Summer Highlighted by Visit from Congressman
David Price
Kellie Spruill, Director of Development, thanks Congressman David Price for his visit and interest in the employment of persons with disabilities.
Congressman David Price visited Cutters, Raleigh
Lions Clinic for the Blind’s (RLCB) Garner facility, July 7 to meet and
encourage blind and visually impaired workers manufacturing newly designed Army
Combat Uniforms (ACU). During the visit, Price got an up-close and personal look
at workers using state of the art programmable machines to cut fabric and others
to set pockets. Such innovations in technology make it possible for workers with
visual limitations to produce quality products that are vital to U.S. Military
during war and peacetime operations.
Congressman David Price and his assistant Robyn Winneberger
thank Janet Griffey for their informative tour of Cutters
In April, Congressman Price acknowledged his support for the Javits-Wagner-O’Day
(JWOD) Program in a letter sent to Chairman McKeon of the Committee on Education
and the Workforce Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness. In his letter,
Congressman Price conveyed his support for the JWOD Program as real jobs,
offering real wages and benefits. His July visit to Cutters completes the
nomination process for Price to become a JWOD champion. A reception, sponsored
by RLCB and LC Industries will be held this fall. During the event, Congressman
Price will be presented with his JWOD Champion award.
The summer of 2005 will likely be looked back on as one of the hottest in recent
memory. It’s certain, a hot summer like we’ve just experienced will make fall’s
cooler temperatures even more welcomed.
Through the summer, everyone has worked hard to meet new project goals and
accelerate existing contracts. All of these goals are being met every day by
people who are dedicated to our mission of providing meaningful employment for
people who are blind or visually impaired. This is the true mechanism that makes
RLCB achieve and pursue new avenues for now and the future.
That dedication begins with National Industries for the Blind (NIB). NIB staff
has given us the “roll up your sleeves” assistance needed to get the Army Combat
Uniform (ACU) contract up and running. Their knowledge and support have been
invaluable. We have also felt a real vote of confidence from Congressman David
Price who visited the Cutters facility last month and showed great interest in
the operations and mission of RLCB. We look forward to making him a JWOD
Champion in the coming weeks. The Raleigh Lions Clinic Board of Directors, as
always, has provided outstanding leadership and wisdom in helping RLCB grow in
many new directions.
With the loyal support we have, it’s not surprising that we are reaching higher
than we ever expected. We might just find that the sky’s the limit.
Janet S. Griffey
President/CEO
Hot Fun in the Summer Time!
RLCB Celebrates the 4th
It was a little like Thanksgiving in the middle
of the summer; time off, good food and joyful voices that rose to the rafters in
celebration of vacation ahead and the secure feeling that there would be plenty
of work to come back to when it was over. Some of the many talented employees of
RLCB volunteered to make this holiday luncheon especially festive by singing and
playing a variety of musical instruments. The Governor Morehead School for the Blind cafeteria allowed plenty of room for those who felt the beat to
get up and shake a tail feather to the music!
President Janet Griffey was heard to comment that this was the “best party so
far.”
Business Management Training Opens Eyes
Editors Note: Kellie Spruill wrote about her
experiences as a participant of the Business Management Training sponsored by
NIB. Training is offered to blind or visually impaired individuals in NIB
affilliated agencies’to help them gain leadership and management skills. Kellie
is legally blind. She joined RLCB in September 2003.
Until two years ago, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) held no significant
place in my memory of “important, significant things to remember.” As a matter
of fact, I never considered seeking employment at an agency like RLCB.
Fortunately for me, my wisdom has advanced along with my age As a result of my
employment at RLCB and participation in NIB’s Business Management Training (BMT),
the challenges and opportunities that await me are endless.
The Darden University team is top notch and networking opportunities are worth their weight in gold. I am able to learn about other
agencies and their contributions to the blind community. In this class of 29,
everyone is successful in his or her own way. The professions range from direct
labor employees to an agency VP. Yet, everyone has something to share and learn.
All of the egos (if there are any) are left at home. Everyone has an opportunity
to shine.
I have seen people grow before my eyes. Initially, some of the direct labor
employees were a little hesitant and intimidated by those in the program with
staff titles and/or advanced degrees. That changed very quickly. One individual
who began the program as a very hesitant speaker was clearly the most improved
by the third session—maybe even better than others who showed confidence from
the beginning. Through this training program, I have learned a great deal
about RLCB’s operation. As I begin to explore my future with RLCB, BMT has
provided me with the perfect opportunity to survey all aspects of the agency.
Additionally, I am learning what other agencies have to offer as well. Since the
second session, I have developed a number of relationships with individuals
employed in areas of interest to me. I really believe that many of us will keep
in touch well after the program is over.
BMT is a perfect training program for blind individuals interested in the field
of business. There is a certain strength and knowledge to be gained by being
part of this large group of extremely independent, blind individuals. I couldn’t
help but believe in myself when surrounded by such an amazing group of people.
We impress the Darden faculty every session.
It is nice to be in a training program where you can focus on what is really
important (lectures, projects, literature, etc.) without the added annoyance of
figuring out how to get what you need. This is not to say that we are spoon
fed—quite the opposite. The demands are great, the readings are intense and the
expectations are high. The NIB and Darden team have removed some of the barriers
most blind individuals encounter in a traditional setting. You have to know your
technology. All of our information is either emailed to us or posted on the
Darden University portal. Having good technology skills was a criteria used to
determine one’s appropriateness for the class.
During team presentations, each group must produce a power points slide. Why is
this necessary in a group full of blind individuals? The expectation is that in
the real world, your audience will not be blind. Your co-workers will be sighted
and you need to have the ability to perform as the group performs. This is a no
excuses; put your best foot forward training.
I know that my knowledge, skills and self-perception have increased as a result
of my participation in BMT. I am anxious to see what the future has in store for
me.
Janet Griffey explains the complexities of the
technology at Cutters to Brigadier General Gary H. Pendleton, during his recent
visit.
Vision Access Fair A Big Splash
On June 7th The first Vision Access Fair kicked
off at 10 am. By noon, nearly seventy-five people from different fields were
browsing and picking up information on services for blind and visually impaired
people. Along with visually impaired people who attended, home health employees
and staff from doctors offices came to educate themselves and those they serve.
About twenty vendors or agencies took part in the fair.
From cell phones to screen magnifiers, there was something for everyone.
Representatives from the Social Security Administration and transportation
companies such as Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) and the City of Raleigh along
with parks and recreation participated. Vendors demonstrating technology
were especially popular. “I am looking forward to doing it again next year,”
said Joanne Heron, President of Zoom Vision Technology Inc.
Kellie Hightower-Spruill, Director of Development, says “The enthusiastic
response was beyond my expectation. What a difference a day can make when people
learn of the opportunities available to them.”
