GDABVI News Release

GREATER DETROIT AGENCY FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED RECOGNIZED BY WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY GIVING SOCIETY. DETROIT, MI

(November 2005) - The Anthony Wayne Society of Wayne State University recently honored Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired for partnership with the Detroit Radio Information Service (DRIS), southeastern Michigan’s radio reading service for the blind and print impaired.

Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired Executive Director, Gail L. McEntee and Board President, Jeffrey D. Evans announced that the agency partnered with Detroit Radio Information Services (DRIS) to enhance and expand services.

“It makes sense to help DRIS, a self-supporting special audience service of WDET-FM at Wayne State University. We serve the same community of people. We are honored to be included in the company of such great philanthropists whose extraordinary efforts have moved this community forward,” commented Gail L. McEntee, GDABVI Executive Director.

“Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired, one of our founding partners, has always played a significant role at DRIS. This collaboration will go far in helping us meet the growing need for audio information among people with print-disabilities,” said Kim Walsh, the Director of DRIS. “It is only fitting that GDABVI be officially accepted into The Anthony Wayne Society for their continued dedication, foresight, generosity, and philanthropic leadership, which will have an incredible impact on our future,” continued Walsh.

The Anthony Wayne Society was established in 1971 to recognize the generosity of donors committed to supporting the university’s mission and areas of greatest need. The Society consists of Wayne State friends, faculty and alumni who have donated $10,000 or more to the university. Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired has the prestigious honor of placement in the Cornerstone Society level of giving.

GDABVI Receives Award

The mission of Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired, formerly Upshaw Institute for the Blind, is to provide quality, innovative services that increase self-reliance, productivity, and dignity for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired serves seven Southeast Michigan counties including Wayne, Oakland, Monroe, Livingston, Macomb, St. Clair and Washtenaw. A United Way Agency, GDABVI is accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Agencies Serving People with Blindness or Visual Impairment (NAC) and is certified to meet national standards for quality services, responsible management and public accountability. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, GDABVI receives funding from United Way of Southeast Michigan, Area Agencies on Aging 1A, 1B and the Senior Alliance, grants and private donations.

For more information contact Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired
at 313-272-3900 or on-line at www.GDABVI.org