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GETTING A CLOSER LOOK - A participant in the recent workshop entitled entitled "Through Other Eyes," attempts to read a poster in the Bowmanville Mall. By wearing devices to simulate physical limitations limitations such as reduced vision vision or a lack of mobility, participants in last week's workshop gained a better understanding of the challenges challenges faced by disabled persons in everyday life. The workshop was sponsored sponsored by the Bowmanville Lions Club. ... The Independent, Canadian Statesman Weekender, Bowmanville, Saturday, January 29,1994 15 Volunteers See the World "Through Other Eves" Seminar Teaches Public How Disabled Cope with Daily Life by Lorraine Manfredo trate so hard on simple tasks, such ing their independence. For those c il, -, as climbing a flight of stairs, and waiting in line behind such folks, several local residents were partly out of a fear of approaching Ms Stark says patience is the key. turned into instant seniors" last SM ngers. "What's another 10 seconds' wait?" Monday in an effort to understand Sally Barrie, of Community she asks, ow it teels to be old. Care, confirmed this, noting that Kay Tobias, a cashier with Shop- i Sroup of subjects m- w hen she became discouraged try- per's Drug Mart, says she finds a lot eluded medical caregivers, retaders, t° find the international mailing of elderly people prefer to find a banker, health care workers and rates a j the Post Office, she simply things on their own, even if it takes counsellors. They were all partiel- lefL more time. Howevei, sometimes the pâting in a two-hour seminar enti- "i finally gave up and moved on. older customers need help, reaching Üed, Through Other Eyes, which xh e clerks were busy and I was em- things on high shelves. ls ™ n b? ^ Ministry of Citizen- barrassed to ask for help. Then I Other complaints voiced by the ship. The event was held at the started to get concerned about hold- workshop participants were the ? WaS h0Sted "8 U P toe people waiting behind number of unpacked boxes blocking j**» b^^famed " »e Stark said this is one ma- SSÏSatS^u^ 1 " 8 |zst,K3,e^ r &r&E re winâs hu™»^in h M f °„ Und m the elderly handicaps do not always receive un- signers, retailers, urban planners and ■ ,K • s0 >icited help. caregivers lessons to incorporate in Of ïrSlS-r the prune "The onus is left on you to be a their personal and professional lives. paired Sn teariie ÊrrnuSê Ü 1 ?® more ag 2 ressive " ækin g to The program was originally con- Sness ànd SSe'ZS yet ' many « rel " Ctant 10 *> ^ed by the Baycrest Genatic ZnlcerrandfZcsald abllltytodo She told the story of one woman adopted by New $ Zealand and Aus- - P You don't have™! 65 to have "Stf iS 1 S"* h n , h aUMshappen ro you " she said. SiShSariT "" EylLZmfs roeuZZe soct- squeeze into inflatedI fluorescent wa- do „S y Sgï to d'o S EuSors afdTL d^bS who and'blackedîùt shimming Ses! °" ** own forlhe of present- wish to remain independent. To top off the transformation, they added plastic gloves, foam earplugs and canes. These devices are used to simulate simulate declines in vision, hearing, strength, agility and manual dexten- ty. The oddly-dressed group then ventured into the mall to complete a 17-step shopping assignment With their bizarre outfits, they received a good number of curious stares from shoppers. Weighted-down as they were and with much of their sensory ability restricted, participants experienced first-hand the difficulties disabled adults have navigating through crowded aisles, finding a favorite brand in a sea of merchandise, and reading complicated instructions in small, low-contrast print One of the tasks assigned to the pseudo-seniors was to pick 78 cents out of a jumble of coins. It was hard to identify each coin's value and harder to grab it. Trying to find the departure dates for a Jamaica vacation at a travel agent's bulletin board took several minutes. Looking up a name in the phone book was a physical strain when trying trying to balance the directory, with its short cord, on a small ledge. Finding the prices for a list of items was extremely time- consuming and often fruitless. Once the 17 tasks were completed, completed, the exhausted group reassembled reassembled to discuss the difficulties they had each encountered. The general consensus they reached was that the loss of sight was the worst impairment That, combined with the hearing loss, left many feeling separated from their surroundings. "You certainly got a feeling of being isolated," observed Dennis Beere, Manager of the Toronto Dominion Dominion Bank in Bowmanville. Everyone seemed to agree. Katita Stark said the sense of isolation isolation stems from having to concen- The War Amps The Management and Staff of Graham's IGA would like to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Bowmanville and area who have been doing their grocery shopping at the Bowmanville IGA. We realize that some of you visited us for the first time during the holiday season and we sincerely hope you will continue to do so. All of us, at Graham's IGA, take pride in our reputation for prompt, courteous service, and with providing our customers with a carry-out service to the vehicle.. We invite you to come in and give us an opportunity of serving you and your family with your shopping requirements. You can rest assured you will be satisfied with our products, selection and prompt service. Sincerely, Ross and Isabel Graham's */fi King Street East, Bowmanville Graham