Exhibit to offer resources for disabled

Technology and information to make life easier for the disabled will be presented June 30 at an exhibit recognizing Gov. Kenny Guinn's proclamation of "Disabilities Awareness Day."

The free event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Nevada State Library & Archives on Stewart Street.

About 15 to 20 public agencies and private vendors will discuss Carson area services and products for the disabled.

"This is a good way to spread the word about what's available to the disabled," said Lin Gallagher, the exhibit's organizer.

Gallagher, of Carson City, instructs blind adults and is himself blind.

Gallagher said many disabled people don't know about community resources available for them. He hopes the exhibit will help change that.

Planned event highlights include demonstrations of computers with keyboards configured for the blind and motorized carts adapted from children's wagons.

"There will also be people talking about devices that measure blood sugar or product bar codes and report verbally," Gallagher said.

Gallagher said sheets listing area resources for the disabled will be distributed.

Public agencies scheduled to be on hand include the Nevada Children's Museum and the Gardnerville School District, which will provide information on activities for sight-impaired children.

Representatives for Guinn, Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., and Carson City Mayor Ray Masayko are expected to attend.

Gallagher and Mary Goodpasture, a fellow volunteer and Carson City resident, planned much of the exhibit.

They were assisted by Cheryl Mathwig, the Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator at the library.

Mathwig oversees the library's resources for the blind and physically handicapped.

"We provide individuals and state agencies with alternate print formats for their clients, including cassettes, closed-circuit television, and speaking books," Mathwig said.

Call Gallagher at 887-1518 for information.

IF YOU GO

What: Disabilities Awareness Day

Where: Nevada State Library and Archives

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For information: Call 887-1518