Series of vision loss seminars coming to Northeast Iowa PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Oct. 21, 2009                                                                                                         
Contact: Shoshana Hebshi
515.281.1338                                                                   

Series of two-day training workshops to cope with vision loss comes to northeast Iowa
 
DES MOINES, IA – Iowans experiencing vision loss can get some free advice and services during a series of trainings in northeast Iowa this fall and winter.
 
The two-day trainings provide blind and visually impaired Iowans a chance to discover the many services offered by the Iowa Department of the Blind and the Northland Area Agency on Aging. Trainings will take place in Oelwein, West Union, Calmar, Cresco, Waukon and Elkader.
 
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 are 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 and the Agency on Aging are there 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:
Oct. 27 & 28

2 to 5 p.m.
West Union Senior Center
107 E. Armor St.
 
Nov. 2 & 3
1 to 4 p.m.
Oelwein Chamber
of Commerce
Conference Room
25 W. Charles
 
Nov. 17 & 18
9 a.m. to Noon
Calmar, NICC
Max Clark Building
Room 208B
       -and-
2 to 5 p.m.
Cresco Bank & Trust
126 2nd Ave.
Cresco
 
Jan. 19 & 20
9 a.m. to Noon
Southcrest Manor Assisted Living
602 2nd St.
Waukon
 
Feb. 24 & 25
1 to 4 p.m.
Elkader
Senior Center
133 S. Main St.

The workshops are free, but advance registration is required. 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.