VISIONS 2012 Vendor Fair, May 9, 2012, in Ann Arbor

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Contact: Ann Arbor District Library, 734-327-4555

VISIONS 2012 Vendor Fair:

What's New In Technology and Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired 

When:  Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Washtenaw Community College - Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 East Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Who:  Presented by the Ann Arbor District Library (which also serves as the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled) and co-sponsored by the Michigan Commission for the Blind and Washtenaw Community College

Contact:  For additional information about VISIONS 2012, see the details below or contact Tim Grimes at the Ann Arbor District Library at 734-327-4265.

Five hundred people attended the 2010 VISIONS Vendor Fair, and this year's fair, featuring presentations addressing national, international, and regional issues for people who are blind and visually impaired, promises to be even more eventful.

Co-sponsored by the Michigan Commission for the Blind and Washtenaw Community College, the event will feature a variety of Michigan exhibitors who will demonstrate and discuss the latest products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired. There is no admission charge, and ample free parking is available.  Sighted volunteers will be available to assist upon request throughout the day. 

VISIONS 2012 Highlights:

·        Presentations offered every hour: 

o    11:00 a.m.--The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped: BARD & Beyond!  Neil Bernstein, NLS Research & Development Officer, will discuss new directions at the National Library Service, including changes in leadership; additions to, and the future of, the Braille and Reading Audio Download (BARD) system; mobile applications; collections development; and alterative distribution methods.

 

o       Noon--Adapting & Digitalizing Teaching And Learning Braille Material In Developing Countries.  Dr. Tamru Belay, founder of the Adaptive Technology Center for the Blind (ATCB) in Ethiopia, will discuss computerized Braille books and how they are essential for the education of the blind in developing countries.  Realizing this need, ATCB created an efficient computerized Braille to cater for the needs of libraries and other institutions for use by visually-challenged persons in Ethiopia. 

o       1:00 p.m.--What's New in Assistive Technology?  This presentation by A T Guys will focus on the latest technology such as accessible mobile phones and tablets, computer software and portable devices.  They will also preview what's on the horizon. Bring your technology questions!

o       2:00 p.m.--The Role Of Technology To Enhance Teaching & Learning For Students With Visual And Physical Impairments.  Scott Menzel, Superintendent of Washtenaw Intermediate School District, will demonstrate  how emerging technology can enhance the educational experience from early childhood through postsecondary options, and can open doors for young people with visual or physical disabilities that were previously inaccessible.

·        Hands-on demonstrations and conversations with vendors.  Electronic readers,  magnifiers, support services for the blind, Braille devices, library services, CCTVs,  leader dogs, and transportation services are just a few of the many outstanding services and products that will be on display.

·        A variety of sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and cold beverages available on site, sold by an entrepreneur licensed by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Business Enterprise Program.

·        Sighted volunteers available to assist throughout the day.  Doors will open promptly at 10 a.m.

About the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled (WLBPD)

In Washtenaw County, this free service is administered by the Ann Arbor District Library, which loans books, magazines, and videos in alternative formats (including recorded cassette, digital cartridge, Braille and descriptive video) to individuals of all ages who are certified as unable to read or use standard printed materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations. A cassette or digital player and materials are mailed at no cost as Free Matter for the Blind.

In addition to mailed materials, all eligible individuals also have access to over 16,000 titles available for download through the National Library Service's Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) site. An application for access to BARD is required and available through the NLS website www.loc.gov/nls/  

The WLBPD collection is housed in the Downtown AADL location at 343 South Fifth Avenue in Ann Arbor at the corner of Fifth Avenue and William Street. Visit the website at aadl.org/wlbpd for information on all WLBPD services.

About the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB)

The Michigan Commission for the Blind provides training and other opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and/or employment, serving approximately 3,300 state residents in FY 2011.  For more information about the commission's programs and services, call toll-free at 1-800-292-4200 (voice) or 1-888-864-1212 (TTY), or visit the website at www.michigan.gov/mcb  The Michigan Commission for the Blind is part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).  For more information about LARA, visit www.michigan.gov/lara.  

About Washtenaw Community College (WCC)

For over 40 years, WCC's open-door admissions policy, affordable tuition rates, and high-quality classes have attracted students from local communities and around the world. More than 18,000 register for credit classes each year, and thousands more enroll in non-credit LifeLong Learning classes. WCC's diverse student body includes more than 1,000 students from over 100 foreign countries.  For more information about WCC, visit http://www.wccnet.edu/ 

For More Information about VISIONS 2012

For more information about VISIONS 2012, visit aadl.org, call the Ann Arbor District Library at 734-327-4555.