[nabs-l] presentation about blindness/ vision impairment

[Ashley Bramlett]

Hi all,
I landed an internship  in the IT section 508 department 
of customs and borders.

I am presenting about visual impairments. The goals of the presentation are: 1. to give an overview of what vision impairment/low vision/blindness is. 2. To explain how a vision impaired person functions in life including braille and O&M. 3. Overview assistive technology; benefits and limitations. 4. tips for assisting a vi/blind person.

Can you point me to resources preferabily online which simulate low vision. For instance central field loss or peripheral field loss. Also, where can I find facts about vision impairment including how many might be visually impaired, the leading causes, and who is most likely to become vision impaired.

I’ve already checked some major websites such as American Foundation for the blind, Foundation Fighting Blindness, The American Optemetric association, and www.lowvisionsolutions.com.
I have some info already, but felt that I might have some more specifics.
Is there a site where you can type something short in braille and it shows you what it would look like? I am pretty sure such a thing exists.

Also, what do you suggest for the tips on interaction?
So far I have these things:
1. Give verbal directions when asked.
2. Speak in a normal tone and volume
3. Identify yourself when you come in to a room or start talking unless they know you well.
4. Ask if they need assistance and how; they may wish to take your arm called sighted guide.

Thanks for any ideas.
Ashley