museum, and The Tenement Museum.

Client Vignettes
Faustino is a 41-year-old Latino man who lives with his two children and his parents. His wife is waiting for her visa to enter the United States. Faustino lost all vision in his right eye and a significant amount of peripheral vision in his left eye. He was employed until his recent vision loss made traveling very difficult.

Faustino wanted to take better care of his children and to become employed again. He needed his training to be offered in Spanish as he does not speak English.

Faustino received Vision Rehabilitation Therapy as well as Orientation & Mobility from a VISIONS professional who is fluent in Spanish. He was prescribed a long cane and trained in using it indoors and outdoors. Faustino learned how to analyze intersections and traffic patterns so that he could safely cross the street alone. He also learned to travel independently by bus and subway.

At home, Faustino learned how to use the stove and toaster oven safely to prepare meals. He mastered adaptive techniques for food preparation. He received a gooseneck lamp to help him maximize the use of his residual vision. His papers were organized in an accordion file and he now keeps track of personal information and appointments in a large print calendar and address book. Faustino also received a Spanish talking watch to keep him on schedule.

Faustino requested social work services from VISIONS to help him cope with his vision loss and determine if there were any benefits his family was eligible to receive. With help from the staff at Selis Manor and the Rehabilitation Department, Faustino applied for respite services and SSI for his 12-year-old son, who is developmentally disabled. Faustino also asked his children's teachers to communicate with him by phone instead of in a note. He attends classes at Selis Manor while he searches for a new job.

Faustino worked hard to get the most from VISIONS and it paid off! Faustino now travels independently and can take care of his children and home with pride and dignity. Faustino said, “Los servicios me han servido para mucho. Me siento mas seguro cuando camino a afuera y cojo el tren.” (The services have helped me a lot. I feel secure when I’m walking outside and taking the train.)

Natalie is an 18-year-old African-American woman who is totally blind. In October 2004, Natalie began vision rehabilitation services with VISIONS. Before training, Natalie would walk by herself only in the area immediately surrounding her home. She was planning to attend a local college in Fall 2005, yet had never traveled independently on public transportation. Natalie also wanted to learn basic food preparation and cleaning skills.

Natalie received Orientation & Mobility and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from a VISIONS professional who is certified in both areas. She learned to travel on public transportation and to plan a route independently. After her in-home lessons, Natalie was able to use the stove and oven safely and independently, operate the microwave, and prepare meals. She now does her own laundry, cleans and vacuums, and comfortably uses a signature guide to sign her name.

Natalie participated in the Work Experience Program in Summer 2005. Her placement at a day care center was in jeopardy on her first day. The center's program director felt that she could not supervise Natalie effectively and asked that Natalie be replaced with an intern with some residual sight. VISIONS’ Employment Specialist met with the director to explain the adaptations and training that VISIONS would provide to assist Natalie. The director agreed to a short-term trial. The adaptations were made and the center staff was trained on interacting with a totally blind co-worker. Books with Braille and print were ordered to enable Natalie to read stories to the children. With the adaptations provided by VISIONS, Natalie had a successful summer. The program director admitted that the center had received as much benefit from the placement as Natalie.

Natalie began college in September 2005 and is considering a career in psychology. She says “The services from VISIONS were really good. With the help of VISIONS, you feel more comfortable and relaxed in the job environment.”

Allyssa is a 6-year-old Hispanic child who is totally blind and multi-disabled. She has many sensory deficits and is dependent on her family to help her with everyday activities. Living with cerebral palsy, Allyssa is non-verbal and has developmental delays in many areas. She does not like to be touched by others and avoids participating in group activities or games.

Allyssa has limited mobility and uses a wheelchair or stroller. At her specialized school, she receives occupational therapy and physical therapy along with speech services.

Allyssa attended a Spring weekend at Vacation Camp for the Blind (VCB) and a week-long summer session at VCB. During the weekend, her parents (who attended camp along with her brother) expressed their goals of having Allyssa begin to learn to dress herself and brush her teeth. VISIONS staff worked with the parents to encourage self-feeding to improve her manual dexterity They also wanted Allyssa to develop sensory and socialization skills and enjoy singing. Despite the difficulties presented by Allyssa’s defensive behaviors, the rehabilitation staff members who assisted her discovered a type of music she liked and Allyssa not only quieted when she listen to the new music, she began to sing along with it.

During the summer session for blind, multi-disabled children and their families, the rehabilitation staff achieved more successes with Allyssa. Through the use of music and a “koosh” ball for sensory stimulation, Allyssa became more socially responsive. The introduction of a music keyboard helped her to be more alert and active and increased her verbal responses. Best of all was the time she spent in the pool. Although Allyssa was scared at first, the water helped her to increase her independence in mobility as she learned to use the poolside grab bars to move about.

Camp was therapeutic for the whole family: Allyssa’s mother networked with other parents of disabled children, Allyssa’s father developed a friendship with another father, and her brother enjoyed activities with other siblings of blind, multi-disabled children. Allyssa’s family learned ways to reinforce independence.

Antoinette is a 65-year-old African American woman who lives in upper Manhattan. When she first attended VISIONS at Selis Manor in Spring 2005, she was quiet and nervous, saying that she had rarely left her home in recent years. Although she had been severely near-sighted her entire life, her recent loss of vision left her feeling depressed and isolated. Antoinette was unsure of herself during her first few classes and group meetings; she needed a lot of assistance, and did not talk much. When she did speak, she was often emotional and expressed her anxiety over traveling and being dependent on others to help her with things she used to do on her own.

Through the support she received from attending classes at VISIONS at Selis Manor, including Moving Forward, Braille, Women's Empowerment, Women's Fitness, Senior Speak Out, Yoga, and Acting, Antoinette has regained her sparkling and outgoing personality. She said coming to VISIONS “saved my life” and that seeing how other blind people were able to be so productive gave her the confidence to try to do more things for herself. After only a few months with VISIONS, Antoinette decided to sign up for a summer session at VCB, which she reports was a “wonderful experience.” She is now an active member of the Camper Advisory Committee and plans to keep coming to camp.
Recently Antoinette went out to dinner with a group of friends she made at VISIONS (something she says she would not have done previously). She had a great time, and felt comfortable explaining to the wait staff the groups' visual impairments and making special requests for assistance. Today, Antoinette can often be found in the lobby of Selis Manor between classes meeting new people and laughing heartily. She said, “I feel like I’ve been reborn!”

CONTRIBUTORS (October 1, 2004 – September 30, 2005)
$10,000 and above
Allene Reuss Memorial Trust
Estate of Blanche Sinauer
Estate of Rebecca Herbst
Estate of Joan H. Weisl
Ezra Kaplan
Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Inc.
Lavelle School for the Blind
Lions Clubs International Foundation
Moses L. Parshelsky Foundation
New York Community Trust
Newsday Charities
Reader's Digest Partners For Sight Foundation

$1,000 - $9,999
Abbott Laboratories
Ann Eden Woodward Foundation
Anonymous
Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin & Kahn
Armonk Lions Club
Atlantic Dialysis
Barr Laboratories, Inc.
Blauvelt Lions Charities, Inc.
Bovis Lend Lease LMB. Inc.
Brooklyn Downtown Lions Club
Dr. Mark D. Cadden
Camper Advisory Committee
Canonico & Ostrowsky
Capitol Health Mgmt, Inc.
Chubb & Son, Inc.
Cold Spring Lions Club
Con Edison
Mannie Corman
Corporate Interiors Contracting, Inc.
Cross County Federal Savings Bank
Croton Lions Club
Daphne Seybolt Culpeper Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Davis
Maurice & Elizabeth Depicciotto
David A. & Ralph W. Eberly
Edith C. Blum Foundation
Einhorn Family Foundation
Estate of Claire Wagner
Falcone's Cookieland Ltd.
Fallsburg Lions Club
Flushing Savings Bank
Dellwood Foundation
Solon E. Summerfield Foundation
Frank J. Antun Foundation
Franklin Square Lions Club
Jay J. Hochfelsen
Barton G. Ice
Interlink Group, Inc.
Intimate Apparel Square Club, Inc.
Jacques Noel Jacobsen, III
Jericho Brookville Lions Club
Nancy T. Jones
JP Morgan Chase Bank
Elias Karmon
Kenneth Bieber, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Roger J. King
David & Phyllis Koch
Laurelton Lions Club
Leake and Watts Services, Inc.
Lions Club of Bellmore, Inc.
Lions Club of Carmel-Kent, Inc.
Lions Club of Massapequa Park, Inc.
Lions Club of Seaford, Inc.
Lions Club of the Bronx
Lions Clubs International Dist. 20-K1
Lions District 20R1 Charities, Inc.
Joyce Liskin
London Lennie's, Inc.
Long Island Portuguese Lions Club
M.J.G. Nursing Home Co., Inc.
Macy's East
Marble Fund, Inc.
Marx Realty & Improvement Co., Inc.
Mattituck Lions Club
Mattoo & Bhat – Medical Associates, PC
Metzger-Price Fund, Inc.
Michele and Martin Cohen Family Foundation
Nancy D. & Gerald Miller
Monsey Lions Club, Inc.
Wendy Montgomery
Morningside House Nursing Home Co., Inc.
John & Susan Morrongiello
N.Y. Hunts Point Lions Club
New York University Community Fund
New York Women's Agenda, Inc.
North Rockland Lions Club
NY Hospital Medical Ctr. of Queens
NYS Lions Multiple Dist. 20-K2, Inc.
Oyster Bay Lions Club
Paul M. Maintenance, Inc.
Port Jefferson Lions Club
Richmond County Savings Foundation
Ridenour Endowment Fund
Ridgewood Dialysis Center, Inc.
Peter A. Roffman
Dr. & Mrs. Ralph E. Schlossman
Schwab Fund for Charitable Giving
Kathleen Sheridan
SI Bank & Trust Foundation
Beth M. Siegel
Sports Medicine & Rehab.
Sterling National Bank
James & Jane Stern
Jean L. & Robert A. Stern Foundation
Peter Stern
Mr. & Mrs. Burton M. Strauss, Jr.
Superior Office Systems
The Corey Foundation
The Louis & Harold Price Foundation
The New York Institute for Special Ed.
The Travelers Insurance Co.
Dr. Barbara C. & Dennis E. Tommasulo
Travelers Life & Annuity
Clarence R. Treeger
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. Treeger
United Way of New York City
Visiting Nurse Regional Health Care
Voluntary Association for Senior Citizen Activities, Inc.
Washington Heights Inwood Lions Club
Susan A. Wolman
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
Yorktown Lions Club

$500 - $999
American Express Foundation
Arent Fox PLLC
Atlantic Liberty Savings, F.A.
Babylon Lions Club Charities, Inc.
Bedford Stuyvesant Lions Club
Clyde Clement
Comprehensive Care Mgmt. Corp.
William C. Cooper M.D.
Shawn Creedon
Culinary Concepts Svcs., Inc.
Cyruli, Shanks & Zizmor LLP
Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation
Reader's Digest Foundation
Ruth G. Dworkin
E M K Enterprises
Jean Heller
Hendrick Hudson Lions Club
Georgina Henry
Gary R. & Jacqueline M. Hill
Holy Cross High School
John Winthrop & Co., Inc.
Kings County Lions Club
Sangwoo Lee
Leon Lowenstein Foundation
Lions Club of Bensonhurst
Lions Club of Flushing
Lions Club of the Islips
Marie C. Rolla Foundation, Inc.
Maverick Designs, Inc.
McGraw-Hill Companies
Dr. James F. McGroarty, Jr.
Melville Lions Club
Middletown Lions Club
Mill Basin-Bergen Beach Lions Club
Richard & Shana L. Miller
Helen J. Mintz
G. F. Mueden
Howard A. Neuman
New York Borinquen Lions Club
New York Manhattan Lions Club
Norman G. Newman, CPA
North Sea Lions Club
NY Presbyterian Healthcare System
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Pforzheimer
Queens Public Comm. Corp.
Robert P. Raggi, MD PC
Regina Ray
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rosenthal
Hilda Sakin
John Sapko
Patricia & Davis Silvers
South Brooklyn Lions Club
Spanish Speaking Elderly (RAICES)
Franklin C. Speyer
Spring Valley Lions Club
Stearns & Wheler, LLC
Stephen Moss Foundation, Inc.
Gretchen H. & Lewis B. Stone
Stony Point Lions Club
The Medical Society of the County of Queens, Inc.
United Asian Lions Club of S.I.N.Y.
Verizon
Wayside Baptist Church
Dr. & Mrs. Albert D. Widman
Natalia S. Young

Special Thanks For Their Financial and Other Support
NYC Borough Presidents
Adolfo Carrion, Jr.
C. Virginia Fields
Marty Markowitz
Helen Marshall

NYC Council Members
Michael Abel
Melinda R. Katz
Andrew J. Lanza
Christine C. Quinn

Village of New Hempstead, NY
Mayor Lawrence Dessau
Governing Board
NYS Senators
Thomas K. Duane
Serphin R. Maltese
Thomas P. Morahan
George Onorato

In Kind Support
Ashburns
Epigraph Studios
Flik International
JP Morgan Chase
New York Hospital Queens
New York Women’s Agenda
Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Fdn.
Visiting Nurse Service of New York
Wyeth

NYS Assembly Members
Denis J. Butler
Ann-Margaret Carrozza
Richard N. Gottfried

Government Contracts
NYC Department for the Aging
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
NYS Department of Education
NYS Department of Health
NYS Office of Children & Family Services / NYS Commission for the Blind & Visually Handicapped
NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Development Disabilities

VISIONS BOARD OF DIRECTORS (as of February 15, 2006)
Ms. Nancy T. Jones
President
Chair, Oversight Committee
Chair, Special Events Committee

Mr. David Koch
Vice President
Chair, Public Relations/Development Committee

Mr. Burton M. Strauss Jr.
Treasurer
Chair, Finance Committee

Mr. Howard A. Neuman
Secretary

Mr. Mal L. Barasch
Chair, Bequest/Legal Committee
Director

Mr. Steven E. Bernstein
Director

Mr. Joseph L. Corace
Director

Mr. Shawn Creedon
Director

Mr. Ronald C. Delo
Lions Past District Governor
Director

Mr. Donald F. Dunning
Lion
Co-Chair Camp Committee
Director

Mr. Kenneth Gralak
Director

Ms. Susan L. Hale
Director

Mr. Anthony B. Jerauld
Trustee, Fund for the Blind
Director Ex Officio

Mr. Peter Koch
Director

Mr. Robert S. Loeb
Lion
Director

Mr. Johan S. Marfey
Director

Mr. Emerson F. Markham
Trustee, Fund for the Blind
Director Ex Officio

Mr. Angelo Purcigliotti
Lions Past District Governor
Co-Chair, Camp Committee
Director

Mr. Jagadish Rao
Lions Past District Governor
Director

Mr. Peter A. Roffman
Director

Mr. Richard P. Simon
Chair, Audit Committee
Chair, Selis Manor Committee
Director

Mr. Robert A. Stern
Director

Mrs. Harriette K. Strauss
Chair, Nominating Committee
Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
Director

Mr. Phil Vehap
Director

Dr. Albert D. Widman
Director

Mr. John Winthrop
Trustee, Fund for the Blind
Director Ex Officio

Advisory Council Members
Mr. Barton G. Ice
Mrs. Barbara Kalvert
Dr. Michael A. Kalvert
Mrs. Terry G. Katz
Ms. Melissa M. Krantz
Mrs. Gail Harris McEvoy
Mr. Michael O’Halloran
Mr. David J. Orenstein
Mr. Corbett A. Price
Mr. Elmer H. Settel
Mrs. Jean S.Tanney

Advisory Boards
BlindlineSM
Bronx
Brooklyn
Camp
Lower Manhattan
Queens
Selis Manor
Upper Manhattan
Westchester

VISIONS meets the Better Business Bureau standards for charity accountability.

VISIONS does not sell or otherwise make available the names, addresses or phone numbers of our donors to anyone. However, donors of major gifts or grants may be thanked by name in VISIONS’ newsletter, in VISIONS’ Annual Report, on the VISIONS website in other print materials such as brochures, or at appropriate events. If requested, we will refrain from thanking a donor publicly.

VISIONS will honor all requests to be removed from our mailing list or to limit the mailings you receive from us.

We appreciate the generosity of our supporters and are respectful of the privacy of our donors and friends.

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
500 Greenwich Street, 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10013-1354
Phone 212-625-1616
Fax 212-219-4078
Toll Free 1-888-245-8333
BlindlineSM Toll Free 1-888-625-1616
E-mail Info@visionsvcb.org
Web sites: www.visionsvcb.org
www.cilpubs.com
www.blindline.org
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charity in 1926

Promoting the independence of people of all ages who are blind and visually impaired

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