VISIONS is June 5, 2024, from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Downtown Library!
The 2024 VISIONS Vendor Fair features a variety of exhibitors who will demonstrate the latest products and services for the blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled. Electronic readers, magnifiers, support services for the blind, Braille devices, library services, CCTVs, leader dogs, and transportation services are just a few of the many outstanding services and products that will be on display. Presentations will also be offered on topics related to vision health, services, and assistive technology.
The VISIONS Vendor Fair is presented by the Ann Arbor District Library (which also serves as the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled) and is co-sponsored by the State of Michigan's Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, and is funded in part by the Friends of the AADL and local Lions Clubs.
Schedule of Events
Connecting with the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons
12:00 –12:45 PM • Downtown Multi-Purpose Room
The Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) believes in the capacity of people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve employment and independence. BSBP provides training and services that empower people to achieve their individual goals. If you live in Michigan and you're blind or visually impaired, the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons will work with you to define your goals and identify appropriate training and services. BSBP provides vocational skills training to aid in finding a job and training in daily living skills for State of Michigan residents living without vision. Depending upon your needs and eligibility for specific services, BSBP may also provide some types of adaptive equipment, computer software, and postsecondary education.
AI-powered Visual Assistive Technologies from the UMich Human-AI Lab
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM • Downtown Multi-Purpose Room
Researchers from the University of Michigan Human-AI Lab are working to develop new assistive technologies for blind and visually impaired people. Their goal is to make the real world and the digital world more accessible. They have released two applications on the iOS App Store: 1) VizLens to access everyday appliances, such as microwaves, washing machines, and more, that are not labeled with raised dots or Braille (vizlens.org), and 2) ImageExplorer to understand the detailed content of images (imageexplorer.org). They are also developing assistive technologies for real-world descriptions, visual information filters, image editing tools, 360° videos, and mixed reality. Join us for this presentation to learn more about the mobile applications and research projects we are working on, and how to get involved!
Technology Talk
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM • Downtown Multi-Purpose Room
Learn about the latest technology that can improve your quality of life. J.J. Meddaugh will discuss mobile phones and tablets including iPhone and Android devices, the latest in computer software, Braille displays, portable devices, smart assistants, and what's on the horizon.
Assistive Tech App Roundup
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM • Downtown Multi-Purpose Room
Join the staff of the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled to discuss some of the apps that can be found in the library's assistive technology lab, as well as some other personal favorites. We're looking forward to hearing about the apps that you use too, so feel free to come prepared to share!
VISIONS 2024 Vendors
Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority
Ann Arbor Commission on Disability Issues
Ann Arbor Host Lions Club
A.T. Guys
Braille and Talking Book Library
Bureau of Services for Blind Persons
CareYaya.org
Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston
Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Leader Dogs for the Blind
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
Non-24/Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Michigan Assistive Technology Program
Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund
Michigan Medicine: Kellogg Eye Center
Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind
OrCam
Penrickton Center for Blind Children
Pilot Dogs
Small Bizness Research and Development, LLC
University of Michigan, Human-AI Lab
Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
V.A. Ann Arbor Healthcare System