LACKAWANNA BLIND ASSOCIATION
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Mission Statement
The mission of Lackawanna Blind Association is to support and promote the interests of the blind and visually impaired, and the prevention of avoidable blindness in our community.
About This Cause
History The Lackawanna Blind Association was founded in November 1912 by Dr. E. G. Frye and Col. L. A. Watres. The original location was at 721 Mulberry Street, Scranton. In 1945 the permanent headquarters was established at 228 Adams Avenue through a grant from Eugenie E. Shopland, in memory of her husband. The Prevention of Blindness Program was established in 1968, in 1976 the Creative Crafts Center was established and in 1980 the Pell Radio Reading Service was established. In 2008 a Visual Support Center was created providing a variety of magnifiers and assistive aid products. An Audio Book Library was established in 2008. In 2009 the Pell Radio Reading Service partnered with the University of Scranton’s Radio Station WUSR. In 2012, in partnership with the faculty and students of the University of Scranton’s Department of Occupational Therapy, the Creative Crafts Center was transformed into the Sensory Development Program, providing instruction in activities designed to increase functional capacities to help enable clients maintain their independence. In 2012, with help from a grant from the Margaret Briggs Foundation, the Access Technology Computer Center was established, where clients may receive instruction in adaptive technologies such as Zoom Text, JAWS and Guide. Programs and Services Prevention of Blindness • Blindness Prevention Specialist and “Volunteers for Vision” conduct pre-school vision testing at preschools, head starts and at kindergarten registrations, as well as interactive eye health and safety educational programs featuring “C-Well Bunny.” • “Magic World of Vision,” a four-part eye health and safety educational program and eye safety poster contest, is conducted yearly with every third grader in Lackawanna County. Selected winning eye safety posters are included in a coloring book which is handed out at kindergarten registrations and health fairs. • Information on eye care, industrial eye safety, eye diseases, and children’s vision are available upon request. • Adult vision screenings and educational programs on eye diseases and eye safety are offered at the agency as well as senior centers, civic clubs, health fairs and industrial sites. Eye Care and Visual Support Center • Assistance in purchase of reduced cost or free eye glasses and eye exams for community members who would otherwise be unable to afford them. • Variety of magnifiers and assistive aid products. Access Technology Center • Computer instruction in adaptive technologies such as Zoom Text, JAWS and Guide. Client Support Services • Caseworkers visit blind and visually impaired individuals in the comfort of their home in order to offer many services including: adjustment and support services including reading mail, paperwork, etc. • Provide information and referrals regarding blind pension, medical assistance, eye care, meals, and transportation. • Caseworkers and volunteer drivers are available on a case by case basis to escort clients to medical appointments and shopping. • Digital Talking Book Players and Cassette Book Machines and Low Vision aids available upon request. • Referrals for cane and travel instruction. • Arrange chore services when necessary. • Conversion of documents to Braille. • Instruction in life skills provided by staff, certified dietitians, lawyers, and other professionals. • Sensory development activities designed by faculty and student volunteers from the University of Scranton’s Department of Occupational Therapy. Social Activity Program • Provide recreation, social and educational programs such as descriptive movies, audio book club, exercise instruction, field trips, and cultural affairs. • Special events, including summer picnic and Christmas party, hosted by agency. • Monthly newsletter and calendar of events printed and taped for all clients Radio Reading Program • Pell Radio Reading Service broadcasts live from the University of Scranton’s radio station, WUSR, 99.5 FM, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., hosted by specially trained volunteers. These informative broadcasts include reading of The Times-Tribune, eye safety and eye health information, and agency news. • Radio Reading Service broadcasts are on the University of Scranton’s website at www.wusrfm.com (99.5 FM) Transportation Service • Agency’s van provides door to door escort and transportation services to and from the activities hosted at the agency. • Caseworkers provide escort and transportation services to clients on a case by case basis to medical appointments and shopping. • Agency authorizes the County of Lackawanna Transit System office to issue passes to eligible clients.