Vision Fair 2013 includes Using an iPhone or iPad for the Visually Impaired

Vision Fair 2013 is set to take place on Friday, April 26 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Independence Village in Avon Lake. This year’s fair will include a seminar on how to use an iPhone or iPad if you’re visually impaired.

The public is invited to attend; lunch will be available at a cost of $3 to $5.

The annual event allows the public to review the newest low vision aids and assistive technologies.

This year’s event features educational seminars and mini-workshops as well as a wide array of products, services and resources for people with vision disabilities. The event is free and open to individauls of all ages.

The fair is organized in part by the Visions Concerns Support Group who holds meetings at Independence Village and St. Mary of the Woods in Avon.

Attendees will have an opportunity to try recently introduced versions of electronic and handheld magnification units, portable and desktop CCTV magnification units, talking household items, computer software, precision quality lighted magnifiers, large print items, sunglasses, and much more.

“People who have vision impairments do not often have the opportunity to compare a wide variety of aids and products. Vision Fair 2013 is a once-a-year chance to talk to the experts, try all the products, and comparison shop for the low vision aids that best suits their needs,” Deborah Kogler of Magnifiers and More said. “Our goal is to improve the lives of people with vision impairments.”

This year’s schedule of workshops and seminars includes:

• 10:15 a.m.     How to find a cell phones/iPhone for the vision impaired.
• 11:15 a.m.     Eye Didn’t Know That!  ~ A Roundtable Discussion: Dr. Cheryl Reed and Dr. Corrie Weitzel, low vision specialists, Debbie Kogler, LDO, Kim DuBois, COT, and Melissa Hernandez, LEAP
• 12:30 p.m.    How Do I Get There From Here?  Dr. Reed, O.D., COMS, will discuss challenges related to independent travel for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  Issues related to driving, use of a white cane, and the benefits of telescopic aids will be discussed.

Independence Village is located at 345 Lear Road in Avon Lake. Admission and parking for the event are free. The event is sponsored by Lakeland Eye/Cleveland Clinic, First Federal of Lakewood Bank, Avon Lions Club, Magnifiers and More of Mentor and Independence Village of Avon Lake.

Also participating in the event will be: Avon Lions Club, Lakeland Eye/Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Cleveland Sight Center, En-Vision America, First Federal of Lakewood, Home Instead Senior Care, Homewatch Caregivers, Independence Village of Avon Lake, Infinity Home Care, Macula Vision Research Foundation, National Federation of the Blind, Magnifiers and More, NPL Home Care, Prevent Blindness Ohio, Retina Associates of Cleveland, United Disability Services, VA Medical Center, Verizon Wireless of Avon Lake.

For more information, contact Gary L. Clawson at 440-933-8486 or kglclawson@yahoo.com.