Two-day seminars to build independence with vision loss for Elkader and Waukon area residents

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              Contact:       Shoshana Hebshi

Jan. 14, 2010                                                                                                        515.281.1338
                                                                                                              
Two-day seminars to build independence with vision loss come to Waukon and Elkader
 
DES MOINES, IA – Iowans experiencing vision loss can get some free advice and services during a series of seminars in northeast Iowa. The two-day, three-hour sessions provide blind and visually impaired Iowans a chance to learn simple non-visual techniques to accomplish everyday tasks. Through the sessions, participants will also learn about the many services available to them by the Iowa Department of the Blind.
 
Topics covered during the trainings include: Traveling with the long, white cane; Access to printed materials in Braille, large type or in audio format; Introduction to Braille; Operating everyday tools, such as the telephone, microwave or oven; Communication skills, such as taking phone messages, creating grocery lists, managing addresses and writing checks; Identifying money; Labeling home items, such as canned goods, medication and clothing; and Basic cooking techniques that do not rely on vision.
 
“This series of trainings will be a great opportunity for people with vision loss living in the area to have convenient access to the Iowa Department for the Blind, and learn more about the services available to them,” said Barb Weigel, a project specialist for the IDB based in Waterloo. “We hope participants will come away with a renewed sense of confidence, and an understanding that the Department is here to help anyone experiencing vision loss to lead more independent and full lives.
 
“Vision loss does not mean one must live in seclusion or stop doing the things he or she enjoys. We can teach the skills and techniques that become the foundation of a full life without using vision,” Weigel added. Weigel will be one of the teachers during the trainings.
 
Training dates are as follows:

Jan. 19 & 20
1 to 4 p.m.
Southridge
607 2nd Street SW
Waukon
 
Feb. 24 & 25
1 to 4 p.m.
Elkader
Senior Center
133 S. Main St.

The workshops are free, but advance registration is preferred. Register by calling Barb Weigel at the Iowa Dept. for the Blind at (888) 378-4397, ext. 6.

For more information about the Iowa Department for the Blind, contact Shoshana Hebshi, communications specialist, at (515) 281-1338 or Shoshana.Hebshi@blind.state.ia.us.
###