In a fortuitous convergence of art and science,
Hancher Auditorium and the UI Center for Macular
Degeneration (CMD) have collaborated to provide cutting-edge
visual enhancement technology, free of charge, to
audience members at Hancher events.
The centerpiece of the new service is JORDY, a head-mounted
video-magnification device manufactured by Enhanced
Vision Systems, based on technology developed by
NASA. Spectacle-mounted and hand-held binoculars,
superior to traditional “opera glasses,” also
are available through this new collaboration.
The two new JORDY units at Hancher weigh only eight
ounces and provide color images that can be zoomed
to 30X magnification with a hand-held control.
In addition to donating the devices, the CMD also
will provide advance Hancher playbill copy on its
web site (www.c4md.org) available in formats that
are more readable for people with macular degeneration
and other low-vision conditions, including large-format
type and white-on-black options.
The CMD, in University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics,
is dedicated to research and treatment of macular
degeneration—the most common cause of blindness
in the United States—as well as glaucoma, retinitis
pigmentosa, and related degenerative eye diseases.
Ophthalmology faculty members Edwin Stone and Mark
Wilkinson worked with Hancher’s executive director,
Charles Swanson, to bring the technology to Hancher.
Stone is director of the CMD, and Wilkinson is director
of the CMD Low Vision Rehabilitation Service, which
connects patients with assistive technologies, including
JORDY.
Wilkinson feels confident the new devices will make
a night at Hancher much more enjoyable for audience
members with vision problems.
“One of the most common concerns expressed
by people who’ve experienced a loss of vision
is the inability to see detail, both when reading
and when attempting to see objects in the distance,
such as faces,” Wilkinson explains. “Additional
devices will be acquired, as needed, to allow every
individual with a visual impairment attending a performance
at Hancher the ability to enjoy the performances
even more, by enhancing their vision to its fullest
potential.”
Audience members who wish to make use of Hancher’s
new visual-enhancement equipment should reserve a
unit by calling (33)5-1158 as far in advance as possible.
Any units not reserved will be available at the west
coat-check, in the main-floor lobby, the evening
of each performance on a first-come, first-served
basis.
Hancher’s box office is open 10 a.m.-5:30
p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. From
the local calling area, dial (33)5-1160. Long distance
is toll free, 1-800-HANCHER. Tickets also may be
ordered online at www.hancher.uiowa.edu.
by Winston Barclay
|
