by admin | Dec 6, 2023 | Blog, Feature, News
Throughout our 80-year history, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has been a thought leader in the programs and services offered to those with vision loss. What began as a summer residential camp for women with vision loss has grown into an organization that provides unique state-of-the-art programs. Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has been ahead of its time every step of the way.
Debbie’s Story
Debbie, a VLANJ program participant, shares her story below:
It all began when I was nine years old.
Countless eye doctor visits and big scary buildings in the city. Drops that stung and bright lights as strong as the sun were put in my eyes. Gooey pads with wires sticking out were attached to my head.
I was diagnosed with a rare eye condition called Stargardt Disease. I only see parts of things and can’t tell if something is a shadow or a real object. This means I am always questioning what is happening around me. It makes me anxious, afraid and exhausted.
My mom and dad were wise and strong. They gave me my wings so I could find my own way in life. I was allowed to walk to school or a friend’s house, go downtown and take a bus to the mall by myself.
They loved me enough to put their fears aside so I could gain my independence.
I was crushed when I realized I would never drive, and I hated when my eyes grew too tired to read. The accessible technologies we have today did not exist yet, so I opted to forgo college. I got married and raised two daughters. My life was happy and normal until…
My vision loss progressed to the point I could no longer find workarounds to do many things on my own. I knew I needed to find help!
By some miracle, I found Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey. Here, people just like me were doing remarkable things.
This was the right place! The right people! Here, I was determined to learn.
We come to VLANJ from all over and are taught the skills we need to maintain our independence.
Here, the playing field is level. The burden lifts, the dark clouds of fear and insecurity part, and our hearts are light!
For a few hours each week we forget we are blind.
The only color I see clearly is bright yellow – that’s why I love sunflowers!
At home, I surround myself with bright yellow. I tell my eyes, “I know you can see this color, here it is!”
SUPPORT VLANJ
Debbie’s story is one among many woven into VLANJ’s 80-year dedication of empowering those living with blindness and low vision.
To support our Annual Appeal, please visit our donate page.
Your gift will continue to grow programs and services at VLANJ. Thank you!
by admin | Oct 31, 2023 | Events, Feature
More than 130 guests toasted the 80th anniversary of Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey at an Oct. 26 celebration, sampling wines paired with music while wearing light-blocking eye shades. Held during Blindness Awareness Month, “Tasting in the Dark” gave guests a brief sightless experience and a better understanding of the fortitude and resilience of people who are blind or low vision.
VLANJ President and CEO Bill Schuldt welcomed guests at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park “to celebrate a truly amazing milestone for people in NJ who are blind or have low vision.” Schuldt honored what he termed “the pillars” of VLANJ: program participants, staff, instructors, donors and volunteers. They have provided “invaluable contributions to our past success along with their contributions to our future which will see us through the next 80 years,” he said.
As the crowd cheered, Schuldt added, “I’m grateful for all of you, because tonight you are joining the ranks of all of those essential supporters who are pillars of VLANJ.” He thanked the organization’s loyal donors, recognizing those who have included VLANJ in their estate planning and/or made annual or monthly donations.
Schuldt gave a shoutout to Denville couple Bob & Karen Terlizzi, program volunteers for 15 years, and the VLANJ Board of Trustees. After thanking staff, Schuldt recognized Program Director Linda Groszew, who is retiring from her full-time position after 20 years with VLANJ. “No one has demonstrated a deeper dedication to our program participants,” he said. “We wish her happiness in her retirement, and Linda, you will always have a home here at VLANJ.”
VLANJ was started in Newark in 1943 as a social club by people with vision loss looking for camaraderie and to challenge societal biases. As NJ Foundation for the Blind, it opened a summer camp for blind women in Denville in 1955. Efforts expanded in the 1990s to provide year-round, life skills training and wellness programs. Technology classes were later introduced.
The organization’s reputation grew, and in 2016, it became known as VLANJ. Focused on self-sufficiency, VLANJ added occupational therapy and expanded technology training. The nonprofit effectively pivoted to online programming during the pandemic and launched orientation and mobility outings that have boosted participants’ self-advocacy and community awareness.
Today, VLANJ serves more than 200 people and offers center- and community-based programs as well as virtual classes and support groups and in-home training. VLANJ helps more people than ever before, VLANJ Board of Trustees Chair Carl Augusto said. “Simply stated, our services work,” Augusto said. Guest then watched a moving video featuring the reflections of VLANJ participants and staff.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6 million Americans have vision loss and 1 million are blind. Those numbers are expected to grow as the population ages: While people age 65 and up make made up 17% of the population in 2020, they are expected to account for 22% by 2040.
Two guests with learning shades tasting wine participating in Tasting in the Dark.
The highlight of the 80th anniversary celebration was the sightless wine-music pairing. Hoby Wedler, a PhD chemist and nationally recognized vision loss advocate, hosted the experience.
“Every song will make you experience the wine you’re tasting a little different,” said Wedler, who is blind since birth.
After guests donned their shades, waiters poured each guest wine tastings into four glasses. Wedler then directed guests to sniff and taste the first wine as he played Dave Matthews’ “Walk Around the Moon.” When the song ended, he asked the crowd to guess the wine’s color and type, and describe the flavors.
On the third wine, guests were asked to describe its differences to the second wine, a Sauvignon Blanc. Plenty of guests confidently called out “Chardonnay” and described different flavors, only for Wedler to inform them the two tastings were the identical wine.
Four guests sitting at a table with learning shades participating in Tasting in the Dark.
“I totally thought it was different! ” said Denise Faehner, who listened intently to each song as she sipped. The Mountain Lakes resident confessed she thought the first wine, a Pinot noir, was a white wine.
“It was such a cool experience! They tasted different, very different,” said Colleen Collier, adding that she was fully immersed in the music. Collier is director of US Market Development with Samsara Vision, Inc., a medical device company that develops ophthalmic devices for people with untreatable retinal disorders. VLANJ is currently involved in a Samsara Vision clinical study.
Joe Cicchetti, a longtime VLANJ supporter, said “the experience was a lot of fun — and enlightening.” Cicchetti and his wife, Antoinette, made VLANJ one of their charities of choice years ago because “I can see the true benefit of what they do.”
VLANJ participants served as ambassadors. “Our students are loyal and advocate for us wherever they go spreading the word of what we do and how it has impacted them,” Schuldt said. “Our program participants have been at the center of everything we have done and will continue to drive our efforts.”
Schuldt said VLANJ instructors have shared expertise in an array of areas, from independent living skills, orientation and mobility, cooking, and technology to fitness, meditation, African drumming, and horticulture, among others. Participants “will tell you of the amazing impact these instructors have had on their lives,” he said.
Bill Schuldt, President and CEO and Senator Anthony Bucco holding a proclamation in honor of VLANJ’s 80 years.
During the evening, New Jersey Sen. Anthony Bucco presented Schuldt with a resolution from both the Senate and General Assembly paying tribute to VLANJ for its dedication to New Jersey residents with vision loss. VLANJ “has established a model to emulate and set a standard of excellence toward which others might strive,” it reads in part.
Tasting in the Dark was generously sponsored by: New Jersey Natural Gas; Modera Wealth Management; Samsara Vision; General Vision Services; Thatcher McGhee’s; Carl and Sue Augusto; Kelly and Kevin Bleach; and Hoby Wedler, PhD.
If you missed this year’s Tasting in the Dark, not to worry! You can still contribute HERE.
by admin | Oct 27, 2023 | Events, Feature, Press Releases, Program
This program brings the convenience of Low Vision Occupational Therapy services to a person’s home. This program focuses on addressing safety and independence in completing daily living activities and the Occupational Therapist can provide timely, specific individualized recommendations in strategies to adjust lighting, enhance contrast, improve household organization, and reduce the risk of falls and self-injury in the home.
Click here for more information.
by admin | Oct 15, 2023 | Events
Please join us for VLANJ’s signature fundraising event, “Tasting in the Dark – A Celebration of 80 Years”
Enter a world of smell, taste, and sound as you experience a unique sensory experience like no other. Help us as we raise funds to support our programs. The evening will feature a wine tasting by Dr. Hoby Wedler, a three-hour cocktail reception and silent auction.
For tickets and tables or to become a sponsor, click here.
For a listing of sponsorship details, please click here.
For any questions, please reach out to Jennifer Singer, Vice President of Development at 973.627.0055. Jsinger@vlanj.org
by admin | Sep 20, 2023 | Feature, News
VLANJ proudly presents our Fall Newsletter for 2023.
Newsletter – Fall 2023.
by admin | Jun 9, 2023 | Blog, Events, Feature, News
And we can’t thank you enough.
For our second annual Day of Giving, our goal was to raise $8,888 celebrating 80 years of VLANJ. Not only did we meet that goal, but with the help of our incredible donors, we exceeded it!
We want to say a huge, resounding “thank you” to all those who helped us spread awareness, gave a donation, and/or came to visit us in person during this amazing event.
We are so grateful for such a generous display of kindness and support! Because of you, we are able to continue providing support, services, and resources to those living with vision loss.
We look forward to all that next year has in store – stay tuned for next year’s celebration!
Did you miss our Day of Giving? You can still donate and make an impact. Thank you!
by admin | May 17, 2023 | Blog, Events, News
VLANJ Day of Giving 2023
Save the Date! VLANJ’S Second Annual Day of Giving will take place on Thursday, June 8th!
Our goal is to raise $8,888 in 1 day to celebrate 80 Years.
The VLANJ Day of Giving brings our community of program participants, alumni, staff, and friends together in support of our mission and history of providing services to people with vision loss.
Our Goal: Our goal of raising $8,888 honors our 80-year history where our program participants have spent time together learning skills to lead an independent life and where generations of alumni, families, friends, and staff have helped to shape VLANJ. On the Day of Giving, we celebrate our shared connection to this special place in Denville, NJ.
Our History: It all began in 1943, when a group of individuals met to address societal bias against people who, like themselves, were blind or had profound vision loss. They formed the New Jersey Association for the Blind and started the state’s first summer residential camp program for women in Denville, NJ. The founders focused on women’s needs because they had fewer options for leading an independent life at that time. Under the name NJ Foundation for the Blind, the summer camp expanded its offerings to provide life-skills training to help those with vision loss live more independent lives.
Over time, it became evident that providing tools to promote independence was key to helping individuals with vision loss. VLANJ recognized this growing need and expanded its mission to focusing on teaching basic and essential life skills, as well as providing health and wellness activities year-round for both men and women. Currently, VLANJ offers a full continuum of in person programs in Denville and virtual classes to individuals and families all over the world!
Honor: Make your donation in honor of or in memory of a person with vision loss or a person who has provided services to help people with vision loss.
by admin | Apr 25, 2023 | Feature, News
by Carly Eden Stokes | Dec 13, 2022 | Blog, News
VLANJ’s 2022 Annual Appeal letter (excerpt)
Who Is Lisette?
Lisette is a vibrant artist, mother, wife, and teacher. She loves her life. She is also functionally blind.
Becoming a mother had always been her plan. But the unthinkable cannot be planned. Complications during Lisette’s pregnancy with twins led to a stroke and significant vision loss. Brokenhearted, she thought, “Will I be able to care for my children without my sight?” To add to her pain, Lisette was now also an artist without sight. Feeling hopeless, she put down her brushes for twelve years.
Lisette’s return to art
Twelve years ago at VLANJ, Lisette sits before a blank canvas, crying. With gentle encouragement from the art therapist, she tentatively makes a few strokes. The therapist outlines the strokes with an epoxy glue gun, creating a 3-D surface. Lisette, feeling the outline, starts to fill the spaces with color and texture, creating her first painting.
Fast forward to today, Thursday morning art classes at VLANJ with Lisette now the teacher. She encourages the group to explore colors by linking them to senses of taste and smell. Like the color purple… plums are purple. How does a plum smell, taste, and feel? Sweet, sticky? Purple is now sweet and sticky!
They proceed to create beautiful works of art!
“With vision loss, art is seen with the mind’s eye and then expressed through color and texture.”
What Is Art?
Art is paint, textures, colors. Images that can be felt, touched, and seen…
A story of life and loss. A rebirth of mother and artist. For Lisette, the journey was not easy – but she will be the first to tell you, that along with the tools and skills she gained at VLANJ, came the confidence and motivation to live the life she always dreamed of.
“Be my friend,” Lisette invites her students, “and we will create together.”
Vision loss is devastating, and services for adults are limited. For almost 80 years, VLANJ has empowered people with vision loss or blindness by providing support, education, and training in independent living skills and assistive technology. Here, thousands have been given the “vision” of life’s possibilities.
To support our Annual Appeal, please visit our donate page: www.vlanj.org/donations/
Your gift will continue to grow programs and services at VLANJ. Thank you!
by Carly Eden Stokes | Dec 11, 2022 | Blog, News
For Giving Tuesday this year, we honored Claudia Schreiber, a former VLANJ program participant, advocate, and Board of Trustee. Claudia lost her vision completely in 2005, and diligently figured out ways to adapt. At the time, she was in her mid-40s and had two children in elementary school. When Claudia learned about Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey (then called New Jersey Foundation for the Blind) 11 years ago, she had her driver take her the 50-plus miles from her home in Marlboro Township to the program in Denville. “At first it was strange. I’d never met a blind person before,” she said. Claudia explained: “I’d always tried to pass as a sighted person because I was ashamed of being blind.”
Claudia began attending VLANJ weekly, learning skills to reclaim her independence and rekindling her passion for art. The first pieces she created were self-portraits with clay. Her VLANJ instructor “gave me the courage to get back into my life,” said Claudia, who’d earned a degree in art and sociology from New York University in 1982. “I fell in love with this organization.”
Claudia devoted her time to empowering others who lost their sight, and was dedicated to lightening the burden of others. Claudia died May 26, 2021 from colon cancer at age 61, leaving behind dear family and friends, and a legacy that will fortify VLANJ programs for years to come. Days before her death, she established The Claudia Schreiber Program Fund. She asked that friends and loved ones continue to contribute to the VLANJ fund in her memory.
For Giving Tuesday 2022, we supported Claudia’s fund and honored her legacy.
by Carly Eden Stokes | Dec 11, 2022 | News, Press
Thank you to CBS News and journalist Elise Preston for featuring VLANJ in honor of Blindness Awareness Month. As our President and CEO Bill Schuldt noted, “Too often people who are blind or have low vision tend to be isolated, and we want to make sure they’re part of a community and they’re getting the skills they need.”
For more information on in-person and/or virtual programs, resources, and/or support for those living with blindness or low vision, reach out to our Program Director, Linda Groszew, at (973) 627-0055, prompt 4, and Linda will assist you.
Read the full article and watch the full news segment here: https://www.newson6.com/story/63601f1ab0fd28070981d424/october-is-blind-awareness-month?bblinkid=264323330&bbemailid=43374872&bbejrid=-1800005131
by Carly Eden Stokes | Dec 11, 2022 | Events
Dining in the Dark 2022 was a truly immersive event through a world of smell, taste, and sound – a unique sensory experience like no other – in support of raising funds for our programs. The evening featured a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner in the dark, and entertainment. Attendees also heard incredible words by VLANJ’s President& CEO, William Schuldt, VLANJ Board Member, Ming Wu, the Saddle River Valley Lions Club, VLANJ program participant and creator of The Blind Vine, Debbie Azzarone, and VLANJ Board Chair, Carl R. Augusto.
Once again, to all who helped support this event and make it possible – and to those who continue to support Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey – THANK YOU! Please enjoy a video below highlighting VLANJ’s mission and programs that was shown to attendees at Dining in the Dark 2022.
by Carly Eden Stokes | Oct 31, 2022 | Blog, Events, News
On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, we held our main fundraising event of the year, Dining in the Dark – and the support we received was truly wonderful.
Two attendees enjoy Dining in the Dark. One individual wears learning shades.
Dining in the Dark was an immersive event through a world of smell, taste, and sound, offering attendees a unique sensory experience like no other. The evening helped us raise funds for our programs here at VLANJ, and featured a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner in the dark, and entertainment. It also included incredible words by VLANJ Board Member Ming Wu, the Saddle River Valley Lions Club, and VLANJ program participant and creator of The Blind Vine, Debbie Azzarone.
VLANJ Program Director Linda Groszew and Program Participant and author of the Blind Vine, Debbie Azzarone, speak at Dining in the Dark.
We couldn’t be more grateful to each of our sponsors and donors, and to those who continue to support Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey – THANK YOU!
Thank you to our sponsors:
Williams Jones Wealth Management
The Church of the Saviour, Denville, NJ
Mary Ann and Brian Zino
New Jersey Natural Gas
Advanced Center NJ
Norman Dean Home For Services, Inc.
DCM Associates
General Vision Services
Thatcher McGhee’s
Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin
Modera Wealth Management
Dyer Landscaping & Lawn Care
Board Member Sponsors Lyndsey Lord, Kelly and Kevin Bleach, Carl and Sue Augusto, Carol and Jake Ray, and Dora T. Meler.
VLANJ Board Member Ming Wu speaks at Dining in the Dark.
The VLANJ Silent Auction is featured.
Didn’t make it to our event this year? Not to worry – follow us on social media to stay up to date on all upcoming in-person and virtual events!
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by admin | Aug 2, 2022 | Blog, 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!
Join us on October 26, 2022, as we celebrate our fifth annual Dining In The Dark!
Enter a world of smell, taste, and sound as you experience a unique sensory experience like no other. Help us as we raise funds to support our programs. The evening will feature a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner in the dark, entertainment, and a wine pull.
Tickets, tables(of 10 guests), and sponsorship opportunities available via the form below, or call Jennifer Singer at 973.627.0055, prompt 2 for more information.
by Carly Eden Stokes | Jun 21, 2022 | Blog, Events, News
We’re ecstatic to say: WE DID IT!
OUR FIRST ANNUAL DAY OF GIVING WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
VLANJ staff members pose with Dave Steele, “The Blind Poet.”
For our first annual Day of Giving, our goal was to raise $7,900 celebrating 79 years of VLANJ, in 1 day, 9 hours, and 43 minutes – in honor of VLANJ’s founding year of 1943. Not only did we meet that goal, but with the help of our incredible donors and individuals and brands helping to spread the word, we exceeded it!
For our first ever Day of Giving, we raised $10,200, surpassing our goal of $7,900 by a landslide! We also received 72 gifts and participation from 69 donors, 21 of whom were new donors, and 21 donations made generously by VLANJ program participants.
A graphic depicts VLANJ’s incredible results from their first annual Day of Giving.
We want to say a huge, resounding “thank you” to all those who helped us spread awareness, gave a donation, and/or came to visit us in person during our 1 day, 9 hour, and 43 minute event.
For this event, support came from all over the world – literally! A huge highlight on our Day of Giving was a special in-person event featuring Dave Steele, “The Blind Poet,” during which he came to speak at our Denville, NJ location (all the way from the UK!). Dave shared about his inspiring journey with vision loss, performed an amazing in-person poetry reading, and, afterwards, met with VLANJ community members. Many VLANJ program participants traveled to celebrate our Day of Giving with us in person, enjoying in-person programs, events, and of course some celebratory cake and balloons.
A white cake with purple frosting reads: “Happy 79th Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey!”
Thank you to Dave Steele, CONQUERing, WagALot Pet Shop, local Denville, NJ businesses such as Inspiration Roll, The Pasta Shop Denville, Thatcher McGhee’s Denville, Bold Blind Beauty, and individuals including but not limited to Anne, Claire Sisk, Monica Pruitt, Sadi Taylor, and Katie’s Vision for donating unique gifts and/or helping us to spread the word!
We are so grateful for such a generous display of kindness and support! Because of it, we are able to continue offering services, aid, and resources to those living with vision loss who need it.
We look forward to all that next year has in store – stay tuned for our 80th year celebration!
by Carly Eden Stokes | May 27, 2022 | Blog, News, Press Releases
MORRISTOWN, NJ (May 26, 2022) — Guide dogs are part of Morristown’s fabric, but on Monday, participants from Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey used white canes to traverse the town’s sidewalks and intersections.
An individual holds a white cane while another has a guide dog at the checkout counter of a Morristown, NJ business.
Three orientation and mobility specialists from The Seeing Eye and VLANJ’s O&M expert provided one-on-one instruction to participants on a route that included several blocks of Maple Avenue and South Street. While one group of participants received instruction, the other toured a local business, and after lunch, they swapped roles.
“It’s so important for people with vision loss and blindness to learn mobility skills and practice how to safely navigate indoor and outdoor public spaces, as well as sidewalks, and crosswalks,” VLANJ Vice President of Programs Elsa Zavoda said. “It provides them greater self-confidence to venture out in their own communities and beyond.”
The O&M outing was the third in a series, generously funded by grants from the William G. and Helen C. Hoffman Foundation and the Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust. The O&M specialists from The Seeing Eye, including VLANJ trustee Lukas Franck, volunteered their services.
Two individuals stand at a street corner in Morristown. One holds a white cane.
Peggy Kane went out with The Seeing Eye’s Kristin Lake, who first fitted her with a global positioning system that alerted Kane to upcoming intersections. As they walked along Maple Avenue, Lake noted uneven sidewalks in places, and reviewed cane techniques. Kane knew the importance of listening to traffic flow to know when it’s safe to cross an intersection that doesn’t have a walking signal.
“I don’t travel out in the community by myself as much anymore, so it was good to have the opportunity to practice my outdoor navigation skills,” Kane said.
Franck, a senior consultant at The Seeing Eye, worked with Marvin Morgan. At the traffic light at Maple Avenue and Miller Road, Franck coached Morgan to raise his pole to signal his intention to cross before stepping into the crosswalk.
Inside Braunschweiger Jewelers on South Street, owner Gretchen Braunschweiger stood at a circular display case and took out highly textured estate pieces for the VLANJ participants to handle.
Feeling a thick gold chain, Matthew Graves said, “This feels like a glow stick.” He tapped on a thick, smooth sterling silver bangle and said,“it feels and sounds like glass!”
Two individuals stand at the counter of Braunschweiger Jewelers in Morristown. A woman greets them behind the counter.
After examining more than a dozen pieces of jewelry, the VLANJ participants showed Braunschweiger mobility techniques they learned. Mary Ann Zino demonstrated trailing, using her cupped hand to feel her way around the circular jewelry display. Nicole Klein showed her different cane techniques to move around the store.
A woman holds her guide dog in front of a counter filled with sweets at a local Morristown business.
Braunschweiger said people with vision loss often visit the store, but usually, they are with guide dogs. When they enter, “someone goes up to the front to greet them,” she said.
After lunch, the participants who did orientation and mobility training in the morning visited Blue Mercury, a makeup and skin care shop on the Morristown Green. The VLANJ participants learned about products and smelled perfumes and colognes, and demonstrated human guide technique to Blue Mercury staff. The outing ended with a visit to Kilwins Morristown for ice cream.
About Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey
Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) that provides practical training and emotional support to help those who have experienced profound vision loss regain self-esteem and self-reliance. Since its founding in 1943, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has used a holistic approach to empower those with profound vision loss to live engaged, productive and independent lives. Explore vlanj.org for more information.
by Carly Eden Stokes | May 6, 2022 | Blog, Events, News
Save the Date! The 1st Annual VLANJ Day of Giving will begin on Thursday, June 16th and continue until Friday, June 17!
Our goal is to raise $7,900 in 1 day, 9 hours, and 43 minutes – in honor of our founding year of 1943.
The VLANJ Day of Giving brings our community of program participants, alumni, staff, and friends together in support of our mission and history of providing services to people with vision loss.
Our Goal: Our goal of raising $7,900 honors our home and our history where our program participants have spent time together learning skills to lead an independent life and where generations of alumni, families, friends, and staff have helped to shape VLANJ. On the Day of Giving, we celebrate our shared connection to this special place in Denville, NJ.
Our History: It all began in 1943, when a group of individuals met to address societal bias against people who, like themselves, were blind or had profound vision loss. They formed the New Jersey Association for the Blind and started the state’s first summer residential camp program for women in Denville, NJ. The founders focused on women’s needs because they had fewer options for leading an independent life at that time. Under the name NJ Foundation for the Blind, the summer camp expanded its offerings to provide life-skills training to help those with vision loss live more independent lives.
Over time, it became evident that providing tools to promote independence was key to helping individuals with vision loss. VLANJ recognized this growing need and expanded its mission to focusing on teaching basic and essential life skills, as well as providing health and wellness activities year-round for both men and women. Currently, VLANJ offers a full continuum of in person programs in Denville and select programs in Ridgewood. VLANJ also provides virtual classes to individuals and families all over the world!
Honor: Make your donation in honor of or in memory of a person with vision loss or a person who has provided services to help people with vision loss.
Make your donation to support our annual fund and help us continue to provide services for the next 79 years and beyond!
Can’t wait until June 16th? You can make your Day of Giving gift now and be counted or help us spread the word by sharing this link: https://www.vlanj.org/vlanjdayofgiving2022/
by Carly Eden Stokes | Apr 20, 2022 | Blog, News, Newsletters
A legally blind reverend offered advice on breaking the cycle of negative thinking. An English musician who lost his sight in his late 30s described how writing poems and lyrics helped him reclaim his purpose. A dietician specializing in diabetes gave tips to maintain well-being through healthy eating and exercise.
That’s a sampling of Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey’s speaker series, Achieve Resilience, Inspiration & Self-Empowerment (ARISE). More than 150 people have registered for the series, which kicked off last September.
“It’s about inspiring people with vision loss to persevere and rise up,” said VLANJ Vice President of Programs Elsa Zavoda. “We want people to feel they have no barriers to what they want to achieve.”
ARISE runs four times a year. It is one of several speaker series made possible by a nearly $16,000 grant from Atlantic Health System/ Morristown Medical Center for programs that support healthy aging.
Living Independently For Tomorrow (LIFT) is the online version of VLANJ’s effective in-person Essential Low Vision course. It provides basic training in daily life activities over three weeks. Strength Through Relationships, Insights, Values, Education (STRIVE) addresses mental health aspects of adjusting to life with vision loss.
VLANJ Voices Education Speaker Series is the newest offering, and has attracted more than 100 people, Zavoda said. For the inaugural webinar, an orientation and mobility specialist discussed tips and strategies for getting around. In February, participants learned about a national pharmacy devoted to patients with vision loss.
In addition to broadening participants’ knowledge, ARISE and the other programs “establish human connection, so people don’t feel alone and isolated,” Zavoda said. The virtual programs are especially beneficial to participants who lack transportation to the in-person classes in Denville and Ridgewood.
ARISE has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from participants. Dora Meler said the program motivated her and made her feel less alone. It helped her “remember that there are others out there experiencing the same life challenges as I am,” she wrote. “It’s important to continue to find ways to lead an independent life versus not venturing out of the comfort of my home.”
Michele Valuzzi said she related to David Steele, The Blind Poet. “As someone who has written poetry but hadn’t in a long time, I was inspired by Dave’s talk, and I started writing poems again,” Valuzzi said. “His life is a great example of resiliency because he doesn’t let his visual impairment hold him back or define him.”
Explore more of what VLANJ’s programs offer here.
by Carly Eden Stokes | Apr 20, 2022 | Blog, News, Newsletters
Five years after attending Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey’s technology program as a high schooler, 23-year-old Aaron Grimes now spends his Tuesdays teaching others without sight all the ways their iPhones can serve them.
“I like sharing my knowledge, and making someone’s life a little bit easier,” he said. Aaron was pre-school age when he became blind. He was born with both congenital glaucoma and aniridia, a genetic disorder that prevented his irises from fully developing, he said. Aaron doesn’t recall much about his sighted years, but has memory of colors. An infection that hospitalized him for weeks claimed all his sight except for a little light perception in his left eye. Aaron attended public primary schools in Jersey City, where he’s always lived. “When I was a kid, I didn’t feel included,” he said. While attending a high school for the blind in 2017, his rehabilitation counselor encouraged him to take classes at VLANJ.
“I learned how to use advanced apps on the iPhone,” he said. One of his favorites is Seeing AI [Artificial Intelligence], which reads documents, handwriting, and barcodes on products, and identifies denominations of money. With Be My Eyes, a sighted volunteer appears on video and provides assistance. Volunteers have helped Aaron adjust his thermostat and pick out clothing. For news, he turns to NFB-NEWSLINE from the National Federation for the Blind, which reads aloud articles from popular sources.
A quote in purple letters reads: “I like sharing my knowledge, and making someone’s life a little bit easier.” – Aaron Grimes
“I still use all of them,” he said. When VLANJ reopened in-person classes in September, Aaron began volunteering with the mobile technology program. He takes two Access Link buses to get to Denville, often spending two or more hours traveling each way.
On a recent Tuesday, Aaron was showing Susan, a student with glaucoma, how to use the VoiceOver app that reads what is on her screen. “Aaron is great! He really helps me,” she said.
Aaron is typically paired with an instructor in the morning, and then works one-on-one with a student in the afternoon. He is eager to teach advanced apps, but understands students need to know the basics first. Aaron also makes sure students’ iPhones have the latest updates. “They call me `Zippy’ because I’m fast,” he said with a laugh.
Aaron hopes more younger adults discover VLANJ, but for now, he enjoys helping the older participants. Volunteering with VLANJ has given him purpose. “I’m happy with what I’m doing,” said Aaron, who lives with an older brother and sister-in law. (His mother died 10 years ago.) “I like spending time here. It’s nice making friends.”
Donations to Vision Loss Alliance can be made online at vlanj.org/donations or by mailing a check to Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, 155 Morris Ave., Suite 2, Denville, NJ, 07834, ATTN: VP of Development and Communications Jennifer Singer
by Carly Eden Stokes | Mar 30, 2022 | Blog, Events, News, Press Releases
Valerie Frink of Jersey City, a VLANJ participant, closely inspects a bright, colorful work by artist Jerry Pinkney, using the flashlight on her mobile phone.
MONTCLAIR, NJ (March 30, 2022) — As part of its effort to expand access for people with special needs, the Montclair Art Museum last week gave Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey participants a guided exhibit tour that featured detailed audio descriptions of artwork and multi-sensory objects to help visualize pieces.
“I liked being able to feel the object related to the artwork, and hear about the artist and materials used,” said VLANJ participant Debbie Tester, who has lost most of her sight to a degenerative eye disease. “It helped me get a picture in my head.”
The MAM tour was VLANJ’s second orientation and mobility community outing to learn and practice getting around in public spaces. The outings are generously funded by grants from the William G. and Helen C. Hoffman Foundation and the Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust. Two VLANJ orientation and mobility experts accompanied the group and provided training inside the museum and on its grounds.
VLANJ participants gave MAM’s program high marks. “Make it longer!” suggested Roman Dodia. Montclair State University Associate Professor Maria José Garcia Vizcaíno, who volunteers as a docent, narrated the exhibit, “Transformed: Objects Reimagined by American Artists.”
![VLANJ participants view a black panther sculpture during a Montclair Art Museum tour on March 25. [MAM photo credit]](https://www.vlanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_4727-225x300.jpeg)
VLANJ participants view a black panther sculpture during a Montclair Art Museum tour on March 25. [MAM photo credit]
MAM is committed to expanding access for people with special needs. It recently created the position of assistant director of Community and Access Programs, held by Celene Ryan. The museum offers virtual programs and runs in-person art classes that provide more support, with one-on-one or small-group instruction, Ryan said. New Jersey residents who receive Division of Developmental Disabilities funding can use the money to take MAM classes, she noted.
The VLANJ participants asked astute questions as they moved through the gallery, Ryan said. “They were really engaged.” They then provided feedback on the tour and MAM’s accessibility efforts in a focus group run by Montclair State University Associate Professor Elaine Gerber.
The nine VLANJ participants offered a range of useful suggestions, such as having the museum’s floor plan mapped on a GPS system like GoodMaps to help visually impaired people get around. They suggested information about artwork on plaques have a companion audio description, and that tape on the floor marking how close visitors can get to artwork be textured so people using canes can identify it.
VLANJ Vice President of Programs Elsa Zavoda demonstrated mobile phone apps that allow people with vision impairment to listen to written information about artwork. Because of the museum’s high ceilings, Zavoda recommended MAM tour guides use lapel amplifiers so visitors don’t miss narrations.
Museum Director Ira Wagner noted MAM tries to incorporate social elements into programming, inviting artists to speak. To thank VLANJ participants for their input on improving access, Wagner offered the group one-year memberships to MAM.
For more information about MAM, visit montclairartmusuem.org.
Visit vlanj.org to learn about VLANJ programs.
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About Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey
Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) that provides practical training and emotional support to help those who have experienced profound vision loss regain self-esteem and self-reliance. Since its founding in 1943, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has used a holistic approach to empower those with profound vision loss to live engaged, productive and independent lives. Go to vlanj.org for more information.
About the Montclair Art Museum
The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) boasts a renowned collection of American and Native American art that uniquely highlights art-making in the United States over the last 300 years. The Vance Wall Art Education Center encompasses the Museum’s educational efforts, including award-winning Yard School of Art studio classes, lectures and talks, family events, tours, and the mobile MAM Art Truck. MAM exhibitions and programs serve a wide public of all ages and abilities, from families and seniors to artists, educators, and scholars.
![VLANJ participants view a black panther sculpture during a Montclair Art Museum tour on March 25. [MAM photo credit]](https://www.vlanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_4727-rotated.jpeg)