McCormick Vision Resource Fair

What does it mean to be visually impaired?  How would you function with no eye sight or some kind of vision impairment?  It most probably would be quite the adjustment.  At Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley, we offer a Vision Program that assist those in need whom have some kind of vision impairment.  We will be hosting the McCormick Vision Resource Fair on October  11, 2018 from 9 AM to 1 PM. This is in collaboration with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Wright State University and the National Federation of the Blind.  The resource fair will have over 25 vendors including agencies, organizations, businesses, and educational institutes who provide resources and services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  Also, there will be flu shots available through Walgreens.

Just to put into perspective, here are a few stories that are inspiring and tell a personal story about how it feels to have vision impairment.

Recently, an individual shared a story of how she started losing her eye sight as an older adult. She had been diagnosed with macular degeneration; the doctor informed her that her vision would only get worse.  Learning this stirred up many different emotions: frustration, discouragement, fear and the threat of losing her independence.  The person remembered opening up to a friend, looking for comfort and guidance.  To her surprise, the friend had heard about Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley Vision Program.  They made plans to visit Goodwill’s vision services to see what they might be able to offer.  They both were amazed at all the equipment and technology that was available to help someone who is losing their vision.  She was able to find a video magnifier to read print, specialized software on her computer to help her read what was on the screen, and she saw a variety of kitchen aids that would allow her to use the stove/microwave safely and cook independently in her kitchen.  Learning about the variety of resources and connecting to individuals who are going through the same thing was extremely helpful!  She did not feel so alone and discouraged after her experience with Goodwill.

A participant wanted to share their story about when they started their journey with Goodwill Easterseals vision placement team. When she came to Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley, she had lost her husband due to cancer, was laid off from her job of more than ten years, and was asked to move out of her home all within six months’ time.  Although, she grew up with limited vision, the emotional struggles were similar.  She recalls how it felt emotionally; “I felt that I had little or no worth to anyone.  I was alone, and I could not find my place in the world.”  By working with the vision services team, she was able to refresh her computer skills, update the resume, apply to a variety of jobs and finally land the perfect job.  She has been working full-time for this company for over six years and is thankful for the assistance from the Goodwill Easterseals vision services team.   As she looks back today, she shared; “working with them, made all the difference in my life.”

As you can see, if it wasn’t for the adapted equipment; whether it be technology, kitchen aids and even in some cases a guide dog, life would not be as accessible to someone with a visual impairment.  If you have any of these needs or know of someone who does, we invite you to come out and check out all of our vendors and services that are offered.  It promises to be an eye opening experience!