Listen to a series of short talks on how the neurons in the brain can solve some amazing problems. All talks will be aimed at a general audience and are presented by staff from Ann Arbor’s Backyard Brains.

By using off-the-shelf electronics, Backyard Brains designs kits that could provide insight into the inner workings of the nervous system. All of their products are accompanied with lesson plans and experiments to make learning (and teaching) neuroscience a breeze.

The documentary "We Rock Long Distance" weaves together the sounds and stories of three Twin Cities hip-hop artists – M.anifest, Maria Isa, and Tou SaiKo Lee – as they journey home to Ghana, Puerto Rico, and Thailand to create unique and unexpected connections across generation and geography.

Following the film screening, director Justin Schell will discuss the film and its creation.

Starting in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, one of the best-known sites for underground hip-hop, the film follows M.anifest to his home in Accra, Ghana, where he connects with hip-life artists from across the country, performs in front of his family for the first time and explores connections with his world-renowned grandfather, the composer, poet, and scholar J. H. Kwabena Nketia. The film joins "Sota Rican" Maria Isa as she explores the links between hip-hop, reggaeton, and the folkloric arts of Puerto Rico she grew up performing, bomba and plena. Follow her as she traces her musical and familial genealogy from San Juan and Loiza to the campos of Vega Baja. In Thailand, We Rock Long Distance follows Tou SaiKo Lee's ongoing work using hip-hop and poetry to create new and stronger bonds between Hmong Americans and Hmong in Southeast Asia, as well as between youth and elders - some of whom have never heard of hip-hop. Tou SaiKo Lee also learns more about kwv txhiaj, a Hmong practice of oral poetry, in an attempt to build a bridge to this centuries-old practice through hip-hop.

In addition to overturning dominant stereotypes and creating unexpected cross-generational connections, each of these artists are well-known for strengthening their local and global communities through their words, music, and actions. "We Rock Long Distance" amplifies their stories, offering an intimate look at the process of creation while engaging artists and audiences in conversations about music, home, tradition, and family that resonate long after the recording sessions have ended and planes have left.

"We Rock Long Distance" is not rated and runs for 87 minutes.

This 2016 VISIONS Vendor Fair is presented by the Ann Arbor District Library (which also serves as the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled) and is cosponsored by the State of Michigan's Bureau of Services for Blind Persons and Washtenaw Community College.

A variety of Michigan exhibitors will demonstrate the latest products and services for the blind and visually impaired. Electronic readers, magnifiers, support services for the blind, Braille devices, library services, CCTVs, leader dogs, and transportation services are just a few of the many outstanding services and products that will be on display.

Presentations will also be offered each hour on topics related to vision health, services, and assistive technology.

SCHEDULE:

11:00 am: Karen Keninger, National Library Service Director This session Highlights new developments at the National Library Service, including partnerships with technology developers to access the NLS's Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) site on their devices; changing Braille technology, improvements to BARD and BARD mobile, and more.

12:00 pm: Dr. Lylas Mogk, Center for Vision Rehabilitation and Research at the Henry Ford Health System Learn more about the different patterns of vision loss, their respective common causes, their functional and psychosocial impact, and strategies for living fully with vision loss.

1:00 pm: The AT Guys, Assistive Technology Experts J.J. Meddaugh, host of the Blind Bargains Qast, discusses the latest technology to improve your quality of life. He will discuss accessible mobile phones and tablets including iPhone and Android devices, the latest computer software, portable devices, and what's on the horizon. Bring your technology questions.

2:00 pm: The Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled The Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled @ AADL was honored to receive the prestigious National Award for Subregional Library of the Year from the National Library Service at the Library of Congress this past summer. Learn more about what WLBPD@AADL can do for you as Library Director Josie Parker highlights services available to individuals of all ages in Washtenaw County who are unable to read standard printed materials.

There is no admission charge and ample free parking is available.

Five hundred people attended the 2014 Visions Vendor Fair and this year's fair, featuring presentations addressing national and regional issues, promises to be even more eventful.

The Creature Conservancy returns with their wonderful collection of wild animals for an information-filled evening for teens and adults! The Conservancy will bring several animals: African Bullfrog, Black-throated Monitor, Armadillo, Giant Tortoise, Prehensile-tailed Skink, Prehensile-tailed Porcupine, and Eagle Owl.

Located in Ann Arbor, the Creature Conservancy brings people and wildlife together in educational settings. The Conservancy is part of Copper Leaf Crossing, a 23-acre village that is home to several animal-related businesses. They have a variety of domestic and exotic creatures on the Copper Leaf Crossing campus for visitors to view when they roam the grounds (no appointment needed)!

Join us off-site for an afternoon of indoor rock-climbing at Planet Rock, 82 Aprill Drive (off Jackson Road).

Registration is required and begins on July 1. To register, please email the attendee's first and last name, phone number, and the grade (6–12) they will enter in the fall to registrations@aadl.org. A confirmation email will be sent.

Attendees must have a parent or guardian sign the required waivers and bring it with them when they check in or be available in-person to sign the waiver when dropping the attendee off at Planet Rock.

Join us for a hands-on letterpress workshop.

Try your hand at the art of printmaking!

From drawing the image, to preparing a plate, and then printing – we'll walk you through the process.

When you leave, you'll know the difference between relief and intaglio printing. Bring your ideas and we'll provide the supplies.

Create small boxes you can give away, use to package a gift, or make to store small items.

Do you love cute 8-bit video game characters? Do you love cross-stitch? We'll put these two great things together!

Come learn how to cross-stitch and make your own cute video game character in thread. No previous cross-stitch experience necessary.

Do you love cute 8-bit video game characters? Do you love cross-stitch? We'll put these two great things together!

Come learn how to cross-stitch and make your own cute video game character in thread. No previous cross-stitch experience necessary.