Resource fair to provide information and tools to Iowans with vision loss

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              Contact:       Shoshana Hebshi

May 3, 2010                                                                                                          515.281.1338

 
Resource fair to provide information and tools to northeast Iowa residents with vision loss
 
When: Tuesday, May 18 • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Winneshiek Medical Center, large conference room
               901 Montgomery St., Decorah, Iowa
 
Northeast Iowa residents experiencing significant vision loss can attend a resource fair on May 18 to learn about services and helpful aids and devices to keep them independent and doing the activities and tasks they need to do.
 
The Independence for the Northland resource fair is being put on by the Iowa Department for the Blind and the NorthLand Agency on Aging to showcase the many goods and services they offer to blind and visually impaired Iowans.
 
The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Winneshiek Medical Center’s large conference room and is free and open to the public.
 
“Anyone out there who is having trouble accomplishing everyday tasks, job duties or leisure activities because of vision loss should come to this resource fair,” said Becky Criswell, project manager for the Independent Living program at the Iowa Department for the Blind. “Our skilled rehabilitation teachers are eager to teach non-visual skills and techniques that can be used to overcome any setbacks due to vision loss.”
 
Two breakout sessions will be offered during the fair. One will discuss the tools and technology for independent living and vocational rehabilitation services available to blind and visually impaired Iowans from the Iowa Department for the Blind. The second will feature a presentation by NorthLand Agency on Aging on caregiver support. Fair attendees will also have an opportunity to talk to representatives from the two agencies to gather more information about how services can help them lead independent, successful lives.
 
“This fair is a prime opportunity for people to take the next step forward in dealing with their vision loss,” said Criswell. “Whether it’s learning new ways to operate the oven to cook dinner or how to navigate stairs or use the telephone, this fair’s purpose is to let the public know that vision loss does not have to mean helplessness. There are services out there to help.”
 
For more information about this event contact Shoshana Hebshi, communications specialist, at (515) 281-1338 or Shoshana.Hebshi@blind.state.ia.us For more information about the Iowa Department for the blind and its services, call (800) 362-2587 or visit www.IDBonline.org
 
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