Center for Vision Loss

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ADA!

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. This landmark civil rights law prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation and all public and private places open the general public.

Over the past 25 years, Lehigh Valley agencies and organizations have worked diligently to advocate and remove barriers to people with disabilities. Beginning July 26, many of these groups have joined together with the Lehigh Valley Arts Council (www.LVArtsCouncil.org/access/) to create Arts & Access, a series of events highlighting the accessibility and inclusivenenss of the region's art and culture (www.ARTSandACCESS.org). On July 24, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network is hosting a free launch party with music, cake and ice cream on its south Allentown campus to encourage the public's participation in Arts & Access events as well as support other upcoming initiatives. Some other collaborators include the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, the Center for Vision Loss and the Partnership for a Disability Friendly Community.

Then on July 26, an audio-described performance of Hello, Dolly! for those who are visually impaired will be held at Muhlenberg College. Audio-description includes a "describer" who uses natural pauses in the action of a play or musical to provide detailed visual images via an electronic transmitter to audience members who are blind or visually impaired. These audience members wear a headset. For more information go to www.muhlenberg.edu/main/academics/theatre-dance/smt/.

Audio-decription has been a great help to those with significant vision loss. People can understand better what is going on and no longer find themselves being bored because they can't see the nuances of what is happening on stage. The Center for Vision Loss is proud to say that we have worked diligently for the past few years to promote the use of this feature in the Lehigh Valley.

Obviously we all want the good works of the ADA to continue because it benefits all of us. Good Shepherd invites everyone to sign the ADA Pledge, a national petition which promotes renewed support fo the ADA and its goals. To sign the pledge go to www.ADAanniversary.org/pledge.

The Center for Vision Loss, serving Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe Counties is the region's only non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of people with visioin loss and promoting healthy vision in the community. To learn more go to www.centerforvisionloss.org or call 610-433-6018 in the Lehigh Valley or 570-992-7787 in Monroe County.