The Bozeman Chapter:

Low Vision Center: Ken (406) 551-4920
Bozeman Chapter: Todd (406) 600-7548
Book Club: Lori (828) 421-4838
Crafts: Christi: (406) 586-6370
Zoom info: If you can't make a meeting in person, but can use a phone, please call Todd in advance; he'll help you connect.

Events

May 16, 23, 30 Low Vision Center drop-in

May 16, 23, 30 Social Connection Hour

May 14 chapter meeting Bozeman Senior Center, -UPSTAIRS

Chapter meeting on Tues. May 14, 1 - 3pm will be UPSTAIRS at Bozeman Senior Center. We'll count ballots for our chapter election. We'll enjoy tea, and perhaps crumpets! Christi will teach us to make boxes to be used in a workshop at convention.

May 18 Medical Eye Specialists open house

Sat. May 18: Medical Eye Specialists' Open House, 9:30am – 12:30pm, at their beautiful new office, 3820 N. 27th Ave. (north of Costco). We'll have an information table: would you like to help for an hour? Please contact us (406) 551-4920.

May 20 Book Club, BELGRADE library

Sept. 20-22 MAB convention in Bozeman

Come down to the low Vision Center and see what kinds of technology are available for the blind/visually impaired. We also have many different resources to provide to establish supports for you or your family.

We also will have several used equipment for sale, such as: CCTV's, lighting options, hand held magnifiers, and other items that might fit your vision needs.

Low Vision Center: 220 West Lamme, basement Ste. B9-2. Open every Thursday 10AM – 3PM; please drop in! or call for appointment (406) 551-4920.

Connection Hour 11:00 AM every Thursday. Informative topics! How to connect (phone or computer): contact Todd ahead of time (406) 600-7548.

Book club May 20, 1-3pm: Book club will meet in person at the BELGRADE library. Book: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte'. We will reevaluate after May. You are welcome to bring your own crafts or questions about how to adapt crafting.

Summer Orientation Program, MAB's course to learn adaptations to visual impairment, is offered at no cost. Applications available on the MAB website: www.mabsop.org/sop.html or phone the MAB office (406) 442-9411.

Sept. 20-22 MAB convention in Bozeman! Info on website mabsop.org or call Todd.
Be encouraged by people of all ages who are navigating visual impairment.
Saturday topics at the convention:
Lunch Keynote: First Step To Thriving: Set Extraordinary Expectations (SEE)
Session 1: Tripping Into the Light: A Blind Man's Journey of Acceptance
Session 2: Thriving Blind Beginnings: A Parent's Perspective on Raising Successful Blind Children
Dinner Keynote: The THRIVER Formula: Employ It to MaximEYES Your Success

Keynote speakers/presenters

Kristin Smedley

Kristin Smedley is Co-Founder and CEO of the only patient organization in the world for people living with the blindness her two sons are affected by, CRB1 LCA/RP. The Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation has raised over 4 million dollars and achieved a National Rare Eye Disease Awareness Day. That legislation, H.R. #625, was the first in US history to be submitted in Braille and it advocates for better resources for blind and visually impaired Americans.

Kristin partnered with Spark Therapeutics to help achieve the first ever FDA approved gene therapy to treat an inherited retinal disease in the United States. She has done a TEDx Talk in New York City to change perceptions of blindness and she partnered with Comcast media to spread awareness of the inclusive X1 product.

Kristin is author of the bestselling book Thriving Blind: Stories of Real People Succeeding Without Sight and a new children's book, What I Can Be Is Up To Me.

Kristin co-founded ThrivingBlindAcademy.org to solve the employment, literacy, and financial crisis in the blind community. She is Co-Creator of the short film, The Great Equalizer, that addresses the unemployment crisis of the blind, and Executive Producer of the upcoming feature film “Curve Ball” to change perceptions of disability.

Charlie Collins:

Charlie Collins is the author of Tripping Into the Light. A well-regarded leader and expert in the blindness community, Charlie was featured in two of Jack Canfield's The Success Principles books.

Charlie is the Founder and CEO of both Vision Dynamics and CCI (Charlie Collins International). As a legally blind business owner and influencer in the field, Charlie has been instrumental in the development and marketing of life-changing products that are improving the lives of millions.

Charlie's successful journey through blindness, depression and addiction have made him a highly sought after motivational speaker and Certified Professional Success Coach. He inspires people to live with clear vision.

Charlie recently co-founded Thriving Blind Academy to solve the unemployment, literacy, and financial crisis in the blind community. He inspires and empowers the blind and visually impaired to transform their lives.

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