Verizon Awards $1.5 Million Grant to Expand American Foundation for the Blind's Web Site for Seniors With Age-Related V...( Legendary Actor James Earl Jones Joi...),Health

Legendary Actor James Earl Jones Joins Local Seniors for 'AFB Senior Site'

Demonstration at the University of South Florida

TAMPA BAY, Fla., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Verizon Foundation today announced a $1.5 million grant to the American Foundation for the Blind to fund and expand an AFB Web site designed to help aging adults with low vision continue to lead more independent and comfortable lives.

The AFB Senior Site, http://www.afb.org/seniorsite, gives families, caregivers and people directly affected by vision loss tips and support needed to cope with age-related eye disease.

Among the valuable tools available for free on the AFB Senior Site are:

-- Tips on simple changes for the home that make it easier for someone

with low vision to navigate, such as using contrasting colors on light

switch plates, or using different textures on different surfaces.

-- A nationwide database of services for seniors with low vision, such as

where to find large print or audio books, where to receive computer

training, and comprehensive listings of counseling centers.

-- A glossary of terms for age-related vision loss and descriptions of

various conditions such as macular degeneration or glaucoma.

The Verizon Foundation grant was announced at a Senior Site demonstration at the University of South Florida for approximately 100 senior citizens from the Tampa area.

In addition to learning about the site, those in attendance also participated in a question-and-answer session with legendary actor and Verizon Brand Ambassador James Earl Jones, who shared stories of his career, such as playing the role of a blind former baseball player in the movie "The Sandlot."

"At Verizon, using technology to increase accessibility and educational opportunities for all is a priority," said Verizon Foundation President
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