A Community Comes Together at the Vision Health Fair
On June 3, Executive Director Renée LaBonté represented the Center at the New Britian Eye Health Fair. Guests were greeted by a calm and inviting “Evergreen” ambiance inside the venue, thanks to the generous contributions of EverCare of Connecticut Home Care. From the start, the atmosphere encouraged exploration, conversation, and reflection.
A standout moment of the day was the address by Kristen Dockendorff, a distinguished blind artist and the event’s Honorary Speaker. Her personal story and striking artwork left a lasting impression on attendees, highlighting the power of creativity and resilience in the face of vision loss.
Throughout the fair, guests engaged with more than 15 vendors and speakers, including the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, the Connecticut National Federation of the Blind, and Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation puppy raisers. Whether attendees were seeking information on eye health, adaptive tools, or local services, there was something meaningful for everyone—along with thoughtful giveaways and opportunities to connect with others navigating similar challenges.
The event was a collaborative effort, organized by UR Community Cares in partnership with the New Britain Housing Authority and New Britain Recreation and Community Services, with support from the Connecticut Tech Act Project.
In addition to the indoor experience, the event also introduced an exciting new initiative: a partnership with RiseUp for Arts to transform the surrounding outdoor area into a year-round community gathering space. It’s a vision that reflects the heart of the fair itself—building spaces that bring people together, foster independence, and celebrate the strength of the vision loss community.
For many, this event was not only informative but deeply affirming. It was a day of insight, connection, and inspiration that will surely resonate long after the last table was packed up.