IFB Beat – Week of February 19, 2024

A Message from the Editor

This week we’re looking forward to announcing our employees of the year! You can also learn more about Low Vision, the Western NC Braille Challenge, and the Be My Eyes app in this week’s edition of The IFB Beat. As a reminder, information about year-end tax forms is here.

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

– February is Low Vision Awareness Month
– Winston-Salem General Assembly Monday, February 19
– See what S.E.E. is Doing!
– Adult Support Group Meetings
– CLVC Item of the Week

From Our Community

– Insider Corner

HR and Opportunities

– Be My Eyes App
– February Benefit of the Month
– New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links

 

February is Low Vision Awareness Month

Millions of people in the United States are living with a visual impairment. A visual impairment can make it hard to do everyday activities like driving, reading, or cooking. And it can’t be fixed with glasses, contacts, or other standard treatments like medicine or surgery.

The good news is that vision rehabilitation services can help people with a visual impairment make the most of the vision they have so they can keep doing the things they love. People diagnosed with an eye disease or condition that causes visual impairment may not know where to start to find the right services. Take some time this Low Vision Awareness Month to spread the word about the great customer care IFB Solutions provides through the Community Low Vision Center. Read more about the Community Low Vision Centers and its resources!

  • Awareness tips:
  • A white cane is not only used as a mobility tool but is also used to identify that the user has low vision or is blind.
  • Never walk up and grab a person who is blind by the arm to assist them. Please ask if they need assistance and then offer your arm.
  • If you’re not sure how to help someone who is blind or has low vision, just ask.

Winston-Salem Community Low Vision Center Update

We would like to inform you that Shonn Redmond, a staff member of the Winston-Salem Community Low Vision Center is no longer with the organization. For all customer support requests, please see Toni Fraser at tfraser@ifbsolutions.org or Sharon Washington at swashington@ifbsolutions.org.

Thank you,
Grant Weathers
Low Vision Services Manager

 

General Assembly at All Manufacturing Facilities, Monday, February 19

There will be a General Assembly meeting at all locations held on the manufacturing floor on February 19 at 3:15 pm. We’re looking forward to presenting the 2024 award winners, employee of the month awards as well as remarks from IFB leadership.

Supervisors, please be sure to shut down all equipment, fans and other things that contribute to noise on the manufacturing floor promptly at 3:15. Winston-Salem employees, if your workspace is not close to the central offices (outside Pedro Rojas and Edward Sykes’ doors), please move closer to ensure you can hear. Any office administration working in the building, your presence will be appreciated.

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing!

group photo of competitors, staff, volunteers, parents, and teachers on the front steps of Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse with a sign that reads Western NC Braille Challenge

The Western NC Braille Challenge was held at Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Eleven competitors showed off their skills in areas of reading comprehension, charts and graphs, spelling, proofreading, and speed and accuracy in this regional contest. The winners will be compared to other competitors all across the United States. The ten top scorers in each testing bracket will be invited to the Braille Institute in California to compete in the national Braille Challenge held in June 2024. A big thank you from Kim Shoffner the regional coordinator for this event to staff and volunteers who worked hard to make this day a true success.

 

Adult Support Group Meetings:

Upcoming Support Group Meetings

  • Monday, February 19 AAA Committee meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room
  • Tuesday, February 20 VIPS Club meeting from 12:00-1:00 in TADS Room

CLVC Item of the Week:

Reizen Talking Penguin Alarm Clock

Reizen Talking Penguin Alarm Clock for $12.95. Best-Seller! Easy Push-Button Time Announcement.

  • Announces time (in English) at the touch of a button
  • Cuckoo or Music Alarm with Snooze
  • Hourly Time Report (Can be turned off or on as needed)
  • Large LCD Display with 5/8 in. numbers
  • Uses 2 AAA batteries (not included)
  • Measures: 4-3/8 x 2-3/4 x 1-5/8

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

 

From Our Community

Insider Corner

This section is edited by Faith Harding. Reach out to her at fharding@ifbsolutions.org. 

NCCDD’s Self-Advocate Discussion Series, February’s Topic: Transportation and Travel

February 21, 1 – 2 PM – via Zoom

Back by popular demand! Their discussion will be about transportation and travel for people with disabilities. They will talk about ground, water, and air transportation in the public, private, accessible, and community-supported transportation systems. You will hear from experts who will share experiences and advocacy tips.

As always, they will have time to hear from YOU! What does ideal transportation mean to you as a self-advocate? What do you need when it comes to getting around and going where you want and when you want? If you are passionate about improving transportation and traveling for people with disabilities in North Carolina, please join them! Register at Meeting Registration – Zoom (zoomgov.com).

Accessible Documents!

Be sure to ask your financial institutions and utility companies to provide your documents in an accessible format. Tell them whether you need large print, Braille or audio documents. You should be receiving your documents in a way that you can access.

 

HR & Opportunities

Be My Eyes App

We are excited to bring attention to a remarkable app that is helping to make an impact on the lives of individuals with visual impairments. Introducing Be My Eyes – a platform that connects sighted volunteers with those who are blind or visually impaired, providing real-time assistance through a simple video call.

Be My Eyes serves as a bridge, fostering a community where individuals can lend their eyes to help others with daily tasks that may require visual assistance. Whether it’s reading labels, identifying objects, or navigating unfamiliar surroundings, this app empowers users to tackle challenges with greater independence and confidence.

Here’s how it works:

First download the Be My Eyes app for free on your smartphone or tablet. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices.
Be My Eyes – Apps on Google Play
Be My Eyes on the App Store (apple.com)

After downloading, launch the Be My Eyes app to sign up. The app will take you through a short 5-step registration process:

  1. Select to sign up as a blind or low-vision user.
  2. Choose whether you want to sign up with Facebook, Google or email. For iOS users, Apple ID sign up option is available as well.
  3. If you chose to sign up using your email, confirm your email address by clicking the verification link that is sent to your email.
  4. Select your primary language. When you make a call, you’ll be connected to the first available volunteer, who speaks your primary language. You can always change your preference and add secondary languages in the app settings.
  5. Allow access to microphone, camera and notifications to be able to make video calls and send pictures to Be My AI.

You are now ready to get visual support 😊.

Some of the Most Popular Uses for Be My Eyes:

  • Reading home appliances
  • Reading product labels
  • Matching outfits and identifying clothes
  • Help in the kitchen
  • Reading digital displays or computer screens (be sure to use caution to protect sensitive information.)
  • Navigating TV or game menus
  • Operating vending machines or kiosks
  • Sorting music collections or other libraries
  • Picking jewelry or crafts

**If you are interested in downloading this app or need assistance, please feel free to put in a ticket to meet with Morgan Dugan, in Employee Relations**

February Benefit of the Month

This section is a monthly feature supported by IFB Solutions Benefits Supervisor Ciara Frenette. Reach her at cfrenette@ifbsolutions.org.

Guardian’s Employee Assistance Program gives you and your family members access to confidential personal support, across everything from stress management and nutrition to handling legal or financial issues. The services available include consultations with experienced professionals, as well as access to resources and discounts designed to help you in a variety of different ways.

  • Consultative services are available to provide direct support and assistance.
  • Work/life assistance that can help you save money and balance commitments.
  • Access legal and financial assistance and resources – including Will Prep Services.

To access assistance, visit worklife.uprisehealth.com or call 800-386-7055 and use access code “worklife”.

New Job Announcements

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

BSC Store Clerk – Rock Island Arsenal

Education and work experience:

  • High School Diploma
  • No prior experience required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=83557&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=83558&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

BSC Store Clerk – GTMO

Education and work experience:

  • High School Diploma
  • No prior experience required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=83543&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=83544&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

For information about any employment opportunities with IFB Solutions please contact Brent Burkholder at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org or X5611.

 

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