IFB Beat 9-30 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Hello, everyone! This week brings several important updates and reminders. Don’t forget to mark your calendar to get your flu shot, complete the Employee SSDI survey, and check out the latest details regarding your Newport retirement plan.

Update: our thoughts and prayers are with Western NC as a whole and specifically with our Asheville plant team. While the Asheville plant remains secure with no damage, it will be closed on Monday, September 30. IFB is working to check in with all employees; if you are an Asheville facility employee and have received a text from HR, please follow the steps to check-in. The safety and well-being of our team remain our top priority. We’ll continue to provide updates as more information becomes available, and will be communicating individually with customers and vendors. 

Thanks for reading the IFB Beat and have a wonderful week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

ACTION NEEDED: 2024 Employee SSDI Survey
Asheville Facility Update
Quality Audit Update
See what S.E.E. is Doing!
IFB Support Group Updates
Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

The JAM Card App
NC A&T Research Participants Needed

HR and Opportunities

WS and Clemmons Facilities Flu Shot Update
Newport/First Citizens Wealth Retirement Plan Update
New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of The IFB Beat

ACTION NEEDED: 2024 Employee SSDI Survey

2024 Employee SSDI Survey: for employees who have not signed-up for assistance  through your supervisor and would like to independently complete the survey.

The National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is collecting data on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) reform and the negative impact of the SSDI ‘Cash Cliff.’ This issue continues to affect employee income and attendance, and NIB is actively addressing it with Congress.

To strengthen NIB’s advocacy efforts, they are seeking valuable data. We are asking all blind employees, at every level, to consider completing this national survey. Participation is entirely optional and anonymous. The survey will collect no identifying information, and the results will be analyzed in aggregate only. It aims to gather insights from employees who are currently receiving SSDI benefits, those who have received them in the past, and those who have never received them.

IFB Solutions wants to support this initiative and is committed to assisting employees with it in hopes of effecting some changes that may benefit a large part of our blind employee population.

Please complete the survey by October 11, 2024. If you need assistance contact Morgan Dugan at mdugan@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5612.

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H6VR5JN

 

Asheville Facility Update

While the Asheville facility remains secure with no damage, it will be closed on Monday, September 30. The leadership team is meeting daily to to ensure we prioritize the well-being of our employees while continuing to meet the needs of our customers with regards to a partial or full-reopening plan.

IFB is working to check in with all employees; if you are an Asheville facility employee and have received a text from HR, please follow the steps to check-in. The safety and well-being of our team remain our top priority.

The Asheville Facility picnic scheduled for this week is postponed (date to be announced following full reopen).

We’ll continue to provide updates as more information becomes available, and will be communicating individually with customers and vendors.

 

Quality Audit Update

IFB, thanks for your time and commitment to our quality system. We are very happy to announce that our 2024- ISO 9001:2015 Re-registration audits are complete. Both the Winston-Salem and Asheville Facilities completed the audit with no findings. This is a great accomplishment, and it requires a team effort. Thanks for everyone’s help in keeping our quality and our quality system in great shape as we continue to follow our quality policy:

The IFB Solutions’ team serves the mission of the organization through delivering on our promises to our stakeholders. We are committed to executing on our strategic plan, satisfying all applicable requirements, and driving continual improvement at all levels.

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

S.E.E. kids on rooftop swings

The S.E.E. on Saturday program explored the rooftop playground that opened this summer at Kaleideum. These swings with thickly braided ropes could spin or move in various directions. Kaleideum had safety in mind so the swings could not go back and forth in a high arc. This allowed lots of swings to be hung from the ceiling and enjoyed by many without the danger of hitting passersby. The perimeter walls of the playground were fencing at the bottom and mesh at the top to give a fresh air feeling of the outdoors.

 

IFB Solutions Support Group Updates

Looking for someone to talk to, share ideas with, or find helpful resources? IFB’s support groups are the perfect place to connect with people who truly understand. Join a group today! All support groups meet from 12:00 to 12:45 in the TADS room.

  • National Federation for the Blind (NFB) – Meets every second Monday
  • Veterans Support Group – Meets every third Tuesday
  • On the Spectrum Support Group – Meets every third Thursday
  • Guide Dog Support Group – Meets every fourth Monday

For questions or suggestions for new support groups, please contact Kim Shoffner at kshoffner@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5669.

Upcoming Meetings:

  • None for the week of 9/30

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Grip EZ 4 in 1 Opener

Grip EZ 4 in 1 Opener for $3.95. Easily open twist caps, bottle caps, canning lids and can tabs. Nonslip grip.

If you have questions or are interested in any of the weekly items, please contact your local CLVC for assistance.

 

From Our Community

The JAM Card App

Submitted by Winter Robinson

Looking for a little extra support or time? The JAM Card, which stands for “Just a Minute,” app is here to help! Whether it’s for visual impairments, autism, or other unique needs, this app makes communication easier and more inclusive.

The JAM card is designed for individuals who might need a moment of patience in social situations. By presenting this card in settings like grocery stores, you can discreetly request understanding, and a brief pause due to various circumstances.

Want to learn more or need help downloading the app? Reach out to Winter Robinson or Morgan Dugan for assistance! Get connected and make your day a little easier for those times you may need Just a Minute!

 

Participants Needed for Research Study on Emotional Expression

Submitted by NC A&T State University Research Department

NC A&T State University is seeking individuals with visual disabilities (severe visual impairment or blindness) to participate in a research study. This study aims to better understand emotional experiences and how facial muscles are used to express emotions.

Interview Details:

  • Informal, approximately 60 minutes or less
  • Interview questions will focus on emotional experiences in daily life and facial expressions.
  • Participants will receive a $10 e-gift card upon completion.

Eligibility:

  • 18 years or older
  • Severe visual impairment or blindness

Interview Location:
Flexible, at a location of your choice (for example: your place, public libraries, community centers, NC A&T research lab, or any quiet, comfortable place you prefer). We will come to your selected place.

Interested?

Please reach out to schedule an interview:

This study has been approved by the NC A&T Institutional Review Board (IRB # HS23-0098). The principal investigator, Dr. Hyung Nam Kim, can be reached at (336) 285-3471 or hnkim@ncat.edu. More about Dr. Kim’s work can be found at

https://www.ncat.edu/employee-bio.php?directoryID=1604499297.

 

HR & Opportunities

WS and Clemmons Facilities Flu Shot Update

For more information, reach out to Tammy Whitmire-Powers, IFB Solutions Benefits Administrator at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

Flu shots will be available for Winston-Salem employees on October 8th and 9th. If you’re an hourly employee and would like to get vaccinated, please inform your supervisor. Nurse Venessa will be visiting administrative areas throughout both days, and you can let her know if you’d like to participate. Clemmons employees can schedule their flu shots directly by contacting Venessa at x5685. Remember, a Flu Vaccine Consent Form will be required before you receive your shot.

For employees under 65, the health clinic will offer the standard dose of the Flu Vaccine (Inactivated Influenza) to help protect you this season. If you’re 65 or older, we recommend consulting your primary care provider or scheduling an appointment at your pharmacy for a higher-dose vaccine suited to your needs.

Why get vaccinated?

  • Boost your immunity against the flu.
  • Help reduce the spread and protect those around you.
  • Minimize sick days and stay healthy all season.

Appointments will also be available after October 8th and 9th while supplies last.
Let’s work together to protect our health—because staying healthy is a team effort!

 

Newport/First Citizens Wealth™ Retirement Plan Update

In November, your Newport/First Citizens Wealth retirement plan account will move to a new recordkeeping platform.

What to expect:

  • You will have one-touch access to your account —anytime—on the new mobile retirement app, READYSAVE™, to help you stay on track.
  • Your service team will still be available to assist you at the same phone number you use today: 855-593-7279.
  • You’ll still be able to log in to your employee website with your current username and password, even after your account has moved.
  • You’ll see subtle design enhancements to the website over time.
  • There is no action required on your part!

Important Dates:

  • November 13 – This is the last day to request transactions, including exchanges, until after the migration is complete. Requests must be made before 4:00 p.m. ET. Access to your online retirement account will also be paused as migration begins.
  • November 15 – The migration begins.
  • November 15-17 – You’ll experience a brief pause in access while accounts are securely migrated.
  • Week of November 18 – Your account is ready and may be accessed via the new mobile retirement app, READYSAVE™.

For more information, reach out to Tammy Whitmire-Powers, IFB Solutions Benefits Administrator at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

New Job Announcements

For all current openings, visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Material Buyer/Planner – Winston-Salem Facility

Education and Work Experience

  • A bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, engineering or related field is preferred.
  • 3+ years’ experience in purchasing, buying and/or planning is required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=102234&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=102235&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

For more information, please contact a member of the recruitment team at careers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Adult Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/99498078576?pwd=ODJzK0sxcXZrME9yN25YRTdiNXBSQT09
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576
PASSWORD: 92638
One tap mobile
+13017158592,99498078576# US (Germantown)

13126266799,99498078576# US
+(Chicago)

Dial by your location.
877 853 5257 US Toll-free
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576