INSIGHTS Winter Issue A quarterly newsletter for friends of and contributors to The Hadley School for the Blind - Winnetka, Illinois March 2002 2 A Priceless Mission A Message From Our President 4 Maintaining The Top and Bottom Line Mary Babson, Chairman of the Board 6 Trailblazing For A Cause Jennifer Weaver, President of the Woman's Board 8 Friends of Hadley Patti Willian, President of Friends of Hadley 10 Giving Back to Hadley A Student's Perspective 12 Talking ATMs Make Sense 14 Be An Angel Materials and Equipment Needed 15 Giving Societies/Our Thanks Thanks For Your Tributes 16 The Woman's Board Group Plans a Colorful Benefit A Priceless Mission A message from our president The Hadley School for the Blind does amazing, essential work-work that is acknowledged worldwide as altruistic. Through innovative distance education techniques, our courses assist thousands of blind and visually impaired people gain independence. Yet, we cannot do this alone. We rely on generous contributions from individuals, endowment, foundations and corporations to make it all happen. Hadley receives no state or federal funding; we are totally non-profit. Donors like you provide the resources to cover our growing operating expenses as we serve more and more visually impaired people throughout the world. Of course, it is impossible to put a value on the mission that you help us achieve on a daily basis, in every corner of the globe. You have helped us achieve so much and, in the process, positively touched so many people. As Martha Moser, one of our students, so succinctly stated: "Until I found Hadley, I didn't know where to go, and I had no resources. I'm glad someone was willing to give me my life back." In this issue of Insights, we say "thank you" to donors such as yourself. That is our theme as we acknowledge the truly amazing support provided by a diverse cross-section of donors. Through interviews with key individuals such as Mary Babson, Jennifer Weaver and Patti Willian, we highlight the ongoing efforts of the Board of Trustees, the Woman's Board, the Friends of Hadley and other important volunteer groups. Also, we share with you a heart-warming story of a student donor who is now giving back to Hadley. It is your caring support, passion and good intentions that really assist our students. This human touch makes all the difference. For example, Jennifer Weaver explains the humble, but enthusiastic, beginnings of the Hadley Holiday Card, which now reaches 40,000 homes annually. Likewise, the Friends of Hadley recently used its contributions creatively by sponsoring an essay contest for students in the Family Education Program. Reflecting this human touch, Patti Willian refers to the Friends as a "fairy godmother" to students. This issue of Insights also shows how corporate donors can contribute through the innovative use of new technology. For example, Bank of America plans to install 7,000 "talking ATMs" throughout the nation by the end of 2005. By incorporating voice synthesis technology, these machines allow blind and visually impaired people to conduct personal banking transactions independently. This is a bold step that will positively impact many lives. Yes, there are many ways that the donor community has helped Hadley achieve its mission of promoting independent living through lifelong, distance education. We are grateful for your past and current generosity and look forward to your help as we expand our efforts in the near future. There are still many blind and visually impaired people who need our assistance. Maintaining the Top and Bottom Line Although Mary Babson, Hadley's chairman of the board, has logged countless hours in the corporate world, she is most dedicated to her work with civic causes. "I believe that we can make the world a better place through volunteerism. Participating in civic causes is so much a part of my life...it has become ingrained in who I am," says Mary, who began volunteering more than 20 years ago for the Junior League of Denver and ultimately became its president. According to long-time friend and Hadley Trustee, Bob Seebeck, who recruited Mary to the Board, "Mary is a serious-minded, very articulate person who has a sense of commitment to her work. She is a proven leader both in the business world and in her role with several service organizations. We are quite fortunate to have a person of her accomplishments leading the School." Before joining Hadley's Board in 1996, Mary held various civic leadership positions, including president of the Association of Junior Leagues International. In that post, she received the Award of Excellence in Board Leadership from the National Assembly of the Health and Social Welfare Associations for her work with the Junior League. Although she is actively involved in the Chicago civic community, Mary devotes most of her time to Hadley. "Hadley is one of the best organizations that I have ever worked with in terms of the high quality of people involved, from staff and faculty to the long- standing commitment of the Board and donors," she says. "The fact that the School has been in existence for more than 80 years underscores the important role it plays in serving blind people." Looking forward, Mary doesn't believe much change is required to keep Hadley running strong. "Thanks to my predecessors, such as Joan Kasten, Jon Lind, Bob Seebeck, Ray George, Bob Zabel and others, the School maintains a strong commitment to its mission and has always used a strategic plan to stay on track. I would simply like to continue the tradition of strengthening and extending our reputation by serving more students." Mary came to Hadley with a wealth of experience. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado, Phi Beta Kappa, and her M.B.A. from the University of Puget Sound, Washington. Prior to establishing her own consulting practice, she served in a variety of positions during her 20-year tenure at Arthur Andersen. Those positions included: certified public accountant in the Audit and Small Business Divisions, worldwide director of communications, and management development consultant for the Professional Education Division. "It is wonderful to have someone like Mary Babson follow in the footsteps of her predecessor, Joanie Kasten, knowing that the quality and responsiveness to our students will always be there," says Dr. Michael J. Bina, president of Hadley. "Mary's business acumen and savvy are very apparent in day-to-day operations, but her caring compassion for others is obvious, too. Her support of the administrative team to implement the strategic plan is very much needed at this time. She has the business background and know-how to focus on the bottom line, but her genuine caring allows her to also focus on the top line-Hadley's students." Mary believes that the immediate impact Hadley has on its blind and visually impaired students-made evident by poignant student stories shared during the School's annual meetings-has inspired a significant number of Board members to remain committed year after year. "At Hadley, you can feel a real difference in that what you do matters," she says. In her spare time, Mary makes time for the great outdoors and likes to play golf and travel. In fact, she just returned from a fly fishing trip to New Zealand with her husband, Nick, who is equally committed to civic causes and serves on the board of the Shakespeare Theatre in Chicago. "I am very proud of my six- pound trout caught on a dry fly," says Mary with a big smile. Whether enjoying the great outdoors or taking part in Hadley's annual holiday party, Mary puts her heart and soul into all she does. And, particularly in the case of Hadley, she is ever aware of the important role that everyday citizens can play in helping others-whether by lending a hand or providing financial support. "Part of Hadley's success is due to a loyal group of donors and friends who have supported the School for the long-haul. And, our Board will continue to be loyal stewards of Hadley's mission to ensure that the School does sustain itself for the next century." Trailblazing For A Cause Jennifer Weaver, President of the Woman's Board Through both lean and prosperous years, The Hadley School for the Blind's Woman's Board has steadfastly remained the School's largest donor. With 120 members, the group represents a diverse range of ages and talents. "I was attracted to the intergenerational make-up of the Woman's Board, particularly since I had recently moved from the East Coast. I missed my connections to other generations," says Jennifer Weaver, the current Woman's Board president. Like many new Woman's Board members, Jennifer felt moved to join in 1992 after attending the School's annual Student Awards Luncheon. "It was an eye opening experience for me. I went to high school with a blind girl, but wasn't aware of the full-range of challenges facing blind and visually impaired people." Jennifer became more active with Hadley in 1994. A graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont, Jennifer is married to Allen Weaver, whom she met while they attended the Wharton School of Business in Pennsylvania. She worked in advertising in New York City and as a consultant in Hong Kong before becoming a full-time mom. Settled in Winnetka for the past 10 years, she has three sons, Nick, 13, Teddy, 10, and Ben, 7. Now in her second year of leading the Woman's Board, Jennifer clearly sees why so many women remain on the Board for decades. "Hadley, unlike many other organizations, allows us to serve a broad range of people. From parents of blind children to professionals, we have the opportunity to learn about and support the ever-changing needs of Hadley's students. In addition, we remain committed because we see the tangible needs of the students so clearly." The Woman's Board has had a major impact on the School's ability to grow. From its earliest days, the group's efforts have included holiday card sales, galas and a myriad of other events, keeping Hadley in the public's mind and heart. In 1953, members of the newly formed Woman's Board hosted teas on the North Shore to identify potential donors to the School. At one of these events, a supporter asked Nancy Jones, longtime Winnetka resident and a founder of the Woman's Board, if the School had a holiday card that she and her husband could send out during Christmas-a card showing they had made a contribution to Hadley. According to Nancy, "She would pay us $200. Oh, that was a lot of money! I ran to the printer and made up something with red and a Hadley logo on it. That was the beginning of charitable Christmas cards, as we know it in the Midwest. The idea took off like lightning." "Last year, the holiday cards reached more than 40,000 homes," says Jennifer. "This is particularly exciting since the competition among other charitable organizations is strong. To date, this group of committed, talented women has raised more than $2 million for a variety of Hadley's programs." "Jennifer's energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Her ideas and commitment are motivating," says Dr. Michael J. Bina, president. "She has a willingness to do what's necessary to allow Hadley to move forward. Jennifer has followed in the footsteps of her predecessors and as Donald Wing Hathaway, author of the University of Courage, History of the Hadley School for the Blind, pointed out, `The fund-raising activities of the Woman's Board makes an amazing story. This extraordinary group of women has become a financial cornerstone of the School.'" Looking forward, Jennifer hopes to increase membership and create opportunities for more non-event-oriented, hands-on activities. "As always, our goal for the Woman's Board is to actively recruit new members. We need more people to be more effective at our job of raising money for Hadley and broadening awareness in the local community. "My personal goal," she continues, "is to help connect the Woman's Board more closely with the School so they can feel the spirit that Mike (Bina) is bringing. I see this as a wonderful time of growth and opportunity for the Woman's Board to expand on their dedication and new ideas." With a leader like Jennifer Weaver at the helm, it's likely to be another stellar year for the Woman's Board. Friends of Hadley Patti Willian, President of Friends of Hadley The Friends of Hadley epitomize the definition of a true friend-someone who is always there to quietly offer a helping hand. Over the years, this group of women has held a special place at Hadley, contributing gifts ranging from braille writers and large-print books to cassette tape recorders and student trips to computer camp. In fact, the Friends purchased the Public Relations Department's first camera in 1977. In recent years, the group has focused its attention on the Family Education Department. Chairperson and founder Patricia "Patti" Willian says the group serves as sort of a "fairy godmother" to students, providing gifts that fulfill various needs. Yet, the Friends have no membership dues or official by-laws and meet only on an informal basis. Members make individual monetary contributions, which are used to purchase those gifts. So the group does its good deeds quietly. "The Friends were organized in 1974 and began meeting as the `Hadley Has Beens,'" Patti reflects. "At that time, our group included former members of Hadley's Junior Auxiliary. (Membership in the Junior Auxiliary automatically terminated on one's 40th birthday.) As the group grew in size, the name was changed to `The Friends of Hadley School' and in 1977 we opened a bank account." The group now has about 40 members. Patti has been a true friend to Hadley and its students for years. Before her current involvement with the Friends, she served as president of the Junior Auxiliary, which was founded in 1957. During the late 1960s, she volunteered her time and talents as editor of Focus, a taped magazine for blind people. "Hadley has had a special place in each of our lives for many years," Patti notes. "It has provided us with a unique opportunity to be of service to our community and the world." Members have a deep desire to stay connected to the School, she says. So as members move away over time, Patti helps keep them in touch with Hadley. Thus, the bond among these women has grown stronger over the years. During the past 10 years, the Friends have contributed regularly to the Family Education Program for special purposes and occasions. Patti contacts members to raise money, then contacts Family Education instructors to determine a need. In fact, one of Patti's missions is to spread the good news about this program. "I always let people know that, through the Family Education Program, Hadley educates sighted people (family members) as well as blind and visually impaired people." Adding to its long list of generosity, the Friends most recently sponsored a 2001 essay contest for students in the Family Education Program. The winner attended the "Getting in Touch with Literacy Conference," which was held November 8 to 11 in Philadelphia, courtesy of a $1,000 contribution from the group. In addition, the remaining contestants received $75 gift certificates to purchase braille books from Seedlings: Braille Books for Children. Debby Brackett of Florida, the winning Hadley student, says the conference was quite valuable to her continuing education. "Winona, my daughter, will benefit from all I was able to learn that week, not just in the workshops, but in talking with others at the conference," she remarks. What's more, Patti noticed an especially strong involvement and positive response among Friends to the essay contest. In fact, one member contributed more than her usual annual donation because of the contest. "The fact that we had such a good response to the essay contest indicates the deep loyalty within the Friends." Encouraged by this renewed spirit, Patti foresees more significant contributions by the Friends of Hadley in the near future. "We cherish the friendships we have gained in years past and are pleased that the Friends of Hadley have given us a way to continue those friendships and help the School at the same time. We hope to continue our support for many years to come." Hadley School truly appreciates this group's spirit and contributions. They are true friends in every sense of the word. Giving Back to Hadley: A student's perspective George Chandler was first diagnosed with glaucoma while in his mid-30s. By age 60, he was having difficulty reading normal print, and was diagnosed as legally blind two years later. By that time, he had lost most of his left-hemisphere vision. Realizing that total blindness was a likely prospect, he turned to the Hadley School in 1996 and enrolled in his first braille course - he would go on to take three more! That year, George and his wife, Marjorie, also decided to begin including Hadley in their charitable donations. George tells us, "For many years, our charitable giving has been channeled in two specific directions: education - mainly our undergraduate alma mater - and organizations that offer assistance to the visually impaired. Hadley is a perfect fit! Since Hadley has helped me to gain the skills I need to cope with blindness, we have put the School near the top of our list!" A native of Waukegan, Ill., just up the lakeshore from Hadley, George graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisc., and received his law degree from the University of Illinois. Marjorie, a statistician, also graduated from Lawrence and earned her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. George spent most of his working career in Washington, D.C., as a government attorney specializing in transportation law. After the attacks of the free- market economists succeeded in eliminating most Federal regulation of the transport industry, he was happy to take early retirement in 1984. George received his introduction to the use of personal computers after retirement, while working part-time with a friend who owned a small consulting business. He had always been a fairly proficient hunt-and-peck typist, but when he found that he could no longer see the letters on the keyboard, he turned again to Hadley and completed the School's typing course. This has proven invaluable, as he is now totally blind. George uses the computer for e-mail, but mostly for writing. He is a prolific producer of comic verse and a few years ago took up mystery fiction. He has written five detective novels and is working on another. His friends have enjoyed reading them. George would like to see his writing published, but confesses that he has made no real effort to find a publisher or agent. He describes his braille reading rate as "pretty slow," but he is able to read braille books for pleasure. Also, he puts his braille skills to good use to label computer disks, appliances and clothing, as well as a large classical music collection on CD, cassette and LP. George is considering taking more Hadley courses. In fact, he is now reviewing Hadley's new Course Catalog, which arrived the other day. George and Marjorie's decision to provide financial support will help Hadley achieve its goal of reaching out to visually impaired people worldwide. This is a case of Hadley's good work coming back to help others through the generosity of a student. Talking ATMs Make Sense The Hadley School for the Blind depends on individuals, endowment, foundations and corporations to secure the necessary financial resources to cover our operating expenses. This, in turn, allows us to serve 10,000 students on an annual basis. Corporate philanthropy, such as that received from Bank of America, is crucial and goes far beyond the mere dollars donated to the Hadley School. Bank of America has invested in people who are blind, not only through their tremendous support of Hadley's 90-plus courses that allow people who are blind and visually impaired to live more independently, but through their corporate commitment to make automatic teller machines (ATMs) accessible. In a bold step to positively impact the lives of those with a vision impairment, Bank of America is installing ATMs that talk! This is truly a revolutionary step in assisting Bank of America customers who are blind, as the "talking ATMs" enable people who are blind to use the machines independently. "Historically, ATM's were modified with braille keypads, and although helpful, did not make the machines truly accessible," says Tom Tobin, vice president of development for the Hadley School who also happens to be blind. "Talking ATMs will afford the blind user full access to the machines, as one will be able to listen to menu choices, visually displayed on the screen, and make the appropriate choice from the menu." By using a small earphone that plugs into the ATM, a blind individual can listen to the menu choices, make a selection and conduct all ATM transactions with independence. "This is truly what was needed to make ATMs fully accessible to people who are blind and Bank of America should be applauded for their vision and commitment to assist people who are blind and visually impaired," Tobin continues. "In the past, I would use ATMs, but required sighted assistance to conduct transactions, which is not a private or secure way to make deposits or to withdraw funds." Anita Aaron, executive director for the Rose Resnick LightHouse for the Blind, San Francisco, echoes Tobin's comments. "The ability to access and control our money with the same convenience and confidentiality sighted people take for granted is a true milestone," she says. "Talking ATMs help blind and visually impaired people be more self-sufficient." Bank of America plans to install more than 7,000 talking ATMs throughout the nation by the end of 2005. The company already has 500 machines installed in California and Florida and plans to install 3,000 by the end of 2002. The goal is to have at least one talking ATM installed at every banking location. "Our efforts to serve our visually impaired customers are two-fold," says Bill Raymond, manager of ATM development, Bank of America. "First, we are dedicated to deploying the machines while continually enhancing technology such as voice synthesis. Second, we are creating outreach programs to increase awareness of bank services that enhance the ability of visually impaired customers to conduct transactions securely and independently." Bank of America provides free headsets to anyone who is blind or visually impaired. Interested parties should call (800) 299-2265 or visit the Web site at www.bankofamerica.com. In addition, Bank of America is committed to supporting blindness organizations. This year, Hadley received a generous gift of $5,000 from the company. "Bank of America's dedication to The Hadley School for the Blind, specifically, and commitment to people who are blind and visually impaired, generally, establishes them as a true leader and as a willing corporate entity to make a difference," Tobin adds. "Through their philanthropy and philosophy, Bank of America positively impacts the lives of those who live with a vision impairment!" Be An Angel: Materials and Equipment Needed At The Hadley School for the Blind, our students often require specialized materials or equipment to fully participate in our courses. Be "an angel" and help us provide our students with the materials and equipment that they need to successfully participate in our diverse curriculum. Adult Continuing Education Program and High School Program Jumbo Relevant Braille - Learn to read and write the braille alphabet and numbers. We provide each student with a 10-page booklet, a slate and a stylus. $25.00/student Braille Literacy 2 - Learn the braille alphabet while receiving directions for producing labels. We provide each student with a 3M labeler and three rolls of tape. $42.00/student Adult Chess - Introduction to chess, which includes learning strategies, maneuvers and chess notation used by blind people. We provide each student with the chessboard and chess pieces. $45.00/student Family Education Program - Early Childhood Reach Out and Teach -This course focuses on blind, visually impaired and multipli-disabled infants and preschoolers. Each student receives a two-book set. $50.00/student Family Education Program and Professional Education Program Social Skills: Elementary Years - This course examines the impact of visual impairment on the development of social skills during elementary and middle- school years. Each student receives a study guide, video on VHS and activity books. $60.00/student Social Skills: Foundation - This prerequisite course examines the impact of visual impairment on social skills development across all ages. Each student receives a study guide, video on VHS and activity books. $60.00/student The Hadley School for the Blind Giving Societies Any gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and service groups are deeply appreciated by The Hadley School for the Blind. Hadley's Giving Societies give special recognition to donors who have contributed gifts of $15,000 or more. William A. Hadley Society - $100,000 and above E.V.L. Brown Society - $50,000 to $99,999 1920 Founders Society - $25,000 to $49,999 Kinney Circle - $15,000 to $24,999 Clarence Boyd Jones Society Members - Estate Gifts Our Thanks for Your Tributes Honor and Memorial Gifts Received Between September 1, 2001 and December 31, 2001 In Honor of Aviva and Matt's engagement Dr. Michael Bina Ms. Gainelle Bradford Dr. & Mrs. A. Dreskin's anniversary Natalie Feldman's birthday Mrs. Lenard Florsheim's birthday Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hartman's anniversary Ruth Heller George Hirsh's birthday Mrs. Debra Jacobs Bud and Mary Kuppenheimer Mr. Joseph Levy's birthday Hadley instructors, Sue Melrose, Naomi Tuttle and Joan Binder Melissa Mitchell's birthday Mrs. Joseph Nathan's birthday Mr. Bernard Pollack's 90th birthday Edith and Ogden Sandberg's 70th anniversary Jake Seabury Dorothy Simon Robert & Janice Skillen Carol and Tom Smith's 50th wedding anniversary Laura & Pat Strauss' 50th wedding anniversary Mrs. Streedian's 1st Grade Class Raymond Trebbien Mr. Frederick Ullman Alisha Ann Weisenburger Clark Weymouth Aaron Winer's Bar Mitzvah Dr. Robert J. Winn In memory of Gus Anagnos Hugo Aranda and Katherine Waggoner Langdon Barber Mr. & Mrs. Charles Barnes Freida Mandel Baum Adam David Chestnutt Robert Gebhard Frances Gertig Dorothy Gimmpoli William Gottschalk, M.D. Samuel S. Greeley Marvin Halladay Arthur Hepner Clarence Boyd Jones Leland N. Larson Virginia Lipschultz Mrs. Belle Mann Debbie Sue Marcus Diana Massengill Mrs. John McCarthy Willard Schneider Julia McGrew Robert B.L. Murphy William A. Renkert Caroline Rodmes Harriet Schmalzer Steve and Judith Sluka Marvin Telford and Lottie Archibald Byron Webb Gloria Wilkiel Henry C. Wood The Woman's Board Woman's Board Plans A Colorful Benefit On Saturday, May 18, 2002, Hadley's Woman's Board will host its annual benefit at the Michigan Shores Club in Wilmette. With the theme "Red, White & Hadley, Too!" the event will include a wine tasting, silent auction, dinner and dancing to the Bradley Young Orchestra. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit Hadley's rapidly growing Professional Program. Through this program, Hadley is able to help professionals and paraprofessionals in the blindness field sharpen their skills so they can better serve their students and clients. Special guest speaker is Barbara Samuels, a member of Hadley's Board of Trustees. The Woman's Board has been a strong supporter of Hadley's programs for the past 48 years, having raised more than $2 million. Tickets for this year's benefit are $250 each. We hope you or your company will support our efforts by purchasing a table for your guests, purchasing individual tickets or making a contribution. For more information, please call the Woman's Board at (847) 446-8111. The Hadley School for the Blind 700 Elm Street Winnetka, IL 60093-2554 USA