The Illawarra’s blind and low vision community is set to get the chance to experience first-hand the latest assistive technology when Vision Australia opens the doors of its Wollongong centre.
The leading blindness and low vision service provider will hold an Open Day on Friday, October 19, which will focus heavily on assistive technology and how it can support people with vision loss to live the life they choose.
Among the displays will be the latest in wearable assistive technology as well as a cooking display highlighting accessible kitchen equipment. Vision Australia’s assistive technology experts will be available to discuss what equipment might best suit each individual.
Caroline Yan, acting Vision Australia Regional Business Manager said more and more people who are blind or have low vision are turning to technology to support them with day-to-day tasks.
“We know for many of our clients that technology is the key to them being able to carry out daily living tasks that sighted people make take for granted,” Caroline said.
“Being able to read your mail, identify household items or telling what notes are in your wallet are things that many people wouldn’t give a second thought to, but they can be the difference between people being able to be independent or not,” she said.
The Open Day will also showcase Vision Australia’s full range of specialist blindness and low vision services, as well as provide free vision screenings.
“Our team, including Orientation & Mobility Specialists, Occupational Therapists, Assistive Technology Specialists, Orthoptist and Children’s Services staff will all be available on the day to speak with people about the support they can provide,” Caroline said
“Vision loss can be a confronting experience, so we want people to know exactly what services are available to them and how we can support them to live the life they choose.”
The Open Day is also an opportunity for people to find out more about new support service funding arrangements, such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme and My Aged Care.
The Vision Australia Wollongong Open Day will be held on Friday, October 19 from 10am-1pm at Vision Australia Wollongong, 2/106 Market St, Wollongong. Phone 02 4220 4319 or email [email protected] for more information.
Interested in finding out more about assistive technology or any other of Vision Australia's specialist support services? Call 1300 84 74 66 or email [email protected].