NEWS FROM THE CENTER
Center Joins Birdies for Charity Program
On June 24, Executive Director Renée LaBonté was interviewed by Amanda Jo of Country 92-5 and iHeartRadio as part of the Birdies for Charity program connected to the Travelers Championship. During the interview, Renée shared information about the South East CT Community Center of the Blind, our mission, and the many ways we support individuals who are blind or visually impaired throughout southeastern Connecticut.
Birdies for Charity is a charitable giving platform that harnesses the excitement of the Travelers Championship to help nonprofits across the region raise awareness and raise funds for their important work. Thanks to the generous support of Webster Bank, every donation made through the program receives a 15% bonus, allowing supporters to make an even greater impact.
This year marks the Center’s first participation in Birdies for Charity, providing a wonderful opportunity to introduce our organization to new audiences while helping to fund programs and services that promote independence, connection, and quality of life for people with vision loss.
Lunch & Learn with Pathlight Project
What began as concern for a blind friend during high school has grown into a mission to improve accessibility for the blind and low vision community. On May 12, Center members welcomed Stanford University Bioengineering students Kushal Patal and Ron Saramya, who shared the story behind their innovative work and the projects they have developed over the past two years.
The students are currently developing voice-controlled smartphone navigation software designed to make phones easier to use without relying on touch commands. Several Center members have been helping test the software and provide feedback as the project continues to evolve. Attendees were impressed not only by the technology itself, but also by how much the students have accomplished at such an early stage in their careers.
A lunch of finger sandwiches, potato salad, and chips was served.
To learn more about the Pathlight Project, vist their website at pathlightproj.com
International Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon on May 3-4, 2026
Six dedicated bird enthusiasts braved cold, windy conditions for the International Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon at Camp Harkness. Armed with the Merlin Bird app, the group identified 23 species along the trails — including Fish Crows, White-breasted Nuthatches, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Gray Catbirds. Notably absent? The seagulls, who apparently had more sense than the rest of us to stay out of the weather.
The birding continued across Southeast CT, with reports coming in from Waterford, Groton, and New London. All told, nine Center birders spotted 98 species — some just passing through for a quick rest on their way to summer destinations.
Birding By Ear on a Chilly April Day at Haley Farm
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On April 21, six Center Members headed out to Haley Farm in Groton for a walk. We were bundled up and ready to brave the surprisingly chilly day. The sun was shining brightly as the group set off. We were quickly rewarded with some wonderful sightings: three turtles basking on the pond and a pair of Ospreys settled comfortably in their nests.
Using the Merlin App, the group identified around 22 different bird species singing and calling across the farm. Everyone was excited to hear the Brown-headed Cowbird and no one needed technology to identify the Red-bellied Woodpecker.
After a good stroll the farm, pond and forest grew suddenly quite except for the call of the Northern Cardinal who was warning the noisy group of the arrival of the Red-shouldered Hawk flying far overhead.
Not everyone relied on technology, though. Meg M completed the entire walk app-free, putting her birding skills to the test and successfully identifying more than six species on her own, impressive by any measure.
The group wrapped up with a relaxed picnic lunch of finger sandwiches, chips, and Halos. We swapped stories about the birds we heard and the friends we made along the way. We parted with rosy cheeks and plenty of excitement for the upcoming 2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon, just two weeks away.
Poetry Lunch & Learn: A Celebration of Words
“Is everybody in? The ceremony is about to begin.”
Our Poetry Lunch & Learn on April 7 began on a fitting and spirited note with this memorable line, recited by Jim Morrison on An American Prayer by The Doors.
Our fearless leader, Renée, and Sandra, our presenter opened the session by sharing a variety of poetry selections. The program featured a blend of classic works from poets such as Dickinson and Tennyson, alongside more modern pieces, including poetry by a visually impaired writer. Sandra also shared a few original works, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the experience.
The discussion explored how individuals who are blind or low vision can access and create poetry using a variety of tools and techniques. These included braille and large print materials, computer technology with magnification or speech, audio recordings, and dictation with the help of a sighted assistant. The session also introduced basic poetry terms, readings from well-known poets and lyricists, and helpful tips for both reading and writing verse.
Audience participation played a key role in the program’s success. Attendees asked thoughtful questions, shared insights, and contributed to a lively and engaging discussion. One especially rewarding moment came when a participant expressed interest in trying to write poetry after the session—an inspiring outcome and a true highlight of the day.
What a wonderful way to celebrate National Poetry Month and the power of creative expression!
From Smartphones to Robotics
On Wednesday, April 1, sixteen Center members attended the Macular Degeneration Support Group in person, with two additional participants joining via Zoom. The group explored how to use Siri or Google Assistant to open contacts, access specific individuals, and place calls using speakerphone. The ScribeMe app was also introduced, highlighting its accessibility features, costs, limitations, and plans for future availability on Meta Smart Glasses. Members learned how to request Uber services by phone and reviewed the benefits and shortcuts of the Seeing AI app.
Following the meeting, Madison and Samantha from Tatum Robotics presented a demonstration of their innovative signing hand designed for DeafBlind individuals. This computer-assisted device uses finger spelling to help users communicate, while also serving as a training tool to teach sign language. By combining communication and learning in one device, it enables individuals with both hearing and vision loss to make phone calls, engage in conversations, and access technology in ways that were not possible just a few years ago.