This session will include an overview of common causes of visual impairments, independent living and employment services available to blind New Yorkers, courtesy tips and techniques for interacting with patrons who are visually impaired and simple adaptation ideas to make library spaces more accessible.
 
Ann Gallagher-Sagaas is the Upstate Regional Coordinator with the NYS Commission for the Blind (NYSCB), Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and a licensed master social worker. The New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) empowers individuals of all ages who are legally blind, deaf-blind, or low-vision to lead independent, fulfilling lives through comprehensive vocational counseling, advocacy, rehabilitation training and employment services. NYSCB works closely with not-for-profit agencies for the blind throughout New York State to provide technical, educational and resource assistance to our participants. Ann has been with NYSCB for 9 years. As upstate Regional Coordinator, Ann works with the Albany, Syracuse, & Buffalo district office staff on direct service provision, policy implementation and development of programs for children, transition age youth, adults, and older adults. Previously, Ann worked as a social worker and rehabilitation services manager at the Northeastern Association for the Blind at Albany (NABA) for 20 years. Ann’s career has been devoted to working with individuals of all ages who have visual impairments and advocating for their advancement in personal and vocational pursuits. 

This session is part of our yearlong Room for Everyone series of programs supporting library accessibility. To view all the programs in this series, please view the Accessibility programs in our event calendar.

This public program is made possible by federal Library Service and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which enable the New York State Library to champion lifelong learning.