Matt Geeza, Director of CT Library Accessible Books (CT-LAB), gave an excellent presentation on their services for individuals who are blind, have low vision, are print-challenged, or have physical disabilities, covering various reading aids like digital readers, the BARD app, and Braille books—all free with an approved application. This marked the Center’s first Zoom Lunch & Learn, attended by 16 people, with a lunch catered by Taqueria Cinco featuring tacos, quesadillas, and a birthday cake by Martina.

For more information, contact CT-LAB at 860-702-2220, or ask Tammy or Wendy. Interested in audiobooks? Try them for free, delivered via US Mail.

15 members, family, and friends had a ball at the Norwich Bowling Alley last month. The bowling alley is not ADA-accessible but we managed. After we all bowled 2 games, we had lunch at 36 Town Grill in Norwich. Jim Harmon popped in for a visit while he was up from Florida.

Our Lunch & Learn gatherings are becoming increasingly popular (and well-attended!) We’ve expanded to include Zoom alongside in-person attendance at the Center. This ensures accessibility for those unable to attend physically or who prefer the comfort of their own home. Through Zoom, you can engage by asking questions and sharing comments, just like you would in person.

Zoom participation is simple! Before the Lunch & Learn session, check your email. Just click the link provided and follow the instructions.

At April’s meeting, eleven people were present at the Center, with one participant joining via phone. Additionally, Zoom attendance was introduced for a trial run. We will keep using Zoom to enable those who cannot attend in person to participate in the support group.

The meeting included discussions on using the Podcast App and updates to the Seeing AI App. The session covered how to open the app, browse preset podcasts, search for podcasts, and use the library to save them. For the Seeing AI App, a new feature was introduced that allows users to execute commands via Siri, making the app fully functional with voice commands. Although the Seeing AI app has helped read short texts, documents, product descriptions, and currency values, using the commands has been challenging for those with low vision. With the new update, once configured in the settings, users can operate Seeing AI and its camera functions simply by saying commands like “Recognize Currency.” For instance, by pointing the camera at a bill and saying “Recognize Currency,” Siri will analyze and respond, e.g., “Ten Dollars.”

This group meets at the Center on the first Wednesday of the month and is open to the public.

A group of members had a delightful time creating charming pink gnomes to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Following their crafting session, they mingled and enjoyed their lunches together.

Last fall, Mike Coughlin read a wonderful book entitled Thunder Dog: The True Story of A Blind Man, His Guide Dog and the Triumph of Trust by Michael Hingson. The book chronicles Michael’s life as a person, blind from birth, who lived in the sighted world, earned several degrees in physics and had a rewarding career. Led by his guide dog Roselle, he escaped from the 78th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center on 911. He is now a strong advocate for the disabled and a motivational speaker.

Mike Coughlin, Center of the Blind board member and leader of the Macular Degeneration Support Group, has been legally blind since age 7 and found many similarities with Hingson. An e-mail exchange with the author led to the production of a podcast. The podcast explores similarities in their lives and the obstacles they have overcome in spite of their disabilities. The podcast called Unstoppable Mindset by Michael Hingson is now available. Be sure to checkout this inspirational story!

Click here to listen to Mike Coughlin’s podcast

Click here to listen to more episodes of Unstoppable Mindset by Michael Hingson.

Twenty-one members and guests recently had the pleasure of meeting guest speaker, Steve Martin to hear about the services that are available to people who are dealing with low vision. You do not have to be legally blind to request the services of the Lions Low Vision Center. There is an application to be filled out by your eye doctor and an appointment set up after your completed application is received. For more info, contact the Center of the Blind at 860-447-2048.

If you have any eyeglasses kicking around that you no longer use, bring them to the Center. We have recently acquired a drop box from the Lions Club. In addition to eyeglasses, the Lions also collect hearing aids of any age, brand or model.

Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center sorts the glasses to determine those that are usable or unusable, processed, and placed in inventory for distribution to optical missions around the world.  Lions help to minimize landfill waste by supporting precious metal reclamation and scrap processing for damaged glasses that are unusable. 

It is through the kindness of eyeglasses and hearing aids donors that the Lions Club can offer the gift of sight or sound to those in need.

The grand success of our yearly festive dinner was evident as over 60 members and guests joyously gathered, including attendees from as far away as Massachusetts! The restaurant exuded a seasonal charm, adorned with white tablecloths, red napkins, and vibrant poinsettias. Everyone had a delightful time, and the festive spirit extended as eight fortunate members left with a poinsettia.

A special acknowledgment goes to Wendy for her unwavering dedication to fundraising and grant writing. Thanks to her efforts, the Center takes pride in its financial capability to offer our members a delightful and scrumptious holiday feast.

On December 5, our Lunch & Learn speaker was Renee LaBonte from RSVP,  Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. This program is part of TVCCA, Thames Valley Council for Community Action, which is a local non-profit organization offering many services for those in need. The RSVP program looks for seniors 55+ to volunteer in the community in addition to offering services to eligible seniors. Volunteers can participate in a wide variety of services, receive training, and are matched with those with similar interests.