The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is pleased to offer two scholarships in the amount of $500 to outstanding blind college students in the state of Michigan. Scholarship winners will be required to attend the entire state convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan, and participate in all activities sponsored by the Michigan Association of Blind Students. This convention will take place October 18-20, 2013 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. All convention expenses including transportation, hotel accommodations, and registration will be provided as part of this scholarship. All application materials must be submitted by Sept. 6, 2013, and winners will be notified by Sept. 27. If you have questions or would like an application contact Terri Wilcox at 734-663-4050 or trising@sbcglobal.net.

Saturday June 2, 2012: 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Have you ever gone to the theater and watched a movie in 3D? Ever wonder how 3D actually works in your eyes or on the screen? This fun, informative lecture reveals the science behind 3D big screen magic.

Optometrist Dr. Jon Wieringa (Bennett Optometry) and filmmaker Jacob Mendel (a recent UM graduate with a 3D technology focus) present an afternoon of 3D zaniness with the hard science to prove it. 3D glasses will be provided!

This event is co-sponsored by the Michigan Theater as part of the Cinetopia International Film Festival

Thursday April 19 2012, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Downtown Library -- Multipurpose room

Learn about the value of sports for visually impaired athletes with Hal Wolfe, a Michigan Blind Athletic Association board member. Hal will discuss competitive sports for the blind such as Beep Baseball, Track and Field, and Goalball. He will also discuss how he developed specialized software to help manage track & field meets involving visually impaired athletes. Hal is a runner, race volunteer and race professional and the founder of Running Blind, a non-profit organization that will help visually impaired runners to find necessary support from guide runners.

Amy Shepherd will offer a local perspective by discussing the impact of sports on her visually impaired son Austin. She is the President of the Michigan Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (MPVI). Her volunteer efforts include the Michigan Department of Education-Low Incidence Outreach Independent Living Skills committee, the Ann Arbor Public Schools Parent Advisory Committee to Special Education, and the Ann Arbor Disability Awareness Workshops.

Vision Screenings Come to the Downtown library on Sunday, May 22, 1 - 4 PM for vision screenings. The screenings are available at no charge for all ages: babies through adults. At 1 PM, enjoy opening remarks by Dr. John Barletta of Huron Ophthalmology. At 2 PM, co-authors Madison and Malia will read their short story, “The Blind Porcupine”. The sisters were born blind and now have sight thanks to cornea tissue donors and the efforts of the Michigan Eye-Bank. At 3 PM, meet Paws With A Cause® Assistance Dogs. The Healthy Vision Month programs above are cosponsored by the Ann Arbor Host Lions Club, Michigan Eye-Bank and University of Michigan Taubman Health Sciences Library.