Spring 2009
Generations
The Hadley School for the Blind – est. 1920

Louis Braille Turns 200
Through the generosity of others, building on the past, bringing life-changing services to future generations

Hadley-China Celebrates 20 Years
The Hadley School for the Blind recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its school in Fuzhou, China. Hadley-China offers tuition-free distance education courses to people who are blind throughout China. The school serves more than 1,000 students each year and focuses on the teaching of English and English braille. 
The ability to speak English is a much coveted skill in China; it opens up employment opportunities, especially to blind individuals who typically have limited career choices.
In his speech, student representative Zeng Tian summed up the feelings of Hadley-China students in four words: hardship, happiness, improvement and gratefulness. He said, “When we learn an English word, master a grammatical point or receive a certificate in English, our happiness cannot be measured in words.” 

A letter from the President
2009 is the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille’s birth. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this milestone than by dedicating this issue of Generations to the role that Hadley has assumed as teacher of braille to the world.
Since the school’s founding in 1920, the ability to read and write braille has been fundamental to our mission. William Hadley taught himself braille so that when he lost his sight, at age 55, he could still enjoy learning and literature, two of his passions. What is even more extraordinary is that he had the insight to offer braille by correspondence, well before the term “distance education” became part of our everyday vocabulary.
Today, The Hadley School for the Blind is the single largest, worldwide educator of braille. For those with a visual impairment, distance learning programs such as Hadley’s provide a convenient, affordable alternative to traditional classroom settings and eliminate transportation issues, which often are a concern. Hadley’s personalized approach to distance education has resulted in tens of thousands of individuals who are blind or visually impaired becoming more independent as well as lifelong learners.  
In 2002, Hadley began offering braille to sighted individuals so that family members and professionals in the field could communicate more effectively with their visually impaired loved ones and clients, respectively. Hadley now has six instructors teaching braille to visual learners. Interest in these courses continues to grow and Hadley is meeting the need by expanding its offerings, such as Nemeth, the braille code for math and science. 
As we honor Louis Braille, we also pay tribute to William Hadley and the groundwork he laid nearly a century ago. Because of his vision and leadership, we are making a profound impact in the area of literacy and lifelong learning. On behalf of our 10,000 students, faculty and staff, thank you for supporting literacy for those experiencing vision loss. The loyalty and commitment that our donors have made to Hadley enable us to fulfill our mission each and every day. With your generous support, we can ensure that future generations of Hadley students will be able to learn braille by mail, email or whatever new formats the future may bring.  
Charles E. Young
President


Donor Spotlight
Hadley Courses Unlock Braille’s Mystery
Bernice Newman used to touch the braille labels in public elevators and washrooms and wonder, how does someone actually read that? Now she knows.
Bernice’s 2-year-old great-grand-daughter Nadia was born blind, the result of a congenital condition called microphthalmia, the abnormal smallness of one or both eyes. Nadia’s eyes are the size of peas.
Living in Mississippi, a four-hour drive from Nadia in Alabama, Bernice wanted to find a way to connect. She called many colleges and universities in her area looking for a braille course without success. In the process of networking, Bernice spoke to a rehabilitation teacher of the visually impaired who recommended The Hadley School for the Blind. The teacher explained that to best help Nadia, Bernice and Nadia’s mother, Ivy, would have to be a step ahead of the child.
Bernice applied and was immediately accepted into “Introduction to Braille,” Hadley’s eight-lesson distance education course. In order not to be overwhelmed with braille material, she worked on only one lesson at a time and waited for her assignment to be graded and returned to her before advancing to the next lesson. “If you take one lesson at a time, it gets easier,” Bernice says. Her instructor, Judy Matsuoka, sent helpful tips to encourage and guide her along the way.
Bernice was waiting for her last lesson to be graded before enrolling in “Contracted Braille,” when she read an announcement in Hadley’s electronic newsletter, eConnect, about a new course on guide dogs. Intrigued, she enrolled and began to envision the day when Nadia would have a guide dog of her own. Bernice also looks forward to the day when she and Nadia can exchange braille letters and cards.
In addition to being a Hadley student, Bernice and her husband David are blessing Hadley with their generosity.
The Newman’s philanthropy began with the matching gift program at each of their former employers. They both gave to different causes over the years, and what they gave, their companies matched. They also appreciated the income tax deduction associated with charitable giving.
“We are people of deep faith and feel fortunate to have been blessed with good jobs that enable us to give back and support the Hadley mission,” says Bernice. 
Now retired, the Newmans give toward scholarships. After becoming a Hadley student, Bernice said, “Well, David, this is where our donations need to go. I’m studying and they are sending me courses free of charge, and Ivy is going to be taking courses and possibly her grandmother.” 

Hope for Nadia’s future
At 2, Nadia’s life holds special challenges. She doesn’t understand why things are taking place because she can’t see, and it takes her a long time to get used to new people and new experiences. Yet her mother strives to keep things “as normal as possible... and let Nadia know that she can achieve any goal for herself.” Inspired by Bernice, Ivy is now enrolled in Hadley’s “Introduction to Braille” course. 
Ivy hopes that each day will include a learning situation for Nadia and that she will continue to progress despite setbacks. She hopes that Nadia will go to college and become employed. “We want to keep her motivated to have a good life.”
With help from The Hadley School for the Blind, Nadia’s extended family is doing just that. 


Calling All Artists, Photographers and Poets!
Would you like to put your talent to work in support of The Hadley School and see your work displayed on our Web site and in Hadley publications?
We’re soliciting art from the Hadley community to illustrate The Hadley School’s 2009 Woman’s Board Braille Holiday Card. The art should appeal to individuals and businesses alike. We’re also looking for art, photography and poetry to promote Hadley throughout the year. 
Current or former students, faculty, staff and donors are eligible. Submit up to 3 entries of original or previously created work that has not been published. Each application must include a hard copy photo or electronic file (jpeg or pdf) that accurately represents your work. Digital format preferred. Please do not submit your work with your application. There is a one-time $10 non-refundable submission fee for entrants.
The Hadley School reserves the right to reproduce accepted artwork in any media to promote the school. 
For more information, please visit www.hadley.edu/artcontest. Submission deadline: July 16, 2009 

Student David Kook Learns to Read All Over Again... Using Braille
David Kook learned about Hadley 20 years ago when he was first diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic condition that causes tunnel vision and, in some cases, eventual blindness. He was encouraged by a friend to attend a seminar at the Guild for the Blind in Chicago and obtained a catalog of resources, which included Hadley’s programs. By 2006, his vision had seriously deteriorated and he was losing his ability to read. 
Recently retired from an administrative position at the Palatine (Ill.) Public Works, David decided it was time to get serious about learning braille. He tried braille education books, flashcards and pegs, with limited success. When he remembered Hadley’s free braille course offerings, he enrolled immediately. He hasn’t looked back.
“For me, each Hadley lesson is perfectly designed. They challenge you, but I don’t ever feel overloaded with information,” says David, who is currently enrolled in “Braille Literacy 4.” “You can learn at your own pace, and if you’re struggling or need more time, the instructors are very flexible, which is wonderful.” 
Learning to read all over again was daunting to David, who, like many Hadley students, found braille intimidating. Slowly he learned to read his first words, paragraphs and eventually his first novel, celebrating each achievement with his instructor, Susan Fisher.
“Susan helps build my confidence and encourages me to stick with it,” says David. “Her instruction made me feel like learning braille was possible, even when I was frustrated. I’m a lifelong student, and Susan is one of the best teachers I’ve had.”
Because of nerve damage in one hand, Susan advised David to use both hands and all of his fingers to read. She sent messages of encouragement, including inspirational quotes on learning and tips on good braille reading practices, helping him through his physical difficulties and muscular problems. His capabilities and confidence have increased, and so has his daily use of braille.
“These days, I can’t live without my mechanical brailler,” says David. “Having a physical copy of things I want to remember has changed my life. I don’t have to keep it all in my head anymore.”
David is now able to read to his four grandchildren. He boasts the ability to make lists, labels and filing materials. By the end of the year he hopes to be able to read contracted braille. Active in his church, David looks forward to resuming instruction of youth group and religious study courses, activities that look more and more possible as each lesson passes. 

Instructor Susan Fisher’s Passion for Teaching Braille
Susan Fisher shares how she became a braille instructor, why she loves teaching at the Hadley School and why she’s so passionate about “those little dots.”
What motivated or inspired you to begin teaching braille? 
Since third grade, I knew I was going to be a teacher. During the first semester of my freshman year I volunteered to assist young students with special needs at a nearby pool. By chance, I was paired with a little girl who was visually impaired. She was a tremendous challenge and from then on, I was hooked. Shortly after, I spoke to the head of the vision department at Northern Illinois University (NIU). As he talked about braille, I knew I had found my future profession. It’s been 35 years! I’m not sure why, but for me, it’s always been about those little dots!
Did you teach braille elsewhere before coming to Hadley? 
Prior to Hadley, I taught visually impaired students in the public schools for eight years, first in Indiana, then Illinois. In addition to Hadley, for the past five years I have been teaching braille to future teachers at NIU, the same school where I began my career.
What was learning braille like for you? 
I learned braille at NIU in an undergraduate program for future teachers of visually impaired students. Our courses were intense and moved at a very fast pace. There is a tremendous amount of material to learn in a very short time, and we were expected to produce high quality work. I have always loved this type of challenge. I remember sitting in class, observing the instructor and thinking, “I want your job!” Dreams do come true.
Do you use braille in your daily life?
I am sighted but I use braille daily because of my work.
Tell me about an experience with a Hadley student that inspired or touched you, or was funny. 
I regularly send my students braille birthday cards. A student phoned me once crying because she was so happy she could now read her own card. And one never tires of hearing how excited students are when they can label items in their kitchen or read a book to their grandchild. Probably my funniest memory is noticing that the women’s bathroom sign in a hotel lobby read “Men” and vice versa! 

Congressional Resolution Honors Hadley’s 88 Years
The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan resolution authored by Rep. Mark Kirk honoring The Hadley School for the Blind. Kirk presented the resolution to Hadley Trustees, staff and students at the school’s annual Student Awards Ceremony.
“The overwhelming support in the Congress for Hadley shows just how vital Charles Young and his staff are,” Kirk said. “Hadley students get a quality education at no cost to them, but more importantly, they gain the independence to live their lives to the fullest.”

Hadley’s Giving Societies
Hadley is pleased to honor our generous supporters with these Giving Societies:
$10,000 plus - Chairman’s Society
$7,500 to $9,999 - Humanitarian Society
$5,000 to $7,499 - Heritage Society
$2,500 to $4,999 - Benefactor Society
$1,000 to $2,499 - President’s Society
$750 to $999 - Sustaining Society
$500 to $749 - Guarantor Society
For more information, please contact Hadley’s Development Department. To make an online donation of any amount, visit www.hadley.edu.

By Mail, By Email: Hadley Celebrates Nearly a Century of Teaching Braille
2009 marks the 200th birthday of Louis Braille. Little did he know that his work would inspire a former high school teacher in Winnetka, Illinois to start a school that would become the largest worldwide provider of distance education for people who are blind or visually impaired. 
The mission of The Hadley School for the Blind is to promote independent living through lifelong, distance education programs for people who are blind or visually impaired, their families and blindness service providers. Reading and writing braille has been a priority for the Hadley School since its inception. William Hadley’s enthusiasm for teaching this critical literacy skill led to the establishment of the school bearing his name. It was braille through the mail, and it was an immediate success.
With the support of a well-respected ophthalmologist, Dr. E.V.L. Brown, who happened to be his friend and neighbor, Hadley co-founded The Hadley School for the Blind in 1920. The school’s first student, a Kansas farm wife, wanted to be able to read to her children. “We sometimes refer to her as ‘the first desperate housewife,’” says Senior Vice President Dawn Turco. “Yes, it raises a chuckle, but the seriousness of literacy and communications skills to people who are blind cannot be overemphasized.” 
Around the country, there continues to be a shortage of trained professionals who teach braille in public school districts or rehabilitation programs. For those in rural areas, access to instruction is even more challenging. Through distance education, Hadley offers an alternative for individuals who do not have easy access to qualified braille instructors. 
“Hadley students learn braille in the convenience of their own home,” says Susan Fisher, one of 14 braille instructors employed by Hadley. “Coursework is self-directed, so our students study at their own pace. Courses were designed this way to make our students more comfortable and more likely to successfully complete their assignments.”
The school’s distinctive approach to teaching—through distance education and individualized attention from faculty—has been the key to Hadley’s success and the success of its students in becoming more independent. Over the years, Hadley has taught braille to tens of thousands of people who are blind and their family members completely free of charge, and more recently, to sighted professionals for a nominal fee. 
Hadley has also advanced the use of braille in a number of ways: During the 1950s, the school was one of the first institutions to use the Thermoform Duplicator, which copies braille from paper to a Brailon, a sheet of durable plastic. This technology revolutionized the school’s production abilities, allowing it to print course materials in a more cost-effective manner. During the 1980s, production became even more sophisticated with the introduction of a computer-driven, high-speed braille printer. Hadley was one of the first schools in the country to use this type of equipment. Today, approximately 80 percent of Hadley’s courses are offered 
in braille.
Hadley also is meeting the challenge of producing high-quality brailled materials. A longtime leader in the field, Hadley’s materials production department readily and efficiently produces more than 90,000 braille pages each year, supplementing mass brailling done offsite. The department also offers a braille transcription service for a modest fee, including the transcribing of professional materials as well as personal items for those with a visual impairment. All transcribing is undertaken in accordance with formats prescribed by the Braille Authority of North America and is completed by transcribers certified by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress. 
While there is a perception that braille is an antiquated system no longer necessary for those with a visual impairment due to advancements in technology, nothing could be further from the truth. “Just as sighted people want and need to be able to read and write in print, people who are blind equally value the importance of literacy skills,” says Chuck Young, Hadley’s president. “In fact, to this day, our braille courses are the most popular courses we offer.” 
Hadley currently provides 10 braille courses for those who are blind, teaching reading and writing in both uncontracted and contracted formats. The school also offers three braille courses for sighted individuals, including the Nemeth Code for mathematics and science. 
Last year, the school enrolled more than 4,300 students in its braille reading and writing courses alone (combined sighted and blind students), turning one man’s vision for distance learning into something he never could have imagined. 
William Hadley once said, “To all who have given to and worked for the blind, I owe them a debt of gratitude because they made it possible for me to be useful and because countless people all over the world have benefitted.” 
We couldn’t agree more. 

Hadley Braille Courses
Using Raised Markers
Braille Literacy 1: Tactile Readiness
Braille Literacy 2: Learning the Braille Alphabet
Braille Literacy 3: Uncontracted Braille
Braille Literacy 4: Contracted Braille
Braille Reading 1
Braille Reading 2
Experience Braille Reading
Braille Writing
Essentials of Nemeth
Introduction to Braille
Contracted Braille
Basic Nemeth Code

Save the date! Monday, July 13
The Hadley School and the French Institute of the North Shore will host a “Bastille & Braille” celebration in honor of Louis Braille’s 200th birthday on the eve of Bastille Day. Hadley will also host a traveling exhibit in honor of this bicentennial. For details, call Jacque Sabian, 800-323-4238 ext. 2762.

Is a Charitable Gift Annuity Right For You?
Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) is a contract under which a charity, in return for an irrevocable transfer of cash, marketable securities or other property, agrees to pay a fixed sum of money each year to one or two annuitants (typically a donor or a donor and the donor’s spouse) for life. 
The benefits of a Hadley School for the Blind CGA are considerable and will provide lasting rewards for both you and the school. Here are some points to consider:
Attractive Rates – The rates are based on your age; the older you are, the higher the rate/income you will receive. Rather than accepting today’s lower commercial interest rates such as bonds, money markets or CDs, an individual can take advantage of the attractive interest rates of a CGA.
Secure Lifetime Payments you cannot outlive – Your annuity payments will remain the same every year, and, in most cases, part of each payment is tax-free. The Hadley School has a fiduciary obligation to make these payments, which are fully backed by the assets of the school.
Income Tax Deduction – Because a CGA is partly a gift and partly an investment, you may receive a sizable deduction if you itemize on your income tax return.
Avoid Capital Gains Taxes – People with highly appreciated stock can benefit even more from a gift annuity. Each year only part of the capital gain will be subject to a tax liability. If you are the primary annuitant, the capital gains tax will be spread out over your life expectancy.
Personal Satisfaction – Perhaps the greatest benefit of a Hadley gift annuity is the personal fulfillment you will feel from helping Hadley bring independence to a greater number of blind or visually impaired students while lowering your own taxes and enjoying a guaranteed lifetime income.
The Hadley School uses the annuity rates established by the American Council on Gift Annuities, ensuring that our rates are competitive with other charities. 
You have given the Hadley School your support through the years. Establishing a CGA will perpetuate your philanthropy. Your financial advisor can help you decide if a Hadley School CGA is right for you.
For more information, contact Jacque Sabian, 800-323-4238, ext 2762. 


Hadley Bids Tom Tobin Farewell 
Tom Tobin, Hadley’s vice president of development and communications, was a junior at Kenyon College when he lost his sight due to complications from long-term diabetes. Tom went from 20/20 vision to total darkness within a year—quite a blow for a 21-year-old soccer star. Rather than let his blindness stop him, Tom spent the next eight months immersed in intensive training at the Cleveland Sight Center, where he learned braille and independent living skills and received mobility training. He then went back to Kenyon to finish his studies, recording lectures on cassette and transcribing notes into braille. With a bachelor’s in political science in hand, Tom returned to the Cleveland Sight Center to begin his career as the agency’s assistant director of development. He later became director of planned giving.
After 14 years at the Sight Center, Tom moved to the Chicago area in 2001 to serve as vice president of Hadley’s Development Department. His responsibilities were later expanded to Vice President of Development and Communications. Tom’s talent lies in cultivating and stewarding personal and ongoing relationships with donors. He is attentive to their needs and understands how Hadley fits their values and interests. At Hadley, Tom led his team to surpass the school’s fundraising goals for the first time in years. 
Eight successful years and multiple accomplishments later, Tom is leaving Hadley to return to his family and the Cleveland Sight Center. Though saddened by his departure, we respect his decision to be closer to his loved ones.
Tom hands over the reins to George Abbott, Hadley’s former dean of educational programs and instruction. Born blind due to underdeveloped optic nerves, George, a braille reader since age 5, was mainstreamed throughout elementary, middle and high school and received his bachelor’s in finance and master’s in rehabilitation teaching of blind adults from Northern Illinois University. In 2006, George earned a certificate in nonprofit management through an online program offered by the University of Illinois at Chicago.
As Hadley’s access technology specialist and instructor, George was instrumental in the creation of Hadley’s first online course offering in 1999, now collectively known as “e-Hadley.” Promoted to dean in 2001, George supervised 33 instructors, reviewed new course development programs and assisted in educational program projects. Ironically, Tom was George’s mentor at the Cleveland Sight Center in 1993, when George was completing his internship in Rehabilitative Teaching. 
As Vice President of Development and Communications, George builds on 10 years of experience at Hadley, bringing his expertise in education to the school’s fundraising efforts and moving Hadley forward in new and exciting directions. 


Why Donor Theodore Utchen Chose Hadley
Theodore Utchen has had a long career as attorney for a private company managing the assets of a prominent business family in Chicago. Now retired, he has focused on charitable giving, emphasizing contributions to those who are disabled.
As Utchen’s philanthropy approach has evolved, the desire to help people with vision loss has moved to the forefront. A man who “appreciates the gift of sight,” Utchen is impressed when a visually impaired person strives to overcome obstacles, and he understands how education for the visually impaired leads to independence.
In researching various charities, Utchen wanted to focus on reputable, enduring organizations. After reviewing Hadley’s annual report and other publications, he immediately added Hadley to his list. “Hadley is obviously a unique, meaningful and important organization,” he says. “I thought well of Hadley right away as one organization I have to support.”
Utchen contributes annually to Hadley and has named the school in his estate plan.
Utchen, an experienced estate planner, has these suggestions for anyone considering a gift to Hadley:
Write a check today, and that will be a tax deduction on your income tax return for this year.
Name Hadley School as a beneficiary of your will, living trust, life insurance policy or 401(k), 403(b) or IRA, and that will be an estate tax deduction upon your death. Let your intentions be known to the school so that you may be properly recognized during your lifetime.
For those over age 70½, instruct your IRA trustee to make a distribution directly to Hadley from your traditional IRA or Roth IRA, and these direct distributions will be excluded completely from your taxable income.
Consider creating a Charitable Gift Annuity by making a gift to Hadley, which will provide an income stream to you for the remainder of your life. 
Consult your financial advisor to determine if any of these options is right for you.

Upcoming Hadley Events
“Feel the Difference Our Volunteers Make” Hadley Appreciation Luncheon 
April 21
Woman’s Board Spring Luncheon - June 3
Hadley High School Graduation - June 10
Bastille and Braille Celebration - July 13
Annual Meeting, Edwin J. Brach and Hazel and Bertram Brodie Award Presentation and Woman’s Board Tribute Luncheon - October 8