We are thrilled to announce that UR Community Cares has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Mini-Grant Program from the City of Norwalk to support our ongoing mission of improving accessibility and promoting eye health for individuals of all ages and abilities. This generous grant will help fund the upcoming Norwalk Eye Health Fair and several key initiatives aimed at empowering the blind and low-vision community. Ed Sambuco a Norwalk resident and long time volunteer with UR Community Cares was there to show his support. We had an opportunity to talk with Mayor Rilling, Lamond Daniels and AnaVivian Escalante who were announcing the 2025 City of Norwalk Mini Grant awardees. Watch the press conference on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/RALNMSbaNco
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How the Grant Will Be Used
This funding will allow us to:
* Plan and deliver impactful content at events, led by Executive Director Michelle Puzzo.
* Travel from Manchester to Norwalk for in-person events, including the Eye Health Fair and assistive device training sessions.
* Produce marketing materials, signage, and refreshments to enhance the Eye Health Fair experience. Print a 100-page Spanish-language directory of blind/low vision resources for 2025.
* Distribute assistive technology devices, including Ray-Ban sunglasses, magnifiers, and digital tools to individuals with low vision.
* Provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation to ensure accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees.
* Engage an expert speaker to educate and inspire the community.
Promoting Vision, Empowering Lives
Join us for an inspiring and informative event bringing together eye care professionals, community members, and advocates to raise awareness about eye health and connect individuals with vital resources.
What to Expect:
- Educational Resources
- Assistive Technology Demos
- Meet Vision Experts
- Connect with Nonprofits & Advocates
- Explore Tools like Magnifiers & Talking Devices
Stop by the Tables!
Learn how to maintain your eye health.
Discover cutting-edge treatments and innovations.
Network with professionals and organizations making a difference.
Be part of a movement to improve accessibility, independence, and quality of life.
“We are incredibly grateful to the City of Norwalk for recognizing the importance of accessible eye health education,” said Michelle Puzzo. “This grant allows us to break down barriers and connect individuals with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to live more independently.”
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Why it Matters
Nearly 20 million Americans—about 8% of the population—live with visual impairments, which can range from poor vision to blindness. For adults 65 and older, this is one of the leading causes of lost independence.
Many people with low vision don’t know about the resources, support services, and assistive technologies available to help them. Eye Health Fairs are vital community events that raise awareness, offer free education and try out virtual reality, various technology devices, and connect individuals with specialists, tools like magnifiers and talking devices, and peer support.
These fairs break down barriers—whether geographic, financial, or educational—and create a space where eye care providers and the community work together to improve access, independence, and quality of life. Many are unaware of the resources and technologies available to help them live more independently. This grant helps us bridge that gap.
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Join Us at the Norwalk Eye Health Fair
The Norwalk Eye Health Fair will be held at Norwalk Hospital, bringing together eye care professionals, nonprofits, and community members to raise awareness, provide free screenings, and showcase assistive technologies. We’re proud to collaborate with Family & Children’s Agency and Norwalk’s Municipal Agent for the Elderly to better serve Norwalk seniors and vision impaired residents.
Hosted by UR Community Cares
Norwalk Hospital – Patio Room, 5th Floor, 34 Maple St, Norwalk, CT 06856
Wednesday, August 6th | 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Accessibility and Inclusion do matter,
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director
For more information, visit urcommunitycares.org or call 860-430-4557.
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©2025 UR Community Cares, Inc. | 153 Spruce Street, Manchester, CT |
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