[LEAD PHOTO/CAPTION: Thomas and Esther Clement smile together as they examine

a Bagel Biter

[LEAD PHOTO/CAPTION: Thomas and Esther Clement smile together as they examine

a Bagel Biter

The Braille Monitor

July,

2002

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Thomas

and Esther Clement smile together as they examine a Bagel Biter.

Jim

Deremeik of the Wilmer Eye Institute discusses magnification devices with a

table-ful of interested seniors.

Lillian

Lee examines canes on display at the fair.

On

May 22, 2002, and with the assistance of the Lions Vision Research and Rehabilitation

Center of the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University; Maryland State

Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; Charlestown Retirement Community;

and Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, the NFB hosted 130 seniors for

the first ever Low Vision Resource Fair for Seniors conducted at the National

Center for the Blind. A grant from Kaiser Permanente helped to make the event

possible. We began by serving a delicious lunch and presenting a program in

which Federation leaders discussed how they have adjusted to vision loss. Then,

divided into smaller groups, the visitors moved through a series of learning

centers on reading, mobility, newspapers, computers, magnification devices,

helpful hints, and gadgets and gizmos. The presenters enjoyed their contact

with interested seniors, and the visitors reported that they learned a lot and

were grateful for all they had received. Many seniors had to be turned away

after the available places were filled, so we hope to repeat this event again

soon.

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