More than Words PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 25, 2009   
Contact: Shoshana Hebshi
515.281.1338

 
Poet Laureate and ISU students create accessible poetry
 
WHEN:    7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1
WHERE:  Iowa Dept. for the Blind library
                  524 Fourth St., fourth floor
                  Des Moines, IA
WHAT:    Tactile and audible poetry opening reception
 
DES MOINES—Iowa Poet Laureate Mary Swander has been utilizing her position to increase awareness about disabilities in Iowa, and to that end, she has worked with her poetry students at Iowa State University to create accessible poetry.
 
Swander and her 30 undergraduate students will present their works during an opening reception called “More than Words: A tactile and audible poetry experience” at the Iowa Department for the Blind at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
 
"The words in a poem create a 'visual' component that augments its meaning. The enhanced experience created with poetry offers the personal enrichment that is essential to us at the Library for the Blind," says library Director Tracey Morsek. "These exhibits allow the blind or disabled to experience different art forms and they also serve as a way to broaden the horizon of the general public.”
 
Swander says this exhibit also provides a valuable learning experience for her students.
 
"After meeting with the Library for the Blind in October, I was asked to create poetry that was accessible to the blind," Swander said. "This seemed like an interesting challenge that would be good for my undergraduate students."
 
Her students have created tactile art and music to accompany their original written poetry. They will discuss and perform their works during the opening.
 
The reception is free and open to the public.
 
This month, the Department for the Blind celebrates 50 years of integrating its many services and providing Iowans with exceptional vocational rehabilitation and independent living services. Next summer, its library will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
 
For more information about this event or the Iowa Department for the Blind, contact Shoshana Hebshi, communications specialist, at (515) 281-1338 or Shoshana.Hebshi@blind.state.ia.us. Visit us on our new website at www.IDBonline.org.
 
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