Jennifer DuBois: My First 30 Days as Clovernook Center CEO

Q: What have you learned about Clovernook Center in your first 30 days that you didn’t already know?

A: While I was aware of Clovernook’s impact in the blind and visually impaired community and its historical legacy, I didn’t realize the extent of our reach both nationally and internationally. For example, in November our team consulted with the Cambodia Braille Library project and provided technical guidance and expertise on the planned establishment of the country’s first braille library. This is in addition to our braille outreach in Vietnam and Kenya.

Q: What has impressed you the most in your first 30 days?

A: I’m impressed and inspired by the innovative work we’re doing in the field of tactile literacy, expanding beyond printed braille to other forms of tactile communications. We recently produced three children’s books including one written by Dean Regas that includes large print, braille, and tactile constellations, bringing the story to life for both sighted and visually impaired readers. This initiative expands Clovernook’s impact from transcribing already printed works by others to producing original content by authors, some with disabilities, for readers with and without visual impairments.

I’m also impressed by our innovative work with arts organizations locally and nationally. In partnership with Clovernook, these arts organizations receive a variety of services including high-quality printing for mailers and programs, Braille embossing, tactile design, and accessibility consulting services. Together, we work to ensure that individuals who are blind or visually impaired can access the beauty, history, and enrichment of the arts.

Q: What are your immediate priorities for Clovernook Center?

A: As is common in the not-for-profit industry in the current economic environment, we are prioritizing fundraising and business development opportunities to ensure long-term programmatic success to expand our impact. We will also prioritize refining and communicating the Clovernook story, mission, and vision. We’re one of the best kept secrets in the community and I will work to promote and expand the Clovernook brand.

Q: How do you explain Clovernook Center to someone who is unfamiliar with the organization?

A: Clovernook boldly serves the blind and visually impaired community through Braille literacy and production, accessibility consulting, employment, adaptative sports and comprehensive youth low vision services.