The IFB Beat 8-17 Edition

 

From the Editor

There’s a lot to catch up on in this week’s IFB Beat! From important reminders and upcoming opportunities to employee highlights and community news, be sure to take a few minutes to see what’s happening across IFB.

Here’s what you’ll find in this week’s edition:

– The Weekly Rundown: Reflections on 90 — The History of TAD’s Room
– Annual Plant Inventory: Upcoming inventory days in Clemmons and Winston-Salem
– Book Your Eye Exam: Asheville and Winston-Salem employees should schedule their September exams now
– Android 101: Build confidence using your Android phone
– Employee Spotlight: Get to know Asheville employee Chuck Gilbert
– Tap In: Follow IFB on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
– Community Corner: OryAn Battis’ new EP and Rainbow Tarts products
– Calling All Veterans: Eligible veterans may qualify for a free pair of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

 

Have a question for the IFB Beat? If you have an HR, history or event-related question you’d like to see answered in an upcoming edition, send it to apowell@ifbsolutions.org. You may see your question featured in the Beat!

Thanks for reading, and as always, keep checking the IFB Beat for the latest news, reminders and opportunities.

Quote of the week: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs

Anastasia Powell, Communications Manager
336-245-5698

 

 

Quick Links

– Winston-Salem Support Groups

HR & Opportunities

– Jobs

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Links
Beat Archives

 

The Weekly Rundown: Reflections on 90

This year, IFB proudly celebrates 90 years of creating jobs and changing lives for people who are blind. In celebration, we are sharing history, fun facts, and new, untold stories about team members.

Did you know? In 2006, the TAD’s Room opened in memory of Tad Garner, the son of longtime IFB Solutions supporter and generous donor Kathryn Garner, for whom our Volunteer of the Year Award is also named.

The creation of the TAD’s Room marked an important step in expanding support services for employees who are blind or visually impaired. Through this space, IFB began offering training and resources designed to build independence and confidence, including instruction in assistive technology, independent living skills, Braille, and employee support groups.

These services continue to play an important role in helping employees develop skills that support both their work and everyday life.

 

Annual Plant Inventory Schedule

Our annual plant inventories are just around the corner! Please mark your calendars with the dates below and plan accordingly.

Schedule

• Clemmons warehouse: August 26, 27 and 28
• Winston-Salem plant: September 16, 17 and 18

Additional information and instructions will be shared by your supervisor as each inventory date approaches. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in helping make this year’s inventories a success!

 

Book Your Eye Exam

Are you due for your yearly exam or need a quick checkup? Book an appointment with a low vision specialist today! Visually impaired employees can receive an eye exam for $40.

Asheville, September 9: Dr. Quilla
Winston-Salem, September 10: Dr. Street

To schedule an appointment, Asheville employees should contact Grant Weathers at 828-667-9778. Winston-Salem employees should contact Charity Hampton at 336-245-5672.

 

Android 101

Want to get more out of your Android phone? Whether you’re new to Android or want to build your confidence, these hands-on classes are designed to help you succeed.

Classes will cover the basics, including:

• Tapping and swiping with confidence
• Navigating your phone using accessibility features
• Opening and using common apps
• Tips and tricks to make everyday tasks easier

If you’re interested, let your supervisor know. They will work with Morgan Dugan to schedule your appointment and get you started. Learning new technology can help you stay connected, work more efficiently and gain greater independence. Sign up today and keep learning!

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Chuck Gilbert, Asheville Facility

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Chuck Gilbert at our Asheville facility. Chuck has been part of the IFB family for 12 years and brings not only his dedication to the workplace, but also a love of music, family and reading.

Get to know Chuck a little better below:

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was raised in Anderson, South Carolina.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been at IFB for 12 years. I learned about IFB through the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, which led me to the organization.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I play the saxophone, and I also create songs on my keyboard.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Chicken and dumplings!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: The work atmosphere. The employees all work together as a team.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: “Put God first, and always strive to do the best in everything.”

Special thanks to Administrative Assistant Denice Drake for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

Tap In

Did you know that IFB is active on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn? Check out this week’s post — a #ThrowbackThursday to IFB’s earlier days, and give us a follow!

Access on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

 

 

Winston-Salem 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

Support Group Meetings For The Week:

• Tuesday, August 18: Veterans support group meeting from noon-1 p.m. in TAD’s Room
• Thursday, August 20: On The Spectrum support group meeting from noon-1 p.m. in TAD’s Room

Community Corner

Music with Impact

Tune into another great release from OryAn Battis: OryAn, a talented blind musician, recently released a new seven-track EP titled SO, and this project is especially meaningful because it marks his first collaboration with another visually impaired artist.

The artist he collaborated with is a female musician from Louisville, Kentucky. Together, they created a project that blends R&B and rap into a quick, 19-minute listen.

The EP’s title, SO, has a special meaning: the “S” stands for Solo, and the “O” stands for OryAn.

We’re proud to spotlight OryAn and celebrate his creativity, talent and collaboration with another artist who is visually impaired. Be sure to give SO a listen and show our blind artist some support!

🎧 Listen to SO on YouTube here.

Congratulations, OryAn! We can’t wait to hear what you create next! 🎤🔥

Shop Rainbow Tarts

Submitted by Carl Williams

Interested in supporting a blind-owned business? Looking for an easy and affordable way to bring your favorite smells to your home or give as a gift? Look no further.

We have wax melts, warmers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners and more. See Carl Williams (Tina Jolly’s department), call 336-970-0650, email info@rainbowtarts.com or visit https://www.rainbowtarts.com. Check back often for sales!

We braille products upon request at no charge and ship within the US via priority flat rate mail. Rainbow Tarts — where everything makes scents!

 

HR & Opportunities

Calling All Veterans

If you are a veteran employee who is legally blind, defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with best correction or a visual field of 20 degrees or less (verified through a VA disability rating decision or SSA determination), you may be eligible to receive a FREE pair of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses through a special program supported by Meta and the National Industries for the Blind (NIB).

These AI-powered smart glasses can help enhance independence, accessibility and everyday living.

If you’re interested in learning more or applying, please contact Amber Frederick by email at afrederick@ifbsolutions.org or by phone at (336) 245-5619. She will guide you through the entire process, including determining eligibility, completing the application and answering any questions you may have. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

 

 

Jobs

Customer Service Representative — CSC

Education and Work Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Two years’ customer service experience is preferred.
• If applicable, demonstrated proficiency in the use of assistive technology is required with either JAWS and/or ZOOM text for visual adaptation.
• Being bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

External candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/240290

Internal candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/240291?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

Shipping Packer – Fulfillment Operations (Asheville)

Education and Work Experience

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• On-the-job-training will be provided.

External candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/240489

Internal candidates may apply at

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/240490?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

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

 

Support Group Zoom Links

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