Association for the Blind equips local libraries with new screen magnification software
Founded in 1979, the goal of the Allegany County Association for the Blind is to assist the visually impaired to maintain their independence.
The agency achieves that goal by providing assistance and services such as:
• Referrals
• Aids and appliances
• Financial assistance
• Amblyopia screening
• Assistance in applying for the “free” NYS/Federal talking book program
• Monthly Low Vision Clinics
The office located at 18 Jefferson Street in Wellsville is a place where anyone can try out the latest in screen magnifiers or other aids and appliances that make activities of daily living easier and more enjoyable for the visually impaired. There is even a gift shop called the “Bright Spot” where helpful items can be purchased.
The monthly low vision clinics with Dr. John Rundquist from the Western New York Center for the Visually Impaired enable clients to receive funding from the NYS Commission for the Visually Impaired without having to drive to Dr. Rundquist’s office in West Seneca or the Olmstead Center in Buffalo. Even if you are not “legally” blind, Dr. Rundquist can still help with low vision needs by suggesting the newest treatments or aids and appliances to help you continue to live as independently as possible!
New this summer is the presentation of MAGic® software to 15 Libraries in Allegany County. Made possible by United Way funding, grants from the Allegany County Area Foundation, Alfred-Alfred Station Community Chest, donations and bequests, MAGic® is screen magnification/ reader software that enables computer users who need low vision aids due to macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, or other causes of low vision to easily use the Web and other software applications, MAGic® screen magnification software not only increases the size of what is seen on a monitor, but can also speak aloud screen contents.
For more information about MAGic® or the schedule for the Low Vision Clinics or any visual problem call us at 585-593-2023 or stop by 18 Jefferson St., Wellsville Tuesday-Friday from 9am-1pm. You can also email us at blind4@verizon.net.
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Thank you again United Way!