Disabled people who shy away from their privileges in fear of inconveniencing others may be free of that problem after attending an upcoming Tuesday event.

The Visually Impaired People Inc. has collaborated with the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program to bring the public an Empowerment event Aug. 5. From 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the public can visit the Dallas County Health Department at no charge to learn about the disabled community rights.

“In working with the visually impaired, I‘ve always heard people say that they don’t have rights to certain things,” VIP CEO William Bowman said. “In trying o teach visually impaired people how to advocate for themselves, I feel that you need people who advocate to give them some reassurance that they do have equal access and they do deserve the same opportunities that every one else does.”

The Dallas County Health Department is located at 100 Samuel O. Mosley Drive in Selma.

The event will open at 10 a.m. with a discussion about the Individualized Education Program, 504 plans and assistive technology with a focus on visual impairments technology.

Morning topics will be followed by a half-hour break at 11:30 a.m.

The program will conclude with a discussion held at noon about the Americans with Disabilities Act, public access and employment.

Bowman said voting is a major issue to be addressed at the Empowerment event.

“I’m trying to detour people’s thoughts about worrying about inconveniencing poll workers, because that’s what their job is,” he said.

Continuing education credits may be earned through attendance, Bowman said.

To request a ride to the event, contact West Alabama Public Transportation at 289-5789.