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Check out where we have been lately! The Staff of Florida Reading and Vision Technology participate in many events throughout the state of Florida. To find out where, please click on the link below: Media/Events featuring Florida Reading and Vision Technology |
Who We Are The current staff of Florida Reading and Vision Technology: |
Lesa Kretschmer, President of Florida Reading and Vision Technology, has worked in the Low Vision and Blindness field for over 15 years. A dedicated professional, Lesa is committed to placing adaptive technology exactly where it belongs, in the hands of the end user. "I have seen adaptive technology dramatically improve people's lives, whether it's assisting someone back into the workplace, enlarging a student's potential or helping a senior citizen maintain their independence." Lesa has worked extensively with individuals, occupational therapists, low vision doctors, Lighthouses, the Division of Blind Services and a spectrum of Educational and Government Institutions. She has conducted hundreds of seminars, workshops and vision fairs around the state. She has also been a guest on national and local television and radio programs. Lesa is an advocate for the blind and visually impaired and led the effort to have nine Florida mayors proclaim May 1st as Macular Degeneration Awareness Day.
Harry Myles, Adaptive Technology Specialist for Florida Reading and Vision Technology, represents the company in Southwest Florida. Harry is an engineer with both industrial and academic experience. For the past three years, he has worked as a Computer Instructor at the Visually Impaired Persons Center (VIP) in North Fort Myers, enabling people with visual impairments to use their computers with the aid of JAWS, ZoomText, Guide, and other assistive software tools. Harry also demonstrated Video Magnifiers/CCTVs and portable magnifying devices while working in the Naples office of VIP Center. Harry volunteers his time as an advisor to the Low Vision Enrichment Group where he lives in Fort Myers. "It is exciting when people who have lost their sight realize that tools are available to allow them to maintain their independence."
Dan Giblin, Low Vision Product Specialist for Florida Reading and Vision Technology, represents the company in Central and Northeast Florida. Dan has worked in the Low Vision and Blindness Technology industry for the previous two years in Ohio. Dan has a sincere passion for enabling the blind and visually impaired. "Having a blind father taught me at a very young age the struggles that a blind or visually-impaired person encounter on a day-to-day basis. I feel fortunate to work in a field where I can have a direct positive influence on the lives of the visually impaired."
Rachael has been a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) since 1999. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Florida. She is currently pursuing her Ph. D. in Computing Technology in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Rachael has worked as an assistive technology specialist and a rehabilitation counselor. She worked for the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches as the Technology Training Specialist, as well as the Division of Blind Services as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. She has many years of experience teaching, evaluating, and recommending needed computer software and other assistive devices for people with visual impairments. Rachael is devoted to serving the community. She is proud and enthusiastic about joining the team at Florida Reading and Vision Technology!
Nancy Folsom, Blindness Products Specialist representing Florida Reading & Vision Technology in North Florida, is a native Floridian and has lived in North Florida for nearly 30 years. She attended Florida School for the Deaf and Blind for four years. She graduated from Santa Fe High School, Santa Fe Community College and also attended Florida State University. Nancy has raised her two children and is now a grandmother. Nancy worked for the Florida Council of the Blind as a Project Insight Coordinator for seven years. She also worked for Project Insight as a Peer Counselor and resource person for the visually impaired in the State of Florida. During this time she worked closely with The Division of Blind Services, Florida Council of the Blind and the Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education (FIRE). As an administrative assistant for the Division of Blind Services for more than four years, Nancy was the first point of contact for client services in the Tallahassee District Office. Nancy also worked as an Assistive Technology Trainer at FIRE teaching the proper use and function of various notetakers and screen magnification software. She was also instrumental in creating Florida Institute's Assistive Technology Lab. Nancy is truly dedicated and passionate about helping blind and visually-impaired people lead productive, successful lives. Her experience as a peer counselor, technology trainer and advocate will greatly benefit all of those she is able to meet and work with. Send Nancy an e-mail or contact her cell phone at (850) 524-5026
Patrick Turnage, Blindness Products Specialist, represents Florida Reading and Vision Technology in Central and Northeast Florida. As a graduate of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, he knows and appreciates the impact that adaptive technology can have on the life of a person who is blind. "Adaptive technology can open doors not only on a professional or academic level but on a personal level as well." Patrick has been training and consulting on the selection and use of adaptive technology for over a decade. He has provided presentations to aid in securing grants as well as training staff and students in groups. He also has experience consulting and training corporations on the use of adaptive technology. Patrick volunteers his time as the webmaster for the PAC Mate Gear website. "The purpose of PAC Mate Gear is to bring together PAC Mate users from around the world to contribute tips and tricks, hardware and software compatibility and to help one another. Patrick graduated with his yellow lab, Prince, from Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California. He also volunteers his time as the Treasurer and webmaster for The Sunshine Guide Dog Teams of Florida. This is the Florida chapter of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Alumni Association, whose primary focus is for previous and potential graduates to network and support each other. For Patrick, nothing is more rewarding than improving a person's life through adaptive technology. If you live in Northeast or Central Florida, have any questions or would like a demonstration of any of our products, send Patrick an e-mail or call him at (813) 846-3841.
As South Florida Computer Specialist for Florida Reading and Vision Technology, Tony del Campo has nearly 18 years hands-on computer experience. The expertise he brings to Florida Reading and Vision Technology and its clients is extraordinary! Tony's services include set-up and installation of various computer-related components, software installation, troubleshooting, Internet access, back-up utilities, networking solutions and much more. Here's a small sampling of what Tony has done and can do:
In addition, Tony has successfully accomplished the following projects:
Carole Lucarelli is the Office Manager for Florida Reading and Vision Technology. Carole comes to Florida Reading with a strong background in office management and administration, and has extensive customer service and sales experience. She managed the offices of two major insurance companies and performed all the customer service duties. She is used to the order process and is here to answer your questions, solve your problems and expedite your orders. If she can't handle a problem, she can direct you to the correct party to do so or obtain a quick answer for you.
Jay Bader takes care of the Florida Reading website as its webmaster. Jay was involved in radio for 18 years, eventually ending up in Orlando. When he met his wife, Rachel, who is visually impaired, in 1994, Jay started to become fascinated by how people with visual impairments could do daily tasks just as well the sighted population. As the radio industry changed, Jay dedicated himself more to helping the visually impaired. He has been a member of the volunteer Mid-Florida Council of the Blind, the Orlando area chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind, since 2000, was elected Membership Secretary of that organization the following year and continues to hold that office. Jay also takes care of the FCB website and co-moderates its e-mail discussion list. Committing himself to advocating for the visually impaired is only part of what Jay wants to accomplish. "There is so much that those who cannot see can do if given the right choices," Jay says. "And there is no feeling better than to see the satisfaction in the face of that individual at work or home, after they decide for themselves that access technology will make a difference in their lives."
Donna Rogalski is Florida Reading and Vision Technology's Inside Sales Specialist. Donna brings over 15 years of experience in property management, customer service and sales to this position. Previously, she was employed with the Marion County School Board as a teacher assistant for the visually impaired.As a volunteer, Donna, who is visually impaired herself, is quite active in her community. As a school volunteer for over a decade, she works with students with disabilities. Donna works closely with the local Lions Clubs on projects helping to provide the needed adaptive technology for blind and visually-impaired students. Donna also assists Project Insight as a local peer counselor to provide resource and referral information to newly-blinded individuals. Donna has been President of the Inter-County Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind. As an advocate, Donna is compassionate and dedicated to in her efforts to help persons with low vision lead a full, productive and independent life. "Extending a helping hand, I would like the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. It's truly a pleasure to be a part of Florida Reading and Vision Technology." ALUMNI TO FLORIDA READING AND VISION TECHNOLOGY
Blind since birth, Rachel has been around access technology in one form or another most of her life, beginning with her experience with a Perkins Brailler at a young age. For 6 years, she worked as an Access Technology Specialist at CITE (now known as Lighthouse Central Florida) in Orlando, creating and implementing curriculums and instructing individuals in using popular Windows-based applications in conjunction with screen reading and/or screen magnification software, as well as adaptive technology. Rachel also worked for a year and a half at the local Division of Blind Services office in Orlando as a Rehabilitation Technician. She stays active in her community by giving presentations at schools and other organizations, even with her latest position as Assistive Technology Specialist with the Illinois Assistive Technology Program in Springfield, IL. Rachel served as President of her local Mid-Florida chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind in Orlando for 4 years and was a member of the Technology Committee on the state level. Rachel is also part of the volunteer Internet radio service run by the American Council of the Blind, ACB Radio. She is the Promotions Coordinator for ACB Radio and also co-hosts a program on its Interactive stream. And in June of 2005, Rachel was appointed to a position on the Graduate Council of Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc., as she has worked with 3 dogs through that organization, beginning at the time she began college. While she may have a busy schedule, Rachel remains dedicated to improving the lives of those like her through access technology. That is the reason why she was proud to be a part of the staff at Florida Reading and Vision Technology.
Kelly is a Black Labrador and, when not at work for Rachel, is a very friendly dog. She is best known for her body wag when she wants to say "Hello" to you. For this reason, Kelly was appointed the mascot for Florida Reading & Vision Technology during the time Rachel was with the company. |
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Florida Reading accepts the following credit cards when ordering our products or arranging for our services:
Florida Reading and Vision Technology is an Authorized Dealer for the following manufacturers:
Florida Reading and Vision Technology, Inc.
P.O. Box 519 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33302 Phone: 1-800-981-5119 Fax: (954) 462-4647 sales@floridareading.com |
Rachael Trinkowsky, Blindness Products
and Software Representative for Florida Reading and Vision Technology, represents the company in
Southeast and Southwest Florida.
Rachel Bader was a vital part of Florida
Reading and Vision Technology, representing the company throughout North and Central Florida as
Blindness Products Specialist from 2005 to late 2007.
Kelly is the guide dog for Rachel Bader. Kelly is
Rachel's third guide dog and was teamed with Rachel in 2002. She was born at Southeastern Guide Dogs
in Palmetto, FL, and raised near Dallas, TX.
