VISIONS Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired prides itself on providing quality services for people of all ages who are blind and visually impaired. The primary purpose of VISIONS Participant Policies and Procedures is to ensure the safety and well-being of all persons (participants, volunteers and staff) involved in programs and/or receiving vision rehabilitation therapy, mobility, social work or volunteer services with VISIONS at Selis Manor, VCB, VISIONS Greenwich Street office or in the community. Policy violations may result in probation, suspension or termination from all VISIONS programs and services. The following are prohibited: 1. The unlawful and/or unauthorized use, possession, distribution, transfer, or sale of alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, or other controlled substances on VISIONS premises. (Drug paraphernalia is a piece of equipment, product, or material that is used, or intended for use, in producing, manufacturing, storing, containing, or concealing an illegal drug for use in injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing an illegal drug or controlled substance into the human body). 2. Reporting to any program, site or service area while impaired by, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs.3. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or other protected categories under local, state, or federal law. VISIONS will not tolerate discrimination of any sort. 4. Harassment or derision of any sort directed at or between our participants, volunteers, employees or others who may work in or visit our offices. VISIONS is committed to providing a program space free of harassment and expects all participants, volunteers and employees to conduct themselves in accordance with this policy and to report offensive behavior before it rises to the level of harassment. 5. Sexual Harassment – Sexual harassment constitutes discrimination and is illegal under federal, state, and local laws. For purposes of this policy, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature and may encompass a range of subtle and not so subtle behaviors, including, for example: - physical and verbal sexual advances or repeated demands for dates - sexually derogatory or demeaning remarks or names - off-color jokes, vulgar comments, offensive language, and teasing about sexual preferences - unwelcome touching, such as hugging, kissing, pinching or patting6. Abusive behavior of any kind (physical, sexual or verbal) - Physical Abuse: Any non-accidental physical contact (assault) that causes or has the potential to cause physical harm or pain to another person. - Sexual Abuse: Any sexual contact involving a non-consenting person that is forced or coerced, either through physical or psychological means. - Verbal Abuse: Any statement of disapproval which can cause serious and often permanent harm. 7. Sexual activity in any VISIONS program, office or service area 8. Picture taking and/or videotaping without the permission of VISIONS’ administrative staff and the person(s) being photographed. 9. Public lewdness and excessive displays of affection– Intentionally exposing the private parts of the body in a lewd manner and/or any sexual conduct or physical contact deemed inappropriate for a public or program space (i.e. touching, kissing, fondling, including and leading up to engagement of sexual activity) 10. Solicitation – Includes begging, panhandling or selling any goods or services for personal gain or a charitable cause other than VISIONS administered events. (This includes but is not limited to Avon products, raffles, walk-a-thons, etc.)11. Smoking - In accordance with NYC law, smoking is not permitted within VISIONS’ offices or buildings housing VISIONS’ programs. 11. Cell Phones/Beepers/MP3 Players/iPods - While in VISIONS program space, use of cell phones and beepers (and MP3 players or iPods) is permitted only if they do not disturb other participants or staff. Use of cell phones and beepers in a program setting is strongly discouraged, and may be expressly prohibited by the instructor, volunteer or staff. 12. Hygiene – A person may be required to leave a program space if his/her personal hygiene interferes with the operation of the program or with the ability of other patrons to use and enjoy the services. This policy also applies to excessive use of perfumes, scented oils or other fragrances that may have an adverse effect on participants or staff with allergies, asthma or environmental illness. 13. Unauthorized Use of the Internet and Email: This includes (but is not limited to) viewing, downloading, endorsing, or transmitting information that is illegal, pornographic, discriminatory, incendiary, or otherwise offensive. Any violation of copyright laws including Internet downloads, software installation, or intellectual property theft will result in immediate expulsion from VISIONS programming, and may be subsequently referred to law enforcement officials. This policy also refers to the use of electronic mail (email) on any computer that belongs to VISIONS. Participants are strictly prohibited from using email to solicit or proselytize for commercial ventures, religious or political causes, outside organizations or other solicitations. Communications which would be inappropriate under other VISIONS policies are equally unacceptable if delivered via electronic communication. Email messages which contain illegal, pornographic, discriminatory, harassing, or offensive content are strictly prohibited. 14. Unauthorized or inappropriate use of VISIONS’ program, service and/or office spaces.15. Stealing, destroying, abusing, or damaging agency property, tools, or equipment, or the property of another participant, volunteer, or employee.16. Weapons – Carrying firearms or weapons of any type on VISIONS property is not permissible except by law enforcement officers. Please note: VISIONS is not responsible for the loss, theft or damage to personal property. You are advised to keep your personal belongings with you at all times. To verify that the above VISIONS Participant Policies and Procedure were read, understood and agreed to, please complete the next page and submit it to the appropriate VISIONS staff. *