The Vision Rehabilitation and Technology Expo (VRATE) was held on Friday at the Ability 360 Sports & Fitness Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The event aimed to empower visually impaired individuals by providing them with resources and technology to enhance their daily lives.

Emilly Price, a visually impaired attendee who battled stage four brain cancer from 2019 to 2020, expressed her relief at having all the necessary resources conveniently available in one place. Price, who lost vision in her good eye after tumor removal, highlighted the significance of artificial intelligence-assisted technology in compensating for her lack of peripheral vision. She emphasized that having a disability does not hinder one’s ability to achieve success, but rather requires adapting to different approaches.

The expo featured various speakers who discussed topics such as self-advocacy, social security disability benefits, education, and employment attainment. Notably, best-selling novelist Barbara Hinski was among the speakers, sharing her insights and experiences.

Megan Duwyenie, the chair of volunteers for the expo, shared her personal connection to the event. As a child, Duwyenie faced challenges in finding resources for her visual impairment. However, with assistance from the Lion’s Club, she obtained the necessary technology to read her school books. Duwyenie expressed her hope that the conference would inspire attendees to approach employment opportunities with a positive mindset and embrace the tools available to them.