Today, there’s a world of services, supports
and technologies available that assist individuals facing sight loss. The
VISIONS program, sponsored by the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and
Physically Disabled and the Michigan Commission for the Blind, is an attempt
to bring together these resources, under one roof, so that individuals
facing sight loss – and their families – can have a hands-on opportunity to
try devices and to learn about available resources. These resources can help
individuals in the disabled community learn alternative approaches to
enjoying all of the pleasures of life.
This year, more than 1,100 people visited VISIONS
2004 on Wednesday, May 5, including the C-SPAN School Bus!
Fifty-two vendors of new products
(including businesses such as M. Ellis Enterprises, Inc., providing cutting
edge computer enhancements for people with disabilities), and longtime
reliable services (like White Market, still delivering groceries in Ann
Arbor after nearly 40 years), as well as scores of sighted assistants
(including students from Manchester High School and Greenhills School;
ladies from MSU Extension; and members of area churches) were ready for the
crowds converging at the Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community
College.
Visitors had an opportunity to meet with
and talk to representatives from a wide range of businesses and
agencies. Some businesses provided demonstrations of their products to
groups in the Morris Lawrence auditorium and attendees were entertained by
the Ann Arbor Community High Jazz Band and folk-singer Cindy Feigel. Light
refreshments were served all day and Washtenaw County Public Health nurses
provided free blood pressure screenings.
Everyone – guests and vendors- agreed this
was a great day. Plans are already underway for VISIONS 2006 which is
tentatively scheduled to be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2006
at the Morris Lawrence Building on the campus of Washtenaw Community
College.
Contact information: Address, Telephone, Fax, Hours, Directions,
Holidays, and Email