Michael Hingson, blind World Trade Center survivor, to give free talk at IDB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             

Contact:  Shoshana Hebshi,   515.281.1338

Sept. 13, 2010                                                                                                      
 
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 17, 2010 • 10 a.m.
WHERE: Iowa Department for the Blind
524 Fourth St., Des Moines, IA
Assembly Room
 
Michael Hingson was a successful computer sales and marketing professional in New York City until the events of Sept. 11 changed his life. Hingson, who has been blind since birth, was on the 78th floor of Tower One at the World Trade Center when it was hit by American Airlines Flight 11. Hingson, led by his guide dog, Roselle, fled the burning building.
 
In the aftermath of the attacks, Hingson and Roselle were put in the international spotlight as an example of SWthe positive bond between a guide dog and its user. They appeared on national talk shows, such as Larry King Live, and traveled the world telling their story.
 
On Friday, Sept. 17, Hingson will give a free talk at the Iowa Department for the Blind to share his story and answer any questions from the public.
 
Hingson says: “As a blind person living in today’s world I want people to see that while there are many different kinds of people, each with their own different gifts, we all can live and work together if we choose to open our minds and hearts and become a more inclusive world. There are positive lessons to be learned from every tragedy, and 9-11 is certainly no exception.”
 
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.
 
Getting to the Department
We are located in Downtown Des Moines, at 524 Fourth St. The building is on the corner of Watson Powel Jr. Way and Fourth Street, one block north of Grand Avenue and one block south of Hy-Vee Hall on the west side of the Des Moines River. There is ample metered street parking in and pay lots for parking.
 
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
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