QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF THE GUILD
WINTER 2005
Making an Impression
The following is a first-hand account of one Employment Connection participant’s experience during a mock interview. The Guild has partnered with human resources professionals at Aon Corporation, LaSalle Bank, Northern Trust, Smith Barney, Piper Rudnick, and the American Bar Association to provide its members with real life experience in interviewing for a job.
“It’s strange, now that I think back to the interview, how easy it was to just ‘slip into’ Impression Management Mode. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off, but I did! That was a feeling I hadn’t felt in years.
“
I was told which company I would interview with and was also told to research the company. THE day came. I was, if you can believe this, not nervous. I was too busy practicing! When I walked in--with head up, concentrating on poise and posture; I was cool, calm and collected.
“First the introduction--firm handshake (no sweaty palms either). Sat down. Handed the interviewer MY copy of the resume.
“Next came the interview. This was set up as an informational interview and went smoothly.
“All in all, I felt good afterwards. I thanked the interviewer for seeing me, shook hands (again, NO sweaty palms) and walked out poised and businesslike.
“When I received the critique, I could see the positive impact the Guild’s non-verbal communications training had. My eye contact was ‘right on’, body language was ‘excellent’ and use of gestures was ‘fantastic.’
The interviewer did comment that I needed to smile more and dress more professionally 
(business suit).
This experience was very positive for me. I keep reminding myself to smile--I’m just concerned that I’m overdoing it!”
The Amicus Foundation 
The Guild received a grant of $15,000 from The Amicus Foundation to support the development of its new Information and Referral program. This program, being developed in partnership with the Illinois College of Optometry Illinois Eye Institute, will provide peer mentoring to adults newly diagnosed with vision loss.
Guild staff will enter into partnerships with optometrists, ophthalmologists and low vision specialists to provide their patients with the information they need about resources, training and products available to help them remain independent.
The Amicus Foundation also provided a grant of $10,000 to support the production of the Guild’s member newsletter, Guild Briefs.
Board Involvement
Like all non-profit boards, the Guild’s Board of Directors is responsible for the governance of the Guild. What sets our board apart is their enthusiasm in participating directly in the Guild’s programs. They use their professional acumen and experience to not only ensure that the Guild meets its strategic goals, but also to help Guild members meet their personal goals.
John Erickson, Vice President at LaSalle Bank, recently presented a seminar on how to make a strong first impression with interviewers and a lasting impression with employers. He used examples from his own experience to highlight key topics, such as dressing appropriately, turning your blindness into an asset, and answering your potential employer’s questions about accommodations before they are asked.
Leonard Messner, O.D., Vice President at the Illinois College of Optometry’s Illinois Eye Institute, is working with the Guild’s staff to develop its Information and Referral program. In this program, Guild staff will partner with eye care professional to address the immediate and long-term needs of patients newly diagnosed with vision loss. Len has invited the Guild to introduce this program at the Illinois Eye Institute during 2005.
This is just a sample of the activities in which our board members participate. We can count on their support when we need an extra voice to record materials for our members, a driver to transport our visually impaired staff to New Visions presentations in the suburbs, their business expertise or contacts for presentations to Employment Connection participants, or their assistance in myriad other activities.
This hands-on experience reinforces the Guild’s service model of individual attention. Board 
members enjoy the opportunity to meet Guild members and learn about their individual goals. Guild members benefit from direct contact with business professionals--especially those who are also visually impaired.
Message from the Executive Director
Recently the ninth graduate of our Employment Connection program secured a job. I am always impressed by the positive energy emanating from program participants despite the many challenges they encounter. Credit is due to the Guild’s manager of career services, Lauri Dishman, who helps restore participant’s confidence. While Employment Connection seminars help participants prepare for a meaningful career, the greatest lesson they learn is to believe in themselves.
The Guild must confront two distinct challenges when helping its members pursue a career: the employer’s misperceptions concerning the capabilities of people who are blind or visually impaired and the misperception on the part of our members as to their own capabilities. Well meaning government and social agencies have worked with certain sectors (telemarketing, medical transcription and vending machine service) to provide jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. However, in doing so, they have inadvertently created the perception that this is the only type of position appropriate for these people.
The most exciting component of Employment Connection is its rejection of this perception. This starts with a very simple question: What do you want to do? For most Employment Connection participants this is the first time they have been asked this question as a visually impaired person. As they progress through the program, they gain confidence and overcome the fears that accompany self reliance. By the time they graduate from Employment Connection they are well prepared to search for a position in their chosen field and advocate for themselves. There are certainly no guarantees that they will find their dream job. However, the opportunity to control their fate is often thrilling and empowering. As they find positions in their chosen professions, they are breaking down preconceived notions about their capabilities and paving the way for others to follow. This has always been the Guild’s way; thank you for making this possible.
Spotlight on…
Jonathan has been a Guild member since 1993. He has participated in various programs and is currently a regular visitor to the Guild’s Joan P. Hussey Independent Learning Lab.
As a student at National Louis University, Jonathan uses the lab to type papers for classes, use the Internet for research, and scan his texts into electronic format so he can read his assignments.
Jonathan is working towards his bachelor’s degree in psychology and business management. His two current classes, Criminology and Criminal Justice, have sparked an unexpected interest in the field.
Once he has earned his bachelor’s degree, Jonathan plans to continue his education--seeking a master’s degree in criminology, theology, or school counseling. The Guild’s Hussey Lab is open to the public during regular business hours. Each computer station is equipped with both speech and magnification options and is loaded with the latest applications. Users can practice skills, listen to tutorials, explore the Internet, or scan information into electronic format. If you or someone you know is interested in using the lab, please contact David Flament at 312-236-8569 or davidf@guildfortheblind.org.l
LS&S Partnership
Photo
LS&S, a local low vision product mail order company, is a well respected resource for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Through a new partnership with the Guild, LS&S will supply low vision aids to New Visions participants. These aids will help Guild staff demonstrate to adults with new vision loss how they can remain independent. Participants in New Visions are provided with these aids for their personal use at home to reinforce the training they receive. For information about upcoming New Visions programs in Highland Park, Northbrook, Palos Heights, or Chicago contact Kathy Austin, kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
To learn more about LS&S or to order their catalog, call 1-800-468-4789.
Programs & Services - For Those With New Vision Loss - Low Vision Devices & Tools for Daily Living - Guild Briefs - Scholarships - Passionate Focus Art Exhibit - Program Partners - Donor Opportunities - Calendar of Events