IFB Beat – Week of July 24, 2023

A Message from the Editor

Greetings IFB! Lots of activity this week at the Winston-Salem Facility: read all about the ice cream social, new product arrival and more. If you’re in another location, I’d love to hear what’s new and share it with everyone – email me at apowell@ifbsolutions.org. For everyone at all locations, please review the safety tips in this week’s issue of the IFB Beat.

Like the Beat riddles? Enjoy solving this one: What goes up, but never comes down? Stroll the Beat and find the answer.

Thanks for reading and have a great week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager

apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Tips for a Safe and Productive Workplace
– What’s Happening on the Floor: Winston-Salem Facility Equipment Moves
– Winston-Salem Facility Ice Cream Social
– See what S.E.E. is Doing
– Adult Support Group Meetings
– CLVC Item of the Week

From Our Community

– Insider Corner

HR and Opportunities

– Benefit of the Week
– New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links

 

New this Week

Tips for a Safe and Productive Workplace

IFB Solutions is one of the largest employers of people who are blind in the US. With such a unique workforce of individuals who are sighted, low vision, and blind, there are several practices we need to consider to keep everyone safe and productive on the job.

Many times, we see the disability before we see the person. Unfortunately, we don’t always know how to interact. Although some tendencies are natural and good-natured, we forget to ask if our assistance is even needed. In upcoming editions of the IFB Beat, you will see tips on cane and guide dog etiquette for your safety and how to interact with your coworkers who are blind and have low vision. For the safety of all employees, please take time to read and follow these tips as we strive to model the core value of Business with a Heart.

General tips on interacting with your blind-low vision coworkers:

• Speak at a normal volume that you would for anyone else. Blindness doesn’t mean deafness!
• If you are introducing yourself or extending your hand for a handshake, please announce it. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m extending my hand to shake yours.”
• In a group setting, make sure to be clear to whom you are speaking to by using names.  Example, “Diana, what do you think of this idea?”
• Please announce yourself when entering a room or even passing in the workplace.  For example, “Hey Mike, it’s Ryan”.  It helps those who are blind or have low vision know who’s around and feel comfortable.
• If you are speaking with someone who is blind and you’re ready to leave, let them know. “Dave, I’m leaving. Talk to you later.”
• If you are giving a person who is blind or low vision material/work, please announce your action. “Jessie, I have more material/work for you.”
• Do your best to keep all walk paths clear of obstructions.
• There’s no need to constantly apologize for using words like “look” or “see,” as they are part of common language.
• If the person you want to speak to is blind and they are with a sighted companion walking or guiding them, speak directly to the blind person. Do not relay communication through someone else.
• If you see someone who is blind walking toward a trip hazard or potential danger, you can say something along the lines of, “Amber, stop walking there’s a forklift in front of you.”

Keep reading upcoming editions for more tips.

 

What’s Happening on the Floor: Winston-Salem Facility Equipment Moves

During May 2nd general assembly, we shared information about T-shirts and the Extreme Weather Outer Layer (EWOL) and Inclement Weather Outer Layer (IWOL) jackets moving from Little Rock to Winston’s facility. Well, T-shirts are here and it’s time for EWOL and IWOL to move in! To accommodate these new textile lines, some actions have been taken.

Maybe you’ve noticed several pieces of equipment from the mattress department were removed. This equipment was no longer utilized and sold. This move creates space on the manufacturing floor for new products to have a home. So, no worries! As you see things being rearranged, understand this change is for growth and new job opportunities. Keep reading upcoming editions, there is more to come!

 

Winston-Salem Facility Ice Cream Social Wednesday, July 26

Spread the Word! The Winston-Salem facility’s HR department will be hosting an Ice Cream Social on July 26 in the cafeteria. Come socialize with friends and enjoy ice cream during your last break!

 

See what S.E.E. is Doing

S.E.E. Day Camp Winston did lots of experiments with balloons. We built a car out of Legos, taped a balloon on top, and let the air escaping propel the car forward across the floor. We also used baking soda and vinegar reaction to expand balloons, used Pop Rocks in orange soda/Sprite/Coke to expand balloons, discovered what a balloon charged with static electricity would stick to, and much more.

 

Adult Support Group Meetings:

• Monday, July 24 Guide Dog support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
• Tuesday, July 25 Glaucoma support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.

 

 

CLVC Item of the Week:

Stylus Retractable Pen for $2.95

The discreet Retractable Pen-Type Safety Stylus looks like a pen, but it has no ink. The sturdy metal stylus, with its blunt, rounded tip extends for use at the press of a button. This multi-purpose stylus will serve the blind for writing Braille or using an electronic device that calls for a stylus. It’s also great for setting watches or operating small devices.

 

From Our Community

Insider Corner

This section is edited by Faith Harding. Have something to share? Email Faith at fharding@ifbsolutions.org. 

The Beat Riddle:

Thanks for strolling! You found the answer.

Question: What goes up, but never comes down?
Answer: Age.

 

HR & Opportunities

Your Benefit of the Week

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

If you are enrolled in IFB’s medical plan through Healthgram, take advantage of checking out prescription home delivery, a convenient service for members who take medications to treat a chronic condition on an ongoing basis, prescriptions are delivered directly to your door, so you never miss a dose.

You can contact RX benefits member support at 800.334.8134 or email CustomerCare@rxbenefits.com

Member Services assists you with questions or concerns regarding your pharmacy benefits such as:

• Benefit Details
• Claims Status
• Pharmacy Network
• Coverage Determination/Inquiries
• Mail and Specialty Scripts
• Pharmacy Information

New Job Announcements

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

Marketing and Design Assistant

Education and work experience:

• 2- or 4-year degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Advertising, Communications or similar required
• 3 months to 1-year prior experience through internship or freelance preferred
• Introductory photography skills with a basic grasp of lighting techniques preferred

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=67962&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=67963&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

For more 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

 

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)