Vol. 37, No. 3
September 2007
DON'T MISS VRATE IN THE EAST VALLEY
The 2007 Vision Rehabilitation and Technology Expo will be held at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, on November 16 from 9 am to 4 pm. VRATE, now in its eleventh year, is a unique one day event that features informative speakers and day-long exhibits by those who provide services or products for the visually impaired. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn all about the newest technologies, medical research and the many resources available to those with visual impairments.
Dr. Jack Sipperly and Dr. Ed Quinlan, from Retinal Consultants in Phoenix, will be this year’s keynote speakers. At 10 am they will discuss the latest in research and practices and will allow ample time after their presentation for questions from the audience.
Nine speakers are scheduled for the afternoon, so there will be a choice of three different presentations each hour, at 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm. Some of the afternoon topics and speakers will be:
- -- Bioptic Driving – Kevin Huff O. D. – ViewFinder
- -- Digital Downloadable Books – Nancy Morris, MLS – Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library
- -- Free/Low Cost Computer Access Solutions – Stan Dyser – Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- -- Improving Reading with Eccentric Viewing – Jan Menke O.T. – ViewFinder
- -- Low Vision Examinations: How they differ from ‘regular’ examinations – Robert Kanocz O.D. – ViewFinder
- -- Simple Solutions for Independence – Rainey Kasl – Foundation for Blind Children
The main hall will host about fifty exhibitors, including advocacy organizations, non-profits that provide programs and services, vendors of low vision technologies, and government services. Talking Book Library staff will be in booth 6 all day, so you will have a chance to meet your reader advisor and other staff members. We are looking forward to seeing you there.
There may be changes to the speaker schedule between now and then so be sure to check your program, which will be available in large print and in Braille, when you arrive. You may also check for updates on the VRATE information line at 623-505-4830 or on the VRATE website at www.vrate.org.
Any mention of products and services in Talking Book News is for information only and does not imply endorsement.
Talking Book News is also available in braille, on cassette as part of Newsletters Unlimited and on our website at http://www.lib.az.us/braille/ If you would like to receive this newsletter on cassette or in braille, please call 602-255-5578 or 1-800-255-5578.
Talking Book News is published quarterly by the Arizona State Braille and Talking Book Library Division, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records.
Director: Linda Montgomery and Editor Catherine Coughlin.
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