WSB Awarded $303,000 from FEMA Non-Profit Security Grant

Little Rock, Arksnsas -

FEMA's Non-Profit Security Grant Program provides funding for physical security enhancements and other security-related activities.

WSB was awarded $303,000 to improve the security of our campus. Funding will be received mid-2024 and will allow us to install more exterior lighting; replace the courtyard gates; replace exterior doors with access control doors; install interior and exterior security cameras and a monitoring system; and install a gunshot location recognition system that will be tied into the Little Rock Police department and will serve WSB and the neighborhood at large.

Part of the funding will also be used to hire an outside firm to evaluate our emergency plans for a variety of nature- and man-made situations and update them as necessary . 

“This grant will allow for next level security on-campus at World Services for the Blind. This has been a much needed project for many years, and I cannot express how excited we are that FEMA is providing us the grant to complete these important and necessary security updates to WSB.”

About World Services for the Blind

Since 1947, World Services for the Blind has served over 17,000 blind and visually impaired individuals across the United States and from 60 countries. WSB provides comprehensive life skills training, vocational training, and transitional-aged youth programs on-campus in Little Rock, AR and online through our online Learning Management System. WSB recognizes that Independence means different things to different people. Each program at WSB is custom designed to give students the tools they need to lead the independent lives they envision for themselves. WSB was the only residential center in the US serving people who are blind to remain open and continue to accept clients during the COVID crisis.

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WSB Awarded $3,000 From United Way

Little Rock, AR – World Services for the Blind (WSB) receives $3,000 from United Way for the Community Investment Grant.

The grant will provide three scholarships for K12 Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TIV) to participate in our new Assistive Technology for the Blind Instruction program. This training will provide comprehensive training in the most up-to date assistive technology that K12 teachers can then share with their students. This funding will not only provide continuing education course credit for Teachers of the Visually Impaired but will have lasting effects on the lifetime of their students. Each piece of assistive technology has been carefully chosen to provide the greatest support to the greatest number of blind and visually impaired K12 students, including those with additional disabilities. It is important for blind individuals to learn these pieces of assistive technology because it empowers them to overcome barriers and access information, communicate, and navigate the world independently.

 “This will be a game-changing opportunity to reach even more people. There is a large gap for Teachers of the Visually Impaired to gain new knowledge about Assistive Technology, and WSB is thrilled to be able to provide that training”

-Eric Yarberry, CEO & President, World Services for the Blind

About World Services for the Blind

Since 1947, World Services for the Blind has served over 17,000 blind and visually impaired individuals across the United States and from 60 countries. WSB provides comprehensive life skills training, vocational training, and transitional-aged youth programs on-campus in Little Rock, AR and online through our online Learning Management System. WSB recognizes that Independence means different things to different people. Each program at WSB is custom designed to give students the tools they need to lead the independent lives they envision for themselves. WSB was the only residential center in the US serving people who are blind to remain open and continue to accept clients during the COVID crisis.

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WSB in Partnership with Penny Forward Awarded Grant from Wells Fargo 2nd Year in Row

WSB in Partnership with Penny Forward Awarded Grant from Wells Fargo

Little Rock, AR -- WSB is thrilled to announce, for the second year in a row, that WSB in partnership with Penny Forward was awarded $75,000 from Wells Fargo. The grant was awarded to build, launch, and maintain Penny Forward Mobile, a native IOS and Android mobile app which will be used to increase the impact of the financial education content.

WSB has been a longtime partner with Penny Forward, a Nonprofit Corporation whose mission is to help blind people confidently navigate the landscape of personal finance through education, mentoring, and mutual support. WSB is excited to continue to build this partnership and sustain financial literacy in the blind and visually impaired community with Penny Forward Mobile.

“Our partnership with WSB is having a huge impact on the financial health of the blind community. This grant will help us increase our shared impact by orders of magnitude by making it easier for blind people to access resources that educate and inspire them to build their own bright futures one penny at a time.”

-Chris Peterson, Penny Forward Founder and CEO

About World Services for the Blind

Since 1947, World Services for the Blind has served over 17,000 blind and visually impaired individuals across the United States and from 60 countries. WSB provides comprehensive life skills training, vocational training, and transitional-aged youth programs on-campus in Little Rock, AR and online through our online Learning Management System. WSB recognizes that Independence means different things to different people. Each program at WSB is custom designed to give students the tools they need to lead the independent lives they envision for themselves. WSB was the only residential center in the US serving people who are blind to remain open and continue to accept clients during the COVID crisis.

About Penny Forward

Founded in 2021, Penny Forward Inc is a Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation whose mission is to help blind people confidently navigate the landscape of personal finance through education, mentoring, and mutual support. They envision a world where blind people have the resources to weather hard times, take advantage of rare opportunities, and generously support causes they deeply care about. They’re working toward this by offering online courses, weekly online group  coaching sessions, and access to one to one coaching by appointment. More information about Penny Forward’s mission, vision, and team is available at their web site, pennyforward.com.

WSB Awarded $25,000 from Schmeiding Foundation for Summer Program

Little Rock, AR – World Services for the Blind (WSB) receives $25,000 from the Schmeiding Foundation for Scholarships to the 2023 Summer Transitional-aged youth program.

Designed for students ages 15 to 21, WSB’s Beyond Your Limits program takes a holistic approach to equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed both personally and professionally.

Transition-aged youth who are blind or visually impaired are often left behind, struggling to keep up with their peers. Many times, intensive life skills training is required prior to entering a vocational program. The current rate of unemployment for the blind and visually impaired adults is over 70%. Without these services, transitional-aged youth become adult statistics. Scholarships for transitional-aged youth lighten the burden on these individual’s families, not just by paying for the summer program at WSB, but by propelling the student forward in their goals of sustainable independence in the future

“We are thrilled to be able to serve more transitional-aged youth students by providing scholarships to those most in need of services. The Schmeiding Foundation will allow WSB to continue our mission of empowering those who are blind and visually impaired to to achieve sustainable independence.” Heather, Director of Education & Training

About World Services for the Blind

Since 1947, World Services for the Blind has served over 17,000 blind and visually impaired individuals across the United States and from 60 countries. WSB provides comprehensive life skills training, vocational training, and transitional-aged youth programs on-campus in Little Rock, AR and online through our online Learning Management System. WSB recognizes that Independence means different things to different people. Each program at WSB is custom designed to give students the tools they need to lead the independent lives they envision for themselves. WSB was the only residential center in the US serving people who are blind to remain open and continue to accept clients during the COVID crisis.

Learn about the Beyond Your Limits Summer Program

WSB Wins 2023 Inspiration Foundation Assistive Technology Grant!

World Services for the Blind is pleased to announce that we are a recipient of a 2023 Inspiration Foundation Assistive Technology Grant!

The Inspiration Foundation (a philanthropic division of Cleanlogic, a social mission-based company offering quality bath and body accessories all of which have Braille product descriptors across all packaging) created these grants to help nonprofit organizations purchase assistive technology equipment for classrooms. The founder of Cleanlogic was inspired by his mom, who lost her sight when she was 7, but never let it stop her. Through her hard work, she became a passionate advocate, helping other blind and visually impaired individuals gain employment, which is so crucial to the Blind and Visually Impaired community of which 70% are unemployed.

The Inspiration Foundation’s Board believes that successful job placement and retention depends on strong technology skills and that independent living skills are augmented by technology. The Inspiration Foundation Assistive Technology Grants are awarded to smaller nonprofits to help them keep their technology class rooms up to date. World Services for the Blind will use its grant to purchase assistive technology for the AT lab on campus.

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WSB Announces New Director of Education and Training

World Services for the Blind has Selected Heather Miller as the new Director of Education and Training

 December 1, 2022, Little Rock, AR - World Services for the Blind is excited to announce Heather Miller as the new Director of Education and Training. She will begin her position on January 1st, 2023.

Headshot of heather in the wsb courtyard

 Prior to her career in the blindness field, she served the Tenth Judicial District in Tennessee as a prosecutor for nine years.  In that capacity, Heather prosecuted numerous cases in state court and served on the Child Protection Investigative Team, the Special Prosecutions Unit,  and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  Heather began to develop her love of teaching during this time as a law instructor for the police academy.

 Heather began at WSB in 2021 as a scholarship client after losing her sight in 2018. She originally thought she would go back to practicing Law but realized she had a love for assistive technology, and specifically serving her new community, the blind and visually impaired.

 Heather believes that there is no reason that a blind or visually impaired person should have to curb their dreams for the future just because they have a disability.  Heather explains that “maybe your life won’t look the way you thought it would, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go after anything you want.”  The quote she likes to remember is ”Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

 CEO and President, Eric Yarberry, who previously served as the Director of Education and Training, is thrilled with this transition. “Heather has a big heart for serving the blind and visually impaired, and that will be evident in the opportunities she brings to WSB and the students we serve,” Eric Yarberry, President and CEO of World Services for the Blind.

World Services for the Blind awarded $750,000 from Rainy Day Funds of Arkansas

World Services for the Blind awarded $750,000 from Rainy Day Funds of Arkansas

Little Rock, AR – World Services for the Blind (WSB) receives $750,000 from the state of Arkansas Rainy Day Funds to continue to enhance new construction projects at WSB.

The grant money will go towards the final phase of construction for the WSB Therapeutic Group Home. WSB will continue to expand our services through the Therapeutic Group Home, the only residential group home of its kind in Arkansas. This will serve adults who are blind with a diagnosed intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) and elder blind who may not otherwise fit into a traditional assisted living facility due to vision loss. WSB will also have one unit dedicated to providing short term respite care for families who are caring for their adult special needs family member. The WSB Group Home will offer a healthy, safe and adapted environment to meet the unique needs of those with vision loss. 

“World Services for the Blind is honored to have received the Rainy Day Funds. This will be lifechanging to residents of Arkansas who have nowhere else to turn and can receive the care they need at the WSB Therapeutic Group Home.”

-Eric Yarberry, CEO & President 

There is a major need for increased availability of group home facilities. Currently, there are long waiting lists for services, significant stress on family caregivers, high rates of staff turnover in community settings, and lack of specialized caregiver training resulting in unstable and unreliable supportive services. Many people with the need for significant supportive services have limited choices and access to services to meet their residential needs. Placement is nearly impossible when vision loss is added to I/DD.

WSB can and will provide the specialized, targeted support services needed to those with I/DD and vision loss, especially with the help from the state of Arkansas Rainy Day Funds.

About World Services for the Blind

Since 1947, World Services for the Blind has served over 17,000 blind and visually impaired individuals across the United States and from 60 countries. WSB provides comprehensive life skills training, vocational training, and transitional-aged youth programs on-campus in Little Rock, AR and online through our online Learning Management System. WSB recognizes that Independence means different things to different people. Each program at WSB is custom designed to give students the tools they need to lead the independent lives they envision for themselves. WSB was the only residential center in the US serving people who are blind to remain open and continue to accept clients during the COVID crisis.

World Services for the Blind Announces New CEO - Eric Yarberry

World Services for the Blind is excited to announce the new CEO

Dear Friend, Colleagues, Partners and Stakeholders,

The World Service for the Blind Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of Eric Yarberry as our new CEO effective November 1st, 2022. 

Eric has served the past four and a half years as Director of Education and Training and a total of 7 years involved with program development and implementation. He has been recognized as the next generation of leaders by his colleagues in the blindness field. 

Eric has excelled at bringing a new level of industry standard certifications and partnerships to the offerings at WSB’s vocational programming.  

An Arkansas native, Eric actively serves on various boards for organizations within the blindness community, and he brings to the table real world knowledge of living with a visual impairment. He enjoys volunteering his time to the Arkansas Association for Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Penny Forward,, the Arkansas School for the Blind Alumni Association and is the President of the Little Rock Founders Lions club, which is the oldest club in continuous service since February 17, 1916. He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Professional and Technical Writing. He lives in Little Rock with his lovely wife, Emily, and his Leader Dog, Hank.

The agency is well aligned to offer services to the blind community for the next 75 years and beyond. 

Board Chair Kenneth Reed of California stated:  "I have had the pleasure of serving on the WSB Operations Board for eleven years and we have gone through some very tough times but with the leadership of Sharon Giovinazzo and her excellent team, WSB is running on all eight cylinders and headed down the road to success. Part of that team is Eric Yarberry and what an outstanding job he has done and will continue to do in his newly appointed position of CEO replacing Sharon. He has some very large shoes to fill but I have no doubt in my mind he will fill those shoes and hit the road running to make WSB even better than what it is presently. I believe he will improve the lives of the clients and make the workplace even more positive than it is already."

Our current CEO Sharon Giovinazzo and her team have worked tirelessly over the last eight years to lead WSB to be a center of excellence that is loomed to as an example in the field. 

After eight years of service at WSB, Sharon will be joining the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired San Francisco as their CEO in October. The Board of Directors and staff thank Sharon for her leadership and wish her well in her future endeavors. 

With diversification of revenue streams, campus improvements and the group home nearing completion, this is a perfect time to transition which will continue to bring WSB to unimaginable heights. WSB is excited to grow and continue serving the blind and visually impaired community for another 75 years!

World Services for the Blind and Penny Forward Receives $75,000 from Wells Fargo

Little Rock, AR – World Services for the Blind in partnership with Penny Forward receives $75,000 from Wells Fargo to launch the “ABC’s of Financial Health”. The program will be the only comprehensive and fully accessible financial literacy program for people who are blind, visually impaired, and Deaf-blind.

This program will enhance World Services for the Blind’s longstanding financial literacy program that has been delivered to clients across the US and will provide long-term group and one-on-one coaching in financial literacy, teaching people who are blind how to build wealth. The grant will be in partnership with Penny Forward, a 501©3, online community, podcast, and education tool focusing on financial literacy for the blind and visually impaired. Penny Forward’s mission is to help blind people confidently navigate the complicated landscape of personal finance through education, mentoring, and mutual support.

“We are so excited to partner with Wells Fargo and complete this project with Penny Forward in order to provide the highest quality of financial literacy training to the blind and visually impaired community. This project will be another great resource for WSB clients to reach sustainable and financial independence” – Eric, Director of Development and Training, WSB.

About World Services for the Blind

Since 1947, World Services for the Blind has served over 17,000 blind and visually impaired individuals across the United States and from 60 countries. WSB provides comprehensive life skills training, vocational training, and transitional-aged youth programs on-campus in Little Rock, AR and online through our online Learning Management System. WSB recognizes that Independence means different things to different people. Each program at WSB is custom designed to give students the tools they need to lead the independent lives they envision for themselves. WSB was the only residential center in the US serving people who are blind to remain open and continue to accept clients during the COVID crisis.

About Penny Forward

Founded in 2021, Penny Forward Inc is a Minnesota Nonprofit Corporation whose mission is to help blind people confidently navigate the landscape of personal finance through education, mentoring, and mutual support. They envision a world where blind people have the resources to weather hard times, take advantage of rare opportunities, and generously support causes they deeply care about. They’re working toward this by offering online courses, weekly online group  coaching sessions, and access to one to one coaching by appointment. More information about Penny Forward’s mission, vision, and team is available at their web site, pennyforward.com.

COVID and Travel Update as of December 21, 2021

While I know there is a lot of information and misinformation floating around about rules and regulations, the following will be the WSB policy for travel.  If you meet the definition of FULLY VACCINATED (definition below) you will not have to quarantine upon arrival or return from your off campus travel.  If you have not yet been vaccinated WSB can help you receive your vaccination once in Little Rock.

While I know that it is frustrating, understand that it is our responsibility to keep all students and staff safe.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your case manager David Wright at 501-664-7100 Extension 42270 or email dwright@wsblind.org.   

Travel for WSB Clients (as per the CDC)

For Fully Vaccinated People

Definition of fully vaccinated

People are considered fully vaccinated:

• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or

• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated.

After travel:

 Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. 

You do NOT need to get tested or self-quarantine if you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months. You should still follow all other travel recommendations.

For People Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated

If you do not meet the definition of Fully Vaccinated you will be quarantined for 7 days upon arrival to WSB, NO EXCEPTIONS.

After travel:

Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.

Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.

If you exhibit symptoms or test positive

If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.

If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.

Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

COVID-19 and Travel Update

While I know there is a lot of information and misinformation floating around about rules and regulations, the following will be the WSB policy for holiday travel.  If you meet the definition of FULLY VACCINATED (definition below) you will not have to quarantine upon return from your travels.  If you have not yet been vaccinated you still have time before the Thanksgiving holiday to receive two doses and meet the ranks of the fully vaccinated.

While I know that it is frustrating, understand that it is our responsibility to keep all students and staff safe.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your case manager David Wright at 501-664-7100 Extension 42270 or email dwright@wsblind.org. 

Holiday Travel for WSB Clients (as per the CDC)

For Fully Vaccinated People

Definition of fully vaccinated

People are considered fully vaccinated:

·       2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or

·       2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated.

After travel:

Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

You do NOT need to get tested or self-quarantine if you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months. You should still follow all other travel recommendations.

For People Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated

After travel:

Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.

Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.

If you exhibit symptoms or test positive

If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.

If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.

Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 UPDATE

While we have moved beyond phase 1 of COVID-19, we are now encroaching on a serious new variant of the virus. 

There is a new surge in 48 of the fifty states with a 70% increase over the last week of hospitalizations and positive tests, but 99 percent of those are unvaccinated. 

WSB has implemented a mask mandate while on-campus.

Due to the fact that some staff and residents remain unvaccinated at this time, the officers of World Services for the Blind will determine on a case-by-case basis when nonstaff and nonresidents want access to campus. 

While state and federal governments wavier on their recommendations the Officers of World Services for the Blind will set and enforce policy directed if guests are allowed on campus. 

All clients will partake in a 7-day quarantine upon arrival to World Services for the Blind for the safety of clients and staff. 

Understand all policies are made with the advisement of the CDC and the Arkansas Department of Health. 

Any questions are concerns should be directed to the CEO SHARON Giovinazzo at ceo@wsblind.org. 

WSB receives $20,000 from Delta Dental

World Services for the Blind receives $20,000 from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation to improve oral health in Northwest Arkansas, specifically among the Marshallese community.

Contact: Sharon Giovinazzo, CEO & President

501-664-7100

ceo@wsblind.org

Little Rock, Ark. — World Services for the Blind recently received $20,000 from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation to help combat health inequity of the Mashallese population in Northwest Arkansas. World Services for the Blind will be able to provide access to education by providing information on diabetes management and health as well as provide life changing life skills training for those with vision loss.  

Through the Community Grant program, the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation seeks to expand access to oral health care in underserved areas. Grant recipients were selected based on the innovativeness of the proposed project and its potential impact on the oral health of Arkansans.

 “We are proud to recognize the work being done by World Services for the Blind by selecting it as one of our grant recipients,” said Chrissy Chatham, executive director of the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation. “By increasing access to dental care, we can help improve the oral and overall health and well-being of children and adults by preventing serious health issues down the road.”

About World Services for the Blind

The mission of World Services for the Blind is to empower people who are blind and visually impaired in the United States and around the world to achieve sustainable independence. Four of the most used words in the media today are UNPRECEDENTED, ISOLATION, FEAR, and UNEMPLOYMENT. Unfortunately, for client’s at World Services for the Blind this is nothing new and has been the normal for more than 73 years. To combat this, WSB provides comprehensive life skills and vocational training under one roof.

Be sure to follow WSB on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

About the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation is committed to fulfilling Delta Dental’s mission to improve the oral health of Arkansans. Since 2015, the Foundation has contributed an average of $3 million dollars annually to support oral health programs and initiatives. By investing in education, prevention and treatment, we are working to make Arkansas healthier, one smile at a time. For more oral health news and information, visit www.DeltaDentalAR.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram at @DeltaDentalAR.

WSB COVID-19 Update as of November 24, 2020

As the pandemic is resurging across the nation, World Services for the Blind continues to monitor the recommendations from the CDC, Arkansas Department of Health, and our partner states where each of our clients hails from.

The health and well-being of our clients and staff is a top priority. We will go above and beyond any of the recommendations.

World Services for the Blind will continue to remain open through the holiday season. We are still providing training and all residential services on-campus in Little Rock.

While we are hopeful everyone will be able to return to their families for the December holiday season and for the New Year, we understand that states may impose restrictions beyond our control. If that is the case we will deal with each individual circumstance as we cross that bridge.

Precautions and regulations are in place for managing the return of clients to ensure everyone’s safety. Rest assured WSB is 100% committed to the health and welfare of our clients and community partners.

While we are all learning how to deal with a pandemic in our own personal lives, World Services for the Blind has remained open and able to accept some of the most vulnerable of those we serve, who have found themselves not only homeless but in some cases hopeless.

We also understand the difficulty of being able to serve your clients during these difficult times. Know we stand committed to continuing to deliver world-class programs and services despite the pandemic.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to any of the World Services for the Blind staff.

Have a happy and safe holiday season. While this year has presented its challenages know that we are still BETTER TOGETHER!

WSB COVID Procedures and Updates, July 2020

Please see the following PDF on the procedures and updates regarding the new CDC guidelines that WSB will be following:

COVID Guidelines July 2020

WSB COVID-19 Plan for Admissions

World Services for the Blind is continuing training on-campus and online. WSB has created a plan specific for COVID-19 and Admissions to World Services for the Blind. To read about the plan, please download the following PDF:

COVID-19 Plan for Admissions

CORVID Update as of March 24, 2020

Dear VR and Community Partners, 

Let me start off by saying thank you to all the vocational partners who have called and chatted over the past few days. We definitely find ourselves in unprecedented times and given the current uncertainties, as well as, the flood of information and misinformation, I wanted to take a moment to update you on how we are ensuring the health and safety of our clients while continuing to deliver services to the clients and our VR partners.

The national pandemic response to the novel coronavirus has called on all Americans to do our part to “flatten the curve” by practicing social distancing and enhanced sanitation measures. 

We have taken action to ensure we are following all CDC, state and local health guidelines. As of today, we are implementing telework for most of our vocational instructors. 

Currently, all staff and clients are healthy and I want to ensure that continues. We have restricted access to campus for anyone who is not a student or staff.  

Many of our staff utilize public transportation and I feel this is the best decision is to protect the clients. 

Instructors will be delivering the same content via our Learning Management System (LMS) while using the Zoom conferencing platform. 

All staff that will remain on campus are ones that have private or access to private transport and are taking additional precautions to ensure their safety while interacting with clients. 

World Services for the Blind is committed to remaining open and we are following all guidelines to provide the safest environment for our clients. The reality is about 25% of our clients are homeless. While other centers across the country are closing down leaving Vocational Rehabilitation partners and clients scrambling to find other accommodations; World Services for the Blind is ready, willing and more importantly able to assist our partners during these difficult times. 

We have the capacity to bridge the gap for those who have clients with nowhere to go.  I know many of the state-run centers have been forced to close no matter what the Status of their clients.  In most cases, we are able to arrange private transportation to further protect your clients. 

We are all navigating a landscape we know little to nothing about, but what I do know is why we are all partners in this field and that is to assist some of the most vulnerable during this period. 

While this too shall pass, our collective actions will determine the future for so many who are blind and visually impaired across the country. 

I am committed to updating you on a regular basis, but in the interim, if you have any questions please feel free to call me any time on my cell at 501-766-6754 or email at ceo@wsblind.org. 

We appreciate the trust you place in us to empower people who are blind and visually impaired to achieve sustainable independence. We have been your partner for more than 73 years and we will continue to serve you as our business partner and the clients that we jointly serve. 

Sincerely

Sharon L. Giovinazzo 

President/CEO

World Services for the Blind

CORVID-19 Notice

CORVID-19 Update as of March 12th, 2020

Dear VR and Community Partners,

As of today, there are several suspected cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Arkansas, WSB is monitoring the situation and is committed to taking the necessary precautions to protect staff and clients from a possible outbreak. The health and well-being of our clients and staff is a top priority. We will continue to make sure classrooms and dorms are cleaned thoroughly and frequently.

We are still providing training and all residential services on-campus in Little Rock. Online training courses in many of our vocational courses are also available. With our online training courses, clients do not have to leave their home state to receive vocational training.

WSB Leadership is following CDC guidelines for long term care facilities, we are in consultation with the Mayor’s Task Force on COVID19, and a part of a coalition of Long term care facilities.  WSB is a residential facility and often some of our clients have other health issues which could leave them more vulnerable. 

We have a doctor on retainer which will oversee clients if anyone presents with respiratory symptoms, and quarantined rooms have are ready if someone does present with symptoms.  New clients are taking a CDC pre-screening questionnaire 24 hours prior to arrival.

Rest assured WSB is 100% committed to the health and welfare of our clients and community partners. 

For helpful, up to date resources concerning the COVID19 virus, please visit the CDC : https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at sgiovinazzo@wsblind.org or call my cell at 501-766-6754.

Sharon Giovinazzo

President & CEO

World Services for the Blind