Profiles
- Focus on employment
- A legacy of life
- Swimmer Katrina Harrison
- Helping people is the thing!
- Here comes the band
- TIS wins Computerland Customer Service Award!
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Focus on employment
Bringing up triplets when you are almost totally blind is a challenge in itself, but recently Kaye Kay-Smith faced a challenge of a different kind. After successfully completing a 6-month call centre and employment skills course in Hamilton, 46-year-old Kaye was determined to find a job. Kaye secured her first interview (after 5 months of applying) at Supertan, distributors of sunbeds and tanning products. They were so impressed with her can-do attitude they hired her on the spot. "It's such a great feeling to know you've got a job. It's not just the money, it's enjoyment and something to do," says Kaye. Her new role includes taking orders, packing and distribution, invoices and answering phones. One of the first things Kaye and guide dog Casio did was put braille labels throughout the office. While there were a few minor problems initially, Kaye says her employers are supportive and willing to work with her to overcome them. "You can achieve anything with the right attitude and by putting yourself out there," says Kaye, and she has certainly proven that!
Vocational placement coordinators:
Auckland - Emma Carreon ph 09 355 6909
Hamilton - Bob Wicks ph 07 838 7516
Wellington - Shirley Hampton ph 04 380 2149
Christchurch - Stephanie Lange ph 03 375 4319.
A legacy of life
As members, supporters and volunteers of the RNZFB you may be aware of the importance of donations in funding Foundation services. However you may not know that around 50 percent of these donations come from legacies and bequests from people who have included the Foundation in their Will.
For retired Auckland quantity surveyor Herb Cameron a bit of research to find a community group that would "achieve more and spend my money the right way" was the start of his relationship with the Foundation. Herb's decision was endorsed by hearing how "blind people are so positive about life - many sighted people could take a leaf out of their books!"
Foundation member Verna Simpson from Christchurch comments, "It is important knowing the Foundation works to make our quality of life the best it can be. The Foundation is there for me and I would like to assist the Foundation to continue its essential work after my lifetime."
Foundation member Myrtle Callaghan says it simply made
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sense to leave a bequest to blind New Zealanders. "I believe we should return the support we are given - simple as that."
Former antique shop proprietor and Foundation member, Dunedin's Grace Kerrison, is convinced that leaving a bequest is an appropriate expression of her gratitude. "The Foundation turned my life around with braille, books and a talking computer. The staff in the Dunedin office are wonderful and give me such great support."
To Herb, Joy, Myrtle, Grace and all our special intended legators, we extend our sincere thanks - your contributions are valued.
If you would like to receive information on Wills and bequests please call 0800 DONATE (0800 366283). We would be pleased to discuss the options involved with helping to secure the future independence and quality of life for Foundation members.
Swimmer Katrina Harrison
Committing to the challenge and the training is the hardest part of competing, says Northland swimmer Katrina Harrison.
"Once in the habit of training it just becomes the norm and you feel great being fit and energetic," says Katrina. "The event becomes the award."
In April 2005, Katrina was approached by the Achilles Track Club (disabled sports club) to participate in sponsored challenges alongside three other disabled athletes. With a bit of encouragement the vision-impaired swimmer accepted the opportunity.
Since that time Katrina has completed many swims including the biggest test of crossing Lake Taupo. The athletes began the challenge at midnight and emerged 15 hours later after swimming a whopping 47 kms.
Katrina, who has Stargardts, explains that her vision-impairment has mainly caused problems when she is swimming in open water and trying to locate the buoys. Katrina began swimming just over a year ago but is no stranger to sporting challenges. She is an active member of the Achilles Track club and has completed two marathons in New York.
With an average swimming speed of three kilometres an hour Katrina is currently considering her next challenge.
"I've been asked to participate in a swim across Cook Strait, but with no wetsuits, it will be a tough challenge!"
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Helping people is the thing!
Everyone needs a good neighbour and for the blind community of Timaru, Imelda Hitchcock is about the best there is.
Imelda has been a volunteer for the RNZFB's Timaru Community Committee for over 20 years and has been instrumental in improving facilities and quality of life for its members.
Since Imelda came on board, she's helped to get a hot water system, a dishwasher, and concertina doors to divide the main hall, installed in the local office.
The Timaru Community Committee has become "a part of my life", she says.
Imelda is currently the Chair and Treasurer of the Community Committee, but there are few positions she has not held.
Raewyn Crowe, secretary at the Community Committee says, "she puts a lot of effort in behind the scenes. She really puts herself out for the members."
Imelda has recently set up a painting class which received two commendation awards for Adult Learners Achievement.
"I get a lot of satisfaction from what I do. It's very rewarding," she says.
Imelda's efforts were acknowledged earlier this year by Volunteering Canterbury when she received a Volunteer Recognition Award.
Here comes the band
Vision is something this talented trio may not have much of in the literal sense, but it is the perfect name for their band which is on the road to fame. For teenagers Jonathan Heaps (17), Ese (18) and Limoni (16) Aumalesulu, their vision is to live a life of music.
"Vision is something we all have and is deeper and more than just being able to see," says Jonathan. "We thought it was a fitting name as well as a good play on words!" The threesome have been playing together for several years and use keyboard, drums, guitar and their amazing voices to entertain. And that's exactly what they do!
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With their cheeky banter and humour, coupled with their musical abilities, the boys have already wowed audiences at 'Starjam', fundraising concerts they've organised and at their first real 'gig" last month in front of 300 police officers and many others. Their hopes for the future are to record a demo and establish themselves as a professional band while still pursuing their education. "Music is our passion," says Jonathan, "we're always thinking about it- everyday and everywhere- and we always will."
TIS wins Computerland Customer Service Award!
The Telephone Information System (TIS) was recently named winner in the Computerworld Excellence Awards "Use of IT in Customer Service" category over superb contest entries from leaders in the commercial sector.
The only hardware that members need to access TIS is a telephone.
"This is a significant achievement for the RNZFB and recognition for our member services. The fact that TIS was recognised ahead of brilliant projects with much bigger budgets is a testament to everyone who has helped TIS evolve over the years." says Mary Schnackenberg, Divisional Manager, Adaptive Support.
Mary and Clive Lansink developed TIS and launched the service over a decade ago, just before Christmas in 1994.
Mary says, "TIS gives blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people access to local and national news and information that is not found on radio or television. They can go from menu to menu to find what they want to listen to including radio and TV programme listings, news about the RNZFB and its services and news and gossip about member events and other matters of interest."
All members are encouraged to give TIS a go. For more information or to find out how to register as a TIS user, please call 0800 24 33 33 and ask to speak to Murray Peat.