VisionAware Introduces Getting Started Kit for Those Newly Diagnosed with Vision Loss
With over 21.2 million Americans reporting trouble seeing, VisionAware has created a Getting Started kit for adults experiencing vision loss for the first time. VisionAware.org is a free online resource for the millions of people who have difficulty seeing, offering dynamic social networking and customized guidance with rich content and practical tips on living with vision loss. The Getting Started kit is intended to provide hope and help to handle the challenges of vision loss, and to connect users with the resources they need. Many people are unaware of specialized services and products available to them. The kit is composed of 10 "tip sheets," with each sheet addressing practical solutions to everyday tasks such as reading, cooking, using computers and other technology, helping friends and family understand what they can do, and more.
"These tip sheets represent just a small sample of the wealth of information visitors can find on VisionAware, including the latest news on vision loss and specific eye conditions, a community of peers and professionals, in-depth articles, and coping tips," said Priscilla Rogers, VisionAware Program Manager. "We hope anyone experiencing vision loss, as well as their loved ones, will use the tip sheets and then explore VisionAware.org."
The Getting Started kit's tip sheets contain the following helpful information:
- Steps to Take to Get Help, including who to see about vision loss and your roadmap to VisionAware
- Questions to Ask Your Doctor about your eye condition
- Bathroom Safety Tips
- Kitchen Safety Tips
- Tips for Making Print More Readable
- Your Home Office (how to manage correspondence, finances, and other personal business)
- Technology Tips, including an overview of access technology that can be helpful in everyday life
- Keeping Fit
- Having Fun, including options for continuing to enjoy leisure time activities or starting new ones
- Do's and Don'ts When Meeting a Person with Vision Loss (for friends and family members)
- A diagnosis of vision loss can be frightening, but armed with the right information, individuals who are losing their sight can learn how to best cope with vision loss. Visit VisionAware.org.
HumanWare Sees Its Global Development Expand Through a Partnership with Essilor
HumanWare recently announced a major strategic partnership with Essilor, a leading ophthalmic optics company, which became the majority shareholder of the company specializing in access technologies for people who are blind or have low vision.
This new alliance offers greater global visibility for HumanWare products while promoting access for a larger number of people with visual impairments. The alliance will also accelerate investment in research and development to offer new and innovative high quality products for both blindness and low vision.
"We are very pleased to be partnering with Essilor, whose knowledge in optics and access to optician distribution networks will accelerate innovation to help people with visual impairments. Together, we will contribute to developing the notoriously under-penetrated global market," says Gilles Pepin, CEO of HumanWare.
The new partnership has already enjoyed its first success with the awarding of the prestigious Silmo d'Or to HumanWare for its new 2-in-1 Prodigi electronic magnifier, which features an installation wizard developed with the collaboration of Essilor. Prodigi is a digital personal vision assistant for people living with visual impairment.
Commenting on the partnership, Hubert Sagnières, Essilor Chairman and CEO, explains, "Helping visually impaired or blind people regain greater independence is a natural extension of the group's mission to help more than 4.2 billion people see better to live better. This partnership with HumanWare allows Essilor to take a fundamental step in the development of a range of effective and accessible vision tools for the greatest number of people."
About Essilor
The world's leading ophthalmic optics company, Essilor designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its corporate mission is to enable everyone around the world to access lenses that meet his or her unique vision requirements. To support this mission, the Company allocates more than €150 million to research and innovation every year, in a commitment to continuously bring new, more effective products to market. Essilor's flagship brands are Varilux, Crizal, Definity, Xperio, Optifog™ and Foster Grant. It also develops and markets equipment, instruments and services for eyecare professionals. Essilor reported consolidated revenue of approximately €5 billion in 2012 and employs around 50,700 people. It operates in some 100 countries with 22 plants, more than 400 prescription laboratories and edging facilities, as well as several research and development centers around the world. For more information, please visit the Essilor website. The Essilor share trades on the NYSE Euronext Paris market and is included in the Euro Stoxx50 and CAC 40 indices. Codes and symbols: ISIN: FR0000121667; Reuters: ESSI. PA; Bloomberg: EI: FP.
The 3rd Annual M-Enabling Summit to be Held June 9–10, 2014, in Washington, DC
The only global conference and showcase exclusively dedicated to accessible and assistive mobile solutions for seniors and users of all abilities, the fastest growing user group in the mobile market place.
The Summit provides an opportunity to network with over 600 high-level government and industry leaders in an environment dedicated to cutting edge technology, solutions, and the sharing of innovative ideas.
Held in cooperation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the 2014 Summit is a must attend event for anyone participating in this fast expanding market
In the spotlight at the 2014 Summit:
- Mobile and social media leap forward in accessibility
- Mobile at the center of smarthomes development
- The next generation of wearable gear
- Opportunities for users of all abilities with BYOD (bring your own device)
- Adaptive user interfaces
- Market opportunities for new services for seniors and persons with disabilities
- How leading corporations promote consumer apps for users of all abilities
