The IFB Beat 2-24 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Greetings, everyone!

As February comes to a close, we wrap up Low Vision Awareness Month by sharing helpful tips for interacting with individuals who are blind. Take a moment to read, learn, and grow together.

In this week’s edition of The IFB Beat, note changes to the Winston-Salem Facility Canteen, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for the General Assembly on February 24 at 3:15 PM!

Quote of the week:

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller

Thank you for strolling The IFB Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

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

Quick Links:

New this Week

– February is Low Vision Awareness Month: Week 4
– Reminder: Winston-Salem Facility: February 24 General Assembly
– Winston-Salem Facility Canteen Update
– Programs Update: S.E.E. on Saturdays, Support Groups
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Reminder: Virtual Diabetes Prevention Classes

HR and Opportunities

– Reminder: Discounted Medical Premiums for ’25-’26
– New Job Announcements

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of The IFB Beat

February is Low Vision Awareness Month: Week 4

Low Vision Awareness Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the strength and resilience of individuals who are blind or have low vision, while also developing understanding and inclusion. Many people are unsure of how to interact with someone who is blind or has low vision. To help, we’ve gathered personal insights and practical tips from individuals who navigate the world differently but continue to thrive and inspire.

Here are their tips:

  • “A white cane signifies that the person using it has low to no vision. Only 15% of people who use a white cane, or a guide dog are totally blind; the rest of us have varying degrees of vision, but our vision isn’t reliable.”
  • “The words ‘see,’ ‘look,’ or ‘watch’ are totally okay when speaking to those of us who are blind or have low vision. These words do not make us uncomfortable because we do see, look, and watch—just differently than someone with full vision.”
  • “If you feel we may be in danger, yelling ‘Look out!’ or ‘Watch out!’ is not helpful. We can’t see what to look out for. Be specific: ‘Hey, stop! There’s a bike approaching on your right.'”
  • “Please do not try jumping over our cane or grabbing our mobility device or guide dog’s harness. We may not see your intentions, and it can be terrifying, triggering, or even cause injury.”
  • “Be specific when giving directions to someone who is low vision or blind. For example: ‘Walk about 30 feet in the direction you’re facing, then turn right before the crosswalk,’ rather than ‘Go that way and turn at the blue building.'”
  • “Say ‘Hello!’ A simple verbal greeting lets us know you’re there. It’s the equivalent of a nod or smile, and it also opens the door for us to ask for help if we need it. Plus, it treats us like everyone else—which is all anyone wants.”
  • “Announce yourself when entering or leaving a room. For example: ‘Hey Naomi, it’s Grant,’ or ‘Naomi, I’m stepping out.’ This helps us know who is present.”
  • “In group settings, be clear about whom you’re addressing. Instead of saying, ‘What do you think?’ say, “Ed, what do you think about this idea?”

No two people experience vision loss in the same way. Not all of us need or require help, and we’re all unique individuals. If you’re curious about how someone experiences the world, just ask! Losing sight has changed how we interact with the world, but it hasn’t changed who we are.

This Low Vision Awareness Month, let’s celebrate our shared humanity by learning and growing together.

 

Reminder: Winston-Salem Facility: February 24 General Assembly

There will be a General Assembly meeting held on the manufacturing floor on Monday, February 24 at 3:15pm. We’re looking forward to presenting employee of the month awards for November, December, and January. we will have updates from HR and the Community Low Vision Center, as well as remarks from Dan Kelly, President, and CEO.

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

 

Winston-Salem Facility Canteen Update

Starting the week of February 24, the price of M&M’s and Snickers in the Canteen will increase by $0.50 due to a price adjustment from our vending partner. We work hard to share these updates as soon as we receive them and appreciate your understanding and continued support.

 

IFB Programs Updates:

S.E.E. on Saturdays

Drew and Brandon at the build a quilt square

The latest S.E.E. on Saturdays event was exploring the Museum of Life and Science in Raleigh/Durham. We experienced climbing on logs and ropes, playing musical instruments in the sound garden, going through the butterfly house hoping a flying friend would land on us, riding the park train, walking around the 84 acres, building with tiles, learning about quilt patterns by making them with felt shapes, monitoring our stress levels as we listened to both calming music and annoying sounds, hearing transmissions from the space station, and so much more.

 

Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups:

If you’re interested in attending a support group, please review the update here: https://ifbsolutions.org/the-ifb-beat-12-16-edition/#two-d

  • Monday, February 24 Guide Dog support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Man holding ramble tag affixed to another person's arm.

Ramble Tag for $42.95

Ramble Tag is a simple yet clever device that allows a sighted individual to more easily guide a visually impaired person who is wanting a guiding arm.

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

 

From Our Community

Reminder: Blindness and Low Vision: Virtual Diabetes Prevention Classes Enroll Now!

Submitted by Toni Fraser, Low Vision Services Coordinator, and Accessible Pharmacy 

Join the Accessible Pharmacy Services Diabetes Lifestyle Coaches on a journey to a healthier you! We’re excited to announce new classes are starting this spring. Get healthy, stay healthy, and avoid diabetes with this virtual program fully funded by insurance!

Our courses are taught by blind and sighted Diabetes Lifestyle Coaches including a course in American Sign Language for the Deaf community.

Goals:

  1. Lose weight
  2. Learn healthy eating strategies
  3. Increase physical activity
  4. Identify and address barriers to healthy eating and physical activity

Duration (1-Year):

  • 22 virtual sessions spread out over the course of 1 year

The United States CDC has proven success:

  • Participants lowered their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 71%

Email Us to Register Now! info@AccessiblePharmacy.com

You can also click the link below to register:

Click Here to Register

 

HR & Opportunities

Reminder: Give yourself the chance to enjoy discounted medical premiums for the 2025-2026 benefit plan year.

Give yourself the chance to enjoy discounted medical premiums for the 2025-2026 benefit plan year.

  • Step 1: Complete a routine physical with labs.
  • Step 2: Schedule and attend a preventative dental cleaning.
  • Step 3: Don’t wait to submit a Proof of Physical form, itemized receipt, or confirmation letter—along with proof of a dental cleaning—to Tammy Powers’ office or via email at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolution.org. The submission deadline is May 31, 2025
  • Don’t wait – Your health and savings are worth it!

Links to Wellness Forms:

Wellness Routine Preventive Care Form

Dental Routine Preventive Care

 

New Job Announcements

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

Mattress Closer – Clemmons, NC Facility

Education and work experience:

  • Must have high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • 1-3 years mattress sewing experience desired

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=122381&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

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

IFB Beat Phone Lines

English line: 336-245-5691

Spanish line: 336-245-5663

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/86167111929?pwd=G9vSBWcnTFrMHixqb19TpU7q8sQW1N.1

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929

Passcode: 992614

One tap mobile

+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)

+16465588656,86167111929# US (New York)

888 475 4499 US Toll-free

877 853 5257 US Toll-free

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929