Vision loss happens more often that we may care to admit. Whether by disease, age, accident or trauma, people can have their vision impacted. But it doesn’t have to mean the loss of independence or quality of life. By tapping into community supports and resources, people who are blind or partially sighted can do almost anything a fully-sighted person can do.
“Living with Vision Loss” a free, one-hour workshop, will provide practical information and local resources to help people who experience vision limitations with everyday living, help and hints on living at home, developing hobbies, participating in sports, travel, work and career, leisure activities and more.
“Living with Vision Loss” is free and no RSVP is required. Workshops will be offered three times:
- April 20 – 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at the County-City Building, Rainier Conference Room, 930 Tacoma Ave. S., 7th floor in Tacoma
- April 22 – 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St. in Tacoma
- April 23 – 10 to 11 a.m. at the Soundview Building, 3602 Pacific Ave., Suite 200 in Tacoma
Workshop presenters from Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center, the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library, Washington State Department of Services for the Blind, and SightConnection will share their personal stories, provide information about local resources and show some practical, easy-to-use tools that can help with vision loss for people of all ages.
Participants will also learn how to make both home and workplace accessible and safe with simple and practical ideas. A variety of adaptive equipment including mobile devices will be explained. Rules and regulations regarding workplace accommodations for successful employment will also be discussed.
“Living with vision loss is not the end of the world,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources manager. “The good news is there is help available to enable people to remain independent and active however they chose. The key is knowing how to tap into those resources and integrate them into daily life.”
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Bob Riler, Community Connections
(253) 798-7384
[email protected]