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Pell Radio Reading Service     Prevention of Blindness

Recreation & Education     Social Services     Transportation

Vision Resource Center     Visual Support Center

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Pell Radio Reading Service

     The Lackawanna Branch, PA Association for the Blind and the University of Scranton have joined into a new communications partnership.  As of September 21, 2009, WUSR-FM, the radio station of the University of Scranton, now presents ten hours of programming geared to blind and visually impaired individuals each week.

     With the inception of the new affiliation, the Pell Radio Reading Service is broadcast on WUSR-FM, 99.5, from the University’s studio.  Listeners are able to access the broadcasts on any FM radio, on television at Comcast’s Channel 62, or through the Internet.  Although programming hours are reduced, the quality is a significant improvement over the previous broadcast.  Listeners hear the same type of programming during the Monday through Friday broadcasts from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., including daily news from the Times-Tribune.

     Blind Association Radio Manager Paul Trama has acquainted volunteer readers with facilities at the new location.  “Volunteer readers have been the backbone of the program,” explained Mr. Trama.  The new format continues to use volunteer readers and also gives University students the opportunity to add a new segment to their audience.

Click here to learn more about:  The University of Scranton

LISTEN (as of September 21, 2009)

Click below to go to:

 The Broadcast Site at The University of Scranton:  WUSR-FM 99.5

Listen on Windows Media:  mms://134.198.15.108/wusr

Listen on Real Audio:  http://playlist.wusr.scranton.edu/realaudio.php

Manager:  Paul Trama


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 Prevention of Blindness

     Thousands of preschool children in day care centers and kindergarten registrations are screened to gauge the health and condition of their eyesight.  Additionally, every third-grader in Lackawanna County is a recipient of our eye health and safety program, "Magic World of Vision".  We also provide eye examinations and glasses for eligible persons in Lackawanna County.  The agency also makes available films, tapes, speakers, and educational brochures for individuals or organizations. 

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Recreation and Education

     Our agency conducts various programs that provide the visually impaired with many opportunities for self-achievement and socialization.  Classes are conducted in our Creative Crafts Center featuring macramé, jewelry making, and seasonal crafts.  Social clubs meet at our agency monthly.  Aerobics activities, field trips, educational and health seminars are conducted regularly.  

     Days of instruction for the Creative Crafts Center:  Tuesday & Friday

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Social Services 

     Caseworkers visit blind and visually impaired people in their homes to provide adjustment and supportive counseling and to give instruction in daily living skills.  Referrals are made to Blind and Visual Services, blind pension, medical assistance and other agencies when such services are needed by clients.  Cassettes, talking book machines and radio receivers are provided free of charge.  Arrangements are made for mobility training (cane travel) or to have a seeing eye dog. Unskilled or semi-skilled home maintenance services ensure the safety of clients and enable them to remain independent in their own homes. 

 

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Transportation

     Our agency's van travels throughout Lackawanna County daily, transporting clients to classes, seminars, and meetings.  Blind clients receive special escort care from members of our staff who are trained to provide particular needs.  Our van is also used for field trips, and shopping.  Clients are therefore able to participate more fully in society and retain more of their independence. 

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Vision Resource Center

     Many visually impaired people lead normal lives with the help of magnifying devices to aid their eyesight.  We provide specially-designed magnification of all types as well as large telephone dials, talking calculators, self-threading needles, and other home care equipment.   

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Visual Support Center

The "Visual Support Center" is now open daily,
Monday through Friday, 9:30am - 3:30pm.

Free glaucoma and visual acuity screenings are held every Friday
from 10:00am - Noon, at the agency. 

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