MLV Foundation Inc.

Cataracts don't just happen to "old people" — though age is the biggest risk factor. Other risk factors include diabetes, long-term UV exposure, smoking, certain medications like steroids, eye injuries, and even hereditary influences.
The good news? Cataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States, with surgeons completing more than 3 million surgeries annually — improving vision for 97% of patients.
At MLV Foundation, we know that vision loss changes lives. We also know that knowledge, access, and support can change them right back. If you or someone you love has been told cataracts may be affecting your vision — don't wait. Ask questions. Seek care. You are not alone.
We're here. Always.

June is Cataract Awareness Month, and at MLV Foundation, we think that's worth talking about.
Did you know that cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide — and the leading cause of vision loss right here in the United States? What makes that statistic both sobering AND encouraging is this: cataracts are treatable.
By age 75, approximately 70% of people are affected by cataracts — yet many don't realize their blurry or changing vision could be connected to this very common condition.
This month, we encourage everyone in our community — and those who love them — to: Schedule regular eye exams Know your risk factors Talk to your eye doctor if your vision has changed
Early detection matters. Your sight matters.

It is National Accessibility Week!

Accessibility asks:
“Is the feature there?”

Usability asks:
“Is the feature installed in a way that actually works for the people who need it?”

Why accessibility is not always usability.

Have you ever noticed the rows of raised bumps at intersections, bus or train stations?

Those are called truncated domes.

For those of us who are blind or have low vision, they provide an important tactile warning that we are approaching a street crossing, curb edge, platform edge, or other potential hazard.

The bumps can be detected with a white cane and underfoot, helping us recognize that we are leaving the sidewalk and entering a roadway.

That is accessibility.

Usability is making sure they are installed correctly.

At some intersections, especially wider corners, the truncated domes are positioned at an angle that points people toward the middle of the intersection rather than directly across the street.

The warning surface is present, so technically the accessibility feature exists.

The challenge is that it may not provide clear directional information for the person using it.

When placement, size, colour contrast, spacing, and consistency vary from one intersection to another, it can create confusion instead of confidence.

Accessibility means the feature is there.

Usability means the feature works the way people expect it to work.

The goal should never be to simply check a box.

The goal should be creating environments that people can navigate safely, independently, and with confidence.

This is why lived experience matters.

People who use accessibility features every day can often identify the difference between something that is technically accessible and something that is truly usable.

Accessible is a word.

Usable is an experience.

“Having a disability does not change who we are, it changes our interactions with the world.,”- Gina Martin

If you were wanting to increase the useability of the space in your business , I can help.
Our aDAPT Accessibility and Usability workshop or our aDAPT Workplace Inclusion workshop can help shift your space to be more welcoming.

DiverseAbilities.ca



Image description
Text reads placement in colour matter.
Access accessible isn’t always usable. Truncated domes provide an important tactile warning for people who are blind or have low vision. They help identify the edge of a curb, stairs, platform, and other potential hazards. Placement makes all the difference.
Three images of a crosswalk, stairs, and a railway platform show the yellow trunk domes. These are incorrect placement. The second image is an example of. unsafe placement. 

That's a wrap of the MOKA Conference for the Blind. Thank you to all our sponsors and exhibitors, our volunteers, our presenters and keynote speakers, and everyone involved with putting on this great conference this year at Stoney Creek in Broken Arrow.

Wearing appropriate eyewear (such as sunglasses, safety goggles, and blue light glasses) for the task at hand is critical to maintaining healthy vision throughout one's life.

The MOKA Conference for the Blind is right around the corner. We are looking forward to spending some wonderful time connecting, learning, and growing.

Always wash your hands before you put your contact lenses in or take them out. Be sure to disinfect your contact lenses and replace them regularly.