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Philadelphia, PA: Overbrook School for the Blind is pleased to announce Daisy L. Morgan as the recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award for 2023. The award recognizes outstanding achievements, contributions to society, and dedication to the Overbrook community.
Daisy Morgan, a member of the Class of 1975, attended Overbrook School for the Blind from 1960 to 1975. Throughout her time at Overbrook, Daisy displayed remarkable dedication, compassion, and leadership. She served as a mentor to younger students in the dormitory and was a valued member of the switchboard staff during her high school years.
Following her graduation, Daisy pursued further education at business school, commencing her professional career as a switchboard operator at Overbrook from September 1979 to March 1982. She later joined Associated Services for the Blind in October 1986, where she worked tirelessly until her retirement in July 2020. Daisy's commitment to her work and the blind community has been unwavering throughout her career.
Not only has Daisy excelled in her professional endeavors, but she has also dedicated her time and talents to various volunteer activities. She has been an active member of the alumni choir, now known as the Nevilaires, spreading joy through her singing. Daisy has served as the secretary of the Overbrook Alumni Association and held the position of Treasurer for the Philadelphia Regional chapter of the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind. Additionally, she has been the esteemed chairperson of the special needs committee of the Overbrook Alumni Association for numerous years.
"We are proud to recognize Daisy L. Morgan as the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award," said Todd Reeves, Executive Director and CEO of Overbrook School for the Blind. "Her remarkable success, resilience, and continuous dedication to serving the blind community make her an exemplary role model for our students and alumni."
The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to Daisy Morgan during the Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, June 14, 2022, at 6:30 P.M.
Overbrook School for the Blind congratulates Daisy L. Morgan on this well-deserved honor and applauds her for the positive impact she has made on society and the lives of individuals with visual impairments.
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About Overbrook School for the Blind:
Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has developed and delivered education that enhances the options available for students with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Any child with blindness or visual impairment (20/70 or less, as corrected), is under 21 years of age and is referred by his or her local school district, may be considered for admission to Overbrook School for the Blind. In addition to a full academic program, OSB students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art, and a full sports program. Overbrook School for the Blind also serves children with deafblindness in all of its outreach and educational programs. For more information, visit www.obs.org.
Philadelphia, PA: Overbrook School for the Blind, a leading educational institution serving students with visual impairments and other differences, is proud to announce that it will be featured on the Emmy award-winning docuseries Movers and Makers. The episode – titled “City of Soil” – will showcase Overbrook's innovative M. Christine Murphy Horticulture Education Center and its positive impact on the lives of students with visual impairments.
The docuseries Movers and Makers, known for its inspiring stories of people making a difference in their communities, has chosen Overbrook School for the Blind as one of its featured organizations. The episode will provide an in-depth look at Overbrook's Horticultural Therapy program, which uses gardening as a therapeutic tool to improve the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of students with visual impairments and other differences.
Rich Matteo, Horticultural Therapist at Overbrook School for the Blind, shared his excitement about being featured on Movers and Makers, saying, "Our Horticultural Therapy program has been transforming the lives of our students, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our story with a wider audience through this Emmy-Award-winning docuseries. Gardening has proven to be a powerful tool for our students to develop important fine motor and employment skills, build self-confidence and connect with nature in a unique way."
Todd Reeves, Executive Director and CEO of Overbrook School for the Blind, also expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming episode, stating, "We are incredibly honored to be featured on Movers and Makers. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at Overbrook School for the Blind, and the profound impact of our Horticultural Therapy program on the lives of our students. We hope that this episode will inspire others to explore the power of nature-based therapies in promoting the well-being of individuals with visual impairments."???????
The episode featuring Overbrook School for the Blind's Horticultural Therapy program is set to air on Movers and Makers on April 27, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. Viewers can tune in to WHYY to watch this inspiring story of how gardening is transforming the lives of students with visual impairments.
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About Overbrook School for the Blind: Overbrook School for the Blind, founded in 1832, is a premier educational institution that serves students with visual impairments from infancy to age 21. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Overbrook provides a comprehensive, individualized education and support services to students with visual impairments, including those with additional disabilities. Overbrook's mission is to prepare students for independent and fulfilling lives by providing a quality education, fostering individual strengths, and promoting social and emotional well-being.
About Movers and Makers: Movers and Makers is an Emmy-Award-winning docuseries that showcases inspiring stories of people making a positive impact in their communities. The series highlights individuals, organizations, and programs that are making a difference in various fields, including education, healthcare, social services, and the arts. Movers and Makers aims to inspire viewers with stories of positive change and innovation, and to raise awareness about important issues and causes.
Philadelphia, PA: Executive Director and CEO Todd Reeves today announced the appointment of Shannon Brown, MPA to the position of Director of Human Resources. She will begin part-time beginning on Monday, October 10, 2022 and start full-time November 1, 2022.
“We are fortunate to have Shannon join Overbrook, and we welcome her to campus,” said Reeves. “With over a decade of experience in human resources, we are fortunate to have someone of her level of experience step in as our school’s Director of Human Resources.”
Brown has worked in Human Resources since 2007. She previously served as the Director of People and Culture at Metro Corp Media and has held various positions in the Camden City School District Division of Talent and Labor Relations.
“I love working in Human Resources,” said Brown. “Doing HR work for mission-driven organizations creates a feeling of larger purpose for me. I get the opportunity to help create a positive work environment for staff. It's work that matters. It's work that supports an environment where staff can change the world. HR in education is more than all of that. It's work that matters because it directly contributes to the quality of education that the students receive.”
She received her Masters in Public Administration from Wilmington University and her Bachelors in Human Resources/Organization Management from Thomas Edison State College. She also has a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources from Rutgers University and is working towards a Masters degree in Human Resources from Wilmington University.
“HR in education makes me feel fulfilled, effective, and is my way to contribute to those coming after me. HR in education gives me a different level of satisfaction. The mission of OSB is inspiring. I'm so excited to be a part of the community that does this great work.”
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Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has developed and delivered education that enhances the options available for students with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Any child with blindness or visual impairment (20/70 or less, as corrected), is under 21 years of age, and is referred by his or her local school district, may be considered for admission to Overbrook School for the Blind. In addition to a full academic program, OSB students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art, and a full sports program. Overbrook School for the Blind also serves children with deafblindness in all of its outreach and educational programs. For more information, visit www.obs.org.
Philadelphia, PA: Executive Director and CEO Todd Reeves today announced the appointment of Christine Ostrowski, MBA to the position of Chief Financial Officer, beginning August 16, 2022.
“After a rigorous search process, I am excited to welcome Christine to Overbrook. We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber and experience to step in as Overbrook’s Chief Financial Officer,” said Reeves. “Through years of experience in the education field helping schools and organizations with financial management, Christine is a proven education-focused CFO with a superior track record of delivering results and creating value.”
Since February 2020, Ostrowski has served as the Chief Financial Officer for The Enrollment Management Association. She previously served as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer for the School District of Philadelphia. In addition, Ostrowski has held positions at several mission-aligned organizations, including Independence Mission Schools, SpArc Philadelphia, SC Academy, and Drexel eLearning.
She received her Master of Business Administration from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, and her Bachelor of Science at Thomas Jefferson University.
“I'm passionate about education. Educating our children sets the foundation for a productive and fulfilling future for them and for our community,” said Ostrowski. “It's our responsibility to provide an education in an inclusive, safe environment that allows children of all abilities to achieve their full potential academically, socially and emotionally. When a student succeeds, I feel like I have succeeded.”
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Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has developed and delivered education that enhances the options available for students with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Any child with blindness or visual impairment (20/70 or less, as corrected), is under 21 years of age, and is referred by his or her local school district, may be considered for admission to Overbrook School for the Blind. In addition to a full academic program, OSB students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art, and a full sports program. Overbrook School for the Blind also serves children with deafblindness in all of its outreach and educational programs. For more information, visit www.obs.org.
Philadelphia, PA: Superintendent Jackie Brennan announced OSB’s new program, CVI Complete, a collaboration between educators, medical professionals, researchers and service providers to meet the increasing population of children diagnosed with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI).
The leading cause of vision loss among children in the United States, Cortical Visual Impairment, sometimes referred to as Cerebral Visual Impairment, results from the brain’s inability to process information gathered by the eye. Children with CVI may have healthy eyes, but their brain isn’t able to process what they’re seeing. This neurological visual impairment is the result of trauma or a medical event such as poor oxygen supply, illness, or a medical condition.
“CVI Complete is just one of many investments made by the OSB Board of Trustees to expand our capacity and meet the diverse needs of students with visual impairment and other challenges,” says Brennan. “In addition to offering CVI assessments for enrolled students at OSB and for students from the community at large, CVI Complete will offer high-quality training for educators and service providers, support and education for families, and supply opportunities to conduct research to contribute to the knowledge of CVI in the field.”
Overbrook School for the Blind welcomed CVI Specialist Beth Ramella, Ed.D. in July. Ramella previously worked at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children (WPSBC) in Pittsburgh, where she was employed for 24 years. She developed a CVI Clinic for enrolled students and community at WPSBC and presented on CVI at numerous conferences across the country, including the Sight + Sound Bytes Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh with Drs. Nischal and Liasis, the American Printing House for the Blind, the International Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Council of Schools and Services for the Blind. Most recently, she has presented internationally at the World Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, alongside world-renowned ophthalmologists. She has consulted with the American Printing House for the Blind to create new products for children who are cortically visually impaired. Ramella is also serving as an administrator on Thinking Outside the Light Box, a Facebook page supporting parents and those teaching children with CVI.
Ramella has an Ed.D. from the American College of Education. She completed a Master’s Degree in Special Education, a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment (TVI) certification, and a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) certificate from the University of Pittsburgh. She has a Special Education Supervision certification from Slippery Rock University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Clarion University. Ramella is also currently working on a CVI research partnership with doctors from the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Ophthalmology department.
In her current role at OSB, Ramella conducts the CVI Range assessment (Roman-Lantzy, 2018) with enrolled and non-enrolled students in the newly established CVI Complete Clinic. Following the assessment, Ramella is available to work with classroom teachers and teams to plan and implement strategies specifically designed for students.
“Initially, I conduct the assessment with a student alongside their teacher; determine the CVI Phase and CVI score from 1-10; write a full, narrative report for the family and the team; consult with the student’s educational team of teachers and specialists to implement the report and to create or revise the student’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan) with new goals and how to integrate them into the classroom,” says Ramella. “Using the assessment to develop a strong, measurable IEP and creating accessible materials are essential components in the academic success of these children. Collecting data and measuring outcomes is our responsibility. Without implementing student specific CVI accommodations, we cannot properly monitor student achievement. I interview the parents or guardians to determine how the child uses vision in familiar environments. I also share the assessment report, offering ways they can optimize their child’s vision and implement some CVI-adaptations at home. Parents know their child’s abilities best and they are an important part of our educational team.”
CVI Assessments are now being offered to families of non-enrolled children with CVI or suspected CVI at no cost to families visiting the CVI Complete Clinic on the Overbrook School for the Blind campus.
“If your child has a normal eye exam but continues to display vision problems, it’s critical to press for an accurate diagnosis by a pediatric ophthalmologist, optometrist, or clinical low vision specialist,” says Ramella. “That medical professional may refer the child for a complete functional CVI assessment. The CVI assessment can be used as an independent evaluation or as a resource for educational planning. The child’s educational plan should be matched to their CVI needs. Otherwise, we might never know the child’s fullest potential.”???????
In addition to assessments, CVI Complete also offers CVI Parent Training Workshops which give families of children with CVI the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and create a CVI community.
“We are fully committed to building awareness, supporting families, fostering collaboration, and increasing advocacy to improve the appropriate education of children with visual impairments due to CVI,” says Ramella.
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About Overbrook School for the Blind:
Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has developed and delivered education that enhances the options available for students with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Any child with blindness or visual impairment (20/70 or less, as corrected), is under 21 years of age, and is referred by his or her local school district, may be considered for admission to Overbrook School for the Blind. In addition to a full academic program, OSB students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art, and a full sports program. Overbrook School for the Blind also serves children with deafblindness in all of its outreach and educational programs. For more information, visit www.obs.org.
Philadelphia, PA: High School Teacher Evangeline Worsley, M.Ed., has been selected by the Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter of The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (Penn-Del AER) Awards Committee to receive the 2021 Elinor Long Educator of the Year Award, in recognition for outstanding work in the field of visual impairment. Ms. Worsley will be recognized during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, April 22nd at 6:30 p.m.
“I am humbled to receive the Elinor Long Educator of the Year Award,” says Worsley. “I began my career at Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) teaching English to students in the high school program. At the time, I did not anticipate how formative my experiences at OSB would be as a young educator, learning from colleagues who are so deeply committed to our mission and working with students who are brave, strong, and resilient. It is an honor to be a member of this field and to be recognized by Penn-Del AER.”
Worsley began her career at OSB in the fall of 2012. She received her undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Secondary Education with a focus in English and Communications. She received her TVI certification and her M.Ed from The University of Pittsburgh in the spring of 2016. In addition, Worsley completed a Special Education 7-12 certificate program through West Chester University in 2018, and presented at the Penn-Del AER conference on how to use a team-teaching approach to teach career education and soft-skills to transition-aged students. In the fall of 2019, Worsley presented at the “Getting in Touch with Literacy” conference in Seattle on strategies to incorporate elements of the ECC into literacy instruction.
“I am thankful to my students and their families who work collaboratively with me daily to set and reach goals,” says Worsley. “I am endlessly grateful for my paraprofessional, Kendall Edwards, who can make anything happen and brings joy to our classroom community, and I would like to thank Helene Marano, Coordinator of the High School Program and Overbrook for supporting my continued education and challenging me to reach for bigger, better things each year.”
“I am thrilled to see Eva being recognized for her significant contributions not only to the OSB community she serves but to our field as a whole,” says Helene Marano, Coordinator of the High School Program. “Eva’s innovative teaching skills and collaborations with professionals in the field have contributed immensely to the success of her students not only in the classroom but as independent young adults."
Ms. Worsley will be recognized during a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, April 22nd at 6:30 p.m. Dream, an original song written, produced, and virtually performed by The Voices of Overbrook Choir, will also be featured during the three-day conference.
Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has developed and delivered education that enhances the options available for students with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Any child with blindness or visual impairment (20/70 or less, as corrected), is under 21 years of age,and is referred by his or her local school district, may be considered for admission to Overbrook School for the Blind. In addition to a full academic program, OSB students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art, and a full sports program. Overbrook School for the Blind also serves children with deafblindness in all of its outreach and educational programs. For more information, visit www.obs.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, PA: The Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) International Program is pleased to announce that one of its partners in the Overbrook-Nippon Network on Educational Technology (ON-NET), the Sao Mai Vocational and Assistive Technology Center for the Blind in Vietnam, was recently recognized by the internationally-renown Zero Project for creating software to meet the needs of people with visual impairments globally.
“We are thrilled that the Sao Mai Center has been recognized and honored in the category of Innovative Technologies by the Zero Project,” says Wenru Niu, Coordinator of the OSB International Program. “We are proud to support and develop products to promote equality, access, and inclusion for people with visual impairments in the Southeast Asia region and beyond.”
Led by Executive Director Dang Hoia Phuc, the Sao Mai Vocational and Assistive Technology Center has developed software for blind users, specifically, The Sao Mai Braille, The Burmese Text to Speech Engine, and The Sao Mai Music Reader iOS Version, which was officially released in the Apple Store this week. It’s a free music reader that both visually impaired and sighted people can use, and it’s available at: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sm-music-reader/id1532411611
The Zero Project was initiated by the Essl Foundation in 2008 to support the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) of the United Nations and to work for a world without barriers. The approach of the Zero Project is to research and share innovative practice and policies worldwide, by engaging with a worldwide cross-sectoral network of innovators, decision-makers and opinion leaders.
The OSB International Program has been an integral part of OSB since 1985. It started as a 10-month, on-campus program and gradually transformed into an international outreach program.
“OSB launched the Overbrook-Nippon Network on Educational Technology (ON-NET) in 1998 in Thailand and expanded it to Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Mongolia, thanks to an endowment from the Nippon Foundation,” says Niu. “We provide support to promote the use of technology to expand opportunities for persons with visual impairment in education and employment.”
Today, ON-NET is very active in Indonesia, Myanmar, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has developed and delivered education that enhances the options available for students with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Any child with blindness or visual impairment (20/70 or less, as corrected), is under 21 years of age, and is referred by his or her local school district, may be considered for admission to Overbrook School for the Blind. In addition to a full academic program, OSB students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art, and a full sports program. Overbrook School for the Blind also serves children with deafblindness in all of its outreach and educational programs. For more information, visit www.obs.org.
10/9/2020: OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND’S RUN, WALK & ROLL VIRTUAL TRICK OR TROT 5K
Philadelphia, PA: It’s virtual this year, but you can still dress up in a costume, race shirt or Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) t-shirt to participate in OSB’s Run, Walk & Roll Virtual Trick or Trot 5K over the Halloween weekend.
On October 31st and November 1st, participants will cover a 3.1 mile course of their own choosing and run, walk or roll in their wheelchair to the finish line to benefit OSB. Participants will be asked to post photos of their run on social media and tag @OverbrookSchoolfortheBlind on Facebook or @OverbrookSFTB on Instagram to demonstrate how they participated.
On Sunday at 7 p.m., participants will attend a virtual closing ceremony with Paralympian and author Lex Gillette, a blind long jumper for TEAM USA. Mr. Gillette has achieved medal-winning performances at every major international competition he has attended to date. His philosophy is, “No need for sight when you have a vision,” and he spreads his message through motivational speaking and his book entitled, “Fly! Find Your Own Wings and Soar Above Life’s Challenges.” Log on to Overbrook School for the Blind's Website for the Closing Ceremony.
Participants in the Run, Walk & Roll Virtual Trick or Trot 5K will be eligible for prizes. For more information, visit Overbrook School for the Blind’s website at Find out about the Run Walk 'N' Roll or register for the event by signing up at Register to Participate in the 5K.
Proceeds from the 5K will support programs that engage OSB students in athletics. Visit OSB WEBSITE to learn more about Overbrook School for the Blind’s programs.
Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has developed and delivered education that enhances the options available for students with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Any child with blindness or visual impairment (20/70 or less, as corrected), is under 21 years of age, and is referred by his or her local school district, may be considered for admission to Overbook School for the Blind. In addition to a full academic program, OSB students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art, and a full sports program. Overbrook School for the Blind also serves children with deafblindness in all of its outreach and educational programs. For more information, visit Overbrook School for the Blind.
Philadelphia, PA: Executive Director and CEO Todd Reeves has received the 2020 William H. English Leadership Award from the Council of Schools and Services for the Blind (COSB), a consortium of specialized schools and agencies in the United States and Canada whose major goal is to improve the quality of services to children who are blind or visually impaired.
“During these challenging times, I am humbled to receive this prestigious award from COSB,” says Reeves. “There has never been a more important time to be responsive to the changing needs of educators and students with visual impairment and other challenges. With the unwavering focus and support of my colleagues, I will continue to strive to serve our students by promoting dignity, independence and the best practices in special education.”
Mr. Reeves came to Overbrook School for the Blind in 2017 after serving for ten years as executive director and superintendent of the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children. Previously, he served as the Superintendent of the Washington School for the Deaf in Vancouver from 2003 - 2007. Originally from Eugene, Oregon, Reeves received his undergraduate degree from Pacific University with a major in communication disorders. He received a master's degree in 1988 in deaf education and clinical audiology at Lamar University in Texas and began his career as a speech language pathologist and teacher at the Washington School for the Deaf, where he served for five years. Reeves then attended the University of Washington in Seattle, receiving a J.D. from the School of Law and an educational administration certificate from the College of Education in 1996.
Following completion of his law degree, Reeves held positions as the Principal at Oregon School for the Deaf and Program Administrator in the Peninsula School District, supporting all secondary level special education services there, before accepting the position as Assistant Director of Special Education in the Tacoma School District. Over the next five years, as Assistant Director and then Director of Special Education of the Tacoma Public Schools, he provided oversight of a special education department serving 4,400 students with disabilities in this public school district of 34,000 students.
In his role at OSB, Reeves oversees OSB’s educational programs for babies to young adults, including day and residential students enrolled in on-campus programs, and public school students served by OSB’s special educators in their local schools. In addition, Reeves manages all aspects of OSB’s operations, budget and finance, development, facility management, and human resources.
The William H. English Leadership Award is presented to a deserving superintendent or chief administrator from a school or program for the blind who exemplifies the characteristics of Mr. English, a visionary leader who made significant contributions to the field throughout his 40-year career. Mr. English expanded services to all students with vision impairment within the state of Wisconsin through innovative outreach programs and a model service delivery system.
A perpetual plaque with all of the William H. English Leadership award winners inscribed i housed at The American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville, Kentucky.
For more information about the William H. English Leadership Award, visit www.cosbvi.org.
Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has developed and delivered education that enhances the options available for students with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Any child with blindness or visual impairment (20/70 or less, as corrected), is under 21 years of age, and is referred by his or her local school district, may be considered for admission to Overbook School for the Blind. In addition to a full academic program, OSB students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art, and a full sports program. Overbrook School for the Blind also serves children with deafblindness in all of its outreach and educational programs. For more information, visit www.obs.org.
For Immediate Release
September 22, 2020
Contact For Media Inquiries:
Nick Fiorellini
nick.fiorellini@obs.org
(215) 877-0313, ext. 234
“STAYING CONNECTED” FOR OVERBROOK SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND’S INAUGURAL VIRTUAL GALA!
Philadelphia, PA: In order to safely follow social distancing guidelines, the seventh annual Experience Overbrook fundraiser - which celebrates and supports Overbrook School for the Blind’s service to children with special needs and their families - will be held virtually on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 7 p.m.
“We had to be creative this year,” says Todd Reeves, OSB’s Executive Director and CEO. “Instead of postponing our gala, we decided to try something new. A virtual format seemed like the perfect way to accomplish our fundraising goals while still being mindful of social distancing recommendations.”
“Staying Connected” will invite the community to support Overbrook School for the Blind in a safe way. In lieu of ticket sales this year, donations will be accepted, and all proceeds will benefit OSB’s mission and our students. Attendees can virtually meet students and staff, access the OSB Spirit Wear Shop, and purchase art made by OSB students. The Experience will also feature an online silent auction with unique items and experiences such as:
1-year membership with Dormie Network, the nation’s most exclusive collection of destination golf clubs. These exceptional clubs offer pristine courses, full-service amenities, and a secluded, relaxing retreat. The winning bidder will have the option to continue their membership after one year with no additional initiation fee required. Valued at $21,000, this package includes full member privileges at six private clubs:
Dormie Club - Pinehurst, NC
Ballyhack Golf Club - Roanoke, VA
Victoria National Golf Club - Newburgh, IN
Arborlinks Golf Club - Nebraska City, NE
Briggs Ranch Golf Club - San Antonio, TX
Hidden Creek Golf Club - Egg Harbor, NJ
Though the live Experience Overbrook event can only be viewed on October 8th at 7 p.m., visitors can take part in the fun before and after the event on our website, from October 5th through October 12th. To see a complete list of items, visit https://www.obs.org/EO2020.
Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has developed and delivered education that enhances the options available for students with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Any child with blindness or visual impairment (20/70 or less, as corrected), is under 21 years of age, and is referred by his or her local school district, may be considered for admission to Overbook School for the Blind. In addition to a full academic program, OSB students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art, and a full sports program. Overbrook School for the Blind also serves children with deafblindness in all of its outreach and educational programs. For more information, visit www.obs.org.
Overbrook School for the Blind Executive Director and CEO Todd Reeves announced today the appointment of Pamela McGonigle as the new director of development and communications.
Gold medalist and four-time Paralympian in Track and Field at the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 games, McGonigle most recently was the lead development officer for the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she created a comprehensive development program for the $1.4 million organization. Prior to the USABA, McGonigle was the development manager for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration in Radnor, and previously worked for the Montgomery County Foundation, Inc., the Philadelphia Society for Services to Children, and the Bethesda Project. She has an MA in Sports Administration from the University of Northern Colorado and a BS in Education from Slippery Rock University.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Pam’s calibre and experience step in to lead OSB’s fundraising and outreach efforts,” says Reeves. “This is actually a “Welcome Back” experience for Pam, as she previously worked at OSB several years ago when the OSB International Program provided on-site services to students from various countries. With Pam’s knowledge of the organization, her passion to excel and her zeal for action, she is an important addition to our team as we compete for every available grant dollar and pursue other means of securing OSB’s fiscal health.”
In her new position at OSB, McGonigle’s primary responsibility will be to create and implement a development plan that details how the organization will solicit donors and identify funding sources such as grants, in-kind donations, charitable events and marketing opportunities. McGonigle will work closely with senior leadership and the OSB Board of Trustees to manage the annual fund and build relationships with donors, staff and volunteers.
“I am honored to serve as OSB’s Director of Development and Communications, an organization that epitomizes my passion for helping students with visual impairments thrive,” says McGonigle. “I am eager to work with OSB’s experienced teachers, therapists, medical professionals, and support staff to help students who confront tremendous obstacles with every opportunity to succeed.”
Since 1832, Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has developed and delivered education that enhances the options available for students with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. Any child with blindness or visual impairment (20/70 or less, as corrected), is under 21 years of age, and is referred by his or her local school district, may be considered for admission to Overbook School for the Blind. In addition to a full academic program, OSB students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art, and a full sports program. Overbrook School for the Blind also serves children with deafblindness in all of its outreach and educational programs. For more information, visit www.obs.org.
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