May 1, 2008 – The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) and the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled will co-sponsor VISIONS 2008 – believed to be the state's largest vendor fair of technology for people who are blind or visually impaired – on Wednesday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor. 

VISIONS 2008 will feature more than 50 exhibitors and their products and services, including the latest technology as well as more traditional products and services.   Participants have the opportunity for "hands on" product demonstrations and conversations with vendors.  Dr. David Zacks of Kellogg Eye Center will speak at 11 a.m. on "What's New in Eye Therapy," and his presentation will be audio streamed live on the library's website at http://LBPD.eWashtenaw.org.  Sighted assistants will be available throughout the day.  Snacks, beverages, and sandwiches will be available for purchase from Michigan Commission for the Blind Business Enterprise Program vendors.  Parking and admission are free of charge, and the event is open to the public.

The first VISIONS fair was sponsored in 2000 by the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled.  VISIONS 2002, 2004, and 2006 were co-sponsored by the Michigan Commission for the Blind and the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, and more than 1,200 people attended VISIONS 2006. 

The Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled loans books and magazines in alternate formats (recorded cassette, large print, and Braille) to individuals in Jackson, Livingston, and Washtenaw counties who are unable to read or use printed materials as a result of a physical disability.  All services are free of charge.  For more information about VISIONS 2008 or the library, call (734) 973-4350 or 1-888-460-0680 toll-free, or visit the website at  http://LBPD.eWashtenaw.org.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind provides training and other opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and/or employment, annually serving more than 4,500 state residents.  For more information about MCB, call toll-free at 1-800-292-4200 (voice) or 1-888-864-1212 (TTY), or visit the website at www.michigan.gov/mcb.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind is part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), which is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.  For more information about DLEG, visit the department's website at www.michigan.gov/dleg.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.