Senators Dodd and McCain Introduce Blind Persons Return to Work Act

National Federation of the Blind Applauds a Common Sense Work Incentive for Blind Social Security Beneficiaries

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today introduced the Blind Persons Return to Work Act of 2010 (S. 2962), which will allow blind Americans to more easily transition from Social Security beneficiaries to income-earning, productive members of the workforce.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a program meant to provide disabled Americans with financial support, actually discourages blind people from seeking employment by placing a limit on how much money they can earn. This bipartisan bill replaces the monthly earnings limit with a gradual phase-out, allowing blind beneficiaries to systematically replace benefits with earned income.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The National Federation of the Blind applauds Senators Dodd and McCain, both longtime champions of the blind and other Americans with disabilities, for advancing this wise proposal to reform SSDI so it encourages blind beneficiaries to reach their full employment potential rather than discouraging them from becoming independent. Blind people want to work, and with the right training and opportunity, we can hold any job to which we aspire. Yet because of misconceptions about blindness and flawed work incentives in the SSDI program, 70 percent of working age blind people are unemployed or underemployed. We are confident that the Blind Persons Return to Work Act will reduce the fear of termination of benefits resulting from an earnings limit and encourage blind people to join the workforce."

"Blind Americans deserve the opportunity to enter or advance in the workplace without their financial security being threatened by some arbitrary limit," said Senator Dodd. "We can encourage blind people to take advantage of their independence without punishing them for working. This bipartisan legislation will protect millions of Americans from the risk of losing their benefits and will increase the productivity of our workforce."

"Blind Americans who want to work should not be discouraged from pursuing employment," added Senator McCain. "The current SSDI program creates government dependency and limits achievement among blind people. The proposed reform will enable blind Americans to fully reach their potential in the workforce and reduce the overall number of federal beneficiaries, saving tax dollars for every American."

This legislation joins its House companion bill, H.R. 886, introduced by John Lewis (D-GA) earlier this year.

About the National Federation of the Blind

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.

SOURCE National Federation of the Blind

Binghamton Lions Club Supports Scholarships for People Who are Visually Impaired

“Binghamton Lions Club President Douglas Shaver presents A.V.R.E. CEO Robert Hanye with $500 check to support Charles V. Costello Memorial Scholarship”


Binghamton, NY, 27 January 2010 - The Binghamton Lions Club (We Serve) and the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc (A.V.R.E.) jointly support scholarships for people who are visually impaired. The Lions recently made an additional donation of $500 to the scholarship fund at A.V.R.E. At least one Charles V. Costello memorial scholarship is given each year to a person who is visually impaired who attends an accredited post high school academic or technical institution. Since its inception, 11 scholarships have been awarded to legally blind individuals in programs ranging from business certifications through post graduate study.

The Scholarships are awarded in honor and memory of Mr. Charles Costello, a well known community leader, long time Lion and dedicated A.V.R.E. Board member who experienced sustained vision loss later in life. Applicants must have a severe vision impairment and either reside or attend school in the Twin Tiers service area of A.V.R.E.

For more information, contact Jenn Cubic at (607)724-2428.

Register Now for the Public Policy Forum March 8-10, 2010

Register for the NIB/NAEPB Public Policy Forum, “Make a Difference,” scheduled for March 8-10, 2010 at the Westin Arlington in Arlington, Virginia.

To make hotel reservations, click here. The discounted room rate of $199 expires on February 11, so don’t delay, reserve your room now. It’s your turn to Make a Difference and inform Congress about the AbilityOne program!

For more information, contact Jessica Carter at 703-310-0365 or jcarter@nib.org.

Bob Buckley New VP Manufacturing San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind

Press Release 1-8-2010
The San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind (SALB) announced the appointment of Mr. Bob Buckley as the new Vice President-Manufacturing. He will be responsible for managing the 4th largest and fastest growing manufacturing operation in the San Antonio Area.

Bob joins SALB after a celebrated 30-year manufacturing career at Bausch & Lomb and Kinetic Concepts, Inc., where he led not only the production operations, but also the introduction of new products, inventory and material management and financial reporting.

Bob was the recent past Chairman of the Board of the San Antonio Manufacturers’ Association and is currently an active Board member. He is also very involved in the local community.

We are elated to be able to add a person of Bob Buckley’s quality and character to our existing Management Team. He brings 30 years of pertinent experience and an outstanding reputation based on integrity.

Contact: Nancy Lipton
Director Public Relations/Spokesperson
S A Lighthouse for the Blind
2305 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78210
210 531-1533 cell: 210 771-5300
www.salighthouse.org

Betsy Thorne Appointed Vice President, Sales-BD, Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind

DALLAS (January 5, 2010) – Betsy A. Thorne has been appointed vice president, sales and business development for the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind. Her responsibilities will focus on developing new or expanded business lines which will create greater employment opportunities for people who are blind. She will focus on not only the existing Federal, State and Military customers, but will also manage the agency relationship with the National Industries for the Blind and other key partnerships both in North Texas and nationally.

“Betsy is going to be a tremendous asset to the mission of the Dallas Lighthouse,” said Nancy Perkins, Dallas Lighthouse President. “With Betsy’s past experience at the Lighthouse and her business development and sales expertise, we intend to reach a new level of success with our 2010 manufacturing sales. Her integrity and energy will help drive our success in expanding our current manufacturing customer base and adding new ones.”

Thorne most recently served as the executive director of the Industries for the Blind in Greensboro, N.C. for two years. Prior to that, she was vice president of sales for the Dallas Lighthouse from 2001 to 2005 and has served as a business consultant to various agencies specializing in services to the visually impaired. Thorne attended the Oklahoma City University and Eastern New Mexico University.

About Dallas Lighthouse
Since 1931, the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind has provided jobs and services to the visually impaired in North Texas. The Lighthouse, a 501(c) 3 agency, trains its clients for skilled service jobs in any office environment. It also staffs a manufacturing facility with visually impaired employees that manufacture products for both government agencies including the U.S. military and commercial customers. For more information, go to www.dallaslighthouse.org.

Dallas Lighthouse is an NIB Non-Profit Agency and participates in the AbilityOne Program.

CONTACT: Gail Whitcomb, Whitcomb Communications
214-704-4132 gailwhitcomb@sbcglobal.net

NewView Oklahoma

Oklahoma City Lighthouse for the Blind is now: NewView Oklahoma. All of the email contacts for that agency as of today should now be @newviewoklahoma.org. You can find them on Twitter at NewViewOK.