The Selma Times-Journal

Having a disability doesn’t have to mean one doesn’t have options. And having limited sight doesn’t have to mean limited access to the world. There is hope and there are options.

Visually Impaired People (V.I.P. Organization, Inc.), the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County, and WAKA CBS are co-sponsoring a low vision conference, Thursday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m., in the Community Room at the YMCA, located at 1 YMCA Drive. The conference, for the visually impaired and their caregivers, is free and open to the public.

Nine motivational speakers are slated for the event, some of which are:

&Dr. Christopher Mutai, O.D. &045;

Wyatt-Kirkpatrick Eye MD Associates

& Lisa Forte &045;Low Vision Clinic Eye Foundation in Birmingham

& Lonnie Williams, staff attorney for Alabama Disability Advocacy Program, UAB School of Law

Angela Green, anchor person for WAKA, will co-emcee the event.

The speakers will provide information on eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy and the importance of eye screening.

Bowman, a VIP himself, said he is passionate about these types of events because people with limited vision need to know there are services available that can aid them in having better lives.

Vendors will also be present at the event, displaying magnifiers and computer aids.

Door prizes will also be given away. Another added advantage of attending the event will be a meal discount. Golden Ranch Bar-B-Q & Grill has agreed to give discounts to any patron who brings their program from the event to the restaurant on the day of the conference.