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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
Patrick Turnage
Tony Del Campo
Carlton Lay
Lillian Barrios
William "Roger" Downes
Joseph Dyer
Steven Nelson
Jim Sanchez-Vega
Carole Lucarelli
Jay Bader



LESA KRETSCHMER


Photo of Lesa
        Kretschmer

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.

Send Lesa an e-mail


PATRICK TURNAGE


Photo of Patrick Turnage with guide dog Prince

Patrick Turnage, Assistive Technology Specialist, represents Florida Reading and Vision Technology throughout the state of Florida. As a graduate of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, He knows and appreciates the impact that assistive technology can have on the life of a person who is blind. "Assistive 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 assistive 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 assistive technology.

Patrick graduated with his Guide Dog from Guide Dogs for the blind in San Rafael, California. He 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.

Patrick routinely visits Honduras, where he volunteers his time to work with teachers of the visually impaired and children who are blind. He provides support and training on various assistive technology products and educational lectures on overcoming social stigmas and perceived limitations about blindness. "Here in the United States, blind people have advocacy groups, federal and state legislation and a host of protections and social benefits that are non-existent in other areas of the world. I truly believe that as blind people, we are in the best position to utilize all the advancements in education, legislation, technology and society to effect change in areas of the world where the blind population lacks access to these kinds of resources."

Habla español? Llámame por favor. Estoy feliz de ayudarlo a usted oa su familia contestar todas las preguntas acerca de la tecnología de lupa.

For Patrick, nothing is more rewarding than improving a person's life through adaptive technology. If you have any questions or would like a demonstration of any of our products, please call Patrick at (321) 795-3502 or send Patrick an e-mail.


TONY DEL CAMPO


Photo of Tony Del Campo

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:

  • Provided Computer Services and Support for Dozens of Clients in the South Florida area over the last 17 years.
  • Installed Equipment & Software for People with Visual Impairment or Blindness since 2003
  • Provide training to the visually impaired and blind on adaptive software, including JAWS, MAGic, OpenBook, ZoomText and Kurzweil 1000 - since 2003
  • Managed the Information Technology Department for an Architectural Firm Specializing in Telecommunication Sites in 3 US Cities
  • Senior Technical Support Specialist for Sysco Food Service
  • Senior PC Database Designer / Programmer for Sysco Food Service
  • Senior Computer Trainer for Sysco Food Service
  • Novell & Windows Networks File Server Management
  • Moderate Unix & AS400 Exposure
  • Web Page Design & Publishing
  • FTP File Transfers
  • Network Design & Installation
  • Internet Connection Sharing
  • Printer & Fax Sharing
  • TCP/IP, IPX & Netbui Network Protocols
  • POP3, IMAP & Web E-mail Setup
  • Network & Phone Line Office Cabling
  • Wireless Networking
  • Wide Area Networking
  • Cellular Modem Installation & Configuration
  • Wireless Mobile Communications
  • Remote Access to Workstations & Servers
  • Remote Technical Support Solutions
  • Personal Organizer (PDA) Integration
  • Document Scanning, Storage & Retrieval

In addition, Tony has the following achievements:

  • Planned the network, computer, phone, fax & cabling systems for many offices in the South Florida area, including equipment layout, coordinating work with contractors and installation of file servers, computers, shared printers, fax machines and phone equipment
  • Planned the merger of 2 offices and their respective technology systems
  • Helped a major food distributor to successfully migrate from an MS-DOS computing environment to Windows-Based Operating Systems and Software
  • Trained over 400 company personnel & customers on using various software applications to conduct daily business
  • Trained and managed a small technical support staff to provide walk-in, phone & field troubleshooting support in hardware and software systems
  • As a software designer / computer programmer, created several user-friendly applications to streamline sales and increase productivity for the workforce and management alike.

Send Tony an e-mail


CARLTON LAY


Photo of Carlton Lay

Carlton's 16 years of computer experience are a huge benefit to the FRAVTI Team. As a Senior Computer Specialist III for AOL and Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, he supported clients on the phone in a help desk environment and on-site. In addition to the daily support role, he was also responsible for end user training, file server backups and maintaining the network.

Carlton has also designed entire computer networks, training rooms and training manuals for many clients. "I enjoy working with a client to find a solution. No matter the level of knowledge they have on the product, I will help them."

Hardware skills:
Computer support and setup, Trouble shooting PC problems, peripheral setup, installation of hardware components, Network troubleshooting and design

Software skills:
Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Office 2003 and Office 2007, Quicken, ZoomText, Magic, ZoomOffice

Carlton is also pursuing an IT Certification and a BS in Computer Science.

Send Carlton an e-mail


LILLIAN BARRIOS


Lillian Barrios graduated from Ft. Pierce Westwood High School and received a Bachelor's of Science in Community Health Education from Florida State University. She is currently a graduate student at FSU. She is bilingual (English/Spanish) and was previously employed as a math tutor, teaching assistant and customer service representative. Her experience with accessible technology includes:

  • Providing product demonstrations
  • Providing basic training in the use of adaptive products
  • Assisted with the mapping of the FSU campus with the BrailleNote GPS
  • Introducing adaptive technology to children and their families living outside of the U.S.

"As a grad student who is blind and the mother of a child who also uses adaptive technology, I understand how having access to the right tools can change your life."

If you have any questions or would like a demonstration of any of our products, please call Lillian at (850) 345-7146 or send Lillian an e-mail.


WILLIAM "ROGER" DOWNES


Photo of Roger Downes

William "Roger" Downes has an impressive educational background including a B.S. in Computer Science/Business Administration, an MBA in Aviation and he is currently finishing a Doctorate in Management. Roger worked 13 years at Pratt & Whitney for Military Engines and Space Propulsion, where his main job functions were Radar engineering analyst (Military Engines) and Six Sigma Lean Manufacturing (Space Propulsion). Roger also worked with the Department of Defense on Skunk engineering projects with the F-22 and JSF joint strike fighter cloaking technology. Three of those years were with Space Propulsion and his projects assisted in strategic planning with the journey to the Moon and Mars assisted by Pratt & Whitney rocket engines.

Roger is an FAA licensed private pilot and flying is his passion. Roger is married with two sons (high school and college).

"For mission success, I made it a priority that every rocket engine performed with reliability, efficiency, and safety. With Florida Reading, every client is a priority to serve."

Reach Roger at 1-866-671-6166 or send Roger an e-mail.


JOSEPH DYER


Photo of Joseph Dyer

Joseph Dyer, Assistive Technology Specialist, represents Florida Reading and Vision Technology throughout the state of Florida.

Joseph worked as a Paramedic for five years, worked as a helicopter mechanic in the US Navy for seven years and has worked in IT in Florida in Blind Rehabilitation since 2009.

His prior work in Blind Rehabilitation includes computer system setup with training, product demonstrations and computer software training with JAWS and ZoomText. Joseph evaluates clients and makes recommendations to various organizations.

Joseph says, "It's very rewarding when my efforts can assist someone in leading a more productive life."

Reach Joseph at 1-866-671-6166 or send Joseph an e-mail.


STEVEN NELSON


Photo of Steven Nelson

Steven has worked in customer service, telemarketing, and door-to-door sales at various companies for nearly 30 years.

Steven attended Daytona Beach Community College (DBCC) and Defense Acquisition University (DAU). He received a business certificate from both. He has also taken business courses at Brevard Community College (BCC).

Steven operated a vending stand for eight years and ran a vending route for five years, completing thirteen years total in the Randolph Sheppard Vending Program.

Steven uses assistive technology and is eager to assist others in identifying products to help them in their daily lives as a part time technology specialist with Florida Reading and Vision Technology.

Reach Steven at (321) 783-6532 or send Steven an e-mail.


JIM SANCHEZ-VEGA


Jim Sanchez-Vega represents Florida Reading and Vision in the greater Northeast Florida region from Jacksonville, south to Daytona Beach, and West to Tallahassee. After graduating top of his class from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, Jim attended Florida State College at Jacksonville where he received an Associates degree focusing on Business Administration. Jim now attends the University of North Florida pursuing a B.A. in Administration.

Born in Puerto Rico, and raised in North Florida, Jim is bilingual in English and Spanish. Jim is a loving husband and father who enjoys nothing more then spending time with his family and playing with his young daughter. In his spare time, Jim competes nationally in the sport of Goalball as a member of the Florida Men's Goalball team. Goalball is a sport specifically designed for the visually impaired. Socializing with other people with visual impairments nationally through Goalball has given.

Jim has a broad feel for the unique needs that assistive technologies can meet. Along with his experiences while attending the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, and his personal use of adaptive technologies, Jim is dedicated to helping those with visual impairments live normal productive lives.

"In college, I use to get headaches trying to read regular print text books, and couldn't keep up in classes. Once I got my hands on a CCTV and magnification software for my laptop, I went into overdrive and haven't looked back. If I can help just one person achieve the same success, I will be overjoyed."

Reach Jim at (904) 534-1078 or send Jim an e-mail.


CAROLE LUCARELLI


Photo of Carole Lucarelli

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.

Send Carole an e-mail



JAY BADER


Photo of Jay Bader

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 first wife, Rachel, who was 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 moderates the FCB 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."

Send Jay an e-mail



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Florida Reading accepts the following credit cards when ordering our products or arranging for our services:

Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards


Florida Reading and Vision Technology is an Authorized Dealer for the following manufacturers:

ABISee Ai Squared Ash Technologies Aumed BAUM Retec AG Bierley    

Code Factory Dolphin Duxbury Systems En-Vision America GW Micro

HIMS HumanWare KNFB Reading Technology Kurzweil Educational Systems Optelec Sendero Group

Serotek ViewPlus Vision Technology, Inc.

BrailleNote PK in Use Trekker in Use PocketViewer in Use Mountbatten in Use at
  School

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