Glaucoma is known as a sight-stealing disease since it gradually causes vision loss without warning. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly; glaucoma can also affect infants and children.

According to the National Eye Institute, more than 3 million people in the United States currently have glaucoma and the number is expected to reach 4.2 million by 2030. This month, the Glaucoma Research Foundation is seeking to raise awareness and increase early detection which is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.

Individuals with glaucoma may have tunnel vision or loss of peripheral (side) vision, and they may have difficulty adjusting to changing light conditions. The ABLE Tech device loan inventory includes a variety of tools such as magnifiers, light-filtering eyeglasses, and adapted games designed to help individuals who have low vision maintain independence.

Learn more in the January Newsletter

Playing Bingo has never been easier! These Bingo Cards have large 3/4-inch high bold black numbers that are easy to see. Plus, built-in shutter-style red markers simply slide down to cover numbers that are called, eliminating the need to deal with loose markers.

Visit AT Discovery Vision page for more ideas.

Dozens of Oklahoma school districts are expected to participate in the ABLE Tech AT Support Team Training series which kicks off on January 23rd in Shawnee. This 3-part series consists of one full day of training each month over three consecutive months. 

See workshop descriptions and registration links. 

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Youth Technical Assistance Center (Y-TAC) invites you to attend a free Virtual Convening on Engaging Out-of-School and Other Opportunity Youth* in VR Services which will be held via Adobe Connect January 14 & January 16. The purpose is to build capacity to find and engage youth with disabilities who are no longer in school and not employed or who face barriers to employment such as involvement with justice systems, connection to the child welfare system, and experiences with homelessness.

Learn more in the January Newsletter

Students who are learning and using braille are encouraged to enter the Oklahoma Regional Braille Challenge, scheduled for March 4^th in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma School for the Blind and NewView Oklahoma are co-presenting this year’s event, and winners will advance to the finals to be held in June at the Braille Institute of America in Los Angeles. Applications must be signed by parental/legal guardian and returned by February 3, 2020. 

Learn more in the January Newsletter