The 47th NFBTN-2016 conference opened with strong and talented voices echoing the “Rhythm of the Movement” theme for this annual convention. People openly shared the joys, difficulties, and triumphs of their journey of living with their low vision disability. The host hotel was crowded with tapping white canes, guide dogs, family members, and a community of resources including: low vision aid vendors, a local Lion’s Club, Tennessee Library for the Blind , Tennessee Association of Blind Merchants, Tennessee Rehabilitation Center, Tennessee Association of Blind Athletes, NFB chapters from Murfreesboro and Nashville, and much more.
Technology certainly offers a whole new set of tools for those with visual impairment. However, a conversation with an attendee reminded me how many can still benefit from traditional tools like canes, telescopes, and braille. I watched in fascination as she took out her small braille card and quickly punched out my contact information on a card as she told me her electronic braille typer was at the shop being fixed. “Besides this is lighter when I travel,” she joked.
I also met the cofounders of 3D Photo Works (http://www.3dphotoworks.com/) – a company dedicated to creating 3D Fine Art Tactile Prints that help visually impaired individuals experience art by creating mental imagery through touch complemented by audio provided by touch activated sensors. It was fascinating to ‘feel’ my way through George Washington Crossing the Delaware.
It was wonderful to meet such a supportive community and inspiring individuals who live by the motto: Blindness never limits-low expectations do! Live the life you want!
Live recordings from this and past NFBTN conventions are available at (http://www.nfb-tn.org/Archive)