IFB Beat – Week of October 17, 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!

Luis Quiles living the mission!

The strength, success, and longevity of IFB Solutions and the AbilityOne program is derived from shared experiences and the diverse background of its participants and the commitment to exceed customer expectations. IFB Solutions has been aggressive in advancing opportunities for careers of choice for people who are blind. Meet Luis Quiles our Overall Employee of the Year. No matter the challenge in life, Luis bills himself as an overcomer. Earning a college degree, starting a family, and purchasing a home are just a few of the items he’s checked off his personal bucket list.

Watch and be inspired: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vjnK3NQ8o4&t=17s

 

Meet Kim Shoffner!
Kim is the Youth Program Coordinator in Winston-Salem at Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse. She is passionate about helping children who are blind or visually impaired learn, grow, and become more independent. Did we mention that Kim is blind herself??

Kim’s story of overcoming and teaching others to do the same will empower you: https://ifbsolutions.org/very-blessed-teaching-and-learning-while-blind/

 

Attention Veterans!

Please report your Veteran Status to our HR department by Monday, October 31. We would like to honor all of our Veterans on Veteran’s Day. If we don’t have your name marked as a Veteran we can’t honor you! Please let HR know your status.

 

Attention Asheville Employees

Flu shots are available. If you are interested, please let your supervisor know and Mary Hunter will add you to the list to arrange your shot.

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

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!

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!

S.E.E. After School Winston is getting ready for Halloween and learning about spiders. This plastic spider is sitting on a web of silly string. Everyone had fun spraying the silly string of blue, green, and pink into their own web design.

 

Adult Support Group Meetings:

• Monday, October 17 AAA Committee meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room.
• Tuesday, October 18 VIPS Club meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room.
• Wednesday, October 19 Diabetic support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
• Thursday, October 20 Assistive Technology support group meeting from 7:00-8:00 via Zoom (link at end of newsletter)

Community Low Vision Center

CLVC Item of the Week:

Versa Erasable Slate for $120.00

The Versa paperless slate is a paperless and erasable slate which has four rows of twenty cells each. Braille a short term note on the slate and flip the unit over to read the message. Four sets of buttons erase five cells at a time. The slate is great for taking down a quick note or phone number while on the road. If someone gives you a phone number while you’re on the phone, it’s much easier to have another device handy to jot down that important information. Or pull out your slate during a meeting to take a quick note without disturbing the meeting or letting others know what you’re writing.

 

CLVC October Item of the Month:

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

Tele-Support Presentation: The Journey of Accepting and Overcoming Vision Loss

Monday, October 17, 2022 8:30PM-9:30PM EST

The Journey of Accepting and Overcoming Vision Loss

Join us for a discussion with Dr. Andrea Lendaris, who will share her personal journey in meeting the challenges of becoming a physician and mother with Usher’s Syndrome (Retinitis Pigmentosa and hearing loss). Dr. Lendaris will speak candidly about her emotional struggles to accept her disabilities and the strategies she has learned to achieve her goals.

REGISTER TODAY HERE

Free Virtual Educational Program: Accessible Voting for Adults who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Wednesday, October 19, 2022 7:00PM EST

Accessible Voting for Adults who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Learn about your rights as a voter and where to find help if you need it. Representatives from The NYC Board of Elections will discuss:

• Accessible absentee ballots
• Ballot marking devices
• Accessibility tools and resources
• Absentee vs in-person voting

For more information, please contact Carly Feldstein at feldsteinc@lighthouseguild.org or 212-769-6344

Job Announcements

Bus/Van Driver- Winston Salem (Part Time)

Education and work experience:
• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• Must be 21+ years of age with 5 years of driving experience.
• A valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record required

Internal candidates may apply at
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=50307&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5
External candidates may apply at
https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=50306&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

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)