NIU’s visual disabilities program received a grant of about $2,800 from the DeKalb Noon Lions earlier this month.

The grant was used to purchase a Pac-Mate, a new device that is described as a “PDA for the blind.” The Pac-Mate presents information to students in a spoken voice and in Braille.

“Our program is one of the few in the nation in which students receive training on the very latest assistive technology for blind individuals,” said Gaylen Kapperman, coordinator of NIU’s Programs in Vision and a professor in the department of teaching and learning.

Kapperman said that of the 63 universities in Illinois, NIU has the only program in which students can receive training in all areas of working with the blind and visually impaired.

“Our students have as many job offers as they wish to interview for,” Kapperman said. “They often experience the problem of making a decision as to which offer to take.”

The grant helps the program, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, stay consistent with current technology.

“Technology for the blind is exceedingly expensive, but if it opens up a world of opportunities for them, it is worth the money,” Kapperman said.

The money was collected by the DeKalb Noon Lions, a group of 14 members that sold candy, caramel pops, frozen custard and raffle tickets throughout the year to raise money to donate to the program.

“With the Pac-Mate and Programs in Vision, we felt it was an opportunity for the DeKalb Noon Lions to help a multitude of people with one gift, which appealed to everyone in the group,” said Cindy Lynn Ostergard, vice president of the Noon Lions. “We discussed the gift and voted unanimously to give a grant to cover the cost of one Pac-Mate.”