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Join us on a Cruise with CVI!

Cruise with CVI Logo
Don’t miss this special event at CVI:
 
Cruise with CVI
Sunday, February 26, 2017
2:00 PM-4:30 PM
Center for the Visually Impaired
739 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
 
Join us for light refreshments, client speakers, and a “cruise” around CVI to experience our client training first-hand,
including white cane techniques, braille, assistive
technology and much more!
 
Collect stamps on your passport as you travel to
various “ports” throughout the building for your chance
to win a fantastic travel package!
 
Please RSVP to Deborah Burcham at 404-602-4279 or dburcham@cviga.org by February 20.

Get to know your device! CVI is
now offering iPhone/iPad classes

Picture of person holding iPad
Do you own an Apple device, but only use it to make and receive calls, and perform other simple tasks? Apple iPhones and iPads offer many useful features for people with vision loss. Perhaps you wish you could make use of these features, but you don’t know where to start?
 
In CVI’s new two-session course designed specifically for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, you’ll learn:
  • Orientation to the iPhone/iPad
  • Introduction to Siri and voice commands
  • The use of different applications with Siri (email, calendar appointments, texting, and more!)
Classes will take place on Fridays, from 10:15 AM-12:15 PM, with course dates as follows:
  • 1st Two-Session Course Dates: February 10 and February 17
  • 2nd Two-Session Course Dates: March 10 and March 17
  • 3rd Two-Session Course Dates: April 14 and April 21
Registration is required. Each two-session course costs $120.00. Students must bring their own iPhone or iPad to class.

For more information or to register for classes, call
404-875-9011 or email info@cviga.org.

Tech Tools for Independence —
Making Technology Work for You!

Picture of a Kindle Reader
CVI is now offering a free, monthly demonstration of accessible technology for users who are blind or visually impaired. These monthly tech demos are open to the public and feature demonstrations of accessible technology geared toward users who are blind or visually impaired, including:
  • New technology
  • Accessible features of smartphones and tablets
  • Helpful apps and devices
  • High tech and low tech solutions
Demonstrations will focus on a unique topic each month, providing up-to-date information and the latest developments in technology. Upcoming dates and topics are as follows:
  • Monday, February 13, 2017 – Alexa and Kindle Fire Tablet
  • Monday, March 13, 2017 – Accessibility of Android phones and tablets
Time: 10:15 AM-12:15 PM
 
RSVPs are recommended but not required. For more information, or to reserve your spot, call 404-875-9011
or email info@cviga.org.
 

Spotlight on Shira Weintraub —
Volunteer of the Quarter

Picture of Shira Weintraub
We caught up with Shira, one of our dedicated volunteers, to find out a little more about her, and what motivates her service to CVI.

1.   What drew you to volunteer at CVI?
As a volunteer, I want to help build a more resilient society and give back to the community on an ongoing basis. After doing some research and finding CVI, I felt that CVI’s programs were incredibly impactful, providing individuals and families with skills and a network they would have for the rest of their lives. After meeting the staff, I was confident that I’d be able to find consistent, reliable volunteer opportunities and meaningfully help clients to gain confidence and more easily carry out day-to-day activities. I also liked CVI’s focus on working to change sighted people’s common misperceptions of the blind and visually impaired.
 
2.   What are your other interests and hobbies?
My hobbies include volunteering with Trees Atlanta, trying new sushi restaurants, hiking, and reading about corporate sustainability.
 
3.   What difference do you feel you are making by volunteering at CVI?
I feel very fortunate to be involved in programs that empower people impacted by a life-altering disability. By volunteering at CVI, I’m able to help people lead more productive, independent, and fulfilling lives. I also feel that I have an active hand in promoting social inclusion.
 
4.   Why do you think people should volunteer at CVI?
I really enjoy volunteering at CVI because there are so many ways to get involved, including participating in the STARS program, helping organize fundraisers, and individually assisting clients. The staff is incredibly dedicated and passionate, and is always willing to work around even the busiest of schedules. It’s very rewarding to help people with disabilities adapt and succeed both personally and professionally. Being part of CVI renews your appreciation for what you have and enables you to give necessary resources to diverse people with tremendous potential.
 
CVI would like to thank Shira and all of our fantastic volunteers! To find out more about volunteering for CVI visit www.cviga.org/volunteer/
.

Planned Giving Corner

   Picture of a couple

Invest just 90 minutes and it could
save you and your family millions…

CVI cordially invites you to be our guest at a very special private briefing on Income Tax Reduction and Estate Tax Elimination. Attendees will discover how to:
  • Create substantial income tax deductions
  • Avoid double taxation on your IRA and 401(K) monies
  • Create an income you can’t outlive
  • Legally bypass capital gains taxes on stock, bonds, and real estate
  • Leave a lasting legacy to your charities without leaving less to loved ones
  • Use a zero estate tax plan to pass more wealth…and much more!
(Presentation begins promptly at 5PM with dinner to follow)
3368 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30326
Maggiano’s Little Italy - Buckhead
5:00-7:30 PM
Thursday, January 19, 2017
 
SEATS ARE FREE, BUT LIMITED
Call Brandon Lawler at 404-602-4361, or email your response today to
blawler@cviga.org to ensure your seat!
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Upcoming Events


Saturday, 1/14
STARS Horseback Riding

Monday, 1/16
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday-CVI and VisAbility Hub closed in observance

Thursday, 1/19
Planned Giving Event

Saturday, 1/21
STARS Saturday Academy

Thursday, 1/26
CVI Open House for Prospective Clients and Their Families

Sunday, 1/29
STARS Movie Trip

Sunday, 2/26
Cruise with CVI Event

Thursday, 4/27
Night Visions

Click here for a list of upcoming events!

Festive Fun at
the New View
Holiday Party

Picture of adults from the holiday party

Each year, the New View Holiday Party is eagerly anticipated by clients
and staff alike.
From decorations to refreshments to entertainment, the party is entirely organized and implemented by our clients, and it never fails to thrill! This year, the “VIPs” (Visually Impaired Persons) organized a phenomenal event, managing a donation program to provide food and gifts for party guests.

Current and former clients shared refreshments and sing-a-longs, with live entertainment from Reagan (CVI client) on piano. Enjoy Reagan’s skillful performance for yourself at http://bit.ly/2iV6BKO

Special Thanks

Thank you to everyone who helped make the holidays full of joy for our clients! A special thank you to Verizon Wireless, Jerry Moore III and the CVI Board of Trustees for providing gifts to our BEGIN and STARS students at their holiday parties.

BEGIN Families Celebrate Together

Picture of BEGIN child on Santa's lap
The BEGIN Holiday Party brought families together in celebration last month. BEGIN children and their brothers and sisters were delighted by cookies, music and their chance to sit on Santa’s knee, while parents enjoyed each other’s company. A small forest of trees donated by one of CVI’s staff members created a festive setting as each child was surprised with a cuddly teddy bear (graciously gifted by CVI board members and trustees).

Make a Gift Today

It is easy and secure to make a gift online on our Donate Now page.
Have a story you'd like to share? 
Let us know! We'd love to feature your story in our eNewsletter.  

STARS Students Party in
Seasonal Style

Picture of STARS student with gift
STARS students partied hard with their families at the STARS holiday party on December 15. During the party, students explored activity stations, including writing letters to Santa, icing delicious cupcakes and decorating jars of fragrant lemon sugar scrubs to give as gifts.

Everyone enjoyed the now-traditional rendition of “The 12 Days of STARS” and each student received a gift, generously donated by a volunteer. Thank you to the many people who helped to make the party unforgettable for our students and their families! To view a complete photo album, visit http://bit.ly/2hVWBEo

New CVI Remote Low Vision Clinic Comes to Griffin, GA

Picture of a sign that says Griffin
December saw the inaugural CVI Remote Low Vision Clinic in Griffin, GA, in partnership with Takle Eye Group, hosts of this new monthly clinic. For many local residents with vision loss, this was the first opportunity to receive CVI’s services in their own neighborhood. The clinic was a great success and will reoccur monthly, with the next clinic scheduled for Friday January 20.
 
CVI’s network of remote clinics provide low vision evaluations and services for people with vision loss that may have challenges finding transportation to our main building in Midtown Atlanta. To find out more, click here.
Copyright © 2016 Center for the Visually Impaired, All rights reserved.
http://www.cviga.org/

Our mailing address is:
739 West Peachtree Street, N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30308

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