IFB Beat – Week of October 10, 2022

News to Know

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In recognition of the significant role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce, the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2022 is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.” Observed annually in October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and highlights supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. Read the news release

 

IFB Solutions celebrates NDEAM!

Did you know seventy percent of people who are blind are not employed? See how IFB is making a difference through the power of hiring people who are blind.

Meet Wesley Hillman – Little Rock Facility Employee of the Year and be inspired by his story: watch his video here: https://youtu.be/3ca9iLd8DIA.

Wesley Hillman, Little Rock, AR, 2022 Little Rock Facility Employee of the Year

 

Meet Faith Harding – Administrative Assistant for IFB Solutions’ Base Supply Centers. Read her story and be inspired here: https://ifbsolutions.org/staying-inspired-finding-work-blindness/

Headshot photo of Faith Harding smiling

 

Join the Forsyth chapter of the National Federation for the Blind as they celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Mark your calendars for a fun two-mile walk, refreshments, and take-away information!
When: Saturday, October 22, 2022
Where: Old Town Park and recreation center, 4550 Shattalon Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Meet and greet/check-in will be at the shelter. Volunteers are needed to assist walkers who are blind. If interested or for more information contact Brian Ballard or Angela Hanes. Hope to see you all there!

 

Update on the Winston-Salem Facility Cafeteria Operations

INFORMATION INITIALLY POSTED LAST MONDAY, 10/3/22:

This past March, Mike Smith notified IFB leadership that he would be closing Mike’s Café at our Winston-Salem Facility at the end of the year. We are thankful to him and his team for all their years of service. After evaluating a variety of options, we are excited to announce that Canteen Markets will be moving into the space and open for service Tuesday, January 3.

The Canteen Market will feature a variety of heat-and-eat entrees and sides, fresh sandwiches, salads, and fruit and packaged snacks like candy bars and chips. It will include a large variety of sodas, juices, and coffees. The market will be open 24-7 – you can access the full range of items at any point during the day, not just breaks and lunchtime. An IFB employee will support ensuring access to the checkout terminals and maintaining the cleanliness and order of the cafeteria space.

We understand that you will have many questions, from specifics on the types of food to how the checkout terminals work. We are working with the AAA Committee to ensure the flow of communication is open, and that we    address access and accessibility issues as best as possible before January 3. We look forward to sharing more information in the coming weeks.

~ IFB Solutions Executive Team

UPDATE FROM AAA COMMITTEE 10/10/22:

As the AAA Committee works to support the roll out of the cafeteria changes to Canteen, we understand many folks have questions and concerns to share. Our Monday, October 17th meeting will be open to general employees and if you have comments, we’d like to hear them! Join us Monday, October 17th at 12pm in TAD’s Room.

~ Anastasia Powell, President, AAA Committee

 

Winston-Salem Fall Festival Update

While last week we shared this under a the title “employee picnic”, this is a Fall Festival with activities throughout the day on Thursday, October 27. Get ready for fun, fall treats, prizes, karaoke, and a Halloween parade/costume contest!

The Halloween parade/costume contest will be on Thursday, October 27 at 10:30am on the plant floor. All employees participating will meet in the cafeteria at 10:15am for pictures and parade line up. There will be a variety of prizes given for the winners of the costume contest to include a certificate for 10 extra hours of PTO that will be added to the winners account.

Costume categories are:
• Best Disney Costume
• Most creative costume
• Best Group costume
• Funniest costume
• Best Guide dog costume
• Scariest costume
• Best Overall costume

Following the Halloween parade there will be an afternoon of fun at the fall festival from 3:30-5:30.

What to expect: Music, Karaoke, dancing, Fun Selfie Station, Door prizes and giveaways, tasty fall treats and drinks.
There will be eight slots available for Karaoke with songs that are no longer than 3.5 minutes. It will be first come, first serve so don’t delay! To sign up contact Brenda Livingston at blivingston@ifbsolutions.org or X5694.

We will also announce the winners of the Halloween Costume Contest at the party. We look forward to a fun time!!!

 

Programs and Services

Have an idea for a social activity for the Christmas holidays in Winston-Salem?

The Winston-Salem AAA Committee is getting back to providing social activities for our employees. Transportation will be provided but seats may be limited. This holiday event must be in the city limits of Winston-Salem. Submit ideas to Chris Flynt at X5620 or Anastasia Powell at X5698.

 

Come Join the Winston-Salem Facility Red Cross Blood Drive

Hosted by the Winston-Salem AAA Committee

During the past two years, our local and nationwide Red Cross donations has been at an all-time low. Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Your donations assist with heart surgeries, revitalizing accident victims, organ transplant recipients, and patients needing lifesaving procedures. So, will you raise your sleeve and save a life?

When: October 26, 2022
Where: Winston-Salem Tad’s Room
Time: 10:00am-2:30pm.
Manufacturing and optical contact your supervisor to set up an appointment to donate.

Admin contact Anastasia Powell at: APowell@ifbsolutions.org or Shonn Redmond at: SRedmond@ifbsolutions.org

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

SEE Program participants pose with their bread and butter

S.E.E. After School Winston made homemade bread and churned their own butter. What a warm and yummy treat made fresh and enjoyed by all!

 

Adult Support Group Meetings:

  • Monday, October 10 NFB support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
  • Tuesday, October 11 Transportation support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.

Community Low Vision Center

CLVC Item of the Week:

Large blue button

Extra Large Button Talking Clock English or Spanish for $18.95. English or Spanish speaking, simple talking clock is nothing but button, making it extremely easy to find and to use. The round clock base measures four ½” in diameter, and the high visibility speak button itself measures 3 ¾” across. The clock will speak the time in a clear male voice with one button tap, the date (“17, March, Tuesday” for example) with a second button tap and alarm set or off for a daily alarm. This clock also has a Hi/Lo volume setting on its underside. The high volume is indeed loud. Clock operates on 3 AAA batteries (not included.)

 

CLVC September Item of the Month:

Omni-Sense Push-On White Cane Tip Attachment

Omni-Sense Push-On White Cane Tip Attachment for $49.99 | Great features, including technology allowing fluid, 360-degree movement across a range of surfaces. Tough, durable polymer construction for extended wear, resting stand, non-corrosive, and easy to clean.

If you are interested in purchasing Low Vision Equipment through our Loan Program (3rd Party), please contact a Low Vision Coordinator for assistance.

 

Insider Corner

Have a story, new article, app, or interesting fact you want to share? Email Faith Harding at FHarding@ifbsolutions.org and we will post it.

 

Community Connections

Ready for a bowling pin shattering fun time!

Join My Daughters House a nonprofit supporting recovery and relapse prevention for women annual fund raiser!
There will be lots of fun, prizes, raffles, AND giveaways, So, don’t miss your chance to win and help a woman in need!

When: Saturday, OCTOBER 15 ,2022 at 3:00PM
Where: Bolero bowling alley, 811 Jonestown Rd. Winston-Salem NC
Cost: $35

For more information or how to make a charitable contribution, contact Jerry Mentz at 336-391-0054 or Joyce Mentz at 336-837-9291.

Job Announcements

Customer Service Representative – Beyond Vision

Education and work experience:
• Highschool degree or equivalent with one or more college level credits or pass certifications
• Typing speed of 30 wpm with 95% accuracy.
• Two or more years experience in an entry-level customer service position.
• Proficient-to-intermediate PC skills (Word, Excel, Windows Explorer) and assistive technology (JAWS, Window Eyes, ZoomText), including demonstrated knowledge of folder structure/navigation, form navigation on the web, and table navigation in all contexts.

Internal candidates may apply at
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=49972&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5
External candidates may apply at
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=49971&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

For more information, please contact Brent Burkholder at 336 245 5611 or bburkholder@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

 

Assistive Technology Support Group Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/94434630872?pwd=aXFYSHYyWkh1SE1tWDNOdDIwVURwUT09

Meeting ID: 944 3463 0872
Passcode: 924496

+13017158592, 99434630872, #, # US (Germantown)

+13126266799, 99434630872, #, # US (Chicago)