The Power of Connection
On behalf of Society for the Blind and everyone we serve, I want to extend a BIG Thank You to everyone who participated in the Big Day of Giving on May 2. Our goal was to raise $27,000 for our CareersPLUS Youth Program, and your contributions helped us raise $81,287!
One of the most important tools for children and youth in CareersPLUS is the ability to access and utilize digital resources. This is in fact a critical need for all of our clients. As devices and AI continue to be developed, it is critical for everyone to have access to these tools.
May 16 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, which advocates for developers, designers and other creators to put a greater focus on digital accessibility and, in turn, digital inclusion. The two most common issues that limit access for people with vision loss on the web and mobile applications are low contrast text and missing alternative text. By improving digital accessibility, we make it possible for people with vision loss and other disabilities to independently consume and interact with digital applications and content.
Speaking of access and connections, May is also Older Americans Month. This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” focuses on the profound impact that meaningful connections have on the well-being and health of older adults. It’s not just about having someone to chat with, it’s about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical and emotional well-being. By recognizing and nurturing the role that connectedness plays, we can mitigate issues like loneliness, ultimately promoting healthy aging for more Americans.
Society for the Blind is proud to be one of five community agencies offering the PEARLS Program (Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives) in Sacramento County. Coordinated through the Agency on Aging Area 4, PEARLS assists individuals age 55 and older who are experiencing loneliness, isolation and depression. As we see our older adults engage with others and find ways to alleviate their isolation, it truly demonstrates the power of connection. If you would like to learn more about Society’s PEARLS Program, please contact Dixie Nolasco at [email protected].
Whether in person or online, the strength and encouragement from connecting with one another is powerful. Together we can make a difference and empower individuals living with low vision and blindness to discover, develop and achieve their full potential.