The National Federation of the Blind invites seniors, their families, and the professionals who work with them to attend the fourth annual Possibilities Fair. This fair will provide a hands_on opportunity for those 55 and older who are losing vision (and their families) to learn how to improve their lives.
The fair, which will take place on Thursday, May 12, 2005, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., will include helpful hint discussions about losing vision and enjoying life! The Possibilities Fair will be held at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, at 1800 Johnson Street. The registration fee is $15 and includes lunch.
Americans are living longer, and vision loss occurs more frequently among those who are older. More than 50 percent of the 70,000 individuals who become blind in this country each year are over the age of 65, and this population is expected to more than double by the year 2030. Seniors losing vision are often unaware of the resources and services available to them, and yet eager to learn strategies that continue living independent lives.
There will be speakers and demonstrations of helpful techniques, equipment, and services for seniors losing vision. Participants will learn about books on tape, newspapers over the telephone, talking computers, and magnification devices. Mobility strategies and kitchen techniques will be demonstrated, and there will be a display of helpful gadgets and gizmos.
The 2005 Possibilities Fair is made possible, in part, through a grant provided by Kaiser Permanente.
To find out more about this event, or to learn how a similar one can be held
in your community, contact Jerry Lazarus, Director of Special Projects at the
National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230;
or call (410) 659_9314, ext. 2297, or email [email protected].