Guests: Karen Perzentka, businesswoman, community leader
Jean Kalscheur, Vision Rehabilitation Teacher
Marshall Flax, Director of Rehabilitation Services
Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Being blind or visually impaired does not diminish the opportunity to have a full life. Blind from birth, Karen Perzentka gives us a glimpse into how she has embraced her world. Married and the mother of two, Karen has been active as a volunteer in multiple community and school organizations including serving as a Cub Scout leader for two years and Girl Scout leader for six. Currently, she owns a braille transcription business and is president of her P.E.O. Chapter and president-elect of the Attic Angel Association. She bowls, cheers on the Badgers, and encourages people who want to be of assistance to just ask, "May I be of help?"
Jean Kalscheur works with people to find alternate ways and adaptive products to accomplish everyday activities that make the visually impaired more confident, independent and safe. Keeping people connected to the latest methods of communication is critical in today's high-tech world. On this program she describes the new and free, computer training classes for the visually impaired, "Keeping Seniors Connected," a six-week course that begins March 5th at the Madison Senior Center. To register, call 237-8106 or email jkalscheur@wcblind.org.
Marshall Flax, Director of Rehabilitation Services, offers suggestions on what families and friends can do to increase the independence of someone who is visually impaired. From marking appliances to check writing, there are powerful tools available to erase limitations in the areas of communications, financial management, cooking, and recreation. All of these and more information on the aging eye are included in the free booklet, "Sight Through the Ages," - available from the Council.
For more information on important resources for the blind and visually impaired, call 608-255-1166 or 1-800-783-5213.
Website: www.wcblind.org
