City to host convention for blind

Over 50 people are expected to attend the North Dakota Association of the Blind Convention, in Williston on June 9-11 at the Airport International Inn.

That Friday's event features a pre-conference seminar from 2 to 4 p.m. that will be open to the public. “It will be about aspects of vision loss,” said Olson.

From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the public is welcome to view displays of low-vision equipment, and accessible voting machines,” said Janelle Olson, a longtime member of the group.

In the evening, the Williston (Noon) Lions and Williston Korner Lions will put on a supper for the members.

Saturday, the organization focuses on the business meeting. Local legislators will be invited to the event to exchange information.

A banquet will held for members that evening, followed by a dance.

On Sunday, they will elect officers.

The NDAB has served the visually impaired in the state for 70 years, and is affiliated with the national organization, the American Council of the Blind. There are over 100 members that are visually impaired or have family that are visually impaired. Fifteen members are from Williston.

Olson, Kathy Larson and Loris Van Berkom are sisters from the Williston region and grew up with a condition known as Cone-Rod Dystraphy. They are all actively involved in the NDAB as leaders.

Van Berkom is the chairperson of the NDAB Convention and the co-camp director. The NDAB helps funds the summer camp for NDAB members. The camp is geared for those 18 and older, and proves a fun getaway to hone some new skills and have some fun. There, they can learn computers, crafts and dance.

Olson is the Family Advisory chair for the group. The Family Advisory Seminars help families and those with sight challenges, cope with various issues.

Larson serves as financial chair for the NDAB.

For those with sight impairment and those close to them, the organization proves vital in networking with those who share their experiences; and offers information about services, training and equipment. The NDAB and the ACB have also been strong voices in attaining relevant legislation at both the state and national level on issues that concern sight loss.

The NDAB provides opportunities for both those who have grown up with sight loss and those who may suddenly have to cope later in life.

Our motto is: “Not he who lacks sight, but he who lacks vision is blind,” said Olson.

Its mission is: “We strive to enhance the way of life for persons who are visually impaired, to improve their opportunities for employment, and to create public awareness about persons with sight loss,” said Larson.

“We want to promote the independence of people who have sight loss across North Dakota,” said Olson.

Olson and Larson said for those who have suddenly gone blind because of macular degeneration or have lived with it most of their lives, there are obvious issues the sighted too often take for granted.

“Transportation is the number one issue, clearly,” said Olson. “A loss of a job can be another. It totally shifts things in a way things were never done before.

“If you are a reader, many think they cannot read any more. There is radio reading and books on tape. There are many adjustments they have to make.” Loss of work can be another big issue.

Larson said the hardest thing for her was using the white cane.

Olson said the city of Williston has accommodated those with sight loss at the intersection of 11th Street and Second Avenue West with an audible street crossing system, and she said it is a really big help. “For me, Economart might as well be in China without it.” Olson commented. She said Williston motorists are not quite aware that they should use extra caution when they spot a person with a white cane crossing the street at intersections, but they are working to build that awareness.

“For the one with the vision problem and a family member, they can stick out,” she explained.

The organization provides periodicals about issues of the sight challenged. These come in many formats, including tape, Braille and e-mail.

Olson notes that those with vision loss are not denied access to computers. Through the help of screen reader programs, the computer will verbally recite what you type. “If you type a letter, it reads the letter. If you type a sentence, it reads the sentence,” she explained.

“We also want the public to be aware of the needs of people who have vision loss and to support those who have vision who have sight loss,” Olson and Larson said.

Membership costs $15 per year.

For more information about the convention or joining, please call Van Berkom at 774-3399.

www.ndab.org