NFBOK to Host Informational Meeting in Lawton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release Date:
Friday, May 27, 2016

Category:
Affiliate

Contact:
Audrey T. Farnum
Communications Coordinator
National Federation of the Blind Oklahoma
(405)590-6110
Audrey@nfbok.org

National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma to Host Blindness Resource Fair – Lawton,

Oklahoma –The Oklahoma Affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind is hosting an informational meeting to answer common questions about blindness and give information about resources and techniques for living independently as a blind person. The meeting will take place on Saturday, June 4 at Comfort Inn and Suites, 201 S.E. Interstate Drive in Lawton and will begin at 1:00 p.m. Blind individuals from Lawton and across Oklahoma will be on hand to share their knowledge and answer questions about blindness. All blind and low vision individuals and other interested parties are invited to attend.

Presentations will be made by blind people from across Oklahoma. They will explain what blindness is and demonstrate techniques and strategies for maintaining independence after blindness. A demonstration about how blind and low vision people use iPhones and other technology will be given. There will be resources and information for blind seniors and blind students. Parents of blind children will be able to get resources to help advocate for their children in school, get advice about how to keep blind children active and talk about socialization and independence for blind children.

NFB of Oklahoma President, Jeannie Massay said, “The Blindness Resource Fair is a great opportunity for blind persons, their friends, family members and anyone working with the blind to learn more about what programs are available to the blind in Oklahoma and across the nation. It is also a great way to meet other blind people who are successfully living, working and going to school as blind individuals. We are the blind speaking for ourselves.

Lawton residents, Cammie Loehr, NFB Oklahoma Board member and blind college student, along with Sheila Levick, blind bank manager and mother, hope to ultimately form a NFB Chapter in Lawton. Ms. Loehr said, “This first meeting is about helping people understand what blindness is and what it means. It was not until I became involved in the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma that I began to understand what blindness is and what it meant for me. I want to share the knowledge I have gained and help people understand that blindness is not the horrific thing it is perceived to be. A little knowledge and learning about non visual techniques can make a huge difference in our lives and our community.

The resource fair is free to the public and light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Sheila Levick at 580-583-8616 or Cammie Loehr at 580-678-8222.

About the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma:

The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. We currently have active chapters in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Muskogee and Ardmore. Our members are people just like you; living the life that they love in Oklahoma! Additionally, we have specialty divisions for Blind Students, Blind Business owners, Blind Athletes and Rehabilitation Professionals. For more information, visit http://nfbok.org.

About the National Federation of the Blind:

The National Federation of the Blind is the largest organization of blind and low-vision people in the United States. The organization consists of affiliates and local chapters in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. By providing public education about blindness, information and referral services, scholarships, literature and materials about blindness, specialized aids and appliances, adaptive equipment, and support for blind people and their families, the members of the National Federation of the Blind strive to spread the word that the blind are normal individuals who can compete on equal terms with their sighted peers. Together with love, hope, and determination, we transform dreams into reality.