Society for the Blind announced today it has received $40,000 from AT&T to fund teaching programs for adults and seniors living with vision loss.
“Society for the Blind is honored to receive this support from AT&T,” said Shari Roeseler, executive director, Society for the Blind. “Thanks to AT&T’s generosity, people who are living with low vision and blindness will be able to learn the skills and access the tools and technology that will help them live independently and achieve their work and personal goals.”
Society for the Blind’s classes focus on four core skills: orientation and mobility, Braille, adaptive technology and independent living skills. Students learn how to travel safely, efficiently and independently inside their home and in public. They learn how to use alternative techniques and tools to navigate day-to-day tasks such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, home maintenance, organization, personal finance, and using Braille to read, write and access technology. Students are trained in all aspects of computer use appropriate to their interests and skill levels, including email, Internet access, completing online forms, shopping and banking online, and creating documents.
“AT&T is committed to advancing education and strengthening the communities in which we live and work,” said Tim Ray, regional vice president of external affairs, AT&T. “AT&T is proud to support the educational programs of Society for the Blind as they are a key resource for blindness education and low vision services throughout the Sacramento region.”
For 60 years, Society for the Blind has created innovative ways to empower individuals living with low vision or blindness to discover, develop and achieve their full potential. Society for the Blind has grown from a dedicated group of volunteers that included the Lions Clubs of America to a nationally recognized agency and the only rehabilitative teaching center for a 26-county region of northern California. The nonprofit provides low-vision eye care, life and job skills training, mentorship, and access to tools to maintain independence for 6,000 youth, adults and seniors experiencing vision loss. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.societyfortheblind.org.