March 11, 2014

Kiley Grunstad
President El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club
P.O. Box 1087
El Cajon, CA 92022
Dear Mr. Grunstad:
World Services for the Blind (WSB) is pleased to submit this request for $11,386.96: With these funds,
we will purchase state-of-the-art computers to assist in training adults who are blind or visually impaired
(BVI) to teach others who are BVI to achieve sustainable independence.
For the past 24 years, WSB has provided training in cutting-edge technology for BVI adults. Training that
mushrooms out to other individuals, helping them maintain their independence and hone job skills in a
high-tech environment. Our job-placement rate for graduates of the Assistive Technology Institute (ATI)
for which these funds are requested is 83%. And of the 402 clients that we served from 2011-2013, 46
were from California. This was the second largest contingent next to Arkansas of course. However, we
are currently unable to provide the requisite support for these individuals. Acquisition of state-of-theart computer hardware would provide a much needed resource to facilitate our training objective.
The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired published statistical data in 2014
that reflects the seriousness of unemployment for adult BVIs. This data revealed that more than 70% of
people who are blind or visually impaired between the ages of 18 and 65 are unemployed, compared to
30% for the sighted. This information alone reveals that there is a dire need for support to assist adult
BVIs.
Thank you for reviewing this proposal. We look forward to your partnership in our efforts to acquire this
assistive technology. If you have any questions please call us at (501) 664-7100, ext. 246. We can also
be reached by email at sphillips@wsblind.org.
Sincerely,

Susy Phillips,
Volunteer Coordinator, WSB
Enclosures: Project Description, Purpose of Funds; Program Priorities; Budget; Copy of 501(c)(3) letter;
Agency Brochure

Grant Proposal
El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club
Amount requested: $11,386.96
1. In 100 words or less, please describe your project: The purpose of the project is to assist in
training adults who are blind or visually impaired to learn cutting-edge technology and be able
to teach those skills to others who are BVI while empowering themselves to achieve sustainable
independence. Provide support to the Assistive Technology Instructor Program. It will also be
used to purchase 12 new computers and accessibility software (JAWS, ZoomText & Window
Eyes) for classrooms that ATI trainees use for student teaching fellow blind clients and
community members.
2. Describe how this project meets ELCVHLCs fundamental priorities: Our highest priority is to
serve. As with all Lions Clubs, ELCVHLC has been charged to be Knights of the Blind by Helen
Keller in 1925 to hasten the day when there will be no blind man or woman unaided. Funding
this project will impact thousands of those men and women including numerous California
citizens. Besides Arkansas, California sends more clients to WSB than any other state in the
country. With an 83% placement rate, WSB is sending Californians home by the dozens to be
independent and active members of their communities.
3. Please attach a copy of your budget for this projects along with a copy of your Financial
Statement.

BUDGET
Quantity

Item

Cost Each

Total Cost

12

HewLett Packard LK960

Desktop Computers

965.58

$11,586.96

TOTAL $11,586.96

FUNDING SOURCES
Name

Received

Wal Mart

$100.00

K Mart

$100.00

El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club

Proposal
Submitted

TOTAL

$11,386.96