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1 2045 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 513 221-8558 www.cincyblind.org Rev. 2015 VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
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2045 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513 221-8558 www.cincyblind.org
Rev. 2015
VOLUNTEER
HANDBOOK
2
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.
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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
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our Vision 2
Our Mission Statement 2
Our Core Values 2
Welcome from the Executive Director 3
OVERVIEW OF THE CINCINNATI ASSOCIATION
FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Our Philosophy of Service 6
Our Mission 6
About Blindness and Visual Impairment 7
CABVI Services 8
Organizational Structure 10
History 10
SELECTION, ORIENTATION, AND TRAINING
Types of Volunteer Service 13
Selection 14
Application 14
Interview 14
Orientation and Training 15
Assignment/Reassignment 15
Supervision & Feedback 16
Volunteer Training Programs 17
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VOLUNTEER POLICIES
Volunteer Records 17
Confidentiality of Client Information 17
Volunteer Hours and Absences 19
Insurance 20
Volunteering in CABVI’s Office Buildings 20
Agency Holidays and Emergency Closings 21
Drug Free Workplace Policy 21
Weapon Free Workplace Policy 21
No Harassment Policy 22
Conflict of Interest 22
Appeal Procedure 22
Withdrawal 23
Volunteer Advisory Committee 23
Volunteer Newsletter 23
BENEFITS
Personal and Practical 24
Community Support
Donations 26
Planned Giving 26
Recognition 27
CONCLUSION 28
Agency Information and Affiliations 29
Volunteer Supervisors 30
6
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.
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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 over-
protection. 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 don’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.
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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 Wright-
Patterson 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 volunteer’s interest, abilities, and schedule.
Examples of potential assignments include daily mail reading
or weekly grocery shopping transportation.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 30-
minutes 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.
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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 agency’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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 client’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.
Volunteer Hours and Absences
“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.”
~Leo Buscaglia
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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.
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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 CABVI’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 CABVI’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.
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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.
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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 CABVI’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
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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.
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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 one’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.
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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.”
Winston Churchill
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Volunteer Supervisors
Manager of Agency Volunteer Services
Carie Schultz 513-487-4217
Broadcast Manager
Mark DeWitt 513 487-4228 office
Asst. Broadcast Manager 513 487-4598
Anthony DeGregorio
One on One and Talking Book Machine Coordinator
Jennifer Holladay 513-487-4237
PTP Coordinator
Janet Papin 513-221-8558 ext. 400
Volunteer Relations Coordinator
Sheryl Rottenberger 513-487-4245
CABVI Main Phone Number 513 221-8558
Radio Reading Services Studio 513 221-2059
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