Senior Connection 2011

The 17th annual Senior Connection conference was held at the Lantana in Randolph, MA on June 15, joining hundreds of Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired support group members from across the state.

The day began with a welcome from Joseph Weisse from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), which co-sponsors the event, followed by words from Barbara Salisbury, MAB CEO. Jesse Mermell, State Director of the the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, spoke to audience members next, as did Janet LaBreck, Commissioner of MCB. Cheryl Standley of the MCB BRIDGE Program read the roll call of the 33 peer empowerment groups.

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Lucy Young, an ophthalmologist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Young spoke about age-related eye conditions macular degeneration and diabetes, and the evolution of treatment to the cutting-edge medical research in vision loss today. Dr. Young described innovative drug therapies and procedures, and methods to prevent vision loss. Preventative measures she advocated included a balanced diet, drawing on a range of nutritious foods to get necessary vitamins to nourish the eyes. “I always aim to cook healthy food for my own family,” she said.

Conference technology exhibitors included Perkins Products adaptive technology, Massachusetts Specialized Equipment Distribution Program, AdaptiVision, the Carroll Store, MagniSight New England, ABISee, and Let’s Go Technology.

In addition to sponsors MCB and the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, organization exhibitors included the Braille and Talking Book Library, the Massachusetts Reading Network, MassMatch: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Neighborhood Diabetes, VA Blind Rehabilitation and Low Vision Services, MA Falls Prevention Coalition, and Philips LifeLine.

Photos of the event:
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