Dear Friends,

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 thanks metro Detroit Lions for support, commitment to community

There’s no doubt that these are difficult economic times, especially for organizations that serve specialized populations such as those with severe vision loss. That’s why the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired thanks all the metro Detroit Lions Clubs that have supported the Agency in the past year, along with thanking Lions Clubs throughout the state for supporting causes that help people with disabilities.

Lions Clubs have generously supported the Agency’s Summer Enrichment Camp for Children and Youth, in addition to making general contributions that support vision rehabilitation and outreach activities. Two Lions Clubs also meet at the Agency’s facility, Detroit Northwest, which is the home club of incoming 11-A1 District Governor John Daoud; and Detroit Mid-City, which is the home club of Past 11-A1 District Governor and GDABVI Board Chair Fredrick J. Simpson, as well as Trustee Fred Shorter.

On occasion, GDABVI professionals reach out to local clubs on behalf of clients in need of support. This was the case when a senior client in Ecorse recently needed an adaptive telephone, but could not afford one on her fixed income. Agency Therapist Sue Buhr contacted the Ecorse-River Rouge Lions Club, which was only too happy to help out.

“They’re always great to work with,” says Sue, who had contacted the club previously for clients. “When they learn someone in their community is in need, they don’t hesitate to lend their support.”

GDABVI would like to offer thanks to the Canton, Dearborn, Detroit (Downtown), Detroit Hispanic, Detroit Mid-City, Detroit Northwest, Detroit University-New Gratiot, Eastpointe (Lioness), Ecorse-River Rouge, Fraser, Garden City, Grosse Pointe, Harper Woods, Lincoln Park, Plymouth, Westland and Wixom-Walled Lake clubs, all of which have generously supported the Agency’s mission in the past year.

My Perspective – District Governor John D. Daoud

As part of the largest volunteer service organization in the world, the Lions of Michigan has a venerable 90-year history of helping those with disabilities and other worthy causes. Now though, with Michigan and especially the Metro Detroit area enduring an economic crisis not seen since the time of the Great Depression, the work of local Lions Clubs is more important than ever.

While fewer grants, corporate endowments, and private donations are available for specialized services that help those with disabilities, Lions Clubs continue to offer needed support to our dedicated state projects that serve these populations, as well as other important local charities. And as our communities continue to feel the devastating effect of this recession, a Lions Club may very well be lending a helping hand to someone you know.

For these reasons, it is my honor to become the 2009-2010 District Governor for Lions Clubs International District 11-1A (Wayne and Monroe Counties in Michigan). I know that our clubs can build on time-tested ways of helping those in need while fostering new initiatives to increase our outreach and support during these difficult times. Knowing many of the great men and women that make up our membership, I know we are ready for this challenge.

To those who are not club members and know little about us, I encourage you to learn about the work your local Lions Club do in your community… you will be pleasantly surprised. I invite you to become a Lion by joining your local club, which can be found at www.metrodetroitlions.org. You’ll find joining our community service organization to be rewarding and you’ll meet exceptional men and women committed to bringing about positive change.

As the need for Lions’ support grows… so grows the need for more Lions.

Again, let me remind you that as Lions we are clearly needed more than ever before.

As Lions, always remember our motto, "We Serve."

John D. Daoud is the incoming Governor of District 11A-1 of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest volunteer community service organization providing assistance wherever assistance is needed including leadership development through community service.

Learn more about the Lions of Michigan.

New drivers help take Agency mission on the road

GDABVI is pleased to announce that Linda Jenkins has joined the Agency as a driver/educational aide. Linda brings a warm smile and nursing background to her new job driving visually impaired Agency staff as they teach the skills of independence to seniors and assisting them as needed.

Malaika King, who has been an office assistant with the Agency for four years, began working as a driver/aide two days a week while she studies to become a nurse at Wayne County Community College.

On a related note, GDABVI congratulates Arlene Zalewski and David Lemaux who have recently retired as driver/education aides. We wish them well and thank them for their years of service.

Getting a referral fee? Forward it on to help our mission

If you are taking advantage of energy tax credits, some companies such as home improvement contractors offer customers the opportunity to donate a referral fee to a charity. If you’re making a purchase where that is available, why not forward the donation to the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired? It’s a unique way to support our important mission helping those with severe vision loss to live more independently.

Software change makes Twitter more accessible for the visually impaired

A simple change in security software recently made Twitter more accessible to the blind and visually impaired.

Read the entire San Francisco Chronicle article.