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INsight Online is a monthly news update from the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired. We're interested to know what you think of the content, or if you have any news or information that you'd like to share. Please give us your feedback at

In this month's issue...

GDABVI kids’ program to be featured in May 7th Free Press
Volunteer of 13 years, Paulette drives Agency mission
CCTV helps Frieda live independently
GDABVI participates in Project Healthy Living 2009
ACT tutor grabs international spotlight with new guide horse

GDABVI kids’ program to be featured in May 7th Free Press

The Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired Summer Enrichment Camp helps children with severe vision loss to become successful, independent adults. The camp will be featured in a special May 7 Summer Dreams section of the Detroit Free Press, which together with the Skillman Foundation, will provide dollar-for-dollar matching funds for all donations to the camp of $1500 or less.

Learn more about the camp and how your contribution can be matched dollar-for-dollar.

Volunteer of 13 years, Paulette drives Agency mission

Paulette Mitchell first learned about GDABVI at a health fair in 1996 and decided to volunteer with the Agency as a driver.

“I had the free time and I like driving,” she says, recalling her decision to work with GDABVI.

Thirteen years later, Paulette comes in every Monday morning and hits the road in the Agency car. She drives GDABVI’s case manager, who is visually impaired, to speaking engagements, client assessments and other Agency-related appointments. Paulette has also worked as a driver/educational aide for GDABVI’s rehabilitation therapist who is blind.

April 19 marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week, and GDABVI recognizes Paulette’s commitment to serving those with visual impairments. It also recognizes the efforts of its volunteer Board of Trustees, as well as others who give their time to advance the Agency’s mission.

“I get to meet interesting people who have lost their sight but continue to be productive,” Paulette says. “It’s a good way to spend my time.”

To learn about volunteering with GDABVI, including as a driver, call 313-272-3900.

CCTV helps Frieda live independently

Frieda Boyd had been undergoing regular treatment for glaucoma for many years. Two years ago, she learned that she also had age-related macular degeneration.

But Frieda, who has an unflappable, upbeat demeanor, seems to maintain her good humor almost effortlessly.

“I have three eye doctors,” she says wryly.

After undergoing a variety of treatments and benefiting from a number of low vision services, she still found herself with one major problem.

“I wasn’t able to read,” says Frieda.

Frieda, a senior on a fixed income, needed a low vision closed circuit television (CCTV) that would enable her to read printed material by enlarging the text.

The Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired loans clients donated units that would cost fifteen hundred dollars or more if purchased from a retailer. Clients are allowed to use available CCTVs at no cost for as long as they can benefit from one, and then return the units for others to use.

“I’ve truly found this to be a blessing,” Frieda says of her CCTV. “I use it every day.”

Along with its in-home vision rehabilitation service, the CCTV loan program helps seniors with severe vision loss to lead independent lifestyles. Each year, GDABVI helps approximately 175 seniors and older adults to be more self-sufficient. For more information on our programs, or if you have a CCTV that you would like to donate, call 313-272-3900.

GDABVI participates in Project Healthy Living 2009

The Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired is participating in a variety of events in conjunction with Project Healthy Living, which has been offering free and low cost health screenings in southeast Michigan for more than 40 years. GDABVI uses Project Healthy Living to educate the public on the causes of blindness and the importance of eye health and safety.

The Agency has already gotten its word out at a number of April events, and will be out in the community next month on the following dates:

For more information, call GDABVI at 313-272-3900 or visit Project Healthy Living’s website.

ACT tutor grabs international spotlight with new guide horse

Mona Ramouni, a volunteer tutor with GDABVI’s Accessible Computer Training program (ACT), has received international attention for getting around with the assistance of a guide horse. She’s been featured in Spanish, German and Kuwaiti media outlets, as well as domestic publications including the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post. Closer to home, she and her horse, Cali, were featured on the front page of the April 9 Detroit Free Press.

Read The Arab American News article about Mona and Cali.

Read Mona’s 2008 My Perspective piece on why she volunteers as an ACT tutor.