North Carolina Central University

About Us : Newsletters : VITP Visionaire Fall 2003

Please Note: As this is an archive of a previous newsletter, information may no longer be applicable. At time of original publication, however, all information was verified as accurate. The format of this publication may differ from what was originally published, and may include ommissions such as no longer-relavent contact information.

Vol. 6 Number 1
Fall 2003

Welcome to Our New Faculty Member
The search to fill the recently vacated faculty position has been completed, and the newest member of our team has arrived. We would like to welcome Dr. Alana Zambone as our new VI/Deafblind Coordinator. With Dr. Zambone's appointment, Dr. Walker has assumed the duties as O&M Coordinator. Dr. Zambone can be contacted at 919.530.5346 or azambone AT earthlink DOT net.

Distance Education Schedule Announced
The Spring 2004 Distance Education Schedule has been announced. The following classes will be offered either via online or via teleclassroom:

Contact Dr. Alana Zambone for more details concerning these offerings at 919.530.5346 or azambone AT earthlink. DOT net.

Related-Services
Recent changes in certification standards by ACVREP (The Academy) now allow the VITP to support professionals who wish to pursue Academy Certification in Low Vision (CLVT) and Rehabilitation Teaching (RTC) in addition to Orientation and Mobility (COMS). Anyone interested in pursuing these programs of study should contact Dr. Brad R. Walker at 919.715.6342.

Attention Students and Professionals - Career Opportunity
The North Carolina Division of Blind Services is looking for a qualified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) to develop and implement program direction and policy for client low vision assessment services and statewide low vision training. Interested parties may contact Ms. Jan Fesperman at 919.733.9700 or Dr. Bill Apple at 919.733.5897.

Attention Students and Professionals - Conference Announcement
The 2nd Annual North Carolina Conference on Visual Impairment and Blindness will be held March 11, 12, 13, 2004 on the Governor Morehead School Campus. Details, as they become available, can be found on their website http://www.nccu-vitp.net/NCCVIB/

Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Services Act
The Medicare Now! folks still need your support. The Act will "ensure access to Medicare-covered vision rehabilitation services for older adults who are blind or partially sighted. These vital services promote safety and independence, prevent injuries and further disabilities and reduce health care and dependency costs for older Americans."

Show your support by visiting Medicare Now at http://www.medicarenow.org

GMS Transitions Program
The VITP is again collaborating with the Governor Morehead Transitions team by providing community-based work experiences for Governor Morehead School students. Mr. Alan Chase, a GMS Senior, is currently working on a number of projects within the VITP under the direction of Dr. Brad R. Walker. Should you call the VITP offices on Wednesdays or Thursdays, be sure to give Alan a warm hello - he is doing a wonderful job.

VITP Wish List
We are currently in need of the following:
RealServer - $5000.00 (approx.)
Office Supplies
Assistive Devices
Children's Videos

Copier Purchased by Foundation
Your TAX DEDUCTABLE donations to the NCCU-VITP Foundation DO work. In June, we were able to purchase a much-needed copier for the Program's South Building offices. Without your help this would not have been possible. To those who have donated, we thank you; to those who have yet to donate, we ask that you consider the NCCU-VITP Foundation for your next TAX DEDUCTABLE donation.

More on the NCCU-VITP Foundation
The VITP is unique in that it is permanently funded by the State of North Carolina. However, with the tightening of budgets at both the state and university levels, the need for your support of the VITP is at an all-time high. Having a world-class program to teach teachers of the visually impaired, low vision specialists, orientation & mobility specialists, and deafblind specialists takes equipment that is, more often than not, extremely expensive. For that very reason we have a Foundation designed to accept donations to directly support the VITP in its mission. If you, or someone you know, would like to make a TAX DEDUCTABLE contribution in your name or as a memorial to a loved one, the VITP will have a lasting impact. Donations may be made to:

VITP Foundation (Acct. 02-534)
North Carolina Central University
1801 Fayetteville
Durham, NC 27707

You can also make TAX DEDUCTABLE donations of new and/or used equipment (computers, office equipment, vision-specific equipment, etc.). Please contact Dr. Walker at 919-715-6342 for information on donating such items.

VITP Store - Growing by Leaps and Bounds
In our last issue, we introduced you to a unique way to show your support for the VITP - our new store, VITP@CafePress. Dr. Walker's 20 plus years of experience in the field and Mr. Ray Dragon's graphic design skills combine to provide a GROWING number of creative items ranging from apparel, to mugs and cups, and even wall clocks. All items contain graphics ranging from the VITP logo to catchy, fun slogans touting the various areas of VI training. If you have an idea for a graphic - let us know, and we will try to accommodate. ALL proceeds go directly to the VITP, so get out there and show your support.

You can visit the store at http://www.cafeshops.com/vitp

Lions Cookbook
The Lions have long been "champions for the blind" - the Wake Community Lions took that one step further and "adopted" all agencies and organizations on the GMS Campus (including the VITP). The Wake Community Lions have teamed up with the Apex Lions to publish a cookbook containing recipes from many strong supporters of the VITP - First Lady Mary Easley, Mr. John and Mrs. Sandy Deluca, Mr. Gary Ray, Mr. Ray Dragon, and Dr. Brad Walker. Recipes from Mr. Richard Petty, John Boy & Billy, and Mr. Dennis Rogers, as well as many, many recipes from Lions and their friends throughout North Carolina (quite a few that you may know personally) make this a must-buy for cooks and collectors alike.

The cookbook, featuring the artwork of GMS student Edith Bentley, sells for $12, with proceeds in-part supporting the VITP. If you are interested in purchasing 1 (or several!), you may contact Dr. Walker, Dr. Zambone, or Mr. Dragon (all Lions), or may visit the Wake Community Lions' website at http://www.nccu-vitp.net/WakeCommunityLions

One Last Note
While we strive to insure that duplicates are not sent, we realize that many people on the DSB-GMS distribution list may also be receiving this mailing at their personal address. If you DO NOT wish to receive duplicates, please let us know the address you would like to have removed (we cannot remove you from the DSB-GMS list, only an individual address) -
ray DOT dragon AT ncmail DOTnet

Until next time...

The highest result of education is tolerance.
Helen Keller, 'Optimism,' 1903

You are receiving this newsletter because you are affiliated with NC Central University, the Governor Morehead School, Division of Services for the Blind, or the Visual Impairment Training Program, are a member of a Lions Club in North Carolina, you signed-up to receive this newsletter from our website, or have otherwise indicated you wish to receive newsletters from the VITP. If this is no longer the case, please contact ray DOT dragon AT ncmail DOT net to be removed.

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