Friendship Village to host informational session on services to blind, visually impaired seniors and their families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 18, 2011

Contact: Shoshana Hebshi 515.281.1338

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2010 • 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Friendship Village Chapel 600 Park Lane, Waterloo, Iowa

Blind and visually impaired older Iowans have the opportunity to learn what’s available to Iowans with vision loss during a presentation at Friendship Village in Waterloo January 25.
 

The Iowa Department for the Blind will present information to Friendship Village residents and the general public about its services to blind and visually impaired Iowans. Anyone experiencing vision loss or who knows someone with vision loss will benefit from this presentation.
Independent Living teachers from the Department will show simple ways to conduct day-to-day activities when vision loss makes things difficult. Discussion and demonstrations will include using the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to receive audio books and magazines through the mail, methods for telling time, marking appliances so they can be set by touch and how to access free newspaper reading programs.

“People often fear that a loss of vision means a loss of independence and a loss of meaningful activities,” said Becky Criswell, supervisor for Independent Living program at the Department. “This presentation will help people discover ways to maintain their independence and to continue activities they enjoy.”

About the Iowa Department for the Blind
We are a state agency that provides an array of services to blind and visually impaired Iowans to help them build confidence, gain or keep employment and continue to do the things they love to do despite vision loss.

The Department is headquartered in downtown Des Moines, but its field staff are spread throughout the state to deliver direct services to Iowans who need them in their homes or workplaces.

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 at (515) 281-1338 or Shoshana.Hebshi@blind.state.ia.us