Technology Products for the Blind to be Showcased During Missouri Convention

Everyone knows, or knows of, someone who is visually challenged. Over 300 Missourians are expected to participate during the Missouri Council of the Blind State convention held in Kansas City, Missouri at the Clarion Hotel from October 13th- 16th. Thousands of Missourians are blind or legally blind including a large part of the elderly population. The importance of the work that the Missouri Council of the Blind does for Missouri’s visually impaired is often overlooked, but that will soon be rectified during the convention. MCB President Kathey Wheeler, of Independence, Missouri, is most excited about being able to secure dynamic speakers who can change the lives of blind people. “We have a local doctor who is nationally recognized who has performed a newly approved FDA surgical procedure that could restore sight to some blind people. We have technology companies that will show us how to incorporate technology into our lives.” The convention events are open to the public including the blind and their families and there is no charge.

Beverly Armstrong, Executive Director of MCB, which is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, expresses the importance of the blind community to attend the convention and to participate. She also welcomes the newly blind, the blind person who has not networked enough to know what resources are available, those losing their sight, blind youth and their support system of family and friends. Her focus is on getting the visually impaired to hear directly from a representative of the Social Security Administration regarding Medicare changes specifically for the blind. “With so many changes on the horizon, the educational session is essential. Every blind person receiving Medicare/Medicaid and prescriptions will be affected.” Open enrollment will be November 15, 2005-May 15, 2006. However, those attending the MCB session will get the opportunity to participate in Open Enrollment on-site. “I am excited that the SSA is dedicating the personnel to come to our convention to explain the changes and to go a step above and come to our members to enroll in the new plan.”

MCB is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the general well being of the legally blind in Missouri. That work is accomplished by 26 affiliates throughout the State. MCB is a resource for information and a referral resource for any questions that the blind may have. Some of the programs offered include grants to help the blind obtain technology that will help them seek and continue employment, health benefits, an emergency fund for utility assistance, scholarships for legally blind students and students who will teach the blind, summer camp, mentoring and training programs. The group also advocates locally and nationally on issues related to the blind including employment, education, rehabilitation and library services, independent living and assisting in implementing legislation that will have a positive impact on the lives of the blind.

MCB will feature the following speakers and events:
Ø A Social Security Administration representative will discuss controversial changes in Medicaid/Medicare and the prescription program for the blind and will host open enrollment; which is mandatory for participants. Open to the public. (Friday 10/14 at 4:00 p.m.)
Ø Local Eye Surgeon and Corneal Transplant Specialist Dr. Steven Silverstein, who performed a newly FDA approved artificial corneal transplant in Independence, MO, will speak about medical procedures for the Blind (Banquet Speaker, Saturday 10/15 7:00 p.m.) The banquet dinner is closed, but to hear the speaker, call office for details.
Ø A St. Louis Company, Corpier, will discuss “The Automated Home Assistant", technology that will help the blind use their home appliances without needing to read the print literature and displays. (Friday 10/14 at 3:00 p.m.) Open to the public.
Ø The youth committee will host its second annual ‘Youth Night’. Family and friends are invited as well. Visually impaired teenagers 13-17 years old are encouraged to be junior members and interested prospective members under 35 are invited to attend to learn about the organization and to socialize. A burger and pizza buffet will be served. No charge. Friday 10/14 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Ø Mitch Pomerantz, 2nd Vice-President of the American Council of the Blind, the parent organization for MCB, will speak about Universal Design for the blind. UD is the theory that encourages manufacturers to make products accessible to all, those with and without disabilities, that don’t require any modifications. He will also discuss pertinent legislative issues affecting the blind.

There will be a technology room for vendors of assistive merchandise to display and demonstrate their products. The representatives will show how the products can make life more accessible for the blind; items include screen reader software, CCTV large screen readers, and more. There is a possibility that a voting machine for the blind will be available.
Technology Exhibitors:
Beau Barnhart of Look Media will be showing Web Reader, a website talking device. 10/14 Friday 6:00-7:00 p.m. in The Pantry.
Mark Cason of Humanware will be presenting devices for low vision and blindness products. 10/15 All day in the Board Room.
Reginald George of Adapt on Demand will explain their technical training program. 10/14 and 10/15 in the Board Room.
Missouri Assistive Technology will distribute literature and discuss their latest project. 10/14 and 10/15 in the Board Room.
Darrell Halford of Nanopac will demonstrate a wide variety of products for the blind and those with low vision. Board Room.
Jerry Nagel of NFocus will discuss and demonstrate products for the blind and those with low vision. Board Room.

Corpier will discuss the "Automated Home Assistant", technology that helps the blind use their homes appliances when they cannot read the manuals. 10/14 at 3:00 p.m., in the Grand Ballroom EFG and may exhibit as well.
Yet to be confirmed: Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind may demonstrate a talking voting machine which would make the process of voting accessible to the blind.
The public can call the MCB office for information on attending, membership and other events @ 1-800-342-5632.

For all media requests, to schedule interviews or photo ops, please contact: Tracey Hawkins 816-941-4542 (office) and 816-260-3214 (cell)