Washington Lions see blindness innovations

Scott Meehan (right) explains a specially programmed computer for visually-impaired users to Lion Bobby West, program chairman. With West is his faithful "seeing-eye" dog, Franklin, who is an honorary member of the Washington Lions Club.

There is no miraculous cure for blindness, but modern technology is increasingly providing the next best thing. Demonstrations of a variety of

newly developed electronic marvels, designed to aid blind and visuallyimpaired users, wowed the audience Monday evening, May 8, at the regular weekly meeting of the Washington Lions Club.

For instance, a "talking tape" which will provide precise measurements audibly was a perfect illustration for Lion Bobby West. A blind veteran of the Vietnam War, West makes frequent use of such a tape and other incredible aids as he operates his own woodworking business in Washington. He regularly produces attractive items of furniture and is well-known for his beautiful and reliable clocks.

As program chairman for the Lions Club, West arranged Monday's program. He aided Scott Meehan of Augusta, who presented the demonstrations as he explained the latest developments in help for the visually impaired.

Among other instruments shown by Meehan were:

A color identifier, which will call out the color of whatever object it reads.

A money identifier, which reports the denomination of all U.S. currency bills, including the newest variations.

A product label reader, which identifies most nationally-known consumer items. The label reader does not read special or localized labels, but it easily announced Jello, Campbell's soup, and Pam spray as they were randomly supplied from the Lions' kitchen.

The label reader also read a container of prescription drugs, giving all dosage and other information as it appeared on the container. Amazingly, it read the label flawlessly even though the round vial was simply placed upright on the instrument.

Meehan is president of the Augusta Hills Lions Club. He teaches mobility for handicapped persons and operates his own business devoted to helping persons with limited or no sight.

Also present as a visitor was Laura Sweeney of Washington, whom Meehan is helping to alleviate the effects of macular degeneration. Some time ago, the Washington Lions Club sponsored Sweeney for a summer visit to the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind near Waycross.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
The Office Cat	2
Neighborhood vandalism is out of control	1
The Office Cat	1
Drug problem growing; little is being done	1
The Office Cat	1
Family escapes death in semi hit-and-run	1
Feed a family of four for $10 a week	1