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My Dad's Vision Loss Inspires Me to Give Back

Categories: Giving, Volunteerism

Guest Blog by Robyn Reichling, Athens Studio Volunteer

Robyn at Studio

Volunteering for Learning Ally at the Athens, GA studio is a wonderful experience. I found out about it listening to public radio and became especially interested when they needed people to record medical and scientific books.

Reading these textbooks keeps me up-to-date with my own profession as an OB/GYN Sonographer.

The best thing about Learning Ally is being in a soundproof booth with no cellphone, no distractions, no noise and perfect solitude for an hour and a half. Ahhhhhhh. Also, the coffee is really good and strong. And I get to pronounce really long words (aka medical mumbo jumbo) and feel good about being able to do so.

I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of students who are dyslexic and/or blind or visually impaired. The work is challenging at times, hilarious at times and always rewarding. You get to meet a lot of wonderful people and we have several social events every year.

This year, I was involved in fundraising for Learning Ally through their Building Books for Student Success campaign. I raised funds in memory of my dad, James Raymond Reichling. He had macular degeneration for the last 10 years of his life and was almost totally blind when he died at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife Caroyl, 8 children (5 boys and 3 girls), 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

 

If helping students who cannot read the printed word is important to you, consider volunteering for Learning Ally.

 

You can volunteer from any one of their 8 studio locations or virtually. If you find that you do not have the time to volunteer, please consider making a donation to Learning Ally so they can help more kids gain access to literature and textbooks to achieve their academic goals. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Learning Ally LogoDonate to Robin's fundraiser. Or consider creating your own! If you want to honor someone you love by supporting student success please make a gift in their honor or create a fundraising page and ask your family and friends to donate.