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Vision Impairment: What do event planners need to know?

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Aug 18, 2023

I’m planning an event. It’s a relatively small affair with 20 people, but at least one potential participant has reduced vision. I want him to be and feel included and to be able to participate fully. I bet many event organizers – from professional event planners to amateurs like myself – would like to know what they can do to make sure their event is successful for people with reduced vision, vision impairment or vision loss (and everyone). For example, when families plan weddings, birthday celebrations, family reunions, do they think about family members who may have reduced vision?

Here are some of my initial questions:
1. Many such events are held in hotel conference rooms or church halls. What should I ask the venue about?
2. What technology do I need to supply?
3. What adaptations or technology might the person with vision impairment have? What should I ask them?
4. What non-tech things can I and the other participants do to include the person with impaired vision? For example, how do I ensure they can participate in group discussions comfortably?
5. What do I need to know and haven’t thought to ask?
6. Are there any resources or websites out there that can help me?

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Valerie | @lacy2 | Aug 18, 2023

How nice of you to be cognizant of the needs of others and although I have never planned a large event even a small one I have not thought about this. As an aside, my having an eye disease and also get migraine auras - and I don't think this may be included - but "flashing lights" and sometimes bright candles in a darker room bother my eyes. Am interested in reading some responses and maybe they will lead to other guests' /invitees' health issues like hearing etc. Hope you get some helpful feedback.

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Mentor
Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor | @dsh33782 | Aug 18, 2023
In reply to @lacy2 "How nice of you to be cognizant of the needs of others and although I have..." + (show)
@lacy2

How nice of you to be cognizant of the needs of others and although I have never planned a large event even a small one I have not thought about this. As an aside, my having an eye disease and also get migraine auras - and I don't think this may be included - but "flashing lights" and sometimes bright candles in a darker room bother my eyes. Am interested in reading some responses and maybe they will lead to other guests' /invitees' health issues like hearing etc. Hope you get some helpful feedback.

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I have low vision due to fighting glaucoma for over 30 years. I now have no central vision in left eye, and only the lower half of field in the right eye. Meetings are often a challenge for me. The biggest problem is glare that reduces my vision to the point where I can't recognize people across a table or see their facial expressions which reduces effective communication. Dim light from overhead florescent lights and from open windows creat worse glare. Bright light is the best cure.
When lights are turned down to show slides etc., often the screen is too small for me to see clearly. One idea is to offer access to slides on personal computers or phones for those that can't see screen well. My Rotary Club of Pinellas Park offers zoom access to club meetings and I can see that better than when attending live meeting.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Don Higgins, Volunteer Mentor | @dsh33782 | Aug 18, 2023
In reply to @dsh33782 "I have low vision due to fighting glaucoma for over 30 years. I now have no..." + (show)
@dsh33782

I have low vision due to fighting glaucoma for over 30 years. I now have no central vision in left eye, and only the lower half of field in the right eye. Meetings are often a challenge for me. The biggest problem is glare that reduces my vision to the point where I can't recognize people across a table or see their facial expressions which reduces effective communication. Dim light from overhead florescent lights and from open windows creat worse glare. Bright light is the best cure.
When lights are turned down to show slides etc., often the screen is too small for me to see clearly. One idea is to offer access to slides on personal computers or phones for those that can't see screen well. My Rotary Club of Pinellas Park offers zoom access to club meetings and I can see that better than when attending live meeting.

Jump to this post

Here is a useful reference on "Low Vision" from the Cleveland Clinic:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8585-low-vision

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