The Helen Gromann Hall was humming last week with the voices of nearly 50 students gathered to share past and current stories of their experiences as vision rehabilitation students at NJ Foundation for the Blind.  Many students who entered the NJFFB program years ago in their early stage of adjustment to vision loss were happy to reunite with students they had not seen in years.  Most have achieved a high level of independence including working in business, volunteering, helping others with similar challenges, and pursuing fulfilling hobbies.  Diane, a current participant in the Health & Wellness and Art program is now taking her fondness for art into the realm of photography.  She shared with old friends and NJFFB staff the family photographs she recently took.  “Trying photography is another way the Foundation has opened up my world,” she stated with a pleased grin.  

Tara, a 2008 graduate of NJ Foundation for the Blind, exemplifies the miracles that can result when highly motivated individuals have access to programs and resources that help them adjust to vision loss.  For years, Tara has dealt with her disabilities and overcome countless obstacles.  She is now an immensely successful college student and eternal optimist.   And at 31, she’s only just begun.  Read more about Tara in this article generously provided by Bookshare, a non-profit online digital library.

NJFFB Health and Wellness classes will start in mid-January in Denville, Montclair and Ridgewood.  The program consists of 13 days of classes in Yoga, T’ai Chi Chih, Horticultural Therapy, Drumming and Support Group. Wellness activities are widely accepted by the medical community as effective healing arts which can reduce stress while building coordination, balance, flexibility and feelings of well-being.  If you are interested in attending this unique program and have access to private transportation, you can register through January 9^th by calling 973-627-0055, Ext. 312.   For our complete press release, click here.