Jennifer Bazer, president of the Palmetto Council of the Blind and a member of the American Council of the Blind Board of Directors, is pictured with her guide dog. Bazer advocates for technology, resources and community support to help people who are blind or have low vision live more independently. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Bazer.
This month, Upstate veterans who are blind or have low vision will have the opportunity receive Meta smart glasses, completely free of charge, courtesy of Meta’s partnership with the American Council of the Blind.
The Palmetto Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, is coordinating four distribution events across South Carolina, one of which will be taking place just down the road next week in Greer.
Jennifer Bazer is president of the Palmetto Council of the Blind and a member of the American Council of the Blind Board of Directors. She herself is blind and uses Meta smart glasses regularly, giving her a personal understanding of how this technology can provide greater access to information and independence.
“These glasses are more than a piece of technology,” says Bazer. “They can help someone who is blind or has low vision access information, identify items, and better understand what is around them.”
Bazer is quick to note that smart glasses are not a replacement for tools like a cane, a guide dog, or other blindness skills. However, they are a tool that can provide unique value, filling gaps that might otherwise require support from another person — things like reading the mail, coordinating colors, or identifying small tools.
“I watched a video recently of a woman in her 80s whose family had gotten her a pair of these glasses…being able to just pick up something and read it, she was visibly crying because it was so special to her,” says Bazer. “It’s huge.”
Greer’s distribution event will take place on Tuesday, October 20 from 10am to 2pm at Fairview Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. In order to qualify, recipients must be a U.S. military veteran, self-attest that they are blind or have low vision, provide proof of military service or veteran status, have a compatible smartphone capable of operating the Meta AI app, and attend the event in person.
Veterans should bring a DD214, VA ID, military ID, or other official proof of military service, in addition to a fully charged compatible smartphone they plan to use with their glasses. Veterans will also need to know their Apple Account or Google Account login information, and are encouraged to download the Meta AI app before attending.
Volunteers and technology specialists will be available at the event to help recipients pair the glasses with their smartphones, complete the setup process, and begin learning how to use them, so veterans can rest assured that they’ll feel confident using their new Meta smart glasses in daily life.
“Our goal is not simply to hand someone a pair of glasses,” says Bazer. “We want each veteran to leave with the glasses connected to their phone, properly set up and ready to begin using. Veterans have given so much through their service. This is one way we can help connect them with technology that may make everyday tasks more accessible.”
And while this event is specifically for military veterans, Bazer emphasizes that the Palmetto Council of the Blind is committed to providing resources and support for anyone experiencing blindness or vision impairment.
“No one should feel that they have to navigate vision loss alone. Technology is important, but having a community that understands, shares resources and offers encouragement is just as valuable,” says Bazer. “Oftentimes, people get this diagnosis, and they have all this grief, they feel isolated, they feel like they’re the only one. They need connection, and community, and resources.”
The Palmetto Council of the Blind offers education, advocacy, peer mentorship, and more. “I’m so passionate about everything we do to provide resources for independence for people who are blind or losing their vision,” says Bazer. “We have a whole community of people who are blind and understand navigating blindness. We have others that have walked this journey.”
Additionally, Palmetto Council of the Blind membership is not limited to people who are blind. Sighted family members, spouses, friends, professionals, volunteers and anyone who supports the organization’s mission are welcome to become involved.
Upstate veterans interested in attending the upcoming Meta smart glasses event can register at https://www.acb.org/glasses-blinded-veterans. Advanced registration is strongly encouraged, as attendees who register are guaranteed to receive a pair of glasses, but walk-in attendance is also welcomed on a first come, first served basis.
To connect with the Palmetto Council of the Blind, visit https://scblind.org or call 803-960-9977.
