History of Blindness in Iowa project to research, record and educate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              Contact:       Shoshana Hebshi

Jan. 26, 2011                                                                                                        515.281.1338
 
 
The Iowa Department for the Blind is exploring the history of blindness in Iowa this year, aiming to compile and document individuals’ experiences, the role Iowa played in a national movement toward civil rights and independence for blind individuals and the changes made over time in educational and employment opportunities within the state for the blind.
 
“The importance of the project is to share the unique experiences of blind Iowans who have traditionally been underrepresented in Iowa's historical accounts,” said IDB Director Karen Keninger, adding that those who are blind are often portrayed in stereotypical ways. “The myriad of blind Iowans' experiences revealed through the first-person narratives and exhibits of historical materials will demonstrate the effects of blindness on the day to day lives of blind and visually impaired Iowans, their families, and communities. These activities will also provide insight into the societal changes affecting blind Iowans in terms of employment, education, family and community life over the past 85 years.”
 
The IDB has received three grants to help with execution of the project. Two grants from the State Historical Society of Iowa provide funding for documentary collection and historic preservation. The grant money has allowed the commencement of personal history collection from Iowans and the collection and cataloging of historical objects, as well as research to amend the IDB’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places to include its nationwide historical significance. A third grant from Humanities Iowa will give the IDB the ability to tell the history of blindness in Iowa to the public.
 
IDB staff and volunteers are collecting stories and interviewing individuals through the fall. Those interested in contributing a personal story related to the project’s scope may do so via email, telephone or written submission. More information and examples of stories can be found at www.idbonline.org/oral-history.
 
IDB plans to submit additional research to the National Park Service for historical significance amendment this summer.
 
The educational and public outreach component of the project will be launched during the summer with the unveiling of a website that will house all stories collected, a lecture at Simpson College in September, a public forum in October and a traveling exhibit beginning in January 2012. A permanent exhibit will be housed at the IDB in Des Moines.
 
·         For more information about this project or the Iowa Department for the Blind and its services for blind and visually impaired Iowans, contact Shoshana Hebshi at (515) 281-1338 or Shoshana.Hebshi@blind.state.ia.us
·         More resources and examples of oral histories collected at www.idbonline.org/oral-history
 
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