BY BETH PINYERD

FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY —

Vision Awareness Week, held from Oct. 17 through 21 and sponsored by the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, was an outreach to the legally blind and low-vision residents in our community. Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind at Auburn Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB); Shiquita Fulton, vision therapist for Alabama Rehabilitative Service; and staffs at both agencies coordinated the vision awareness events. The events included:

• Monday, Oct. 17 — Chick-Fil-A sponsored a brunch.

• Tuesday, Oct. 18 —  a Sensory Walk at Dinius Park was held.

• Wednesday, Oct. 19 — The Lee County Low Vision Support Group met at AIDB for its monthly meeting. Leisa Askew, Alabama Cares coordinator of Lee-Russell Council of Governments, spoke of the many services provided by the Agency on Aging.

Askew also addressed questions posed by the Low Vision Support Group and guided them to resources. Julia Hanna, a member of the Lee County Low Vision Support Group, spoke of new and different coping skills offered by Alabama Rehabilitative Services and AIDB. The Delta Gamma sorority at Auburn University provided AIDB with hands-on support by helping blind and low-vision citizens during the meeting and also assisted the bingo game played during the meeting.

• Thursday, Oct. 20 —  an Independent Living Workshop was sponsored by AIDB.

• Friday, Oct. 21 —  Delta Gamma of Auburn University set up and provided a Trunk or Treat for the community.