Blindness Awareness Month October 2019
It’s time to get the straight facts about blind or visually impaired people during Blindness Awareness Month in October. Organizations around the world inform the public about good eye health and the latest innovations in research. It’s also an ideal time to clear up any misconceptions about the daily lives of blind or visually impaired people.
Crucial Insights On Vision Loss
Watch your sugar
Diabetics are 25 times more likely to develop blindness or visual impairment than non-diabetics.
It ravages developing countries
You might think that the majority of places hit by vision loss are in third world countries but 90% of visually impaired and blind people reside in developing countries.
It generally starts at age 50
Most visually impaired people start losing their eyesight at 50 with a gradual deterioration as people continue to age.
It might be preventable
Eighty percent of all visual impairment is preventable so it pays to get those annual eye exams — plus if you HAVE to wear them, red eyeglasses are hot!
The World Health Organization estimates that there are over 285 million visually impaired people, 245 million with low vision and 39 million totally blind people. Sixty-five million people are afflicted by cataracts — and in the U.S. alone, over ten million people suffer from retinal diseases that deteriorate peripheral and night vision. One of the major causes of blindness is uncorrected refractive errors causing blurred vision, leaving people unable to clearly see images on the retina.
We are so proud of Storm Stallings for showing the way for job opportunities for the visually impaired in our community. READ: NDEAM EMPLOYEE BLOG: STORM STALLINGS
WORLD SIGHT DAY - OCTOBER 10TH, 2019 World Sight Day (WSD) is an annual day of awareness co-ordinated by IAPB to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. It is held on the second Thursday of October.
World Sight Day Key Messages: 253 Million - are visually impaired >75% - of visual impairment is AVOIDABLE 55% - of moderate or severe vision impaired people are women 45% - of visually impaired people live in China and India 89% - of visually impaired people live in low and middle-income countries CATARACT - is the leading cause of blindness in most regions of the world TOP CAUSES OF BLINDNESS - Cataract, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration
For more information visit: https://www.iapb.org
VA White Cane Day 2K run on October 15th to support Blind Awareness.
Fayetteville VA celebrates with the “White Cane Day 2K Walk/Run” to support Blind Awareness. State Sen. Kirk DeViere along with Director Dan Dücker were guest speakers for the event.
While it has not been uncommon throughout history for blind people to use a stick or cane to navigate, society largely didn't accept that blind people could travel by themselves until recently.
In 1964 Congress designated October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day. recognizing white canes enable blind people to travel safely and independently.
Over time, the emphasis of White Cane Safety Day has shifted toward independence and equality. To emphasize the shift in focus from safety to independence, and to continue to use the white cane as a symbol, the day is now referred to as “White Cane Awareness Day.”
Thanks Rhonda (Rhonda's Rainbow Family of Dance). Our first line dance class was amazing. What a way to burn calories while having fun!!💃🕺
Our Youth Harvest Fest was a celebration of fun, food and games! A big thanks to all our volunteers, parents and staff! Also thanking #Walmart and #FoodLion for their generous donations!
Creating new connections during group Bible study.
Many Thanks! to our sponsors for your continued support ❤️
Come visit our new location at 2736 Cedar Creek Road, Fayetteville NC 28312 or to learn more about our available services call 910-483-2719.
Casting our ballots early for Fayetteville's Mayor and City Council.
Walking through the gardens enjoying the scents and the feel of different herbs and plants. Next was working and designing things with with clay. Thanks Amy and Lynn!!!
The VRC could use your help! We always need volunteers, so if you are looking for a way to give back to your community, try the VRC. We invite you to join us and find out just how fulfilling and FUN it is to be a part of this great organization! More about volunteering can be found here: Volunteers Needed
A Note From Our Executive Director, Terri Thomas
Giving Thanks...
We have so much to be thankful for here at the VRC! Our Out of Sight Night at the Segra Stadium was a hit in the community!!! What a wonderful way to continue our progress in our youth development program. Thanks again to all our sponsors and attendees.
The activities keep rolling, Bible Study, Early Voting, Yoga and Relaxation, VA White Cane Walk for Blindness Awareness Month, Line Dance and for the Youth Harvest Party.
How thankful we are for all the gifts we receive.
As we spend time with family and friends eating good food and enjoying the laughter during Thanksgiving. Let us also express our gratitude to God for all his blessings. We, the VRC are so thankful for each of you, God's extended blessings. You have blessed us with your time, gifts and thoughts throughout the year. We would not be able to prosper without you!
Until next time
With love and blessings,
Terri Thomas
Executive Director
Vision Resource Center
…..Serving the Blind and Visually Impaired
#80years1939-2019
VRC Happenings in November 2019:
Nov 04: Walking Club 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Nov 06: Family Meeting 10:45 am - 1:30 pm
Nov 08: Patti LaBelle 7:00 pm
Nov 11: Veterans Day
Nov 13: Yoga 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm | Relaxation 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Nov 16: Limitless Social (Ages 19-29) Dinner & Movie (4:00 to 9:00 pm)
Nov 18: Vegan Cooking Class (10:00 am - 12:00 pm) & (12:30 pm - 2:30 pm)
Nov 20: Yoga 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm | Relaxation 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Nov 21: Line Dance Class 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Nov 26: Southern Supreme Fruitcake (10:00 am - 2:00 pm)
Nov 28: Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
Please call James to cancel your ride at 910-476-6684.
Watch for more updates! Follow our Facebook page and check out our website at www.visionresourcecentercc.org for more information.
Please comment and share our blog! We love your feedback! #LoveIsBlind