NFB-NEWSLINE® TEXAS Silver Bells Senior Training

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Too many people over the age of 50 who lose their vision feel like their lives are over, but it doesn't have to be. You can live the life you want, blindness is not what holds you back.

If you're over the age of 50, we invite you to join us for a weekend of learning about low-tech, high-tech, and no-tech solutions to everyday tasks.

We'll cover topics ranging from:

▪ Reading your favorite books, newspapers and magazines to sending a text message or an email.

▪ Shopping to exploring your neighborhood.

▪ Cutting an apple to serving coffee to guests and yourself.

Our sponsors, NFB-NEWSLINE® TEXAS and the National Federation of the Blind of Texas, invite you to meet new friends who have conquered their vision loss to truly live the lives they want.

Presentation Highlights

Plan to arrive on Thursday by 4:00 p.m. to register and mingle with participants and instructors. After dinner and introductions, we'll move into a fun, social evening. We'll start up early Friday morning with breakfast as well as information about programs and services to benefit blind Texans. On Friday and Saturday, you’ll take part in interactive demonstrations and activities to learn practical daily living skills…none of which require any sight. After dinner on Saturday, we'll celebrate our accomplishments together and have time for Q&A. Before you go on Sunday morning, we'll offer a continental breakfast.

Here are some of the sessions that you can expect throughout the weekend.

● Getting Started with NFB-NEWSLINE®

Learn all you need to know to get started reading the newspaper again with our innovative, accessible information system. Whether you use a touch-tone telephone, the web, a smartphone, or even a refreshable braille display, you can access hundreds of current newspapers, magazines, TV listings, job openings, and publications anytime you like 24/7.

● Navigating your Smart Phone Without Even Looking

You asked for it and we’ve delivered! Learn about using VoiceOver and TalkBack on iPhone and Android devices. We will introduce you to touch screen gestures, using digital assistants to complete tasks, and ways you can practice at home to improve your skills.

● Low Tech Solutions for Everyday Life

Not all of life's problems need to be solved with technology. The simple techniques that you'll learn will show you how to safely complete daily tasks without vision, including: Labeling items in your kitchen, organizing your paperwork, serving yourself hot beverages and food, as well as slicing and dicing your next meal!

Register now!

Spots are limited, so please register as soon as possible. Registration closes July 19, 2024. Fill out the online application or call our office to register over the phone.

For more information about the program, contact Liz Wisecarver, NFB-NEWSLINE® Texas Coordinator at (281)-968-7634 or lwisecarver@nfbtx.org.

Hotel Information

Participants will stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dallas Downtown (1015 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75202). Please do not call the hotel to make room reservations; instead, register for our program online or by telephone at (281)-968-7733. We will provide the hotel with a list of rooms and supply attendees with the necessary confirmation.

Financial Assistance

We don't want finances to keep you from joining us for the weekend. The Silver Bells Senior Training Program will pay all meal and hotel expenses for program participants. However, we suggest requesting transportation assistance from the Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) program if you are a recipient of their services. Speak to your counselor and let them know that we are available to discuss this possibility if needed. They can reach out to us for additional information regarding this program at (281)-968-7733. If you are not a customer of the OIB program and cannot afford your own transportation costs, please ask about transportation scholarships.