Siouxland Blindness Works Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                               Contact:       Shoshana Hebshi

April 2, 2010                                                                                                          515.281.1338
 
Siouxland Blindness Works Conference to bring the visually impaired and employers together to expand opportunities
 
When: Wednesday, April 21 • 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Clarion Hotel, 707 Fourth St., Sioux City, Iowa
 
Vision loss does not mean a person can no longer be a productive employee. On the contrary, a blind or visually impaired worker can enhance a workplace with high performance and dedication to the job. Assistive technology and low-tech devices can help a person who is blind or visually impaired to perform effectively on the job.
 
During the Blindness Works Conference in Sioux City, Siouxland employers and citizens will learn more about assistive technologies and see how they can eliminate vision loss as a factor on the job.
 
“Many people are unaware of the benefit created by simple modifications for accessibility and implementations of software or talking devices. They allow a person with significant vision loss to work in almost every imaginable environment from the financial industry to the farm industry,” said Curtis Chong, director of field operations and assistive technology at the Iowa Department for the Blind, one of three sponsors of the April 21 conference.
 
During the noon luncheon, Richard Crawford, a local financial executive, will speak about his successes and challenges as a blind employee in the Siouxland area.
 
“Mr. Crawford is an entertaining, captivating and enthusiastic speaker who will share his personal history of living and working as a blind person in today’s fast-paced world,” said David Lenz, an employment specialist with the Iowa Department for the Blind and a conference organizer.
 
Assistive technology vendors will set up displays to demonstrate their wares during an afternoon session. Attendees will have the opportunity to test out the devices and ask questions.
 
The conference is also sponsored by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the South Dakota Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired. Representatives from the three agencies will be available to discuss their services to the blind and visually impaired in the Tri-State area, as well as answer any questions about employing a blind or visually impaired person.
 
Registration for the conference is required to participate in the luncheon. Register before April 9 for $20 and $30 after that date. The afternoon session is free.
 
For more information about this event or the Iowa Department for the Blind and its services for blind and visually impaired Iowans, contact Shoshana Hebshi, communications specialist, at (515) 281-1338 or Shoshana.Hebshi@blind.state.ia.us
 
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