|
|
|
|
|
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.
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.
Michael Koulouvaris is a graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in telecommunication. In July of 2009, Michael attended his first national American Council of the Blind convention in Orlando. The convention was Michael's introduction into the world of Low Vision and blindness. "It is an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life, the people I met and the information I learned has only inspired me more to help people improve their quality of life."
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.
Kathy is the manager of the Florida Reading & Vision Center. She is currently a student at Palm Beach Community College. Although Kathy is new to the blindness and Low Vision industry, she has many years of experience providing excellent customer service. "Being at the store offers a wonderful opportunity for me to learn a new field and also to make a difference in someone's life. I am eager to learn more about this industry and enjoy helping people retain their independence."
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."
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." |
|
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 |