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Going Blind to be shown at the Putney Public Library on September 15

The documentary Going Blind will be shown on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Putney Public Library. The screening will be followed by a short question and answer session with Melinda Underwood, a teacher of the visually impaired with the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Mike Goldberg, a rehabilitation counselor with the Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Going Blind is a unique documentary that increases public awareness of sight loss and low vision issues profoundly affecting the lives of more and more people around the world. It was directed by Joseph Lovett, who was slowly losing his vision due to glaucoma and decided to investigate how people all over the country respond to vision-loss. His search begins small, with people Joe meets on the streets of his hometown New York City and gradually leads him to places and people around the country, of all different ages and backgrounds. Each has a fascinating story about dealing with the vision loss caused by sight-robbing diseases, infections and accidents.

The program will be free and open to the public, and details about local resources will be available. For more information, please contact Melinda at 802-254-8761.

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VABVI is happy to report that this year's Intensive Residential Life Experience (IRLE) summer camp program was a big hit among the students, and that they made real progress toward mastering the skills that will allow them to achieve and maintain independence. This year's theme was "Becoming and Staying Physically Active." Camp was held at Camp Hochelaga in South Hero, and students swam in the lake, played "beep baseball," and even went horseback riding, in addition to participating in many other activities. All of these activities were selected by our Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) because they help increase confidence, provide our students with the opportunity to practice problem-solving skills and daily living techniques, and, just as importantly, allow them to enjoy their summer with peers who face challenges that are similar to their own. More information about this year's session will be available in VABVI's Annual Report, which will be mailed out in the Fall. To learn more about the IRLE program, please contact Stephanie Bissonette, Supervisor of Children's Services, at sbissonette@vabvi.org, or by phone at (800) 639-5861 extension 225.

VABVI is pleased to announce that this summer's Annual Dinner and Silent Auction was a huge success. Held at the Burlington Country Club, the Annual Dinner was well attended and generously sponsored, while the Silent Auction claimed a record number of items donated by local businesses. Attendees enjoyed a presentation and slideshow from our Supervisor of Children's Services, Stephanie Bissonnette. VABVI would like all of the businesses and individuals who donated to the Silent Auction to know how much we appreciate their generosity. Special thanks also goes to our table sponsors:

Silver Level:  Blue Cross / Blue Shield, Robert and Polly McEwing, TD Bank, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group, and William and Carole Hauke.

Bronze Level: Ai Squared, Concept 2, Fleischer Jacobs Group, GW Plastics, MacLean, Meehan & Rice, MBF Bioscience, Northfield Savings Bank, Revision Eyewear, and Symquest Group.

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On Tuesday April 12, 2011, VABVI hosted the Technology Fair at the Rutland Town School, and it was well received by those who attended. Don't miss next year's opportunity to try out the latest products for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Open to family, friends, and professionals, admission will be $2. If you would like to add your name to the mailing list or receive a flyer containing further details, please contact Carol Eaton at (877) 350-8840 or at ceaton@vabvi.org. We hope to see you there! 

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