Celebrating 30 Years of Independent Living

Last week, the Iowa Department for the Blind's Independent Living program launched its 30th anniversary celebration with a party in Wapello. Other celebrations are planned in August, September and October throughout Iowa to celebrate this milestone.

 
The Wapello event brought together about 25 blind and visually impaired Iowans from the southeast corner of the state who reminisced and shared stories about their time in senior orientation weeks at the Department and how they have adjusted to their vision loss.
 
"I don't think I can say enough about the Iowa Department for the Blind," Shirley Mishler, who went through senior orientation in 2008, told the group. "I am working with Braille, I do all my own housekeeping. I just keep plugging along. Life is wonderful."
 
See photos from the event here.
 
Since 1980, the Independent Living program has sought to teach older adults and those with multiple disabilities simple ways to do things following significant vision loss. Rehabilitation teachers have traveled throughout the state to serve people in their own homes, teaching them non-visual ways to thread a needle, do the cooking and shopping, paying bills, staying updated on the news and much, much more. The goal has always been to increase a person's confidence and keep them living independently and in their own homes. 
 
Find the complete listing of events here.
 
Learn more about the Independent Living Program.
 
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