VisionLink

This month, we welcome Joi McCoy, Public Relations Specialist for the City of Philadelphia, to our monthly Speaker Series program. Joi will present information about the Department of Revenue's property tax and water bill assistance programs, including the Homestead Exemption, Low-Income Tax Freeze, Senior Citizen Tax Freeze and LOOP. Join us on Friday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. for this remote program. Encourage your clients or patients to attend. To register, contact Lee Cannady at 215-627-0600 ext. 833 or [email protected]. [Alt text: Graphic promoting VisionLink's next Speaker Series session. Text: "Welcome guest speaker Joi McCoy, Public Relations Specialist at the City of Philadelphia." A photo of the City of Philadelphia logo is in the top left-hand corner, and a VisionLink logo is in the top right corner.]

Platforms like iCloud, Google Drive, One Drive, and Dropbox are remote storage solutions that back up photos, files, notes, passwords and other data in the cloud and automatically keep it up to date across all devices. Our instructors help adults with vision difficulties learn how to navigate these platforms as part of our Advanced App Workshops. Our next session is Monday, March 3 from 3 – 4:30 p.m. Have questions or want to register? Contact us at 215-627-0600 or [email protected]. [Alt text: A hand is holding an iPhone with the Dropbox app open. There is a VisionLink logo in the top left corner.]

VisionLink is going to the Philadelphia Flower Show! We’re hosting two audio-described tours on Wednesday, March 5 at 8:30 a.m. and Thursday, March 6 at 4:30 p.m. Share this information with your clients and patients to join us at the world's longest-running horticultural event and the largest in the United States, presented by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) since 1829. For tickets and more details, contact Levone Cannady at 215-627-0600 ext. 833 or [email protected]. [Alt text: A promotional poster for the Philadelphia Flower Show with an image of flower arrangements at the Philadelphia Flower Show. There is a VisionLink logo and a Philadelphia Horticultural Society logo at the top. Below, the text reads, “Attend the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show with VisionLink! Limited tickets available. When: Wed. March 5, 8:30 a.m. & Thurs. March 6, 4:30 p.m. Where: Philadelphia Convention Center at 12th and Arch”.]

Safety in the kitchen is essential for everyone including your clients with vision difficulty. Here are a few tips to help: Keep your kitchen organized so everything has its place, making it easier to find what you need. Keep heat-resistant oven mitts nearby when cooking. For knife safety, use a cutting glove or mesh covering, and opt for contrasting cutting boards to avoid accidents. For more tips, sign up for our home management course on Monday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. To register, contact us at 215-627-0600 or [email protected]. [Alt text: An older couple is cooking in the kitchen. They are pouring ingredients into a large bowl. There is a VisionLink logo in the bottom right corner.]

PhillyCAM is presenting a screening of the short documentary film, METTLE on Saturday, February 22 at 4 p.m. The event will take place at PhillyCAM, located at 699 Ranstead St. METTLE follows the journey of Liana Mutia, a blind Filipino-American judoka, as she trains for her second Paralympics, aiming to create history at the 2024 Paralympic Games. The 30-minute film, complete with audio descriptions, will be followed by a recorded Q&A with the directors Chelsea Casabona and Surabhi Sundaram, along with the film’s subject, Liana Mutia. RSVP today at this link: https://bit.ly/3QkHDFH

Meet VisionLink’s Manager of Low Vision Services, Sofiya Zilberberg! Sofiya works with clients to develop the skills and abilities that can help them engage more fully and independently in everyday life. Learn about Sofiya in the Q&A below! Q: What do you do as the Low Vision Rehabilitation Therapist at VisionLink? A: I work with individuals who live with blindness or low vision and help them achieve their goals, whether that's independently managing activities at home or in the community Q: What inspired you to work at VisionLink? A: The opportunity to work in an environment where the impact of my efforts can directly help individuals gain independence and improve their quality of life is very fulfilling. I am so grateful to contribute in ways that align both my professional skills and personal values, and I look forward to making a meaningful difference at VisionLink. I have always been deeply committed to supporting people with disabilities, and the holistic approach VisionLink takes - offering orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, and assistive technology training all in one hub - resonates with me as it provides convenience for individuals to access these services. Q: What’s the one thing you want someone to know who may be experiencing vision difficulty for the first time? A: I want you to know you're not alone, and you can still do everything you love to do! It may take some adaptations and adjustments to your techniques, but the world of low vision has so many resources and devices to offer! [Alt text: Graphic with VisionLink staff highlight. Text: “Get to know” is centered at the top with the VisionLink logo underneath. There is a headshot of Sofiya to the left and to the right text reads, “If you're experiencing vision difficulties for the first time, I want you to know you're not alone, and you can still do everything you love to do!” Sofiya Zilberberg, Manager of Low Vision Services.]

Encourage your clients to register for Orientation & Mobility (O&M) training with our skilled instructors. We work with clients to create a personalized plan that focuses on the areas of their choosing. From crossing busy intersections to navigating in the park, we are here to assist. Email [email protected] or call 215-627-0600 to connect with an O&M instructor today. [Alt text: A woman wearing dark glasses is sitting on steps outside. She has a white cane on her lap. There is a VisionLink logo in the top left corner.]

Encourage clients to attend our Advanced iPhone App Workshops to learn how to keep their information safe and secure. On Monday, Feb. 17, from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., we’ll dive into essential privacy and security features to help protect data. We’ll cover tips for safeguarding sensitive information, enhancing device security, and learning best practices for online safety to empower clients with practical knowledge and hands-on guidance. For more information or to register, contact us at 215-627-0600 ext. 826 or [email protected]. [Alt text: A woman is outside smiling at her phone. There is a VisionLink logo in the top left corner.]

We are excited to be partnering with Twelve Gates Arts to host monthly audio-described art tours at its gallery space! Lunch will be served. Encourage your clients to join us on Saturday, February 15 for the 2024 residency show from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. If interested, contact Levone Cannady at 215-627-0600 ext. 833 or [email protected]. [Alt text: Four people in the 12 Gates Art studio at an audio-described art exhibition.]

Our offices will be closed on Friday, Feb. 14, in celebration of the Philadelphia Eagles parade and Monday, Feb. 17 in observance of Presidents Day. We hope everyone has a fun and safe time celebrating! [Alt text: Images of the 2018 Eagles Super Bowl parade.]