Meet VLANJ Technology Learning Lab Instructors

by admin | Jul 28, 2020 | News

Blind since birth, Christina Brino spent eight years of her career developing self-help groups for people with vision impairment at St. Clare’s Medical Center. She then served 15 years as the disabilities coordinator for Morris County’s Office for the Disabled. After retiring, Brino volunteered with VLANJ as an apps group facilitator before the nonprofit hired her as a technology instructor. She is one of two instructors of the virtual Tech Talks monthly series. The Pompton Plains resident also volunteers for the Seeing Eye, which has provided her six guide dogs over the years, including her current one, a black Labrador named Shasta.

Jackie Millard had just completed teacher training following a 17-year career as a product manager at AT&T/Lucent Technologies when she lost her sight in 2004. Millard became a community volunteer, a leader of her church choir and a yoga instructor. AT VLANJ, the Long Valley resident learned screen-reader technology for computers and later how to use iPhone features and apps to assist her. Millard shared what she learned as a VLANJ volunteer, before she was hired as an instructor. Millard is part of VLANJ’s Essential Low Vision instructor team.

Susanne Sytsma worked 25 years as a registered nurse caring for patients in intensive care, neurology and oncology departments until vision loss forced her to retire. At VLANJ, Sytsma  learned skills to regain her independence. The Jefferson Township resident became adept at technology and volunteered in the technology program. As an instructor, Sytsma conducts iPhone/iPad training for VLANJ in addition to teaching the virtual Tech Talks monthly series. The married mother of two and grandmother of an 8-year-old grandson counts Valdez, her Seeing Eye dog, as part of the family.

Inspired by People with Vision Loss, Denville Resident Joins VLANJ Board

by admin | Jul 20, 2020 | News

Working in Manhattan after college, Carol Burgio marveled at people with vision loss who confidently navigated the midtown streets. “They seemed fearless,” Burgio said. She began volunteering for a nonprofit in the neighborhood that helped people with severe visual impairment. After she and her husband relocated to Denville in 2002, Burgio discovered the town was home to New Jersey Foundation for the Blind. Unfortunately, her long days commuting to New
York for work in finance prevented her from volunteering regularly. 

Fast-forward to May 2019: Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey advertised for volunteers for its ‘Beyond Sight’ picnic on the first Saturday in June. Burgio jumped on the opportunity — not realizing VLANJ was the former New Jersey Foundation for the Blind.  At the picnic, she met Carl Augusto, a VLANJ trustee (now board chair). Then she volunteered at Dining in the Dark in October. At Augusto’s urging, Burgio joined the board of trustees in November. “I have so much respect for people who are visually impaired. They inspire me,”  Burgio said.  Burgio, who has more than 20 years of experience working in the futures industry, intends to use that expertise to help VLANJ remain financially sound.  Burgio is a senior product specialist with  the Global Markets division of Santander Bank. She works in the Exchange Traded Derivatives department assisting Latin American clients. 

“I’m so impressed by the range of programs and services Vision Loss Alliance offers, and by the camaraderie and fun the participants share,” she said. When VLANJ had to close its locations because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit moved quickly to get key programs online.  That included a newly created Tech Talks, which delves into technologies that can make participants’ lives easier. “It’s so important to have a good command of technology,” she said.  She’s also a fan of the meditation and mindfulness offerings, which “help ease anxiety caused by COVID-19 and provide a sense of connectedness.”  Burgio lives with her husband, Jake Ray, a special education teacher.

Retired American Foundation for the Blind Leader Takes Helm of VLANJ Board

by admin | Jul 20, 2020 | News

Carl Augusto is passionate about Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey’s work empowering people who are visually impaired.  “Severe vision loss is a serious challenge, but with the right attitude, perseverance and adaptive skills, people can — and do — live and work with dignity and success alongside their sighted
peers,” Augusto said. “Our students prove that every day.’’  Augusto, himself blind, took over as chair of the Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey Board of
Trustees last month. The retired president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind said he will seek to increase financial support so VLANJ can expand beyond its current communities. VLANJ is the only non-governmental, comprehensive life-skills training program in the state for adults with vision loss.

“My vision is that Vision Loss Alliance will continue to grow, serving more people and covering more areas in New Jersey,” said Augusto, who joined the board in 2016. Augusto is proud VLANJ introduced low vision occupational therapy services in 2018, and that it’s prepared to kick off the Technology Learning Lab. He said the staff impressed him by quickly shifting programs onto Zoom after the COVID-19 crisis forced shutdowns. The 74-year-old has included the nonprofit in his will, and he hopes others will follow his lead. “Increasing legacies will ensure that VLANJ continues to serve future communities of people with vision loss,” Augusto said.
Augusto has been a successful advocate at VLANJ’s Dining in the Dark events. Last year, after guests ate a three-course meal with their eyes covered and heard moving testimonials from VLANJ participants, Augusto took the stage. He asked guests to commit on the spot to making a donation. The effort added several thousands of dollars to the fundraiser’s total. 

In addition to increasing contributions and the donor base, Augusto is committed to expanding the trustee board. “We want to include members with a diversity of expertise to maximize the board’s ability to govern VLANJ at the highest level,” he said.  Augusto began losing his sight at age 8 to a recessive gene disorder. During the 45 years the disease took to fully claim his sight, he learned adaptive skills like Braille and using a cane
before he needed them, and came to terms with it emotionally as a young man.  Before his 45-year career in the blindness field, Augusto was a rocker. He played guitar and sang in three 1960s rock bands over seven years. The last one, Pulse, released an album as well as several singles. Augusto left the band for graduate school, earning a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. He went on to lead regional and national organizations for 31 years,  including 25 at the AFB.

The Mahwah resident and father of two traveled extensively for work. He and his wife, Sue, continue to seek out warmer climes in the winter. Augusto said he cannot wait for the couple’s next adventure.