Assembly Resolution No. 1191

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is greatly enriched by
the faithful and diligent work of those organizations which serve to
meet the needs of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Association for Vision
Rehabilitation and Employment; and

WHEREAS, The Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment
(AVRE) is a private, non-profit organization that creates opportunities
for success and independence with people who are blind or visually
impaired; and

WHEREAS, Serving the Southern Tier of New York since 1926, AVRE
clinical staff provide a range of vision rehabilitation services to
people of all ages across its nine-county service territory - Broome,
Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, and
Tompkins; its business division includes the manufacture of a variety of
paper-based office products, customized contract packaging, and several
switchboard operations; and

WHEREAS, The AVRE Downtown Binghamton facility houses its
administrative and clinical staff offices, as well as the majority of
its Business Division; and

WHEREAS, AVRE staffs and manages switchboards at two VA Hospitals
downstate - Castle Point and Montrose; and

WHEREAS, The revenue generated from the AVRE Business Division is
invested into the Vision Rehabilitation department thereby offsetting
the cost of providing services; and

WHEREAS, Over 90% of AVRE's employees are blind or visually
impaired, including its President/CEO, Ken Fernald; and

WHEREAS, AVRE's Vision Rehabilitation department offers Vision
Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), Low Vision Exams, Orientation & Mobility
Training, Functional Vision Assessments and Vision Impairment Connect
Program, Case Management, and Support Services; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
organizations which unselfishly devote their energy, talent and
thoughtful care on behalf of improving the quality and dignity of life
in the community, are worthy and due full praise and recognition for
their noble and dedicated efforts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Association for Vision
Rehabilitation and Employment; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment.