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Public is invited to "Close Your Eyes for New Vision"

Thursday, December 29, 2011

The public is invited to participate in a free, fun, interactive event in downtown Tavares. "Close Your Eyes for New Vision" will be held on January 12, 2012 at 9:15 in front of Tavares City Hall at 201 E. Main Street. This event is expected to last just over one hour. In that short time, participants will have an opportunity to acquire first-hand knowledge of the abilities of persons who are blind or visually impaired.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring a friend or co-worker along. Attendees will be grouped in pairs and taught how to be a safe sighted guide for someone with vision loss. Then one person on each team will be blindfolded, or will wear eye goggles that simulate different types of vision loss such as macular degeneration or tunnel vision.

Assignments will be given to complete an errand or task with reduced or no vision. Teams will be expected to walk to various downtown Tavares locations nearby, but no one will be required to walk more than 4 to 5 blocks. Shoes appropriate for safe, comfortable walking are recommended. Participants who successfully complete the tasks while blindfolded or wearing the vision simulator goggles will be awarded a t-shirt.

This event is organized by New Vision for Independence, a local non-profit organization that provides rehabilitation, community education, and support services for people with low vision or blindness, and their families, to promote independence, acceptance and self-confidence. New Vision serves Lake and Sumter Counties and all of the services are at no cost to the participants.Space for "Close your Eyes" is limited so please RSVP to New Vision by January 5. Call 435-5040 to RVSP, for information about obtaining vision rehabilitation services, or to make a tax-deductible donation.