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Fundraiser Puts Participants in the Shoes of those with Vision Loss

VRCO

An event in April will raise money for an organization that assists those with visual impairments in the Ozarks.  KSMU's Michele Skalicky has more.

The Vision Rehab Center of the Ozarks is a not for profit organization that works with people of all ages who are losing their vision.

Its executive director, Wendy Jackson, said they go into the homes of families with children under age three with vision loss.  They also have low-vision optometrists and occupational therapists.

"To help them be able to do the things they've always done just in a little bit different way with the help of an aid or some lighting," she said.

The center also does research—they’re currently doing research on a brain port that gives vision to those who are blind, according to Jackson.

Proceeds from the Dining in the Dark fundraiser April 9th at 6 pm at the University Plaza will go to the center.

It will start with a cocktail hour followed by dinner in a dimly-lit ballroom.

"And the purpose of that is to give an experience of low vision, beginning to lose their vision, having a little bit of difficulty seeing," she said.

Once participants are seated, she said, they’ll eat dinner with masks on to allow them to have a glimpse of what it’s like to be blind.

Tickets are $125 and must be reserved by Friday April 1st.  Jackson says there are only a few remaining.  Find details here.

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.