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Vision Rehabilitation and Technology Expo
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November 17, 2005 - Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be legally blind? If so, Dan Martinez can help. The Phoenix resident has created an obstacle course that gives people with normal vision a taste of what life is like for the visually impaired.
"We had folks that were blind that said they wanted their friends, relatives and significant others to understand what they were going through," said Martinez, community and public relations manager for Arizona Industries for the Blind.
By wearing either a blindfold or goggles that simulate low vision and using a long cane, people must use small- and large-motor skills as well as spatial-relationship skills in order to maneuver through the 15-foot-long course.
On Friday, both Martinez and his Blindfold Obstacle Course will be part of the ninth-annual Vision Rehabilitation and Technology Expo at Phoenix Civic Plaza.
The expo, which is free to the public, will feature more than 40 exhibitors who will demonstrate the latest equipment and technology that can help the visually impaired. In addition, vision specialists, including Dr. J. Shepard Bryan of Associated Retina Consultants, will lecture on topics such as vitreoretinal diseases, and advocacy organizations will provide information about support services and community resources.
Martinez, who has been legally blind since birth due to macular degeneration, estimates that about 100 people have tried his obstacle course during the four or so years he has been part of VRATE.
He explained how the obstacle course works:
"They approach a gate -- we made the gate, and it has some unusual features to it. It requires small-motor skills to open it. The individual usually says, 'How do I open it?' They open it and walk through, and we ask them to close the gate behind them. It can be real challenge. Then, using the cane, they find a door. They maneuver through the door, and go to some chairs, where there are some samples of Braille. Then we have them go up two steps."
Martinez said although it is two steps high, some get dizzy.
"It enhances their fear even though there's no danger," he said.
Martinez said most people find that completing the course is a lot harder than they initially thought.
"It's very simple, but it becomes difficult when you don't have those visual cues to help," he said. "Some have good senses of direction, and some lose it when they're blindfolded. Some even lose their sense of left and right."
Rich Kenney, publicity chairman and member of the VRATE board of directors, said that both visually impaired and sighted people would benefit from attending the event.
Like Martinez, Kenney has enjoyed watching people make their way through the obstacle course.
"The obstacle course is a challenging one, and people quickly learn how difficult it is to maneuver about blindfolded," Kenney said. "I think they learn to appreciate their own sight that much more."
Also on exhibit will be Braille money markers, audible battery testers, tactile measuring tapes marked in Braille and push-button padlocks.
Vision Rehabilitation and Technology Expo
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
Where: Phoenix Civic Plaza, 111 N. Third St., Exhibit Hall A.
Cost: Free.
Info: Call Rich Kenney at (602) 331-1470 or visit www.vrate.org.
This story also appeared in Phoenix Community sections.
CAPTION: Dan Martinez with the Arizona Industries for the Blind wears goggles that simulate macular degeneration (left) and total blindness.
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Record Number: pho122243947