It’s easy to take your eyesight for granted when it’s good, but when you’re visually impaired, navigating the world is a challenge. A recent event in Clarkesville raised awareness of the challenges visually impaired people face and, more importantly, the help that’s available to them in Northeast Georgia.
More than 100 people attended Blindness Awareness Day at Clarkesville Elementary School on December 9. Months in the planning, the event was originally scheduled to be held on the Clarkesville square, but rain forced the activities indoors.
“Thank goodness Clarkesville Elementary opened the door. They were amazing,” said Dr. Robin Skelton, who teaches vision-impaired students in the Habersham County School System.
Skelton teamed up with North Georgia Cane Crusaders and Zeitlin Services to bring the informative and entertaining event to Habersham County. The gathering drew people from neighboring counties, including Lumpkin, White, and Hall.
The ‘first of many’
“This will be the first of many events happening for the visually impaired and their families,” co-coordinator Keely Zeitlin said. “We put these events together to show people that life doesn’t stop after a diagnosis. There is so much (information) out there that people don’t know about”
Zeitlin pointed out that those with visual disabilities do not have to travel to Atlanta or Macon to get the care and help that they need. Many of those same services are available in Northeast Georgia without having to drive to metropolitan areas hours away.
Beyond the helpful information, the event offered camaraderie by bringing people together. Those who attended were able to share their challenges and experiences with one another.
Attendees also connected with agencies that can assist them in overcoming their challenges on their way to becoming more independent. Representatives from the Department of Education, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Vision Rehabilitation Services were among the resource groups that attended.
Fun & games
Habersham’s Blind Awareness Day meeting wasn’t all business. There were fun and games too.
Attendees enjoyed working on art projects and writing holiday cards in braille. They played games such as goalball and cornhole, which was equipped with a sound device to help players hone in on the target.
They also learned adapted kayaking and water safety basics.
The Habersham County Fire Department brought their smokehouse so the visually impaired could learn fire safety basics.
“It was a day filled with fun and information for everyone,” Skelton said.
One activity people enjoyed was “art in the dark.” It was designed to teach non-visually impaired people what those with poor to no eyesight experience.
Local artist Nick “Nack” Morris helped participants create tactile art – art that can be both seen and felt. The activity demonstrated that being visually impaired doesn’t stop a person from being artistically creative.
Devices to communicate
The event also included displays of technological devices that allowed the visually impaired to communicate.
Jessica Brownlee was introduced to a device that she could write on and feel that others could see and read.
“She was so excited that she could write a message, and others could see it and she could feel it,” Skelton said.
This was Brownlee’s first event since losing her vision and she found it to be very helpful,
“This is the first time since I have been blind that I have been able to meet other blind people and organizations who can help me,” she said.
A great turnout
Skelton was pleased with the turnout for the inaugural event.
“We were blown away by the number of people that attended. We cannot wait until our next event,” she said.
“I’m so happy to open the eyes of the community around us to what is available to promote independence and confidence,” Zeitlin stated.
Skelton and Zeitlin are already preparing for their next event.
“We are hoping to get something in March going around the North Hall area,” Zeitlin said.
