The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota (NFBM), in partnership with Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND), Inc., and Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB), will host the FIRST annual Possibilities Fair for Seniors Who Are Losing Vision. The NFBM, BLIND, Inc., and SSB invite seniors experiencing vision loss to attend the Possibilities Fair, which will provide them with a hands-on opportunity to learn methods for improving their lives.
The fair will take place on Monday, May 5, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is no cost for participants, and lunch will be provided. It will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, located at 1330 Industrial Boulevard in Minneapolis. To find out more, call (612) 872-9363.
Americans are living longer, and vision loss occurs more frequently among those who are older. More than 50% of the 70,000 individuals who become blind in this country each year are over the age of 65. This population is expected to more than double by the year 2030. The training these seniors need—general adjustment to blindness, independent living skills, Braille—is not readily available to them.
Seniors though are eager to learn about the strategies that will enable them to continue living independent lives. “American seniors have a strong desire to remain independent as they age. This is no less so for seniors who are losing their vision. The NFBM, which works to develop innovative training methods and education for all blind people, places a high priority on the needs of seniors who are often not provided the services made available to blind people of working age,” states NFBM President, Jennifer Dunnam.
Demonstration stations will include speech output devices, practice sessions on getting around independently and safely, and techniques for the kitchen as well as a display of helpful aids and devices available to make life more accessible. Participants will learn about books on tape and newspapers over the telephone, talking computers, and magnification devices. The fair will also include helpful hints about losing vision and enjoying life! In addition, there will be an interesting mix of nonprofit partners that will have an array of information, demonstrations, and displays for the seniors to enjoy.
NFB of Minnesota is an affiliate of a 50,000 nationwide membership organization with 700 local and state chapters covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The NFB is truly the voice of the nation’s blind. With its state headquarters located in Minneapolis, the NFB has become the leading force in the blindness field today. The National Federation of the Blind is changing what it means to be blind through its dedication to improving the lives of all blind people by coming together, sharing resources, and developing useful programs that encourage self-confidence and independence.
Free parking is available at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.
To register for the possibilities Fair, download the MS Word registration form, fill it out, and e-mail it as an attachment to nfbm.senior.fair@earthlink.net.