Volunteer Handbook by CABVI Volunteers

VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK 2045 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 513 221-8558 www.cincyblind.org Rev. 2015

OUR VISION CABVI will excel at fulfilling and responding to community needs by being the principal source and resource for people who are blind and visually impaired.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT Offering blind and visually impaired people the opportunity to seek independence.

OUR CORE VALUES Service Excellence: We believe in the abilities of individuals who are blind and visually impaired and support that belief by providing professional, individualized, and community-based services. Integrity: We do what is right and ethical; we are honest in all our actions and relationships. Passion: We fulfill our mission with pride, enthusiasm, and dedication. Respect: We are fair, considerate of others, and value diversity. Professionalism: We aspire to the highest standards of personal and service excellence. Our skilled and valued employees enable us to achieve our mission. Accountability: We accept responsibility for our actions, follow through on our commitments, and are responsive to client, customer, and organizational needs. We practice prudent management of all agency resources. 2

Dear New Volunteer, Welcome to the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI). As a volunteer, you play an extremely important role in our organization. In cooperation with staff members, volunteers provide valuable support services that help people who are blind, visually impaired, or print impaired lead independent and fulfilling lives. This handbook contains volunteer policies and procedures that provide guidelines for your service. It will give you a framework for understanding your role as a volunteer as well as outline what you can expect from CABVI. I hope that you find your volunteer position both interesting and fulfilling. I am very glad to have you become a part of CABVI and our worthy cause! Sincerely,

John H. Mitchell, CEO

TABLE OF CONTENTS Our Vision

Our Mission Statement

Our Core Values

Welcome from the Executive Director

OVERVIEW OF THE CINCINNATI ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED Our Philosophy of Service

Our Mission

About Blindness and Visual Impairment

CABVI Services

Organizational Structure

History

SELECTION, ORIENTATION, AND TRAINING Types of Volunteer Service

Selection

Application

Interview

Orientation and Training

Assignment/Reassignment

Supervision & Feedback

Volunteer Training Programs

VOLUNTEER POLICIES Volunteer Records

Confidentiality of Client Information

Volunteer Hours and Absences

Insurance

Volunteering in CABVIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office Buildings

Agency Holidays and Emergency Closings

Drug Free Workplace Policy

Weapon Free Workplace Policy

No Harassment Policy

Conflict of Interest

Appeal Procedure

Withdrawal

Volunteer Advisory Committee

Volunteer Newsletter

BENEFITS Personal and Practical

Community Support Donations

Planned Giving

Recognition

CONCLUSION

Agency Information and Affiliations

Volunteer Supervisors

OVERVIEW OF THE CINCINNATI ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND & VISUALLY IMPAIRED Our Philosophy of Service Blindness is a serious loss, but with healthy attitudes and appropriate training, persons who are blind, visually impaired, or print impaired can develop skills to live independently. The main goal of each CABVI service is to help people develop the maximum level of independence they choose. Historically, the early period of CABVI reflected the spirit of the times, “to do for the blind and visually impaired, as a group apart.” Today, our emphasis is on enabling persons who are blind, visually impaired, or print impaired, “to do for themselves, functioning independently in a sighted world.” The volunteer program, too, is oriented toward enabling people who are blind, visually impaired, or print impaired to live independently based on their abilities and aspirations. Volunteers augment the services we provide and are an integral part of our organization, enabling us to provide quality services to more people.

Our Mission The mission of the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired is to offer people who are blind or visually impaired people the opportunity to seek independence. We accomplish this by offering a variety of services that: 1. Enable people who are blind or visually impaired and living within our geographical service area to develop skills for independent functioning by providing rehabilitation, employment, and social service programs. 2. Improve the quality of life for print-impaired people with visual, physical and/or learning disabilities through information services. 3. Educate interested persons and the general public about blindness, visual impairment, and the abilities of people who are blind or visually impaired people through consultations and community awareness activities.

About Blindness and Visual Impairment There are many different causes of blindness and visual impairment, including aging, disease, congenital problems and accidents. In the United States, the major causes of blindness and severe visual impairment are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and to some degree cataracts. These are eye conditions that primarily affect elderly persons. The incidence of blindness and severe visual impairment is increasing in our society due to increased longevity and improved survival rates of premature babies who may have problems at birth, blindness sometimes being one of them. Most persons who are blind have some light perception or residual vision. The percentage of blind persons without light perception or residual vision is very small. The majority of people we serve are visually impaired, and many are able to use their remaining vision effectively to accomplish tasks. People with disabilities have the same feelings as people without disabilities. They do not need or want pity or overprotection. For example, when meeting a person who is blind or visually impaired, be natural and offer your hand to acknowledge your friendliness. Look and speak directly to the individual and treat the person with dignity and respect. Individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or print impaired learn how to perform many daily activities without assistance. Your respect for their abilities, degree of independence, and individualities is essential and will help create a friendly relationship and a meaningful experience for all. If you think it might be needed, offer your assistance, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect to help with everything. People with disabilities will choose the areas of their lives in which they wish to remain independent, and the areas where they welcome assistance. They will let you know if they need your help.

CABVI SERVICES Founded in 1911, CABVI provides vision rehabilitation services, as well as information services and employment for nearly 4,700 people of all ages in an eleven county area including Hamilton, Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton and Warren in Ohio and Boone, Campbell, and Kenton in Northern Kentucky. The Industries Program employs people with vision loss in a variety of positions including assembly packaging and machine operation. The agency provides call center training at CABVI as well as contract close-out employment at the Defense Logistics Agency in Columbus. CABVI has a Base Supply Center, Office Runway, at WrightPatterson Air Force Base. Additionally, CABVI serves an estimated 8,000 plus listeners through Radio Reading Services and the Volunteer Program provides more than 540 volunteers who serve as individual readers, broadcast readers, and readers for personalized talking print voicemail system.

Funding for Services CABVI is a private, not-for-profit organization that depends upon various sources, including gifts from the community, for financial support. Our sources of funding include gifts from individuals, organizations, and businesses, as well as the United Way, an endowment fund, and third party sponsorship provided by state rehabilitation agencies and others. In addition, clients pay fees for services based on their ability to pay. As a private, not-for-profit organization, CABVI is not a state or federal agency and does not receive federal funding.

Brief Description of Services and Programs Access Technology Services: Instruction on machines or software applications that enable people who are visually impaired or blind to operate electronic devices independently. Direct Volunteer Services: Provides assistance to individuals living at home or in senior facilities. Assignments are made according to the volunteerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest, abilities, and schedule. Examples of potential assignments include daily mail reading or weekly grocery shopping transportation.

Early Childhood and Youth Services: Instruction to parents of children who are blind or visually impaired on how to help their child make the most of any remaining vision for optimal overall development. Provides music therapy, community and school-based orientation and mobility instruction, and consultation and collaboration with teachers and other service providers. Industries Program – employs people who are blind or visually impaired in a variety of positions including assembly, packaging, and machine operation. CABVI also provides call center training for individuals who would like to pursue a career in that industry. Low Vision Services – provides low vision aids and techniques to use remaining vision more effectively. Includes individual evaluation and instruction in the use of prescribed low vision aids (magnifiers, special lighting, etc). Orientation and Mobility Services – instruction in the use of a white cane, public transportation systems, and gathering information through other senses. Social Services – counseling, information and support groups to help in the emotional adjustment to vision loss. Connects individuals to other services organizations as needed. Talking Book Machine Service – distributes talking book machines that allow people who are blind, visually impaired and print impaired to read recorded books and magazines from the library. Information Services – provides audio access to local and select national newspapers and magazines. Materials on the radio station (WRRS) and online (www.cincyblind.org) are broadcasted by Radio Reading Services. Materials distributed through a phone voicemail system are recorded by Personal Talking Print. Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Services– provides instruction in independent living skills including communication skills (Braille, typing), home management (cooking, cleaning, etc.) and personal management (grooming, money identification).

Organizational Structure The membership of CABVI is composed of individuals who make an annual financial contribution to CABVI. The agency is governed by a 30-member volunteer Board of Trustees, which is elected by the membership at each annual meeting. The Board of Trustees holds the ultimate authority for policy making, but it appoints an executive director, who manages the operations and daily decisions of the organization.

History of the Agency 1910 The first meeting was held at St. Nicholas Hotel in Cincinnati to organize The Cincinnati Association for the Welfare of the Blind. Although unable to attend, President Taft sent a telegram in support. Helen Keller also sent a letter. 1911 The agency was incorporated on May 4th and Barney Kroger was elected the first Board President. 1913 Sixteen men made mops and brooms for an average wage of $6 per week. 1937 CAB began distributing talking book machines (TBM). 1938 The Wagner O’Day Act was passed under President Roosevelt to provide employment for people who are blind and to sell products to the Federal Government. It was amended in 1971 to become the Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Act and was renamed The AbilityOne program in 2007 to demonstrate the employment mission of the program. 1949 The Max and Alfred M. Stern Farm School was established on 47 acres near Mason, OH. This land was later used as a vacation camp and then sold in 1971. 1960 CABVI began offering professional casework services. CABVI’s Social Services today include assessment of needs, counseling, information and referral, and support groups.

1961 The Orientation and Mobility Program was founded. Current O&M Services teach skills for safe travel with a white cane, sighted guide techniques, and use of public transportation. 1963 Music program was started by George Coorey. Current music program provides music therapy, music groups for adults and children, and individual instruction. Recent focus is on providing music services for children who have vision loss and other disabilities. 1964 Low Vision Service was established. Low Vision Service provides instruction in the use of prescribed low vision aids. 1965 Rehabilitation Teaching Program began. In 2010, this program became Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, teaching adaptive techniques for daily activities such as cooking, grooming, home management, and personal management skills. 1968 CAB moved to its current location on Gilbert Avenue. In 1911, the agency was on West Court Street and then moved to Central Parkway in 1923. 1986 Computer Access Services was established. In 2010, this program became Access Technology Services to provide instruction in the use of hardware or software applications that enable people who are visually impaired or blind to operate electronic devices independently. These include desktops, laptop computers, and netbooks as well as cell phones, GPS technology, and digital book readers. 1988 Early Childhood Intervention Service was established. Current Early Childhood and Youth Services provides home-based support and intervention to families of young children, assessment of functional vision, instruction in safe travel skills, music intervention and instruction, as well as information and resources. 1998 Radio Reading Services (RRS) merged with CABVI. RRS moved to Gilbert Avenue in 1999 and continues to provide access to the printed word by volunteer readers through radio broadcasts, the Personalized Talking Print telephone information system and One on One volunteers.

2001 Office Runway opened at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. In 2011, Office Runway celebrated its 10th Anniversary of selling office products, including items that are made by a national network of blindness agencies that provide jobs to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. 2003 Low Vision Satellite Services opened in Butler and Warren counties. Satellite offices also opened in Northern Kentucky in 2005 and in Clermont county in 2007 with the goal of providing more convenient low vision services to clients in outlying areas. 2005 The agency changed its name to Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) and created a new logo with donated support from a local design firm. New brochures were also created with the new name and logo. 2006 John H. Mitchell became the agency’s fifth and current Executive Director. 2007 A new outreach program was created for underserved core urban areas, including nine specific neighborhoods of Cincinnati. 2008-2010 A Community Needs Assessment Survey was completed in collaboration with Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Results from this survey led to the creation of the ITN transportation network with the Vision Coalition in 2009 and two new agency vehicles were purchased with grant funding in 2010 for transporting clients and staff with vision loss. 2011 CABVI celebrated 100 Years of Service with a year of events, including a Centennial celebration on Fountain Square and a Centennial Capstone Dinner. 2012 CABVI continues to grow collaborative efforts including signing a strategic partnership agreement with Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. 2013, CABVI achieved our 2011-2013 strategic plan “Breakthrough Goal” of serving 5,000 clients annually.

SELECTION, ORIENTATION, AND TRAINING Types of Volunteer Service Volunteers may either directly or indirectly help someone who is blind, visually impaired, or print impaired. Direct Service Volunteers Volunteers visit individuals in individual homes or in community facilities. Assignments are made according to the volunteer’s interest, abilities, and schedule. Examples of potential assignments include daily mail reading or weekly grocery shopping transportation. This role does not include counseling or identifying the needs of the person. CABVI social workers are available for assistance beyond the volunteer role. This will be covered in the volunteer training. Indirect Service Volunteers Volunteers provide access to printed information (magazines, newspapers, books) by reading in our studio location or from their own personal phone. Most reading volunteers serve 30minutes to 1-hour each week either from their own personal phone or from our studio. Board operators serve behind the scenes in the studio, operating the equipment one day each week. Special event volunteers help at the “Know You Can 5K,” Early Childhood and Youth Services Holiday Party, and the Annual Raft Trip. Additional volunteer opportunities become available as needs arise. When we need a short-term volunteer for an event or office project, we post the need on VolunteerMatch.com and notify our existing volunteer team.

Selection Volunteer candidates are considered and placed in assignments without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or sexual preference. They are selected for a position based on their interests, knowledge, experience, and availability. Recruitment for CABVI volunteers is conducted to assure that minority group members, women and disabled persons are appropriately notified of volunteer opportunities and are encouraged to apply. The general procedure for volunteers desiring a position is described below.

Application Prospective volunteers complete an application form, background form, and provide references. The secure online application is available on the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.cincyblind.org. A criminal background check is conducted on all potential volunteers and a driving record check is conducted on any volunteer who wishes to provide transportation for a staff member or client. The application process is designed to identify volunteer skills and interests so they can be matched with a specific volunteer position.

Interviews and Meetings The next step is a brief interview to match volunteer availability and interests with open volunteer positions. The Manager of Agency Volunteer Services will provide a list of current volunteer needs (updated monthly) and this volunteer handbook. These items will be discussed during your interview.

After the interview, volunteers will meet with the person responsible for your training and supervision. The supervisor will provide instruction and information regarding the volunteer role.

Orientation and Training New volunteers attend a two-hour orientation either prior to starting their assignment or within the first two months. New volunteer orientations are scheduled once a month and include the following:  Information on CAVBI services  Discussion of the causes of blindness and visual impairment  An introduction to interacting with blind and visually impaired individuals  Practice of sighted guide techniques  Review of volunteer policies and procedures  Review of safety protocols  Open discussion, a chance to ask questions, and an opportunity to meet other volunteers. The orientation program is designed to give a broad background of CABVI and the confidence to begin volunteer work. In addition, all volunteers will receive training specific to their individual assignment from the appropriate volunteer supervisor.

Assignment/Reassignment Volunteer assignments are made based on agency needs and the skills and the interests of the volunteer. We hope to provide interesting, challenging, and rewarding volunteer opportunities that will satisfy volunteers for many years. However, we do ask for a minimum commitment of six months, because of the initial investment of time and effort on the part volunteer and staff as well as the clients. Note: If your volunteer assignment is not meeting your needs and preferences, please discuss this with your supervisor or the Manager of Agency Volunteer Services. Our goal is to match your skills and interests with our needs. Every effort will be made to reassign you to another position.

Supervision and Feedback A volunteer’s supervisor may be the Manager of Agency Volunteer Services, a program coordinator, or a staff member. Note: Your supervisor orients you to your volunteer position, then monitors and evaluates your work. We encourage volunteers, clients, supervisors, and volunteer coordinators to communicate with each other openly and regularly. Periodically volunteers may be asked to give or receive feedback from their supervisor, volunteer coordinator, or the Manager of Agency Volunteer Services. This feedback may cover items such as satisfaction with the volunteer position, dependability, the quality of work, and the working relationship with clients or staff members. Feedback is an important communication tool that allows us to assess volunteer positions, agency needs, and client needs. We are then able to make changes and improvements as needed.

Volunteer Training Programs Occasionally, training programs may be offered to volunteers. Topics for programs may include an explanation of new services provided by the agency, changes in volunteer policy, new areas of volunteer need, innovations in the field of service for blind individuals, or an exchange of information between volunteers.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller

Volunteer Service Policies and Procedures Volunteer Records The Manager of Agency Volunteer Services maintains a confidential personnel record for each volunteer. This record contains information from the volunteer’s application, interview, volunteer job description, emergency contact notification, recognition awards, references provided, appeals, and all information pertinent to volunteer work. Volunteers are welcome to review their record with the Manger of Agency Volunteer Services upon request.

Confidentiality of Client Information Confidential information is knowledge of personal facts or conditions pertaining to a person’s life. A productive relationship between a client and an agency depends upon mutual trust. This is engendered by the discreet, disciplined and constructive use by agency staff and volunteers of all confidential information entrusted and communicated to the agency by the client for definite purposes related to the service requested or received from the agency. All manner of disclosure including that which is written, spoken, photographed, and videotaped is covered in this policy statement. It is the client’s right and expectation that such information will be respected and safeguarded by all agency personnel including administrative, professional, secretarial, clerical and volunteer staff. It is understood that all staff are thoughtful of and act upon issues in accord with the accepted guidelines and values of their professions. If any staff person or volunteer has a question regarding the application of this policy, it is their responsibility to seek clarification from their supervisor. 1. Clients have a right to the protection of information about themselves. This right may be superseded only in those exceptional situations (such as court subpoena) where it is necessary to protect the client or others. 2. The client and his/her immediate family are usually the primary sources of information about the client; the client’s written consent is obtained before seeking information from other sources.

3. Within the agency, client entrusted confidences are protected from disclosure to any staff member who is not essential for providing service to the client. 4. Information about the client is not communicated to anyone outside the agency without the written consent of the client. When the client is a minor child, the written consent of parents or legal guardian must be procured. 5. When information about a client is received from another agency or individual, we do not have the right to divulge this information to a third party. 6. The use of a case record for research or training purposes is not considered a breach of confidentiality provided the identity of the client and clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family has been effectively disguised. 7. Whenever clients, case material, or educational/training materials are to be used for any media or public relations purposes, the written consent of the persons is procured prior to the preparation of the material. 8. Staff members and volunteers are responsible for maintaining an alert regard for confidentiality in day-to-day practice. All volunteers read and sign a Volunteer Conduct and Confidentiality Agreement. Any volunteer violating the confidentiality of client information will be asked to discontinue volunteer services with the agency.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.â&#x20AC;? ~Leo Buscaglia

Volunteer Hours and Absences 18

The number of volunteer hours donated on a weekly or monthly basis will vary according to the volunteer position. Absences: If for illness or other personal reasons a volunteer cannot keep their regularly scheduled hours, the volunteer should notify their supervisor and, if applicable, the person they are assisting. If a volunteer plans to go on vacation or will be out-of-town or unavailable on a scheduled volunteer day, the volunteer should give their supervisor and, if applicable, the person they are assisting, as much advance notice as possible. It is very important that volunteers fulfill time commitments to the best of their ability. Clients depend on their volunteers to provide a service and supervisors spend time planning for volunteer work. Volunteer dependability and dedication to their work is important to us and to the persons they assist. Reporting Hours: CABVI is very grateful for the energy and effort volunteers give to the agency and the clients. An important component of a volunteer commitment is to record volunteer hours. Total volunteer hours are reported to the Board of Trustees as a validation of the credibility and effectiveness of the volunteer program. Documentation of these hours also helps the agency secure grants and other funding throughout the year. When tabulating hours, volunteers should consider travel time, preparation time, as well as the volunteer activity itself. Note: Reporting your volunteer hours is crucial to the continued support of the volunteer program. Volunteers are requested to record their hours via an online data system as they complete their hours of service. Volunteers have the ability to sign on to the volunteer database via computers at the agency or at home to record their hours as they volunteer. During the orientation process, training will be given on how to record your hours utilizing the database. Volunteers may access the volunteer portal via our website www.cincyblind.org.

Insurance The Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired maintains bodily injury and property damage liability coverage for CABVI volunteers participating in volunteer activities sponsored by CABVI, or while acting on behalf of CABVI. CABVI also provides limited medical and dental coverage and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Volunteers supply proof of automobile insurance before beginning volunteer work that includes transportation of clients or staff. Our insurance company requires that we check volunteer driving records and insurance coverage before they begin to drive. Note: When you drive your own car to volunteer, your insurance coverage applies. When you drive a vehicle owned by CABVI, you are covered by CABVI insurance.

Volunteering in CABVIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office Building When volunteering, volunteers are encouraged to make themselves at home in our building. We will do our best to introduce you to all staff members. All volunteers who regularly visit our facility to perform their assignment will receive an ID badge that they should wear in plain sight while in the CABVI building. Free parking is available in CABVIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parking lot. Volunteers should keep their vehicle locked and their personal items either with them or stored out of sight in their vehicle. When they enter the building, they inform the lobby receptionist where you they be working. Volunteers are asked to abide by any office procedure that applies to everyone who visits or works in our buildings. For example, CABVI is a non-smoking facility. When a fire or tornado drills occurs, volunteers should participate.

Note: Please help yourself to free coffee and tea on the fourth floor. You may use the vending machines on the third floor to purchase sandwiches, snacks, and soft drinks, and more.

Agency Holidays and Emergency Closings CABVI observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. The agency is closed on these days except for WRRS which broadcasts on holidays. In the event of snow or severe weather, power outage, or other emergency, the agency may close at the discretion of the Executive Director. Snow closures will be announced on local radio and TV stations. Volunteers can all call the main number, 513-221-8558, and if the agency is closed there will be a message to that effect. Broadcast volunteers can check directly with the station by calling 513-221-2059.

Drug Free Workplace It is the policy of CABVI to maintain a drug-free workplace. CABVI employees and volunteers are prohibited from possessing, using, distributing, dispensing, or selling illegal drugs, or abusing alcohol while on CABVI property or while performing duties on behalf of CABVI. Any volunteer who is directly observed engaging in any of these actions on CABVI’s premises or at a client’s location will be asked to discontinue volunteer services with CABVI.

Weapon-Free Workplace It is the policy of CABVI to maintain a workplace that is free of violence for all employees, volunteers, clients, and visitors. CABVI prohibits the possession or use of perilous weapons (firearms, explosives, knives, and other weapons that may be considered dangerous or may cause harm whether or not they are concealed) on agency property (including all CABVI-owned or leased buildings and surrounding areas such as sidewalks, walkways, driveways, and parking lots). A license to carry the weapon does not supersede agency policy. Any volunteer who violates this policy will be asked to discontinue volunteer services with CABVI.

No Harassment Policy CABVI prohibits sexual and other illegal harassment of its employees, volunteers, clients, and visitors. The purpose of this policy is to maintain a respectful work environment that is free of sexual and other harassment based on age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual preference, all as defined by applicable laws. If you are being subjected to, or have knowledge of, such harassment, it is your responsibility to report it to your volunteer supervisor, the Manager of Agency Volunteer Services, or the Executive Director.

Conflict of Interest Conflict of interest refers to any activity that, directly or indirectly, may adversely affect CABVIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image in and relationships with the community, clients, referral sources, or supporters. Volunteers will avoid financial benefit, or the appearance of financial benefit, from relationships with other agencies, commercial institutions, or activities with which CABVI does business. Volunteers will not accept money or gifts for services given. Please report all possible conflicts of interest, incidents of drug/alcohol abuse, harassment, discrimination, or other concerns immediately to the Manager of Agency Volunteer Services, the executive director, or any other appropriate person in authority at CABVI. CABVI has the authority to ask the volunteer or client to discontinue service if the situation warrants.

Appeal Procedure The appeal procedure may be used by a volunteer when there is a disagreement between the volunteer and supervisor or volunteer coordinator that cannot be resolved through informal discussion. The volunteer shall first present the issue to his or her supervisor or volunteer coordinator. In the event that they are unable to mutually agree upon resolution after seven days, the volunteer may appeal in writing to the Manager of Agency Volunteer Services. If the volunteer and the Manager of

Agency Volunteer Services are unable to mutually agree upon resolution, the volunteer may appeal in writing to the Chief Executive Officer who will respond within seven days with a final decision.

Withdrawal Any work performed by a volunteer may be discontinued by either the volunteer or by CABVI. If you are no longer able to volunteer, and would like to go on inactive status, or withdraw from the program, please notify your supervisor or the Manager of Agency Volunteer Services.

Volunteer Newsletter At the end of each quarter the Manager of Agency Volunteer Services will distribute a volunteer newsletter with information on activities, new volunteer opportunities, and other items of interest. The newsletter will be sent electronically. It is also available in the volunteer area of the Radio Studios.

Volunteer Benefits Personal and Practical The benefits you receive as a volunteer are tangible as well as intangible. The greatest benefits you gain are ones of personal satisfaction, such as participating in a worthwhile project, helping another person maintain independence, or using your skills to help an organization realize its goals. Generally, people volunteer to give to others, yet they frequently feel they receive more from the experience than they give. Personal benefits may include: Knowledge. You learn a great deal about visual impairment and blindness. You become knowledgeable about rehabilitation programs and adaptive techniques that people who are blind and visually impaired use for daily activities. Such first-hand knowledge enriches your own life. Community Involvement. You feel more connected to your community. You contribute support that improves the community, solves community problems, and assists others in the community to lead more fulfilling lives. Experience. You gain experience in working with people who are blind, visually impaired, or print impaired. This experience can be valuable in making career choices about working with people who are disabled. It can also be helpful in learning to make adjustments in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own life. Friendship. You have the opportunity to make new friends within the CABVI community and to develop a long-term relationship with the blind, visually impaired or, print impaired person you assist. These relationships often become very special ones, crossing age, race, socioeconomic status, and other traditional barriers that sometimes make it difficult for friendships to form between people from different backgrounds.

Practical benefits may include: Tax Deductions. Mileage to and from the volunteer work assignment, along with the cost of meals and other expenses incurred as a result of volunteer work may be tax-deductible. Check the tax laws that apply to your particular circumstances. References. You may use your volunteer experience as a reference when seeking a job or in pursuing further education. Mileage Reimbursement. When authorized, mileage reimbursement is available for volunteers who provide transportation for agency purposes. Publications. As a volunteer you receive the agency newsletter, Viewpoint, our Annual Report and other information about Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.â&#x20AC;? Winston Churchill

Community Support of CABVI Donations: Our caring community provides the financial resources that make it possible for Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired to offer quality services. Our Annual Campaign raises funds that are used to provide rehabilitation, counseling, and information services. Members (donors of $25 or more) receive our newsletter, Viewpoint, our Annual Report, and an invitation to our Annual Meeting. CABVI also accepts gifts to honor friends for special occasions or to commemorate friends and loved ones through a memorial gift. Gift envelopes are available or you may choose to make an online donation through CABVI’s website at www.cincyblind.org. Planned Gifts: CABVI’s Board of Trustees created the Visionary Society as a way to thank our donors for planned gifts during their lifetime. With the donor’s permission, members of the Visionary Society are listed in the Annual Report and on the donor wall at CABVI. Planned gifts vary in size and can be structured in several tax-advantaged ways, through bequests, life insurance policies and beneficiary designations on retirement plans. Suggested wording to remember CABVI in your will or estate plan: “I give to Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired the sum of ____ dollars ($________). This bequest is unrestricted and the Board of Trustees or other governing body may use and expend the same for the benefit of the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in any manner it deems appropriate.” If you have made arrangements for a planned gift, please let us know so that we can recognize you as a member of our Visionary Society in our Annual Report and on the CABVI donor wall. Gifts vary in size and can be structured in several tax-advantaged ways. Please call the Director of Community Relations at 513-487-4233 for more information.

Volunteer Recognition We recognize our volunteers in a variety of ways throughout each year. All new volunteers are recognized in the quarterly volunteer newsletter and their photo is displayed on a poster outside the office of the Manager of Agency Volunteer Services. In fact, you will see photos of volunteers on display throughout the building and a volunteer award plaque is prominently displayed on the first floor. The Volunteer Recognition Events We support National Volunteer Week each year in April; however, we host our annual Volunteer Recognition Event in the fall of each year. This is a wonderful event that all volunteers are invited to attend with a guest. We provide food and entertainment at a different location each year, and our volunteers have the chance to relax, socialize, and meet some of our clients. We also present service awards (for each 5 years of volunteer service) and other special awards at the Volunteer Recognition Event. The special awards include:  The Sheffield Award - CABVI Volunteer of the Year  The Fibbe Award - RRS Volunteer of the Year  The Moser Award - Broadcast Volunteer of the Year  The Ott Award - PTP Volunteer of the Year  The One on One Award - Personal Reader of the Year  The Silverglade Youth Volunteer Award - High School Volunteer of the Year We also recognize any volunteer who contributed 300 or more hours of volunteer service during the previous year. Recognition for your volunteer work may also include acknowledgment in print or film, such as a feature story in Viewpoint, the daily newspapers, or your community newspapers.

CONCLUSION As a volunteer you are a very valuable resource for Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and for the blind, visually impaired, or print impaired individuals we serve. Our work is supplemented and strengthened through volunteers, such as you, who give generously of time and talents. The volunteer/agency partnership is important in providing quality service to people in our community who are blind, visually impaired, or print impaired. The staff supports your efforts and looks forward to working with you in your role as a volunteer. Please feel free to contact your supervisor or the Manager of Agency Volunteer Services at any time with questions, ideas, comments, or suggestions. We hope you enjoy your volunteer experience. We are pleased to have you as a volunteer. Welcome!

Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired reserves the right to amend policies without prior notice. Revised January 2013. This publication is available on CD. For information, contact the Manager of Agency Volunteer Services.

Offering blind and visually impaired people the opportunity to seek independence 2045 Gilbert Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-1490 Phone: 513 221-8558 FAX: 513 221-2995 Website: www.cincyblind.org AFFILIATIONS Member, Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired (AER) Member, International Association of Audio Information Services Accredited Member, National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services Member, National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind National Industries for the Blind Member, Ohio Radio Reading Services United Way of Greater Cincinnati Member, VisionServe Alliance Butler County United Way Warren County United Way Member, Vision Coalition of Greater Cincinnati

CABVI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Services Provider. CABVI is an Affirmative Action Employer.

Volunteer Supervisors Manager of Agency Volunteer Services Carie Schultz 513-487-4217 carie.schultz@cincyblind.org Broadcast Manager Mark DeWitt 513 487-4228 office mark.dewitt@cincyblind.org Asst. Broadcast Manager 513 487-4598 Anthony DeGregorio Anthony.degregorio@cincyblind.org One on One and Talking Book Machine Coordinator Jennifer Holladay 513-487-4237 jennifer.holladay@cincyblind.org PTP Coordinator Janet Papin 513-221-8558 ext. 400 janet.papin@cincyblind.org Volunteer Relations Coordinator Sheryl Rottenberger 513-487-4245 sheryl.rottenberger@cincyblind.org CABVI Main Phone Number

513 221-8558

Radio Reading Services Studio

513 221-2059