by Carly Eden Stokes | Mar 21, 2022 | Blog, News
The Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee has awarded a grant of $37,000 to Vision Loss Alliance of NJ to design and implement a hybrid model of program service delivery: in-person classes and virtual sessions via Zoom.
The approach addresses the most significant needs impacting VLANJ clients before, during, and continuing into the post-COVID-19 climate. Program participants and the community will benefit through expanded access to information and training; flexible, cost-effective services; greater diversity and geographic reach; a wider range of service options; and individualized supports and services.
Thank you to the Lydia Collins de Forest Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee for making these opportunities a reality for our program participants!
by Carly Eden Stokes | Dec 21, 2021 | Blog, News
A letter from VLANJ’s CEO, William Schuldt:
What can change the ordinary to the extraordinary? What can help a person with vision loss find happiness and fulfill their dreams? With your help, Vision Loss Alliance of NJ has been doing just that for 78 years.
Ming, a wife, a mother, a writer, and a Vision Loss Alliance of NJ trustee, was born with a genetic disorder that would affect her sight and will eventually lead to total blindness. Today, she is legally blind and can only see light and shadows. While she describes her life as ordinary — I want to share with you how someone with vision loss accomplishes the extraordinary, while living that ordinary life.
You have most likely experienced a day when the demands are varied and often exhausting — with vision. Ming describes her typical morning much as yours: waking early, choosing clothes, dressing, making breakfast for the family, and getting the children ready for school. After checking that each child has her homework, snacks, water bottles, and anything else needed for the day, you take them to school. Imagine for a moment how you would get through your morning without full use of your vision, as Ming does. She will frankly say, “Parents who are blind face the same challenges as other parents, but must find different ways to address those challenges.”
As a trustee who has lived with sight loss and learned different ways of doing things, Ming highlights VLANJ’s unique approach:
• VLANJ core programs are a combination of skills-based classes and sessions that focus on mental well-being. These comprehensive services provide emotional support while covering all the basic skills that people with vision loss need to relearn. It is important to have the fundamental skills in place before moving forward, which leads to the next point.
• What sets VLANJ apart from other providers is that services do not stop at basic skills. Our range of programs, while building on basics, helps clients apply those skills to their unique lives. This is critical, because as people lose their vision, they not only want to do the basic things in life but, like everyone, they want to keep learning and enriching their lives. Ming believes that you can cultivate well-being and happiness despite losing your vision when you have the skills and supports to make that choice. For Ming, her happiness meant regaining her lost passion — ballet. She wanted to feel that joy again. After what she calls “endless procrastination,” she faced her fear of not being able to dance with her limited sight. As Ming stood in the entrance to her building clutching her cane and sending her usual message to the Uber driver to look out for her, she was full of questions. “Will I find the studio?” “Will I be able to keep up with the class?” “Will they mind that I cannot see?”
She considered each challenge. “I couldn’t see to walk or drive to the class so I ordered the Uber and told the driver I couldn’t see. He helped me. I couldn’t find the studio, so I rang the doorbell and was guided by a friendly person who occupied the first floor of the building. He helped me find the studio. I couldn’t see the teacher demonstrating, so I listened very carefully to his instructions. I was dancing!”
It was far from perfect, but for each obstacle there was a workaround. Ming explains, “I know we’d rather not need workarounds; I’d much prefer to just go to ballet class like everyone else. But it was worth the struggle, as my reward was the enjoyment of dancing and a confirmation that I could do this, even if it was hard.”
Now that Ming is dancing again, her challenge to you is this: “What is your ballet? What would fulfill your dreams and spark your passion? What is your blindness? What is holding you back? I urge you to get past the obstacles and live your dreams! The more we can find enjoyment in life without our “blindness” as the focus, the more peace we will feel. This is a journey we all can take, but it is sweeter if we have company along the way.”
Please make a gift today that will not only help those with vision loss find their passion, but may also help you to up your happiness game! You can support VLANJ here: https://www.vlanj.org/donations/
Yours sincerely,
William Schuldt, CEO
P.S. Your gift means that when a person loses their vision, they can access the support they need to keep living their lives. Please give your proudest gift today.
by Carly Eden Stokes | Oct 6, 2021 | Blog, News
Bill Schuldt smiles into the camera with green foliage behind him.
Dear Friend,
I am excited to be welcoming participants back to our Denville and Ridgewood locations this month, and I’m looking forward to meeting more of the VLANJ community. (It was a pleasure meeting more than two dozen people over Zoom back in May.) While our virtual programming kept staff and students connected during the pandemic, there’s nothing like gathering in person, to learn with and support one another.
In my first months as president and CEO, I find myself impressed by the drive and commitment of our staff, students, and trustees. We are busy developing plans for robust offerings going forward, a combination of in-person and online classes. This will be a work in progress, as we learn what works and strike a balance for using our current resources.
We resumed in-person Better Health and Wellness classes this month, with COVID-19 protocols in place. Rather than have all students attend on a single day, we will host two weekly sessions, with roughly half of participants attending each. Everyone will be required to wear masks. As always, our goal is to keep us all healthy.
Virtual classes have been invaluable during the pandemic, and we were proud to roll out new programs for healthy aging. We have Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center Community Health Committee to thank for the grant that funds LIFT, STRIVE, and the newest addition, ARISE, a virtual speaker series which will feature a variety of topics designed to motivate and inspire people with vision loss to achieve their best selves.
I want to acknowledge a generous — and unexpected — bequest we recently received from the estate of a VLANJ supporter. We are honored to be remembered in her will. VLANJ is so grateful to donors who contribute monthly and annually but hope more supporters will also include us in their estate planning. Over VLANJ’s 78-year history, bequests have played an important role in our funding. We are establishing a legacy society so supporters can inform us of their intended gift, allowing us to plan accordingly.
Know that VLANJ’s work of empowering people with vision loss in all aspects of life could not happen without our supporters. I look forward to getting to know more of you in the coming months. Please feel free to reach out to me by phone or email with your ideas and questions. Wishing you well.
Sincerely,
Bill Schuldt
VLANJ President and CEO
wschuldt@vlanj.org
(973) 627-0055 ext. 1333
by Carly Eden Stokes | Oct 6, 2021 | Blog, News
Claudia Schreiber devoted her life to lightening the burden of others. In death, she continues to support the visually impaired, funding programs at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey that once helped her.
Claudia died May 26 from colon cancer at age 61, leaving behind dear family and friends, and a legsight acy that will fortify VLANJ programs for years to come.
Claudia Schreiber stands in front of tables full of people smiling, holding a white cane.
“Claudia wanted to be sure programs receive the funds, because that’s where her passions lay,” said Michelle Bookbinder, Claudia’s friend of 20 years. Days before her death, the mother of two donated $10,000 to establish The Claudia Schreiber Program Fund. She asked that friends and loved ones continue to contribute to the VLANJ fund in her memory, Bookbinder said.
The Marlboro resident was an artist and entrepreneur, as well as an advocate for the visually impaired, becoming a VLANJ trustee in 2018.
“Claudia was a very active trustee from the start, always giving wise counsel,” Board of Trustees Chair Carl Augusto said. As chair of the board’s program committee, Claudia championed strong technology programs, including the Technology Learning Lab, Augusto said. “She was admired and inspired by everyone she met,” he said.
Claudia lost her vision completely in 2005, and diligently figured out ways to adapt. The advent of the iPhone “really opened up her world,” Bookbinder said. She happily shared what she learned, teaching others with vision loss useful smartphone apps and the voiceover program that could help in their daily life. Sometimes, she simply listened to their concerns.
“She really liked helping people in a personal way,” Bookbinder added.
An autoimmune disease began affecting Claudia’s vision in her early 20s, two decades before she became blind. In 2008, she began attending VLANJ, taking a class that rekindled her passion for art. The first piece she created was a self-portrait with clay. The instructor “gave me the courage to get back into my life,” Claudia said in a 2019 interview. “I fell in love with this organization.”
For three years, Claudia ran an art program for the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association in Monmouth County, volunteering her time and donating the supplies. Claudia served as president of the nonprofit’s governing board.
Claudia taught art classes and served as a peer support facilitator for the New Jersey Commission for the Blind, overseeing four support groups. People “need to learn that life isn’t over because they’ve lost their sight,” Claudia said.
For VLANJ’s virtual Dining in the Dark event during the pandemic last fall, Claudia allowed herself to be video recorded preparing a meal of tomato basil pasta with garlic bread. She showed viewers techniques for safely chopping onion and garlic and accurately measuring ingredients. The segment was supposed to run five minutes, but Claudia was so charming, they gave her 20 minutes, Augusto said.
Claudia supported VLANJ’s mission through generous annual gifts. She also donated items for silent auctions and recruited an entourage to attend VLANJ’s fundraisers. “She was one of the most giving trustees,” Augusto said.
By donating to Claudia’s fund, supporters can help Claudia’s memory live on. To contribute, contact Jennifer Singer, vice president of development and communications, at 973-627-0055, ext. 1323 or jsinger@vlanj.org.
by admin | Aug 26, 2021 | Events, News
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT!
Due to overwhelming participation, we have met our capacity and will no longer be selling tickets to this event. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Please return to the site for information and stay tuned for upcoming events.
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT!
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to postpone our annual Dining in the Dark event until October 2022. We will, however, be hosting a smaller more intimate event following all social distancing and safety guidelines where we can all be safe and enjoy! Proof of vaccination will not be required. Masks will be required as you enter the building and anytime you are away from your table.
Please join us on October 28, 2021, for A Four Senses Wine and Cheese Pairing. Experience a journey beyond sight!
Enter a world of taste, smell, sound, and touch as you enjoy a unique sensory experience like no other.
**Each table of four guests will receive 1 bottle of red wine, 1 bottle of white wine and a cheese platter.
**Only 60 tickets will be sold!
Please contact Jennifer Singer, VP of Development and Communications at (973) 627- 0055 ext. 1323, jsinger@vlanj.org for more information or to request a non-alcohol option.
We strive to present an enjoyable and safe event so that we may raise critical funds needed to provide services for people with vision loss or blindness. As such, the format of the event may be modified to comply with COVID-19 restrictions or mandates.
by Carly Eden Stokes | Aug 24, 2021 | Blog
Debbie Azzarone via The Blind Vine has written about how as her vision has declined, there are things she doesn’t feel as comfortable cooking and baking as she used to feel.
Read on for some of The Blind Vine‘s tasty recipes (dessert, breakfast, even dinner!) that don’t require flipping, checking for browning, and other steps that those with low vision may want to avoid.
1. Cheesecake Flavored Ambrosia
Dessert ambrosia with fruit on top sits in a bowl.
Ingredients
1 (29-ounce) can Dole fruit cocktail, drained
1 (8-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and rinsed
1 (1-ounce) box cheesecake flavor Sugar-Free Jell-O pudding
8 ounces Daisy sour cream
3 cups Cool Whip
1 cup Jet-Puffed miniature marshmallows
Instructions
Drain all fruit. If fruit was packed in syrup, rinse in c old water and drain.
Combine fruit cocktail, pineapple, mandarin oranges and cherries in a large bowl. Sprinkle with cheesecake flavored pudding mix and stir to coat. Add in sour cream and Cool Whip and stir well.
Fold in marshmallows and chill for at least one hour before serving.
2. No-Flip Omelet
A no-flip omelet is featured in a skillet and cut up on plates.
Mix your eggs, and two tablespoons water, a little salt, etc. into a fry pan. Put all of the toppings in the eggs. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Top with cheese until it’s melted. Fold the omelet over. Voila! A no-flip omelet.
3. Beer Crockpot Chicken
A close-up view of seasoned crock pot chicken.
You can play around with your seasonings. These are just a suggestion. You can also use fresh chicken or use frozen breasts, and either cook on low all day or cook for five hours on high. Adjust the heat according to your time on hand.
4-6 Chicken Breasts or 1 Whole or cut up Chicken
1 Can of any kind of Beer
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Basil
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
*You can use whatever spices you like
Put all ingredients into crockpot
If frozen cook on high 4-5 hours or low 8-10
If fresh cook on high 3-4 hrs. or low 7-8 hours if fresh
by Carly Eden Stokes | Aug 15, 2021 | Blog, News
For those who are blind or visually impaired, who “may not notice arrows on the floor directing foot traffic that have no texture to be felt,” such [COVID-19] safety measures “present additional obstacles for safely navigating the pandemic-era world.”
Read the full article by Well + Good about being visually impaired during the pandemic – and know that you and/or your loved ones are not alone in finding it difficult to navigate:
CLICK HERE
by Carly Eden Stokes | Jul 22, 2021 | Blog, News
Becca Meyers, a six-time Paralympic medalist who is deaf and blind, will miss the Tokyo Paralympics after being told she could not bring her Personal Care Assistant — her mother, Maria Meyers — to the Summer Games.
She called her decision to quit Team USA “gut-wrenching, and wrote: “So, in 2021, why as a disabled person am I still fighting for my rights?”
An image of Becca Meyers is depicted with the headline: “This deaf-blind Paralympian was told to navigate Tokyo alone. So she quit Team USA. Image/headline via New York Post.”
As Meyers has stated of being deaf and blind, “We must continue to fight and advocate for ourselves so that future generations can have an easier tomorrow.” Accessibility matters, inclusion matters, and disability rights matter. Read more about Becca’s story here.
by Carly Eden Stokes | Jun 20, 2021 | Blog, News
Echolocation is shared by many species, including whales and dolphins – even people can learn how to use it!
Now, new research shows that both sighted people and those who are blind can learn how to echolocate using clicking noise, either from one’s own mouth, footsteps, or walking cane taps, after just 10 weeks of training.
The VLANJ logo and an image via Discover Magazine depicting how human echolocation works is featured, with text that reads: “Human Echolocation: How It Works. Clicking noise creates ongoing sound waves. Sound bounces off object. Returning echo activates the visual processing area (circled) in the brain of an experienced echolocator.” Text below reads: “Blind Individuals Who See By Sound.”
by Carly Eden Stokes | Jun 2, 2021 | Blog, News
As originally reported by the Morristown Daily Record, Josh Schneider of North Haledon, a member of the New York Metro Blind Hockey Team, organized a learn-to-skate clinic for the visually impaired at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House in Newark on Sunday, May 23rd, 2021. Learn more here: dailyrecord.com
Josh Schneider is pictured in full hockey uniform on the ice.
by Carly Eden Stokes | May 25, 2021 | Blog, News
A team of scientists announced Monday that they had partially restored the sight of a blind man by building light-catching proteins in one of his eyes. Their report, which appeared in the journal Nature Medicine, is the first published study to describe the successful use of this treatment.
Depicted is a 58-year old volunteer with a genetic form of blindness in an experiment.
Click here to learn more: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/24/science/blindness-therapy-optogenetics.html?action=click&module=In%20Other%20News&pgtype=Homepage
by Carly Eden Stokes | May 9, 2021 | Blog
VLANJ annually serves 1200 people with vision loss and their families.
We provided 871 instructional hours of service through 26 class offerings in 2020.
VLANJ program participants report a 95% satisfaction rate for our virtual classes.
VLANJ was able to translate our live programs and create virtual classes within two weeks of being closed by the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Did you know people with vision loss and blindness can use a smart phone or computer completely independently with the aid of magnification or built-in screen reading technology?
by Carly Eden Stokes | May 9, 2021 | Blog
2020 was a year like no other. We are grateful to our donors who continued to support our mission. VLANJ provided virtual support to help our program participants feel connected during an uncertain time. We received over $7000,000 in 2020, an 18% increase over last year, and were able to offer our virtual programs free of charge. We hope the accomplishments of VLANJ this past year are a source of pride for our donors who made this possible.
A special thank you to our Giving Circles donors. Your gifts had a significant impact on our programs! And to our new donors in 2020, welcome and thank you for choosing to support VLANJ!
2020 Giving Circles
2020 Presidents Circle 14 Gifts of $5,000 or more
2020 Benefactors Circle 7 Gifts of $2,500-$4,999
2020 Patrons Circle 17 Gifts of $1,000- $2499
2020 Friends Circle 37 Gifts of $500- $999
2020 Loyalty Circle 155 Gifts of 5 years of consecutive giving
by Carly Eden Stokes | May 9, 2021 | Blog, News
Ming Wu
VLANJ Board Member Ming Wu.
Ming has spent most of her career working in business development and marketing in the legal sector. She has worked for international law firms in the UK and in Hong Kong. She has a BSc (Hons) Psychology from the University of Leeds. Originally from the UK, Ming now lives in New Jersey. In recent years Ming has volunteered for UK based non-profits, The Royal National Institute for the Blind and Wakefield District Sight Aid. Ming has a passion for improving the lives of people living with sight loss and raising awareness of related topics, which she writes about on her blog.
Frank Mortimer
VLANJ Board Member Frank Mortimer.
Frank worked in higher education publishing for over twenty-five years. He was the Director of Marketing, Higher Education, North America at Oxford University Press, a not-for-profit, mission-driven
institution, where he was responsible for all facets of their marketing operations for a $54 million portfolio of print and digital products across the United States and Canada. Frank is currently an adjunct instructor at the Cornell University Master Beekeeping Program, Vice President of the New Jersey State Beekeepers Association, and a Certified Master Beekeeper. Frank is the author of Bee People and the Bugs They Love, (Kensington Publishing, March 2021), which was reviewed by the New York Times, and
he has written multiple articles featured in the widely circulated Bee Culture Magazine. Frank also serves on Ridgewood, New Jersey’s Parks, Recreation and Conservation Board. Frank is married and lives in Ridgewood with his wife and three children.
Dora Meler
VLANJ Board Member Dora Meler
Dora has more than 37 years’ experience in the IT field implementing and running technology and product solutions for financial services firms. After earning a B.S. Degree in Computer Science from Queens College in New York, she enjoyed a full career within the global investment banking industry, working most recently as Vice President/Senior Technology Project Manager at Barclays in NYC before retiring in 2018. Despite being diagnosed with glaucoma in her late 20s and experiencing a slow, steady loss of vision in the years that followed, she has continued to pursue her many interests. These include world travel, learning new language and musical instrument skills, and enjoying the outdoors through camping, hiking, tandem cycling and cross-country skiing, all while following a healthy lifestyle including practicing daily meditation.
by Carly Eden Stokes | May 9, 2021 | Blog, News
Dear Friend,
Kris Marino smiles into the camera.
March 17, 2020 marked the last day VLANJ met in person before New Jersey went into lockdown. We had no idea how long the COVID-19 crisis would last, only that we had to keep our community supported and together. I’d always wanted to offer programs online, and the pandemic became a catalyst. Within two weeks, we pivoted to virtual classes over Zoom.
Over the months, we added programs and enrollment tripled. We now have more students attending weekly than ever before. Virtual programming transcends one of the biggest obstacles people with vision loss face: a lack of transportation options. We continue to develop new programming and prepare for the time we can safely restart in-person gatherings.
As I look back on my 6 ½ years at the helm of this wonderful organization, I am proud of the strides we’ve made. I oversaw the nonprofit’s transition from NJ Foundation for the Blind to VLANJ in 2016, as we stabilized our finances and created more skills-based programming. We hosted nonprofit summits to find solutions to shared challenges. We added occupational therapy and negotiated with Medicare and private insurers to cover the services. And we launched the Technology Learning Lab, planting seeds for more employment-geared training in the future.
My decision to relocate was not an easy one. I am sad to be leaving people who are dear to me, who inspire me daily. I remember touring the nonprofit as part of Leadership Morris years ago. I was so impressed that I applied for the top job as soon as it opened.
I leave VLANJ on a high note, confident my successor will build on the foundation we created. The hardest thing is not getting to say goodbye in person. So here, I bid adieu to everyone in our VLANJ community, and wish you all good health and good fortune. Always remember, we’re the little engine that could.
Sincerely,
Kris Marino
VLANJ President and CEO
by Carly Eden Stokes | May 9, 2021 | Blog, News
It’s 2021 and over a year since New Jersey ordered the closure of businesses, including
nonprofits. Remember those first weeks of the pandemic? Frightening daily news accounts of mounting COVID-19 cases. Empty shelves and long lines at grocery stores. The Zoom learning curve. Fear of other people, yet a longing for human contact.
VLANJ students attend a virtual class.
Now imagine, if you will, what the pandemic has been like for people with vision loss, who
uniquely rely on touch and proximity to others to navigate and communicate. Public
transportation options cancelled. An inability to see 6 feet means you cannot maintain mandated
social distances, and rules are listed on signs you cannot read. You struggle to use online
shopping apps and virtual conferencing platforms that were not designed with vision impairment
in mind.
“A lot of our participants stayed home because they weren’t able to navigate the COVID-
pandemic world, and that heightened isolation. We looked for solutions that brought people
back together in a virtual environment,” said Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey Program
Director Elsa Zavoda.
In response to the closure order, VLANJ quickly pivoted to online wellness classes, skills
training, and enrichment opportunities for adults with vision loss. We started by offering classes
in using the Zoom video conferencing platform and how to access various shopping apps to help
people obtain necessities such as food and prescriptions. We then moved to classes that helped
participants stay connected, share advice, and give one another support. Transportation was no
longer a barrier to participation.
Through these efforts, VLANJ’s enrollment increased three-fold in 2020, as people from across
the state and beyond logged in or called in to a growing list of virtual programs. About 200
people signed up for at least one offering — and most for two or more — over the winter
session.
Delores ‘Dee’ Eliassen had only recently given up driving before the pandemic, so she was
grateful when VLANJ went virtual. Dee states “Why it has been wonderful! The changes and
isolation that came in the last year from COVID have been incredibly stressful. It’s wonderful
that virtual learning has allowed me to do more than I was ever able to in the program. Now I
participate daily. I exercise, do Yoga, have organized my kitchen for safety and easy cooking,
and even meditate. Of course, I miss friends and the staff, but the Zoom meetings bring everyone
together and without the stress of transportation – there is so much I can do.”
Through VLANJ’s pivot to virtual programming, individuals with vision loss have sought and
found a community of support, education, and skills development. What we have seen in their
efforts to address COVID restrictions was a tremendous resiliency and a flexibility to embrace
new strategies to achieve their goals.
by Carly Eden Stokes | May 4, 2021 | Blog, News, Press, Press Releases
Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey welcomes William Schuldt, a seasoned nonprofit professional, as its new president and CEO!
William Schuldt, VLANJ’s New President and CEO, is smiling.
“Bill has solid management experience, and a passion for serving people with disabilities,” VLANJ Board of Trustees President Carl Augusto said. Schuldt’s selection by the VLANJ’s board of trustees culminated a nationwide search, Augusto noted. “We feel he’s a perfect fit to guide us toward growth and new heights of accomplishment.”
“I’m very excited to join VLANJ,” Schuldt said. “I’m very passionate about helping people with disabilities live their best life, and maximizing their independence.” Schuldt replaces Kris Marino, who led VLANJ for 6 ½ years.
Schuldt worked 33 years at Spectrum for Living, an organization serving more than 800 adults with developmental disabilities in New Jersey. He began his career working directly with clients, but moved into management positions over the years. He most recently served as vice president for operations.
“The connection with our clients is the most exciting thing to me. They feel like family,” the New Jersey native said. Schuldt said he was moved watching a recording of VLANJ’s 2020 virtual Dining in the Dark fundraiser and hearing participants’ stories about the impactful role the nonprofit has played in their lives.
Schuldt plans to work with VLANJ staff to expand quality virtual programming, while also preparing to reopen in-person classes. VLANJ quickly pivoted to online classes when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Enrollment increased three-fold, as people from across the state and beyond logged in or called in to a growing list of virtual programs.
“It’s time to take it to the next level,” said Schuldt, the father of three daughters. Schuldt’s other priorities for VLANJ include forming alliances and connections with other providers, and continuing to expand its exposure throughout the region and state. Schuldt and his wife, Sherrine, live in Hawthorne.
VLANJ, one of the state’s longest-serving nonprofits for adults who are blind or visually impaired, intends to expand services to meet the growing need, Augusto said. More than 160,000 New Jersey residents are blind or have severe vision loss, and that number is expected to increase as the population ages. By 2034, adults age 60 and over are projected to make up 25.4% of the state population.
by Carly Eden Stokes | Apr 12, 2021 | Blog, News
Ming Wu, VLANJ Board Member
This delicious recipe was shared by one of our VLANJ Board Members, Ming Wu, and no scales are required – only an empty “yoghurt pot,” a.k.a. just a regular yogurt container!
Yogurt Container Chocolate Cake
As Ming Wu explains, “As I am vision impaired, I can’t use traditional scales. Large font digital scales and talking scales are good alternatives, but they do take a bit of extra effort. Sometimes, that is absolutely fine, but when you need cake in a hurry and you have two small children in the kitchen ‘helping’, simple is best. This is where the yoghurt pot (yogurt container) method comes into its own.”
Click here to get the full, easy and tasty recipe via Ming Wu’s blog, “A Blinding Light.”
by Carly Eden Stokes | Apr 4, 2021 | Blog, News
Via the National Federation of the Blind, it was announced that Amazon is to expand employment opportunities at Amazon Fulfillment Centers, making them more accessible to workers who are blind.
The Amazon logo is featured on a dark purple background.
Beginning in July 2021 and continuing through 2022, Amazon will provide accessible technology and accommodations to make fulfillment center job paths accessible to employees with blindness. They will also work with the NFB to identify accessibility solutions and innovations for employees who are blind. Learn more by clicking
here!
by Carly Eden Stokes | Apr 2, 2021 | Blog, News
VLANJ Board Member Ming Wu
VLANJ board member Ming Wu has a passion for improving the lives of people living with sight loss, and she often helps to raise awareness about related topics. She writes on her blog about how “…as a visually impaired woman, I find very few skincare and beauty products are designed with people like me in mind. I sometimes feel like the fashion and beauty industry has forgotten about visually impaired women.”
Click
here to read more about
Ming‘s perspective on this topic!
