<HTML xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40" xmlns:v =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m =
"http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml"><HEAD>
<META content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv=Content-Type>
<META name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<STYLE>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</STYLE>
<STYLE><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Calibri Light";
panose-1:2 15 3 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Monotype Corsiva";
panose-1:3 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Bodoni MT Black";}
@font-face
{font-family:"Lucida Calligraphy";}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
h1
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin-top:24.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:115%;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2E74B5;
font-weight:bold;}
p.MsoSubtitle, li.MsoSubtitle, div.MsoSubtitle
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Subtitle Char";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#5B9BD5;
letter-spacing:.75pt;
font-style:italic;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#954F72;
text-decoration:underline;}
p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Plain Text Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
p
{mso-style-priority:99;
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
p.MsoNoSpacing, li.MsoNoSpacing, div.MsoNoSpacing
{mso-style-priority:1;
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.PlainTextChar
{mso-style-name:"Plain Text Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Plain Text";
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2E74B5;
font-weight:bold;}
span.SubtitleChar
{mso-style-name:"Subtitle Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:Subtitle;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#5B9BD5;
letter-spacing:.75pt;
font-style:italic;}
span.st
{mso-style-name:st;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:495807229;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1379590998 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:740718168;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-1427630984 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY lang=EN-US dir=ltr link=#0563c1 vLink=#954f72>
<DIV dir=ltr>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Greetings to all!</DIV>
<DIV>I have pasted and attached the Commission Edition for November/December
2017.</DIV>
<DIV>Please read and share with others as we celebrate the successes to raise
expectations to live the life we want.</DIV>
<DIV>Congratulations to the administration and staff of the NJ CBVI and to the
consumers that continue to grow as they transform their dreams into
reality.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Let’s continue to work together to make a difference!</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">We care. We
share. We grow. We make a difference<BR>Joe Ruffalo, President <BR>National
Federation of the Blind of New Jersey <BR>973 743
0075<BR>nfbnj1@verizon.net<BR><A
href="http://www.nfbnj.org">www.nfbnj.org</A></DIV>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">Your old
car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.<BR>Donate your unwanted vehicle
to us by clicking <BR>www.carshelpingtheblind.org <BR>or call 855 659
9314<BR></DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt tahoma">
<DIV><FONT size=3 face=Calibri></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #f5f5f5">
<DIV style="font-color: black"></DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 20pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Bodoni MT Black",serif'><IMG
id=Picture_x0020_13 alt=candy_canes_for_christmas_0515-0911-1921-1415_smu[1]
src="cid:FD728B68AEE2408692C9C8FFD78FCFB0@JoeHP" width=96
height=96></SPAN></I><IMG hspace=12 alt=MC900030199[1]
src="cid:2469C9B2AE114CB69B10A0CFDB5AE779@JoeHP" width=70 align=left height=65
v:shapes="Picture_x0020_15"><IMG hspace=12 alt=MC900030199[1]
src="cid:2469C9B2AE114CB69B10A0CFDB5AE779@JoeHP" width=70 align=left height=65
v:shapes="Picture_x0020_14"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 24pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Bodoni MT Black",serif'>C</SPAN></I><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 20pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Bodoni MT Black",serif'>ommission
</SPAN></I><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 24pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Bodoni MT Black",serif'>E</SPAN></I><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 20pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Bodoni MT Black",serif'>dition<IMG
id=Picture_x0020_12 alt=candy_canes_for_christmas_0515-0911-1921-1415_smu[1]
src="cid:7019FBCB5D514031A2B667EF38C446BF@JoeHP" width=96
height=96><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></DIV></DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Bodoni MT Black",serif'>The Monthly
Newsletter of the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually
Impaired<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>December 2017 – Volume
5, No. 11</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Monotype Corsiva"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Daniel B. Frye,
J.D.
Pamela Gaston<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Executive
Director
Editor<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">From the Director’s Desk
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>We find ourselves in
December, having almost reached the end of another calendar year. Our staff and
consumers are largely concentrating on the festive season ahead. In that spirit,
we have combined the November and December 2017 <I>Commission Editions </I>into
a single, end-of-year release, which, in addition to catching our readers up on
the events of the final two months of 2017, focuses primarily on the peace, joy,
celebration, and reflective characteristics of the holiday
season.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Please accept my best
wishes for a wonderful and rewarding holiday, in whatever tradition or fashion
you may observe it. The entire Commission community has worked especially hard
this year, and I can cite multiple examples of our success. By the end of
December, the Commission will, as usual, issue our Annual Report from our State
Rehabilitation Council that will describe in considerable detail the 2017
strides of our agency. Unlike previous years, our State Rehabilitation Council
annual report will share the accomplishments of our agency and its consumers
largely through the art of storytelling, to highlight achievement and success in
compelling and tangible ways, focusing not only on the final goal but also on
the steps taken in pursuit of educational and rehabilitation-oriented successes.
Given these achievements, I hope that you will—as the year comes to its
conclusion—take time for yourself to remember the worthwhile work you have
performed, and re-energize yourselves for another challenging and engaging
year.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>During this time of
national social change in which we find ourselves, the giving, loving holidays
that mark our calendars as the year fades should be particularly cherished. May
we all use this season to affirm the importance of our inherent humanity,
respecting the diversity of our world through acts of kindness, compassion,
mercy, and generosity? With these principles in mind, I urge us all to
act, animated by the underlying motives of delivering high-quality services to
our consumers, promoting peace and joy among our personal and professional
communities, and encouraging a respectful dialogue with everybody about what we
might do to make this world in which we live a happier, healthier
place.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>November and December,
despite the multiple holidays that these months host, have been incredibly busy
times for me and our agency’s leadership, as we wrap up the work for 2017 and
look forward to the professional obligations that promise to make 2018 another
productive, hard-driving year at CBVI. In early November, I had the pleasure of
delivering the closing keynote address at the <I>Dare to be Remarkable: Ten
Years of Progress</I> conference, held at the headquarters of the National
Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland. Almost 100 professionals in
Vocational Rehabilitation assembled to discuss and strategize about what the
national Vocational Rehabilitation community could do to improve services to
blind, vision-impaired, and deaf-blind consumers, operating under the new policy
realities of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). I was pleased
to support four CBVI managers and staff to attend the conference, with the
expectation that they would bring back a reinvigorated spirit and numerous
practical ideas to improve services at the Commission. Immediately on the heels
of this event, John Walsh, Chief of Program Administration; Amanda Gerson,
Coordinator of Vocational Rehabilitation and Transition Services; and I attended
the semiannual conferences of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational
Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind
(NCSAB) in Greenville, South Carolina. Both conferences were full of valuable
presentations and information, ranging from detailed information on how to
administer Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programs to recommended
strategies for preparing to be monitored by the U.S. Department of Education,
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). This last topic will prove
particularly relevant for us at CBVI, as RSA officials announced during the
CSAVR conferences that both Vocational Rehabilitation agencies in New Jersey
will be monitored in calendar year 2018.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Earlier this year,
CBVI’s leadership decided to develop a Blindness Learning Community (BLC)
designed to cater to interested Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) who
specialize in providing services to persons who have intellectual or
developmental disabilities. Wanting to deepen our ability to provide improved
services to blind or vision-impaired consumers who also have these additional
disabilities, CBVI partnered with our colleagues at the College of New Jersey
(TCNJ) to provide a three-day blindness training course. After soliciting for
interest, five CRPs expressed eagerness to participate in our BLC, where we
devoted three days to sharing with these professionals information about
blindness and vision loss, potentially enabling CBVI to provide better Supported
Employment services to this sub-population of consumers, in conjunction with
these well-trained CRPs.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>During the last two
months of this year, I have also invested considerable time in trying to connect
personally with our staff. As promised, I have made my semiannual visits to our
Newark and Freehold Service Centers, to share with staff, during an in-person
meeting, much of what is occurring throughout CBVI. I look forward to scheduling
the Cherry Hill and Atlantic City visits for early in 2018. Finally, on
Thursday, December 7, I joined the statewide gathering of our Independent Living
(IL) staff at the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center in
Trenton to discuss the multiple and unique programs that our agency administers
to empower our consumers to realize maximum independence in their lives, at
whatever stage in life that they find themselves. It is always a delight to join
with our staff to share directly the work of our agency and receive input on how
we can improve our services.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>In conclusion, allow me
once again to acknowledge how grateful I am to work among such a dedicated staff
of professionals, who share a common belief in the capacity of blind,
vision-impaired, and deaf-blind people to achieve their most ambitious goals and
dreams. Please enjoy the holidays ahead, knowing that next year promises to be
equally as professionally demanding and ultimately
satisfying.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Daniel B.
Frye<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Executive
Director<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoSubtitle><B><U><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: windowtext'>Learning Lunch
Reminder: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As previously noted,
during each of these monthly sessions, I will meet with five CBVI staff and a
member of our Executive Management Team to receive feedback or suggestions on
what the Commission might do that is new and exciting. Please indicate
your interest in being part of such an up and coming forum by sending an email
with the subject line “Learning Lunch” to my assistant, Melissa Brown, at
</SPAN><A href="mailto:Melissa.Brown2@dhs.state.nj.us"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Melissa.Brown2@dhs.state.nj.us</SPAN></A><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: #0563c1'><IMG
id=Picture_x0020_11 border=0 alt=Reindeer[1]
src="cid:39FB3EFF784E4439958D2B4C634ACC1B@JoeHP" width=38
height=50>
<IMG id=Picture_x0020_10 border=0 alt=Reindeer[1]
src="cid:48776164929F42339EBD87801620522F@JoeHP" width=38
height=50>
<IMG id=Picture_x0020_9 border=0 alt=Reindeer[1]
src="cid:39FB3EFF784E4439958D2B4C634ACC1B@JoeHP" width=38
height=50>
<IMG id=Picture_x0020_8 border=0 alt=Reindeer[1]
src="cid:4E6A2AE1D4B44762914803D9B80BAE06@JoeHP" width=38
height=50>
<IMG id=Picture_x0020_7 border=0 alt=Reindeer[1]
src="cid:4E6A2AE1D4B44762914803D9B80BAE06@JoeHP" width=38
height=50>
<IMG id=Picture_x0020_6 border=0 alt=Reindeer[1]
src="cid:4E6A2AE1D4B44762914803D9B80BAE06@JoeHP" width=38
height=50>
<IMG id=Picture_x0020_5 border=0 alt=Reindeer[1]
src="cid:E7EEFEA0F7404FAE9C01E0F860AFCDDE@JoeHP" width=38
height=50>
<IMG id=Picture_x0020_4 border=0 alt=Reindeer[1]
src="cid:E7EEFEA0F7404FAE9C01E0F860AFCDDE@JoeHP" width=38
height=50></SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>(Image: Eight tiny
reindeer with candy cane antlers)</SPAN><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Program
Administration – John C. Walsh, Chief</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Gratitude and
Expectation: Thank You and Looking Forward to 2018<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As we end another trip
around the sun and look forward to a new year full of possibilities, I would
like to take a moment to reflect back and offer my heartfelt thanks for all the
fine work that was accomplished during the year. Your day to day work
makes an impact on those we serve, so they can ultimately live the lives they
want. We meet individuals every day who represent the full diversity of
humanity, and each individual has his or her very unique problems, challenges
and dreams for the future. We meet individuals who are in the midst of a major
life crisis, who do not know how to take that next step, to those who clearly
know their path in life but just need a helping hand and a bit of advice to
achieve their goals. We assume different roles to further the work of the
agency, but we all share one mission and vision, to assist each individual in
pursuing their goals and achieving their highest potential, whether that is
within their home and community, educational setting, or in the work
force. The work you do is a great value to our society, as we endeavor to
ensure that individuals with vision loss get an equal opportunity to experience
all that is possible.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The agency has put a
great deal of effort into developing an array of programs to further our
mission, so that those we serve may achieve success. Some programs are
offered in a short-term intensive structure, such as our summer programs for
children and youth, as well as the newly created senior retreats, to allow for a
period of time for an immersion within a learning community to acquire skills of
independence and to change attitudes about what is possible. These
programs push individuals out of their comfort zone and their perceived
limitations, so when they return to attending school or looking for work, they
feel a greater level of confidence and are energized to do the day-to-day hard
work to pursue their dreams. These intensive programs supplement and
complement our day-to-day itinerant efforts and are not meant as an alternative
to the important work accomplished every day in home, schools, and work
sites. Our collaborative endeavors serve to ultimately produce a
collective impact for those who we have the privilege to assist on their life
journey.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>I am grateful for your
partnership in achieving our objectives. It has been a real pleasure to be
able to work with all of you in various capacities, and I greatly appreciate and
value you as colleagues and friends. As we move into 2018 and beyond, I
look forward to continued collaborations to facilitate ongoing improvements in
our organization and the communities of service organizations by promoting
positive change in our broader systems that we impact; with the ultimate goal of
improving outcomes for those we serve. I wish you and your loved ones a
wonderful holiday season full of love, peace, and joy!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Finally, I would like
to extend my congratulations to Kevin Harris. Kevin has been selected to
lead our Quality Improvement efforts in 2018 by earning a promotion to the
position of Principal Community Program Specialist reporting to the Office of
the Executive Director. In addition, Kevin Harris is co-author with
Professors Weili Lu, Samantha Herrick, and Janice Oursler of the Rutgers
Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation of an article that has been accepted
for publication by the peer reviewed “Journal of Employment Counseling.”
The article, “Using Direct Skills Teaching to Improve Job Skills for Persons
with Disabilities” will be published in a forthcoming issue. Kudos to
Kevin! <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Organizational
Logistics – Ines Matos, Chief</SPAN></U><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>December often brings a
time of reflection as the current year comes to a close and a new one is right
around the corner. This year has been very busy for the Organizational Logistics
Unit. Our Technological Service Specialists (TSS) participated in many
activities with other units such as EDGE <SPAN class=st>(Employment,
Development, Guidance, and Engagement)</SPAN>, Business Relations and
Independent Living in addition to participating in several annual programs such
as SHARP (<SPAN class=st>Student Hands-on Alternatives Re-enforcement
Program)</SPAN>, Work Skills and the College Prep Experience.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The TSS staff have also
been involved in building a professional relationship with Princeton University
where they contributed to the discussion of accessibility as part of a monthly
staff development activity offered to the university’s employees. TSS also
helped website designers understand what is necessary to develop fully
accessible websites and demonstrated accessibility technology and devices at two
events held to support Global Disability Awareness. These events provided
the opportunity to engage with people who were not familiar with assistive
technology and to answer questions about how it can be used to level the playing
field for our consumers. The TSS unit also sponsored a successful vendor
showcase in May and we are in the process of planning another which has already
been scheduled for May 8, 2018, at the Joseph Kohn Training Center
(JKTC).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The phone has been
ringing off the hook on the CBVI Help Desk (973-648-4791) where we continue to
support all staff with technical, hardware, software, networking, and data
issues, including producing and monitoring 1800 service agreements for students
receiving services through CBVI’s Blindness Education program. Through our
work with the Meyer Center, 85 braille production systems have been placed in
schools all over the state. Organizational Logistics also assisted in automating
the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) submittal and consent
processes.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>We also were able to
assist VR counselors in capturing new data on a host of new forms while reducing
our 911 federal reporting errors to zero. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>With our
accomplishments of 2017 behind us, we look forward to the many new projects that
await us in 2018.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>We wish you all a very
happy holiday season and a prosperous and healthy New
Year.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p></o:p> </P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0.25in"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Fiscal
Operations – Edward Szajdecki, Chief<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The end of the holiday
season marks the halfway point of the State Fiscal Year (SFY). As staff in the
Fiscal unit review account expenditures and file necessary reports, it is a good
time to remind all staff with caseload responsibilities to review all
outstanding authorizations in all program areas in order to use funds in the
most effective manner for the second half of the SFY. Any authorizations that
are no longer necessary because services or goods were not provided should be
cancelled and authorizations where services or goods were provided should be
certified for payment. Preparation of every authorization should continue to
consider the most cost effective means to meet our consumers’ needs.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As always, please feel
free to reach out to any of the Fiscal team members with any questions or
problems using the </SPAN><A href="mailto:CBVI-Fiscal@dhs.state.nj.us"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>CBVI-Fiscal@dhs.state.nj.us</SPAN></A><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> email whenever
possible.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>From all of us in the
Fiscal unit, a special wish to you all for a happy, healthy, and safe holiday
season and New Year! <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Vocational Rehabilitation and
Transitional Services – Amanda Gerson, Coordinator<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The Leading EDGE –
submitted by C.P. McKenna, EDGE Employment Manager</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>: CBVI
consumer Thomas M. is a vision impaired high school senior from Jersey City.
He’s currently in his second year of CBVI’s EDGE Program. EDGE (Employment,
Development, Guidance, and Engagement) is an employment readiness program for
vision impaired high school and college students that reside in New Jersey,
managed by the Family Resource Network under the direction of CBVI. The program
is designed to enhance self-advocacy and independence, while developing the
skills necessary to become gainfully employed.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>During the fall of
2017, Thomas voluntarily took on a new challenge. He was introduced to a new
student who happened to be totally blind, by the school’s vice principal. This
new student had relocated to NJ from another country just a week before school
opened in September. Finding that his new schoolmate had never been introduced
to the skills and/or resources that a person with a vision impairment relies
upon for independence and success, such as orientation and mobility training, or
Braille literacy, Thomas saw the opportunity to assist, and took the initiative.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>He acclimated the new
student to the shape and layout of the high school, doing a sort of informal
orientation and mobility lesson. He introduced him to the concept of navigating
by white cane, a skill previously unknown. Thomas contacted CBVI and spoke to
his own TVI (Teacher of the Vision Impaired) and explained the student’s needs.
Upon being alerted of the urgency of the situation by Thomas, the TVI arrived
the very next day to begin work with the newcomer. That same day he was
registered for CBVI services and expedited arrangements were made with an
Orientation and Mobility instructor to begin weekly
lessons.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Thomas then turned his
attention to the newcomer’s complete lack of adaptive technology. Other than an
iPhone, that, by using the function Voice Over, can read aloud word documents,
the new student possessed none of the hardware or software necessary for his
academic responsibilities. Thomas converted the student’s assignments in
English, History, and Spanish from PDF format to WORD documents, which could
then be read aloud by the iPhone. He also introduced him to other available
assistive apps, such as Seeing AI and Be My Eyes, a program that can be used to
convert print materials to speech.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Thomas was invited to
sit in on the new student’s first few Braille lessons and had the opportunity to
witness him mastering the alphabet. “When he read it, he would get it
immediately. He’s a very adaptive student. Within thirty minutes of being shown
something, he picked it up,” said Thomas.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Being a blind high
school student is hard, I would know. Though I graduated in 1992, I still
remember it clearly. Consider adding to this challenge the uncertainty of a new
school and a new country. Thomas should be commended for being sensitive to the
formidable challenges confronting his classmate as well as his willingness to
step up to the plate to assist. He provided the guidance necessary to show the
way forward, to greater success, and independence. It is an honor to have Thomas
in the EDGE Program, his actions exemplifying the ideals upon which the program
was founded.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Educational
Services – Eva Scott, Director of Blindness Education<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: #333333'>“Just
knowing you don't have the answers is a recipe for humility, openness,
acceptance, forgiveness, and an eagerness to learn.”
(Unknown)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: white; COLOR: #333333'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>A few years ago, my
daughter Mia gave me a bracelet that has a bead on one side that supposedly
contains glacier ice from Mount Everest, and on the opposite side there is a
bead that supposedly contains mud from the Dead Sea. The purpose in
wearing this bracelet is to remind the wearer of a very simple but powerful
message: <I>“Sometimes you’re on top of the world; stay humble.
Sometimes you hit a low point; stay hopeful.”</I> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Working with our
students and their families is both a humbling and hopeful
experience. It is humbling to know that no matter what level of
education an individual has achieved, that individual alone, is not able to find
solutions to all of the challenges our students experience as they strive to
achieve success in their lives. Those solutions require a committed team
of people. It is with a deep sense of humility that I participate with our
students, their families, their school teams, and my CBVI colleagues with the
ultimate goal of fostering lifelong success in the students with whom we are
privileged to work. As we witness students exit high school and move on to
successful college and career experiences, I am hopeful for the students who
follow because they too, will have the power of a strong team of individuals
(including themselves and their families) to help them find the path to a
successful life. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>New Teachers in
Blindness Education: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Two new teachers were
hired recently, and they are assigned to our Freehold Service
Center:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Maria
Bachman</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> became a permanent TVI
in early fall. She brings with her a wealth of experience teaching blind
and vision impaired students. Her knowledge, skill, calm manner, and
collaborative nature make her a wonderful addition to our Blindness Education
staff.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Stephanie
Serechia</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> became a permanent TVI
in October. Stephanie is an experienced classroom teacher who understands
both the perspective of a classroom teacher as well as an itinerant
teacher. Her background has helped her understand the importance of
working collaboratively with classroom teachers.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>I wish to extend a
belated warm welcome to Maria and Stephanie.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The Annual Teachers’
Symposium: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Our annual Teachers’
Symposium occurred on October 18<SUP>th</SUP> and 19<SUP>th</SUP>, at the
Department of Children and Families Professional Center in New Brunswick.
There were 268 classroom teachers in attendance during the two days. They
came from all corners of New Jersey, and each teacher was provided with
information relevant to their students. This year we were privileged to
have in attendance on October 18th, Laura Morana, Acting Chief Academic Officer
at the New Jersey Department of Education. Ms. Morana delivered an
inspiring keynote address. On both days, our Executive Director, Dan Frye
delivered an address that was both inspiring and insightful. All
individual workshop presentations were conducted by CBVI staff including TVIs,
O&M instructors, technology specialists, and transition counselors.
Once again this year, there was a workshop for school administrators and child
study team members. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The feedback provided
by the classroom teachers and administrators who participated in this event was
overwhelmingly positive. Based on their feedback and on the feedback from
our presenters, I have already begun planning for the 2018 Teachers’
Symposium.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>It is important to note
that although this annual event is hosted by our Blindness Education Unit, it is
a total effort of many staff members throughout CBVI including Independent
Living, Vocational Rehabilitation, Assistive Technology, Management Services,
and MIS. This year, because of the location of the event, there was even a
Business Enterprises New Jersey operator who made lunches available for our
participants and staff to purchase. My thanks to everyone whose hard work
and dedication made this event a success. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The Annual
Para-Educator Workshops: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>This year, as in past
years, a group of Blindness Education teachers and IL instructors conducted full
day workshops designed to provide professional development to para-educators who
support our Braille readers in their school settings. These workshops were
conducted on October 26, 2017, in two locations, the CBVI Cherry Hill Service
Center and the CBVI Freehold Service Center. The participants were provided with
hands on experience in creating and working with Braille materials as well as
information regarding access to the general curriculum for Braille
readers. There were 27 para-educators from across New Jersey in
attendance, and their feedback regarding this event was overwhelmingly
positive. My thanks to all CBVI staff who gave their time and talent to
make this event a success in both Cherry Hill and Freehold.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Student Hands-On
Alternative Reinforcement Program – SHARP 2018: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As 2017 rapidly draws
to a close, our thoughts turn to 2018. Our SHARP planning teams are
beginning to gather ideas and prepare for SHARP 2018. This year’s program
dates will be as follows: Session One (Grades 5 through 8) will be held
from July 10<SUP>th</SUP> through July 26<SUP>th</SUP> , and Session Two
(Grades 1 through 4) will be held from July 31<SUP>st</SUP> through August
16<SUP>th</SUP>. Once again, we are planning to have high school students
from our EDGE program work as interns in SHARP. This past summer, our high
school interns added value to the program because not only did they assist our
teachers in the daily program activities, but they were positive role models for
our younger students. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As in previous years,
SHARP 2018 will highly focus on literacy and skills of independence but will
also include more opportunities for our students to engage in community service
activities. As expressed by some of our teachers, this will not only provide our
students with the opportunity to learn while giving back, but it will foster the
understanding that people who are blind, vision impaired and deaf blind are
capable and valuable contributors to their communities. In the coming
months, there will be additional details about plans for SHARP 2018.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>New Technology Practice
in Blindness Education: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As we know, appropriate
technology is essential to the success of our students. Technological
devices and applications best serve the student when they are linked to goals
and objectives intended to assist the student in accessing the general
curriculum. To help assure that our students have the technology they
need, our assistive technology specialists will now consider a wider variety of
blindness/vision impairment related technological devices and applications when
they assess our students. This new practice in Blindness Education is
intended to provide our students with a greater variety of options for providing
access to the general curriculum.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Holiday
Wishes</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>: I wish to extend to
all readers of the <I>Commission Edition</I>, a happy holiday season, and I wish
you much success in 2018.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>From the George F.
Meyer Instructional Resource Center, submitted by Christine Hinton, Deputy
Director of Blindness Education: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Happy Holidays to All
CBVI Staff
Members!
</SPAN></B><SPAN style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><IMG
id=Picture_x0020_3 border=0 alt=blockpage[1]
src="cid:36134635F743446FB216C671BD47523B@JoeHP" width=2
height=1><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><IMG id=Picture_x0020_2
border=0 alt=5259395302_979410067a_z[1]
src="cid:1E8A13EFFA814511927B7FDD0B72B5A9@JoeHP" width=285
height=162></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>(Image: A snowflake on
a blue background with the words Happy Holidays)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As the year 2017 comes
to an end, The Meyer Center has achieved many accomplishments to improve
services for children who are vision impaired. There are several new
employees at the Meyer Center who have each proved themselves to be a great
addition to our team. In the Major Equipment /Educational Aids Department,
we have Susan Sexton and Jasmine Mercado and in the Large Print Department, we
now have Iris Davis and Clarence Fullerton working to provide large print books
for our consumers. We welcome and appreciate these additions to the Meyer
Center Team.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Highlights of the Meyer
Center’s efforts to improve services for both our Blindness Education colleagues
and consumers include: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>The
requests for Braille books in 2017 remained steady resulting in over 600
volumes being provided to CBVI consumers who use Braille as a reading
medium;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; mso-add-space: auto"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>In
2017 approximately 500 volumes of large print books were provided to
consumers;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; mso-add-space: auto"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>The
Meyer Center’s electronic library, which houses both large print and
Braille files, is now accessible through the internet so that teachers can
access this information while visiting schools;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; mso-add-space: auto"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>There
has been an increase in requests for products and assistive technology
equipment. The Meyer Center launched two new projects to provide assistive
technology devices that support CBVI students’ inclusion and independence in the
classroom. The “BrailleNote Touch Pilot” was launched in the beginning of
2017. This device is a notetaker that provides Braille output through a Braille
display with built in Google Apps that allow students to participate in the
Google Classroom that is widely used in New Jersey schools. Also the” Matt
Connect 12 Project “was also launched in 2017. This device allows students
with low vision to magnify images and print at a near and distant view point and
also has built-in technology to access the internet, download books, and scan
documents.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As the Meyer Center
Team looks toward 2018 with excitement for all of the possibilities available to
students with vision impairments, we will continue to support the goal of
ensuring that CBVI students have the ability to compete in the classroom and
strive for excellence in their educational careers.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0.25in"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Independent
Living & Clinical Services – Elizabeth DeShields,
Coordinator<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt; TEXT-AUTOSPACE: "><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>As the
New Year approaches and the holiday season comes upon us, it is time to reflect,
give thanks, and look forward to positive growth.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-AUTOSPACE: "><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-AUTOSPACE: "><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>This past year IL staff
continued to work tirelessly to serve consumers of all ages, by providing direct
instruction, group lessons through specialized programs, collaborating with
other units, and imparting knowledge of CBVI through community outreach. Project
BEST provided eye screenings and referrals for continued services as
required.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-AUTOSPACE: "><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>During 2017, the Closed
Circuit Television System (CCTV) loan and distribution program, in partnership
with the NJ State Library Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC), has
distributed 48 CCTV’s, and 78 individuals are currently benefiting from CCTV’s
that have been loaned to them.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Our Assistive Support
Programs for Independence Renewal and Education (ASPIRE) network has grown its
membership to 48 support groups covering all 21 counties. Facilitator
trainings continue to be held annually, and new groups are being developed for
entry into the network. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>IL has expanded its
program to incorporate deaf blind services and assistive technology.
Referrals to each of these programs keep us busy with the individual staff
dedicated to these services having increasing caseloads. IL consumers are
now being assisted with hearing exams, hearing aids, and hearing assistive
devices. Assistive technology assessments and enhanced instruction are now
being offered to deaf blind consumers.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The Library Equal
Access Program (LEAP) has also expanded and is now offering computer and iPad
lessons in eight different public libraries across the state. This program is
made possible by the collaborative efforts of IL, Logistics, Assistive
Technology, TBBC, and Advancing Opportunities.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Two Senior Hands-On
Retreat Experience (SHORE) programs were held this year in the Northern and
Southern Regions. Twenty consumers received a week of intensive IL instruction
and left the program with more confidence, skills, independence and new found
friends that some now call “family”.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Project BEST touched
the lives of over 35,000 individuals by providing eye screenings to pre-school
age children, migrant workers, adults at monthly fixed sites, health fairs and
those with diabetic eye disease. The Project BEST staff referred
individuals found to need additional CBVI services and follow up eye care.
This program most often works with those individuals that are underserved or are
most vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>I’m not the only one
that thinks the IL and Project BEST staff do an outstanding job of providing
services to our consumers as proven by a Customer Satisfaction Survey of older
blind services conducted by the National Research and Training Center on
Blindness and Low Vision. The target population was individuals age 55 years and
older who are receiving CBVI IL services. Overall satisfaction of services
provided was reported at 89%. A total of 87% of individuals reported that
services provided by CBVI staff helped them remain independent in their
homes.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>I personally would like
to thank all of the IL and Project BEST staff, itinerant workers, and assistants
and support staff for demonstrating great dedication and teamwork. You rock! We
have been on such a positive trajectory and I can’t wait for us to expand our
services together. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Best wishes and happy
holidays to all! <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'> </SPAN><U><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext">Joseph Kohn Training Center – Del Basha,
Manager<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoPlainText style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The 2017 year was a
productive and fruitful one at the Joseph Kohn Training Center. CBVI
consumers from around the state and from all the different CBVI service centers
attended the JKTC training program. Using a customized training approach,
staff individually evaluated students and then created customized plans and
class schedules. After completion of the training program, JKTC consumers
attended college, vocational training, and many entered into employment.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Also during the 2017
year, some creative initiatives were implemented in JKTC, with support from the
executive leadership of CBVI. For example, there was an opportunity to assess
the best practices found in other blindness training centers. For this purpose,
specifically the New Mexico and Minneapolis blindness training centers were
observed. The invaluable information gathered from visits to those centers
served as a critical learning tool. In addition to this trip, some other JKTC
staff members had the privilege to attend a powerful seminar in Baltimore,
coordinated by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>More recently, JKTC
students were part of an especially creative instructional activity. In the
finance class, which was launched just a few months ago, some students learned
first-hand about a potentially lucrative investment option. The group went to
and observed a county real estate auction. The event is open to the public and
gives potential investors a chance to purchase distressed properties. At this
auction, JKTC students learned about the process of bidding for and acquiring
the properties. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Looking ahead to the
2018 year, there are other innovative plans in store for the JKTC. One idea is
to have mobility lessons where students travel to New York City or to
Philadelphia. The students would be tasked with researching details for the
trip, using public transportation, and demonstrating their travel skills by
visiting a variety of points of interest. One or more JKTC mobility instructors
would accompany the students, but would only offer assistance when needed.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As the entire staff of
the JKTC looks forward to the start of another fulfilling year, we wish you all
a wonderful holiday and a happy new year. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Business
Enterprises of New Jersey – Deacon Truesdale, Manager
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>2017 has been a year
filled with the benefits of change and building relationships for the Business
Enterprises New Jersey (BENJ). <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>In the past, training
to enter into the BENJ program was held once a year at the JKTC. This year
we incorporated the Hadley Business Enterprise Program Licensee Training which
now allows incoming trainees to take part of the BENJ training online. The
other part of the training is presented at three different sites, a cafeteria,
snack bar, and a vending location. Several VR consumers have already begun
their training with the Hadley online program, and several consumers have
expressed an interest in BENJ.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The rules and
regulations of the BENJ program were updated through the readoption of N.J.A.C.
10:97. The changes include the requirements for becoming a licensed
manager and maintaining the license by participating in ongoing training and
development activities, the scoring of interviews and a new subchapter that
allows managers to seek out locations in the private sector. In the past few
months there have been more locations opening up due to retirements and the new
interview process has opened promotional opportunities.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Building relationships
is an integral strategy for success in business. This holds especially true for
BENJ as we look to expand the program. This year the BENJ annual meeting was
held at the Hyatt in New Brunswick to which the BENJ committee chair invited
several members of New York’s Committee of Business Enterprise Managers.
The BENJ Committee has invited representatives of various vendors like Bar
Fresh, Arizona, Red Bull and Vistar to meetings. BENJ has also
participated in events held by the EDGE program and presented at community-based
advocacy group events such as Eyes Like Mine, Inc. BENJ has been invited
but also seeks opportunities to share information about the program as an option
for career exploration, especially with young adults who are blind. BENJ has
also partnered with the RSA Management group and the Bank of New York Mellon to
open the first private sector location for the program. The program is
also looking into the possibility of partnering with RSA Management Group and
L.A. Fitness to provide vending services at the various health clubs throughout
the state of NJ. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>We are looking forward
to the potential growth of the BENJ program during the coming
year. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Staff Development
– Kenya Whitehurst-Percell<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>During a recently
attended training session, the facilitator asked each participant to share what
they had gotten from it and if we had garnered any resources that would be
beneficial in our individual work situations. This required me to do a quick
assessment, and I realized that although I had heard some great ideas and met a
couple of interesting people, I needed to improve in the area of
networking.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Later, giving it more
thought I recognized that when I enter a room filled with strangers, I often do
not effectively use my time by connecting with others. I either talk with one
person too much or not at all. I identified that I have a problem planting
myself into a conversation that may have already started. Also my verbal and
non-verbal social cues needed work. Many people know that social cues can either
make or break a conversation. A few examples of social cues are: facial
expression, posture, body language, gestures, and vocal tone.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>I learned that carrying
my oversized purse and although they may go nice with my outfit, wearing shoes
that hurt my feet may result in my appearing to be exhausted, disinterested, or
unapproachable. My body language did not convey that I wanted to connect
with people and exchange information and ideas. I was missing out on receiving
useful information through networking, because why? My feet
hurt!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>I did some research and
decided for my own purposes, whether I am attending a social or work related
event, to improve in the area of networking, I would: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Make sure I arrive on
time;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Wear comfortable
shoes;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Ditch the oversized
purse;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Smile;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Be cognizant of my body
language;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Introduce
myself;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Ask questions;
and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Share information about
myself <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Considering our
consumers, I put myself in their shoes and imagined myself charged with the task
of effectively networking without the benefit of visual cues and for some
consumers diminished or no verbal cues. Sounds extremely challenging, however,
we all know it is possible through our <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>interactions with both
our colleagues and our consumers. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>We all have the ability
to really help people improve their lives and turn can’t into can if we stay
focused on that goal and don’t let the weeds get in the way. When you are asked
to attend training or identify training on your own ask yourself, how you can
use not only the information, but also the overall experience to improve in your
individual work situation and to ultimately better serve CBVI consumers. Begin
each day with the understanding that making a difference starts with
you.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>It’s been a pleasure
working with each of you on your professional development needs. I look forward
to further assisting you obtain a successful training plan that provides value
and substance for you and our consumers. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Make 2018
great!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Regional
Updates</SPAN></U><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H1>
<H1
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 12.0pt"><U><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext">Southern Region – Jack Thompson,
Manager</SPAN></U><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Submitted by Karen
Markey:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> During the holiday
season, it is important to be around family, friends, or pets and follow
traditions that are important to us. Several SRO consumers were invited to
participate in a group trip to Philadelphia to spend a day enjoying holiday
related activities, including the Comcast Christmas show, Macy’s holiday
display, and an adventure through the Reading Terminal Market.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Previous trips focused
on reinforcing O&M skills recreationally with the assistance of an Eye
Health Nurse (EHN) who would be available for any issues compromising the safety
of a consumer’s health. This year’s excursion included a walk across the
Ben Franklin Bridge where O&M instructors were able to informally assess and
provide immediate instruction if warranted. The participants were provided an
opportunity to meet new people, exchange thoughts, and share personal memories
of past holiday experiences. New friends were made, telephone numbers were
exchanged, and this development activity was both beneficial and enjoyed by all
participants.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Northern Region – John Reiff,
Manager<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Sometimes, in the
course of performing our work, we encounter a consumer in crisis and have to
rearrange our priorities. We end up devoting a great deal of time to the
circumstances of that one individual. That happened recently to Carolina
Gonzalez who assisted a young mother with two small children who had suddenly
become homeless. The situation persisted for a couple of weeks. Carolina
and others pitched in during that time to make sure that this mother and her
children had a place to stay. It was no small task. Thank you Carolina and
everyone else including our Administration and Fiscal folks all of whom played a
role.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The Newark Service
Center has a new IL Supervisor. Her name is Jessica Elgamil. She began on
November 27<SUP>th</SUP> and replaces Solange Curry who retired. We are thrilled
to have Jessica on board. She has hit the ground running with the help of
Margaret Stroud, Liz DeShields and others.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>We also want to
congratulate Jimmy Garcia, a 90% Aide at the Newark Service Center who, on
November 13<SUP>th,</SUP> became a full time Aide with that
office.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 36pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Lucida Calligraphy"; COLOR: red'>Best
Wishes to You All!</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 36pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Lucida Calligraphy"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Lucida Calligraphy"'><IMG
id=Picture_x0020_1 border=0 alt=holly-mistletoes[1]
src="cid:C1EC0BE859A743D8BDC7FFF326DE35D3@JoeHP" width=400
height=141></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Lucida Calligraphy"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>(Image: A garland of
holly with red ribbons.)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 0.25in" align=center><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 20pt; COLOR: windowtext; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%">The Last
Words<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"
align=center><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>“The joy of brightening
other lives, bearing each other’s burdens, easing others’ loads and supplanting
empty hearts and lives with generosity becomes for us the magic of the
holidays.” - W.C. Jones</SPAN></I></B><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"
align=center><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>*********************************************************************************<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P><o:p><FONT
face=Calibri></FONT></o:p> </P></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>