NABA's Low Vision Technology Fair

ANNUAL LOW VISION TECHNOLOGY FAIRS SHOWCASE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO HELP THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED ALBANY, NEW YORK – The Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA) will be hosting their ninth annual Low Vision Technology Fairs on October 16, 2017 at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany, and on October 17, 2017 at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, NY both are from 9am to 4pm. The fairs are free to the public. People with vision impairment as well as family members, caregivers, educators and healthcare professionals are encouraged to attend. The purpose of a Low Vision Technology Fair is to showcase the latest in technologies designed to assist people with low vision and vision impairment with reading and daily activities. Low vision technology and vision related companies will be showcasing state-of-the-art products that help with reading and everyday tasks. NABA Technology and Rehabilitation staff will be on hand to answer questions. Other related organizations will be available to provide service information including the Lions Clubs, NYS Talking Book & Braille Library, WMHT RISE Radio, the NYS Commission for the Blind, Freedom Guide Dogs, CDTA, Stratton V.A. Medical Center, local eye care professionals and more. The Lions Hearing Conservation Society will also be on hand to provide information about hearing screenings, hearing aids and device loaner program as well as other related resources. Guest speaker ophthalmologists will be presenting at each location on issues related to eye health, diseases, research and treatments. Dr. Glenn Thompson and Dr. Thomas Federici will speak in Albany. Dr. Nicole Lemanski and Dr. Salman Yousuf will speak in Saratoga. Each guest speaker will present at 10am and 1pm respectively. “Low vision” is defined as a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by standard eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery and that interferes with the ability to perform everyday activities. Many Americans with low vision have difficulty reading mail, shopping, cooking, watching TV and even reading this article. Since 1908 NABA, a nonprofit organization has been fulfilling its mission to provide services and support to help blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages achieve independence and growth. NABA’s vision rehabilitation specialists work in-home and on-site with individuals to develop the skills that facilitate independent living. Located at NABA’s facility at 301 Washington Avenue in Albany, New York, the Dr. Harry M. Judge Vision Rehabilitation Center performs examinations by a low vision specialist for prescribing magnifiers, special glasses and adaptive devices. Services are no charge to the legally blind. For more information about NABA’s Low Vision Technology Fairs, contact Cheryl Lawyer at (518) 463-1211, clawyer@naba-vision.org or www.naba-vision.org.