Who We Are And Why
Founded in 1918, the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind serves northeastern Pennsylvania, including Luzerne, Wyoming, Wayne, and Pike Counties. A private, nonprofit, charitable organization, we have modeled our services on the legacy of our founder, Arline Phillips, an energetic blind educator. Arline's mission was to brighten the lives of her fellow blind friends by teaching Braille communication, as well as the development of other personal skills to prepare them to live more satisfying and independent lives.
Today, our mission has been expanded to address the needs of those with limited vision and we also take an active role in the prevention of blindness. From screening preschool aged children for possible vision problems, to visiting seniors suffering from age-related vision loss due to macular degeneration, chances are the Association has helped, or is helping, someone you know.
VISIT US
Our facility is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM. Just minutes from Interstate 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, we are conveniently located on Wyoming Avenue (Route 11). The Luzerne County Transportation Authority runs a bus to and from Public Square in Wilkes-Barre past our building all day.
For bus times, click on the following link: LCTA Bus Schedule to Our Facility (Bus #11 West Pittston)
For map and directions: Map Quest
SERVICES
FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
The Association for the Blind is committed to helping people with vision loss to live more satisfying lives. Our qualified and experienced rehabilitation teachers and caseworkers provide free adaptive aids and instruction in their use. Whether it is teaching a blind adult daily living skills, or a blind child to read Braille, each year our dedicated staff works one-on-one assisting hundreds of blind individuals in their own homes.
The Association for the Blind believes reading should be enjoyed by all. To this end, we provide free talking book machines from the Library of Congress. Also, in cooperation with King's College Radio, volunteers read the daily newspaper from 10AM until noon on the Radio Home Visitor program, 88.5 FM.
Eligible individuals may receive eye examinations, eyeglasses, and low vision aids through the Marilyn Moore Maslow Vision Resource Center. For an appointment, call us at (570) 693-3555.
A Summer Day Camp for Blind and Visually Impaired Children provides kids with the opportunity to experience many things that most of them have never done before.
Adjustment to Sight Loss
Socialization & Recreation
Support Group
Talking Book Machines
Communication Skills
Braille Training
Computer Classes
Independent Living
Access Technology Training
Adaptive Aids and Devices
In-Home Sighted Assistance
Life Skills Education
Summer Program for Blind Children
Vision Rehabilitation Therapy
Marilyn Moore Maslow Vision Resource Center
Assortment of Affordable Magnifiers
Eye Exams for Medically Indigent
Eyeglasses for Neighbors in Need
Low Vision Services
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS
It is not surprising that if someone grows up believing that blind people are helpless and dependent on others, he himself is likely to become helpless and dependent when age-related vision loss strikes.
Perhaps more importantly, since early detection and treatment of eye problems can prevent irreversible sight loss, we offer free vision screenings for preschool aged children, as well as for adults. On average, each year the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind vision screens 5,000 preschoolers so that vision problems can be remedied before they begin their formal education. In addition, hundreds of adults and seniors are screened for symptoms of macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other age-related eye diseases.
HELPFUL HINTS OF COURTESY
When you meet a person who is blind or visually impaired, don't feel uneasy. While I do not wish to be pitied or treated differently, it will help both of us if you are familiar with a few simple rules of courtesy:
I am an ordinary person who happens to be blind. Please don't ask my spouse or guide if I would like something; I prefer to speak for myself. Since I am usually listening very carefully, there is no need to shout.
While I am accustomed to doing things for myself, there are times when I would welcome the assistance of a sighted person. If you're not sure that I need help just ask, "May I help you"? I will not be offended by your offer and I will tell you "yes" or "no thanks", but please accept whatever response I give.
If I accept your assistance, please don't grab my arm and push or pull me around. Simply allow me to take your arm. I'll keep a half step behind to anticipate curbs and steps. Going down stairs I prefer to hold the railing. Of course, it is always helpful if you tell me when we are approaching stairs, curbs, or other obstacles.
When I enter a bus or restaurant, don't be timid. Ask if I would like help finding a seat; do not leave me standing alone at the door. You may place my hand on the back of the chair and I will seat myself.
I'd like to know who is in the room with me. Speak when you enter the room so that I know you are there. If others are present, please introduce me to them; include children and tell me if there is a cat or a dog.
An open door is a hazard to me; as are toys on the floor. Watch out for protruding obstacles... I hate to break things.
At dinner, tell me where the food is on my plate: "Meat at 12 o'clock, peas at 3 and potatoes 6." I can tell you how I am accustomed to arranging things, or if I need help.
Don't avoid words like "look" or "see". I use these words too. I'm always glad to see you!
I don't want pity, but please don't talk about the "wonderful compensations" of blindness. What I've learned has been by hard work.
If I'm your houseguest, show me around. Help me locate the bathroom, closet, dresser, window, outlets and light switches.
I enjoy being included in conversations. I usually rely on radio and television to keep me up-to-date on news and information, so I am as well-informed as the average person.
After engaging me in conversation, please tell me when you are going to leave so that I do not go talking to an empty chair! Also, please don't tap me on the shoulder or disguise your voice and ask, "Do you know who this is?" Guessing games may be fun at times, but if I don't recognize your voice, I will be embarrassed.
Thank you for caring and taking the time to read these helpful hints.
The Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind is not responsible for the content of any of the links listed below. They are provided for informational purposes only.
American Foundation for the Blind
American Macular Degeneration Foundation
American Printing House of the Blind
Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services
Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Philadelphia
Overbrook School for the Blind - Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Association for the Blind
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
United States Association of Blind Athletes
VOLUNTEERS
Each year, dozens of volunteers provide thousands of hours of service to assist in the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind's dual mission of service to the blind and the prevention of blindness.
Volunteers are needed in a variety of capacities, including assisting in preschool vision screenings, reading the newspaper on the Radio Home Visitor program, or visiting a visually impaired neighbor.
If you would like to find out more about how to volunteer, Email us here or give us a call at (570) 693-3555.
DONORS
Click for Donor Report: 2010 Donor Report
This pdf file may require a few seconds to open.
As a private, nonprofit, charity, the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind relies on the generous support from our neighbors to help continue our valuable program of services. Support can be made in various ways:
Memorials - A lovely way to commemorate a deceased family member or friend is through a memorial contribution. Gifts can be in any amount, and you will receive an acknowledgment, the memorial will be published in our annual donor report, and the family or next-of-kin will be notified of your memorial to the Blind Association without mentioning the amount of the gift. Tribute Gifts work in the same fashion and can be made to honor a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.
Annual Appeal - Each Fall the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind conducts an Annual Appeal campaign to help fund the coming year's special programs and services. Support for the Association can include tangible personal property, real property, cash, or pledges which can be billed at your request. Gifts of real estate owned for longer than one year may be entitled to a charitable deduction equal to the full fair market value of the property and allows you to avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation. Also, consider a gift of stock. This entitles you to a tax deduction for the market value of the donated stock; and if it has been held for more than one year, you can avoid capital gains tax on any appreciation of the stock by donating it prior to the sale.
Planned Giving - Bequests, Charitable Trusts, and gifts of Appreciated Assets are methods by which even the person of average or modest income can leave a sizable legacy. For instance, consider these options:
Gifts of Life Insurance - You may have purchased a policy years ago to provide for children or others that is no longer necessary. In that case, consider donating the policy to the Association. You can claim a charitable deduction for the policy's cash surrender value and the proceeds will be completely removed from your estate's assets.
Life Income Plans - You irrevocably transfer some of your assets to the Association now, and in return, you receive an income for life (and a beneficiary if you wish). These include Charitable Gift Annuities - whereby in exchange for your gift of cash, we agree to pay you a fixed amount annually for your lifetime. The transfer is part gift and part purchase of an annuity. The rate of return is attractive and the payments are guaranteed for life. Charitable Remainder Trusts - Through this life income plan, you transfer assets to a Trust that pays you an income for life. At the end of the Trust, the remaining trust assets are transferred to the Association. A bank or trusted advisor can serve as your trustee.
Retirement Plans - The assets in your 401 (k), IRA, or Keogh can be heavily taxed when passed on to your heirs. In addition to estate taxes, retirement plan assets are subject to income taxes, resulting in as much as 75% of these assets going to the IRS instead of your heirs. This tax burden can be avoided, getting the most from your money, by naming the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind as a beneficiary. Or, you can name a family member as beneficiary with the Association as an alternative beneficiary. Any amount passed on to the Association will be free of estate and income taxes.
If we may help you or a loved one, or if you would simply like to contact us for more information, please come by and see us or contact us at (570) 693-3555, or Email us here.
Thank you for caring. In the words of Helen Keller, "There is no better way to thank God for your sight than by giving a helping hand to someone in the dark."
20/20 NEWSLETTER
View Recent Newsletter Editions
Annual Report 2010
Summer 2011
QUARTERLY SOCIAL RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
January - February 2012
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE OUR BI-MONTHLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS NEWSLETTER SENT VIA EMAIL, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL WITH “NEWSLETTER” IN THE SUBJECT LINE TO Jennifer@wilkesbarreblind.com.
A Word About Blind Association Activities and Events
The Association for the Blind offers a variety of social, recreational and other events for the therapeutic benefit of our blind and visually impaired neighbors. Unless otherwise stated, the activities and events at the Blind Association are offered free of charge for each visually impaired person and one guide. Additional guests are welcome, as space permits, at a cost specific to each activity. Additional guests for Lunch & Learns pay $5; additional guests for Bingo Dinners, $10. If needed, we will also arrange FREE transportation for visually impaired individuals to most of our activities and events (unless otherwise noted).
Become A Fan
Attention Facebook users. You can now become a fan of ours on Facebook. Simply type “Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind” in the search box to find us. Once on our page, click the “like” button to become a fan and receive our updates on Facebook.
Adaptive Aids Store
Looking for a holiday gift for a visually impaired loved one or friend? Check out our adaptive aids store. We have low cost items such as talking clocks, bathroom scales, and calculators; low vision pens and other writing aids; large number kitchen timers and various adaptive cooking aids; as well as much, much more. The store is open from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, on Monday afternoons. We can also open the store by appointment by calling the office at 693-3555.
Did You Know?
The definition of Low Vision is 20/70 or worse acuity in the better eye with best correction. The definition of Legal Blindness is 20/200 or worse acuity in the better eye with best correction. Please tell anyone you know who can benefit from our services that we are here to help.
Calendar of Events
Unless otherwise stated, all events are scheduled to be held at the Association for the Blind facility, 1825 Wyoming Avenue, Exeter. See notes below about registering for events and van transportation.
December 26th thru 30th: Office Closed for the Holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
January 2012 Events:
Wed. 4th: Book Club, 2-3:30PM.
Tue. 10th: Sit, Stretch & Breathe Yoga, 12:00 - 1:00 PM, RSVP by 1/6.Wed.
Wed. 18th: Book Club, 2-3:30 PM
Thurs. 19th: Pizza & Bingo, 5:30-7:30PM, RSVP 1/13.
Tue. 24th: Sit, Stretch & Breathe Yoga, 12:00 - 1:00 PM, RSVP by 1/20
Tue. 24th: Descriptive Video Movie, 1:00-3:30PM, [if not attending Yoga, must provide own transportation for movie], RSVP by 1/20.
Wed. 25th: Lunch & Learn 11:30-1:30PM, TOPIC: "Show & Tell: Bring your favorite gadget to share with the group". Menu: Ham & Cheese Sub, RSVP 1/20.
February 2012 Events:
Wed. 1st: Book Club, 2-3:30 PM
Tue. 14th: Sit, Stretch & Breathe Yoga, 12:00-1:00 PM, RSVP 2/10.
Wed. 15th: Book Club, 2-3:30 PM
Thurs. 16th: Hot Dog & Sauerkraut Dinner & Bingo, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, RSVP by 2/10
Tues. 28th: Sit, Stretch & Breathe Yoga, 12:00-1:00 PM, RSVP 2/17.
Tue. 28th: Descriptive Video Movie, 1:00-3:30PM, [if not attending Yoga, must provide own transportation for movie], RSVP by 2/17.
Wed. 29th: Lunch & Learn 11:30 - 1:30 PM, RSVP by 2/24. TOPIC: "Glaucoma Screening & the Aging Eye". MENU: CheeseSteak.
2012 Large Print Calendars
We will once again be distributing large print calendars free of charge to our blind and visually impaired clients. If you are blind or visually impaired and you receive this newsletter, you will be mailed your new calendar before the end of January 2012. We will also have calendars available for individuals who are not blind or visually impaired, but wish to purchase one. Call us at 693-3555 for a calendar order form, or stop by the office after January 2nd to pick one up. The cost is $5 per calendar.
Information
Our past several Lunch & Learn sessions have been very informative and have generated a lot of interest. If you have questions on these topics, please feel free to contact the presenters at the numbers below.
For more information on Special Needs Plans for Medicare/Medicaid, contact Frank Annis at 394-0488 or 271-0322.
For more information on CEO Weatherization Program or Chore Program, contact Theresa at 288-8458,
Kitchen Safety and Food Preparation Course
Ø Make kitchen tasks safer and easier.
Ø Learn about adaptive aids for the kitchen.
Ø Regain your confidence in the kitchen!
Ø Classes are FREE & transportation will be provided.
Now enrolling for Spring.
Call Jennifer at 693-3555 for more information.
Reminder:
Please remember to call in your reservations in advance and no later than the RSVP date indicated for each event. Also, if you will not be able to attend an event that you already called in for, please be courteous and call to notify us. Thank You.
A Note On Transportation:
As a service to our visually impaired friends, we offer free transportation to and from our facility for many of our activities and events. This transportation is for visually impaired individuals only and is offered on a first come-first served basis. Our newsletters will always indicate when transportation is offered for specific events. If you need transportation for an event, you must let us know when you call in your reservation.
Contact Us
(570) 693-3555